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Senate Set to Pass Bipartisan FAA Bill

‘This legislation received bipartisan support from the start, and it shows what’s possible with a Senate that’s back to work.’

April 19, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today prior to the Senate voting on the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization and airport security bill:

“Later this morning the Senate will have an opportunity to pass the FAA Reauthorization and security bill, which aims to secure our airports and look out for American travelers.

“This legislation received bipartisan support from the start, and it shows what’s possible with a Senate that’s back to work.

“Under the guidance of Senator Thune, the Commerce Committee Chairman, and Senator Ayotte, the Aviation Chair, this FAA Reauthorization and security bill incorporated ideas from both sides as it moved through the legislative process. I also appreciate the work of Ranking Member Nelson and Ranking Member Cantwell in working with them to advance it.

“After seven hearings and nearly 60 amendments accepted, the bill passed the Commerce Committee by voice vote.

“On the floor, the bill managers continued listening and working with Senators from both sides to process more amendments that members thought would make this good bill even stronger. 

“For instance, they worked to include a number of additional security measures in an amendment that earned bipartisan support. That amendment aims to enhance inspections and vetting of airport workers, to improve security for international flights arriving at U.S. airports, and to help ensure perimeter security is reviewed.

“In addition to these important security provisions, we accepted an amendment from Senator Heinrich to shore up security in pre-screening zones, which could be particularly vulnerable to attacks.

“We also adopted an amendment from Senators Toomey and Casey that addresses the security of cockpit doors.

“I appreciate these and other Senators who put forth ideas to make the final product something both sides can support.

“The FAA Reauthorization and security bill will make important strides for our national security and for travelers. It does so without increasing fees or taxes on passengers. It does so without imposing heavy-handed regulations that can stifle consumers’ choice.

“I look forward to supporting this legislation later this morning.”

Republican-Led Senate Makes Progress to Pass Bipartisan FAA Bill

April 18, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization and airport security bill:

“Americans continue to see the difference a Republican-led Senate can make on behalf of our country — we’ve passed legislation to combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic, to provide a long-term highway funding solution, and to advance many other important issues.

“Today I’m hopeful we’ll be able to add to that record of achievement with the FAA Reauthorization and airport security bill, which aims to keep Americans safe in our airports and in the sky.

“Recent terror attacks across the world emphasize the importance of ensuring our airports are secure. I’m pleased this bill includes a number of provisions that will help do so. From increasing security in pre-screening areas, to securing international flights arriving in the U.S., to ramping up measures aimed at deterring cybersecurity attacks — this legislation contains the most comprehensive aviation security reforms in years.

“It also includes a number of passenger-friendly provisions, like refunds for lost or delayed bags and efforts to improve travel for those with disabilities. The bill accomplishes all of this without raising fees or taxes on passengers, and without imposing heavy-handed regulations that threaten consumer choice.

“The FAA Reauthorization bill is the product of hard work and deliberation from members on both sides of the aisle. It wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Senator Thune, our Commerce Committee Chairman, and Senator Ayotte, our Aviation Subcommittee Chair.

“They worked to consider amendments — from both Republicans and Democrats — that members thought would make this good bill an even better one. I also want to thank their Ranking Member counterparts, Senators Nelson and Cantwell, for their efforts to advance this legislation. 

“So let’s continue that bipartisan progress today and move the FAA Reauthorization and airport security bill across the finish line. It’s a win for passengers. It’s a win for national security. It’s another example of commonsense legislating under Republican leadership — leadership that’s getting the Senate back to work.”

Senate Set to Pass Bipartisan Bills to Keep Americans Safe, Protect American Jobs

April 14, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act and the Energy Policy Modernization Act:  

“Today the Senate is closer to passing the most comprehensive aviation security reforms in years. I hope we’ll do so today.

“This important legislation will bolster security for travelers and look out for consumers’ interests. Here’s how it will help improve security:

• By improving vetting and inspections of airport employees to deter terror attacks.

• By expanding security measures in pre-screening zones, which are often vulnerable.

• By shoring up security for international flights coming into our airports.

• And by improving preparation for everything from cybersecurity attacks to active shooter scenarios to outbreaks of communicable diseases.

“This legislation will also benefit consumers by requiring airlines to offer refunds for lost or delayed bags, by providing more information on things like seat availability, and by improving travel for passengers with disabilities.

“It accomplishes this without increasing taxes or fees on passengers, and without imposing heavy-handed regulations that diminish choice for travelers.

“This important FAA reauthorization and airport security legislation is the result of strong leadership by Senator Thune, Chair of the Commerce Committee, and Senator Ayotte, Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee — as well as their Democratic counterparts, Senators Nelson and Cantwell. They worked diligently across partisan lines, listened to their colleagues’ ideas, and never stopped working toward legislation both sides could support.

“In the Commerce Committee, nearly 60 amendments were accepted from both sides — and the bill passed by voice vote. On the floor, more than a dozen amendments were accepted from both sides — and I’m optimistic that we’ll soon pass it here on a bipartisan basis.

“I appreciate the efforts of the bill managers to work through amendments and move this bill forward.

“This important FAA reauthorization and airport security legislation was bipartisan from the start. It shows why returning to regular order is so important. It’s another example of what can be achieved in this Republican-led Senate, a Senate we’ve put back to work for the American people.

“Thanks to an agreement reached last night, the Senate is now poised to pass broad, bipartisan energy legislation too.

“We have an agreement to take the Energy Policy Modernization Act back up, consider even more amendments, and then take a final vote on it.

“I was encouraged to see the Democratic Leader yesterday agreeing that this is important legislation. It will support more American jobs, more American growth, and more American energy independence. And we will finish our work soon.

“Passage of this bill will represent the culmination of more than a year’s worth of hard work: countless listening sessions and oversight hearings, numerous amendment votes and debate hours, and impressive reserves of determination from both the Chair and Ranking Member of the Energy Committee.

“Senator Murkowski and Senator Cantwell never gave up. Even when passage of this bill seemed impossible, they never stopped pushing for it. I’ve been impressed by their efforts just as I’ve been impressed with what this broad, bipartisan energy bill can achieve for our country.”

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