The following is a statement by Tom Smith, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):
Washington, D.C. – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) applauds the House of Representatives for their leadership in passing the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Since the start of the 118th Congress, the House has demonstrated a focus on bipartisanship in its work to advance this bill. ASCE considers passage of a multi-year FAA reauthorization bill a top legislative priority for this year, and we would like to thank House leaders on both sides of the aisle for moving this critical legislation forward.
Our aviation system allows people to travel to their destinations, facilitates the movement of goods, and plays a key role in the nation’s economy. Airline travel is back, and with it, airport traffic. Passengers deserve modern terminals, gates, runways, and adequate capacity at airports.
Unfortunately, ASCE’S 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure graded the nation’s aviation infrastructure a “D+”. The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act – which includes $100 billion in appropriations and reauthorizes the FAA through 2028 – provides much-needed certainty for the FAA, passengers, and upgrading our aviation infrastructure. The nearly $700-million boost in funding for the Airport Improvement Program will help reduce the backlog in runway and other projects to keep our nation’s airports efficient, safe, and competitive.
ASCE commends the House for its efficient work in passing this important bill and we now urge the Senate to take up its own FAA reauthorization so that Congress can swiftly approve a final bill prior to the current program expiring on September 30. Short-term extensions to FAA programs disrupt the entire aviation system and jeopardize the nation’s economy, so we urge the Senate to prioritize an FAA bill over the coming weeks.
About the American Society of Civil Engineers
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE works to raise awareness of the need to maintain and modernize the nation's infrastructure using sustainable and resilient practices, advocates for increasing and optimizing investment in infrastructure, and improve engineering knowledge and competency. For more information, visit www.asce.org or www.infrastructurereportcard.org and follow us on Twitter, @ASCETweets and @ASCEGovRel.