Congress races to meet FAA deadline

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Congress is on track to miss Friday’s deadline to re-authorize the FAA’s authority and will likely need to pass another short-term extension.

The legislation is now in the Senate’s hands but still has to clear the House, which isn’t back in Washington until next week.

“We’re working really hard to get it finished this week in the Senate and that’s what we hope to do,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

However, a short-term extension to keep the FAA running is now almost guaranteed as Friday’s deadline creeps closer.

“Nobody, absolutely nobody should want us to slip past the deadline. That would needlessly increase risk for so many travelers and so many federal workers,” Schumer said.

Congress has to reauthorize the FAA every five years. The legislation does that and mandates new safety features at airports to avoid plane collisions.

“This legislation strengthens the standards for air safety, bolsters the aviation workforce, modernizes American airport in urban and rural settings, promotes innovation in American aviation and enhances consumers’ air travel experience,” said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

The bill also includes consumer protections for travelers like forbidding airlines from charging families extra to sit together.

“To get FAA done, we need three things cooperation, haste, and a common desire to get to. Yes,” Schumer said.

While the desire may be there the clock keeps ticking.

“Absolutely have to do something by the end of the week and exactly how that plays out I couldn’t tell you right now, but this is a bill we need to pass and pass on time,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Congress is expected to pass a short-term extension by Friday with a vote on the full reauthorization sometime next week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.