President Joe Biden signed a one-week extension for federal aviation programs ahead of a key deadline after the Senate passed the measure Thursday night. The White House announced that the president, currently traveling in San Francisco, used the autopen device for automatic signatures to ensure no lapse in funding. The bill was transmitted to the White House on Friday afternoon.
The autopen, first used by President Barack Obama, has been rarely used in the Biden administration. The Senate also approved a bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill renewing authority for the agency for the next five years. The House will need to pass the legislation next.
The reauthorization bill aims to improve aviation safety, enhance protections for passengers and airline workers, and invest in airport and air travel infrastructure nationwide. It authorizes over $105 billion in funding for the FAA and $738 million for the National Transportation Safety Board for fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
The legislation addresses the nation's shortage of air traffic controllers, strengthens consumer protections for flight cancellations and delays, and implements technology to reduce runway collisions. However, the bill sparked contentious debate over certain provisions.
One point of contention was flights at Reagan National Airport near Washington, DC. Some Senate Democrats opposed adding more longer-distance flights, but no votes on amendments were taken. The debate revolves around whether adding flights will provide more choices and lower prices or increase congestion and delays at the airport.
The House has until next week to pass the Senate-approved five-year reauthorization bill and send it to President Biden's desk.
