Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bill will allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address critical modernizations and aviation personnel shortages and provide the FAA with the tools necessary to continue its mission of providing the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

I would also like to thank Chairman Graves for his hard work and leadership in bringing this bill to the floor.

Amendment No. 89, which I am a cosponsor, would direct the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the closure of the Banning Municipal Airport in Banning, California. The amendment is critically important to the local community including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

After a 2016 independent analysis concluded that the airport lacked the infrastructure and amenities to compete regionally, the Banning City Council voted in support of closing the airport; however, FAA approval must be obtained before this can happen.

Closing the Banning Airport will allow the city to redevelop the area, providing a much-needed economic boost to Riverside County and the region at large. This amendment is an important step in starting this process.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source