House passes aviation bill, targets safety rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed a sweeping aviation bill that targets safety and labor rules opposed by industry.

The Republican-drafted bill was approved today by a 223 to 196 vote, mostly along party lines.

It provides a blueprint for Federal Aviation Administration programs for the next 3 1/2 years while cutting the agency’s budget by about $4 billion.

It also contains a provision that could thwart proposed new safety regulations, including one that would prevent tired pilots from flying.

The White House has threatened to veto the bill if the spending cuts and a provision that would roll back a new rule making it easier for airline and railroad workers to organize a union are retained.