US Representative Bill Posey (R-FL) introduced legislation to liberalize air-travel regulations for lap held children.
Currently, children under two years of age are permitted to fly while held by their caretakers. Otherwise, they must fly in lap held child restraint systems (CRS) in their own independent seat.
According to the FAA, using a CRS is safer than simply holding an infant during a flight.
Additionally, a 2019 National Institutes of Health study found that “unrestrained lap children are prone to in-flight injuries, particularly during meal service or turbulence.”
However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates which CRS are allowed on airplanes.
Consequently, FAA regulations can diminish caretakers’ CRS options when considering to fly with infants.
Representative Posey’s bill would require the FAA to adopt novel regulations that would allow for expanded use of CRS.
Posey has been actively involved with FAA regulations, and last month passed through the House a prohibition on FAA-China collaboration.
The bill aims to prevent Communist China from benefiting from FAA research and development programs.
“The CCP has been successful at portraying itself as a benevolent and benign presence in the world community,” said Posey. “In reality, China is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. China views all of its entities through a military lens and works quietly to gain influence all over the world.”
Posey is set to retire in November after serving publicly for over thirty years.
Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) is expected to succeed Posey, who endorsed the former prior to announcing his retirement.
