WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the support of U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), the Senate today passed legislation that reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support, authorizes funding for all FAA programs, including FAA operations, research and development, aviation programs, extension of expiring authorities, airport planning and improvement and noise compatibility and programs.

Importantly, the legislation also includes an amendment authored by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and supported by Senator King that would prohibit the closing of the contract weather observer service, thereby protecting jobs at the Portland International Jetport, the Bangor International Airport, and nearly sixty other airports across the country.

            “This bipartisan legislation is a positive step forward in enhancing the safety and security of airports across the country and in better serving the interests of the traveling public,” Senator King said. “The amendment authored by Senator Collins and supported by me to save contract weather observers is also a significant win for Maine that will protect jobs across the state and help ensure the continued safety of people flying in and out of our airports. By passing this bill, we are that much closer to giving the FAA the tools and resources necessary to meet the needs of travelers across America.”

In addition to the provision preserving contract weather observer service, the bill also includes several provisions supported by Senator King that would bolster security at U.S. airports following the terrorist attacks in Brussels, including:

• A provision that would strengthen security in non-secure areas at airports such as check-in and baggage claim areas, known as “soft” target areas. The provision would update federal security programs to provide active shooter training for law enforcement, and increase the presence of federal security teams with bomb-sniffing canines at these non-secure areas.

• A provision that would tighten the vetting process for airport workers who have access to secure areas, authorize the Transportation Security Administration to donate unneeded security equipment to foreign airports that have direct flights to the U.S. and may not have the same equipment and expertise as the U.S., and require a news assessment of foreign cargo security programs.

Additionally, the legislation calls for increased infrastructure investment in our nation’s airports and increases funding by $400 million for the Airport Improvement Program. It also adopts several measures to increase the traveling public’s comfort and convenience while traveling, including automatic refunds for paid baggage fees if luggage is not delivered within six hours after the arrival of a domestic flight or within twelve hours of the arrival of an international flight, and the refund of other ancillary fees, like paid seats or priority boarding, if the flight is cancelled.

The FAA is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety and regulation of civil aviation, as well as overseeing the operation of the air traffic control system and the development of commercial space travel. The legislation passed today will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Without action, the FAA’s current authorization and ability to collect revenue in support of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund will expire on July 15, 2016.

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