Legislative Background on Aviation Safety
Recent Action by Congress on FAA Modernization and Funding
On February 15, 2012, President Barack Obama signed into law the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act, to upgrade the Nation’s aviation system. The Act provided $63.4 billion in funding over four years, including approximately $11 billion for rebuilding the air traffic control system. The Act will enable the FAA to switch from radar to a next-generation GPS-based system that is designed improve safety while reducing delays, carbon emissions, noise pollution, and fuel consumption. Other safety measures contained in the Act include: runway safety enhancements; research into technologies to reduce danger from weather-related hazards and other conditions; and the…
