The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023, which addresses safety standards and oversight at the agency, responding head on to the numerous concerns raised by recent aviation incidents.
“This bipartisan bill will help ensure the FAA can improve at its core mission of keeping the flying public safe,” said ranking member Senator Ted Cruz. “With the aviation industry facing serious challenges, this legislation charts a course to address many of them while also modernizing and transforming the FAA's operations. The legislation will also nurture innovation and nascent technology like air taxis, hypersonic planes, and unmanned aircraft.”
A number of amendments to the bill were also approved, including a “critical” one on COVID-19 vaccines from Sen. Eric Schmitt.
The Missouri Republican’s amendment would prohibit “common carriers” that are regulated by the Transportation Department and provide interstate travel to passengers from denying service to a person based on their COVID-19 vaccine status.
“Draconian vaccine mandates that were pushed by Joe Biden and Democrats have no place in today’s world,” Schmitt said in a statement. “This amendment protects Americans – regardless of vaccine status – from being compelled to share private medical information with an airliner simply to board a plane to visit family members or share in vacation with loved ones. It’s time to leave COVID tyranny in the past and restore the flying public’s ability to make their own health decisions, not companies or the government.”
The bill will now head to the full Senate for consideration.