FAA Reauthorization Bill Includes Ayotte Measures to Strengthen Airport Security

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security, applauded final passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016. The bill passed by an overwhelming vote of 95 to 3. As Chair, Ayotte worked to successfully include several provisions in the final bill, including a measure to strengthen airport security by improving the vetting process for aviation workers and enhancing safeguards for travelers in non-secure sections of airports.

"In light of growing security threats to our nation and American travelers, we must increase our focus on identifying gaps in security screening processes and take common sense steps to close these gaps," said Senator Ayotte. "As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I'm also pleased that the final bill includes a bipartisan measure I helped lead that will improve airport security and better protect the public by increasing airport employee vetting, boosting pre-screening for the TSA PreCheck program and improving information sharing."

Highlights of Ayotte provisions include:

STRENGTHENING AIPORT SECURITY

Ayotte worked with Senators John Thune (R-SD), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to include provisions from their standalone legislation, the Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act, in the final version of the bill. The provision will:

* Strengthen airport employee screening process: Based on the senators' standalone legislation, this provision would enhance requirements and vetting for airport employees, expand the use of random and physical inspections of airport employees in secure areas, and require a review of perimeter security.

* Safeguard passengers in non-secure airport areas: Following the attacks in non-secured areas of the Brussels airport, this provision would seek to reduce crowds waiting for security screenings by vetting passengers before they arrive and expanding the TSA PreCheck program.

* Secure international flights bound for the US: This provision would expand information sharing between the US and other countries to better equip those countries with security tools and equipment on direct flights to the US. It would also require a security risk assessment of all airports with nonstop flights into the US, and consider terrorism-related factors and the extent to which the foreign government of the country in which that airport is located allows for the sharing of passenger name records.

ENSURING FAA HIRES QUALIFIED AIR-TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

The bill includes an Ayotte-led requirement that all air-traffic controller applicants receive an in-person interview with the FAA before being hired and beginning training. The hiring process will also be opened to additional qualified applicants, including veterans.

BOOSTING DRUG INTERDICTION

Building on Ayotte's work to combat the heroin and prescription opioid abuse epidemic, the bill includes an Ayotte amendment that would require a Government Accountability Office study of illegal drugs - including, but not limited to heroin and fentanyl - seized at international airports in the United States.

GENERAL AVIATION SAFETY & PROTECTIONS

The bill includes the bipartisan Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 that Ayotte cosponsored, which reforms the Third Class Medical Certificate process for non-commercial pilots, helping make pilot licensure requirements more manageable and streamlined.

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM & DRONE SAFETY

Based on stakeholder feedback and testimony from hearings Ayotte chaired, the legislation addresses safety and privacy issues while improving enforcement and clarifying federal and local roles regarding drones.

AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION REFORMS

Ayotte has continually worked to improve the competitiveness of American aerospace manufacturers' in the global market. These provisions will improve the FAA's processes for certifying aircraft designs and modifications.

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