[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3935 Engrossed Amendment Senate (EAS)]

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                  In the Senate of the United States,

                                                           May 9, 2024.
    Resolved, That the bill from the House of Representatives (H.R. 
3935) entitled ``An Act to amend title 49, United States Code, to 
reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other 
civil aviation programs, and for other purposes.'', do pass with the 
following

                               AMENDMENT:

             Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
      following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2024''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise compatibility 
                            planning and programs.
Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
Sec. 103. Operations.
Sec. 104. Extension of miscellaneous expiring authorities.

           TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

Sec. 201. FAA leadership.
Sec. 202. Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
                            Improvement.
Sec. 203. Prohibition on conflicting pecuniary interests.
Sec. 204. Authority of Secretary and Administrator.
Sec. 205. Regulatory materials improvement.
Sec. 206. Future of NextGen.
Sec. 207. Airspace Modernization Office.
Sec. 208. Application dashboard and feedback portal.
Sec. 209. Sense of Congress on FAA engagement during rulemaking 
                            activities.
Sec. 210. Civil Aeromedical Institute.
Sec. 211. Management Advisory Council.
Sec. 212. Chief Operating Officer.
Sec. 213. Report on unfunded capital investment needs of air traffic 
                            control system.
Sec. 214. Chief Technology Officer.
Sec. 215. Definition of air traffic control system.
Sec. 216. Peer review of Office of Whistleblower Protection and 
                            Aviation Safety Investigations.
Sec. 217. Cybersecurity lead.
Sec. 218. Eliminating FAA reporting and unnecessary requirements.
Sec. 219. Authority to use electronic service.
Sec. 220. Safety and efficiency through digitization of FAA systems.
Sec. 221. FAA telework.
Sec. 222. Review of office space.
Sec. 223. Restoration of authority.
Sec. 224. FAA participation in industry standards organizations.
Sec. 225. Sense of Congress on use of voluntary consensus standards.
Sec. 226. Required designation.
Sec. 227. Administrative Services Franchise Fund.
Sec. 228. Commercial preference.
Sec. 229. Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering 
                            Committee.
Sec. 230. Review and updates of categorical exclusions.
Sec. 231. Implementation of anti-terrorist and narcotic air events 
                            programs.

                TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 301. Helicopter air ambulance operations.
Sec. 302. Global aircraft maintenance safety improvements.
Sec. 303. ODA best practice sharing.
Sec. 304. Training of organization delegation authorization unit 
                            members.
Sec. 305. Clarification on safety management system information 
                            disclosure.
Sec. 306. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft 
                            Certification, Safety, and Accountability 
                            Act.
Sec. 307. Continued oversight of FAA compliance program.
Sec. 308. Scalability of safety management systems.
Sec. 309. Review of safety management system rulemaking.
Sec. 310. Independent study on future state of type certification 
                            processes.
Sec. 311. Use of advanced tools and high-risk flight testing in 
                            certifying aerospace products.
Sec. 312. Transport airplane and propulsion certification 
                            modernization.
Sec. 313. Fire protection standards.
Sec. 314. Risk model for production facility inspections.
Sec. 315. Review of FAA use of aviation safety data.
Sec. 316. Weather reporting systems study.
Sec. 317. GAO study on expansion of the FAA weather camera program.
Sec. 318. Audit on aviation safety in era of wireless connectivity.
Sec. 319. Safety data analysis for aircraft without transponders.
Sec. 320. Crash-resistant fuel systems in rotorcraft.
Sec. 321. Reducing turbulence-related injuries on part 121 aircraft 
                            operations.
Sec. 322. Study on radiation exposure.
Sec. 323. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins.
Sec. 324. Lithium-ion powered wheelchairs.
Sec. 325. National simulator program policies and guidance.
Sec. 326. Briefing on agricultural application approval timing.
Sec. 327. Sense of Congress regarding safety and security of aviation 
                            infrastructure.
Sec. 328. Restricted category aircraft maintenance and operations.
Sec. 329. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 330. Task Force on human factors in aviation safety.
Sec. 331. Update of FAA standards to allow distribution and use of 
                            certain restricted routes and terminal 
                            procedures.
Sec. 332. ASOS/AWOS service report dashboard.
Sec. 333. Helicopter safety.
Sec. 334. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into 
                            agency guidance material.
Sec. 335. Service difficulty reports.
Sec. 336. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers.
Sec. 337. Flight service stations.
Sec. 338. Tarmac operations monitoring study.
Sec. 339. Improved safety in rural areas.
Sec. 340. Study on FAA use of mandatory Equal Access to Justice Act 
                            waivers.
Sec. 341. Airport air safety.
Sec. 342. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
Sec. 343. Accountability and compliance.
Sec. 344. Changed product rule reform.
Sec. 345. Administrative authority for civil penalties.
Sec. 346. Study on airworthiness standards compliance.
Sec. 347. Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and 
                            surface safety risks.
Sec. 348. Improvements to Aviation Safety Information Analysis and 
                            Sharing Program.
Sec. 349. Instructions for continued airworthiness aviation rulemaking 
                            committee.
Sec. 350. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 351. Part 135 duty and rest.
Sec. 352. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.
Sec. 353. Ramp worker safety call to action.
Sec. 354. Voluntary reporting protections.
Sec. 355. Tower marking notice of proposed rulemaking.
Sec. 356. Promotion of civil aeronautics and safety of air commerce.
Sec. 357. Educational and professional development.
Sec. 358. Global aviation safety.
Sec. 359. Availability of personnel for inspections, site visits, and 
                            training.
Sec. 360. Wildfire suppression.
Sec. 361. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high 
                            altitude balloons.
Sec. 362. Cabin air safety.
Sec. 363. Commercial air tour and sport parachuting safety.
Sec. 364. Hawaii air noise and safety task force.
Sec. 365. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation.
Sec. 366. 25-hour cockpit voice recorder.
Sec. 367. Sense of Congress regarding mandated contents of onboard 
                            emergency medical kits.
Sec. 368. Passenger aircraft first aid and emergency medical kit 
                            equipment and training.
Sec. 369. International aviation safety assessment program.
Sec. 370. Whistleblower protection enforcement.
Sec. 371. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program 
                            violations.
Sec. 372. Enhanced qualification program for restricted airline 
                            transport pilot certificate.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

Sec. 391. Findings.
Sec. 392. Aerospace product safety.
Sec. 393. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, policy, and 
                            guidance.
Sec. 394. Securing aircraft avionics systems.
Sec. 395. Civil aviation cybersecurity rulemaking committee.
Sec. 396. GAO report on cybersecurity of commercial aviation avionics.

                     TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

Sec. 401. Repeal of duplicative or obsolete workforce programs.
Sec. 402. Civil airmen statistics.
Sec. 403. Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 404. FAA engagement and collaboration with HBCUs and MSIs.
Sec. 405. Airman knowledge testing working group.
Sec. 406. Airman Certification Standards.
Sec. 407. Airman's Medical Bill of Rights.
Sec. 408. Improved designee misconduct reporting process.
Sec. 409. Report on safe uniform options for certain aviation 
                            employees.
Sec. 410. Human factors professionals.
Sec. 411. Aeromedical innovation and modernization working group.
Sec. 412. Frontline manager workload study.
Sec. 413. Medical Portal Modernization Task Group.
Sec. 414. Study of high school aviation maintenance training programs.
Sec. 415. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training.
Sec. 416. Air traffic controller instructor recruitment, hiring, and 
                            retention.
Sec. 417. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based 
                            on assessment of job-relevant aptitudes.
Sec. 418. Pilot program to provide veterans with pilot training 
                            services.
Sec. 419. Providing non-Federal weather observer training to airport 
                            personnel.
Sec. 420. Prohibition of remote dispatching.
Sec. 421. Crewmember pumping guidance.
Sec. 422. GAO study and report on extent and effects of commercial 
                            aviation pilot shortage on regional/
                            commuter carriers.
Sec. 423. Report on implementation of recommendations of Federal 
                            Aviation Administration Youth Access to 
                            American Jobs in Aviation Task Force.
Sec. 424. Sense of Congress on improving unmanned aircraft system 
                            staffing at FAA.
Sec. 425. Joint aviation employment training working group.
Sec. 426. Military aviation maintenance technicians rule.
Sec. 427. Crewmember self-defense training.
Sec. 428. Direct-hire authority utilization.
Sec. 429. FAA Workforce review audit.
Sec. 430. Staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
Sec. 431. Safety-critical staffing.
Sec. 432. Deterring crewmember interference.
Sec. 433. Use of biographical assessments.
Sec. 434. Employee assault prevention and response plan standards and 
                            best practices.
Sec. 435. Formal policy on sexual assault and harassment on air 
                            carriers.
Sec. 436. Interference with security screening personnel.
Sec. 437. Air traffic control workforce staffing.
Sec. 438. Airport service workforce analysis.
Sec. 439. Federal Aviation Administration Academy and facility 
                            expansion plan.
Sec. 440. Improving Federal aviation workforce development programs.
Sec. 441. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

Sec. 501. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Sec. 502. Additional within and beyond perimeter slot exemptions at 
                            Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Sec. 503. Refunds.
Sec. 504. Know Your Rights posters.
Sec. 505. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers.
Sec. 506. Airline customer service dashboards.
Sec. 507. Increase in civil penalties.
Sec. 508. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
Sec. 509. Extension of aviation consumer advocate reporting 
                            requirement.
Sec. 510. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
Sec. 511. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 512. Reimbursement for incurred costs.
Sec. 513. Streamlining of offline ticket disclosures.
Sec. 514. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier 
                            industry.
Sec. 515. GAO study and report on the operational preparedness of air 
                            carriers for certain events.
Sec. 516. Family seating.
Sec. 517. Passenger experience advisory committee.
Sec. 518. Updating passenger information requirement regulations.
Sec. 519. Seat dimensions.
Sec. 520. Modernization of consumer complaint submissions.

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

Sec. 541. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.
Sec. 542. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use 
                            wheelchairs.
Sec. 543. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters.
Sec. 544. Mobility aids on board improve lives and empower all.
Sec. 545. Prioritizing accountability and accessibility for aviation 
                            consumers.
Sec. 546. Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 547. Equal accessibility to passenger portals.
Sec. 548. Aircraft access standards.
Sec. 549. Investigation of complaints.
Sec. 550. Removal of outdated references to passengers with 
                            disabilities.
Sec. 551. On-board wheelchairs in aircraft cabin.
Sec. 552. Aircraft accessibility.

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

Sec. 561. Essential air service reforms.
Sec. 562. Small community air service development grants.
Sec. 563. GAO study and report on the alternate essential air service 
                            pilot program.
Sec. 564. Essential air service in parts of Alaska.
Sec. 565. Essential air service community petition for review.
Sec. 566. Essential air service authorization.
Sec. 567. GAO study on costs of essential air service.
Sec. 568. Response time for applications to provide essential air 
                            service.
Sec. 569. GAO study on certain airport delays.
Sec. 570. Report on restoration of small community air service.

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Sec. 601. Instrument landing system installation.
Sec. 602. Navigation aids study.
Sec. 603. NextGen accountability review.
Sec. 604. Airspace access.
Sec. 605. FAA contract tower workforce audit.
Sec. 606. Air traffic control tower safety.
Sec. 607. Air traffic services data reports.
Sec. 608. Consideration of small hub control towers.
Sec. 609. Flight profile optimization.
Sec. 610. Extension of enhanced air traffic services pilot program.
Sec. 611. Federal contact tower wage determinations and positions.
Sec. 612. Briefing on radio communications coverage around mountainous 
                            terrain.
Sec. 613. Aeronautical mobile communications services.
Sec. 614. Delivery of clearance to pilots via internet protocol.
Sec. 615. Study on congested airspace.
Sec. 616. Briefing on LIT VORTAC project.
Sec. 617. Surface surveillance.
Sec. 618. Consideration of third-party services.
Sec. 619. NextGen programs.
Sec. 620. Contract Tower Program.
Sec. 621. Remote towers.
Sec. 622. Audit of legacy systems.
Sec. 623. Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study.
Sec. 624. Air traffic control tower replacement process report.
Sec. 625. Contract tower program safety enhancements.
Sec. 626. Sense of Congress on use of advanced surveillance in oceanic 
                            airspace.
Sec. 627. Low-altitude routes for vertical flight.
Sec. 628. Required consultation with National Parks Overflights 
                            Advisory Group.
Sec. 629. Upgrading and replacing aging air traffic systems.
Sec. 630. Airspace integration for space launch and reentry.
Sec. 631. Update to FAA order on airway planning standard.

             TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

Sec. 701. Development of airport plans.
Sec. 702. AIP definitions.
Sec. 703. Revenue diversion penalty enhancement.
Sec. 704. Extension of competitive access report requirement.
Sec. 705. Renewal of certain leases.
Sec. 706. Community use of airport land.
Sec. 707. Price adjustment provisions.
Sec. 708. Updating United States Government's share of project costs.
Sec. 709. Allowable project costs and letters of intent.
Sec. 710. Small airport letters of intent.
Sec. 711. Prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds 
                            to certain entities that have violated 
                            intellectual property rights of United 
                            States entities.
Sec. 712. Apportionments.
Sec. 713. PFC turnback reduction.
Sec. 714. Airport safety and resilient infrastructure discretionary 
                            program.
Sec. 715. Special carryover assumption rule.
Sec. 716. Small airport fund.
Sec. 717. Revision of discretionary categories.
Sec. 718. Discretionary fund for terminal development costs.
Sec. 719. Protecting general aviation airports from closure.
Sec. 720. State block grant program.
Sec. 721. Innovative financing techniques.
Sec. 722. Long-term management plans.
Sec. 723. Alternative project delivery.
Sec. 724. Nonmovement area surveillance surface display systems pilot 
                            program.
Sec. 725. Airport accessibility.
Sec. 726. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.
Sec. 727. Repeal of obsolete criminal provisions.
Sec. 728. Transfers of air traffic systems acquired with AIP funding.
Sec. 729. National priority system formulas.
Sec. 730. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 731. Extension of provision relating to airport access roads in 
                            remote locations.
Sec. 732. Populous counties without airports.
Sec. 733. AIP handbook update.
Sec. 734. GAO audit of airport financial reporting program.
Sec. 735. GAO study of onsite airport generation.
Sec. 736. Transportation demand management at airports.
Sec. 737. Coastal airports assessment.
Sec. 738. Airport investment partnership program.
Sec. 739. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified 
                            airports.
Sec. 740. Permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems.
Sec. 741. Secondary runways.
Sec. 742. Increasing energy efficiency of airports and meeting current 
                            and future energy power demands.
Sec. 743. Review of airport layout plans.
Sec. 744. Protection of safe and efficient use of airspace at airports.
Sec. 745. Electric aircraft infrastructure pilot program.
Sec. 746. Curb management practices.
Sec. 747. Notice of funding opportunity.
Sec. 748. Runway safety projects.
Sec. 749. Airport diagram terminology.
Sec. 750. GAO study on fee transparency by fixed based operators.
Sec. 751. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 752. Prohibition on certain runway length requirements.
Sec. 753. Report on Indo-Pacific airports.
Sec. 754. GAO study on implementation of grants at certain airports.
Sec. 755. GAO study on transit access.
Sec. 756. Banning municipal airport.
Sec. 757. Disputed changes of sponsorship at federally obligated, 
                            publicly owned airport.
Sec. 758. Procurement regulations applicable to FAA multimodal 
                            projects.
Sec. 759. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions.
Sec. 760. Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area.
Sec. 761. Study on air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
Sec. 762. Progress reports on the national transition plan related to a 
                            fluorine-free firefighting foam.
Sec. 763. Report on airport notifications.
Sec. 764. Study on competition and airport access.
Sec. 765. Regional airport capacity study.
Sec. 766. Study on autonomous and electric-powered track systems.
Sec. 767. PFAS-related resources for airports.
Sec. 768. Limitation on certain rolling stock procurements.
Sec. 769. Maintaining safe fire and rescue staffing levels.
Sec. 770. Grant assurances.
Sec. 771. Aviation fuel in Alaska.
Sec. 772. Application of amendments.
Sec. 773. Prohibition on use of amounts to process or administer any 
                            application for the joint use of Homestead 
                            Air Reserve Base with civil aviation.
Sec. 774. Universal changing station.
Sec. 774A. Airport human trafficking prevention grants.
Sec. 774B. Study on improvements for certain nonhub airports.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

Sec. 775. Additional permitted uses of passenger facility charge 
                            revenue.
Sec. 776. Passenger facility charge streamlining.

     Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

Sec. 781. Streamlining consultation process.
Sec. 782. Repeal of burdensome emissions credit requirements.
Sec. 783. Expedited environmental review and one Federal decision.
Sec. 784. Subchapter III definitions.
Sec. 785. Pilot program extension.
Sec. 786. Part 150 noise standards update.
Sec. 787. Reducing community aircraft noise exposure.
Sec. 788. Categorical exclusions.
Sec. 789. Updating presumed to conform limits.
Sec. 790. Recommendations on reducing rotorcraft noise in District of 
                            Columbia.
Sec. 791. UFP study.
Sec. 792. Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee.
Sec. 793. Community collaboration program.
Sec. 794. Information sharing requirement.
Sec. 795. Mechanisms to reduce helicopter noise.

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

Sec. 801. Reexamination of pilots or certificate holders.
Sec. 802. GAO review of Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Sec. 803. Data privacy.
Sec. 804. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers.
Sec. 805. Timely resolution of investigations.
Sec. 806. All makes and models authorization.
Sec. 807. Response to letter of investigation.
Sec. 808. ADS-B out equipage study; Vehicle-to-Vehicle link program.
Sec. 809. Ensuring safe landings during off-airport operations.
Sec. 810. Development of low-cost voluntary ADS-B.
Sec. 811. Airshow safety team.
Sec. 812. Aircraft registration validity during renewal.
Sec. 813. Temporary airman certificates.
Sec. 814. Letter of deviation authority.
Sec. 815. BasicMed for examiners administering tests or proficiency 
                            checks.
Sec. 816. Designee locator tool improvements.
Sec. 817. Deadline to eliminate aircraft registration backlog.
Sec. 818. Part 135 air carrier certificate backlog.
Sec. 819. Enhancing processes for authorizing aircraft for service in 
                            commuter and on-demand operations.
Sec. 820. Flight instructor certificates.
Sec. 821. Consistency of policy application in flight standards and 
                            aircraft certification.
Sec. 822. Application of policies, orders, and guidance.
Sec. 823. Expansion of the regulatory consistency communications board.
Sec. 824. Modernization of special airworthiness certification 
                            rulemaking deadline.
Sec. 825. Exclusion of gyroplanes from fuel system requirements.
Sec. 826. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility.
Sec. 827. EAGLE initiative.
Sec. 828. Expansion of BasicMed.
Sec. 829. Prohibition on using ADS-B out data to initiate an 
                            investigation.
Sec. 830. Charitable flight fuel reimbursement exemptions.
Sec. 831. GAO report on charitable flights.
Sec. 832. Flight instruction or testing.
Sec. 833. National coordination and oversight of designated pilot 
                            examiners.
Sec. 834. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement.

            TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 901. Definitions.
Sec. 902. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.
Sec. 903. Small UAS safety standards technical corrections.
Sec. 904. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and 
                            enforcement.
Sec. 905. Radar data pilot program.
Sec. 906. Electronic conspicuity study.
Sec. 907. Remote identification alternative means of compliance.
Sec. 908. Part 107 waiver improvements.
Sec. 909. Environmental review and noise certification.
Sec. 910. Unmanned aircraft system use in wildfire response.
Sec. 911. Pilot program for UAS inspections of FAA infrastructure.
Sec. 912. Drone infrastructure inspection grant program.
Sec. 913. Drone education and workforce training grant program.
Sec. 914. Drone workforce training program study.
Sec. 915. Termination of Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 916. Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee.
Sec. 917. NextGen Advisory Committee membership expansion.
Sec. 918. Interagency coordination.
Sec. 919. Review of regulations to enable unescorted UAS operations.
Sec. 920. Extension of BEYOND program.
Sec. 921. UAS integration strategy.
Sec. 922. Extension of Know Before You Fly campaign.
Sec. 923. Public aircraft definition.
Sec. 924. FAA comprehensive plan on UAS automation.
Sec. 925. UAS test ranges.
Sec. 926. Public safety use of tethered UAS.
Sec. 927. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft 
                            systems.
Sec. 928. Recreational operations of drone systems.
Sec. 929. Applications for designation.
Sec. 930. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft 
                            systems.
Sec. 931. Acceptable levels of risk and risk assessment methodology.
Sec. 932. Third-party service approvals.
Sec. 933. Special authority for transport of hazardous materials by 
                            commercial package delivery unmanned 
                            aircraft systems.
Sec. 934. Operations over high seas.
Sec. 935. Protection of public gatherings.
Sec. 936. Covered drone prohibition.
Sec. 937. Expanding use of innovative technologies in the Gulf of 
                            Mexico.

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 951. Definitions.
Sec. 952. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership in advanced air mobility.
Sec. 953. Application of National Environmental Policy Act categorical 
                            exclusions for vertiport projects.
Sec. 954. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments.
Sec. 955. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 956. Advanced propulsion systems regulations.
Sec. 957. Powered-lift aircraft entry into service.
Sec. 958. Infrastructure supporting vertical flight.
Sec. 959. Charting of aviation infrastructure.
Sec. 960. Advanced air mobility infrastructure pilot program extension.
Sec. 961. Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies.

                   TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 1001. Definitions.
Sec. 1002. Research, engineering, and development authorization of 
                            appropriations.
Sec. 1003. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and 
                            development.
Sec. 1004. National aviation research plan modification.
Sec. 1005. Advanced Materials Center of Excellence enhancements.
Sec. 1006. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Sec. 1007. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.
Sec. 1008. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership.
Sec. 1009. High-speed flight testing.
Sec. 1010. High-speed aircraft pathway to integration study.
Sec. 1011. Operating high-speed flights in high altitude Class E 
                            airspace.
Sec. 1012. Electric propulsion aircraft operations study.
Sec. 1013. Contract weather observers program.
Sec. 1014. Airfield pavement technology program.
Sec. 1015. Review of FAA management of research and development.
Sec. 1016. Research and development of FAA's aeronautical information 
                            systems modernization activities.
Sec. 1017. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
                            Environment.
Sec. 1018. Next generation radio altimeters.
Sec. 1019. Hydrogen aviation strategy.
Sec. 1020. Aviation fuel systems.
Sec. 1021. Air traffic surveillance over United States controlled 
                            oceanic airspace and other remote 
                            locations.
Sec. 1022. Aviation weather technology review.
Sec. 1023. Air traffic surface operations safety.
Sec. 1024. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine 
                            learning technologies.
Sec. 1025. Research plan for commercial supersonic research.
Sec. 1026. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.
Sec. 1027. Research plan on the remote tower program.
Sec. 1028. Air traffic control training.
Sec. 1029. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives.
Sec. 1030. Turbulence research and development.
Sec. 1031. Rule of construction regarding collaborations.
Sec. 1032. Limitation.

    Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 1041. Definitions.
Sec. 1042. Interagency working group.
Sec. 1043. Strategic research plan.
Sec. 1044. Federal Aviation Administration unmanned aircraft system and 
                            advanced air mobility research and 
                            development.
Sec. 1045. Partnerships for research, development, demonstration, and 
                            testing.

                        TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 1101. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1102. Transportation of organs.
Sec. 1103. Acceptance of digital driver's license and identification 
                            cards.
Sec. 1104. Quasquicentennial of aviation.
Sec. 1105. Limitations for certain cargo aircraft.
Sec. 1106. Prohibition on mandates.
Sec. 1107. COVID-19 vaccination status.
Sec. 1108. Rulemaking related to operating high-speed flights in high 
                            altitude Class E airspace.
Sec. 1109. FAA leadership in hydrogen aviation.
Sec. 1110. Advancing global leadership on civil supersonic aircraft.
Sec. 1111. Learning period.
Sec. 1112. Counter-UAS authorities.
Sec. 1113. Study on air cargo operations.
Sec. 1114. Wing-in-ground-effect craft.
Sec. 1115. Certificates of authorization or waiver.
Sec. 1116. Designation of additional port of entry for the importation 
                            and exportation of wildlife and wildlife 
                            products by the United States Fish and 
                            Wildlife Service.

            TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 1201. Short title.
Sec. 1202. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1203. Clarification of treatment of territories.
Sec. 1204. Additional workforce training.
Sec. 1205. Overtime annual report termination.
Sec. 1206. Strategic workforce plan.
Sec. 1207. Travel budgets.
Sec. 1208. Notification requirement.
Sec. 1209. Board justification of closed unacceptable recommendations.
Sec. 1210. Miscellaneous investigative authorities.
Sec. 1211. Public availability of accident reports.
Sec. 1212. Ensuring accountability for timeliness of reports.
Sec. 1213. Ensuring access to data.
Sec. 1214. Public availability of safety recommendations.
Sec. 1215. Improving delivery of family assistance.
Sec. 1216. Updating civil penalty authority.
Sec. 1217. Electronic availability of public docket records.
Sec. 1218. Drug-free workplace.
Sec. 1219. Accessibility in workplace.
Sec. 1220. Most Wanted List.
Sec. 1221. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1222. Air safety investigators.
Sec. 1223. Review of National Transportation Safety Board procurements.

