Congressman Michael R. Turner - FAA reauthorization bans airlines from bumping passengers

On April 27, 2018 the House passed, with my support, a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA Reauthorization Act (HR 4) contains a number of protections to ensure a better, safer flying experience for airline passengers, including banning the use of e-cigarettes* and cellphone voice calls during a flight. It also includes a provision similar to a bill I authored called the Hands Off Passengers (HOP) Act (HR 2349). This provision would prohibit airlines from involuntarily bumping a ticketed passenger from a flight after they have boarded.** As a frequent traveler, I understand the frustration of passengers who have been involuntarily bumped on an overbooked flight.

This legislation reauthorizes the FAA through 2023, invests in airports around the country, provides stability for our aviation community, and improves America’s competitiveness is the global aviation industry. It also includes key reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will help communities across the country better prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes and other natural disasters. It does not include any provisions to privatize the air traffic control system, a plan that was sponsored by Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA), the outgoing chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The House passed the FAA Reauthorization Act by a vote of 393–13. I look forward to seeing the Senate pass this bipartisan legislation so it can be signed into law by the President.

* As a user of eCigs, I fail to see how this makes anyone "safer".

** But airlines can still deliberately overbook and you can still be bumped from a flight.

Editor's note: Congressman Mike Turner is now serving his 8th term in Congress and seeking re-election. After serving 16 years, Turner is a career politician. While he has an A rating from the NRA and the NRA endorsement, it is only because of his past voting record. Both of his primary challengers, John Mitchel and John Anderson, also have NRA A ratings.

John Mitchel has the primary endorsement of this publication.  It's time to replace Turner.