Scott Votes Against FAA Reauthorization Over Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024:

“While I largely support many of the provisions in this bill, I ultimately could not vote in favor due to significant safety concerns over the addition of flight slots at DCA airport in Arlington. The expansion of consumer protections and accessibility are important pieces of this legislation. There are many other positive provisions in this bill to support safety, workforce growth, environmental sustainability, and foster innovation. I am also supportive of the new funding for airports and their runways which dovetails well with the funding for airports we secured in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“However, the final version of this bill authorized new flight slots at DCA which is already the busiest runway in the nation. Flights are frequently delayed at DCA, and it has one of the highest flight cancellation rates in the country. Local congressional leaders, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority(MWAA), which operates DCA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have all warned that adding more traffic at the airport would raise safety concerns following a recent near collision, and lead to increased delays and cancellations. This provision was jammed through by senators and airlines who are putting their own interest above the safety of travelers. Despite many positive provisions, I could not support this bill due to this provision which is so careless in its regard for the safety of travelers.”

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