Subcommittee on Aviation

Thomas Petri, Ranking Republican

The Subcommittee oversees aviation safety and infrastructure, as well as the impacts of transportation security on safety and the industry.

One of the most important responsibilities of the Subcommittee is writing the legislation authorizing the policy, projects and priorities of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Although Congress normally approves an FAA reauthorization act every four years, the agency is currently operating under the 15th extension of the last multi-year authorization that passed in 2003 under the leadership of Ranking Member Mica, who was subcommittee chairman at the time.

Passage of the next reauthorization, which also includes important safety provisions, continues to be delayed by controversial provisions to benefit special interests. (more information)

Other Current Issues:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Oversight: While we are certainly safer than we were prior to 9/11, aviation remains a high-risk terrorist target. Republicans continue to monitor the programs and performance of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and to raise concerns with the ability of this bloated bureaucracy of more than 60,000 to detect threats and protect the aviation system. (more information) or (register comments & complaints directly with TSA)

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Reauthorization: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and making recommendations to improve safety. On September 28, 2010, the House of Representatives passed a bill to reauthorize NTSB’s funding, staffing and programmatic authority in order to ensure the agency can fulfill its critical safety mission. House Republicans supported the bill, but raised several concerns (including the size of the funding levels) they would like to continue to work on as the bill moves forward.

NextGen Oversight: Our air traffic control system is still dependent on 1970’s era radar technology. NextGen is a long-term, multi-billion dollar modernization project that includes replacing ground-based radar with satellites, redesigning aircraft approach and departure routes and replacing outdated aircraft avionics. Republicans are committed to oversight of this large federal program to ensure that NextGen is implemented in a quick and cost-effective manner.