Troy Nehls Takes Helm of House Aviation Subcommittee

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) selected Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) to chair its aviation subcommittee. In that role, Nehls succeeds former Rep. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana), who retired at the end of his congressional term last year.

A former law enforcement officer, Nehls has served in Congress since 2021. During that time, he has become involved in aviation issues, including introducing the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act to raise the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots to 67.

In the upcoming session, Nehls will steer new aviation policy and oversee the implementation of the many measures of the FAA reauthorization bill that was passed last year.

“As chairman, I will ensure the FAA implements the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 effectively and efficiently and dig deeper into aviation issues. At such a critical time for our nation’s aviation industry, I look forward to working with [T&I] Chairman [Sam] Graves and my colleagues to advance policies that promote safety and improve efficiency within America’s aviation industry,” Nehls said.

Graves (R-Missouri) called Nehls “a proven leader on many of the issues before our committee” and reiterated plans to work together to ensure the bill is implemented as Congress intended.

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) also called Nehls an experienced leader and safety advocate. “Throughout the reauthorization process and as a member of the aviation subcommittee, Chairman Nelhs demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for supporting small community air service through a safe and strong regional airline workforce,” said RAA president and CEO Faye Malarkey Black.