Congresswoman Brown Votes for FAA Reauthorization Bill to Improve Aviation Safety, Consumer Protections, Sustainability, and Workforce Diversity

Legislation includes Brown amendment requiring flights to provide complimentary drinking water

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) voted for The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935) to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The legislation passed the House on a bipartisan basis.

H.R. 3935 strengthens safety requirements, including improving airplane emergency kits and requiring that foreign aircraft repair stations meet U.S. standards; makes it easier for families to sit together on flights; requires reimbursing consumers for costs due to flight cancellations; improves accessibility for passengers with disabilities; invests in sustainable fuel infrastructure and expands funding for resiliency projects; and invests in recruiting, training, and retaining aviation workers from underserved communities. 

The legislation includes an amendment from Congresswoman Brown requiring air carriers to provide complimentary drinking water to passengers on all flights with a scheduled duration of one hour or more.  The Aerospace Medical Association recommends passengers drink approximately eight ounces of water per hour while on an airplane.

Congresswoman Brown also submitted an amendment to the FAA that would shield air carriers and passengers from legal prosecution for traveling over state lines to receive legal abortion care or gender-affirming services. This amendment was unfortunately rejected by the Republican-controlled House Committee on Rules. 

“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, and this legislation will help guarantee the continued longevity and success of the industry for both passengers and workers. FAA reauthorization makes air travel safer and more sustainable, bolsters consumer protections, and helps make our aviation workforce more diverse. Working toward those goals means ensuring that passengers remain healthy and hydrated on flights, which is why I am pleased that my amendment requiring passengers on all flights over an hour be offered complimentary water is included in this bill. I am proud to represent Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Ohio’s busiest airport and a tremendous economic and consumer asset for our region. As with any bipartisan compromise, no one got everything they wanted. Although there are many Democratic wins and priorities included in this legislation, there is still work to be done. The right to safe and efficient travel and strong workplace protections for employees will remain priorities for me in Congress,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.