The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing on FAA Reauthorization and Air Traffic Control Reform
Record date · January 1, 2018
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Does
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on June 7, 2017, to discuss the of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The session focused on potential structural reforms, specifically the proposal to separate air traffic control services from the FAA into a private, non-profit entity.
This hearing marks a critical step in the legislative process to renew FAA funding and authority, which directly impacts national aviation safety, infrastructure modernization, and the future management of U.S. air traffic control systems.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Air travelers
Changes to air traffic control management could impact flight efficiency, safety, and operational costs.
Federal Aviation Administration employees
A structural separation of air traffic control would change the organizational structure and employment status of those managing air traffic.
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on June 7, 2017, to discuss the reauthorization of the FAA.
- The committee is exploring the potential separation of air traffic service provider functions from the FAA.
- The proposed reform involves creating a nongovernmental, not-for-profit corporation to manage air traffic control.
- The committee has previously held hearings on safety, drone policy, rural issues, aircraft certification, consumer concerns, and infrastructure financing related to the FAA.
Show all 6 facts
- The hearing included testimony from Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
- The committee aims to produce a bipartisan reauthorization bill during the 2017 work period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the FAA reauthorization?
What is the proposed change to air traffic control?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Air Traffic Control Privatization Debate
The hearing highlights a significant push during the 115th Congress to move air traffic control out of the federal government, a major shift in aviation policy.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy60Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment20Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools