House passes
funding bill with amendment by overwhelming majority
Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI),
co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, voted to strengthen the
rights of airline passengers, including those with disabilities, and to
continue to improve air safety.
His vote in favor of HR 4, the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, followed adoption
yesterday of his amendment to require the Department of Transportation to
review regulations issued under the landmark Air Carrier Access Act of 1986,
which prevents discrimination against disabled air travelers.
The bill passed by a vote of 393-13.
The bill passed by a vote of 393-13.
“As Rhode Islanders well know, air travel is a means to explore destinations around the country and the world, and it is also a vital economic engine bringing visitors to our beautiful state,” said Langevin. “However, flying is not always a pain-free experience. The consumer protections at the heart of this bill will ensure that passengers’ rights are prioritized.”
Central to the consumer protections in
the bill are requirements setting minimum sizes for aircraft seats, prohibiting
passengers from being bumped once seated, and ensuring airlines are transparent
about their compensation policies for delays, lost luggage, and overbooking.
The legislation also makes several
changes to improve the accessibility of air travel, including a bill of rights
for passengers with disabilities, and other provisions based on Langevin’s Air
Carrier Access Amendments Act.
During floor debate, the House adopted
an amendment authored by Langevin requiring a review of the training provided
to airport and airline personnel who assist individuals with disabilities.
“I am proud that this bill makes
substantial progress in expanding the rights of all Americans to travel with
dignity,” continued Langevin.
“As someone who knows firsthand the challenges of
flying with a disability, it is important that we have a modern framework to
prevent discrimination. Air carriers have made substantial progress since the
1980s, but with over 30,000 complaints still being filed annually, we have a
ways to go before we can achieve the goal of truly equal access to the skies.”
Beyond expanding the rights of
passengers, the bill reauthorizes FAA programs for five years. Importantly, it
does not carry forward a provision from previous drafts that would have
privatized the air traffic control system.
The bill flat funds the Airport
Improvement Program and includes a title related to better integrating unmanned
aerial systems (UAS, also known as “drones”) into US airspace.
“Providing certainty through this
long-term authorization is very important, and it highlights the progress
Republicans and Democrats can make we set aside partisan differences and work
together,” said Langevin.
“However, I do believe we can do more to
invest in our critical aviation infrastructure. Rhode Islanders have seen the
benefits of expanding service at TF Green Airport, and funding from the FAA has
been an important part of our improvement projects. I also hope the Senate will
take a more robust view toward drone regulation by including the bill Senator
Whitehouse and I introduced to provide clear criminal penalties for recklessly
operating drones in a way that endangers safety.”
The bill now goes to the Senate for
consideration. FAA programs are currently slated to expire on September 30,
2018.
