Congress Passes FAA Authority Extension to Narrowly Avert Lapse

Legislation to extend federal aviation programs through Dec. 31 is headed to President Joe Biden’s desk, all but assuring a lapse will be averted as long-term reauthorization remains tied up in disagreement over pilot training.

A measure, which was tucked into a broader stopgap bill (H.R. 5860) to keep the government funded, will extend the FAA’s authority through the end of the year upon Biden’s expected signature. The legislation passed both chambers on Saturday, just hours before its expiration. The bill’s enactment will narrowly avert a lapse that would have led the agency to lose about $54 million ...