FAA Reauthorization Bill: 5 Key Issues – and Where They Stand
Photo Credit: Capitol, Washington D.C. Unsplash / Harold Mendoza
Skift Take
A new FAA reauthorization bill is nearly across the finish line, but the Senate still has to finalize its own version when Congress returns from its annual recess in September.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass its version of a crucial bill to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five more years. Next, the Senate needs to finalize its own version, and the two sides need to work out differences by September 30. Miss the deadline, and Congress would need to approve an extension.
Beyond funding, the reauthorization is important because it will include several provisions about consumer protections and airline safety, some of which have proven controversial.
Here are five important things to know about this year’s FAA reauthorization process, and what happens now.
1. New Consumer ProtectionsA big part of the FAA reauthorization involves improving the travel experience for consumers. This effort takes center stage after widespread cancellations, operational meltdowns and staffing shortages have tested travelers’ patience.
For now