Kansas Senator Jerry Moran is the new ranking member of a Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation. Speaking at a subcommittee hearing Wednesday, he said it will be imperative for the committee to pass long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Moran said short-term reauthorizations in the past have created uncertainty at the FAA and in the general aviation industry. He said multi-year reauthorization is necessary for long-term planning and growth in the civil aviation industry, including maintenance and modernization of aviation infrastructure and technology. Moran said the FAA is at a crucial junction and steps are needed to ensure that the United States remains a leader in aerospace innovation and safety. He said the U.S. will need to address rapidly advancing new technologies in order to maintain its status at the forefront of the industry and to remain competitive in the world.
Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth will serve as chair of the subcommittee. Moran said he has worked with Senator Duckworth on advanced air mobility and aviation workforce issues. He said there are significant challenges in general aviation and the FAA will be an important part of addressing those challenges.
