WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today voted to end debate on H.R. 302, as amended, which reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The legislation renews investments in airport infrastructure, safety, and American leadership in aviation. The bill also contains a number of reforms to protect consumers.

“This bipartisan bill will make air travel safer, more efficient, and more consumer-friendly for the American people,” Wicker said. “I am pleased the bill not only reauthorizes programs important to Mississippi’s airports, but also utilizes the expertise of Mississippi State University’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft in establishing safety standards for drones. We are also taking the first steps toward addressing the out-of-control costs associated with air ambulance services that have affected too many Mississippians.”

Among other provisions important to Mississippians and air passengers, H.R. 302 will:

• Provide stable funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which issues grants to public use airports of all sizes, including in Mississippi, for planning and development purposes;
• Require the FAA to leverage the research, testing capacity, and capabilities of the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems led by Mississippi State University, in developing safety standards for unmanned aircraft;
• As requested by Senators Wicker and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., establish an advisory committee to make recommendations on consumer protections, and improve the process for filing complaints with the Department of Transportation regarding the air ambulance industry;
• Reform the Federal Contract Tower Program, which will provide better funding opportunities for several contract towers in Mississippi;
• Reauthorize the Essential Air Service Program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help maintain air service in rural, Mississippi communities; and
• Direct the FAA to set minimum leg room, width, and length requirements for passenger seats on commercial flights.

Today’s vote clears the way for final Senate consideration of H.R. 302. The legislation passed the House of Representatives.