IFPTE Urges Senators to Pass FAA Reauthorization Bill that Includes Key Provisions Championed by SPEEA-Local 2001
On early Monday morning, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (Commerce) made public a compromise Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. As the Senate began considering the bill this week, IFPTE told Senators that it includes IFPTE members’ priorities and urged them to pass it before the May 10 deadline for FAA program authorities.
IFPTE’s letter to Senators highlights the creation of a new aviation manufacturing technical worker workforce development grant, which SPEEA-IFPTE Local 2001 supported and helped shape. During the 2024 IFPTE legislative advocacy week and throughout the last year, SPEEA members, leaders, and staff talked to Representatives, Senators, and Commerce and T&I Committee staff about SPEEA’s career and technical education program and the importance of STEM workforce development for maintaining the US aerospace industry’s competitive edge. That engagement resulted in an FAA Reauthorization bill that includes $100 million over 5 years for a workforce development grant program for SPEEA-represented occupations and union eligibility for grant awards.
The letter also notes the legislation’s focus on “improving communication and training across the FAA’s Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program and provides resources to improve the FAA’s aircraft certification process and safety management system.” Lawmakers also included authorities for hiring more air traffic controllers, improvements to the FAA aviation safety specialists staffing model, and provisions to improve the safety of airport ramp workers, cabin crew, and airport fire and rescue personnel. The bill also maintains the current pilot retirement age and does not weaken the pilot training standard, which are important wins for unions representing airline pilots.
IFPTE’s letter also notes the inclusion of the Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act ,” which “will provide a strategic roadmap for implementing solutions to accommodate passengers with mobility aids.” The bill also supports significant airport infrastructure funding increases for rural and community airports.