Earlier this week, Senate Commerce Committee Chair John Thune (R-South Dakota) introduced an 18-month authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Referred to as The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016, S. 2658 would increase funding for the Airport Improvement Program – which provides capital development grants to airports – without increasing the passenger facility charge.
The bill also increases the authorization levels for both the Essential Air Service program to provide subsidized air service to many rural communities, and the Small Community Service Development Program to help maintain limited air service to small and rural communities. Unlike the FAA reauthorization bill in the House, H.R. 4441, the Senate bill does not propose any of the controversial reforms to the nation’s air traffic control system, which has helped gained support from the Committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida). The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to markup the bill on March 16, 2016.