Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding me some time to speak on this very good piece of legislation.

Mr. Chair, as a member of the Science Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Aviation Subcommittee since I got here in January, we have spent countless hours visiting with stakeholders, manufacturers, and visiting airports to get a good feel and learn more about this. I must say that I probably still don't know one-tenth of what the chairman, the ranking member, or Chairman Lucas knows about this subject.

Mr. Chair, since the Wright brothers took their first flight, America has been the world's pioneer in the skies. That is why I rise in strong support of the FAA reauthorization bill that is before us today because it will build on that legacy.

Today, we will vote to provide much-needed long-term stability to our Nation's aviation system and ensure that our skies remain the safest in the world.

With this legislation, we will improve efficiency at the FAA and invest in our critical infrastructure, including regional and local airports. We will pave the way for new technologies and ensure that the FAA is ready to certify innovations like hypersonic aircraft. We will also strengthen our general aviation community, which is a key part of our Nation's economy and identity, and we will take steps to grow our aviation workforce and ensure our airlines can meet the needs of the traveling public and improve the passenger experience.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen for their leadership. I also thank their incredible staffs, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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