Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, released the following statement on his vote to pass H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bipartisan legislation, developed by the House Transportation Committee of which Rep. Webster is a senior member, will reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next 5 years.
 
“This important legislation will streamline and improve FAA operations for safer and more efficient air travel,” said Rep. Webster. "This is not only critical for Florida to maintain a strong economy, but these updates are also crucial to the United States remaining competitive in this vital economic sector. H.R. 3935 focuses on enhancing passenger experience, increases transparency and invests in the development of new technologies that will create jobs and modernize air travel. I'm also pleased that my proposals to improve programs that help Florida's airports and grow Florida's aviation workforce were included along with updates ensure that federal regulations are properly safeguarding amusement parks and entertainment and sports venues from unauthorized drones that pose safety hazards.”
 
Highlights of H.R. 3935, which passed with bipartisan support:
 

• Invests an additional $107 million in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for airport capital improvement projects.
  
  
• Reauthorizes funding for the Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) grant program, helping educate new aviation professionals.
  
  
• Restructures the FAA, streamlines their rulemaking processes and closes rulemaking projects no longer applicable.
• Improves the air traffic control system and infrastructure and takes action to enhance the passenger experience.
  
  
• Provides avenues for safe expansion of drone operations, including requiring FAA to produce rules for beyond visual line of sight operations.
  
  
• Reestablishes the Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) grant programs to attract pilots and mechanics, while also expanding the program to manufacturers.
  
  
• Invests critical funding for the Airport Improvement Program and increases flexibility of use of funds by cutting red tape.
  
  
• Addresses recent runway incursion incidents by implementing new technologies and focuses on resolving underlying surface safety risks.
  
  
• Ensures the National Guard can continue operating readiness centers, armories, and aviation support facilities without costing more taxpayer dollars.