Ranking Member Larsen Floor Statement on FAA Extension
Washington, D.C.—The following are floor remarks, as prepared for delivery, from Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) on House passage of H.R. 8289, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024, Part II, to extend the authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
I rise in support of H.R. 8289, which extends the authorization of the FAA and its related authorities for one week, to give the Senate the time it needs to wrap up its consideration of this bicameral, bipartisan and comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill.
This legislation, which reflects an agreement between the House and Senate, will protect the safety of the flying public and ensure the future of the U.S. aviation industry.
Think back to last July, the House passed its version of this important bill by a vote of 351-69.
Since then, I am actually pleased with the progress we have made and that we were able to come to an agreement with our Senate counterparts last Sunday.
We have been in close contact with the Senate as they consider the legislation.
This is and will be a bipartisan, bicameral product, and members should not be surprised by what’s included in it.
Unfortunately, the Senate is still working through its process and may not be able to send us a bill before the current authorization expires on Friday.
Nonetheless, I want to assure members that Chairman Graves and I fought hard for House Member priorities, and I am very pleased to report that the vast majority remain intact in the final package.
Members, your voices were heard as we worked to address the long-standing issues in our aviation system.
The Senate just needs a little bit more time. I fully expect the Senate to complete consideration and send the FAA Reauthorization of 2024 to the House in the coming days.
With that, I support this short-term extension and urge my colleagues to do the same.
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