The Senate has approved a $105 billion bill aimed at enhancing air safety and customer service for air travelers. The bipartisan legislation, passed with an 88-4 vote, seeks to address recent incidents of close calls between planes at U.S. airports. The bill includes provisions to increase the number of air traffic controllers, elevate safety standards, and streamline the process for customers to receive refunds in case of flight delays or cancellations.
The Senate's timely action comes just before the expiration of the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill now moves to the House for consideration, with a one-week extension also passed to prevent any disruption in FAA operations.
The legislation faced hurdles during the week, with debates over various amendments, including a contentious provision related to additional flights at Reagan Washington National Airport. Despite these challenges, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pushed for a vote to ensure the bill's passage before the deadline.
In addition to bolstering air traffic control and safety measures, the bill aims to enhance customer service by mandating airlines to provide refunds for flight delays exceeding three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights. It also prohibits airlines from charging extra for families to sit together and increases fines for violations of consumer protection laws.
The FAA, under scrutiny following the approval of Boeing jets involved in fatal crashes, would operate under the new legislation for the next five years. The bill introduces several safety enhancements, including the use of advanced technology to prevent runway collisions and extending cockpit voice recorder capabilities.
While the bill enjoys broad bipartisan support, some senators raised concerns over specific provisions, such as the debate around additional flights at Reagan National Airport. The House, which is currently in recess, will take up the bill upon its return next week.
Failure to pass the bill by the deadline would result in FAA employees being furloughed, potentially impacting airport operations and ongoing improvements. However, critical safety positions like air traffic controllers would remain unaffected to ensure the safety of air travelers.
The bill's passage represents a significant step towards enhancing air travel safety and customer experience, reflecting a concerted effort by lawmakers to address key issues in the aviation industry.
