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Bipartisan FAA Bill Will Help Keep Americans Safe

‘From Brussels to Egypt, events around the world underscore the need for stronger security measures for our nation’s air travel...This FAA reauthorization legislation will do more for security than any other in years.’

April 11, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act:

“The Chair of the Commerce Committee, Senator Thune, says that keeping Americans safe from future attacks is a top priority. He’s right. From Brussels to Egypt, events around the world underscore the need for stronger security measures for our nation’s air travel.

“That’s why I was glad when large bipartisan majorities voted last week to advance the FAA Reauthorization Act and then to strengthen it further with the most comprehensive airline security reforms in years.

“We appreciate Chairman Thune’s work with Aviation Subcommittee Chair Senator Ayotte, as well as Senators Nelson and Cantwell, to move an amendment designed to keep passengers safer and help deter terrorism at airports on U.S. soil. The amendment will help shore up security measures for international flights coming into the U.S. as well as improve vetting and inspections of airport employees.

“I’d also like to recognize Senator Heinrich for his work to include provisions that will increase security measures in pre-screening airport zones and expand preparation for active shooter events.

“This FAA reauthorization legislation will do more for security than any other in years. It will do more for passengers than any other in years too. Don’t take my word for it. A consumer columnist for The Washington Post labeled it ‘one of the most passenger-friendly Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bills in a generation.’ It includes a number of consumer-friendly provisions — like fee disclosures and refunds for lost bags or services paid for but not received — and does so without imposing choice-limiting regulations or fees and taxes on airline passengers. 

“This is a good bill and a good example of what can be accomplished with a Senate that’s back to work. It would help keep Americans safe, both in our airports and skies. It’s enjoyed support from both sides of the aisle. And if members have additional ideas they think might strengthen the bill further, I again encourage them to work with bill managers so we can continue moving forward.”

McConnell Pays Tribute to American Couple Killed in Terrorist Attack

April 7, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the deaths of Stephanie and Justin Shults during the terrorist attacks in Brussels:

“I was deeply saddened by the death of Lexington, Kentucky native Stephanie Moore Shults, 29, who, along with her husband Justin Shults, 30, was killed in the terrorist attacks in Brussels last month. Funeral services for the young couple will be held in Lexington tomorrow.

“Stephanie Shults graduated from Bryan Station High School and Transylvania University, looking forward to the promising future ahead of her. She found part of that future when she met Justin, a native of Tennessee, at Vanderbilt University where the two earned their master’s in accounting.

“The pair moved to Brussels in 2014 for work and loved to travel extensively through Europe. They recently visited Barcelona. They were planning a future trip to Finland, where they hoped to stay in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights.

“Now that spirit of adventure is gone: stolen by a brutal act of terror that targeted the innocent.

“My wife Elaine and I join all Kentuckians in sending our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of this young couple. We share their heartbreak over the fact that Stephanie and Justin were taken from us too soon. And we extend our prayers and sympathies to all the families who lost loved ones in Belgium.

“Attacks like these remind Americans everywhere that we must defeat ISIL and other terrorist groups who not only threaten our interests but, critically, innocent civilians. So today we honor the lives of Stephanie and Justin. We mourn their loss. And we rededicate ourselves to our important fight against terror.”

McConnell Urges Senate to Support American Jobs, Pass Bipartisan FAA Bill

‘The FAA Reauthorization Act has been a bipartisan effort from the start. Let’s keep working together in the same spirit today.’

April 7, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today regarding the Senate’s action to advance the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act:

“I was glad to see Senators in both parties vote to advance the FAA Reauthorization Act yesterday. We’ll now continue our work to pass this bipartisan legislation that will support American jobs.

“It will also enhance safety and security measures, to help protect travelers in our airports and the skies. It will look out for consumers’ interests by providing more information on things like seat availability and baggage fees. And it will maintain rural access and promote American manufacturing too.

“That’s what the FAA bill before us will do, here’s what it won’t do: Raise taxes or fees on airline passengers or enact heavy-handed regulations that could diminish choices or services for travelers.

“I appreciate the diligent work of Chairman Thune and Senator Ayotte, the Chair of the committee’s aviation panel, as well as that of their Democratic counterparts Senators Nelson and Cantwell.

“The FAA Reauthorization Act has been a bipartisan effort from the start. Let’s keep working together in the same spirit today. I urge colleagues to work with the bill managers to process amendments if they have them.”

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