Yesterday, Rep. Carlos Curbelo's (FL-26) Air Traffic Controller Act, included in an FAA extension through September 30, 2017, was signed into law. Rep. Curbelo offered the following statement in support:
"This FAA extension package works to ensure that our aviation system remains well-equipped, secure, and safe for passengers and pilots alike. It provides vital enhancements to the U.S. aviation system by strengthening security, expanding TSA PreCheck, and requiring the FAA to give Congress quarterly reports on the number of civil or criminal disturbances that occur at airports.
I am also proud to report that this measure includes my bill, H.R. 5292, the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Hiring Improvement Act. This legislation, which has over 243 bipartisan cosponsors in the House, will reform for the better the way we higher our air traffic controllers. It will improve the ATC system by exempting College Training Initiative graduates and military veterans from the controversial Biographical Questionnaire, while still allowing the general public to apply to serve as controllers. H.R. 5292 also ensures the FAA directly notifies schools such as Historically Black Colleges and Hispanic-serving Institutions when ATC vacancy announcements are made," said Curbelo.
"I commend Congressman Curbelo for his leadership on this issue, which is critical given the FAA's inability to adequately manage its controller workforce. The Curbelo proposal will improve and streamline the FAA's process for hiring air traffic controllers, and provide the agency with a larger pool of high quality candidates," said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA).
The House adopted by voice vote on July 11 H.Res.818 - Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendments to H.R. 636 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016, with amendments. The Senate adopted the same measure by a vote of 89-4, and it was signed into law on July 15, 2016.