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 1301. Expenditure authority from airport and airway trust fund.
Sec. 1302. Extension of taxes funding airport and airway trust fund.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

    In this Act:
            (1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise specified, the term 
        ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration.
            (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives.
            (3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' 
        means the Comptroller General of the United States.
            (4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
        Administration.
            (5) Nextgen.--The term ``NextGen'' means the Next 
        Generation Air Transportation System.
            (6) Secretary.--Unless otherwise specified, the term 
        ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Transportation.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

SEC. 101. AIRPORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND NOISE COMPATIBILITY 
              PLANNING AND PROGRAMS.

    (a) Authorization.--Section 48103(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
            ``(7) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(8) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(9) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(10) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(11) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (b) Obligation Authority.--Section 47104(c) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

    Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) $3,191,250,000 for fiscal year 2024.
            ``(2) $3,575,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
            ``(3) $3,625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
            ``(4) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
            ``(5) $3,725,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

SEC. 103. OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the 
following:
                    ``(A) $12,729,627,000 for fiscal year 2024;
                    ``(B) $13,055,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
                    ``(C) $13,354,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                    ``(D) $13,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
                    ``(E) $13,954,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 106(k)(2)(D) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking clauses (i) through (v);
            (2) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (i); and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(ii) $42,018,000 for fiscal year 2024.
                            ``(iii) $52,985,000 for fiscal year 2025.
                            ``(iv) $59,044,000 for fiscal year 2026.
                            ``(v) $65,225,000 for fiscal year 2027.
                            ``(vi) $71,529,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (c) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
        following:
                    ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding'';
            (2) by striking ``in each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023 
        and for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on 
        May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``in each of fiscal years 2024 
        through 2028''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Prioritization.--In reducing non-safety-
                related activities of the Administration under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prioritize such 
                reductions from amounts other than amounts authorized 
                under this subsection, section 48101, or section 48103.
                    ``(C) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be 
                effective on October 1, 2028.''.

SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF MISCELLANEOUS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Authority to Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 47115(i) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal years 
2018 through 2023, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and 
ending on May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 
2028,''.
    (c) Weather Reporting Programs.--Section 48105 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5) and adding at the end 
the following:
            ``(5) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
        2028.''.
    (d) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 100--
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023 and for the period 
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on May 10, 2024,'' and 
inserting ``for fiscal years 2024 through 2028,''.
    (e) Extension of the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
Committee.--Section 202(h) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking ``shall terminate'' and all 
that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``shall 
terminate on October 1, 2028.''.

           TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

SEC. 201. FAA LEADERSHIP.

    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``The Federal'' and 
        inserting ``In General.--The Federal''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Administration Leadership.--
            ``(1) Administrator.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The head of the Administration 
                is the Administrator, who shall be appointed by the 
                President, by and with the advice and consent of the 
                Senate.
                    ``(B) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall--
                            ``(i) be a citizen of the United States;
                            ``(ii) not be an active duty member of the 
                        Armed Forces;
                            ``(iii) not have retired from the Armed 
                        Forces within the 7 years preceding nomination; 
                        and
                            ``(iv) have experience in organizational 
                        management and a field directly related to 
                        aviation.
                    ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as 
                Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness 
                of such individual to carry out efficiently the duties 
                and powers of the office.
                    ``(D) Term of office.--The term of office for any 
                individual appointed as Administrator shall be 5 years.
                    ``(E) Reporting chain.--Except as provided in 
                subsection (f) or in other provisions of law, the 
                Administrator reports directly to the Secretary of 
                Transportation.
            ``(2) Deputy administrator.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator has a Deputy 
                Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President.
                    ``(B) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator 
                shall--
                            ``(i) be a citizen of the United States; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) have experience in organizational 
                        management and a field directly related to 
                        aviation.
                    ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as 
                Deputy Administrator, the President shall consider the 
                fitness of the individual to carry out efficiently the 
                duties and powers of the office, including the duty to 
                act for the Administrator when the Administrator is 
                absent or unable to serve, or when the office of 
                Administrator is vacant.
                    ``(D) Reporting chain.--The Deputy Administrator 
                reports directly to the Administrator.
                    ``(E) Duties.--The Deputy Administrator shall carry 
                out duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.
                    ``(F) Compensation.--
                            ``(i) Annual rate of basic pay.--The annual 
                        rate of basic pay of the Deputy Administrator 
                        shall be set by the Secretary but shall not 
                        exceed the annual rate of basic pay payable to 
                        the Administrator.
                            ``(ii) Exception.--A retired regular 
                        officer of the Armed Forces serving as the 
                        Deputy Administrator is entitled to hold a rank 
                        and grade not lower than that held when 
                        appointed as the Deputy Administrator and may 
                        elect to receive--
                                    ``(I) the pay provided for the 
                                Deputy Administrator under clause (i); 
                                or
                                    ``(II) the pay and allowances or 
                                the retired pay of the military grade 
                                held.
                            ``(iii) Reimbursement of expenses.--If the 
                        Deputy Administrator elects to receive 
                        compensation described in clause (ii)(II), the 
                        Administration shall reimburse the appropriate 
                        military department from funds available for 
                        the expenses of the Administration.
            ``(3) Leadership of the administration defined.--In this 
        section, the term `leadership of the Administration' means--
                    ``(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1); and
                    ``(B) the Deputy Administrator under paragraph 
                (2).''.

SEC. 202. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY 
              IMPROVEMENT.

    (a) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
Improvement.--Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the 
following:
    ``(c) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
Improvement.--There is an Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and 
Regulatory Improvement who shall be appointed by the Administrator and 
shall--
            ``(1) be responsible for developing and managing the 
        execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that 
        meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by--
                    ``(A) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are 
                necessary to improve safety;
                    ``(B) establishing the regulatory agenda of the 
                Administration; and
                    ``(C) coordinating with offices of the 
                Administration, the Department, and other Federal 
                entities as appropriate to improve timely feedback 
                generation and approvals when required by law;
            ``(2) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting 
        internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory 
        activities of the Administration outside the Office of the 
        Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
        Improvement;
            ``(3) on an ongoing basis, review the regulations of the 
        Administration in effect to--
                    ``(A) improve safety;
                    ``(B) reduce undue regulatory burden;
                    ``(C) replace prescriptive regulations with 
                performance-based regulations, as appropriate;
                    ``(D) prevent duplicative regulations; and
                    ``(E) increase regulatory clarity and transparency 
                whenever possible;
            ``(4) make recommendations for the review of the 
        Administrator under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);
            ``(5) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for 
        rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of 
        part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide 
        an initial response to a petitioner not later than 30 days 
        after the receipt of such a petition--
                    ``(A) acknowledging receipt of such petition;
                    ``(B) confirming completeness of such petition;
                    ``(C) providing an initial indication of the 
                complexity of the request and how such complexity may 
                impact the timeline for adjudication; and
                    ``(D) requesting any additional information, as 
                appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of 
                the petition;
            ``(6) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the 
        Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to determine 
        if it would be more efficient and in the interest of the public 
        to amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers and 
        exemptions; and
            ``(7) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more 
        efficient or in the best interest of the public under paragraph 
        (6).
    ``(d) [Reserved].''.
    (b) Systemically Addressing Need for Exemptions and Waivers.--Not 
later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement of 
the FAA shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives on the methodology developed pursuant to section 
106(c)(6) of title 49, United States Code (as added by this section).

SEC. 203. PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTING PECUNIARY INTERESTS.

    Section 106(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(e) Prohibition on Conflicting Pecuniary Interests.--
            ``(1) In general.--The leadership of the Administration may 
        not have a pecuniary interest in, or hold a financial interest 
        in, an aeronautical enterprise or engage in another business, 
        vocation, or employment.
            ``(2) Teaching.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Deputy 
        Administrator may not receive compensation for teaching without 
        prior approval of the Administrator.
            ``(3) Financial interest defined.--In this subsection, the 
        term `financial interest'--
                    ``(A) means--
                            ``(i) any current or contingent ownership, 
                        equity, or security interest;
                            ``(ii) any indebtedness or compensated 
                        employment relationship; or
                            ``(iii) any right to purchase or acquire 
                        any such ownership, equity, or security 
                        interest, including a stock option; and
                    ``(B) does not include securities held in an index 
                fund.''.

SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.

    (a) In General.--Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting 
                ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
                    (B) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting ``In 
                exercising duties, powers, and authorities that are 
                assigned to the Secretary or the Administrator under 
                this title, neither''; and
                    (C) by striking ``a committee, board, or 
                organization established by executive order.'' and 
                inserting the following: ``a committee, board, council, 
                or organization that is--
                    ``(A) established by executive order; or
                    ``(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to 
                review the exercise of such duties, powers, and 
                authorities by the Secretary or the Administrator.'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``the 
                acquisition'' and all that follows through the 
                semicolon and inserting ``the acquisition, 
                establishment, improvement, operation, maintenance, 
                security (including cybersecurity), and disposal of 
                property, facilities, services, and equipment of the 
                Administration, including all elements of the air 
                traffic control system owned by the Administration;'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking 
                ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``civil 
                aviation, any matter for which the Administrator is the 
                final authority under subparagraph (A), any duty 
                carried out by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph 
                (3), or the provisions of this title, or'' after ``with 
                respect to'';
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) by striking ``In the performance'' and 
                        inserting the following:
                            ``(i) Issuance of regulations.--In the 
                        performance'';
                            (ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall 
                        act'' and inserting the following:
                            ``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The 
                        Administrator shall act'';
                            (iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall 
                        issue'' and inserting the following:
                            ``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The 
                        Administrator shall issue''; and
                            (iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and 
                        inserting the following:
                            ``(iv) Reporting requirement.--On February 
                        1''; and
                    (B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and 
                inserting the following:
                    ``(B) Approval of secretary of transportation.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Administrator may 
                        not issue, unless the Secretary of 
                        Transportation approves the issuance of the 
                        regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or 
                        final regulation that--
                                    ``(I) is likely to result in the 
                                expenditure by State, local, and Tribal 
                                governments in the aggregate, or by the 
                                private sector, of $250,000,000 or more 
                                (adjusted annually for inflation 
                                beginning with the year following the 
                                date of enactment of the FAA 
                                Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any 
                                year; or
                                    ``(II) is significant.
                            ``(ii) Significant regulations.--For 
                        purposes of this paragraph, a regulation is 
                        significant if the Administrator, in 
                        consultation with the Secretary (as 
                        appropriate), determines that the regulation--
                                    ``(I) will have an annual effect on 
                                the economy of $250,000,000 or more 
                                (adjusted annually for inflation 
                                beginning with the year following the 
                                date of enactment of the FAA 
                                Reauthorization Act of 2024);
                                    ``(II) raises novel or serious 
                                legal or policy issues that will 
                                substantially and materially affect 
                                other transportation modes; or
                                    ``(III) adversely affects, in a 
                                substantial and material way, the 
                                economy, a sector of the economy, 
                                productivity, competition, jobs, the 
                                environment, public health or safety, 
                                or a State, local, or Tribal government 
                                or community.
                            ``(iii) Emergency regulation.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--In an emergency 
                                as determined by the Administrator, the 
                                Administrator may issue a final 
                                regulation described in clause (i) 
                                without prior approval of the 
                                Secretary.
                                    ``(II) Objection.--If the Secretary 
                                objects to a regulation issued under 
                                subclause (II) in writing not later 
                                than 5 days (excluding Saturday, 
                                Sundays, and legal public holidays) 
                                after the issuance, the Administrator 
                                shall immediately rescind such 
                                regulation.
                            ``(iv) Other regulations.--The Secretary 
                        may not require that the Administrator submit a 
                        proposed or final regulation to the Secretary 
                        for approval, nor may the Administrator submit 
                        a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary 
                        for approval, if the regulation--
                                    ``(I) does not require the approval 
                                of the Secretary under clause (i) 
                                (excluding a regulation issued under 
                                clause (iii)); or
                                    ``(II) is a routine or frequent 
                                action or a procedural action.
                            ``(v) Timeline.--The Administrator shall 
                        submit a copy of any proposed or final 
                        regulation requiring approval by the Secretary 
                        under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall 
                        either approve the regulation or return the 
                        regulation to the Administrator with comments 
                        not later than 30 days after receiving the 
                        regulation. If the Secretary fails to approve 
                        or return the regulation with comments to the 
                        Administrator not later than 30 days after 
                        receiving such regulation, the regulation shall 
                        be deemed to have been approved by the 
                        Secretary.
                    ``(C) Periodic review.--
                            ``(i) In general.--For any significant 
                        regulation issued after the date of enactment 
                        of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, in 
                        addition to the review requirements established 
                        under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall 
                        review any significant regulation 3 years after 
                        the effective date of such regulation.
                            ``(ii) Discretionary review.--The 
                        Administrator may review any regulation that 
                        has been in effect for more than 3 years.
                            ``(iii) Substance of review.--In performing 
                        a review under clause (i) or (ii), the 
                        Administrator shall determine if--
                                    ``(I) the cost assumptions 
                                supporting the regulation were 
                                accurate;
                                    ``(II) the intended benefit of the 
                                regulation is being realized;
                                    ``(III) the need remains to 
                                continue such regulation as in effect; 
                                and
                                    ``(IV) the Administrator recommends 
                                updates to such regulation based on the 
                                review criteria specified in section 
                                5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal 
                                Regulations.
                            ``(iv) Review management.--Any periodic 
                        review of a regulation under this subparagraph 
                        shall be managed by the Assistant Administrator 
                        for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement, who 
                        may task an advisory committee or the 
                        Management Advisory Council established under 
                        subsection (p) to assist in performing the 
                        review.'';
            (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
        (4) and (5), respectively; and
            (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
            ``(3) Duties and powers of the administrator.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall carry 
                out--
                            ``(i) the duties and powers of the 
                        Secretary under this subsection related to 
                        aviation safety (except duties and powers 
                        related to transportation, packaging, marking, 
                        or description of hazardous material) and 
                        stated in--
                                    ``(I) subsections (c) and (d) of 
                                section 1132;
                                    ``(II) sections 40101(c), 40103(b), 
                                40106(a), 40108, 40109(b), 40113(a), 
                                40113(c), 40113(d), 40113(e), 40114(a), 
                                and 40117;
                                    ``(III) chapter 443;
                                    ``(IV) chapter 445, except sections 
                                44502(a)(3), 44503, and 44509;
                                    ``(V) chapter 447, except sections 
                                44721(b) and 44723;
                                    ``(VI) chapter 448;
                                    ``(VII) chapter 451;
                                    ``(VIII) chapter 453;
                                    ``(IX) section 46104;
                                    ``(X) subsections (d) and (h)(2) of 
                                section 46301, section 46303(c), 
                                sections 46304 through 46308, section 
                                46310, section 46311, and sections 
                                46313 through 46320;
                                    ``(XI) chapter 465;
                                    ``(XII) chapter 471;
                                    ``(XIII) chapter 475; and
                                    ``(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51; 
                                and
                            ``(ii) such additional duties and powers as 
                        may be prescribed by the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Applicability.--Section 40101(d) applies to 
                the duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) Transfer.--Any of the duties and powers 
                specified in subparagraph (A) may only be transferred 
                to another part of the Department if specifically 
                provided by law or in a reorganization plan submitted 
                under chapter 9 of title 5.
                    ``(D) Administrative finality.--A decision of the 
                Administrator in carrying out the duties or powers 
                specified in subparagraph (A) is administratively 
                final.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 106 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the 
following:
    ``(g) [reserved].''.
    (c) Preservation of Existing Authority.--Nothing in this section or 
the amendments made by this section shall be construed to restrict any 
authority vested in the Administrator by statute or by delegation that 
was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 205. REGULATORY MATERIALS IMPROVEMENT.

    (a) Internal Regulatory Process Review.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Review team.--The Administrator shall establish 
                a regulatory process review team (in this section 
                referred to as the ``review team'') comprising of FAA 
                employees and individuals described in paragraph (2) to 
                develop recommendations to improve the timeliness, 
                performance, and accountability of the development and 
                promulgation of regulatory materials.
                    (B) Report.--The review team shall submit to the 
                Administrator a report with recommendations in 
                accordance with the deadlines specified in paragraph 
                (5).
            (2) Other members; consultation.--
                    (A) In general.--The review team shall include at 
                least 3 outside experts and or academics with relevant 
                experience or expertise in aviation safety and at least 
                1 outside expert with relevant experience or expertise 
                in improving the performance, accountability, and 
                transparency of the Federal regulatory process, 
                particularly as such process relates to aviation 
                safety.
                    (B) Consultation.--The review team may, as 
                appropriate, consult with industry stakeholders.
            (3) Contents of review.--In conducting the review required 
        under paragraph (1), the review team shall do the following:
                    (A) Develop a proposal for rationalizing processes 
                and eliminating redundant administrative review of 
                regulatory materials within the FAA, particularly when 
                FAA-sponsored rulemaking committees and stakeholders 
                have collaborated on the proposed regulations.
                    (B) With respect to each office within the FAA that 
                reviews regulatory materials, assess--
                            (i) the timeline assigned to each such 
                        office to complete the review of regulatory 
                        materials;
                            (ii) the actual time spent for such review;
                            (iii) opportunities to reduce the actual 
                        time for such review; and
                            (iv) whether clear roles, responsibilities, 
                        requirements, and expectations are clearly 
                        defined for each office required to review the 
                        regulatory materials.
                    (C) Define and document the roles and 
                responsibilities of each office within the FAA that 
                develops, drafts, or reviews each kind of regulatory 
                material in order to ensure that hiring reflects who, 
                where, and how the employees of each such office 
                function in the rulemaking framework.
                    (D) Describe any organizational changes or the need 
                to hire additional FAA employees, if necessary, and 
                take into consideration whether current positions are 
                staffed, to reduce delays in publication of regulatory 
                materials.
                    (E) In order to provide the public with detailed 
                information on the progress of the development of 
                regulatory materials, identify reporting mechanisms and 
                develop a template and appropriate system metrics for 
                making publicly available on a website a progress 
                tracker that updates to show the major stages (as 
                determined by the Administrator) of the development of 
                regulatory materials as such materials are initiated, 
                in progress, and completed.
                    (F) Consider changes to the best practices of the 
                FAA under rules governing ex parte communications, 
                including communications with international validating 
                authorities, and with consideration of the public 
                interest in transparency, to provide flexibility for 
                FAA employees to discuss regulatory materials, 
                particularly for such regulatory materials related to 
                enhancing aviation safety and the aviation 
                international leadership of the United States.
                    (G) Recommend methods by which the FAA can 
                incorporate research funded by the Department of 
                Transportation, in addition to consensus standards and 
                conformance assessment processes developed by 
                recognized industry standards organizations into 
                regulatory materials, to keep pace with rapid changes 
                in aviation technologies and processes.
                    (H) Recommend mechanisms to optimize the roles of 
                the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the 
                Office of Management and Budget, with the objective of 
                improving the efficiency of regulatory activity.
            (4) Action plan.--The Administrator shall develop and 
        transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress an action 
        plan to implement, as appropriate, the recommendations 
        developed by the review team.
            (5) Deadlines.--The requirements of this section shall be 
        subject to the following deadlines:
                    (A) Not later than 120 days after the date of 
                enactment of this section, the review team shall 
                complete the evaluation required under paragraph (1) 
                and submit to the Administrator the report of the 
                review team on such evaluation.
                    (B) Not later than 30 days after the date on which 
                the review team submits the report under subparagraph 
                (A), the Administrator shall develop and publish the 
                action plan under paragraph (4).
            (6) Sunset.--The review team shall terminate upon 
        completion of the requirements under paragraph (5).
            (7) Administrative procedure requirements inapplicable.--
        The provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of 
        title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the 
        ``Administrative Procedure Act'') shall not apply to any 
        activities of the review team in carrying out the requirements 
        of this section.
            (8) Regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection, the 
        term ``regulatory materials'' means rules, advisory circulars, 
        statements of policy, and other materials related to aviation 
        safety regulations, as well as other materials pertaining to 
        training and operation of aeronautical products.
    (b) Review of Non-regulatory Materials.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department 
        of Transportation shall review the coordination and approval 
        processes of non-regulatory materials produced by the FAA to 
        improve the timeliness, transparency, development, and issuance 
        of such materials.
            (2) Contents of review.--In conducting the review under 
        paragraph (1), the inspector general shall--
                    (A) provide recommendations for improving processes 
                and eliminating non-value-added reviews of non-
                regulatory materials within the FAA and Department of 
                Transportation, in consideration of the authority of 
                the Administrator under section 106 of title 49, United 
                States Code, and other applicable laws;
                    (B) consider, with respect to each office within 
                the FAA and the Department of Transportation that 
                reviews non-regulatory materials--
                            (i) the timeline assigned to each such 
                        office to complete the review of such 
                        materials;
                            (ii) the actual time spent for such review; 
                        and
                            (iii) opportunities to reduce the actual 
                        time spent for such review;
                    (C) describe any organizational changes and 
                additional resources that the Administrator needs, if 
                necessary, to reduce delays in the development and 
                publication of proposed non-regulatory materials;
                    (D) consider to what extent reporting mechanisms 
                and templates could be used to provide the public with 
                more consistent information on the development status 
                of non-regulatory materials;
                    (E) consider changes to the application of rules 
                governing ex parte communications by the Administrator 
                to provide flexibility for employees of the FAA to 
                discuss non-regulatory materials with aviation 
                stakeholders and foreign aviation authorities to 
                promote United States aviation leadership;
                    (F) recommend methods by which the Administrator 
                can incorporate standards set by recognized industry 
                standards organizations, as such term is defined in 
                section 224(c), into non-regulatory materials to keep 
                pace with rapid changes in aerospace technology and 
                processes; and
                    (G) evaluate the processes and best practices other 
                civil aviation authorities and other Federal 
                departments and agencies use to produce non-regulatory 
                materials, particularly the processes of entities that 
                produce such materials in an expedited fashion to 
                respond to safety risks, incidents, or new technology 
                adoption.
            (3) Consultation.--In conducting the review under paragraph 
        (1), the inspector general may, as appropriate, consult with 
        industry stakeholders, academia, and other individuals with 
        relevant background or expertise in improving the efficiency of 
        Federal non-regulatory material production.
            (4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the inspector 
        general initiates the review under paragraph (1), the inspector 
        general shall submit to the Administrator a report on such 
        review.
            (5) Action plan.--
                    (A) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an 
                action plan to implement, as appropriate, the 
                recommendations contained in the report submitted under 
                paragraph (4).
                    (B) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after 
                receiving the report under paragraph (4), the 
                Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
                Congress on such plan.
            (6) Non-regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection, 
        the term ``non-regulatory materials'' means orders, statements 
        of policy, guidance, technical standards, and other materials 
        related to aviation safety, training, and operation of 
        aeronautical products.

SEC. 206. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.

    (a) Key Programs.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the 
Administrator shall operationalize all of the key programs under the 
NextGen program as described in the deployment plan of the FAA.
    (b) Office Termination.--The NextGen Office of the FAA shall 
terminate on December 31, 2025.
    (c) Transfer of Residual NextGen Implementation Functions.--If the 
Administrator does not complete the air traffic modernization project 
known as the NextGen program by the deadline specified in subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall transfer the residual functions for 
completing the NextGen program to the Airspace Modernization Office of 
the FAA established under section 207.
    (d) Transfer of NextGen Advisory Committee.--Not later than 
December 31, 2025, management of the NextGen Advisory Committee shall 
transfer to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control 
system.
    (e) Transfer of Advanced Air Mobility Functions.--Not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, any advanced air mobility 
relevant functions, duties, and responsibilities of the NAS Systems 
Engineering and Integration Office or other offices within the Office 
of NextGen of the FAA shall be incorporated into the Office of Aviation 
Safety of the FAA.
    (f) Remaining Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), and 
after implementing subsections (c) through (e), the Administrator shall 
transfer any remaining duties, authorities, activities, personnel, and 
assets managed by the Office of NextGen of the FAA to other offices of 
the FAA, as appropriate.
    (g) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--Section 106 of title 
49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (h) 
and inserting the following:
    ``(h) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--
            ``(1) In general.--There is established within the 
        Administration a technology center to support the advancement 
        of aerospace safety and innovation which shall be known as the 
        `William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace' (in 
        this subsection referred to as the `Technical Center') that 
        shall be used by the Administrator and, as permitted by the 
        Administrator, other governmental entities, academia, and the 
        aerospace industry.
            ``(2) Management.--The activities of the Technical Center 
        shall be managed by a Director.
            ``(3) Activities.--The activities of the Technical Center 
        shall include--
                    ``(A) developing and stimulating technology 
                partnerships with and between industry, academia, and 
                other government agencies and supporting such 
                partnerships by--
                            ``(i) liaising between external persons and 
                        offices of the Administration interested in 
                        such work;
                            ``(ii) providing technical expertise and 
                        input, as appropriate; and
                            ``(iii) providing access to the properties, 
                        facilities, and systems of the Technical Center 
                        through appropriate agreements;
                    ``(B) managing technology demonstration grants 
                awarded by the Administrator;
                    ``(C) identifying software, systems, services, and 
                technologies that could improve aviation safety and the 
                operations and management of the air traffic control 
                system and working with relevant offices of the 
                Administration to consider the use and integration of 
                such software, systems, services, and technologies, as 
                appropriate;
                    ``(D) supporting the work of any collocated 
                facilities and tenants of such facilities, and to the 
                extent feasible, enter into agreements as necessary to 
                utilize the facilities, systems, and technologies of 
                such collocated facilities and tenants;
                    ``(E) managing the facilities of the Technical 
                Center; and
                    ``(F) carrying out any other duties as determined 
                appropriate by the Administrator.''.
    (h) Conforming Amendment.--Section 44507 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute'' and all 
        that follows through ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
        established'' and inserting ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
        established''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b).

