Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Bill Proposes Ban on In-Flight Phone Calls to Enhance Safety

House Bill Proposes Ban on In-Flight Phone Calls to Enhance Safety

A bill introduced in the House of Representatives aims to ban phone and video calls on airplanes, a move supported by former flight attendants who argue it would improve safety and reduce disruptions. The bill, known as the Quiet Skies Act, is backed by both Democratic and Republican representatives and seeks to mandate the Federal Aviation Administration to implement the ban within 180 days. This legislative effort comes as WiFi access on flights becomes more common, raising concerns about potential disturbances caused by loud phone conversations. While some airlines already prohibit in-flight calls, the bill would create a uniform policy across all carriers, potentially reducing conflicts between passengers and flight attendants.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Severe Storms Cause Over 2,000 Flight Cancellations Across U.S. East Coast

Severe Storms Cause Over 2,000 Flight Cancellations Across U.S. East Coast

Severe thunderstorms have caused significant disruptions in air travel across the U.S. East Coast, leading to the cancellation of over 2,000 flights and delays for more than 5,000 others. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground stops at major airports, including those in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. The storms also prompted flood warnings and tornado watches, with tornadoes reported in northeast Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. Airlines such as JetBlue and United Airlines have offered flexible rebooking options for affected passengers.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress Moves to Ban In-Flight Phone Calls with Quiet Skies Act

Congress Moves to Ban In-Flight Phone Calls with Quiet Skies Act

A bipartisan group of U.S. House members has reintroduced the Quiet Skies Act, aiming to permanently ban voice calls on commercial flights. Currently, in-flight phone calls are not prohibited by federal law but are banned by individual airline policies. The proposed legislation seeks to formalize this ban, requiring regulators to finalize it within 180 days of the bill's passage. The move comes as airlines are upgrading to high-speed satellite WiFi systems capable of supporting phone and video calls, raising concerns about cabin noise and passenger comfort.
Trendline Trendline
FAA Initiates Bell 525 System Integration Lab Trials to Advance Helicopter Certification

FAA Initiates Bell 525 System Integration Lab Trials to Advance Helicopter Certification

FAA Initiates Bell 525 System Integration Lab Trials to Advance Helicopter Certification
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider a continuing resolution (CR) this week to extend funding for federal programs until December 4. This measure is intended to prevent a government shutdown as Congress has not finalized the fiscal year 2027 spending bills. The CR would maintain funding at current levels, allowing more time for negotiations. House Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, are awaiting a list of 'anomalies' from the White House, which would identify programs needing short-term funding boosts. The Senate is also preparing a CR, with ongoing debates over spending priorities, particularly between defense and non-defense allocations.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Department of Transportation Utilizes AI to Expedite Modernization Efforts, Impacting Air Traffic Control

Department of Transportation Utilizes AI to Expedite Modernization Efforts, Impacting Air Traffic Control

The Department of Transportation is significantly increasing its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize its operations, as stated by Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury. This initiative has notably reduced software production timelines from 18 months to 18 weeks. The modernization efforts are part of a broader strategy to update the nation's air traffic control system, a multi-billion dollar project announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in May 2025. The project includes a modernized flight management system and updated ground radar systems at all U.S. airports. Congress has approved $12.5 billion for this effort, but additional funding is needed to complete it by the end of President Trump's second term.
Reuters Reuters
Emirates' Clark uses Farnborough to air industry frustrations over jets, engines

Emirates' Clark uses Farnborough to air industry frustrations over jets, engines

By Joanna Plucinska and Maria Rugamer FARNBOROUGH, July 21 (Reuters) - Emirates expects Boeing's 777-9 aircraft to be delivered in the second quarter of next year, the airline's President Tim Clark told journalists on Tuesday at one of the world's largest aerospace events, as the delayed widebody
Trendline Trendline
Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House

Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House

Federal Procurement Modernization Bill Passes House
Reuters Reuters
FAA chief vows fast time-table to reform US air traffic control systems

FAA chief vows fast time-table to reform US air traffic control systems

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, July 17 (Reuters) - The head of the Federal Aviation Administration says the agency needs another $10 billion from Congress to reform the antiquated U.S. air traffic control system as policymakers prepare for traffic to double in the next two decades.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

House Bill Led by Clay Higgins and Troy Carter Advances to Floor Vote for Food Safety

A bipartisan legislative effort led by Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) is advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R. 2715, aims to enhance the U.S. food safety system by granting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to destroy imported food products that pose significant public health risks. This measure seeks to close a loophole that currently allows exporters to redirect dangerous imports to other ports, potentially re-entering the U.S. market. The bill is scheduled for a vote under the House's suspension of the rules procedure, which is reserved for non-controversial bills and requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The Southern Shrimp Alliance, a key supporter, highlights the FDA's ongoing challenges with imported food products containing banned substances.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress Targets Organized Retail Crime with New Legislation

Congress Targets Organized Retail Crime with New Legislation

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025, which aims to address the growing issue of organized retail crime involving illegally obtained goods. This legislation seeks to create a coordinated federal response to such crimes and expand federal money-laundering laws to include offenses involving prepaid cards and gift certificates. The act comes in response to a rise in sophisticated retail crime schemes, including the use of stolen card data loaded into phone wallets for fraudulent purchases. Law enforcement officials estimate that these organized crime groups may be generating up to $1 billion annually through such activities.
Reuters Reuters
Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

By David Shepardson FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20 (Reuters) - A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week to make daylight saving time permanent will face a tough fight in the Senate to win approval, a lawmaker said Monday.