Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today applauded the House of Representatives after it passed legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration by a bipartisan vote of 223-196.

“Today’s vote was long-overdue and represents a victory for taxpayers, air travelers, general aviation, and others,” said Hultgren, a freshman member of Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure as well as the Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee. “The legislation will advance the implementation of NextGen, a long-awaited, modern and safe replacement for our nation’s outdated radar systems, which far too frequently imperils air travelers. It also creates jobs through responsible investment, and does not increase airport Passenger Facility Charges, all while saving taxpayers money at a time when fiscal prudence is paramount.”

An amendment to the bill, offered by Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-FL) included legislative language offered by Hultgren.

“I’m pleased that I was able to include language in today’s bill which instructs the Department of Transportation to exempt domestic airlines from the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme. I’m grateful to Chairman Mica for including it in his manager’s amendment.”

The Senate has already passed its own bill reauthorizing the FAA; a conference committee will now resolve any differences between the two bills.

“After an incredible eighteen reauthorizations, seventeen of which came under previous Congresses and are a stark reminder of their misguided focus on big-government experiments rather than commonsense legislation addressing a critical issue, I hope that the conference committee will act swiftly so we can finally send a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration to President Obama.”