The future of aviation.
Indianapolis is home to one of the best airports in the world. Every day, the aviation industry serves our community and communities across the country. It creates jobs. It boosts our economy. And it allows more people to visit our world class city.
I’m proud to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation to ensure American skies are the safest in the world and improve this vital industry serving my district. I’m also proud to lead provisions in the FAA Reauthorization bill passed this week that will speed up installation of new safety devices. My Secondary Cockpit Barriers provisions will help keep crews and passengers safe. Especially as airplane safety problems have made national headlines, it’s more important than ever to put people’s safety over profits.
Here's a rundown of my provisions in the bill, plus some other key parts of this bill I supported:
Safety Measures:
Nearly 23 years after 9/11, passenger planes will be required to have Secondary Cockpit Barriers, which will help prevent planes from being hijacked. I’ve worked on this issue for years. These provisions were first enacted in 2018, and even though they are supported by pilots and flight attendants, unfortunately, corporate opposition has meant that not a single barrier has been installed yet. So I’m pleased to see my provisions included to speed up the installation of Secondary Cockpit Barriers on all commercial flights as soon as possible. The FAA Reauthorization bill also includes several additional safety provisions for crew and passengers alike – including preventing assault of airline personnel, improving emergency medical kits, and ensuring foreign aircraft repair stations are held to the same standards as U.S. repair stations.
Consumer Protections:
The FAA Reauthorization of 2024 requires airlines to refund passengers with nonrefundable flights when their flight is cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed if they choose not to fly on the delayed or changed flight. Many of us have been in that situation – and for too long, airlines have been able to take your hard-earned money even when they fail to deliver on their promises. The FAA Reauthorization will establish regulations to ensure you can sit next to your young child on flights – at no additional cost. In addition, the bill improves accessibility for passengers flying with disabilities, including protecting wheelchairs from improper handling,
Strengthening and Diversifying the U.S. Aviation Workforce:
A diverse workforce is a strong workforce. That’s why the FAA Reauthorization includes increased funding to aviation workforce development grants, setting aside 20 percent of those funds to support outreach and educational opportunities in low-income communities. We need to strengthen the talent pipeline of pilots, aviation maintenance technical workers, and aviation manufacturing workers. The FAA Reauthorization also creates the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee to advise on the recruitment, retention, education, and treatment of women in U.S. aviation.
You can learn more about how the FAA Reauthorization of 2024 strengthens the aviation industry here.
Happy Anniversary to Head Start!
This Saturday, Head Start celebrates its 59th anniversary. Millions of Americans have benefited from Head Start and Early Head Start – including me. These programs are free and federally funded, designed to promote school readiness for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from families that meet income eligibility requirements. These programs help families receive free high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services. These programs have been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and stability for families across the nation. As a Head Start alum, I know the positive impact these programs can have on a child’s life. I’m proud to continue supporting full funding for this crucial initiative.
Success Story of the Week:
“Upon realizing my passport was expired, I paid to expedite my new passport 6 months before my trip to be safe. Two months later, I received a letter from the passport office that my check and application were received but not my old passport. After a few back and forth failed attempts with the passport office, I reached out to Congressman Carson’s office and was helped right away by Kathy Downey. She was so helpful and responsive, and I got my passport 3 weeks later! The service from Congressman Carson’s office was so prompt and efficient. I truly would be at a loss without them.”
--Indianapolis Resident
Team Carson is Here to Serve:
Did you know that in 2023, my office responded to over 70,000 of your messages and brought $1.5 MILLION directly back to Indianapolis families? Team Carson is here to serve you – get in touch to find out how we can help you navigate a federal agency, access government benefits, or recognize a community member’s milestone.
For updates throughout the week, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Friend,
André