Tonight, President Biden signed the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 into law. The legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and modernize our national airspace system into the future.  As chief architect and lead negotiator of the landmark legislation, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement:  

“This landmark law is about reinforcing and reinvigorating the nation’s aviation system. Following flight disruptions, runway close calls and consumer frustrations, this law is set to deliver the safest, most reliable aviation system in the world. Starting today, passengers will have the right to hassle-free refunds. Plane manufacturers will see more safety inspectors on factory floors and tougher safety standards from FAA. With this law, airports will have more air traffic controllers in towers and bigger investments in runway safety technology. And it will expand research and innovation to modernize air travel and boost local economies nationwide.”