FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (H. Res. 818). I remain frustrated by Congress' inability to pass a long-term extension of FAA authority and I am concerned with some of the language included within this reauthorization. However, these reservations do not justify opposition to the bill and I therefore support its passage. Without this extension, current FAA authority would expire on July 15, causing major side effects that would cripple our economy.

I commend Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio as well as the entire Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for putting aside differences and negotiating this FAA extension. This legislation addresses some of the many issues that face our airline industry. Specifically, I am pleased by the inclusion of language that streamlines the hiring process of air-traffic controllers. Representatives from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) have been urging Congress to help solve the 27-year low in the air-traffic controller workforce and I am confident that this provision will help address this massive backlog. The reauthorization also directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to expand the PreCheck program as well as optimize the staffing allocation model-- both vital steps in helping reduce wait times while also enhancing security precautions. Furthermore, the extension requires training for flight attendants to help recognize and respond to potential victims of human trafficking, an issue that affects millions of people across the world and cannot be ignored.

Although the extension helps address many important issues facing air travel, I am concerned with some of the language included in the reauthorization. Of particular concern is language in Section 3405 which directs the TSA to change regulations pertaining to vetting standards for aviation workers with access to secure and sterile areas of airports. In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels and Istanbul, I understand the concerns that Members may have with tightening security in and around airports; however, this screening expansion will unfairly affect airline workers and Homeland Security experts have yet to provide credible evidence that this will actually help mitigate terrorist activity. The provision not only extends the background check period from ten years to fifteen years, but it also expands the list of ``disqualifying offenses'' for Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge holders, potentially causing many longtime, responsible airline workers to lose their job.

Although I support the passage of this reauthorization, I must voice my disappointment in the Leadership's inability to advance a long-term solution that the various stakeholders within air travel can depend on. Mr. Speaker, we must take the time between now and September, 2017 when this reauthorization expires to put aside partisan differences and produce a long-term extension that our airline industry so desperately needs. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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