Landmark Bipartisan Bill Heads to President’s Desk with Fitzpatrick-Led Legislation & Provisions

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick applauds the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 , which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support—387 to 26.

“This landmark bipartisan legislation is a significant step forward for improving aviation safety, fortifying our defenses in the skies, bolstering our aviation workforce, and making much-needed improvements to consumer protections and accessibility,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Since entering Congress, I have been steadfast in my mission to secure our skies and aircraft, support our dedicated pilots and aviation workers, and enhance the passenger experience for travelers in our community and nationwide. While we celebrate the important steps forward this legislation takes, I look forward to continuing my efforts in this mission.”

This pivotal legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law and features several Fitzpatrick-led policies and provisions that mark victories for PA-1 and beyond, including:

Sec. 350 - Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act: Through an amendment made and passed 392-41 during the House’s consideration of the bill in July 2023, Rep. Fitzpatrick secured the rulemaking requirement for secondary cockpit barrier retrofit envisioned by the text of H.R. 911 (118th). The final package retains the text of the section negotiated with House Transportation & Infrastructure.

Sec. 545 - Prioritizing Accountability for Aviation Consumers Act: This bipartisan, bicameral bill, co-led by Rep. Fitzpatrick, protects Americans with disabilities as they travel the skies. The provision included in the final package ensures passengers have current data from the Department of Transportation (DOT), reported annually, on its effectiveness in resolving disability-related complaints.

Sec. 362 - Cabin Air Safety Act: This policy, co-led by Rep. Fitzpatrick, keeps our skies safe by enabling the FAA to establish standards for cabin air quality, mandating training regarding toxic smoke/fumes on aircraft, and directing carriers to install and maintain onboard air quality detectors.

The following key amendments were also included in the legislation:

• No raise in the mandatory pilot retirement age
• The House bill initially included a provision to raise the mandatory pilot age from 65 to 67. Rep. Fitzpatrick spearheaded efforts for this not to be implemented and, through his persistent advocacy, ultimately ensured the final package does not raise the retirement age.
• Sec. 936 - NO procurement of drones from foreign adversaries
• This vital amendment, co-sponsored by Rep. Fitzpatrick, prohibits the Department of Transportation from procuring, contracting, or awarding a grant for any drones (unmanned aircraft systems) from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and other foreign adversaries of the United States.

Additional Fitzpatrick policy wins included:

• Sec. 302 - Global Safety Standard for American Aircraft Repairs
• Sec. 368 - Opioid Overdose Prevention in First Aid Training
• Sec. 767 - $350 million for the PFAS Replacement Program at Airports
• Sec. 785 - Extending Authority for Airport Noise Compatibility Grants
• Sec. 792 - FAA Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee

Congressman Fitzpatrick previously secured an amendment in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization legislation in 2018 requiring all newly manufactured aircraft to install a secondary barrier and remained persistent in his pursuit to ensure all aircraft fleets, both currently in service and newly manufactured, are held to the same safety standards and safeguard our skies for current and future generations of Americans.