{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/02/13/budd-welch-lujan-curtis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-next-generation-of-aviation/", "Budd, Welch,\u00a0Luj\u00e1n, Curtis\u00a0Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Next Generation of Aviation", "2026-02-13", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), and John Curtis (R-Utah) in introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act to streamline the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. This bipartisan legislation sets timelines and standards for FAA\u2019s certification process to prevent gridlock and provide clarity to industry applicants without compromising air safety. This bill will bring transparency to FAA certification, helpAmerican AAM companies succeed, and cement the United States\u2019 role as a global leader in aviation.\n\n\u201cInnovative aircraft like eVTOLs promise to revolutionize America\u2019s aviation system, but the certification process for new entrants to our airspace lacks clarity and efficiency, delaying next-generation advanced air mobility development. I am pleased to join Sen. Welch, Rep. Nehls, and our colleagues to introduce legislation that will ensure the FAA prioritizes timely certification of novel aircraft, allowing manufacturers to focus their efforts on developing their groundbreaking technology, not bureaucratic hurdles,\u201d said Senator Budd.\n\n\u201cBuilding on generations of leadership in aviation, American companies are spearheading electric aircraft innovation. That includes companies like Vermont\u2019s Beta Technologies, which completed its historic, first-ever electric flight last year in South Burlington. Streamlining FAA certification processes and creating more transparency for emerging AAM companies like Beta is critical to chipping away at gridlock to keep up with our allies. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation that will bolster the United States\u2019 storied legacy of global leadership in aviation\u2014and support American and ingenuity and American jobs,\u201d said Senator Welch.\n\n\u201cAmerican innovators are shaping the future of flight, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace with that innovation. This bipartisan bill brings greater clarity and accountability to the FAA certification process, helping Advanced Air Mobility companies compete, grow, and keep the United States at the forefront of the next generation of flight. I\u2019m proud to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan effort to help American companies compete and succeed,\u201d said Senator Curtis.\n\nU.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined as original co-sponsors of the legislation.\n\nU.S. Representatives Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas-22), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19), and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is endorsed by: Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Airports Council International \u2013 North America (ACI-NA), Archer Aviation, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Beta Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Joby Aviation, and Wisk Aero.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAAM technology is a novel set of technologies that will enable innovative aircraft to integrate into our airspace system. Emerging U.S.-based AAM companies are also paving the way for new and innovative electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Supporting the United States\u2019 continued leadership in AAM technology development will boost economic growth in American communities across the country.\n\nSpecifically, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act:\n\n\u2022 Streamlines FAA certification review standards by establishing set timelines for the Agency to respond to petitions for exemptions of aircraft type, and to develop means of compliance for aircraft outside of the existing types of AAM aircraft.\n\n\u2022 Updates delegation guidance for type certification to cover new and novel technologies, including eVTOL aircraft.\n\n\u2022 Directs the FAA to establish specific criteria to be used to support innovation in aviation and the development of new and novel technologies and ensure continued U.S. global leadership in aviation.\n\n\u2022 Directs the FAA to report to the relevant congressional committees on the status of implementing the certification regulations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/02/13/budd-welch-lujan-curtis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-next-generation-of-aviation/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.0758116841316223, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}