October 01, 2018

Wyden Statement on FAA Reauthorization

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden issued the following statement in response to today’s procedural vote in the Senate on re-authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration:

“I am proud to have secured key provisions in this bill that support Oregon’s small airports, provides funding certainty for Air Traffic Control, and continues support for our state’s job-creating unmanned aerial systems test ranges in Pendleton, Tillamook and Warm Springs,” Wyden said. “However, while these programs will provide real help for rural Oregon, I must oppose the larger bill because it knuckles under to the airlines by excluding important consumer protections for passengers, and gives the government unnecessary surveillance authority as part of a new program to bring down drones.

“I will continue to fight to provide air passengers with consumer rights and against excessive airline fees,” Wyden said. “And I look forward to working with my colleagues towards ensuring the government can do what’s needed to keep Americans safe from drone-based violence, while ensuring our core civil liberties.”