WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Ted Cruz, along with Senator Jerry Moran and Senator Ted Budd, has requested unanimous consent to pass a temporary extension of the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization. This attempt was blocked by Senator Michael Bennet. The lawmakers' goal is to ensure that air travel and air cargo during the holiday season are not severely impacted.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of extending the FAA's authorities, stating, "A seamless travel experience depends on airlines, air traffic controllers, airport managers, and TSA screeners all working together for the aviation system to run efficiently." However, he expressed concern over the objections of a Senate Democrat that could potentially lead to the non-extension of the FAA's authorities.
For the past year, Senator Cruz and Senator Cantwell have been working on passing a long-term FAA authorization that addresses various challenges facing aviation. However, they have faced obstacles along the way, with special interests, particularly the pilots' union, opposing certain provisions. Senator Cruz expressed frustration over the influence of unelected special interests and their impact on the FAA bill.
He highlighted some of the issues that have been opposed, such as updating pilot training and raising the retirement age for pilots. Senator Cruz questioned the influence of special interests in determining what can and cannot be included in the FAA bill, stating, "What next will unelected, unaccountable special interests tell Senate Democrats that we're not allowed to have in the FAA bill?"
While acknowledging the need for a short-term extension until March, Senator Cruz emphasized that this should be the last extension. He expressed his dissatisfaction with continuously delaying the passage of a long-term FAA authorization. Senator Cruz and Senator Cantwell had agreed on a bipartisan bill in June, but limited progress and outstanding provisions have hindered its passage.
Senator Cruz urged his colleagues to pass the FAA extension, emphasizing the consequences of not doing so. He highlighted that airport construction projects using FAA grants would be halted, the FAA would lose the ability to make new expenditures, special authorizations for drone operations would expire, and airlines would have no authority to collect ticket taxes that fund the aviation trust fund.
Drawing on past experiences, Senator Cruz warned against leaving the FAA without the certainty to operate, as it would have significant financial and operational consequences. He reiterated his commitment to working with Senator Cantwell to negotiate a truly bipartisan FAA bill that meets the needs of the agency, industry, and flying public.
In conclusion, Senator Cruz's efforts to pass a temporary extension of the FAA's authorization were blocked by a Senate Democrat, risking a potential FAA shutdown. He emphasized the importance of extending the FAA's authorities and expressed frustration over the influence of special interests in shaping the FAA bill. Senator Cruz urged his colleagues to pass the FAA extension, highlighting the potential consequences of not doing so. He remains committed to working on a bipartisan FAA bill that addresses the challenges facing aviation.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-cruz-democrat-objection-risks-faa-shutdown
