Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today about the proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. Larsen, the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, highlighted some of the many bipartisan accomplishments in the bill, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, while voicing his disapproval of the Republican proposal to privatize the air traffic control system.

“The U.S. airspace is one of the safest and most efficient in the world. The reforms we have reached on a bipartisan basis over the last several months will help maintain the U.S. aviation system’s impressive safety record and global leadership. For example, the ability of U.S. manufacturers to improve our aviation system, and to compete in the global marketplace, is tied to the FAA’s timely review of new products. I am pleased with the changes the bill makes to streamline certification processes while maintaining the highest level of safety.

“I am also pleased the bill requires the FAA to move forward with rulemaking that would require certain airplanes to provide bathrooms that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Air travel can be prohibitive for those with disabilities, and I want to see airplanes that are more accessible.

“The U.S. aviation system continues to be a leader in safety and innovation, but we have opportunities to strengthen our presence abroad. That is why I pushed for a provision that will help promote our world-class aviation standards, products and services.

“I disagree that the GOP privatization proposal is necessary to address the problems we face with the FAA. Much like we would not privatize our nation’s system of roads, bridges and highways, we should not privatize the highways of our skies. And while I understand NextGen reforms have been slow in coming, the FAA is making steady progress. Right now we are on a non-stop flight to implementing NextGen, but with privatization of the air traffic control system, we are headed for a seven-year-plus layover.

“An otherwise strong, bipartisan reauthorization bill now stands to be held up because of a complex, untested proposal to privatize air traffic control. Our aviation industry cannot afford these costly delays.

“I am also disappointed with language that would repeal state laws and prevent states from requiring meal and rest breaks for truckers. This is a safety issue that almost derailed the success of the FAST Act, and it has no place in this bill,” Larsen said.

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