Senate Passes 5-Year FAA Reauthorization as Deadline Looms

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration one day before the deadline.

An American Airlines flight takes off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on July 10, 2023. Alex Wong/Getty Images

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed on May 9 a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), sending the bill to the House one day before the deadline when the program is due to lapse.

The final tally was 88-4. While the bill initially passed the House, the Senate amended it, and therefore, the measure will go to the lower congressional chamber, where it is expected to pass overwhelmingly next week before going to President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it.