The U.S. Senate has passed a three-month extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authority, extending it until March 8, 2024. This move came just before the Senate wrapped up the majority of its business for the year, with lawmakers departing for the Christmas break.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) had lifted his hold on the temporary reauthorization, allowing it to pass via unanimous consent. This decision followed a blockage by Senator Bennet on December 15, aimed at forcing more discussion on a border deal and funding for Ukraine.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees FAA funding, supported the extension. He stated, “This is a needed short-term fix. I am committed to working on a comprehensive, multi-year FAA reauthorization that enhances aviation safety, improves airline service, and provides better consumer protections for passengers. U.S. airports and airlines have seen substantial growth, and we must ensure we continue to invest in the technology, facilities, and infrastructure to handle it.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives had approved the short-term FAA reauthorization bill, known as H.R. 6503, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part II. With the Senate’s approval, the bill now goes to President Biden to be signed into law.
The FAA’s current authorization dates back to 2018, when the most recent long-term reauthorization bill was passed. This short-term extension is seen as a necessary step towards a more comprehensive, multi-year reauthorization, currently stalled in the Senate.
Read more:
- Senator Cruz Calls for Swift Action on Extension of FAA Reauthorization Amidst Senate Hurdles
- U.S. House Committee Passes FAA Reauthorization Extension; Just in Case
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Urges Congress to Pass FAA Reauthorization Before Year End
- Why Prompt Passage of the 2023 FAA Reauthorization is Important for the Drone Industry
- House Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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[…] industry is also anticipating the FAA Reauthorization in 2024, which could lead to a ruling on commercial BVLOS flight. (The current version of FAA […]