WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., is supporting a new bipartisan initiative to reauthorize and reform the mission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The measure, S. 2658, was approved today by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, of which Wicker serves as a senior member.

“This legislation has the potential to make significant and long-overdue improvements to our nation’s aerospace industry, consumer protection laws, and aviation safety rules,” Wicker said. “Mississippi stands to benefit from provisions to expand the Airport Improvement Program and the creation of new standards by FAA and the UAS Center of Excellence at Mississippi State University to help integrate small unmanned aircraft into the national airspace.”

The bill also includes a Wicker provision to create a process that would allow electric utilities to use unmanned aircraft systems in emergency response situations. Rapid restoration of utility services aids in emergency recovery efforts and mitigates the severity of harm suffered during a crisis.

Another proposal supported by Wicker would require the FAA to issue a new rule to ensure that aircraft medical kits include medications and equipment to meet the emergency medical needs of children.

The bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate.