Grassley Secures Wins for Local Airports, National Security in FAA Reauthorization

Grassley Secures Wins for Local Airports, National Security in FAA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON - The Senate today advanced the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which funds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and sets aviation policy through Fiscal Year 2028. This legislation allocates funding for airports across Iowa and includes several of Sen. Chuck Grassley's (R-Iowa) legislative priorities, including two amendments. It now heads to the House of Representatives for a vote next week before being signed into law.

"Iowa's airports are gateways to our state, helping keep Iowa vibrant and prosperous," Grassley said. "This bipartisan, bicameral agreement addresses challenges faced by the aviation industry and the traveling public. I'm proud to see my efforts fighting for Iowa and the nation pay off in this year's FAA reauthorization. Not only will it enhance funding for Iowa's airports, but it will also help attract and retain flight services and prevent bad actors from accessing U.S. planes."

Download video of Grassley discussing the FAA reauthorization HERE.

The reauthorization includes the following highlights for Iowa's aviation industry:

• Increases funding for the Airport Improvements Program, which funds airports throughout the state.
• Bolsters consumer protections and transparency for airline fees.
• Assists airports in improving resiliency and runway safety.
• Promotes small airport improvement projects.
• Boosts the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help market and attract air service.
• Improves staffing and equipment at contract towers.
• Addresses air traffic controller shortages.
• Authorizes workforce development programs for future aircraft pilots, as well as aviation manufacturers and maintenance workers.
• Requires a study on the impact of the commercial aviation pilot shortage on regional and commuter air carriers.
• Streamlines civilian employment opportunities for veterans.
• Authorizes an improved airport fire-prevention program.

Details on Grassley's amendments follow:

• Securing local flight service. Requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on how existing federal programs can help non-hub airports that are not part of the Essential Air Service program to secure and retain service.
• Closing loopholes in the FAA aircraft registration process. Requires FAA to implement anti-fraud and -abuse recommendations to prevent cartels and other criminals from registering U.S. planes through shell companies. Grassley last month issued a report exposing FAA's lax registration process, which has allowed cartels to use U.S. planes to transport illicit drugs.

-30-

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet