Congress Passes One-year FAA Reauthorization with Small Policy Changes

A 14-month extension of the United States Federal Aviation Administration's legal authority and existing funding levels has now passed both the House of Representatives as well as the Senate and is expected to be signed by President Obama prior to the expiration of the previous FAA authorization on Friday. While the bill contains no mention of air traffic control reorganization, which was once under consideration as part of the reauthorization package, there are some minor policy changes involving consumer protection and security. The passenger rights measures include requirements that airlines refund baggage fees for lost items and new rules on seating passengers with disabilities or young children. The decision to only extend operating authority for little more than a year is believed to indicate a hope on the part of some legislators to revisit the air traffic control debate next summer, in a non-election year.