WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKZO AM/FM) – The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, July 20, passed H.R. 3935 – the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, a five-year FAA reauthorization with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 351 to 69.
The bill itself includes two amendments from Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga, and is designed to strengthen and grow the Battle Creek Community.
Supporters of the bill say the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will make flights a better experience for passengers by prohibiting mask or vaccine mandates and improving air traffic control infrastructure while encouraging FAA innovation, authorize $4 billion per year for the Airport Improvement Program, ensure the U.S. maintains the gold standard in aviation safety, and address aviation workforce shortages.
Specifically, Huizenga Amendment #44 requires the Secretary of Transportation — in the process for prioritizing awarding grants under the Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure Pilot Program — to also prioritize eligible entities that collaborate with the DOD or National Guard.
Huizenga Amendment #45 would prevent the Secretary of Transportation from requiring that an airport shorten or narrow their runway, apron, or taxiway as a condition for funding if the airport supports an Air Force or Air National Guard base at the airport, regardless of stationing of military aircraft. This amendment would put to rest any efforts by the FAA to require BTL to shorten its 10,0002-foot runway as a condition for maintenance and improvement funding.
“This bipartisan FAA Reauthorization will maintain our strong safety standards, reduce delays for passengers, and positively impact Battle Creek,” said Huizenga. “Not only is Battle Creek Executive Airport an innovative economic driver for the community, it is also home to the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base which is an anchor for our national defense. My first amendment protects the airport’s runway and its federal funding opportunities from arbitrary bureaucratic decisions. The second secures the airport’s competitiveness for federal advanced air mobility transportation grants. I am confident these policies will strengthen Battle Creek economically and create additional opportunities in the future.”
