In a flurry of legislative activity this week before breaking for midterm elections, Congress moved forward on several pieces of aviation legislation and passed a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown through December 16.
Senate passage of the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 (H.R. 468), which had passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote in June of 2021, will allow AIP funds to be used to incentivize early completion of airport projects. The legislation now heads to the White House for a presidential signature.
A key workforce development bill also passed the House by a wide margin, sending the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 2022 (H.R. 3482) to the Senate for consideration. The bill would establish a federally chartered, private center to support the aviation workforce; foster government/industry collaboration; and fund scholarships, apprenticeships, and training programs.
“NATA is pleased to see legislative movement on key issues that promote aviation business success by helping to develop skilled aviation professionals and continue critical upkeep and modernization of our airport infrastructure. We thank Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO), Garret Graves (R-LA), Andre Carson (D-IN), and Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for their leadership, and appreciate the strong support of Members of Congress who voted by a wide margin to advance these initiatives. NATA looks forward to continued collaboration toward a safe, sustainable, and successful future for our industry,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.