Air safety, passenger rights bill hits dead end in Senate

By JIM ABRAMS – 23 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Major legislation to make the flying skies safer and more passenger-friendly faltered in the Senate Tuesday, a victim of squabbles between the parties.

The Senate stopped debate on legislation to fund and overhaul the nation's aviation system after most Republicans, saying they were barred from freely offering amendments, joined to block an effort to move the bill forward. The vote was 49-42 to proceed with the Aviation Investment and Modernization Act, 11 short of the 60 needed.

That vote could doom action on the legislation this year. It came despite wide bipartisan support for the main goals of the bill, which are to modernize the nation's antiquated air traffic control system, make the Federal Aviation Administration more accountable for the safety of planes and airports, and protect passengers from the miseries associated with lengthy delays. [Full Article]