Congressional leaders race to pass FAA Reauthorization Act amid amendment disputes and looming May 10 deadline.

Congressional leaders are working to pass a reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the May 10 authorization deadline. The “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024,” H.R. 3935, would address a range of aviation issues and includes provisions on airport environmental reviews, energy efficiency and aviation fuels. Senators have filed over two dozen amendments, including multiple on energy and environment issues. However, discussions about adding new policy riders could be complicated due to the urgency of passing the five-year FAA bill. Some senators have threatened to slow a vote on the FAA bill unless their amendments are considered, including Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo). Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) plans to propose an amendment to add the House-passed tax package, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, to the bill, which would also prevent consideration of an amendment that would speed up the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process and advance the advancement of next-generation reactors.