News
Feb 06 2012
Senate Passes Final FAA Authorization Bill
Blunt Provision Included In Final Bill To Ensure Airports Nationwide Have Continued Access To Private Security Screening Options
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) commended the U.S. Senate’s passage of the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012” conference report today, which includes a key provision that originated as a Blunt amendment to ensure airports have the opportunity to apply for the screening process that best meets their needs while maintaining the same critical level of security.
“I’m proud that Congress passed this bipartisan FAA authorization bill in order to establish long-term priorities and bring much-needed stability to our aviation system,” said Blunt.
“I’m also pleased this bill includes my provision to give airports in Missouri and nationwide a say in determining their screening requirements while maintaining security standards,” Blunt continued. “I worked closely to pass this measure with Senator Thune and Congressmen King and Mica, and I’m pleased that the final language gives airports a chance to determine the best system for their needs while maintaining the same critical level of national security.”
Blunt’s original amendment, which was unanimously passed by the Senate last year, helps ensure that airports have a chance to determine the security screening procedure that best meets their needs. The provision prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from arbitrarily rejecting airports’ applications to participate in the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) and allows for the reconsideration of recently rejected applications.
The passage of the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012” marks the first authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in nearly five years. Since October 1, 2007, FAA programs have been extended through a series of 23 short-term extensions that are set to expire on February 17, 2012. The conference report reauthorizes the FAA through FY2015, putting an end to short-term extensions that have hampered long-term aviation planning and investment.
“I’m proud that Congress passed this bipartisan FAA authorization bill in order to establish long-term priorities and bring much-needed stability to our aviation system,” said Blunt.
“I’m also pleased this bill includes my provision to give airports in Missouri and nationwide a say in determining their screening requirements while maintaining security standards,” Blunt continued. “I worked closely to pass this measure with Senator Thune and Congressmen King and Mica, and I’m pleased that the final language gives airports a chance to determine the best system for their needs while maintaining the same critical level of national security.”
Blunt’s original amendment, which was unanimously passed by the Senate last year, helps ensure that airports have a chance to determine the security screening procedure that best meets their needs. The provision prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from arbitrarily rejecting airports’ applications to participate in the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) and allows for the reconsideration of recently rejected applications.
The passage of the “FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012” marks the first authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in nearly five years. Since October 1, 2007, FAA programs have been extended through a series of 23 short-term extensions that are set to expire on February 17, 2012. The conference report reauthorizes the FAA through FY2015, putting an end to short-term extensions that have hampered long-term aviation planning and investment.
