ATR Urges “NO” Vote on Markey’s FAA Amendments #26 and #29

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation will hold a markup for the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 on Thursday morning. The committee is set to consider a number of offered amendments to the legislation.

Americans for Tax Reform opposes amendments #26 and #29 to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, both of which are offered by Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

ATR urges members on committee to reject amendments #26 and #29.

Sen. Markey’s amendment #26 would open the door for state Attorneys General to begin making enforcement decisions regarding federal statutory mandates made by the Department of Transportation, while handing them new authority to launch investigations of “unfair or deceptive practices.”

This is an end-run attempt to add red tape and increase regulation of the airline industry by creating a patchwork of state-level authorities making varying legal interpretations that would increase red tape in the airline industry.

The cost of the increased regulatory burden will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher airfare prices for travelers.

Sen. Markey’s amendment #29 aims to put his so-called “Good Jobs for Good Airports” legislation into statute, which would impose broad new federal wage and benefit regulations on airports across the country from the top-down level, further increasing the costs faced by travelers.

Senators should vote NO on Markey’s FAA reauthorization amendments #26 and #29 to prevent additional costs from being placed on American travelers.