[DSM-Iowa] FW: Responding to your message

Sat May 18 00:01:34 UTC 2024

See below for the response I received from Senator Ernst regarding H.R.3935.

Jim Rechkemmer

From: Senator Joni K. Ernst <Senator at Ernst.senate.gov> 
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2024 11:29 AM
To: j.rechkemmer at mchsi.com
Subject: Responding to your message

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Dear Mr. Rechkemmer, 

Thank you for contacting me regarding accessible air travel requirements in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. It is important I hear from folks in Iowa on policy matters such as this. 

As you know, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation tasked with overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including air traffic control, safety, and commercial aviation. The agency's structure and funding require routine reauthorization legislation.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act was first passed into law on October 5, 2018, and expires in Fiscal Year 2023. The bill included legislative changes related to increasing the safety and pace of unmanned aircraft, expediting the financing and development of airport capital projects, directing the FAA to advance leadership in the field of international supersonic aircraft policies, addressing aircraft noise, and ensuring safe lithium battery transport.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act is up for reauthorization this year, and it is a critical opportunity to expand consumer protection in civil aviation and ensure the FAA meets its policy objectives. Failure to sign the reauthorization into law this year would be catastrophic for air travel. 

The FAA Reauthorization Act is currently under review in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. While I do not serve on this committee, those who do are debating amendments and changes to the proposed bill. The current bill includes a provision which would establish a grant program designed to increase the number of airport terminals and facilities that meet or exceed ADA regulations. There are also provisions that improve training standards for personnel who assist passengers utilizing wheelchairs along with training to properly handle and store wheelchairs. It is imperative people living with disabilities have access to safe travel environments and know their wheelchairs and other aid devices will not be damaged during their travels. 

As this legislation moves through the Senate, I will work with my fellow senators to ensure it becomes reauthorized with the necessary protections and regulations needed to support the safety of Americans and airline employees.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any further questions or information, as I always enjoy hearing from Iowans.  

Sincerely,

Joni K. Ernst
United States Senator

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