DC Update: Short Work Week in the Capital

A weekly report on government actions that could affect the remote-production industry

It was a short work week for lawmakers, with many at home for a district work period and to celebrate the Fourth of July. But there were still a few government actions that may affect remote production.

Last week, the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee marked up their respective FAA-reauthorization bills. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) offered an amendment to make cargo airlines follow the same crew rest and duty rules as passenger airlines, but the amendment did not make it into the final version of the bill. Furthermore, the House and Senate bills are reportedly dramatically different — especially on air-traffic–control overhaul — setting up a possible showdown when the bills make it off the floor in their respective chambers.

Laptops are no longer banned on Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi.

Over the weekend, the Department of Homeland Security lifted its ban on large electronic devices in passenger cabins for Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi. According to DHS, Etihad and Abu Dhabi International Airport implemented enhanced security measures that obviate the laptop ban. Other airlines are meeting with U.S. officials this week to discuss heightened security measures and possible relief from the ban.

Thursday marked the 87-day countdown until DOT appropriations run out and FAA reauthorization expires. Highway and transit policy is up for renewal in 1,183 days.

Lawmakers will be back in Washington next week, and, once the timeline for the healthcare bill is released, there will be more clarity on when they will address more issues affecting the remote-production industry, such as the infrastructure package. Watch for next week’s DC Update.