Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that he secured a major victory for South Jersey by ensuring that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center will be permanently located in South Jersey. The 2023 FAA Reauthorization bill advanced through the Transportation and Infrastructure committee and the next step is passing through the House and Senate before going to the president's desk, but the proposed legislation is positioned well to be signed into law.

"For the past two years I have been working tirelessly to secure language in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization that guarantees our Technical Center and the thousands of jobs it provides remain permanently located in South Jersey, and I am extremely proud to announce that this language was secured in the bill," said Congressman Van Drew. "This is historic for South Jersey. With the Technical Center remaining permanent, South Jersey will continue to provide major advancements in the aviation sector for not only our region, but also for the entire United States. 

"The bill also includes a shuttle program between our region's two major airports. I worked closely with the Atlantic City International Airport and the Philadelphia International Airport to expand the shuttle program between the two airports to ease the travel burdens in South Jersey. Not only does this program improve connectivity, but it will also generate tens of thousands of dollars in new revenues for both locations. 

"In addition to these huge victories, I secured an amendment in the FAA bill to improve accommodations for those with disabilities on airlines and will also be introducing legislation to expand these accommodations. I will be working with my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure committee to ensure that my legislation will be included in the final version of the FAA Reauthorization. The United States Senate also adopted my proposal for an Office of Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation into their 2023 FAA Reauthorization which will allow us to compete with China in this critical sector and grow the U.S. economy."

BACKGROUND:

The Disability Rights Legislation requires:

• Airlines provide clear information on how passengers can request a wheelchair for air travel; 
• Airline staff be trained on how to work with individuals with disabilities; 
• Civil penalties if an airline mishandles someone's wheelchair and damages it.

The Disability Rights Amendment: 

• Ensures aircraft design is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair boarding and deplaning; and 
• Enhances the training standards for airline staff in assisting individuals with disabilities to transition between their wheelchairs and their seats. 

Atlantic City-Philadelphia Airport Shuttle Program:

• Includes the Motorcoach Enplanement Pilot Program; 
• Expands the behind-the-fence "Landline" shuttle program between Atlantic City International Airport and the Philadelphia International Airport; 
• Generates new revenues for both airports from airline fees and government formula programs. 

FAA Organizational Reform: 

• Helps us compete with China; 
• Helps grow our economy by leading the integration of new technology, including drones and advanced air mobility into the national airspace.