SEC. 207. AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION OFFICE.

    (a) Establishment.--
            (1) In general.--On January 1, 2026, the Administrator 
        shall establish within the FAA an Airspace Modernization Office 
        (in this section referred to as the ``Office'').
            (2) Placement.--The Administrator may task an existing 
        office of the FAA with the functions of the Office.
            (3) Duties.--The Office shall be responsible for--
                    (A) the research and development, systems 
                engineering, enterprise architecture, and portfolio 
                management for the continuous modernization of the 
                national airspace system;
                    (B) the development of an information-centric 
                national airspace system, including digitization of the 
                processes and technology that supports such system;
                    (C) improving the interoperability of FAA systems 
                and third-party systems that support safe operations in 
                the national airspace system; and
                    (D) developing and periodically updating an 
                integrated plan for the future state of the national 
                airspace system in coordination with other offices of 
                the FAA.
    (b) Integrated Plan Requirements.--The integrated plan developed by 
the Office shall be designed to ensure that the national airspace 
system meets future safety, security, mobility, efficiency, and 
capacity needs of a diverse and growing set of airspace users. The 
integrated plan shall include the following:
            (1) A description of the demand for services that will be 
        required of the future air transportation system, and an 
        explanation of how the demand projections were derived, 
        including--
                    (A) the most likely range of average annual 
                resources required over the duration of the plan to 
                cost effectively maintain the safety, sustainability, 
                and other characteristics of national airspace 
                operation and the mission of the FAA; and
                    (B) an estimate of FAA resource requirements by 
                user group, including expectations concerning the 
                growth of new entrants and potential new users.
            (2) A roadmap for creating and implementing the integrated 
        plan, including--
                    (A) the most significant technical, operational, 
                and personnel obstacles and the activities necessary to 
                overcome such obstacles, including the role of other 
                Federal agencies, corporations, institutions of higher 
                learning, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out 
                such activities;
                    (B) the annual anticipated cost of carrying out 
                such activities;
                    (C) the technical milestones that will be used to 
                evaluate the activities; and
                    (D) identifying technology gaps that the 
                Administrator or industry may need to address to fully 
                implement the integrated plan.
            (3) A description of the operational concepts to meet the 
        system performance requirements for all system users and a 
        timeline and anticipated expenditures needed to develop and 
        deploy the system.
            (4) A description of the management of the enterprise 
        architecture framework for the introduction of any operational 
        improvements and to inform FAA financial decision-making.
            (5) A justification for the operational improvements that 
        the Office determines will need to be developed and deployed by 
        2040 to meet the needs of national airspace users, including 
        the benefits, costs, and risks of the preferred and alternative 
        options.
    (c) Considerations.--In developing an initial integrated plan 
required under subsection (b) and carrying out such plan, the Office 
shall consider--
            (1) the results and recommendations of the independent 
        report on implementation of the NextGen program under section 
        603;
            (2) the status of the transition to, and deployment of, 
        trajectory-based operations within the national airspace 
        system; and
            (3) the findings of the audit required by section 622, and 
        the resulting plan to replace or enhance the identified legacy 
        systems within a reasonable timeframe.
    (d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out the integrated 
plan, the Office shall consult with the NextGen Advisory Committee of 
the FAA.
    (e) Plan Deadline; Briefings.--
            (1) Plan deadline.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives, the Committee on Science, Space, and 
        Technology of the House of Representatives, and the Committee 
        on Appropriations of the House of Representatives an initial 
        integrated plan required under subsection (a)(3)(D).
            (2) Annual briefings.--The Administrator shall provide the 
        committees of Congress specified in paragraph (1) with an 
        annual briefing describing the progress in carrying out the 
        integrated plan required under subsection (a)(3)(D), including 
        any changes to the plan, through 2028.
    (f) DOT Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days after 
submission of the initial integrated plan under subsection (e)(1), the 
inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall begin a 
review of the integrated plan and submit to the committees of Congress 
specified in subsection (e)(1) a report that--
            (1) assesses the justification for the integrated plan;
            (2) provides any recommendations for improving the 
        integrated plan; and
            (3) includes any other information that the inspector 
        general determines appropriate.

SEC. 208. APPLICATION DASHBOARD AND FEEDBACK PORTAL.

    (a) In General.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall 
determine whether a publicly facing dashboard that provides applicants 
with the status of an application before the FAA would be--
            (1) beneficial to applicants;
            (2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and 
        update; or
            (3) duplicative with other efforts of the FAA to streamline 
        and digitize paperwork and certification processes to provide 
        an applicant with a greater awareness of the status of an 
        application before the FAA.
    (b) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Deputy Administrator shall provide to the 
Administrator a recommendation regarding the need for or benefits of a 
dashboard or other means by which to track an application status.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after receiving 
recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate Committees of Congress on--
            (1) any recommendation received under subsection (b); and
            (2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response 
        to such recommendation.
    (d) FAA Feedback Portal.--
            (1) In general.--The Deputy Administrator shall determine 
        whether a publicly facing portal on the website of the FAA 
        through which the public may provide feedback to the 
        Administrator about experiences individuals have working with 
        personnel of the FAA would be beneficial.
            (2) Requirements.--The Deputy Administrator shall ensure 
        any portal established under this subsection asks questions 
        that seek to gauge any shortcomings the FAA has in fulfilling 
        the mission of the FAA or areas where the FAA is succeeding in 
        meeting the mission of the FAA.
    (e) Application.--This section shall apply to applications relating 
to--
            (1) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance 
        certification;
            (2) an airman or pilot certificate;
            (3) a medical certificate;
            (4) an operator certificate;
            (5) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51, United 
        States Code, is explicitly delegated by the Secretary to the 
        Administrator, a license or permit issued under such chapter;
            (6) an aircraft registration;
            (7) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;
            (8) a legal interpretation;
            (9) an outstanding agency determination; and
            (10) any certificate not otherwise described in this 
        subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447 of title 
        49, United States Code.

SEC. 209. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA ENGAGEMENT DURING RULEMAKING 
              ACTIVITIES.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the Administrator should--
                    (A) engage with aviation stakeholder groups and the 
                public during pre-drafting stages of rulemaking 
                activities and use, to the greatest extent practicable, 
                properly docketed ex parte discussions during 
                rulemaking activities in order to--
                            (i) inform the work of the Administrator;
                            (ii) assist the Administrator in developing 
                        the scope of a rule; and
                            (iii) reduce the timeline for issuance of 
                        proposed and final rules;
                    (B) rely on documented data and safety trends when 
                determining whether or not to proceed with a rulemaking 
                activity; and
                    (C) not consider a rulemaking activity required in 
                statute, for the purposes of ex parte communications, 
                as having been established on the date of enactment of 
                the related public law, but rather upon obtainment of a 
                regulation identifier number; and
            (2) when it would reduce the time required for the 
        Administrator to adjudicate public comments, the Administrator 
        should publicly provide information describing the rationale 
        behind a regulatory decision included in proposed regulations 
        in order to better allow for the public to provide clear and 
        informed comments on such regulations.

SEC. 210. CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INSTITUTE.

    Section 106(j) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``There is'' and inserting ``Civil Aeromedical Institute.--
There is''.

SEC. 211. MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
            (1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) to 
        subsection (r) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph 
        (7); and
            (2) by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:
    ``(p) Management Advisory Council.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an 
        advisory council which shall be known as the Federal Aerospace 
        Management Advisory Council (in this subsection referred to as 
        the `Council').
            ``(2) Membership.--The Council shall consist of 13 members, 
        who shall consist of--
                    ``(A) a designee of the Secretary of 
                Transportation;
                    ``(B) a designee of the Secretary of Defense;
                    ``(C) 5 members representing aerospace and 
                technology interests, appointed by the Administrator;
                    ``(D) 5 members representing aerospace and 
                technology interests, appointed by the Secretary of 
                Transportation; and
                    ``(E) 1 member, appointed by the Secretary of 
                Transportation, who is the head of a union representing 
                air traffic control system employees.
            ``(3) Qualifications.--No officer or employee of the 
        Federal Government may be appointed to the Council under 
        subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2).
            ``(4) Functions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--
                            ``(i) Advise; counsel.--The Council shall 
                        provide advice and counsel to the Administrator 
                        on issues which affect or are affected by the 
                        activities of the Administrator.
                            ``(ii) Resource.--The Council shall 
                        function as an oversight resource for 
                        management, policy, spending, and regulatory 
                        matters under the jurisdiction of the 
                        Administrator.
                            ``(iii) Submissions to administration.--
                        With respect to Administration management, 
                        policy, spending, funding, data management and 
                        analysis, safety initiatives, international 
                        agreements, activities of the International 
                        Civil Aviation Organization, and regulatory 
                        matters affecting the aerospace industry and 
                        the national airspace system, the Council may--
                                    ``(I) regardless of whether 
                                solicited by the Administrator, submit 
                                comments, recommended modifications, 
                                proposals, and supporting or dissenting 
                                views to the Administrator; and
                                    ``(II) request the Administrator 
                                include in any submission to Congress, 
                                the Secretary, or the general public, 
                                and in any submission for publication 
                                in the Federal Register, a description 
                                of the comments, recommended 
                                modifications, and dissenting or 
                                supporting views received from the 
                                Council under subclause (I).
                            ``(iv) Reasoning.--Together with a Council 
                        submission that is published or described under 
                        clause (iii)(II), the Administrator may provide 
                        the reasons for any differences between the 
                        views of the Council and the views or actions 
                        of the Administrator.
                            ``(v) Cost-benefit analysis.--The Council 
                        shall review the rulemaking cost-benefit 
                        analysis process and develop recommendations to 
                        improve the analysis and ensure that the public 
                        interest is fully protected.
                            ``(vi) Process review.--The Council shall 
                        review the process through which the 
                        Administration determines to use advisory 
                        circulars, service bulletins, and other 
                        externally facing guidance and regulatory 
                        material.
                    ``(B) Meetings.--The Council shall meet not less 
                than 3 times annually or at the call of the chair or 
                the Administrator.
                    ``(C) Access to documents and staff.--The 
                Administrator may give the Council appropriate access 
                to relevant documents and personnel of the 
                Administration, and the Administrator shall make 
                available, consistent with the authority to withhold 
                commercial and other proprietary information under 
                section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the `Freedom 
                of Information Act'), cost data associated with the 
                acquisition and operation of air traffic service 
                systems.
                    ``(D) Disclosure of commercial or proprietary 
                data.--Any member of the Council who receives 
                commercial or other proprietary data as provided for in 
                this paragraph from the Administrator shall be subject 
                to the provisions of section 1905 of title 18, 
                pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of such 
                information.
            ``(5) Application of chapter 10 of title 5.--Chapter 10 of 
        title 5 does not apply to--
                    ``(A) the Council;
                    ``(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the 
                Administrator shall designate; or
                    ``(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the 
                Secretary shall designate.
            ``(6) Administrative matters.--
                    ``(A) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed 
                under paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of 
                3 years.
                    ``(B) Term for air traffic control 
                representative.--The member appointed under paragraph 
                (2)(E) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except 
                that the term of such individual shall end whenever the 
                individual no longer meets the requirements of 
                paragraph (2)(E).
                    ``(C) Vacancy.--Any vacancy on the Council shall be 
                filled in the same manner as the original appointment, 
                except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
                occurring before the expiration of the term for which 
                the predecessor of the member was appointed shall be 
                appointed for the remainder of that term.
                    ``(D) Continuation in office.--A member of the 
                Council whose term expires shall continue to serve 
                until the date on which the successor of the member 
                takes office.
                    ``(E) Removal.--Any member of the Council appointed 
                under paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by 
                whomever makes the appointment.
                    ``(F) Chair; vice chair.--The Council shall elect a 
                chair and a vice chair from among the members appointed 
                under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each 
                of whom shall serve for a term of 1 year. The vice 
                chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the 
                absence of the chair.
                    ``(G) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the 
                Council shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per 
                diem in lieu of subsistence expenses when away from the 
                usual place of residence of the member, in accordance 
                with section 5703 of title 5.
                    ``(H) Detail of personnel from the 
                administration.--The Administrator shall make available 
                to the Council such staff, information, and 
                administrative services and assistance as may 
                reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry 
                out the responsibilities of the Council under this 
                subsection.''.

SEC. 212. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

    Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(A) Appointment.--There shall be a Chief 
                Operating Officer for the air traffic control system 
                who is appointed by the Administrator and subject to 
                the authority of the Administrator.''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``shall be 
                appointed for the remainder of that term'' and 
                inserting ``may be appointed for either the remainder 
                of the term or for a full term'';
            (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``, with the approval of 
        the Air Traffic Services Committee'';
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by striking ``, in consultation with the Air 
                Traffic Services Committee,''; and
                    (B) by striking ``annual basis.'' and inserting-- 
                ``annual basis and shall include responsibility for--
                    ``(A) the state of good repair of the air traffic 
                control system;
                    ``(B) the continuous improvement of the safety and 
                efficiency of the air traffic control system; and
                    ``(C) identifying services and solutions to 
                increase the safety and efficiency of airspace use and 
                to support the safe integration of all airspace 
                users.'';
            (4) in paragraph (4) by striking ``such information as may 
        be prescribed by the Secretary'' and inserting ``the annual 
        performance agreement required under paragraph (3), an 
        assessment of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer in 
        relation to the performance goals in the performance agreement 
        for the previous year, and such other information as may be 
        prescribed by the Administrator''; and
            (5) in paragraph (5)--
                    (A) by striking ``Chief Operating Officer, or any 
                other authority within the Administration 
                responsibilities, including'' and inserting ``Chief 
                Operating Officer any authority of the Administrator 
                and shall delegate, at a minimum'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at 
                        the end;
                            (ii) in clause (iv) by striking the period 
                        at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(v) plans to integrate new entrant 
                        operations into the national airspace system 
                        and associated action items.''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking ``and the 
                Committee''.

SEC. 213. REPORT ON UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEEDS OF AIR TRAFFIC 
              CONTROL SYSTEM.

    Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Unfunded capital investment needs report.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 10 days after the 
                date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal 
                year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1150 
                of title 31, the Administrator shall submit to the 
                Secretary, the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
                Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
                the Senate a report on any unfunded capital investment 
                needs of the air traffic control system.
                    ``(B) Contents of briefing.--In providing the 
                report under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall 
                include, for each unfunded capital investment need, the 
                following:
                            ``(i) A summary description of such 
                        unfunded capital investment need.
                            ``(ii) The objective to be achieved if such 
                        unfunded capital investment need is funded in 
                        whole or in part.
                            ``(iii) The additional amount of funds 
                        recommended in connection with such objective.
                            ``(iv) The Budget Line Item Program and 
                        Budget Line Item number associated with such 
                        unfunded capital investment need, as 
                        applicable.
                            ``(v) Any statutory requirement associated 
                        with such unfunded capital investment need, as 
                        applicable.
                    ``(C) Prioritization of requirements.--The briefing 
                required under subparagraph (A) shall present unfunded 
                capital investment needs in overall urgency of 
                priority.
                    ``(D) Unfunded capital investment need defined.--In 
                this paragraph, the term `unfunded capital investment 
                need' means a program that--
                            ``(i) is not funded in the budget of the 
                        President for the fiscal year as submitted to 
                        Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31;
                            ``(ii) is for infrastructure or a system 
                        related to necessary modernization or 
                        sustainment of the air traffic control system;
                            ``(iii) is listed for any year in the most 
                        recent National Airspace System Capital 
                        Investment Plan of the Administration; and
                            ``(iv) would have been recommended for 
                        funding through the budget referred to in 
                        subparagraph (A) by the Administrator if--
                                    ``(I) additional resources had been 
                                available for the budget to fund the 
                                program, activity, or mission 
                                requirement; or
                                    ``(II) the program, activity, or 
                                mission requirement has emerged since 
                                the budget was formulated.''.

SEC. 214. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.

    Section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``There shall 
                be'' and all that follows through the period at the end 
                and inserting ``The Chief Technology Officer shall be 
                appointed by the Administrator.'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``management'' 
                and inserting ``management, systems management,'';
                    (C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
                    (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
                subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
                    (E) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
                redesignated, the following:
                    ``(A) Establishment.--There shall be a Chief 
                Technology Officer for the air traffic control system 
                that shall report directly to the Chief Operating 
                Officer of the air traffic control system.'';
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``program''; 
                and
                    (B) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``aircraft 
                operators'' and inserting ``the Administration, 
                aircraft operators, or other private providers of 
                information and services related to air traffic 
                management''; and
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``The Chief 
                Technology Officer shall be subject to the 
                postemployment provisions of section 207 of title 18 as 
                if the position of Chief Technology Officer were 
                described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of that title.'';
                    (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as 
                subparagraph (C); and
                    (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
                following:
                    ``(B) Post-employment.--The Chief Technology 
                Officer shall be subject to the postemployment 
                provisions of section 207 of title 18 as if the 
                position of Chief Technology Officer were described in 
                section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of such title.''.

SEC. 215. DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

    Section 40102(a)(47) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) systems, software, and hardware operated, 
                owned, and maintained by third parties that support or 
                directly provide air navigation information and air 
                traffic management services with Administration 
                approval.''.

SEC. 216. PEER REVIEW OF OFFICE OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION AND 
              AVIATION SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS.

    Section 106(t) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (7);
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
            ``(7) Department of transportation office of the inspector 
        general peer review.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the 
                date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
                2024, and every 5 years thereafter, the inspector 
                general of the Department of Transportation shall 
                perform a peer review of the Office of Whistleblower 
                Protection and Aviation Safety Investigations.
                    ``(B) Peer review scope.--In completing the peer 
                reviews required under this paragraph, the inspector 
                general shall, to the extent appropriate, use the most 
                recent peer review guides published by the Council of 
                the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency 
                Audit Committee and Investigations Committee.
                    ``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days 
                after the completion of a peer review required under 
                this paragraph, the inspector general shall submit to 
                the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
                the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
                Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
                description of any actions taken or to be taken to 
                address the results of the peer review.''; and
            (3) in paragraph (8)(B) by striking the comma.

SEC. 217. CYBERSECURITY LEAD.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall designate an executive of 
the FAA to serve as the lead for the cybersecurity of FAA systems and 
hardware (in this section referred to as the ``Cybersecurity Lead'').
    (b) Duties.--The Cybersecurity Lead shall carry out duties and 
powers prescribed by the Administrator, including the management of 
activities required under subtitle B of title III.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 and 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Cybersecurity Lead shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of subtitle B 
of title III.

SEC. 218. ELIMINATING FAA REPORTING AND UNNECESSARY REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) Annual Report on Aviation Activities.--Section 308 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b);
            (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
            (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).
    (b) Annual Report on the Purchase of Foreign Manufactured 
Articles.--Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking paragraph (5).
    (c) Annual Report on Assistance to Foreign Aviation Authorities.--
Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (4); and
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
    (d) AIP Annual Report.--Section 47131 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 
471 of such title, are repealed.
    (e) Transfer of Airport Land Use Compliance Report to NPIAS.--
Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Non-compliant Airports.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the plan 
        a detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has reason 
        to believe are not in compliance with grant assurances or other 
        requirements with respect to airport lands and shall include--
                    ``(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;
                    ``(B) the timeline for corrective action with 
                respect to such noncompliance; and
                    ``(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends 
                to require to bring the airport sponsor into 
                compliance.
            ``(2) Listing.--The Secretary is not required to conduct an 
        audit or make a final determination before including an airport 
        on the list referred to in paragraph (1).''.
    (f) Notice to Airport Sponsors Regarding Purchase of American Made 
Equipment and Products.--Section 306 of the Federal Aviation 
Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (49 U.S.C. 50101 note) is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``(a)'' and all that 
        follows through ``It is the sense'' and inserting ``It is the 
        sense''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b).
    (g) Obsolete Aviation Security Requirements.--Sections 302, 307, 
309, and 310 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 
(Public Law 104-264), and the items relating to such sections in the 
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (h) Regulation of Alaska Guide Pilots.--Section 732 of the Wendell 
H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (49 
U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b);
            (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
            (3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
                    (A) in the subsection heading by striking 
                ``Definitions'' and inserting ``Definition of Alaska 
                Guide Pilot'';
                    (B) by striking ``, the following definitions 
                apply'' and all that follows through ``The term `Alaska 
                guide pilot''' and inserting ``the term `Alaska guide 
                pilot'''; and
                    (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) 
                as paragraphs (1) through (3) (and adjusting the 
                margins accordingly).
    (i) Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee.--
Section 710 of the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note), and the item relating to such section in the 
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (j) Improved Pilot Licenses and Pilot License Rulemaking.--
            (1) Intelligence reform and terrorism prevention act.--
        Section 4022 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
        Prevention Act of 2004 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item 
        relating to such section in the table of contents in section 
        1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
            (2) FAA modernization and reform act of 2012.--Section 321 
        of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 
        44703 note), and the item relating to such section in the table 
        of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (k) Technical Training and Staffing Study.--Section 605 of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a);
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``(b) Workload of Systems 
                Specialists.--''; and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
                subsections (a) through (c) (and adjust the margins and 
                header casing appropriately); and
            (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking 
        ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
    (l) Ferry Flight Duty Period and Flight Time Rulemakings.--Section 
345 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents 
in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (m) Laser Pointer Incident Reports.--Section 2104 of FAA Extension, 
Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``quarterly updates'' and 
        inserting ``annually an annual briefing''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Report Sunset.--Subsection (a) shall cease to be effective 
after September 30, 2028.''.
    (n) Cold Weather Projects Briefing.--Section 156 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47112 note) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b); and
            (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
    (o) Biannual GAO Audit.--Any provision of the FAA Modernization and 
Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95), including any amendment made by 
such Act, that requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit 
(including a recurring audit) shall have no force or effect.

SEC. 219. AUTHORITY TO USE ELECTRONIC SERVICE.

    Section 46103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' 
                        after the semicolon;
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the 
                        period at the end and inserting a semicolon; 
                        and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(D) by electronic or facsimile transmission to the person 
        to be served or the designated agent of the person; or
            ``(E) as designated by regulation or guidance published in 
        the Federal Register.''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) The date of service made by an electronic or 
        facsimile method is--
                    ``(A) the date an electronic or facsimile 
                transmission is sent; or
                    ``(B) the date a notification is sent by an 
                electronic or facsimile method that a notice, process, 
                or action is immediately available and accessible in an 
                electronic database.''; and
            (2) in subsection (c) by striking the first sentence and 
        inserting ``Service on an agent designated under this section 
        shall be made at the office or usual place of residence of the 
        agent or at the electronic or facsimile address designated by 
        the agent.''.

SEC. 220. SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH DIGITIZATION OF FAA SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
            (1) identify, at the discretion of the Administrator, not 
        less than 3 processes of the FAA that result in a certification 
        and require paper-based information exchange between external 
        entities and the FAA or offices within the FAA (such as an 
        aircraft certification, aircraft registration, or airmen 
        certification) or authorization, an exemption, or a letter of 
        authorization; and
            (2) initiate the digitization of such processes.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the digitization required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the digitization of 
any process allows for--
            (1) an applicant to track the application of such applicant 
        throughout the period of submission and review of such 
        application; and
            (2) the status of the application to be available upon 
        demand to the applicant, as well as FAA employees responsible 
        for reviewing and making a decision on the application.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
which the Administrator initiates the digitization under subsection 
(a)(2), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress on the progress of such digitization.
    (d) Definition of Digitization.--In this section, the term 
``digitization'' means the transition from a predominantly paper-based 
system to a system centered on the use of a data management system and 
the internet.

