FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology

Chairman Cruz Announces Full Committee Hearing on May 14th

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology” on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. This hearing will examine both the progress achieved and any delays encountered in implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.

May 16, 2025, marks the first anniversary of this significant bipartisan legislation and the deadline for executing many of its key provisions. The FAA has successfully fulfilled the requirements of over 70 sections of the law and continues working to implement the remaining provisions. During the hearing, FAA representatives will report on the current status of implementation and offer insights into necessary next steps to ensure the law is fully carried out.

Upon announcing the hearing, Sen. Cruz said:

“Last year, Congress came together with overwhelming bipartisan support to pass an FAA reauthorization aimed at modernizing and transforming our country’s aviation system. This legislation was designed to ensure safety is prioritized at the FAA, address air traffic controller shortages, encourage innovative aviation technologies, and protect consumers. At a time when our aviation system faces significant challenges, I look forward to this hearing helping us evaluate the implementation of the FAA reauthorization and assess what additional efforts may be required to ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace.”

Witnesses:

  • Mr. Franklin McIntosh, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Air Traffic Organization, FAA
  • Ms. Jodi Baker, Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, FAA
  • Mr. Wayne Heibeck, Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports, FAA

Hearing Details:

WHAT: Full Committee Hearing

DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

TIME: 10:00 AM EST

LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253

LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the Committee web site.

MEDIA INFO: Reporters wanting to attend the committee should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.

###