Washington
, DC
–
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today expressed his strong disappointment after Senate Republicans blocked consideration of the

FAA Modernization and Improvements Act
, which provides a five-year reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration.

“As demand for commercial flights grows each year, it will be next to impossible to maintain the highest safety standards in the world with outdated technology guiding these airplanes through the skies. Any driver with GPS navigation has greater technology at his or her fingertips than today’s air traffic controllers.

“Our aviation system does much more than provide flights for millions of Americans. Aviation provides jobs and fuels our economy.
  By blocking this bill, Republicans are placing our economy at further risk.
  In Maryland, BWI-Marshall provides nearly 100,000 jobs and $5.1 billion in business revenue for the State. General aviation airports add an additional 6,797 jobs and business revenue in excess of $501 million.

“I am grateful that the Congress previously passed a one-year extension to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program that will reinstate commercial passenger flights at Hagerstown Regional Airport while we continue work on a full five-year FAA reauthorization plan.”