SEC. 221. FAA TELEWORK.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator--
            (1) may establish telework policies for employees of the 
        FAA that allow for the Administrator to reduce the office 
        footprint and associated expenses of the FAA, if appropriate, 
        increase workforce retention, and provide flexibilities that 
        the Administrator demonstrates increases efficiency and 
        effectiveness of the Administration, while requiring that any 
        such policy--
                    (A) does not adversely impact the mission of the 
                FAA;
                    (B) does not reduce the safety or efficiency of the 
                national airspace system;
                    (C) for any employee that is designated as an 
                officer or executive in the FAA Executive System or a 
                political appointee (as such term is defined in section 
                106 of title 49, United States Code)--
                            (i) maximizes time at a duty station for 
                        such employee, excluding official travel; and
                            (ii) may include telework provisions as 
                        determined appropriate by the Administrator, 
                        commensurate with official duties for such 
                        employee;
                    (D) provides for on-the-job training opportunities 
                for FAA personnel that are not less than such 
                opportunities available in 2019;
                    (E) reflects the appropriate work status of 
                employees based on the job functions of such employee;
                    (F) optimizes the work status of inspectors, 
                investigators, and other personnel performing safety-
                related functions to ensure timely completion of safety 
                oversight activities;
                    (G) provides for personnel, including such 
                personnel performing work related to aircraft 
                certification and flight standards, who are responsible 
                for actively working with regulated entities, external 
                stakeholders, or other members of the public to be--
                            (i) routinely available on a predictable 
                        basis for in-person and virtual communications 
                        with external persons; and
                            (ii) not hindered from meeting with, 
                        visiting, auditing, or inspecting facilities or 
                        projects of regulated persons due to any 
                        telework policy; and
                    (H) provides opportunities for in-person dialogue, 
                collaboration, and ideation for all employees;
            (2) ensures that locality pay for an employee of the FAA 
        accurately reflects the telework status and duty station of 
        such employee;
            (3) may not establish a telework policy for an employee of 
        the FAA unless such employee will be provided with secure 
        network capacity, communications tools, necessary and secure 
        access to appropriate agency data assets and Federal records, 
        and equipment sufficient to enable such employee to be fully 
        productive; and
            (4) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, shall evaluate and address any telework policies in 
        effect on the day before such date of enactment to ensure that 
        such policies meet the requirements of paragraph (1).
    (b) Congressional Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and 1 year thereafter, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on any telework policies 
currently in place, the implementation of such policies, and the 
benefits of such policies.
    (c) Consultation.--If the Administrator determines that telework 
agreements need to be updated to implement the requirements of 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, prior to updating such 
agreements, consult with--
            (1) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
        controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
        States Code; and
            (2) labor organizations certified under such section as the 
        exclusive bargaining representative of airway transportation 
        systems specialists and aviation safety inspectors and 
        engineers of the FAA.

SEC. 222. REVIEW OF OFFICE SPACE.

    (a) FAA Review.--
            (1) Initiation of review.--Not later than 12 months after 
        the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate 
        an inventory review of the domestic office footprint of the 
        Department of Transportation.
            (2) Completion of review.--Not later than 30 months after 
        the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete 
        the inventory review required under paragraph (1).
    (b) Contents of Review.--In completing the review under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall--
            (1) delineate the domestic office footprint, as determined 
        appropriate by the Secretary;
            (2) determine space adequacy related to--
                    (A) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 
                U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and the corresponding 
                accessibility guidelines established under part 1191 of 
                title 36, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
                U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);
            (3) determine the feasible occupancy of such space, and 
        provide the methodology used to make the determination;
            (4) determine the number of individuals who are full-time 
        equivalent employees, other support personnel, or contractors 
        that have each such unit as a duty station and determine how 
        telework policies will impact the usage of such space;
            (5) calculate the amount of available, unused, or 
        underutilized space in each such space;
            (6) consider any lease terms for leased space contained in 
        the domestic office footprint, including cost and effective 
        dates for each such lease; and
            (7) based on the findings in paragraphs (2) through (6), 
        and any other metrics the Secretary determines relevant, 
        provide recommendations for optimizing the use of office space 
        across the Department in consultation with appropriate employee 
        labor representatives.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 4 months after completing the review 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a final report that proposes opportunities to 
optimize the domestic office footprint of the FAA (and associated 
costs). In compiling such final report, the Secretary shall describe 
opportunities for--
            (1) consolidation of offices within a reasonable distance, 
        as determined by the Senior Real Property Officer of the 
        Department of Transportation, from one another;
            (2) the collocation of regional or satellite offices of 
        separate modes of the Department, including the costs and 
        benefits of shared amenities; and
            (3) the use of coworking spaces instead of permanent 
        offices.
    (d) Domestic Office Footprint Defined.--In this section, the term 
``domestic office footprint'' means buildings, offices, facilities, and 
other real property rented, owned, or occupied by the FAA or 
Department--
            (1) in which employees report for permanent or temporary 
        duty that are not FAA Airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal 
        Radar Approach Control Facilities, Air Route Traffic Control 
        Centers, and Combined Control Facilities; and
            (2) which are located within the United States.

SEC. 223. RESTORATION OF AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 40118 the following:
``Sec. 40119. Sensitive security information
    ``(a) Disclosure.--
            ``(1) Regulations prohibiting disclosure.--Notwithstanding 
        the establishment of a Department of Homeland Security, the 
        Secretary of Transportation, in accordance with section 
        552(b)(3)(B) of title 5, shall prescribe regulations 
        prohibiting disclosure of information obtained or developed in 
        ensuring security under this title if the Secretary of 
        Transportation decides disclosing the information would--
                    ``(A) be an unwarranted invasion of personal 
                privacy;
                    ``(B) reveal a trade secret or privileged or 
                confidential commercial or financial information; or
                    ``(C) be detrimental to transportation safety.
            ``(2) Disclosure to congress.--Paragraph (1) shall not be 
        construed to authorize information to be withheld from a 
        committee of Congress authorized to have such information.
            ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall 
        be construed to authorize the designation of information as 
        sensitive security information (as such term is defined in 
        section 15.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to--
                    ``(A) conceal a violation of law, inefficiency, or 
                administrative error;
                    ``(B) prevent embarrassment to a person, 
                organization, or agency;
                    ``(C) restrain competition; or
                    ``(D) prevent or delay the release of information 
                that does not require protection in the interest of 
                transportation security, including basic scientific 
                research information not clearly related to 
                transportation security.
            ``(4) Law enforcement disclosure.--Section 552a of title 5 
        shall not apply to disclosures that the Administrator may make 
        from the systems of records of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration to any Federal law enforcement, intelligence, 
        protective service, immigration, or national security official 
        in order to assist the official receiving the information in 
        the performance of official duties.
    ``(b) Transfers of Duties and Powers Prohibited.--Except as 
otherwise provided by law, a duty or power under this section may not 
be transferred to another department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
Federal Government.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be 
effective as of October 5, 2018, and all authority restored to the 
Secretary and the FAA under this section shall be treated as if such 
authority had never been repealed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018 (Public Law 115-254).
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 40118 the following:

``40119. Sensitive security information.''.

SEC. 224. FAA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall encourage the 
participation of employees of the FAA, as appropriate, in the 
activities of recognized industry standards organizations to advance 
the adoption, reference, and acceptance rate of standards and means of 
compliance developed by such organizations by the Administrator.
    (b) Participation.--An employee of the FAA directed by the 
Administrator to participate in a working group, task group, committee, 
or similar body of a recognized industry standards organization shall--
            (1) actively participate in the discussions and work of 
        such organization;
            (2) accurately represent the position of the Administrator 
        on the subject matter of such discussions and work;
            (3) contribute to the development of work products of such 
        organization, unless determined to be inappropriate by such 
        organization;
            (4) make reasonable efforts to identify and make any 
        concerns of the Administrator relating to such work products 
        known to such organization, including through providing formal 
        comments, as may be allowed for under the procedures of such 
        organization;
            (5) provide regular updates to other FAA employees and 
        management on the progress of such work products; and
            (6) seek advice and input from other FAA employees and 
        management, as needed.
    (c) Recognized Industry Standards Organization Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``recognized industry standards organization'' means 
a domestic or international organization that--
            (1) uses agreed upon procedures to develop aviation-related 
        industry standards or means of compliance, including standards 
        or means of compliance that satisfy FAA requirements or 
        guidance;
            (2) is comprised of members of the public, including 
        subject matter experts, industry representatives, academics and 
        researchers, and government employees; and
            (3) has had at least 1 standard or means of compliance 
        accepted by the Administrator or referenced in guidance 
        material or a regulation issued by the FAA after the date of 
        enactment of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation 
        Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176).

SEC. 225. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS STANDARDS.

    It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should make 
every effort to abide by the policies set forth in the circular of the 
Office of Management and Budget, titled ``Federal Participation in the 
Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and Conformity 
Assessment Activities'' (A-119).

SEC. 226. REQUIRED DESIGNATION.

    The Administrator shall designate any aviation rulemaking committee 
convened under this Act pursuant to section 106(p)(5) of title 49, 
United States Code.

SEC. 227. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.

    Title I of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1997 (49 U.S.C. 40113 note) is amended under the 
heading ``Administrative Services Franchise Fund'' by striking ``shall 
be paid in advance'' and inserting ``may be reimbursed after 
performance or paid in advance''.

SEC. 228. COMMERCIAL PREFERENCE.

    Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and implement'' and 
        inserting ``, implement, and periodically update'';
            (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``the new acquisition 
        management system developed and implemented'' and inserting 
        ``the acquisition management system developed, implemented, and 
        periodically updated'' each place it appears;
            (3) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) by striking ``new''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``and implemented'' and 
                        inserting ``, implemented, and periodically 
                        updated''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Within'' and 
                all that follows through ``the Administrator'' and 
                inserting ``The Administrator'';
            (4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
            (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
            ``(4) Commercial products and services.--In implementing 
        and updating the acquisition management system pursuant to 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, whenever possible--
                    ``(A) describe the requirements with respect to a 
                solicitation for the procurement of supplies or 
                services in terms of--
                            ``(i) functions to be performed;
                            ``(ii) performance required; or
                            ``(iii) essential physical and system 
                        characteristics;
                    ``(B) ensure that commercial services or commercial 
                products may be procured to fulfill such solicitation, 
                or to the extent that commercial products suitable to 
                meet the needs of the Administration are not available, 
                ensure that nondevelopmental items other than 
                commercial products may be procured to fulfill such 
                solicitation;
                    ``(C) provide offerors of commercial services, 
                commercial products, and nondevelopmental items other 
                than commercial products an opportunity to compete in 
                any solicitation for the procurement of supplies or 
                services;
                    ``(D) revise the procurement policies, practices, 
                and procedures of the Administration to reduce any 
                impediments to the acquisition of commercial products 
                and commercial services;
                    ``(E) ensure that any procurement of new equipment 
                takes into account the life cycle, reliability, 
                performance, service support, and costs to guarantee 
                the acquisition of equipment that is of high quality 
                and reliability resulting in greater performance and 
                cost-related benefits; and
                    ``(F) ensure that procurement officials--
                            ``(i) acquire commercial services, 
                        commercial products, or nondevelopmental items 
                        other than commercial products to meet the 
                        needs of the Administration;
                            ``(ii) in a solicitation for the 
                        procurement of supplies or services, state the 
                        specifications for such supplies or services in 
                        terms that enable and encourage bidders and 
                        offerors to supply commercial services or 
                        commercial products, or to the extent that 
                        commercial products suitable to meet the needs 
                        of the Administration are not available, to 
                        supply nondevelopmental items other than 
                        commercial products;
                            ``(iii) require that prime contractors and 
                        subcontractors at all levels under contracts 
                        with the Administration incorporate commercial 
                        services, commercial products, or 
                        nondevelopmental items other than commercial 
                        products as components of items supplied to the 
                        Administration;
                            ``(iv) modify procurement requirements in 
                        appropriate circumstances to ensure that such 
                        requirements can be met by commercial services 
                        or commercial products, or to the extent that 
                        commercial products suitable to meet the needs 
                        of the Administration are not available, 
                        nondevelopmental items other than commercial 
                        products; and
                            ``(v) require training of appropriate 
                        personnel in the acquisition of commercial 
                        products and commercial services.''.

SEC. 229. ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STEERING 
              COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Advanced 
Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ``Steering Committee'') to assist the FAA in 
planning for and integrating advanced aviation technologies.
    (b) Purpose.--The Steering Committee shall--
            (1) create and regularly update a comprehensive strategy 
        and action plan for integrating advanced aviation technologies 
        into the national airspace system and aviation ecosystem; and
            (2) provide direction and resolution for complex issues 
        related to advanced aviation technologies that span multiple 
        offices or lines of business of the FAA, as needed.
    (c) Chair.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall serve as the 
Chair of the Steering Committee.
    (d) Composition.--In addition to the Chair, the Steering Committee 
shall consist of the Assistant or Associate Administrator, or the 
designee of such Administrator, of each of the following FAA offices:
            (1) Office of Aviation Safety.
            (2) Air Traffic Organization.
            (3) Office of Airports.
            (4) Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
            (5) Office of Finance and Management.
            (6) Office of the Chief Counsel.
            (7) Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement.
            (8) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and 
        Environment.
            (9) Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.
            (10) Any other Office the Administrator determines 
        necessary.

SEC. 230. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

    (a) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall identify each categorical exclusion under 
the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, including any 
operating administration within the Department.
    (b) New Categorical Exclusions for Airport Projects.--Not later 
than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) review the categorical exclusions applied by other 
        operating administrations identified in subsection (a); and
            (2) take such action as may be necessary to adopt, as 
        relevant and appropriate, new categorical exclusions that meet 
        the requirements of section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, from among categorical exclusions reviewed by the 
        Secretary in paragraph (1) for use by the FAA.

SEC. 231. IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-TERRORIST AND NARCOTIC AIR EVENTS 
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) Implementation.--
            (1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 180 days 
        after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator 
        shall--
                    (A) implement recommendations 6, 13, 14, and 15 as 
                set forth in the Government Accountability Office 
                report entitled ``Aviation: FAA Needs to Better 
                Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Fraud and Abuse Risks 
                in Aircraft Registration,'' (dated March 25, 2020); and
                    (B) to the extent that rulemaking is necessary to 
                implement such recommendations, issue a notice of 
                proposed rulemaking pursuant to the rulemaking 
                authority of the FAA.
            (2) Remaining recommendations.--The Administrator shall 
        implement recommendations 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 as set 
        forth in the Government Accountability Office report described 
        in paragraph (1) and, to the extent that rulemaking is 
        necessary to implement such recommendations, issue a notice of 
        proposed rulemaking pursuant to the rulemaking authority of the 
        FAA, on the earlier of--
                    (A) the date that is 90 days after the date on 
                which the FAA implements the Civil Aviation Registry 
                Electronic Services system; or
                    (B) January 1, 2026.
    (b) Reports.--
            (1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 60 days after 
        the date on which the Administrator implements the 
        recommendations under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator 
        shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on 
        the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce of the House of 
        Representatives, and the Caucus on International Narcotics 
        Control of the Senate a report on such implementation, 
        including a description of any steps taken by the Administrator 
        to complete such implementation.
            (2) Remaining recommendations.--Not later than 60 days 
        after the date on which the Administrator implements the 
        recommendations under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator 
        shall submit to the Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on 
        the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce of the House of 
        Representatives, and the Caucus on International Narcotics 
        Control of the Senate a report on such implementation, 
        including a description of any steps taken by the Administrator 
        to complete such implementation.

                TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

SEC. 301. HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.

    (a) Outdated Air Ambulance Rulemaking Requirement.--Section 44730 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``not later than 180 
        days after the date of enactment of this section,'';
            (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``address the following'' 
        and inserting ``consider, or address through other means, the 
        following'';
            (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``provide for the 
        following'' and inserting ``consider, or address through other 
        means, the following''; and
            (4) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in the heading by striking ``Subsequent 
                Rulemaking'' and inserting ``Subsequent Actions'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``shall conduct a 
                follow-on rulemaking to address the following:'' and 
                inserting ``shall address through a follow-on 
                rulemaking, or through such other means that the 
                Administrator considers appropriate, the following:'';
                    (C) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph 
                (2).
    (b) Safety Management Systems Briefing.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on how the final rule titled 
``Safety Management System'', published on April 26, 2024, (89 Fed. 
Reg. 33068), will--
            (1) improve helicopter air ambulance operations and 
        piloting; and
            (2) consider the use of safety equipment by flight crew and 
        medical personnel on a helicopter conducting an air ambulance 
        operation.
    (c) Improvement of Publication of Helicopter Air Ambulance 
Operations Data.--Section 44731 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (d);
            (2) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end; and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(2) make publicly available, in part or in whole, on a 
        website of the Federal Aviation Administration, the database 
        developed pursuant to subsection (c); and
            ``(3) analyze the data submitted under subsection (a) 
        periodically and use such data to inform efforts to improve the 
        safety of helicopter air ambulance operations.''; and
            (3) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
        (d) and (e), respectively.

SEC. 302. GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) FAA Oversight of Repair Stations Located Outside the United 
States.--
            (1) In general.--Section 44733 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the heading by striking ``Inspection'' and 
                inserting ``Oversight'';
                    (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than 
                1 year after the date of enactment of this section, 
                the'' and inserting ``The'';
                    (C) in subsection (e)--
                            (i) by inserting ``, without prior notice 
                        to such repair stations,'' after ``annually'';
                            (ii) by inserting ``and the applicable laws 
                        of the country in which the repair station is 
                        located'' after ``international agreements''; 
                        and
                            (iii) by striking the last sentence and 
                        inserting ``The Administrator may carry out 
                        announced or unannounced inspections in 
                        addition to the annual unannounced inspection 
                        required under this subsection based on 
                        identified risks and in a manner consistent 
                        with United States obligations under 
                        international agreements and the applicable 
                        laws of the country in which the part 145 
                        repair station is located.'';
                    (D) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection 
                (j); and
                    (E) by inserting after subsection (f) the 
                following:
    ``(g) Data Analysis.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each fiscal year in which a part 121 air 
        carrier has had heavy maintenance work performed on an aircraft 
        owned or operated by such carrier, such carrier shall provide 
        to the Administrator, not later than the end of the following 
        fiscal year, a report containing the information described in 
        paragraph (2).
            ``(2) Information required.--A report under paragraph (1) 
        shall contain the following:
                    ``(A) The location where any heavy maintenance work 
                on aircraft was performed outside the United States.
                    ``(B) A description of the work performed at each 
                such location.
                    ``(C) The date of completion of the work performed 
                at each such location.
                    ``(D) A list of all failures, malfunctions, or 
                defects affecting the safe operation of such aircraft 
                identified by the air carrier not later than 30 days 
                after the date on which an aircraft is returned to 
                service, organized by reference to aircraft 
                registration number, that--
                            ``(i) requires corrective action after the 
                        aircraft is approved for return to service; and
                            ``(ii) results from such work performed on 
                        such aircraft.
                    ``(E) The certificate number of the person 
                approving such aircraft or on-wing aircraft engine for 
                return to service following completion of the work 
                performed at each such location.
            ``(3) Analysis.--The Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) analyze information provided under this 
                subsection and sections 121.703, 121.705, 121.707, and 
                145.221 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
                any successor provisions of such title, to detect 
                safety issues associated with heavy maintenance work on 
                aircraft performed outside the United States; and
                    ``(B) require appropriate actions by an air carrier 
                or repair station in response to any safety issue 
                identified by the analysis conducted under subparagraph 
                (A).
            ``(4) Confidentiality.--Information provided under this 
        subsection shall be subject to the same protections given to 
        voluntarily provided safety or security related information 
        under section 40123.
    ``(h) Applications and Prohibition.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may not approve any 
        new application under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, from a person located or headquartered in a 
        country that the Administration, through the International 
        Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category 
        2.
            ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an 
        application for the renewal of a certificate issued under part 
        145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(3) Maintenance implementation procedures agreement.--The 
        Administrator may elect not to enter into a new maintenance 
        implementation procedures agreement with a country classified 
        as Category 2, for as long as the country remains classified as 
        Category 2.
            ``(4) Prohibition on continued heavy maintenance work.--No 
        part 121 air carrier may enter into a new contract for heavy 
        maintenance work with a person located or headquartered in a 
        country that the Administrator, through the International 
        Aviation Safety Assessment program, has classified as Category 
        2, for as long as such country remains classified as Category 
        2.
    ``(i) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others Working on 
U.S. Registered Aircraft.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
        require that, at each covered repair station--
                    ``(A) all supervisory personnel of such station are 
                appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman 
                under part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
                or under an equivalent certification or licensing 
                regime, as determined by the Administrator; and
                    ``(B) all personnel of such station authorized to 
                approve an article for return to service are 
                appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman 
                under part 65 of such title, or under an equivalent 
                certification or licensing regime, as determined by the 
                Administrator.
            ``(2) Available for consultation.--Not later than 18 months 
        after the date of enactment of this subsection, the 
        Administrator shall require any individual who is responsible 
        for approving an article for return to service or who is 
        directly in charge of heavy maintenance work performed on 
        aircraft operated by a part 121 air carrier be available for 
        consultation while work is being performed at a covered repair 
        station.''.
            (2) Definitions.--
                    (A) In general.--Section 44733(j) of title 49, 
                United States Code (as redesignated by this section), 
                is amended--
                            (i) in paragraph (1) by striking 
                        ``aircraft'' and inserting ``aircraft 
                        (including on-wing aircraft engines)'';
                            (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (1) 
                        through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4), 
                        respectively; and
                            (iii) by inserting before paragraph (2), as 
                        so redesignated, the following:
            ``(1) Covered repair station.--The term `covered repair 
        station' means a facility that--
                    ``(A) is located outside the United States;
                    ``(B) is a part 145 repair station; and
                    ``(C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft 
                operated by a part 121 air carrier.''.
                    (B) Technical amendment.--Section 44733(a)(3) of 
                title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
                ``covered part 145 repair stations'' and inserting 
                ``part 145 repair stations''.
            (3) Conforming amendments.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 44733 and inserting the following:

``44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United 
                            States.''.
    (b) Alcohol and Drug Testing and Background Checks.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final 
        rule carrying out the requirements of section 2112(b) of the 
        FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 
        44733 note).
            (2) Rulemaking on assessment requirement.--With respect to 
        any employee not covered under the requirements of section 
        1554.101 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the 
        Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking (or request that the 
        head of another Federal agency initiate a rulemaking) that 
        requires a covered repair station to confirm that any such 
        employee has successfully completed an assessment commensurate 
        with a security threat assessment described in subpart C of 
        part 1540 of such title.
            (3) Definition of covered repair station.--For purposes of 
        this subsection, the term ``covered repair station'' means a 
        facility that--
                    (A) is located outside the United States;
                    (B) is certificated under part 145 of title 14, 
                Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    (C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft 
                (including on-wing aircraft engines), operated under 
                part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 303. ODA BEST PRACTICE SHARING.

    Section 44736(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``Not later than 120 days 
        after the date of enactment of this section, the'' and insert 
        ``The''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(G) convene a forum not less than every 2 years 
                between ODA holders, unit members, and other 
                organizational representatives and relevant experts, in 
                order to--
                            ``(i) share best practices;
                            ``(ii) instill professionalism, ethics, and 
                        personal responsibilities in unit members; and
                            ``(iii) foster open and transparent 
                        communication between Administration safety 
                        specialists, ODA holders, and unit members.''.

SEC. 304. TRAINING OF ORGANIZATION DELEGATION AUTHORIZATION UNIT 
              MEMBERS.

    (a) Unit Member Annual Ethics Training.--Section 44736 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(g) Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each ODA holder 
        authorized by the Administrator under section 44702(d) has in 
        effect a recurrent training program for all ODA unit members 
        that covers--
                    ``(A) unit member professional obligations and 
                responsibilities;
                    ``(B) the ODA holder's code of ethics as required 
                to be established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft 
                Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 
                U.S.C. 44701 note);
                    ``(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as 
                described in the respective approved procedures manual 
                for the delegation;
                    ``(D) the prohibition against and reporting 
                procedures for interference from a supervisor or other 
                ODA member described in section 44742; and
                    ``(E) any additional information the Administrator 
                considers relevant to maintaining ethical and 
                professional standards across all ODA holders and unit 
                members.
            ``(2) FAA review.--
                    ``(A) Review of training program.--The Organization 
                Designation Authorization Office of the Administration 
                established under subsection (b) shall review each ODA 
                holders' recurrent training program to ensure such 
                program includes--
                            ``(i) all elements described in paragraph 
                        (1); and
                            ``(ii) training to instill professionalism 
                        and clear understanding among ODA unit members 
                        about the purpose of and procedures associated 
                        with safety management systems, including the 
                        provisions of the third edition of the Safety 
                        Management Manual issued by the International 
                        Civil Aviation Organization (Doc 9859) (or any 
                        successor edition).
                    ``(B) Changes to program.--Such Office may require 
                changes to the training program considered necessary to 
                maintain ethical and professional standards across all 
                ODA holders and unit members.
            ``(3) Training.--As part of the recurrent training program 
        required under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days 
        after being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually 
        thereafter, each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics 
        training required by the ODA holder of the respective ODA unit 
        member in order to exercise the functions delegated under the 
        ODA.
            ``(4) Accountability.--The Administrator shall establish 
        such processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure 
        compliance with paragraph (3).''.
    (b) Deadline.--An ODA unit member authorized to perform delegated 
functions under an ODA prior to the date of completion of an ethics 
training required under section 44736(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, shall complete such training not later than 60 days after the 
training program is approved by the Administrator pursuant to such 
section.

