Overview

• The Senate approved the FAA reauthorization bill with an 88-4 vote, just before the current law's expiration.
• The legislation includes provisions to increase air traffic controllers, enhance safety standards, and facilitate easier customer refunds.
• Debate over additional flights at Reagan National Airport highlighted regional tensions and delayed the bill's passage.
• A one-week extension was passed to prevent FAA employee furloughs and ensure continuous funding for airport operations.
• The bill's comprehensive safety measures include a mandate for longer cockpit voice recordings and stricter consumer protection laws.