OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

FAA Reauthorization Bill

Floor Speech

Date: April 19, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Transportation

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Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, 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 is possible with a Senate that is 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 7 hearings and nearly 60 amendments accepted, the bill passed the Commerce Committee by a 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 prescreening 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 heavyhanded regulations that can stifle consumers' choices. I look forward to supporting this legislation later this morning.

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