Congress passes aviation bill to close airport security gaps

The Senate on Wednesday approved a bipartisan bill to extend the mandate of the Federal Aviation Administration, two days before the agency’s legal authority was set to expire. The legislation extends the FAA’s funding and aviation taxes at current levels through September 30, 2017. Obama is expected to sign it.

It includes provisions that require tougher vetting of aviation workers with access to secure airport areas, expedited security checks to move passengers more quickly from airport areas that are not secured and a larger number of police dogs for security duty in the USA transportation system. It also directs the TSA to report to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation and House Homeland Security Committees on the pilot programs.

Lawmakers punted on passing a long-term bill after the House failed to advance a six-year FAA reauthorization (H.R. 4441) that would have removed air traffic control from the FAA and did not take up a Senate-passed version that would leave the air traffic control structure intact. Airlines charged $3.8 billion in bag fees past year. That is a response in part to the “insider threat” problem raised by the destruction past year of a Russian Metrojet airliner over Egypt. Investigators suspect a bomb was smuggled aboard. More than 7,347 laser strikes on aircraft were reported to the FAA last year, almost double the total from the year before.

A separate provision would institute a $20,000 fine for anyone who “knowingly or recklessly” flies a drone near emergency responders. It has happened again at least nine times so far this year. If you would like to discuss another topic, look for a relevant article.

Be proactive – Use the “Flag as Inappropriate” link at the upper right corner of each comment to let us know of abusive posts.