Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) applauded the House passage of a bipartisan bill to authorize funding for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs for five years, improve the experience of air passengers, ensure that we have airports to connect air travelers to our businesses, and improve air safety. H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, passed the House by a vote of 393 to 13.

“I am pleased the House passed this important bill to modernize federal aviation systems and improve the lives of families in our communities,” said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. “The bill funds Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to benefit small airports, such as Columbia and Fort Leonard Wood, which are vital to Missouri’s Fourth District.”

“Columbia Regional Airport’s explosive growth over the past ten years is a direct result of our strong partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration’s AIP programs,” said Mike Matthes, City Manager of Columbia Missouri. “We also applaud the passage of this reauthorization legislation which will ensure Columbia Regional Airport is able to complete its FAA approved 10 year master plan.”

In addition to providing stable funding for the FAA’s AIP grant program, Hartzler also notes the bill has a provision to protect passengers who are bumped from their flights and a provision to protect passengers from noisy cell phone conversation during flights. “The amount of travel our airports experience is only going to increase,” Hartzler said. “The investments this bill makes to airports across the nation will help prepare our infrastructure for that growth.”

The bill would also enhance safety training for the FAA workforce, address alternative methods for tracking flights when they are over the ocean, and initiate a review of rest requirements for pilots. “This bill also enhances training for frontline flight personnel to better recognize the signs of human trafficking,” Rep. Hartzler said. “When properly trained, flight attendants can play a major role in the fight against this horrific modern-day form of slavery.”