On October 31, 2013, after outcry from media outlets, including heavy criticism [REF] from Nick Bilton of The New York Times,[REF] the FAA announced it will allow airlines to expand the passengers use of portable electronic devices during all phases of flight, but mobile phone calls will still be prohibited.
The 2016 extension (set to expire itself in September 2017) left out a provision pushed Republican House leadership, including House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA).