After bumpy ride, Reid aims for smooth landing for aviation bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) filed cloture on the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill Tuesday evening, bringing the measure one important step closer to final passage.

The FAA bill has been pending in the upper chamber for more than two weeks in the new Congress as senators have attempted to alter it with dozens of amendments. The biggest controversy has been over how many flights are allowed in, and out, of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Now that Reid has filed cloture on the bill it must ripen for one day and one hour before the entire body can vote on whether to bring the bill into a 30-hour period of final debate prior to a vote on passage. In the preliminary vote, which could occur one hour after the Senate convenes on Thursday, the bill must clear a 60 vote threshold.

Earlier on Tuesday Reid said the bill would clear the Senate this week.

The Senate adjourned at 8:36 p.m. on Tuesday and is set to reconvene at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. At 11 a.m. the Senate will resume consideration of the aviation bill. Roll call votes are expected throughout the day.