Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen for putting this extension on the floor to give us more time to work towards a final FAA reauthorization.

Aviation is a $32 billion industry in my home State of Arizona, and growing every day. Our airports are economic engines supporting thousands of jobs. A lapse in the FAA's authorization would be devastating, and today's short-term extension is necessary.

But a long-term, 5-year extension--one that updates Federal policies to meet our current challenges--is essential to ensure the U.S. remains the gold standard in aviation safety.

The House did our job--more than 6 months ago.

On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we worked in a bipartisan way to craft a strong, forward-looking FAA reauthorization that improves aircraft and runway safety and invests in our aviation infrastructure and workforce--especially our air traffic controllers.

Over the last year, there have been several near-miss incidents at Sky Harbor in Phoenix--one of the busiest airports in the world. I met with air traffic controllers there last week. They're over-worked and understaffed.

And Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, one of the fastest-growing commercial airports in the country, just opened a brand-new $28 million terminal to keep up with passenger demand. But staffing shortages at their air traffic control tower have forced the airport to reduce operations at the tower by four hours each day.

The House's FAA reauthorization improves recruitment and retention of controllers, and sets up a pilot program to convert towers staffed by private companies, like Gateway, to be staffed by FAA controllers.

The bill we passed also takes meaningful steps--many I was proud to lead on--to improve the flying experience for passengers with disabilities.

My ADAPT Act, WHEELChairs on Airplanes Act, and MOBILE Act were included in the House-passed bill, so that passengers with mobility issues can have proper accommodations . . . from boarding to seating and everything in between.

Now I'm glad to see movement in the Senate on a companion reauthorization bill. I know I speak for many of my colleagues when I say we're eager to send a final FAA reauthorization to the President's desk as soon as possible. Our economy, and the safety of the flying public, depends on that.

In the meantime, I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on a short- term FAA extension through May 10th--hopefully our last.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024.

This bill would temporarily extend specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through May 10, 2024.

I have always been a firm believer in the importance of comprehensive transportation and infrastructure funding.

As the proud representative of Texas' 18th District, I understand deeply the immense benefit that having a well-funded airport and airway system can bring to a city's economy.

The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, resides in my district in the greater Houston area.

This airport alone has brought in over $14.1 billion in revenue to the State of Texas, representing over 20 percent of Texas' total international trade.

At the national scale, a study conducted by Airports Council International found that America's airports account for more than 7 percent of America's GDP.

In addition, this revenue is only expected to grow, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.76 percent from 2022 to 2028.

Reauthorizing funding will allow for the continued maintenance and effective functioning of airports just like IAH across the country.

The American people cannot afford a delay to this funding.

This bill will also allow for resources to be directed properly, ensuring that airports are not forced to redirect resources away from safety due to a lack of funding.

While we wait for our colleagues in the Senate to act on H.R. 3935, the ``Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act,'' this bill is a necessary extension of existing funding toward the aviation industry.

The bill currently sitting in the Senate would provide a more comprehensive, long-term FAA reauthorization that updates outdated policies regarding aviation safety and efficiency.

In the meantime, however, we must act now to ensure that FAA is getting the funding it needs to continue operations effectively.

I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.

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