Key Ayotte Airport Security Provisions Included in Bipartisan, Bicameral FAA Extension Agreement

Press Release

Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte today released a statement applauding negotiators from the House of Representatives and the Senate for reaching an agreement to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through fiscal year 2017. The current authorization expires on July 15, 2016.

"I'm pleased that Congress was able to come together on a commonsense and bipartisan agreement that includes reforms to boost security at our nation's airports, especially in light of recent terrorist attacks on innocent travelers," said Senator Ayotte. "I was glad to see that a number of provisions I fought for became part of the bill, including my bipartisan measure to strengthen the airport employee vetting process and better safeguard non-secure airport areas. These reforms are essential to put in place immediately to better protect American travelers and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on a long-term reauthorization bill that will improve the competitiveness of American aerospace manufacturers in the global marketplace."

The agreement also contains an Ayotte-led measure to ensure the FAA hires qualified air traffic controllers. Additionally, the agreement features Ayotte priorities such as third-class medical certification reform, which will strengthen and streamline pilot licensure requirements, as well as provisions to protect privacy while improving the safety of the operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

A summary of the final legislation can be found here.

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