Rep. Sam Graves is the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

AIN Special Contributor

Rep. Sam Graves

November is National Aviation History Month when we celebrate our important figures and achievements in aviation—a quintessential American industry. From the Wright Brothers to the first nonstop flight around the world to the earliest example of a helicopter rescue, American aviators and engineers have set the global gold standard in aviation and pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible.
As chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a professional pilot, I have made it a top priority to ensure the U.S. remains the world’s leader in aviation. One critical way to do this is by passing a comprehensive bipartisan bill to reauthorize the FAA.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to ensure the FAA has the structure, resources, and direction it needs to ensure the continued success of American aviation. While the Senate was able to successfully confirm Michael Whitaker to lead the FAA, they have not yet passed their own version of an FAA reauthorization, delaying Congress’ ability to send a long-term bill to the President’s desk.
In June, a bipartisan group of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders and I introduced H.R.3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.
This legislation seeks to reinforce the safety of our system by addressing the recent uptick in runway incursions to ensure the U.S. and the FAA remain the pinnacle of aviation safety.&nbsp; The bill also proposes to make smart and targeted investments in airport infrastructure and to improve the quality of commercial air service for passengers.
The bill will also make the FAA more efficient by making targeted changes to the organizational structure of the agency, and it will support our domestic aviation industry as it continues the United States’ long history of leading the world in aerospace innovation.&nbsp; By cutting unnecessary red tape and optimizing the safety testing and integration of new technologies, our bill delivers much-needed certainty to American innovators who rely on their partnership with the FAA to transform our skies and the way we travel.
H.R.3935 recognizes that the long-term success of the U.S. aviation system is built upon a strong general aviation (GA) foundation. The vast majority of our aviation professionals, including pilots and mechanics, get their start in GA, and our bill includes the first-ever GA title to address issues that have plagued the segment of the aviation industry for too long.
I am encouraged that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House of Representatives recognize how critical a long-term FAA reauthorization bill is to the safe and efficient operation of civil aviation programs and the NAS.&nbsp; H.R.3935 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, which speaks to the quality of this legislation and its promise to address the challenges currently facing the aviation industry.
This is a crucial time for American aviation.&nbsp; Reflecting on the United States’ rich aviation history, it’s clear that the large gap that once existed between American innovation in aviation and the rest of the world has significantly narrowed.&nbsp; China and other countries are beginning to rival us in the development and integration of new technologies.
A timely, comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill is essential if we, as a nation, are to remain the global leader in aviation.&nbsp; The world is watching, and so I encourage the Senate to move forward with consideration of a bill so that we can soon see a final bill enacted into law.&nbsp; America has always been at the forefront of aviation history, and we must work to ensure that we remain at the forefront of aviation’s future.
Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) is the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by AIN Media Group.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

T&I Chair Sam Grave: 'It’s Time to Add to U.S.’s Rich Aviation History'

T&I Chair Graves encourages Senate to pass FAA bill

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri) recognizes National Aviation History Month with call for action on FAA bill.

Other Voices: It’s Time to Add to the U.S.’s Rich Aviation History

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Robert Sancetta

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims 

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

Matt Thurber

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Participants' information is no longer subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

Curt Epstein

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Regulations and Government

AINsight: Could You Be Too Sick to Fly?

If a pilot has to ask, they probably should stay grounded for now

NBAA, Others Push FCC To Probe Ligado Compliance Claims

Coalition questions Ligado’s device availability claims

FAA Updates ADS-B Privacy ICAO Address Program

Participants' information is no longer subject to Freedom of Information Act requests

FAA Delays Aeromed Certification Policy Change

But new color vision testing will still go into effect January 1

Mexico’s AFAC Ramps Up Ramp Inspections

Enhanced vigilance will last until mid-January

Graves Set To Continue as House Transportation Chair

A pilot, Graves is active in general aviation

Former Bizjet Escrow Exec Sentenced in Drug Scheme

Judge gives sentence of 16 years in federal prison

NBAA: Be Prepared for Ownership Reporting Requirements

Legal experts caution that further court action could be ahead

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN