NE Missouri News

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935), a comprehensive bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation infrastructure and safety programs for five years. The bill received broad bipartisan support in a 387-26 vote.

H.R. 3935 was introduced in the House last year by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN). The legislation aims to provide key safety improvements, invest in airport infrastructure, promote aviation solutions, enhance America’s aviation workforce, improve the flying public’s travel experience, and ensure a healthy general aviation sector.

“The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is one of the farthest reaching, most consequential pieces of legislation this House will consider in the 118th Congress,” said T&I Chairman Sam Graves. “For over a century, the United States has led the world in aviation safety and innovation, and this bill is critical to ensuring America remains the global leader in aviation. It’s vital to our economy, to millions of American jobs, and to the millions of passengers that depend on our National Airspace System every single day.”

Graves further stated that “this comprehensive bill improves our aviation system’s safety, infrastructure, and workforce. It will enhance the FAA’s efficiency and the overall passenger experience while encouraging domestic innovation in aviation.” He also highlighted that "this legislation includes the first-ever title in an FAA reauthorization bill dedicated to general aviation."

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes several key provisions:

Upholding America’s Gold Standard in Safety

The act addresses multiple safety issues to ensure that both the United States and the FAA maintain their status as leaders in aviation safety.

Improving FAA Efficiency and Operations

Targeted changes are made to improve overall efficiency within the FAA's organizational structure. These changes aim to integrate seamlessly with ongoing efforts while preparing for an advanced aviation future.

Strengthening America’s General Aviation Sector

Recognizing that many current aviation professionals began their careers in general aviation (GA), this bill includes measures aimed at securing long-term success for GA.

Growing the Aviation Workforce

Addressing shortages of qualified workers such as pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers is a priority through investments in workforce development and training.

Investing in United States Airport Infrastructure

The act authorizes robust funding for airport infrastructure projects across various sizes of airports while expediting project deliveries.

Encouraging Aviation Innovation

To maintain U.S. leadership in aviation innovation amid bureaucratic challenges, this act supports testing new technologies like drones and advanced air mobility (AAM).

Enhancing Passenger Experience

The act introduces reforms aimed at improving travel experiences for passengers by addressing weak links within trip processes.

Authorizing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Updating its authorization since last done in 2018 ensures continued oversight on civil aviation accidents among other transportation modes.