SEC. 305. CLARIFICATION ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INFORMATION 
              DISCLOSURE.

    Section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``; or'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                    (B) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; or''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) if the report, data, or other information is 
        submitted for any purpose relating to the development and 
        implementation of a safety management system, including a 
        system required by regulation.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Other Agencies.--
            ``(1) In general.--The limitation established under 
        subsection (a) shall apply to the head of any other Federal 
        agency who receives reports, data, or other information 
        described in such subsection from the Administrator.
            ``(2) Rule of construction.--This section shall not be 
        construed to limit the accident or incident investigation 
        authority of the National Transportation Safety Board under 
        chapter 11, including the requirement to not disclose 
        voluntarily provided safety-related information under section 
        1114.''.

SEC. 306. REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AIRCRAFT 
              CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.

    (a) Oversight of Organization Designation Authorization Unit 
Members.--Section 44741 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (f)(2)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by 
                striking ``Not later than 90 days'' and all that 
                follows through ``the Administrator shall provide a 
                briefing'' and inserting ``The Administrator shall 
                provide biannual briefings each fiscal year through 
                September 30, 2028''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``90-day 
                period'' and inserting ``6-month period''; and
            (2) in subsection (j) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
        ``2028''.
    (b) Integrated Project Teams.--Section 108(f) of division V of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
    (c) Appeals of Certification Decisions.--Section 44704(g)(1)(C)(ii) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``calendar year 
2025'' and inserting ``calendar year 2028''.
    (d) Professional Development, Skills Enhancement, Continuing 
Education and Training.--Section 44519(c) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
    (e) Voluntary Safety Reporting Program.--Section 113(f) of division 
V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) 
is amended by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 
2028''.
    (f) Changed Product Rule.--Section 117(b)(1) of division V of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
    (g) Domestic and International Pilot Training.--Section 119(f)(3) 
of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 is amended 
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
    (h) Samya Rose Stumo National Air Grant Fellowship Program.--
Section 131(d) of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2021 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ``2025'' and 
inserting ``2028''.

SEC. 307. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT OF FAA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.

    Section 122 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
Accountability Act (Public Law 116-260) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (2) and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(2) conduct an annual agency-wide evaluation of the 
        Compliance Program through fiscal year 2028 to assess the 
        functioning and effectiveness of such program and to assess--
                    ``(A) the need for long-term metrics that, to the 
                maximum extent practicable, apply to all program 
                offices, and use such metrics to assess the 
                effectiveness of the program;
                    ``(B) if the program ensures the highest level of 
                compliance with safety standards;
                    ``(C) if the program has met its stated safety 
                goals and purpose; and
                    ``(D) FAA employee confidence in the program.'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(4) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
        ``2028''; and
            (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
        ``2028''.

SEC. 308. SCALABILITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

    In conducting any rulemaking to require, or implementing a 
regulation requiring, a safety management system, the Administrator 
shall consider the scalability of such safety management system 
requirements, to the full range of entities in terms of size or 
complexity that may be affected by such rulemaking or regulation, 
including--
            (1) how an entity can demonstrate compliance using various 
        documentation, tools, and methods, including, as appropriate, 
        systems with multiple small operators collectively monitoring 
        for and addressing risks;
            (2) a review of traditional safety management techniques 
        and the suitability of such techniques for small entities;
            (3) the applicability of existing safety management system 
        programs implemented by an entity;
            (4) the suitability of existing requirements under part 5 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for small entities; 
        and
            (5) other unique challenges relating to small entities the 
        Administrator determines appropriate to consider.

SEC. 309. REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RULEMAKING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the final rule of the FAA 
titled ``Safety Management Systems'' and issued on April 26, 2024 (89 
Fed. Reg. 33068).
    (b) Applicability.--In reviewing the final rule under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall ensure that the safety management system 
requirement under such final rule described in subsection (a) is 
applied to all certificate holders operating under the rules for 
commuter and on-demand operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, commercial air tour operators operating under 
section 91.147 of such title, production certificate holders that are 
holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and 
holders of a type certificate who license out such certificate for 
production under part 21 of such title.
    (c) Determination.--If the Administrator determines the final rule 
does not apply the safety management system requirement in the manner 
described in subsection (b), the Administrator shall issue such 
regulation, guidance, or policy as may be necessary to ensure such 
safety management system requirement is applied in such manner.

SEC. 310. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE STATE OF TYPE CERTIFICATION 
              PROCESSES.

    (a) Review and Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with an appropriate federally funded research and development 
center, or other independent nonprofit organization that recommends 
solutions to aviation policy challenges through objective analysis, to 
conduct a review and study in accordance with the requirements and 
elements in this section.
    (b) Elements.--The entity carrying out the review and study 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide analyses, assessments, and 
recommendations that address the following elements:
            (1) A vision for a future state of type certification that 
        reflects the highly complex, highly integrated nature of modern 
        aircraft and improvements in aviation safety.
            (2) An assessment of digital tools, techniques, and 
        software systems that allow for efficient and virtual 
        evaluation of an applicant design, associated documentation, 
        and software or systems engineering products, including in 
        digital 3-dimensional formats or using model-based systems 
        engineering design techniques.
            (3) How the FAA could develop a risk-based model for type 
        certification that improves the safety of aircraft.
            (4) What changes are needed to ensure that corrective 
        actions for continued operational safety issues, including 
        software modifications, can be approved and implemented in a 
        timely manner while maintaining the integrity of the type 
        certification process.
            (5) What efficiencies and safety process improvements are 
        needed in the type certification processes of the FAA to 
        facilitate the assessment and integration of innovative 
        technologies and advance aviation safety, such as conducting 
        product familiarization, developing certification requirements, 
        and demonstrating flight test safety readiness.
            (6) Best practices and tools used by other certification 
        authorities outside of the United States that could be adopted 
        by the FAA, as well as the best practices and tools used by the 
        FAA which can be shared with certification authorities outside 
        of the United States.
    (c) Parties to Review.--In conducting the review and study pursuant 
to subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the entity 
entering into an agreement under this section shall, throughout the 
review and study, consult with--
            (1) the aircraft certification and flight standards offices 
        or services of the Administration; and
            (2) at least 3 industry members representing aircraft and 
        aircraft part manufacturing interests.
    (d) Considerations.--In conducting the review and study pursuant to 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure the entity considers the 
availability, cost, interoperability, scalability, adaptability, 
cybersecurity, ease of adoption, and potential safety benefits of the 
elements described in subsection (b), including any digital tools, 
techniques, and software systems recommended to address such elements.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the entity conducting the review and study pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the review and study 
that includes--
            (1) the findings and recommendations of the entity; and
            (2) an assessment of whether digital tools, techniques, and 
        software systems could improve the coordination, oversight, or 
        safety of the certification and validation activities of the 
        FAA.
    (f) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the 
report required under subsection (e) is received by the Administrator, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
on--
            (1) any actions the FAA proposes to take as a result of 
        such findings and recommendations; and
            (2) the rationale of the FAA for not taking action on any 
        specific recommendation, as applicable.

SEC. 311. USE OF ADVANCED TOOLS AND HIGH-RISK FLIGHT TESTING IN 
              CERTIFYING AEROSPACE PRODUCTS.

    (a) Assessment.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall complete an assessment 
of the use of advanced tools during the testing, analysis, and 
verification stages of aerospace certification projects to reduce the 
risks associated with high-risk flight profiles and performing limit 
testing.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the assessment under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider--
            (1) instances in which high-risk flight profiles and limit 
        testing have occurred in the certification process and the 
        applicability of the data produced by such testing for use in 
        other aspects of flight testing;
            (2) the safety of pilots during such testing;
            (3) the value and accuracy of data collected using the 
        advanced tools described in subsection (a);
            (4) the ability to produce more extensive data sets using 
        such advanced tools;
            (5) any aspects of such testing for which the use of such 
        advanced tools would not be valuable or applicable;
            (6) the cost of using such advanced tools; and
            (7) the best practices of other international civil 
        aviation authorities that permit the use of advanced tools 
        during aerospace certification projects.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the assessment under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall consult with--
            (1) aircraft manufacturers, including manufacturers that 
        have designed and certified aircraft under--
                    (A) part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations;
                    (B) part 25 of such title; or
                    (C) part 27 of such title;
            (2) aircraft manufacturers that have designed and 
        certified, or are in the process of certifying, aircraft with a 
        novel design under part 21.17(b) of such title;
            (3) associations representing aircraft manufacturers;
            (4) researchers and academics in related fields; and
            (5) pilots who are experts in flight testing.
    (d) Congressional Report.--Not later than 60 days after the 
completion of the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of 
the assessment conducted under subsection (a).
    (e) Required Updates.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take necessary 
        actions based on the results of the assessment under subsection 
        (a), including, as appropriate--
                    (A) amending part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations; and
                    (B) modifying any associated advisory circulars, 
                guidance, or policy of the FAA.
            (2) Requirements.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), 
        the Administrator shall consider--
                    (A) developing validation criteria and procedures 
                whereby data produced in high-fidelity engineering 
                laboratories and facilities may be allowed (in 
                conjunction with, or in lieu of) data produced on a 
                flying test article to support an applicant's showing 
                of compliance required under section 21.35(a)(1) of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
                    (B) developing criteria and procedures whereby an 
                Organization Designation Authorization (as defined in 
                section 44736(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code) 
                may recommend that certain data produced during an 
                applicant's flight test program may be accepted by the 
                FAA as final compliance data in accordance with section 
                21.35(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at 
                the sole discretion of the FAA; and
                    (C) working with other international civil aviation 
                authorities representing States of Design to--
                            (i) identify their best practices relative 
                        to high risk-flight testing; and
                            (ii) adopt such practices into the flight-
                        testing requirements of the FAA to the maximum 
                        extent practicable.

SEC. 312. TRANSPORT AIRPLANE AND PROPULSION CERTIFICATION 
              MODERNIZATION.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for the 
item titled ``Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification 
Modernization'', published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL42).

SEC. 313. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.

    (a) Internal Regulatory Review Team.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an 
        internal regulatory review team (in this section referred to as 
        the ``Team'').
            (2) Review.--
                    (A) In general.--The Team shall conduct a review 
                comparing foreign and domestic airworthiness standards 
                and guidance for aircraft engine firewalls.
                    (B) Requirements.--In conducting the review, the 
                Team shall--
                            (i) identify any significant differences in 
                        standards or guidance with respect to test 
                        article selection and fire test boundaries and 
                        evaluation criteria for burn tests, including 
                        the use of certification by analysis for cases 
                        in which substantially similar designs have 
                        passed burn tests;
                            (ii) assess the safety implications for any 
                        products imported into the United States that 
                        do not comply with the firewall requirements of 
                        the FAA; and
                            (iii) consult with industry stakeholders to 
                        the maximum extent practicable.
    (b) Duties of the Administrator.--The Administrator shall--
            (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the Team 
        reports the findings of the review to the Administrator, update 
        the Significant Standards List of the FAA based on such 
        findings, as appropriate; and
            (2) not later than 90 days after such date, submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on such findings 
        and any recommendations for such legislative or administrative 
        action as the Administrator determines appropriate.

SEC. 314. RISK MODEL FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) conduct a review of the risk-based model used by 
        certification management offices of the FAA to inform the 
        frequency of aircraft manufacturing or production facility 
        inspections; and
            (2) update the model to ensure such model adequately 
        accounts for risk at facilities during periods of increased 
        production.
    (b) Briefings.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
review is completed under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on--
            (1) the results of the review;
            (2) any changes made to the risk-based model described in 
        subsection (a); and
            (3) how such changes would help improve the in-plant 
        inspection process.

SEC. 315. REVIEW OF FAA USE OF AVIATION SAFETY DATA.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an appropriate 
arrangement with a qualified third-party organization or consortium to 
evaluate the collection, collation, analysis, and use of aviation data 
across the FAA.
    (b) Consultation.--In completing the evaluation under subsection 
(a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium shall--
            (1) seek the input of experts in data analytics, including 
        at least 1 expert in the commercial data services or analytics 
        solutions sector;
            (2) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board 
        and the Transportation Research Board; and
            (3) consult with appropriate federally funded research and 
        development centers, to the extent that such centers are not 
        already involved in the evaluation.
    (c) Substance of Evaluation.--In completing the evaluation under 
subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium 
shall--
            (1) compile a list of internal and external sources, 
        databases, and streams of information the FAA receives or has 
        access to that provide the FAA with operational or safety 
        information and data about the national airspace system, its 
        users, and other regulated entities of the FAA;
            (2) review data sets to determine completeness and accuracy 
        of relevant information;
            (3) identify gaps in information that the FAA could fill 
        through sharing agreements, partnerships, or other means that 
        would add value during safety trend analysis;
            (4) assess the capabilities of the FAA, including analysis 
        systems and workforce skillsets, to analyze relevant data and 
        information to make informed decisions;
            (5) review data and information for proper storage, 
        identification controls, and data privacy--
                    (A) as required by law; and
                    (B) consistent with best practices for data 
                collection, storage, and use;
            (6) review the format of such data and identify methods to 
        improve the usefulness of such data;
            (7) assess internal and external access to data for--
                    (A) appropriateness based on data type and level of 
                detail;
                    (B) proper data access protocols and precautions; 
                and
                    (C) maximizing availability of safety-related data 
                that could support the improvement of safety management 
                systems of and trend identification by regulated 
                entities and the FAA;
            (8) examine the collation and dissemination of data within 
        offices and between offices of the FAA;
            (9) review and recommend improvements to the data analysis 
        techniques of the FAA; and
            (10) recommend investments the Administrator should 
        consider to better collect, manage, and analyze data sets, 
        including within and between offices of the FAA.
    (d) Access to Information.--The Administrator shall provide the 
qualified third-party organization or consortium and the experts 
described in subsection (b) with adequate access to safety and 
operational data collected by and held by the agency across all offices 
of the FAA, except if specific access is otherwise prohibited by law.
    (e) Nondisclosure.--Prior to participating in the review, the 
Administrator shall ensure that each person participating in the 
evaluation under this section enters into an agreement with the 
Administrator in which the person shall be prohibited from disclosing 
at any time, except as required by law, to any person, foreign or 
domestic, any non-public information made accessible to the federally 
funded research and development center under this section.
    (f) Report.--The qualified third-party organization or consortium 
carrying out the evaluation under this section shall provide a report 
of the findings of the center to the Administrator and include 
recommendations to improve the FAA's collection, collation, analysis, 
and use of aviation data, including recommendations to--
            (1) improve data access across offices within the FAA, as 
        necessary, to support efficient execution of safety analysis 
        and programs across such offices;
            (2) improve data storage best practices;
            (3) develop or refine methods for collating data from 
        multiple FAA and industry sources; and
            (4) procure or use available analytics tools to draw 
        conclusions and identify previously unrecognized trends or 
        miscategorized risks in the aviation system, particularly when 
        identification of such information requires the analysis of 
        multiple sets of data from multiple sources.
    (g) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than 6 months 
after the receipt of the report under subsection (f), the Administrator 
shall review, develop an implementation plan, and, if appropriate, 
begin the implementation of the recommendations received in such 
report.
    (h) Review of Implementation.--The qualified third-party 
organization or consortium that conducted the initial evaluation, and 
any experts who contributed to such evaluation pursuant to subsection 
(b)(1), shall provide regular feedback and advice to the Administrator 
on the implementation plan developed under subsection (g) and any 
implementation activities for at least 2 years beginning on the date of 
the receipt of the report under subsection (f).
    (i) Report to Congress.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress the report described in subsection 
(f) and the implementation plan described in subsection (g).
    (j) Existing Reporting Systems.--Consistent with section 132 of the 
Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (Public Law 116-
260), the Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board, in 
consultation with the Secretary and the Administrator, may further 
harmonize data and sources following the implementation of 
recommendations under subsection (g).
    (k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to permit the public disclosure of information submitted 
under a voluntary safety reporting program or that is otherwise 
protected under section 44735 of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 316. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine 
how to improve the procurement, functionality, and sustainability of 
weather reporting systems, including--
            (1) automated weather observing systems;
            (2) automated surface observing systems;
            (3) visual weather observing systems; and
            (4) non-Federal weather reporting systems.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under section (a), 
the Comptroller General shall address--
            (1) the current state of the supply chain related to 
        weather reporting systems and the components of such systems;
            (2) the average age of weather reporting systems 
        infrastructure installed in the national airspace system;
            (3) challenges to maintaining and replacing weather 
        reporting systems, including--
                    (A) root causes of weather reporting system 
                outages, including failures of such systems, and 
                supporting systems such as telecommunications 
                infrastructure; and
                    (B) the degree to which such outages affect weather 
                reporting in the national airspace system;
            (4) mitigation measures to maintain aviation safety during 
        such an outage; and
            (5) alternative means of obtaining weather elements at 
        airports, including wind direction, wind speed, barometric 
        pressure setting, and cloud coverage, including visibility.
    (c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with the 
appropriate stakeholders and Federal agencies involved in installing, 
managing, and supporting weather reporting systems in the national 
airspace system.
    (d) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress and the Committee on 
        Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
        a report describing the results of the study conducted under 
        subsection (a).
            (2) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall include 
        in the report submitted under paragraph (1) recommendations 
        for--
                    (A) ways to improve the resiliency and redundancy 
                of weather reporting systems;
                    (B) alternative means of compliance for obtaining 
                weather elements at airports; and
                    (C) if necessary, changes to Orders of the 
                Administration, including the following:
                            (i) Surface Weather Observing, Joint Order 
                        7900.5.
                            (ii) Notices to Air Missions, Joint Order 
                        7930.2.

SEC. 317. GAO STUDY ON EXPANSION OF THE FAA WEATHER CAMERA PROGRAM.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the 
feasibility and benefits and costs of expanding the Weather Camera 
Program of the FAA to locations in the United States that lack weather 
camera services.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review--
            (1) the potential effects of the existing Weather Camera 
        Program on weather-related aviation accidents and flight 
        interruptions;
            (2) the potential benefits and costs associated with 
        expanding the Weather Camera Program;
            (3) limitations on the real-time access of weather camera 
        information by pilots and aircraft operators;
            (4) non-safety related regulatory structures or barriers to 
        the allowable use of weather camera information for the 
        purposes of aircraft operations;
            (5) limitations of existing weather camera systems at the 
        time of the study;
            (6) alternative sources of viable weather data;
            (7) funding mechanisms for weather camera installation and 
        operations; and
            (8) other considerations the Comptroller General determines 
        appropriate.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 28 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study 
required under subsection (a).

SEC. 318. AUDIT ON AVIATION SAFETY IN ERA OF WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the FAA's internal processes 
and procedures to communicate the position of civil aviation operators 
and the safety of the national airspace system to the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding proposed 
spectrum reallocations or auction decisions.
    (b) Assessment.--In conducting the audit described in subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall assess best practices and policy 
recommendations for the FAA to--
            (1) improve internal processes by which proposed spectrum 
        reallocations or auctions are thoroughly reviewed in advance to 
        ensure that any comments or technical concerns regarding 
        aviation safety from civil aviation stakeholders are 
        communicated to the National Telecommunications and Information 
        Administration that are to be submitted to the Federal 
        Communications Commission;
            (2) develop internal processes and procedures to assess the 
        effects a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction may have on 
        the national airspace system in a timely manner to ensure 
        safety of the national airspace system;
            (3) improve external communication processes to better 
        inform civil aviation stakeholders, including owners and 
        operators of civil aircraft, on any comments or technical 
        concerns of the FAA relating to a proposed spectrum 
        reallocation or auction that may impact the national airspace 
        system; and
            (4) better communicate to the National Telecommunications 
        and Information Administration when a proposed spectrum 
        reallocation or auction may pose a potential risk to aviation 
        safety.
    (c) Stakeholder Views.--In conducting the audit pursuant to 
subsection (a), the inspector general shall consult with relevant 
stakeholders, including--
            (1) air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations;
            (2) manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components;
            (3) wireless communication carriers;
            (4) labor unions representing pilots;
            (5) air traffic system safety specialists;
            (6) other representatives of the communications industry;
            (7) aviation safety experts;
            (8) the National Telecommunications and Information 
        Administration; and
            (9) the Federal Communications Commission.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
audit is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the inspector general 
shall complete and submit a report on findings and recommendations to--
            (1) the Administrator;
            (2) the appropriate committees of Congress; and
            (3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
        Representatives.

SEC. 319. SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS FOR AIRCRAFT WITHOUT TRANSPONDERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall collect and 
analyze data relating to accidents and incidents involving covered 
exempt aircraft that occurred within 30 nautical miles of an airport.
    (b) Requirements.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall 
include, with respect to covered exempt aircraft, a review of--
            (1) incident and accident data since 2006 involving--
                    (A) midair events, including collisions;
                    (B) ground proximity warning system alerts;
                    (C) traffic collision avoidance system alerts; or
                    (D) a loss of separation or near miss; and
            (2) the causes of the incidents and accidents described in 
        paragraphs (1).
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 30 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the results of the analysis required under 
subsection (a) and, if applicable, recommendations on how to reduce the 
number of incidents and accidents associated with such covered exempt 
aircraft.
    (d) Covered Exempt Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered exempt aircraft'' means aircraft, balloons, and gliders 
exempt from air traffic control transponder and altitude reporting 
equipment and use requirements under part 91.215(b)(3) of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 320. CRASH-RESISTANT FUEL SYSTEMS IN ROTORCRAFT.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to--
            (1) review the data analysis conducted and the 
        recommendations developed by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory 
        Committee Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group of the 
        Administration;
            (2) update the 2018 report of such working group on 
        rotorcraft occupant protection by--
                    (A) reviewing National Transportation Safety Board 
                data from 2016 through 2023 on post-crash fires in 
                helicopter accidents; and
                    (B) determining whether and to what extent crash-
                resistant fuel systems could have prevented fatalities 
                in the accidents covered by the data reviewed under 
                subparagraph (A); and
            (3) develop recommendations for either the Administrator or 
        the helicopter industry to encourage helicopter owners and 
        operators to expedite the installation of crash-resistant fuel 
        systems in the aircraft of such owners and operators regardless 
        of original certification and manufacture date.
    (b) Schedule.--
            (1) Deadline.--Not later than 18 months after the 
        Administrator tasks the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee 
        under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit the 
        recommendations developed under subsection (a)(2) to the 
        Administrator.
            (2) Implementation.--If applicable, and not later than 180 
        days after receiving the recommendations under paragraph (1), 
        the Administrator shall--
                    (A) begin implementing, as appropriate, any safety 
                recommendations the Administrator receives from the 
                Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee, and brief the 
                appropriate committees of Congress on any 
                recommendations the Administrator does not implement; 
                and
                    (B) partner with the United States Helicopter 
                Safety Team, as appropriate, to facilitate 
                implementation of any recommendations for the 
                helicopter industry pursuant to subsection (a)(2).

SEC. 321. REDUCING TURBULENCE-RELATED INJURIES ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT 
              OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the recommendations made by 
the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board to the 
Administrator contained in the safety research report titled 
``Preventing Turbulence-Related Injuries in Air Carrier Operations 
Conducted Under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121'', issued 
on August 10, 2021 (NTSB/SS-21/01) and provide a briefing to the 
appropriate committees of Congress with any planned actions in response 
to the recommendations of the report.
    (b) Implementation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall implement, as 
appropriate, the recommendations in the safety research report 
described in subsection (a).
    (c) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after completing 
        the review under subsection (a), and every 2 years thereafter, 
        the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report on the implementation status of the 
        recommendations in the safety research report described in 
        subsection (a) until the earlier of--
                    (A) the date on which such recommendations have 
                been adopted or adjudicated as described in paragraph 
                (2); or
                    (B) the date that is 10 years after the date of 
                enactment of this Act.
            (2) Contents.--If the Administrator decides not to 
        implement a recommendation in the safety research report 
        described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide, 
        as a part of the report required under paragraph (1), a 
        description of why the Administrator did not implement such 
        recommendation.

SEC. 322. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE.

    (a) Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into appropriate 
arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
Medicine under which the National Research Council of the National 
Academies shall conduct a study on radiation exposure to crewmembers 
onboard various aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Scope of Study.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the National Research Council shall assess--
            (1) radiation concentrations in such aircraft at takeoff, 
        in-flight at high altitudes, and upon landing;
            (2) the health risks and impact of radiation exposure to 
        crewmembers onboard aircraft operating at high altitudes; and
            (3) mitigation measures to prevent and reduce the health 
        and safety impacts of radiation exposure to crewmembers.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 16 months after the 
initiation of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the study 
conducted by the National Research Council pursuant to this section.

