The Legislative Branch of the Federal Government oversees the aviation industry by passing laws, originating spending bills, impeaching officials, and approving treaties. They are also involved in ruling on taxes and fees, passenger rights, labor and security. To better understand how our Congressional leadership can influence the policies of the aviation industry, here is a synopsis on how Congress was created and how it is made up, as well as a listing of the Congressional leadership in both the Senate and House committees who are responsible for developing and influencing policies and laws in the aviation industry.

Senate: The Senate was created by the 55 founding fathers to give equal weight to state representation, regardless of size. Senators were given a six year term to ensure stability, continuity, and throughful deliberation to the position. The size of the Senate was designed to encourage informal negotiations with briefer rules. All Senators are viewed as equals. Two requirements must be met to hold office: the Senator must be at least 30 years old and be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years. Today, there are 100 Senators representing 50 states.

House of Representatives: The House was created by teh 55 founding fathers to take into account population size. Each state is entitled to one representative and the population of a specific state determines each additional representative. Representatives serve a term of two years. Two requirements must be met to hold office: the U.S. Representative must be at least 25 years old and be a U.S. citizen for at least seven years. Today, there are 435 U.S. Representatives, representing 50 states.

Committees: Senate and House Committees were designed as information gathering entities to address topics that concern legislative issues, specific industries, or legislative oversight. Committees are also used to review the qualifications of presidential nominees. Committees conduct hearings, investigations, and draft bills and resolutions for possible consideration in Congress.

Subcommittees: Subcommittees were created in order to break down th work that the full committee is faced with. Today Congress has roughly 250 Committees and Subcommittees.

Committees Specific to Transportation:

The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is involved in issues relating to the airlines, of which the Aviation Subcommittee is a component.