CAPITO, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE AIRLINES ARE PREPARED FOR EXTREME WEATHER

Press Release

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), all members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, introduced legislation today that would require the U.S. Comptroller General to investigate airlines on their capacity to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events and natural disasters following a series of mass cancellations over the holiday season due to extreme weather. The legislation, known as the Airline Operational Resiliency Act, would further ensure Congress can better understand airlines' operational investments, staffing levels and safety policies, mitigation strategies, other resiliency planning, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s role in overseeing air traffic operations during extreme weather.

"After a major winter storm caused thousands of flight cancellations over the holidays, it's important that we have the necessary information on how air carriers prepare for extreme weather and how the FAA works with them through these storms. The Airline Operational Resiliency Act will help accomplish this goal, and contribute to a more efficient aviation sector," Senator Capito said.

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