U.S. Travel Supports Better Air Traffic Control

The U.S. Travel Association has endorsed Senate Bill 1451, significant legislation to modernize and improve the nation's air travel system. The legislation to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now being considered  by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

"Travelers deserve a smooth and efficient air travel system," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Our research shows that millions of Americans avoid air travel each year due to unnecessary hassles and delays in our nation's airports and skies. A modernized, satellite-based air traffic control system— similar to what many Americans have in their automobiles— is the most effective way to alleviate flight delays." 

Under this legislation, the "next generation" air traffic control system will receive necessary funding and be required to meet accelerated deployment deadlines. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim DeMint (R-SC).

U.S. Travel reports that, along with the important air traffic control provisions, S. 1451 would streamline approval of worthy airport projects funded by Passenger Facility Charges and contains important sections related to customer service and passenger safety.

"We congratulate Chairman Rockefeller, Ranking Member Hutchison, Subcommittee Chairman Dorgan and Ranking Member DeMint for quickly moving legislation to bring our aviation system into the 21st century," Dow added. "U.S. Travel urges the full Senate to pass the FAA legislation as soon as possible to allow speedy negotiations with the House of Representatives." The House passed their FAA bill, H.R.915, earlier this year.

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