Washington, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16), and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) voted against the FAA Reauthorization yesterday because the package did not sufficiently address airplane noise. The three members had introduced amendments that were not included in the final bill. They will introduce those amendments as stand-alone legislation in the coming weeks.

“I’m proud to join two of my Bay Area colleagues in voting against the FAA reauthorization,” said Rep. Mullin. “While I support key sections of the bill, our vote sends a strong, unified message to the FAA that it must do more to address the issue of airplane noise. This is a health and safety issue for many of my constituents who live and work near SFO. Research has shown that constant exposure to loud noise has severe impacts on sleep, hearing, and long-term health. We plan on introducing legislation soon to prioritize airport noise mitigation and to ensure that the FAA is accountable to Congress and to our communities.”

“I’m proud to stand with Representatives Mullin and Panetta in voting against the FAA reauthorization bill this week. Among the many provisions of the bill, one highly important element is missing – a meaningful way to address aircraft noise in our communities,” said Rep. Eshoo. “Despite my years-long advocacy and that of so many constituents and local governments, the FAA has failed to address the issue, and this legislation does nothing to change that. I will continue to work with my Bay Area colleagues to hold the FAA accountable for reducing airplane noise that continues to impact the quality of life for so many of my constituents.”

“There are people who live in certain areas of our districts that have had their lives disrupted by jet noise due to the changes made to air routes years ago,” said Rep. Panetta. “Despite their legitimate complaints, our constituents’ concerns continue to be ignored by the FAA. That is why my Congressional colleagues and I authored and introduced legislation to ensure quieter skies and greater transparency at the FAA. Moreover, we fought to have those bills amended to the reauthorization bill for the FAA, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. However, the Republican majority did not include our amendments in that bill and the final version failed to sufficiently address our constituents’ concerns on jet noise. Although it is an important piece of legislation for aviation, I could not support the bill due to this glaring omission. Nevertheless, my colleagues and I will continue working alongside the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus in our fight to get the FAA to respond appropriately and alleviate our constituents’ concerns.”

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