Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chair, I extend my appreciation to Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Graves, and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen for their work in crafting a robust bipartisan bill in committee. I am pleased that my language supporting airports' efforts to better manage their curb spaces was included in the bill.

Curb management practices such as remote enforcement using sensors and cameras can reduce traffic at pickup and drop-off areas and improve travelers' airport experiences.

Currently, though, curb management is in a regulatory gray area leading to uncertainty for airports and vendors that are trying to reduce traffic, unsafe vehicular maneuvers as the flying public arrives at their terminals, and stress for all involved.

My provision would provide clarity and flexibility for airports' landside operations by making clear that there is no Federal regulation preventing airports from managing their curbs. This language would not impact any State or local restrictions, nor would it require airports to do anything at all. It simply creates legal clarity.

In addition to helping large and medium-size airports improve safety, passenger experience, and queuing times in increasingly crowded and multi-modal drop-off and pickup areas, cutting-edge curbside management can serve as a demonstration project to adjacent cities and towns that are wrestling with how to unlock better curbside use for delivery, micromobility, rideshare, parking, and outdoor dining and recreation.

Again, I thank the chairman and ranking member for their work including this provision.

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