Yoder Votes to Reauthorize FAA, Block Privatization of Air Traffic Control

Press Release

Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 by a vote of 393-13. This legislation reauthorizes the programs of the FAA by bolstering aviation infrastructure, making necessary reforms to improve American competitiveness and safety in aviation, strengthening disaster relief, and responsibly integrating unmanned aircraft systems. Importantly, this legislation omits a contentious proposal to privatize our nation's air traffic control system. Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bill:

"More than 2.5 million Americans rely on air travel every day to get them where they're going safely and efficiently. Unlike the many short-term reauthorizations we've considered in Congress, this bill provides certainty for the next five years, along with needed infrastructure upgrades and a consistent framework for passengers and aviators.

"Importantly, with the passage of this bill we've successfully prevented the privatization of our nation's air traffic control system. This contentious proposal would have been a mistake because it would have left the general aviation community, which employs thousands of Kansans, without a meaningful seat at the table. I'm proud to have been a leader in preventing this proposal from becoming law."

* Keeps America the world leader in aviation by putting American jobs, American innovation, and the traveling public first.

* Cuts Washington red tape so that our manufacturers can get products to market on time, stay competitive globally, and continue to employ millions of Americans.

* Encourages American innovation in aviation technologies to promote a stronger American workforce.

* Ensures that our airport infrastructure connects our businesses and the increasing number of air travelers to the world.

* Gives the American traveling public a better fight experience.

* Ensures our system remains the safest in the world for air travelers and addresses factors related to recent incidents.

The bipartisan FEMA reforms in DRRA will help communities lessen the impacts of future disasters of all types:

* Focuses on building smarter and building better before disaster strikes.

* $1 invested in pre-disaster mitigation saves $4 to $8 in avoided recovery costs.

* Recognizes the benefits of taking action before a catastrophe occurs, and reforms FEMA and the Stafford Act by ensuring that a percentage of assistance provided in the wake of disasters is invested in predisaster hazard mitigation so that states, tribal, and local governments can pre-empt the damage and distress that results from disasters.

* Clarifies what may be eligible for mitigation funding, making sure investments are cost effective and reduce risk.

* Speeds recovery by creating efficiencies in FEMA's programs such as getting structures inspected faster.

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