The bipartisan bill would boost the number of air traffic controllers, improve safety standards and make it easier for customers to get refunds after flights are delayed or canceled.
By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated PressA Federal Aviation Administration sign hangs in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, March 16, 2017.
It passed the Senate 88-4. The legislation now goes to the House, which is out of session until next week. The Senate also passed a one-week extension that would give the House time to pass the bill while ensuring the FAA isn’t forced to furlough around 3,600 FAA employees. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters following Democratic strategy session, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
In addition, the bill would prohibit airlines from charging extra for families to sit together and triple the maximum fines for airlines that violate consumer laws. And it would require the Transportation Department to create a “dashboard” so consumers can compare seat sizes on different airlines. Still, failure to pass the popular bipartisan bill by May 10 would be the latest setback after months of delays on the measure, and another example of Congress struggling to pass major legislation, even when it has broad support.
Several Western lawmakers have argued for more flights at the airport, saying it is unfair to consumers that there is a restriction on long-haul flights. The provision’s chief proponent is Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, who has argued that San Antonio should have a direct flight from the airport. Cruz blocked a vote on Kaine and Warner’s amendment when Schumer tried to bring it up shortly before final passage.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boeing, FAA face Senate grilling amid whistleblower complaints on safetyBoeing was in the spotlight on Capitol Hill as hearings added to the pressure the company is facing to restore faith in the troubled airline manufacturer.
Read more »
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsCongressional negotiators are agreeing to help the Federal Aviation Administration hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors. This comes after several highly publicized close calls between planes at the nation's airports.
Read more »
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsCongressional negotiators are agreeing to help the Federal Aviation Administration hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors.
Read more »
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsCongressional negotiators are agreeing to help the Federal Aviation Administration hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors.
Read more »
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsTyler Conners was charged in the death of a 63-year-old Delaware man.
Read more »
House and Senate negotiate bill to help FAA add more air traffic controllers and safety inspectorsThe couple was pronounced dead at the scene. Their sons were checked out by a medical crew and were not injured, according to Gonzalez.
Read more »