Release #: 16.04
February 11, 2016

ALPA Statement on FAA Reauthorization Markup by House Transportation Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee completed the markup of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 4441), including the inclusion of an amendment that would mandate secondary barriers on all new commercial aircraft.

“We are pleased the Committee passed an amendment offered by Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) that would require installation of secondary cockpit barriers on all new commercial passenger aircraft. ALPA has long been a strong advocate for this reasonable security protocol, which is an effective, inexpensive way to protect passengers, crew, and aircraft during flight when the cockpit door must be opened.

“We are disappointed, however, that the DeFazio amendment to allow the Department of Transportation to fully regulate lithium batteries as Dangerous Goods when shipped as cargo was not adopted. Lithium batteries shipped as cargo present a known, well-documented risk. We continue to believe that Congress has a responsibility to ensure air travel is as safe as possible.

“ALPA reiterates our longstanding commitment to working with industry stakeholders and Members of Congress to ensure that the United States continues to be a leader in aviation safety and in moving an FAA reauthorization bill that improves safety and provides long-term, reliable funding.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 52,000 pilots at 30 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org