SEC. 323. STUDY ON IMPACTS OF TEMPERATURE IN AIRCRAFT CABINS.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into 
        appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of 
        Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National 
        Academies shall conduct a 1-year study on the health and safety 
        impacts of unsafe cabin temperature with respect to passengers 
        and crewmembers during each season in which the study is 
        conducted.
            (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the National Academies shall review existing 
        standards produced by recognized industry organizations on safe 
        air temperatures and humidity levels in enclosed environments, 
        including onboard aircraft, and evaluate the validity of such 
        standards as it relates to aircraft cabin temperatures.
            (3) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with the 
        Civil Aerospace Medical Institute of the FAA, air carriers 
        operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, relevant Federal agencies, and any applicable 
        aviation labor organizations.
    (b) Reports.--
            (1) Report to secretary.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date on which the study under subsection (a) is completed, the 
        National Academies shall submit to the Secretary a report on 
        the results of such study, including any recommendations 
        determined appropriate by the National Academies.
            (2) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        date on which the National Academies submits the report under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report describing the results of the 
        study required under subsection (a), including any 
        recommendations for further action determined appropriate by 
        the Secretary.
    (c) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
aircraft'' means an aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 324. LITHIUM-ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall task the Air Carrier Access Act 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') 
to conduct a review of regulations related to lithium-ion battery 
powered wheelchairs and mobility aids on commercial aircraft and 
provide recommendations to the Secretary to ensure safe transport of 
such wheelchairs and mobility aids in air transportation.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Committee shall consider the following:
            (1) Any existing or necessary standards for lithium-ion 
        batteries, including casings or other similar components, in 
        such wheelchairs and mobility aids.
            (2) The availability of necessary containment or storage 
        devices, including fire containment covers or fire-resistant 
        storage containers, for such wheelchairs and mobility aids.
            (3) The policies of each air carrier (as such term is 
        defined in part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) 
        pertaining to lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs and 
        mobility aids (as in effect on the date of enactment of this 
        Act).
            (4) Any other considerations the Secretary determines 
        appropriate.
    (c) Consultation Requirement.--In conducting the review required 
under subsection (a), the Committee shall consult with the 
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration.
    (d) Notification.--
            (1) In general.--Upon completion of the review conducted 
        under subsection (a), the Committee shall notify the Secretary 
        if an air carrier does not have a policy pertaining to lithium-
        ion battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids in effect.
            (2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify an air 
        carrier described in paragraph (1) of the status of such air 
        carrier.
    (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after submission of 
the recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress any recommendations under subsection 
(a), in the form of a report.
    (f) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the report required 
under subsection (e) on the public website of the Department of 
Transportation.

SEC. 325. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDANCE.

    (a) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall review relevant policies and 
guidance, including all advisory circulars, information bulletins, and 
directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    (b) Updates.--Upon completion of the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, update relevant 
policies and guidance, including all advisory circulars, information 
bulletins, and directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall convene and consult with 
entities required to comply with part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, including representatives of--
            (1) air carriers;
            (2) flight schools certificated under part 141 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations;
            (3) training centers certificated under part 142 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (4) manufacturers and suppliers of flight simulation 
        training devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, and Appendix F to part 60 of such title).
    (d) GAO Study on FAA National Simulator Program.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a 
        study on the National Simulator Program of the FAA that is part 
        of the Training and Simulation Group of the Air Transportation 
        Division.
            (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum, 
        assess--
                    (A) how the program described in paragraph (1) is 
                maintained to reflect and account for advancement in 
                technologies pertaining to flight simulation training 
                devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations, and appendix F to part 60 of such 
                title);
                    (B) the staffing levels, critical competencies, and 
                skills gaps of FAA personnel responsible for carrying 
                out and supporting the program described in paragraph 
                (1); and
                    (C) how the program described in paragraph (1) 
                engages air carriers and relevant industry 
                stakeholders, including flight schools, to ensure 
                efficient compliance with part 60 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings 
        of the study conducted under paragraph (1).

SEC. 326. BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION APPROVAL TIMING.

    Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the amount of time the application approval process takes for 
agricultural aircraft operations under part 137 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.

SEC. 327. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY OF AVIATION 
              INFRASTRUCTURE.

    It is the sense of Congress that aviation provides essential 
services critical to the United States economy and that it is important 
to ensure the safety and security of aviation infrastructure and 
protect such infrastructure from unlawful breaches with appropriate 
legal safeguards.

SEC. 328. RESTRICTED CATEGORY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator shall 
have sole regulatory and oversight jurisdiction over the maintenance 
and operations of aircraft owned by civilian operators and type-
certificated in the restricted category under section 21.25 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 329. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.

    (a) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study of foreign 
interchange agreements.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall address the following:
            (1) Methods for updating regulations under part 121.569 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for foreign interchange 
        agreements.
            (2) Time limits for foreign aircraft interchange 
        agreements.
            (3) Minimum breaks between foreign aircraft interchange 
        agreements.
            (4) Limits for no more than 1 foreign aircraft interchange 
        agreement between 2 airlines.
            (5) Limits for no more than 2 foreign aircraft on the 
        interchange agreement.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the study required under subsection (a).
    (d) Rulemaking.--Based on the results of the study required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may, if appropriate, update the 
relevant sections of part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 330. TASK FORCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION SAFETY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding section 127 of the Aircraft 
Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44513 note), the 
Administrator shall convene a task force on human factors in aviation 
safety (in this section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
    (b) Composition.--
            (1) Members.--The Administrator shall appoint members of 
        the Task Force--
                    (A) that have expertise in an operational or 
                academic discipline that is relevant to the analysis of 
                human errors in aviation, which may include air carrier 
                operations, line pilot expertise, air traffic control, 
                technical operations, aeronautical information, 
                aircraft maintenance and mechanics psychology, 
                linguistics, human-machine integration, general 
                aviation operations, and organizational behavior and 
                culture;
                    (B) that sufficiently represent all relevant 
                operational or academic disciplines described in 
                subparagraph (A);
                    (C) with expertise on human factors but whose 
                experience and training are not in aviation and who 
                have not previously been engaged in work related to the 
                FAA or the aviation industry;
                    (D) that are representatives of pilot labor 
                organizations and certificated mechanic labor 
                organizations;
                    (E) that are employees of the FAA that have 
                expertise in safety; and
                    (F) that are employees of other Federal agencies 
                with expertise on human factors.
            (2) Number of members.--In appointing members under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that--
                    (A) at least half of the members appointed have 
                expertise in aviation;
                    (B) at least one member appointed represents an 
                exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic 
                controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
                United States Code; and
                    (C) 3 members are employees of the FAA and 1 member 
                is an employee of the National Transportation Safety 
                Board.
            (3) Voting.--The members described in paragraph (2)(C) 
        shall be non-voting members of the Task Force.
    (c) Duration.--
            (1) In general.--Members of the Task Force shall be 
        appointed for the duration of the Task Force.
            (2) Length of existence.--
                    (A) In general.--The Task Force shall have an 
                initial duration of 2 years.
                    (B) Option.--The Administrator may extend the 
                duration of the Task Force for an additional period of 
                up to 2 years.
    (d) Duties.--In coordination with the Research, Engineering, and 
Development Advisory Committee, the Task Force shall--
            (1) not later than the date on which the duration of the 
        Task Force expires under subsection (c), produce a written 
        report in which the Task Force--
                    (A) to the greatest extent possible, identifies the 
                most significant human factors and the relative 
                contribution of such factors to aviation safety risk;
                    (B) identifies new research priorities for research 
                in human factors in aviation safety;
                    (C) reviews existing products by other working 
                groups related to human factors in aviation safety 
                including the work of the Commercial Aviation Safety 
                Team pertaining to flight crew responses to abnormal 
                events;
                    (D) provides recommendations on potential revisions 
                to any FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the 
                certification of aircraft under part 25 of title 14, 
                Code of Federal Regulations, including sections related 
                to presumed pilot response times and assumptions about 
                the reliability of pilot performance during unexpected, 
                stressful events;
                    (E) reviews rules, regulations, or standards 
                regarding flight crew and maintenance personnel rest 
                and fatigue that are used by a sample of international 
                air carriers, including rules, regulations, or 
                standards determined to be more stringent and less 
                stringent than the current standards pertaining to air 
                carriers (as such term is defined in section 40102 of 
                title 49, United States Code), and identifies risks to 
                the national airspace system from any variation in such 
                rules, regulations, or standards across countries;
                    (F) reviews pilot training requirements and 
                recommends any revisions necessary to ensure adequate 
                understanding of automated systems on aircraft;
                    (G) reviews approach and landing misalignment and 
                makes any recommendations for reducing misalignment 
                events;
                    (H) identifies ways to enhance instrument landing 
                system maintenance schedules;
                    (I) determines how a real-time smart system should 
                be developed to inform the air traffic control system, 
                air carriers, and airports about any changes in the 
                state of runway and taxiway lights and identifies how 
                such real-time smart system could be connected to the 
                maintenance system of the FAA;
                    (J) analyzes, with respect to human errors related 
                to aviation safety of air carriers operating under part 
                121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations--
                            (i) fatigue and distraction during critical 
                        phases of work among pilots or other aviation 
                        personnel;
                            (ii) tasks and workload;
                            (iii) organizational culture;
                            (iv) communication among personnel;
                            (v) adherence to safety procedures;
                            (vi) mental state of personnel; and
                            (vii) any other relevant factors that are 
                        the cause or potential cause of human error 
                        related to aviation safety;
                    (K) includes a tabulation of the number of 
                accidents, incidents, or aviation safety database 
                entries received in which an item identified under 
                subparagraph (J) was a cause or potential cause of 
                human error related to aviation safety; and
                    (L) includes a list of causes or potential causes 
                of human error related to aviation safety about which 
                the Administrator believes additional information is 
                needed; and
            (2) if the Administrator extends the duration of the Task 
        Force pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), not later than the date 
        that is 2 years after the date on which the Task Force is 
        established, produce an interim report containing the 
        information described in paragraph (1).
    (e) Methodology.--In carrying out the duties under subparagraphs 
(J) through (L) of subsection (d)(1), the Task Force shall consult with 
the National Transportation Safety Board and use all available data 
compiled and analysis conducted on safety incidents and irregularities 
collected during the relevant fiscal year from the following:
            (1) Flight Operations Quality Assurance.
            (2) Aviation Safety Action Program.
            (3) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.
            (4) The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
            (5) Aviation safety recommendations and investigation 
        findings of the National Transportation Safety Board.
            (6) Other relevant programs or sources.
    (f) Consistency.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
require changes to, or duplication of, work as required by section 127 
of the Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 
44513 note).

SEC. 331. UPDATE OF FAA STANDARDS TO ALLOW DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF 
              CERTAIN RESTRICTED ROUTES AND TERMINAL PROCEDURES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update FAA standards to 
allow for the distribution and use of the Capstone Restricted Routes 
and Terminal Procedures by Wide Area Augmentation System-capable 
navigation equipment.
    (b) Contents.--In updating standards under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall ensure that such standards provide a means for 
allowing modifications and continued development of new routes and 
procedures proposed by air carriers operating such routes.

SEC. 332. ASOS/AWOS SERVICE REPORT DASHBOARD.

    (a) In General.--The applicable Administrators shall work in 
collaboration to collect the real-time service status of all automated 
surface observation systems/automated weather observing systems (in 
this section referred to as ``ASOS/AWOS'').
    (b) Availability of Results.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
        applicable Administrators shall make available on a publicly 
        available website the following:
                    (A) The service status of all ASOS/AWOS.
                    (B) Information on any actions to repair or replace 
                ASOS/AWOS that are out of service due to technical or 
                weather-related events, including an estimated timeline 
                to return the systems to service.
                    (C) A portal on such publicly available website for 
                the public to report ASOS/AWOS outages.
            (2) Data files.--The applicable Administrators shall make 
        available the underlying data required under paragraph (1) for 
        each ASOS/AWOS in a machine-readable format.
    (c) Applicable Administrators.--In this section, the term 
``applicable Administrators'' means--
            (1) the Administrator of the FAA; and
            (2) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration.

SEC. 333. HELICOPTER SAFETY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Investigative 
Technologies Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ``Committee'') with reviewing and assessing the need 
for changes to the safety requirements related to flight data 
recorders, flight data monitoring, and terrain awareness and warning 
systems for turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for 6 or more 
passenger seats.
    (b) Considerations.--In reviewing and assessing the safety 
requirements under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider--
            (1) any applicable safety recommendations of the National 
        Transportation Safety Board; and
            (2) the operational requirements and safety considerations 
        for operations under parts 121 and 135 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.
    (c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after 
initiating the review and assessment under this section, the Committee 
shall submit to the Administrator--
            (1) a report on the findings of the review and assessment 
        under subsection (a); and
            (2) any recommendations for legislative or regulatory 
        action to improve safety that the Committee determines 
        appropriate.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
            (1) the findings and recommendations included in such 
        report; and
            (2) any plan to implement such recommendations.

SEC. 334. REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF HUMAN READINESS LEVELS INTO 
              AGENCY GUIDANCE MATERIAL.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
            (1) proper attention to human factors during the 
        development of technological systems is a significant factor in 
        minimizing or preventing human error;
            (2) the evaluation of a new aviation technology or system 
        with respect to human use throughout its design and development 
        may reduce human error when such technologies and systems are 
        used in operational conditions; and
            (3) the technical standard of the Human Factors and 
        Ergonomics Society titled ``Human Readiness Level Scale in the 
        System Development Process'' (ANSI/HFES 400-2021) defines the 9 
        levels of a Human Readiness Level scale and their application 
        in systems engineering and human systems integration processes.
    (b) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a process to review the 
technical standard described in subsection (a)(3) and determine whether 
any materials from such standard should be incorporated or referenced 
in agency procedures and guidance material in order to enhance safety 
in relation to human factors.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (b), the 
Administrator may consult with subject matter experts from the Human 
Factors and Ergonomics Society affiliated with such technical standard 
or other relevant stakeholders.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the progress of the review required under subsection 
(b).

SEC. 335. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.

    (a) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2027, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
compliance with requirements relating to service difficulty reports 
during the preceding year.
    (b) Scope.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing 
required under subsection (a) information relating to--
            (1) operators required to comply with section 121.703 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (2) approval or certificate holders required to comply with 
        section 183.63 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (3) FAA offices that investigate service difficulty 
        reports, as documented in the following FAA Orders (and any 
        subsequent revisions of such orders):
                    (A) FAA Order 8900.1A, titled ``Flight Standards 
                Information Management System'' and issued on October 
                27, 2022.
                    (B) FAA Order 8120.23A, titled ``Certificate 
                Management of Production Approval Holders'' and issued 
                on March 6, 2017.
                    (C) FAA Order 8110.107B, titled ``Monitor Safety/
                Analyze Data'' and issued on October 13, 2023.
    (c) Requirements.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing 
required under subsection (a) the following information with respect to 
the year preceding the year in which the briefing is provided:
            (1) An identification of categories of service difficulties 
        reported.
            (2) An identification of service difficulties for which 
        repeated reports are made.
            (3) A general description of the causes of all service 
        difficulty reports, as determined by the Administrator.
            (4) A description of actions taken by, or required by, the 
        Administrator to address identified causes of service 
        difficulties.
            (5) A description of violations of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, related to service difficulty reports and 
        any actions taken by the Administrator in response to such 
        violations.

SEC. 336. CONSISTENT AND TIMELY PILOT CHECKS FOR AIR CARRIERS.

    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, unless the requirements of this 
section are assigned to working groups under subsection (b)(2), the 
Administrator shall establish a working group for purposes of reviewing 
and evaluating all regulations and policies related to check airmen and 
authorized check airmen for air carrier operations conducted under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The working group established under this 
        section shall include, at a minimum--
                    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen;
                    (B) representatives of air carriers operating under 
                part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    (C) industry associations representing such air 
                carriers.
            (2) Existing working group.--The Administrator may assign 
        the duties described in subsection (c) to an existing FAA 
        working group if--
                    (A) such working group includes representatives 
                from the list of required members under paragraph (1); 
                or
                    (B) the membership of such existing working group 
                can be modified to include representatives from the 
                list of required members under paragraph (1).
    (c) Duties.--A working group shall review, evaluate, and make 
recommendations on the following:
            (1) Methods by which authorized check airmen for air 
        carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, are selected, trained, and approved by the 
        Administrator.
            (2) Staffing and utilization rates of authorized check 
        airmen by such air carriers.
            (3) Differences in qualification standards applied to--
                    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen; 
                and
                    (B) authorized check airmen of such air carriers.
            (4) Methods to harmonize the qualification standards 
        between authorized check airmen and employees of the FAA who 
        serve as check airmen.
            (5) Methods to improve the training and qualification of 
        authorized check airmen.
            (6) Prior recommendations made by FAA advisory committees 
        or working groups regarding check airmen functions.
            (7) Petitions for rulemaking submitted to the FAA regarding 
        check airmen functions.
    (d) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
which the Administrator tasks a working group with the duties described 
in subsection (c), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the progress and recommendations of the 
working group and the efforts of the Administrator to implement such 
recommendations.
    (e) Authorized Check Airman Defined.--In this section, the term 
``authorized check airman'' means an individual employed by an air 
carrier that meets the qualifications and training requirements of 
sections 135.337 and 135.339 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
and is approved to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of 
pilots employed by such air carrier.

SEC. 337. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.

    Section 44514 of title 49, United States Code, and the item 
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 445 of such title 
are repealed.

SEC. 338. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.

    (a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Transportation 
Statistics, in consultation with relevant offices within the Office of 
the Secretary and the FAA (as determined by the Secretary), shall 
conduct a study to explore the capture, storage, analysis, and 
feasibility of monitoring ground source data at airports.
    (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the study conducted under 
subsection (a) shall include the following:
            (1) Determining the current state of ground source data 
        coverage at airports.
            (2) Understanding the technology requirements for 
        monitoring ground movements at airports through sensors, 
        receivers, or other technologies.
            (3) Conducting data collection through a pilot program 
        established under subsection (c) and collecting ground-based 
        tarmac delay statistics.
            (4) Performing an evaluation and feasibility analysis of 
        potential system-level tarmac operations monitoring solutions.
    (c) Pilot Program.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a pilot 
        program to collect data and develop ground-based tarmac delay 
        statistics or other relevant statistics with respect to 
        airports.
            (2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) include up to 6 airports that the Director 
                determines reflect a diversity of factors, including 
                geography, size, and air traffic;
                    (B) terminate not more than 3 years after the date 
                of enactment of this Act; and
                    (C) be subject to any guidelines issued by the 
                Director.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Director shall publish the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a) and the pilot program established under subsection 
(c) on a publicly available website.

SEC. 339. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.

    (a) In General.--Section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 322. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall permit an air carrier 
operating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations--
            ``(1) to operate under instrument flight rules (in this 
        section referred to as `IFR') to a destination in a 
        noncontiguous State that has a published instrument approach 
        but does not have a Meteorological Aerodrome Report (in this 
        section referred to as `METAR'); and
            ``(2) to conduct an instrument approach at such destination 
        if--
                    ``(A) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by 
                noncertified destination weather observations (such as 
                weather cameras and other noncertified observations), 
                is available, and, at the time of departure, the 
                combination of the Area Forecast and noncertified 
                observation indicates that weather is expected to be at 
                or above approach minimums upon arrival;
                    ``(B) prior to commencing an approach, the air 
                carrier has a means to communicate to the pilot of the 
                aircraft whether the destination weather observation is 
                either at or above minimums for the approach to be 
                flown; and
                    ``(C) in the event the destination weather 
                observation is below such minimums, a suitable 
                alternate airport that has a METAR is specified in the 
                IFR flight plan.
    ``(b) Application Template.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an 
        application template with standardized, specific approval 
        criteria to enable FAA inspectors to objectively evaluate the 
        application of an air carrier to operate in the manner 
        described in subsection (a).
            ``(2) Requirements.--The template required under paragraph 
        (1) shall include a place in such template for an air carrier 
        to describe--
                    ``(A) how any non-certified human observations will 
                be conducted; and
                    ``(B) how such observations will be communicated--
                            ``(i) to air carriers prior to dispatch; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) to pilots prior to approach.
            ``(3) Response to application.--
                    ``(A) Timeline.--The Administrator shall ensure--
                            ``(i) that the Administrator has the 
                        ability to respond to an application of an air 
                        carrier not later than 30 days after receipt of 
                        such application; and
                            ``(ii) in the event the Administrator 
                        cannot respond within 30 days, that the 
                        Administrator informs the air carrier of the 
                        expected response time with respect to the 
                        application of the air carrier.
                    ``(B) Rejection.--In the event that the 
                Administrator rejects an application of an air carrier, 
                the Administrator shall inform the air carrier of the 
                specific criteria that were the cause for rejection.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 12 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act.

SEC. 340. STUDY ON FAA USE OF MANDATORY EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT 
              WAIVERS.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
the use of waivers of rights by the Administrator that may arise under 
section 504 of title 5, United States Code, or section 2412 of title 
28, United States Code, as a condition for the settlement of any 
proceedings to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate 
or to impose a civil penalty on a flight engineer, mechanic, pilot, or 
repairman (or an individual acting in the capacity of such engineer, 
mechanic, pilot, or repairman).
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall consider--
            (1) the frequency of the use of waivers by the 
        Administrator described in this section;
            (2) the benefits and consequences of the use of such 
        waivers to both the Administrator and the certificate holder; 
        and
            (3) the effects of a prohibition on using such waivers.
    (c) Cooperation With Study.--The Administrator shall cooperate with 
any requests for information by Comptroller General to complete the 
study required under subsection (a).
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for any 
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

SEC. 341. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.

    The Administrator shall seek to enter into appropriate arrangements 
with a qualified third-party entity to evaluate whether poor air 
quality inside the Washington Dulles International Airport passenger 
terminal negatively affects passengers.

