Executive Session - FAA Reauthorization Bill, Nomination

Statement

"Good morning. Thanks to everyone for being here today. While we await our quorum, I'd like to say a few words about today's agenda.

"Our focus today will be Senator Nelson and my "Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016." This bill benefits Americans who fly and even those who don't.  

"This bipartisan legislation will reauthorize the FAA through fiscal year 2017, address safety and privacy concerns of unmanned aircraft systems -- also known as UAS or drones -- improve the aircraft certification process, increase consumer protections and aviation access, make critical safety improvements, and address general aviation safety and pilot protection issues.  

"While some might be disappointed that this bill did not go further when it comes to air traffic control reforms or increased airport infrastructure funding, I believe this bill is a significant step forward and provides this Committee and the U.S. Senate with an opportunity to make important changes that should not have to wait. These include making our skies safer, promoting responsible drone usage, making economically significant aerospace manufacturing reforms, and adopting beneficial new protections for the flying public.  

"I appreciate the efforts of Senator Nelson in reaching agreement to advance this bill and I look forward to working with members of the Committee today as we process amendments. It is my hope that the full Senate will be able to turn to this bill in early April and I then look forward to working with Chairman Shuster of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to find common ground with his innovative proposal.  

"The other item for today is a Coast Guard promotion: Rear Admiral Karl Schultz, who has been nominated for promotion to be Vice Admiral. If confirmed he will serve as Atlantic Area Commander for the U.S Coast Guard. Admiral Schultz currently serves as the Director of Operations for U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Florida. This is a non-controversial promotion and we expect it to move by voice vote today.

"Before I turn to Senator Nelson, I'd like to say a word about an item we have postponed until our next markup, the FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016. As many of you know, the FCC has not been reauthorized in over 25 years, and during that time the technology and communication landscape has changed dramatically. To begin the process of reinstating regular FCC authorizations, I have introduced a bill designed to avoid issues that could lead to partisan fights. This modest bill authorizes the FCC for fiscal years 2017 and 2018, examines the agency's regulatory fee structure, and avoids disruption in Universal Service funding.

"Due to the substantial debate we are expecting on the FAA Reauthorization today, Senator Nelson and I have agreed to delay consideration of this measure until our next markup in April. During the next few weeks, we are committed to working together with all of you to try to build bipartisan consensus for a package that will hopefully enable the FCC reauthorization to pass the Senate by unanimous consent.   "Finally, and not to steal Senator Udall's thunder on this point, but I would note that today is Brain Injury Awareness Day. Senator Udall has been a tireless advocate on the issue of traumatic brain injury and concussions, and I look forward to working with him on his Youth Sports Concussion Act to make some modest improvements with an eye towards processing this legislation in the coming months."

"Today's markup might be a little longer than normal, so I again want to thank everyone for their patience and their help in maintaining a quorum as we process amendments. Ranking Member Nelson, would you like to make any opening remarks?"

Source