Cole Applauds House Passage of FAA Reauthorization Critical to OK-04

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and federal aviation programs for five years. Cole supported the legislation.

“This FAA reauthorization takes clear steps to modernize a delayed and strained air traffic control system and ensure it can meet current industry demands through innovation and research, new protections for passengers and strengthening the aviation workforce,” said Cole. “This bill is also of particular importance to Oklahoma and the Fourth Congressional District’s economy and role in training the next generation of FAA-certified air traffic controllers.

“Not only does this benefit the three contract air traffic control towers in the Fourth District in Lawton, Ardmore and Norman, protecting good jobs at these sites, it does so as well as for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, home of the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City, the only air traffic controller training center in the country. Indeed, our national aviation industry cannot exist without this center and its continuation is essential. This legislation is important to Oklahoma and the entire country’s aviation industry, and I was certainly proud to support it.”

Earlier this week, Cole delivered remarks during the Rules Committee’s consideration of H.R. 3935. Video here and transcript here.

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