WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) announced the formation of the CPC Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Task Force. The task force, chaired by Representative García, member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, also includes Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Hank Johnson (GA-04), and Grace Meng (NY-06).
The task force will advocate for FAA policies rooted in equity, sustainability, and fairness for all, including increasing the pay of airport service workers, cracking down on junk fees and cancellations, foster competition among airlines, ensuring fair retirements for pilots and other air personnel, increasing consumer options and lowering fares, and adopting emissions- and noise-reducing measures in the industry to fight climate change and protect public health. In addition, the group will host discussions on policies that strengthen the workforce, expand consumer protections, and tackle corporate greed in the aviation industry.
“Recent years have underscored the urgent need for reform in our national air travel industry, and the FAA reauthorization is our chance to implement that reform,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “The CPC, under the leadership of Rep. García and this new task force, plans to take full advantage of this opportunity to improve conditions and wages for workers, bring down costs and barriers for consumers, and hold the airlines accountable for misconduct. We look forward to bringing that experience and commitment to the final version of the FAA reauthorization.”
“As the busy summer travel season is underway, the challenges our aviation system faces are more evident. We have staffing challenges, essential airport workers need better wages and benefits, and consumers need better protections,” said Rep. García. “Our task force is committed to build a fairer, more resilient aviation system for workers and consumers alike.”
The task force looks forward to pushing provisions on workforce development, consumer protections, and environmental protections as the final FAA reauthorization makes its way through the legislative process.
