WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today voted in favor of legislation to update aviation safety measures and improve security of air travel, including many provisions impacting the aviation industry in Kansas. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 95-3.

“Today the Senate passed another critical measure to improve our national security, starting at our nation’s airports,” said Roberts. “The aviation industry remains one of Kansas’ most important economic sectors, and I’m pleased we passed this bill to improve service and security at all our airports. This is another example of the Republican Senate working in a bipartisan way to pass legislation directly impacting the American people.”

The Federal Aviation Act (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016 reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and related programs through the end of fiscal year 2017. It contains passenger-friendly provisions, significant aviation safety reforms, and comprehensive aviation security enhancements. The legislation also improves the FAA’s process for certifying aircraft designs and modifications. For more information on the bill, go here.

Roberts praised three provisions that will have an impact on Kansas airports including:

• The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) Fairness Act requires the TSA to restore security screening to airports, including Salina, which lost commercial service after January 1, 2013.
• The Small Airports Regulation Relief Act prevents small airports, such as Liberal and Hays, which are affected by the downturns in regional air service, from losing Airport Improvement Program funds.
• Requiring the FAA to release a report on the contract weather observer program. This report will outline the safety risks and hazard effects that could result from the loss of the contract weather observer services at airports. The FAA would be prohibited from finalizing determinations until the report is issued, impacting the Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita.

The bill now goes to the House for debate.

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