Congressman Gonzalez Statement on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill

WASHINGTON D.C.– Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) voted to pass H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bipartisan bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years.

"Today, I voted to pass a bill that protects the safety of travelers," said Congressman Gonzalez. "Among other provisions, this bill requires that airlines update their onboard emergency medical kits to include the latest life-saving technologies, protects consumers by requiring reimbursements for flight cancellations or significant delays, improves cabin air temperature standards and recommendations, increases the Airport Improvement Program's funding to $4 billion, and invests $45 million in workforce development programs to train the next generation of pilots, aviation technicians, and manufacturing workers.

I'm also thrilled to announce that my bill, the Honest Runway Labeling Act, was included in this legislation. This is great news as it designates Valley International Airport (VIA) in Harlingen as a Port of Entry (POE) and removes VIA from the list of user fee airports. For years, VIA has been operating at a competitive disadvantage, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in customs and related services while being deprived of benefits afforded to other primary commercial airports along the border. My bill will ensure that the financial burden on one of South Texas's primary airports is finally alleviated.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to amend the provision that raises the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67 and ensure that our country's aviation industry remains at the forefront in terms of safety, reliability, and innovation. We are currently facing the consequences of an aging and retiring workforce. I remain concerned that the full House did not have the opportunity to debate or authorize a study on raising the pilot retirement age.

Although I strongly oppose this provision, we must ensure that America's aviation industry is prepared to handle future challenges, that we increase consumer protections and passenger safety, and that we create good paying jobs for hardworking Americans."

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