This week, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee unveiled a long-term proposal to extend the Federal Aviation Administration beyond the July 15 expiration without the controversial air traffic control spinoff provisions. The bill provides a long-term extension of the authorization of FAA’s programs and taxes through September 30, 2017 at current funding levels. The extension contains policy provisions such as language addressing drones, pilot standards and training, air traffic control staffing, aviation security addressing TSA wait times, and consumer protections. The House and the Senate are expected to pass the extension next week.
