Senate Returns Ahead of FAA Reauthorization Debate

Congress is back in session today as House and Senate transportation leaders look to push through a final compromise version of a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through 2028. Procedural votes on the FAA Reauthorization Act are expected during tomorrow’s session as leadership looks to reach a “time agreement” to speed up consideration. However, lingering aviation policy disagreements are likely to be relitigated on the Senate floor before final passage, particularly around a provision to add additional perimeter slots at DCA. Some lawmakers — including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — have also been pushing for the inclusion of banking and financial services-related provisions on cannabis banking, stablecoins, and more, but these efforts have not been embraced by the authors of the final FAA bill. Congress must reauthorize the FAA by Friday, May 10 to avoid a lapse in agency operations.

• Today in Congress. The House will gavel in to consider a slate of GOP-sponsored bills out of the Natural Resources Committee that seek to implement a series of regulatory changes regarding the use of public lands, reinstating mining leases, and gray wolf protections. Meanwhile, the Senate will resume consideration of pending judicial nominations.