Includes billions for airports improvements, new consumer protections, and more
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the passage of a bipartisan long-term reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs through FY2023. The measure would expand eligible uses of federal grants at airports, create new protections for passengers on commercial airlines, expand oversight of the Next Generation (NextGen) technology upgrade program, streamline aircraft certification procedures, and further regulate the use of drones.
Congressman Henry Cuellar said, “The bill provides for long-term stability for the Nation’s aviation community, invests in U.S. airports, and makes necessary reforms to improve American competitiveness and safety in aviation. The legislation’s reforms will also help communities in Texas and across the country better prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters of all types.”
The bill contains many programs that will affect constituents of the 28th District of Texas, including:
- $3.35 billion for airport and noise grants annually through FY2023;
- $1.02 billion for a new airport infrastructure program, calling for grants to small or medium-sized hubs located outside of metropolitan areas;
- $1.68 billion in immediate funds for disaster relief in the wake of the Hurricane Florence;
- A prohibition on involuntary bumping up passengers who have boarded a plane;
- A requirement that the FAA set new minimum standards for seats on airplanes, giving passengers more leg room;
- Longer rest periods for flight attendants between duty days;
- A prohibition on placing a live animal in an overhead storage compartment to protect the life of the pet;
- A prohibition on mobile phone calls during flights;
- A codified federal ban on e-cigarettes on planes;
- A requirement that FAA determine whether to require carriers to disclose the estimated; times that flights actually spend in the air;
- A provision ensuring that FAA clarify there isn’t a maximum compensation level that an air carrier can pay to passengers who get bumped from oversold flights, and that air carriers must provide compensation proactively instead of waiting until it’s requested;
- A requirement that ticket agents with more than $100 million in annual revenue adopt minimum customer service standards;
- Required refunds to passengers for services they paid for but did not receive;
- A requirement that airlines allow passengers to check strollers if they are traveling with a small child;
- A requirement that regulators determine if it is unfair or deceptive for airlines to tell passengers that a flight is delayed or canceled due to whether alone when other factors are involved;
- A provision providing the Department of Transportation (DOT) with the authority to require airlines to let pregnant women board planes early;
- The creation of a task force to review sexual harassment and misconduct practices among airline employees;
- Increased civil penalties for interfering with cabin or flight crew members;
- A provision requiring the FAA to broaden rules to accommodate regular flights of package-delivery drones;
- A requirement that DOT establish an aviation consumer advocate to help consumers resolve air travel complaints;
- A pilot program to eliminate the cap on an airport privatization project whereby a sponsor could apply to operate multiple airports in a state;
- A provision requiring air carriers to train customer-facing employee to recognize and respond to potential human trafficking, and to submit a one-page summary of passengers’ rights, including compensation; and
- A provision allowing CBP to receive reimbursement from rail operators for providing immigration services upon request.
Congressman Cuellar added, “Thanks to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, and the rest of the committee, the House has passed a bipartisan FAA bill that includes new consumer protections and ensures our airports receive the funding they need to make travel and business more efficient.”
