WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Senate is racing to pass a massive air safety bill set to expire next week. The Federal Aviation Administration Act must be reauthorized every five years.
Thursday Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on Democrats and Republicans to unite to get the package across the finish line before a May 10th deadline.
The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act includes new funding to hire more air traffic controllers, upgrade technology and improve flights to smaller airports.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas.) who calls the package “a big improvement over the status quo,” also noted the bill would provide direct flights from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.
The package also includes new safety mandates to reduce close calls on runways and require commercial planes to have 25-hour cockpit recording devices.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) ensured the bill improves multiple provisions to ensure better air travel for Americans with disabilities.
“Representation matters, I’m a legislator that travels with a wheelchair, said Duckworth. “Airlines have to let passengers know they have the right to bring their wheelchairs on board.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) fought to ban airlines from forcing future mask mandates.
“I feel like a lot of that covid tyranny should stay in the rear-view mirror and we should never do it again,” said Schmitt.
The bill will have to go through what’s likely to be a lengthy amendment process but is expected to pass with bipartisan support in the Senate before it heads to House for a vote.
