Fischer Applauds Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

This afternoon, the U.S. Senate passed legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by a vote of 95-3. The bill is a victory for Nebraska's rural and small community airports and will provide greater funding certainty for Omaha and Lincoln airports. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who authored several provisions in the final bill and chairs the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, released the following statement this afternoon:

"This afternoon, the Senate once again passed major, bipartisan legislation that will strengthen safety for the traveling public and provide a boost to our economy. Nebraska's rural and small community airports connect our state to the rest of the nation, and I was proud to advance several provisions that will improve funding for these facilities.

"Through my work on the Senate Commerce Committee, I collaborated with aircraft manufacturers, like Lincoln's Duncan Aviation, to include measures that would streamline the regulation certification process. These new provisions will help bolster Nebraska's manufacturing industry and create jobs.

"Finally, I was proud to see several of my bipartisan amendments included in the final bill. They provide important updates that will increase opportunities for our veterans, protect young children, and offer increased flexibility for traveling mothers."

Mike Olson, Executive Airport Director of Grand Island's Central Nebraska Regional Airport released the following statement:

"Senator Fischer understands the issues Nebraska airports face. She has worked hard not only addressing these issues, but also assuring the long-term vitality of aviation in Nebraska. We are grateful for her support in the Contract Tower and the Essential Air Service programs. These programs are essential for the continued success of the Central Nebraska Regional Airport."

Don Overman, of Scottsbluff's Western Nebraska Regional Airport Authority Board, released the following statement:

"We are thrilled to see that the Senate is going to vote on the FAA reauthorization bill, which is dear to our hearts. Rural airports have been vastly impacted by the change in the law that took place in 2013 on airline pilot hours. There is a provision that will help communities in Nebraska, Scottsbluff, Kearney, and North Platte, continue to receive Essential Air Service payments. We appreciate Senator Fischer's efforts on behalf of Nebraska and are excited that the bill will pass the Senate."

David L. Roth, Deputy Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority, released the following statement:

"The Omaha Airport Authority, like other airports, has received FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for infrastructure projects to enhance safety, security, and capacity. A long-term FAA reauthorization bill allows airports to strategically plan and build necessary airport facilities in a stable and predictable funding environment. The passage of this bill is critical to support the transportation needs of the traveling public."

The FAA is tasked with the critical mission of managing the safety and security of our nation's airspace. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2015, a record 896 million passengers traversed America's skies. The nation's aviation system contributes $1.5 trillion to the economy and supports 11.8 million jobs.

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