Later this afternoon, the House is expected to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act, HR 4, to reauthorize programs of the FAA for another six years. Leading up to the vote, the House Rules Committee received over 200 proposed amendments to the FAA Reauthorization Act. Among the amendments considered was a proposal by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-California) that would revoke authorization for the Essential Air Service program that subsidizes commercial routes to small, rural airports. McClintock’s amendment was voted down on the House Floor Friday morning.

In the wake of last week’s Southwest airlines accident, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) added an amendment that compels the FAA to study engine safety and examine “regulations, guidance, and directives” for engine design, production, operation and maintenance.

The FAA Reauthorization Act would provide long-term authorization for the FAA for the first time since 2015. Congress passed five subsequent extensions, including one attached to the fiscal 2018 omnibus spending bill that expires Sept. 30. The long-term certainty led business and labor groups to support the bill. Chairman Shuster touted that aspect as well.

HR 4 will include $5.3 billion for a new airport grant program from Fiscal Year 2019 through Fiscal Year 2023. In addition to new landing strips the funding is eligible for projects to improve runways and airfields, similar to the Airport Improvement Program.