Escobar Signs FAA Reauthorization Act

Texas Representative Veronica Escobar (D) voted to pass the Federal Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. The bipartisan measure extends the FAA’s funding and authorities through FY 2028. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes the safety of public aviation.

“The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 puts the safety of the American people before anything else, and prioritizes our country’s global leadership in aerospace innovation,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “Thanks to this legislation, passengers can look forward to sitting next to young family members at no cost, increased funding for airport infrastructure, and long-term investments in our nation’s aviation workforce that will pay dividends for years to come.”

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 contains several provisions such as providing “airports across the country $4 billion annually in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to advance critical projects, up $650 million annually”; “maintaining the pilot retirement age of 65 years old; and “providing $60 million to the FAA to strengthen the aviation workforce.

Furthermore, the FAA Reauthorization Act “created a $200 million grant program for airport runway safety and resiliency”; “mandated 25-hour cockpit voice recorders”; and “authorized $150 million in annual funds through the AIP for airports to use for reducing noise and carbon emissions.”

Rep. Escobar has continuously advocated for more slots to the Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Moreover, the congresswoman has pushed for an increase in funding “for the FAA’s AIP program to provide funds for airports such as the El Paso International Airport.”

Recently, Escobar released a statement sharing why she voted in favor of a series of national security bills to provide crucial support for the U.S.’s allies, bolster democracy around the globe, deliver needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The unrest and conflict around the world require America’s global leadership, and today I voted in support of the bipartisan national security supplemental package which stands with our allies, prioritizes democracy abroad, and funds critical national security priorities in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and Israel and the Middle East,” said Escobar.