SEC. 342. DON YOUNG ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety 
Initiative of the Administration as the Don Young Alaska Aviation 
Safety Initiative (in this section referred to as the `Initiative'), 
under which the Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this 
section and take such other actions as the Administrator determines 
appropriate to improve aviation safety in Alaska and covered locations.
    ``(b) Objective.--The objective of the Initiative shall be to work 
cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other stakeholders towards 
the goal of--
            ``(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in 
        Alaska and covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033; 
        and
            ``(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of 
        aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part 
        135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    ``(c) Leadership.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate the 
        Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the 
        Administration to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
            ``(2) Covered locations.--The Administrator shall select a 
        designee within the Aviation Safety Organization to implement 
        relevant requirements of this section in covered locations.
            ``(3) Reporting chain.--In all matters relating to the 
        Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report 
        directly to the Administrator.
            ``(4) Coordination.--The Director of the Initiative shall 
        coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of 
        business of the Administration, including the other regional 
        administrators, to carry out the Initiative.
    ``(d) Automated Weather Systems.--
            ``(1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the 
        greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather 
        system is installed and operated at each covered airport not 
        later than December 31, 2030.
            ``(2) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive 
        benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and 
        operation of a covered automated weather system.
            ``(3) Prioritization.--In developing the installation 
        timeline of a covered automated weather system at a covered 
        airport pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) coordinate and consult with the governments 
                with jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, 
                covered airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or 
                covered locations, private pilots based in Alaska or a 
                covered location, and such other members of the 
                aviation community in Alaska or covered locations; and
                    ``(B) prioritize early installation at covered 
                airports that would enable the greatest number of 
                instrument flight rule operations by air carriers 
                operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations.
            ``(4) Reliability.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Pertaining to both Federal and 
                non-Federal systems in Alaska, the Administrator shall 
                be responsible for ensuring--
                            ``(i) the reliability of covered automated 
                        weather systems; and
                            ``(ii) the availability of weather 
                        information from such systems.
                    ``(B) Specifications.--The Administrator shall 
                establish data availability and equipment reliability 
                specifications for covered automated weather systems.
                    ``(C) System reliability and restoration plan.--Not 
                later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
                section, the Administrator shall establish an automated 
                weather system reliability and restoration plan for 
                Alaska. Such plan shall document the Administrator's 
                strategy for ensuring covered automated weather system 
                reliability, including the availability of weather 
                information from such system, and for restoring service 
                in as little time as possible.
                    ``(D) Telecommunications or other failures.--If a 
                covered automated weather system in Alaska is unable to 
                broadly disseminate weather information due to a 
                telecommunications failure or a failure other than an 
                equipment failure, the Administrator shall take such 
                actions as may be necessary to restore the full 
                functionality and connectivity of the covered automated 
                weather system. The Administrator shall take actions 
                under this subparagraph with the same urgency as the 
                Administrator would take an action to repair a covered 
                automated weather system equipment failure or data 
                fidelity issue.
                    ``(E) Reliability data.--In tabulating data 
                relating to the operational status of covered automated 
                weather systems (including individually or 
                collectively), the Administrator may not consider a 
                covered automated weather system that is functioning 
                nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate weather 
                information telecommunications failure or a failure 
                other than an equipment failure as functioning 
                reliably.
            ``(5) Inventory.--
                    ``(A) Maintenance improvements.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months 
                        after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                        Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator 
                        shall identify and implement reasonable 
                        alternative actions to improve maintenance of 
                        FAA-owned weather observing systems that 
                        experience frequent service outages, including 
                        associated surface communication outages, at 
                        covered airports.
                            ``(ii) Spare parts availability.--The 
                        actions identified by the Administrator in 
                        clause (i) shall improve spare parts 
                        availability, including consideration of 
                        storage of more spare parts in the region in 
                        which the systems are located.
                    ``(B) Notice of outages.--Not later than 18 months 
                after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
                Act of 2024, the Administrator shall update FAA Order 
                7930.2 Notices to Air Missions, or any successive 
                order, to incorporate weather system outages for 
                automated weather observing systems and automated 
                surface observing systems associated with Service A 
                Outages at covered airports.
            ``(6) Visual weather observation system.--
                    ``(A) Deployment.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
                2024, the Administrator shall take such actions as may 
                be necessary to--
                            ``(i) deploy visual weather observation 
                        systems;
                            ``(ii) ensure that such systems are capable 
                        of meeting the definition of a covered 
                        automated weather system in Alaska; and
                            ``(iii) develop standard operation 
                        specifications for visual weather operation 
                        systems.
                    ``(B) Modification of specifications.--Upon the 
                request of an aircraft operator, the Administrator 
                shall issue or modify the standard operation 
                specifications for visual weather observation systems 
                developed under subparagraph (A) to allow such systems 
                to be used to satisfy the requirements for supplemental 
                noncertified local weather observations under section 
                322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
                115-254).
    ``(e) Weather Cameras.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Director shall continuously assess 
        the state of the weather camera systems in Alaska and covered 
        locations to ensure the operational sufficiency and reliability 
        of such systems.
            ``(2) Applications.--The Director shall--
                    ``(A) accept applications from persons to install 
                weather cameras; and
                    ``(B) consult with the governments with 
                jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered 
                airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered 
                locations, private pilots based in Alaska or covered 
                locations, and such other members of the aviation 
                community in Alaska and covered locations as the 
                Administrator determines appropriate to solicit 
                additional locations at which to install and operate 
                weather cameras.
            ``(3) Presumption.--Unless the Director has clear and 
        compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall presume 
        that the installation of a weather camera at a covered airport 
        in Alaska, or that is recommended by a government with 
        jurisdiction over a covered location, is cost beneficial and 
        will improve aviation safety.
    ``(f) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--In carrying out this 
section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the heads of other 
Federal or State agencies with responsibilities affecting aviation 
safety in Alaska and covered locations, including the collection and 
dissemination of weather data.
    ``(g) Surveillance and Communication.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Director shall take such actions as 
        may be necessary to--
                    ``(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of 
                aircraft that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code 
                of Federal Regulations, with automatic dependent 
                surveillance and broadcast out equipment; and
                    ``(B) improve aviation surveillance and 
                communications in Alaska and covered locations.
            ``(2) Requirement.--Not later than December 31, 2030, the 
        Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent 
        surveillance and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 feet 
        above ground level throughout each covered location and Alaska.
            ``(3) Waiver.--The Administrator shall waive any positive 
        benefit-cost ratio requirement for--
                    ``(A) the installation and operation of equipment 
                and facilities necessary to implement the requirement 
                under paragraph (2); and
                    ``(B) the provision of additional ground-based 
                transmitters for automatic dependent surveillance-
                broadcasts to provide a minimum operational network in 
                Alaska along major flight routes.
            ``(4) Service areas.--The Director shall continuously 
        identify additional automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast 
        service areas in which the deployment of automatic dependent 
        surveillance-broadcast receivers and equipment would improve 
        aviation safety.
    ``(h) Other Projects.--The Director shall continue to build upon 
other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA Alaska Aviation 
Safety Initiative of the Administration published before the date of 
enactment of this section.
    ``(i) Annual Report.--
            ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year 
        after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2024, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit 
        to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
        House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
        Initiative, including an itemized description of how the 
        Administration budget meets the goals of the Initiative.
            ``(2) Stakeholder comments.--The Director shall append 
        stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report 
        submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 3 
        of the report titled `FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative 
        FY21 Final Report', dated September 30, 2021.
    ``(j) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028--
                    ``(A) the Administrator may, upon application from 
                the government with jurisdiction over a covered airport 
                and in coordination with the State or territory in 
                which a covered airport is located, use amounts 
                apportioned under subsection (d)(2)(B) or subsection 
                (e) of section 47114 to carry out the Initiative; or
                    ``(B) the sponsor of a covered airport that 
                receives an apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(A) or 
                subsection (e) of section 47114 may use such 
                apportionment for any purpose contained in this 
                section.
            ``(2) Supplemental funding.--Out of amounts made available 
        under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total 
        of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is 
        authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
    ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Covered airport.--The term `covered airport' means an 
        airport in Alaska or a covered location that is included in the 
        national plan of integrated airport systems required under 
        section 47103 and that has a status other than unclassified in 
        such plan.
            ``(2) Covered automated weather system.--The term `covered 
        automated weather system' means an automated or visual weather 
        reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an instrument 
        procedure approach to an airport under section 91.1039 or 
        135.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(3) Covered location.--The term `covered location' means 
        Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana 
        Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
    ``(l) Conformity.--The Administrator shall conduct all activities 
required under this section in conformity with section 44720.''.
    (b) Remote Positions.--Section 40122(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) Remote positions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines 
                that a covered position has not been filled after 
                multiple vacancy announcements and that there are 
                unique circumstances affecting the ability of the 
                Administrator to fill such position, the Administrator 
                may consider, in consultation with the appropriate 
                labor union, applicants for the covered position who 
                apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting from the 
                State or territory in which the position is based.
                    ``(B) Covered position defined.--In this paragraph, 
                the term `covered position' means a safety-critical 
                position, to include personnel located at contract 
                towers, based in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American 
                Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the 
                Virgin Islands.''.
    (c) GAO Study on Alaska Aviation Safety.--
            (1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study 
        to--
                    (A) examine the effectiveness of the Don Young 
                Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative to improve aviation 
                safety, service, and infrastructure; and
                    (B) identify challenges within the FAA to 
                accomplishing safety improvements carried out under 
                such Initiative.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
                    (A) the findings of the study under paragraph (1); 
                and
                    (B) recommendations for such legislative or 
                administrative action as the Comptroller General 
                determines appropriate.
    (d) Runway Length.--The Administrator--
            (1) may not restrict funding made available under chapter 
        471 of title 49, United States Code, from being used at an 
        airport in Alaska to rehabilitate, resurface, or reconstruct 
        the full length and width of an existing runway within Alaska 
        based solely on reduced current or forecasted aeronautical 
        activity levels or critical design type standards;
            (2) may not reject requests for runway projects at airports 
        in Alaska if such projects address critical community needs, 
        including projects--
                    (A) that support economic development by expanding 
                a runway to meet new demands; or
                    (B) that preserve the length of runways used by 
                aircraft to deliver necessary cargo, including heating 
                fuel and gasoline, for the community served by the 
                airport; and
            (3) shall, not later than 60 days after receiving a request 
        for a runway rehabilitation or reconstruction project at an 
        airport in Alaska, review each such request on a case-by-case 
        basis.
    (e) Implementation of NTSB Recommendations.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such 
        actions as may be necessary to implement National 
        Transportation Safety Board recommendations A-22-25 and A-22-26 
        (as contained in Aviation Investigation Report AIR-22-09, 
        adopted November 16, 2022).
            (2) Coordination.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), 
        the Administrator shall coordinate with the State of Alaska, 
        airports in Alaska, air carriers operating in Alaska, private 
        pilots (including tour operators) based in Alaska, and such 
        other members of the Alaska aviation community or other 
        stakeholders as the Administrator determines appropriate.
    (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.''.

SEC. 343. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 44704(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Submission of data.--When an applicant submits design 
        data to the Administrator for a finding of compliance as part 
        of an application for a type certificate, the applicant shall 
        certify to the Administrator that--
                    ``(A) the submitted design data demonstrates 
                compliance with the applicable airworthiness standards; 
                and
                    ``(B) any airworthiness standards not complied with 
                are compensated for by factors that provide an 
                equivalent level of safety, as agreed upon by the 
                Administrator.''.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation of 
the certification requirement added by the amendment made by subsection 
(a).

SEC. 344. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of 
proposed rulemaking to revise section 21.101 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to achieve the following objectives:
            (1) For any significant design change, as determined by the 
        Administrator, to require that the exception related to 
        impracticality under subsection (b)(3) of such section from the 
        requirement to comply with the latest amendments of the 
        applicable airworthiness standards in effect on the date of 
        application for the change be approved only after providing 
        public notice and opportunity to comment on such exception.
            (2) To ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or 
        exemption from airworthiness requirements in title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application 
        for the change.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation by 
the FAA of the recommendations of the Changed Product Rule 
International Authorities Working Group, established for purposes of 
carrying out the requirements of section 117 of the Aircraft 
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44704 note), 
including recommendations on harmonized changes and reforms regarding 
the impractical exception.
    (c) Final Rule.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule based on the 
notice of proposed rulemaking issued under subsection (a).
    (d) Annual Report.--Beginning in 2025 and annually thereafter 
through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress an annual report detailing the number of all 
significant design change exceptions approved and denied under 
paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 21.101(b) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.

SEC. 345. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL PENALTIES.

    Section 46301(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (4) by striking subparagraph (A) and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(A) the amount in controversy is more than--
                    ``(i) $400,000 if the violation was committed by 
                any person other than an individual or small business 
                concern before the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                    ``(ii) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an 
                individual or small business concern before the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                    ``(iii) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed 
                by a person other than an individual or small business 
                concern on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
                    ``(iv) $100,000 if the violation was committed by 
                an individual on or after the date of enactment of the 
                FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;''; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
            ``(8) The maximum civil penalty the Administrator of the 
        Transportation Security Administration, Administrator of the 
        Federal Aviation Administration, or Board may impose under this 
        subsection is--
                    ``(A) $400,000 if the violation was committed by a 
                person other than an individual or small business 
                concern before the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                    ``(B) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an 
                individual or small business concern before the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                    ``(C) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed by 
                a person other than an individual or small business 
                concern on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
                    ``(D) $100,000 if the violation was committed by an 
                individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.

SEC. 346. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement 
with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a 
study, in consultation with appropriate aviation safety engineers of 
the FAA, on the occurrences and potential consequences of a transport 
airplane design found to not comply with applicable airworthiness 
standards.
    (b) Scope.--In conducting the study pursuant to subsection (a), the 
federally funded research and development center shall identify each 
final airworthiness directive issued by the FAA or another civil 
aviation authority--
            (1) applicable to transport airplanes during the 10-year 
        period prior to the date of enactment of this Act; and
            (2) to address an unsafe condition resulting from an 
        approved design that was noncompliant with an applicable 
        airworthiness standard.
    (c) Requirements.--For each such airworthiness directive identified 
under subsection (b), the federally funded research and development 
center shall examine--
            (1) the airworthiness standard with which the transport 
        airplane failed to comply;
            (2) the resulting unsafe condition and whether such 
        condition resulted in an accident;
            (3) the methods by which the noncompliance was discovered 
        and brought to the attention of the FAA or another civil 
        aviation authority, to the extent such methods can be 
        identified;
            (4) an analysis of the method used by the applicant to show 
        compliance during the certification process and whether other 
        compliance methods may have reasonably identified the 
        noncompliance during the certification process;
            (5) the date of approval of the relevant type design and 
        the date of issuance of the airworthiness directive;
            (6) any corrective action mandated to address the 
        identified unsafe condition;
            (7) the period of time specified for the incorporation of 
        the corrective action, during which the affected transport 
        airplanes were allowed to operate before the unsafe condition 
        was corrected; and
            (8) the total cost of compliance estimated in the final 
        rule adopting the airworthiness directive.
    (d) Coordination.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the federally funded research and development center shall coordinate 
with, and solicit comments from--
            (1) transport category aircraft manufacturers; and
            (2) employees of the Administration, including the official 
        bargaining representative of aircraft certification services 
        engineers and of aviation safety engineers under section 7111 
        of title 5, United States Code, involved in developing 
        airworthiness directives, as necessary.
    (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes--
            (1) the results of the study conducted under subsection 
        (a);
            (2) actions the Administrator determines necessary to 
        improve safety as a result of the findings under subsection (a) 
        and any root causes of an unsafe condition that were 
        identified;
            (3) the comments solicited under subsection (d); and
            (4) any other recommendations for legislative or 
        administrative action determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air 
        carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given 
        such terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
            (2) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane'' 
        means a transport category airplane designed for operation by 
        an air carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with a 
        passenger seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or 
        combi derivative.

SEC. 347. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NEAR MISSES, RUNWAY INCURSIONS, AND 
              SURFACE SAFETY RISKS.

    (a) Policy.--
            (1) In general.--Section 47101(a) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as 
                paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) that projects, activities, and actions that prevent 
        runway incursions serve to--
                    ``(A) improve airport surface surveillance; and
                    ``(B) mitigate surface safety risks that are 
                essential to ensuring the safe operation of the airport 
                and airway system;''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 47101 of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (g) by striking ``subsection 
                (a)(5)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(6)''; and
                    (B) in subsection (h) by striking ``subsection 
                (a)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(7)''.
            (3) Continuous evaluation.--In carrying out section 
        47101(a) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this 
        subsection, the Administrator shall establish a process to 
        continuously track and evaluate ground traffic and air traffic 
        activity and related incidents at airports.
    (b) Runway Safety Council.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
        council, to be known as the ``Runway Safety Council'' (in this 
        section referred to as the ``Council''), to develop a 
        systematic management strategy to address airport surface 
        safety risks.
            (2) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include, at a 
        minimum, advancing the development of risk-based, data driven, 
        integrated systems solutions and strategies to enhance airport 
        surface safety risk mitigation.
            (3) Membership.--
                    (A) In general.--In establishing the Council, the 
                Administrator shall appoint at least 1 member from each 
                of the following:
                            (i) Airport operators.
                            (ii) Air carriers.
                            (iii) Aircraft operators.
                            (iv) Avionics manufacturers.
                            (v) Flight schools.
                            (vi) The exclusive collective bargaining 
                        representative of aviation safety professionals 
                        for the FAA certified under section 7111 of 
                        title 5, United States Code.
                            (vii) The exclusive bargaining 
                        representative of the air traffic controllers 
                        certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
                        States Code.
                            (viii) Other safety experts the 
                        Administrator determines appropriate.
                    (B) Additional members.--The Administrator may 
                appoint members representing any other stakeholder 
                organization that the Administrator determines 
                appropriate to the Runway Safety Council.
    (c) Airport Surface Safety Technologies.--
            (1) Identification.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in 
        coordination with the Council, consult with relevant 
        stakeholders to identify technologies, equipment, systems, and 
        process changes, that--
                    (A) may provide airport surface surveillance 
                capabilities at airports lacking such capabilities;
                    (B) may augment existing airport surface detection 
                and surveillance system; or
                    (C) may improve onboard situational awareness for 
                flight crewmembers, including technologies for use in 
                an aircraft that--
                            (i) reduce the risk of collision on the 
                        runway with other aircraft or vehicles;
                            (ii) calculate safe landing distances; and
                            (iii) prompt actions to bring the aircraft 
                        to a safe stop.
            (2) Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
                    (A) based on the information obtained pursuant to 
                paragraph (1)(A) and (1)(B), identify airport surface 
                detection and surveillance systems that meet the 
                standards of the FAA and may be able to--
                            (i) provide airport surface surveillance 
                        capabilities at airports lacking such 
                        capabilities; or
                            (ii) augment existing airport surface 
                        detection and surveillance systems, such as 
                        Airport Surface Detection System--Model X or 
                        the Airport Surface Surveillance Capability;
                    (B) establish a timeline and action plan for 
                replacing, maintaining, or enhancing the operational 
                capability provided by existing airport surface 
                detection and surveillance systems, and implementing 
                runway safety technologies at airports without airport 
                surface detection and surveillance systems, as needed, 
                to improve runway safety;
                    (C) based on the information obtained pursuant to 
                paragraph (1)(C), identify safety technologies and 
                systems in transport airplanes that meet the standards 
                of the FAA that will--
                            (i) enhance runway safety for transport 
                        airplanes that lack the capabilities of such 
                        technologies and systems, as appropriate; or
                            (ii) augment existing onboard situational 
                        awareness runway traffic alerting and runway 
                        landing safety technologies installed on 
                        transport airplanes; and
                    (D) establish clear and quantifiable criteria 
                relating to operational factors, including ground 
                traffic and air traffic activity and the rate of runway 
                and terminal airspace safety events (including runway 
                incursions), that determine when the installation and 
                deployment of an airport surface detection or 
                surveillance system, or other runway safety system 
                (including runway status lights), at an airport is 
                required.
            (3) Deployment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that 
        airport surface detection and surveillance systems are deployed 
        and operational at--
                    (A) all airports described in paragraph (2)(A); and
                    (B) all medium and large hub airports.
            (4) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the 
        deployment described in paragraph (3).
    (d) Foreign Object Debris Detection.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall assess, in 
        coordination with the Council, automated foreign object debris 
        monitoring and detection systems at not less than 3 airports 
        that are using such systems.
            (2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the following:
                    (A) The categorization of an airport.
                    (B) The potential frequency of foreign object 
                debris incidents on airport runways or adjacent ramp 
                areas.
                    (C) The availability of funding for the 
                installation and maintenance of foreign object debris 
                monitoring and detection systems.
                    (D) The impact of such systems on the airfield 
                operations of an airport.
                    (E) The effectiveness of available foreign object 
                debris monitoring and detection systems.
                    (F) Any other factors relevant to assessing the 
                return on investment of foreign object debris 
                monitoring and detection systems.
            (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
        Administrator and the Council shall consult with manufacturers 
        and suppliers of foreign object debris detection technology and 
        any other relevant stakeholders.
    (e) Runway Safety Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
        into appropriate arrangements with a federally funded research 
        and development center to conduct a study of runway incursions, 
        airport surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of 
        standard separation of aircraft in the approach or departure 
        phase of flight to determine how advanced technologies and 
        future airport development projects may be able to reduce the 
        frequency of such events and enhance aviation safety.
            (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
        paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
        center shall--
                    (A) examine data relating to recurring runway 
                incursions, surface incidents, operational errors, or 
                losses of standard separation of aircraft in the 
                approach or departure phase of flight at airports to 
                identify the underlying factors that caused such 
                events;
                    (B) assess metrics used to identify when such 
                events are increasing at an airport;
                    (C) assess available and developmental 
                technologies, including and beyond such technologies 
                considered in subsection (c), that may augment existing 
                air traffic management capabilities of surface 
                surveillance and terminal airspace equipment;
                    (D) consider growth trends in airport size, 
                staffing and communication complexities to identify--
                            (i) future gaps in information exchange 
                        between aerospace stakeholders; and
                            (ii) methods for meeting future near real-
                        time information sharing needs; and
                    (E) examine airfield safety training programs used 
                by airport tenants and other stakeholders operating on 
                airfields of airports, including airfield 
                familiarization training programs for employees, to 
                assess scalability to handle future growth in airfield 
                capacity and traffic.
            (3) Recommendations.--In conducting the study required by 
        paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
        center shall develop recommendations for the strategic planning 
        efforts of the Administration to appropriately maintain surface 
        safety considering future increases in air traffic and based on 
        the considerations described in paragraph (2).
            (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
        completion of the study required by paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report on the findings of such study and any 
        recommendations developed under paragraph (3).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air 
        carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given 
        such terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
            (2) Airport surface detection and surveillance system.--The 
        term ``airport surface detection and surveillance system'' 
        means an airport surveillance system that is--
                    (A) designed to track surface movement of aircraft 
                and vehicles; or
                    (B) capable of alerting air traffic controllers or 
                flight crewmembers of a possible runway incursion, 
                misaligned approach, or other safety event.
            (3) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane'' 
        means a transport category airplane designed for operation by 
        an air carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated 
        with a passenger seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a 
        maximum takeoff weight above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or 
        combi derivative of such an airplane.

SEC. 348. IMPROVEMENTS TO AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND 
              SHARING PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall implement improvements to the 
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program with respect 
to safety data sharing and risk mitigation.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) identify methods to increase the rate at which data is 
        collected, processed, and analyzed to expeditiously share 
        safety intelligence;
            (2) develop predictive capabilities to anticipate emerging 
        safety risks;
            (3) identify methods to improve shared data environments 
        with external stakeholders;
            (4) establish a robust process for prioritizing requests 
        for safety information;
            (5) establish guidance to encourage regular safety 
        inspector review of non-confidential aviation safety and 
        performance data;
            (6) identify industry segments not yet included and conduct 
        outreach to such industry segments to increase the rate of 
        participation, including--
                    (A) general aviation;
                    (B) air transportation and commercial aviation;
                    (C) rotorcraft operations;
                    (D) air ambulance operations; and
                    (E) aviation maintenance;
            (7) establish processes for obtaining and analyzing 
        comprehensive and aggregate data for new and future industry 
        segments; and
            (8) integrate safety data from unmanned aircraft system 
        operators, as appropriate.
    (c) Implementation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) prioritize production-ready configurable solutions over 
        custom development, as appropriate, to support FAA critical 
        aviation safety programs; and
            (2) ensure that adequate market research is completed in 
        accordance with FAA acquisition management system requirements, 
        including appropriate demonstrations of proposed solutions, as 
        part of the evaluation criteria.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed--
            (1) to require the Administrator to share confidential or 
        proprietary information and data to safety inspectors for 
        purposes of enforcement; or
            (2) to limit the applicability of section 44735 of title 
        49, United States Code, to the Aviation Safety Information 
        Analysis and Sharing Program.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter until the improvements under 
subsection (a) are made, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the progress of implementation of the 
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program, including--
            (1) an assessment of the progress of the FAA toward 
        achieving milestones for such program identified by the 
        inspector general of the Department of Transportation and the 
        Special Committee to Review FAA Aircraft Certification Reports;
            (2) a description of the plan to use appropriate deployable 
        commercial solutions to assist the FAA in meeting such 
        milestones;
            (3) steps taken to make improvements under subsection (b); 
        and
            (4) a summary of the efforts of the FAA to address gaps in 
        safety data provided from any of the industry segments 
        described in subsection (b)(6).

SEC. 349. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS AVIATION RULEMAKING 
              COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall convene an aviation 
rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings and 
recommendations regarding, instructions for continued airworthiness (as 
described in section 21.50 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), 
and provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and 
recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the 
Administrator.
    (b) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the 
Administrator, including representatives of--
            (1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B 
        of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
            (2) holders of production certificates (as described in 
        subpart G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
            (3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described 
        in subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations);
            (4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as 
        described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations);
            (5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations;
            (6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in 
        section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that are 
        not also type certificate holders as included under paragraph 
        (1), production certificate holders as included under paragraph 
        (2), or aircraft operators as included under paragraph (5) (or 
        associated with any such entities);
            (7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation 
        safety inspectors and engineers for the Administration;
            (8) general aviation operators;
            (9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations;
            (10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as 
        described in subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations);
            (11) designated engineering representatives employed by 
        repair stations described in paragraph (6); and
            (12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
        instructions for continued airworthiness policies and 
        regulations.
    (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee established 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider--
            (1) existing standards, regulations, certifications, 
        assessments, and guidance related to instructions for continued 
        airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, regulations, 
        certifications, assessments, and guidance to all parties;
            (2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing 
        instructions for continued airworthiness;
            (3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing 
        instructions for continued airworthiness;
            (4) the protection of proprietary information and 
        intellectual property in instructions for continued 
        airworthiness;
            (5) the availability of instructions for continued 
        airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;
            (6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
        existing regulations with other Federal regulations, guidance, 
        and policies;
            (7) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
        consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and 
        national security, with other civil aviation authorities, 
        international aviation and standards organizations, and any 
        other appropriate entities; and
            (8) any other matter the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
    (d) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
            (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
        copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report under 
        subsection (a); and
            (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
        the report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking activity 
        or make such policy and guidance updates necessary to address 
        any consensus recommendations reached by the aviation 
        rulemaking committee established pursuant to subsection (a), as 
        determined appropriate by the Administrator.

