Congresswoman Schrier Secures Program for Veterans in FAA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D (WA-08) voted for the FAA Reauthorization Act, which included her bill, H.R.3128, the American Aviator Act, to authorize competitive grants supporting flight-training services to Veterans. The House passed the package on suspension by a final vote of 387-26.

The American Aviator Act gives Veterans special benefits as they pursue careers in aviation, including recruitment and financial assistance. These are critical in a field of study that is typically much more expensive than a typical university education. 

This bipartisan legislation is important for Washington State and for the country, as reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is essential to keep air travel running and our airplanes and airports safe. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill establishes a pilot program at the FAA to authorize competitive grants supporting flight-training services to Veterans who are not already military pilots. Flight-training schools that have established pathways to employment with commercial air carriers are eligible for federal grants to recruit and enroll Veterans for flight training. Grant funding may be used for case management and flight-training services, including any additional training required to reach proficiency. Grants may also be used to provide training materials, equipment, and tuition to cover the cost of a private pilot license.

“Throughout my time in Congress, taking care of our Veterans has remained a top priority. Our Veterans dedicated themselves to serving our country, and it is our responsibility to be there for them when they return home,” said Rep. Schrier. “That includes supporting their transition into new careers, and is why I introduced this legislation. The military is, for many, a natural path to a career in aerospace. For those who don't get flight training in the military, the American Aviator Act supports Veterans who want to train to become pilots and helps them financially pursue this career path. I'm thrilled that provisions of my bill made it into this very important FAA reauthorization. It is one more way I'm going to bat for our nation's Veterans."

A number of Representative Schrier’s priorities were also included in the FAA Reauthorization Act, including:

• Increased Airport Improvement Program funding and flexibility of funds.
• Support for pilot education and recruitment, aviation maintenance technical workers, aviation manufacturing workers, and aerospace engineers by extending and increasing funding for Aviation Workforce Development Grants.
• Support for the FAA’s Minority Serving Institutions Intern Program.
• Improved customer experience for the hearing impaired.
• Expedited development, acquisition, and deployment for airspace integration for space launch and reentry.
• Increased funding for the Federal Contract Air Traffic Control Tower Program.
• PFAS remediation.