Families of the victims of Flight 3407 joined lawmakers as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a mark-up session for the FAA Reauthorization Bill.

Lawmakers say the bill will improve aviation safety, infrastructure, and FAA efficiency. But victims’ families have concerns.

They are worried the bill will weaken the First Officer pilot qualifications, which were established in the last Reauthorization Act, which was passed more than a decade ago.

"We are just beginning to examine components of the nearly 800-page bill," Rep. Brian Higgins said. "We have some initial concerns about changes to how flight training hours are completed and calculated. While we are pleased that the bill retains the 1,500 hour training requirement as we fought hard to protect, the provision that allows 150 hours of the 1,500-hour rule to be completed virtually in a flight simulator, is a significant departure from long-standing precedent and should be struck from the bill entirely. We hope the legislative process allows for thoughtful dialogue on the best way to continue and strengthen the incredible track record of flight safety achieved following the crash of Flight 3407."

Many regional airlines have been lobbying lawmakers to weaken those qualifications as they argue there is a shortage of pilots that needs to be filled.