South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, has announced his support for H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bipartisan legislation, developed by the House Transportation Committee on which Rep. Webster serves as a senior member, aims to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years.

Rep. Webster stated that this crucial legislation will enhance FAA operations for safer and more efficient air travel. "This is not only critical for Florida to maintain a strong economy, but these updates are also crucial to the United States remaining competitive in this vital economic sector," he said. "H.R. 3935 focuses on enhancing passenger experience, increases transparency and invests in the development of new technologies that will create jobs and modernize air travel."

He further expressed satisfaction that his proposals were included in the bill. These include improving programs that aid Florida's airports and expand its aviation workforce, as well as ensuring federal regulations properly safeguard amusement parks and entertainment and sports venues from unauthorized drones posing safety hazards.

The bill passed with bipartisan support and features several key provisions:

- An additional $107 million investment in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for airport capital improvement projects.

- Reauthorization of funding for the Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) grant program to educate new aviation professionals.

- Restructuring of the FAA to streamline their rulemaking processes and close obsolete rulemaking projects.

- Improvements to the air traffic control system and infrastructure along with actions to enhance passenger experience.

- Provision of avenues for safe expansion of drone operations, including requiring FAA to produce rules for beyond visual line of sight operations.

- Reestablishment of AWD grant programs to attract pilots and mechanics while expanding the program to manufacturers.

- Critical funding investment for AIP with increased flexibility of fund use by cutting red tape.

- Addressing recent runway incursion incidents by implementing new technologies and focusing on resolving underlying surface safety risks.

- Ensuring the National Guard can continue operating readiness centers, armories, and aviation support facilities without costing more taxpayer dollars.