U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the House unanimously passed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extension funded through September 30, 2017. The Senate is expected to pass the measure later this week.

“While I prefer a more comprehensive, longer-term bill, this extension includes measures imperative to improving airport security,” said Davis. “Our air traffic control system continues to operate using World War II technology causing delays and leaving the U.S. aviation system behind that of other countries. We need an overhaul that won’t continue to waste billions of taxpayer dollars and will allow us to lead the world in aviation technology. Reforms like those included in the bill we passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee earlier this year need to be part of any long-term solution.”

Also included in the extension is Davis’ provision to ensure children 13 years or under are seated adjacent to an adult or older child traveling with them. This provision is similar to H.R. 3334, the Families Flying Together Act of 2015, which Davis introduced last year to make flying easier for families.

“Traveling with young children can already be very stressful for parents and when you can’t sit together on a flight, it only makes this process more difficult,” said Davis. “All we're asking is for airlines to do a better job of accommodating parents ahead of time so we can make flying a better experience for families and other passengers aboard. I think most airlines have the same goal. This provision is important to updating an industry that continues to see growth in family travel.”

Other important provisions included in the FAA extension through September 30, 2017 are listed below. A full overview can be found here.

Aviation safety:

• Ensures that drones do not interfere with emergency response activities and helps to mitigate unauthorized operation around airports and critical infrastructure.
• Directs FAA to create a framework to identify and address cybersecurity risks to aviation.
• Strengthens mental health screening for pilots.
• Requires training for flight attendants in identifying victims of human trafficking.

Aviation security:

• Optimizes security checkpoints by redeploying certain TSA personnel in order to reduce passenger wait times and increase security.
• Tightens the vetting and access controls of aviation employees with access to secure areas of airports.
• Requires security assessments for all overseas airports that serve the U.S. to strengthen security.

Additional provisions:

• Requires air carriers to refund paid baggage fees when items are lost or unreasonably delayed.
• Requires airlines to ensure children 13 years or under are seated next to a family member traveling with them.