Pressler prominent force in the Senate on transportation legislation.

Pressler was a prominent force in the Senate on transportation legislation -- whether on land or in the air. He Authored the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 1996, which was passed by Congress and enacted by the president, is the first major procurement reform measure to assist the FAA in streamlining and modernizing its systems for a safer, more reliable air traffic control system. This law also permits the deployment of explosive detection technology as expeditiously as possible, and implements new procedures to assist family members in obtaining accurate information after a plane crash.

Recognizing the need to reform government while keeping those functions that continue to serve the vital interests of commerce and consumers, Pressler authored a law to abolish outdated and burdensome regulatory requirements and restrictions on the surface transportation industries. This law, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) Termination Act, preserves protections for shippers, while at the same time unburdens surface transportation industries from unnecessary regulations.

One of Pressler's major accomplishments, achieved on the bully pulpit of speeches, letters, and hearings on the need for open skies internationally, was the U.S./Germany open skies agreement. In the words of German Aviation Minister, Matthias Wissman, in a letter to Pressler, "I want to express my sincere gratitude for your steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to a fully liberalized aviation relationship between the U.S. and Germany. You were a cornerstone in the political process in this development."