WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; member of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee; and co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus – today issued the following statement regarding the importance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reform in 2018:

"The FAA has a critical mission to keep our nation's air travelers safe, and around the holiday season it is especially clear how many families in Kansas and across the country rely on air travel. Last year, the Senate Commerce Committee passed, with widespread support, a proposal impacting a number of issues significant to the FAA. Our legislation would strengthen the Contract Tower Program, streamline aircraft certification to enhance safety and grow our manufacturing industry, and support the Essential Air Service Program critical to rural communities across the country that rely on air service to sustain their local economies.

"I am encouraged by conversations with my colleagues on the importance of focusing on FAA issues that will truly benefit air travelers nationwide, rather than getting distracted by controversial proposals to privatize air traffic control. I look forward to working toward seeing our committee's long-term bill signed into law – real progress and certainty for our aviation system instead of a short-term FAA extension."

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