Senate
Federal Aviation Budget
A yes vote was to start debate on a bill authorizing Federal Aviation Administration programs.
Voting 98 for and none against, the Senate on April 6 agreed to start debate a bill (HR 636) that would authorize federal aviation programs through September 2017 at a cost of $33.3 billion. In part, the bill would fund capital improvements at hundreds of airports; subsidize passenger service to smaller cities; improve airport and aircraft security; bar drones from entering within five miles of commercial air space and launch consumer protections such as standardized airline disclosures of extraneous ticketing fees.
McCain, Flake Yea
Tightened Security on Airport Perimeters
A yes vote was to tighten perimeter security at U.S. airports.
Voting 85 for and 10 against, the Senate on April 7 adopted an amendment to HR 636 (above) that would require U.S. airports to tighten their perimeter security, in part by greatly reducing the number of portals used by airport and airline employees to enter and leave their places of work. The amendment was a response to global acts of aviation terrorism assisted by workers bearing security badges.
McCain, Flake Yea
Check-in, Baggage Security
A yes vote was to tighten security inside airports.
The Senate on April 7 voted, 91 for and five against, to require tighter airport security at check-in counters, baggage-claims other non-secure locations outside of Transportation Security Administration screening areas. Under the amendment to HR 636 (above), the TSA would step up its deployment of so-called VIPR teams, which are highly visible units that patrol concourses with bomb-sniffing dogs and expanded search authority. In addition, airport security personnel would receive special training for responding to active shooters.
McCain Yea
Flake Nay
Airline Passenger Space, Comfort
A yes vote was to require minimum comfort standards for airline passengers.
Voting 42 for and 54 against, the Senate on April 7 defeated an amendment to HR 636 (above) that sought to require what would be the first space and comfort standards for the seating of airline passengers. The amendment proposed freezing leg room, seat width and other dimensions at their current levels while the Federal Aviation Administration develops minimum standards.
McCain, Flake Nay
