Hearing Report: Congressional Committees Hold Hearing on Status of FAA Reauthorization Law on One-Year Anniversary
May 15, 2025
Both the Senate Commerce and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committees held hearings this week to examine the status of the FAA Reauthorization law one year after its passage. Both hearings included the same witness panel from the FAA:
- Franklin McIntosh, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization;
- Jodi Baker, Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety;
- Wayne Heibeck, Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports.
- The House hearing also included Derrick Collins, Director of Physical Infrastructure, United States Government Accountability Office.
During both hearings, committee members inquired about aviation safety, upgrades to the air traffic control system, ATC staffing and processes for managing air traffic around both Reagan National Airport and Newark Liberty International given recent events at both airports.
- The FAA’s opening testimony, presented at both hearings, highlighted numerous requirements of the reauthorization focused on safety, efficiency, and modernization of the airspace system, including key improvements such as enhanced aviation safety processes, data sharing, and integration of advanced aviation technologies. Focusing on airports, the testimony noted that AIP funding increased to $4 billion annually and the FAA is updating AIP guidance and formulas. Finally, they highlighted new safety technologies being implemented at 70 airports to reduce runway incidents, noting surface safety technologies are already operational at 18 airports, with plans to expand to over 30 more by end of 2025.
Senate Commerce Hearing:
- During Wednesday's Senate Commerce Hearing, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) all raised concerns about aging ATC facilities at their local airports, particularly towers at Duluth and Grand Rapids. FAA did not provide location specific updates on the tower upgrades. Other issues raised by senators primarily focused on ATC safety and modernization of the system.
- Airport Grant Funding: Ranking Member Larsen inquired about the status of AIP and Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grants, which Mr. Heibeck stated that AIP grants are expected to move shortly following formula updates and that over 40 ATP grants are pending final review. He also stated $790 million in IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) funding was recently announced.
- Streamlining: Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL) inquired about the status of efforts to accelerate airport projects. FAA indicated they are working to streamline environmental reviews through updated Categorical Exclusions (CAT EX), especially for projects under $6 million. Webster also inquired about the Tampa ATC tower replacement efforts but did not receive any details from FAA.
- Noise: Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) asked for an update on noise standard changes, which FAA stated are delayed due to formation of an airport noise advisory committee required by the reauthorization bill.
- Remote Towers: Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) inquired about status of the remote tower program. ATO Deputy COO McIntosh indicated the program has a vendor who is working to finalize the business and safety case, with plans for a demonstration as early as this summer.
