Carper Statement on Passage of FAA Bill

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after voting to approve legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the 2017 fiscal year. The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 95 to 3. 

“The FAA is charged with the important responsibility of keeping travelers and cargo on the move in our skies, and plays an integral role in our domestic economy. In order for our country to continue its economic recovery, Congress must ensure federal agencies like the FAA have the approval they need to stay open for business. Today, the Senate has done its part to put the FAA on a good path and I hope our colleagues in the House will move quickly to do the same.

“Recent international tragedies have reminded Americans that we must be vigilant about security in our country’s points of travel. I’m pleased that this bill includes important and commonsense security measures that will deter bad actors and give law enforcement officials and federal agencies more tools they can use to keep Americans safe. Bipartisan amendments included in the final package will bolster security in public places and give law enforcement the resources and training necessary to protect non-secure areas in places like airports and train stations. The final bill also includes provisions that address potential insider threats by ensuring that airport workers with access to sensitive areas are properly vetted.

“It’s critical that we continue to address vulnerabilities that exist in order to deter and prevent similar attacks here at home, and I’m glad to have worked with my colleagues across the aisle to pass these smart solutions that will help us combat ever-evolving terror threats.”