SEC. 350. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation 
rulemaking committee to review and develop findings and recommendations 
to require installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on commercial 
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, that are not captured under another 
regulation or proposed regulation.
    (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint a chair and 
members of the rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a), 
which shall be comprised of at least 1 representative from the 
constituencies of--
            (1) mainline air carriers;
            (2) regional air carriers;
            (3) aircraft manufacturers;
            (4) passenger aircraft pilots represented by a labor group;
            (5) flight attendants represented by a labor group;
            (6) airline passengers; and
            (7) other stakeholders the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
    (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened 
under subsection (a) shall consider--
            (1) minimum dimension requirements for secondary barriers 
        on all aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations;
            (2) secondary barrier performance standards manufacturers 
        and air carriers must meet for such aircraft types;
            (3) the availability of certified secondary barriers 
        suitable for use on such aircraft types;
            (4) the development, certification, testing, manufacturing, 
        installation, and training for secondary barriers for such 
        aircraft types;
            (5) flight duration and stage length;
            (6) the location of lavatories on such aircraft as related 
        to operational complexities;
            (7) operational complexities;
            (8) any risks to safely evacuate passengers of such 
        aircraft; and
            (9) other considerations the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after the 
convening of the aviation rulemaking committee described in subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report based on the findings and recommendations of the 
aviation rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a), 
including--
            (1) if applicable, any dissenting positions on the findings 
        and the rationale for each position; and
            (2) any disagreements with the recommendations, including 
        the rationale for each disagreement and the reasons for the 
        disagreement.
    (e) Installation of Secondary Cockpit Barriers of Existing 
Aircraft.--Not later than 36 months after the date of the submission of 
the report under subsection (d), the Administrator shall, taking into 
consideration the final reported findings and recommendations of the 
aviation rulemaking committee, issue a final rule requiring 
installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on each commercial 
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 351. PART 135 DUTY AND REST.

    (a) Part 91 Tail-end Ferry Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
require that any operation conducted by a flight crewmember during an 
assigned duty period under the operational control of an operator 
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, before, during, or after the duty period (including any 
operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), 
without an intervening rest period, shall count towards the flight time 
and duty period limitations of such flight crewmember under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Record Keeping.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update any 
Administration policy and guidance regarding complete and accurate 
record keeping practices for operators holding a certificate under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in order to properly 
document, at a minimum--
            (1) flight crew assignments;
            (2) flight crew prospective rest notifications;
            (3) compliance with flight and duty times limitations and 
        post-duty rest requirements; and
            (4) duty period start and end times.
    (c) Safety Management System Oversight.--The Administrator, in 
performing oversight of the safety management system of an operator 
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, following the implementation of the final rule issued 
based on the final rule titled ``Safety Management Systems'', and 
published on April 26, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33068), shall ensure such 
operator is evaluating and appropriately mitigating aviation safety 
risks, including, at minimum, risks associated with--
            (1) inadequate flight crewmember duty and rest periods; and
            (2) incomplete records pertaining to flight crew rest, 
        duty, and flight times.
    (d) Organ Transportation Flights.--In updating guidance and policy 
pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider and allow 
for appropriate accommodations, including accommodations related to 
subsections (b)(2) and (b)(4) for operators--
            (1) performing organ transportation operations; and
            (2) who have in place a means by which to identify and 
        mitigate risks associated with flight crew duty and rest.

SEC. 352. FLIGHT DATA RECOVERY FROM OVERWATER OPERATIONS.

    (a) Flight Data Recovery From Overwater Operations.--Chapter 447 of 
title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``Sec. 44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to require that, 
not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, all 
applicable aircraft are--
            ``(1) fitted with a means, in the event of an accident, to 
        recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that does 
        not require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit voice 
        recorder or flight data recorder;
            ``(2) equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast 
        sufficient information to a ground station to establish the 
        location where an applicable aircraft terminates flight as the 
        result of such an event; and
            ``(3) equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater 
        locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that 
        can be detected by appropriate equipment.
    ``(b) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
`applicable aircraft' means an aircraft manufactured on or after 
January 1, 2028, that is--
            ``(1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations;
            ``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice 
        recorder and a flight data recorder; and
            ``(3) used in extended overwater operations.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.''.

SEC. 353. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION.

    (a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
initiate a Call to Action safety review of airport ramp worker safety 
and ways to minimize or eliminate ingestion zone and jet blast zone 
accidents.
    (b) Contents.--The Call to Action safety review required pursuant 
to subsection (a) shall include--
            (1) a description of Administration regulations, guidance, 
        and directives related to airport ramp worker safety procedures 
        and oversight of such processes;
            (2) a description of reportable accidents and incidents 
        involving airport ramp workers in 5-year period preceding the 
        date of enactment of this Act, including any identified 
        contributing factors to the reportable accident or incident;
            (3) training and related educational materials for airport 
        ramp workers, including supervisory and contract employees;
            (4) any recommended devices and methods for communication 
        on the airport ramp, including considerations of requirements 
        for operable radios and headsets;
            (5) a review of markings on the airport ramp that define 
        restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones, including 
        markings to clearly define and graphically indicate the engine 
        ingestion zones and envelope of safety for the variety of 
        aircraft that may park at the same gate of the airport;
            (6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety 
        markings, including incorporation of markings on aircraft to 
        indicate engine inlet danger zones; and
            (7) a process for stakeholders, including airlines, 
        aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor, and aviation safety 
        experts, to provide feedback and share best practices.
    (c) Report and Actions.--Not later than 180 days after the 
conclusion of the Call to Action safety review pursuant to subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
        report on the results of the review and any recommendations for 
        actions or best practices to improve airport ramp worker 
        safety, including the identification of risks and possible ways 
        to mitigate such risks to be considered in any applicable 
        safety management system of air carriers and airports; and
            (2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act upon the 
        findings of the review.
    (d) Training Materials.--Not later than 6 months after the 
completion of the safety review required under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall develop and publish training and related 
educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast 
hazards for ground crews, including supervisory and contract employees, 
that includes information on--
            (1) the specific dangers and consequences of entering 
        engine ingestion or jet blast zones;
            (2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine ingestion 
        or jet blast zone; and
            (3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to physically 
        demonstrate the engine ingestion zone boundaries and jet blast 
        zones for each kind of aircraft the ground crew may encounter.
    (e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall consult with aviation safety experts, air carriers, aircraft 
manufacturers, relevant labor organizations, and airport operators.
    (f) Training Requirements.--Not later than 6 months after the 
publication of the training and related educational materials required 
under subsection (d), the Administrator may require any ramp worker, as 
appropriate, to receive the relevant engine ingestion and jet blast 
zone hazard training before such ramp worker may perform work on any 
airport ramp.

SEC. 354. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 40123(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
            (1) by inserting ``, including section 552(b)(3)(B) of 
        title 5'' after ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law''; 
        and
            (2) by inserting ``or third party'' after ``nor any 
        agency''.
    (b) Review of Protection From Disclosure.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review 
and update part 193 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
review section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, to ensure such 
laws and regulations designate and protect from disclosure information 
or data submitted, collected, or obtained by the Administrator under 
voluntary safety programs, including the following:
            (1) Aviation Safety Action Program.
            (2) Flight Operational Quality Assurance.
            (3) Line Operations Safety Assessments.
            (4) Air Traffic Safety Action Program.
            (5) Technical Operations Safety Action Program.
            (6) Such other voluntarily submitted information or 
        programs as the Administrator determines appropriate.

SEC. 355. TOWER MARKING NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to implement section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note).
    (b) Report.--If the Administrator fails to issue the notice of 
proposed rulemaking pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report on 
the status of such rulemaking, including--
            (1) the reasons that the Administrator has failed to issue 
        the rulemaking; and
            (2) a list of fatal aircraft accidents associated with 
        unmarked towers that have occurred during the 5-year period 
        preceding the date of submission of the report.

SEC. 356. PROMOTION OF CIVIL AERONAUTICS AND SAFETY OF AIR COMMERCE.

    Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``In carrying out'' and 
        all that follows through ``other interested organizations.'';
            (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
            (3) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
            (4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b) and 
        reordering the subsections accordingly.

SEC. 357. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after subsection (b) (as redesignated by section 
356) the following:
    ``(c) Educational and Professional Development.--
            ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
        Administrator shall support and undertake efforts to promote 
        and support the education and professional development of 
        current and future aerospace professionals.
            ``(2) Educational materials.--Based on the availability of 
        resources, the Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) develop and distribute civil aviation 
                information and educational materials; and
                    ``(B) provide expertise to State and local school 
                administrators, college and university officials, and 
                officers of other interested organizations and 
                entities.
            ``(3) Content.--In developing the educational materials 
        under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall ensure such 
        materials, including presentations, cover topics of broad 
        relevance, including--
                    ``(A) ethical decision-making and the 
                responsibilities of aerospace professionals;
                    ``(B) managing a workforce, encouraging proper 
                reporting of prospective safety issues, and educating 
                employees on safety management systems; and
                    ``(C) responsibilities as a designee or 
                representative of the Administrator.''.
    (b) Support for Professional Development and Continuing 
Education.--The Administrator may take such action as may be necessary 
to support or launch initiatives that seek to advance the professional 
development and continuing education of aerospace professionals.

SEC. 358. GLOBAL AVIATION SAFETY.

    (a) In General.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
(as redesignated by section 356) is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading by inserting ``and 
        Assistance'' after ``International Role'';
            (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
        inserting ``In carrying out subsection (a), the 
        Administrator'';
            (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) International presence.--The Administrator shall 
        maintain an international presence to--
                    ``(A) assist foreign civil aviation authorities 
                in--
                            ``(i) establishing robust aviation 
                        oversight practices and policies;
                            ``(ii) harmonizing international aviation 
                        standards for air traffic management, operator 
                        certification, aircraft certification, 
                        airports, and certificated or credentialed 
                        individuals;
                            ``(iii) validating and accepting foreign 
                        aircraft design and production approvals;
                            ``(iv) preparing for new aviation 
                        technologies, including powered-lift aircraft, 
                        products, and articles; and
                            ``(v) appropriately adopting continuing 
                        airworthiness information, such as 
                        airworthiness directives;
                    ``(B) encourage the adoption of United States 
                standards, regulations, and policies;
                    ``(C) establish, maintain, and update bilateral or 
                multilateral aviation safety agreements and the 
                aviation safety information contained within such 
                agreements;
                    ``(D) engage in bilateral and multilateral 
                discussions as required under paragraph (5) and provide 
                technical assistance as described in paragraph (6);
                    ``(E) validate foreign aviation products and ensure 
                reciprocal validation of products for which the United 
                States is the state of design or production;
                    ``(F) support accident and incident investigations, 
                particularly such investigations that involve United 
                States persons and certified products and such 
                investigations where the National Transportation Safety 
                Board is supporting an investigation pursuant to annex 
                13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization;
                    ``(G) support the international safety activities 
                of the United States aviation sector;
                    ``(H) maintain valuable relationships with entities 
                with aviation equities, including civil aviation 
                authorities, other governmental bodies, non-
                governmental organizations, and foreign manufacturers; 
                and
                    ``(I) perform other activities as determined 
                necessary by the Administrator.''.
    (b) Review of International Field Offices.--Section 40104(d) of 
title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is 
further amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
            ``(3) International offices.--In carrying out the 
        responsibilities described in subsection (a), the 
        Administrator--
                    ``(A) shall maintain international offices of the 
                Administration;
                    ``(B) every 5 years, may review existing 
                international offices to determine--
                            ``(i) the effectiveness of such offices in 
                        fulfilling the mission described in paragraph 
                        (2); and
                            ``(ii) the adequacy of resources and 
                        staffing to achieve the mission described in 
                        paragraph (2); and
                    ``(C) shall establish offices to address gaps 
                identified by the review under subparagraph (B) and in 
                furtherance of the mission described in paragraph (2), 
                putting an emphasis on establishing such offices--
                            ``(i) where international civil aviation 
                        authorities are located;
                            ``(ii) where regional intergovernmental 
                        organizations are located;
                            ``(iii) in countries that have difficulty 
                        maintaining a category 1 classification through 
                        the International Aviation Safety Assessment 
                        program; and
                            ``(iv) in regions that have experienced 
                        substantial growth in aviation operations or 
                        manufacturing.''.
    (c) Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements; Technical Assistance.--
            (1) Establishment.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United 
        States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further 
        amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) Bilateral aviation safety agreements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall 
                negotiate, enter into, promote, enforce, evaluate the 
                effectiveness of, and seek to update bilateral or 
                multilateral aviation safety agreements, and the parts 
                of such agreements, with international aviation 
                authorities.
                    ``(B) Purpose.--The Administrator shall seek to 
                enter into bilateral aviation safety agreements under 
                this section to, at a minimum--
                            ``(i) improve global aviation safety;
                            ``(ii) increase harmonization of, and 
                        reduce duplicative, requirements, processes, 
                        and approvals to advance the aviation interests 
                        of the United States;
                            ``(iii) ensure access to international 
                        markets for operators, service providers, and 
                        manufacturers from the United States; and
                            ``(iv) put in place procedures for recourse 
                        when a party to such agreements fails to meet 
                        the obligations of such party under such 
                        agreements.
                    ``(C) Scope.--The scope of a bilateral aviation 
                safety agreement entered into under this section shall, 
                as appropriate, cover existing aviation users and 
                concepts and establish a process by which bilateral 
                aviation safety agreements can be updated to include 
                new and novel concepts on an ongoing basis.
                    ``(D) Contents.--Bilateral aviation safety 
                agreements entered into under this section shall, as 
                appropriate and consistent with United States law and 
                regulation, include topics such as--
                            ``(i) airworthiness, certification, and 
                        validation;
                            ``(ii) maintenance;
                            ``(iii) operations and pilot training;
                            ``(iv) airspace access, efficiencies, and 
                        navigation services;
                            ``(v) transport category aircraft;
                            ``(vi) fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, 
                        powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles;
                            ``(vii) aerodrome certification;
                            ``(viii) unmanned aircraft and associated 
                        elements of such aircraft;
                            ``(ix) flight simulation training devices;
                            ``(x) new or emerging technologies and 
                        technology trends; and
                            ``(xi) other topics as determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator.
                    ``(E) Rule of construction.--Bilateral or 
                multilateral aviation safety agreements entered into 
                under this subsection shall not be construed to 
                diminish or alter any authority of the Administrator 
                under any other provision of law.''.
            (2) Technical assistance updates.--Section 40113(e) of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
        the following:
            ``(6) Technical assistance outside of agreements.--In the 
        absence of a bilateral or multilateral agreement, the 
        Administrator may provide technical assistance and training 
        under this subsection if the Administrator determines that--
                    ``(A) a foreign government would benefit from 
                technical assistance pursuant to this subsection to 
                strengthen aviation safety, efficiency, and security; 
                and
                    ``(B) the engagement is to provide inherently 
                governmental technical assistance and training.
            ``(7) Inherently governmental technical assistance and 
        training defined.--In this subsection, the term `inherently 
        governmental technical assistance and training' means technical 
        assistance and training that--
                    ``(A) relies upon or incorporates Federal Aviation 
                Administration-specific program, system, policy, or 
                procedural matters;
                    ``(B) must be accomplished using agency expertise 
                and authority; and
                    ``(C) relates to--
                            ``(i) international aviation safety 
                        assessment technical reviews and technical 
                        assistance;
                            ``(ii) aerodrome safety and certification;
                            ``(iii) aviation system certification 
                        activities based on Federal Aviation 
                        Administration regulations and requirements;
                            ``(iv) cybersecurity efforts to protect 
                        United States aviation ecosystem components and 
                        facilities;
                            ``(v) operation and maintenance of air 
                        navigation system equipment, procedures, and 
                        personnel; or
                            ``(vi) training and exercises in support of 
                        aviation safety, efficiency, and security.''.
            (3) Validation of powered-lift aircraft.--In carrying out 
        section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 
        this Act), the Administrator shall ensure coordination with 
        international civil aviation authorities regarding the 
        establishment of mutual processes for efficient validation, 
        acceptance, and working arrangements of certificates and 
        approvals for powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles.
            (4) Report on international validation program 
        performance.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
                initiate a review to evaluate the performance of the 
                type certificate validation program of the FAA under 
                bilateral or multilateral aviation safety agreements, 
                with a focus on agreed to implementation procedures.
                    (B) Contents.--In conducting the review under 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider, at 
                minimum, the following:
                            (i) Actions taken for the purposes of 
                        carrying out section 243(a) of the FAA 
                        Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
                        note).
                            (ii) Metrics from validation programs 
                        carried out prior to the initiation of such 
                        review, including the number and types of 
                        projects, timeline milestones, and trends 
                        relating to the repeated use of non-basic 
                        criteria.
                            (iii) Training on the minimum standards of 
                        established validation work plans, including 
                        any guidance on the level of involvement of the 
                        validating authority, established 
                        justifications for involvement, and procedures 
                        for compliance document requests.
                            (iv) The perspectives of--
                                    (I) FAA employees responsible for 
                                type validation projects;
                                    (II) bilateral civil aviation 
                                regulatory partners; and
                                    (III) industry applicants seeking 
                                validation.
                            (v) Adequacy of the funding and staffing 
                        levels of the International Validation Branch 
                        of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division of 
                        the Aircraft Certification Service of the FAA.
                            (vi) Effectiveness of FAA training for FAA 
                        employees.
                            (vii) Effectiveness of outreach conducted 
                        to improve and enforce validation processes.
                            (viii) Efforts undertaken to strengthen 
                        relationships with international certification 
                        authorities.
                            (ix) Number of approvals issued by other 
                        certifying authorities in compliance with 
                        applicable bilateral agreements and 
                        implementation procedures.
                    (C) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the 
                completion of the review initiated under this 
                subsection, the Administrator shall submit to the 
                appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding 
                such review.
                    (D) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms 
                ``ODA holder'' and ``ODA unit'' have the meanings given 
                such terms in section 44736(c) of title 49, United 
                States Code.
    (d) International Engagement Strategy.--Section 40104(d) of title 
49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(7) Strategic plan.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
        strategic plan for the international engagement of the 
        Administration that includes--
                    ``(A) all elements of the report required under 
                section 243(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
                (49 U.S.C. 44701 note);
                    ``(B) measures to fulfill the mission described in 
                paragraph (2);
                    ``(C) initiatives to attain greater expertise among 
                employees of the Federal Aviation Administration in 
                issues related to dispute resolution, intellectual 
                property, and export control laws;
                    ``(D) policy regarding the future direction and 
                strategy of the United States engagement with the 
                International Civil Aviation Organization;
                    ``(E) procedures for acceptance of mandatory 
                airworthiness information, such as airworthiness 
                directives, and other safety-related regulatory 
                documents, including procedures to implement the 
                requirements of section 44701(e)(5);
                    ``(F) all factors, including funding and 
                resourcing, necessary for the Administration to 
                maintain leadership in the global activities related to 
                aviation safety and air transportation;
                    ``(G) establishment of, and a process to regularly 
                track and update, metrics to measure the effectiveness 
                of, and foreign civil aviation authority compliance 
                with, bilateral aviation safety agreements; and
                    ``(H) a strategic methodology to facilitate the 
                ability of the United States aerospace industry to 
                efficiently operate and export new aerospace 
                technologies, products, and articles in key markets 
                globally.''.
    (e) Powered-lift Aircraft.--In developing the methodology required 
under section 40104(d)(7)(H) of title 49, United States Code (as added 
by subsection (d)), the Administrator shall--
            (1) perform an assessment of existing bilateral aviation 
        safety agreements, implementation procedures, and other 
        associated bilateral arrangements to determine how current and 
        future powered-lift products and articles can utilize the most 
        appropriate validation mechanisms and procedures;
            (2) facilitate global acceptance of the approach of the FAA 
        to certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and 
        articles; and
            (3) consider any other information determined appropriated 
        by the Administrator.

SEC. 359. AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL FOR INSPECTIONS, SITE VISITS, AND 
              TRAINING.

    Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Travel.--The Administrator and the Secretary of 
Transportation shall, in carrying out the responsibilities described in 
subsection (a), delegate to the appropriate supervisors of offices of 
the Administration the ability to authorize the domestic and 
international travel of relevant personnel who are not in the Federal 
Aviation Administration Executive System, without any additional 
approvals required, for the purposes of--
            ``(1) promoting aviation safety, aircraft operations, air 
        traffic, airport, unmanned aircraft systems, aviation fuels, 
        and other aviation standards, regulations, and initiatives 
        adopted by the United States;
            ``(2) facilitating the adoption of United States approaches 
        on such aviation standards and recommended practices at the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization;
            ``(3) supporting the acceptance of Administration design 
        and production approvals by other civil aviation authorities;
            ``(4) training Administration personnel and training 
        provided to other persons;
            ``(5) engaging with regulated entities, including 
        performing site visits;
            ``(6) activities associated with subsections (c) through 
        (e); and
            ``(7) other activities as determined by the 
        Administrator.''.

SEC. 360. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, to ensure that sufficient firefighting resources 
are available to suppress wildfires and protect public safety and 
property, and notwithstanding any other provision of law or agency 
regulation, the Administrator shall issue a rule under which--
            (1) an operation described in section 21.25(b)(7) of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall allow for the transport 
        of firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire to perform 
        ground wildfire suppression and designate the firefighters 
        conducting such an operation as essential crewmembers on board 
        a covered aircraft operated on a mission to suppress wildfire;
            (2) the aircraft maintenance, inspections, and pilot 
        training requirements under part 135 of such title 14 may apply 
        to such an operation, if determined by the Administrator to be 
        necessary to maintain the safety of firefighters carrying out 
        wildfire suppression missions; and
            (3) the noise standards described in part 36 of such title 
        14 shall not apply to such an operation.
    (b) Surplus Military Aircraft.--In issuing a rule under subsection 
(a), the Administrator may not enable any aircraft of a type that has 
been--
            (1) manufactured in accordance with the requirements of, 
        and accepted for use by, the armed forces (as defined in 
        section 101 of title 10, United States Code); and
            (2) later modified to be used for wildfire suppression 
        operations.
    (c) Conforming Amendments to FAA Documents.--In issuing a rule 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall revise the order of the 
FAA titled ``Restricted Category Type Certification'', issued on 
February 27, 2006 (FAA Order 8110.56), as well as any corresponding 
policy or guidance material, to reflect the requirements of this 
section.
    (d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to limit the authority of the Administrator to take action otherwise 
authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means 
        an aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category under 
        section 21.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, used 
        for transporting firefighters to and from the site of a 
        wildfire in order to perform ground wildfire suppression for 
        the purpose of extinguishing a wildfire on behalf of, or 
        pursuant to a contract with, a Federal, State, or local 
        government agency.
            (2) Firefighters.--The term ``firefighters'' means a 
        trained fire suppression professional the transport of whom is 
        necessary to accomplish a wildfire suppression operation.

SEC. 361. CONTINUOUS AIRCRAFT TRACKING AND TRANSMISSION FOR HIGH 
              ALTITUDE BALLOONS.

    (a) Study on Effects of High Altitude Balloons on Aviation 
Safety.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with 
        the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the effects of high 
        altitude balloon operations that do not emit electronic or 
        radio signals for identification purposes and are launched 
        within the United States and the territories of the United 
        States on aviation safety.
            (2) Considerations.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
        Administrator shall consider--
                    (A) current technology available and employed to 
                track high altitude balloon operations described under 
                paragraph (1);
                    (B) how the flights of such operations have 
                affected, or could affect, aviation safety;
                    (C) how such operations have contributed, or could 
                contribute, to misidentified threats to civil or 
                military aviation operations or infrastructure; and
                    (D) how such operations have impacted, or could 
                impact, national security and air traffic control 
                operations.
    (b) High Altitude Balloon Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an 
        Aviation Rulemaking Committee (in this section referred to as 
        the ``Committee'') to review and develop findings and 
        recommendations to inform a standard for any high altitude 
        balloon to be equipped with a system for continuous aircraft 
        tracking that transmits, at a minimum, the altitude, location, 
        and identity of the high altitude balloon in a manner that is 
        accessible to air traffic controllers and ensures the safe 
        integration of high altitude balloons into the national 
        airspace system.
            (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members 
        appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
                    (A) Representatives of industry.
                    (B) Aviation safety experts, including experts with 
                specific knowledge--
                            (i) of high altitude balloon operations; or
                            (ii) FAA tracking and surveillance systems.
                    (C) Non-governmental researchers and educators.
                    (D) Representatives of the Department of Defense.
                    (E) Representatives of Federal agencies that 
                conduct high altitude balloon operations.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit to the 
        Administrator a report detailing the findings and 
        recommendations developed under paragraph (1), including 
        recommendations regarding the following:
                    (A) How to update sections 91.215, 91.225, and 
                99.13 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
                require all high altitude balloons to have a continuous 
                aircraft tracking and transmission system.
                    (B) Any necessary updates to the requirements for 
                high altitude balloons under subpart D of part 101 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                    (C) Any necessary updates to other FAA regulations 
                or requirements deemed appropriate and necessary by the 
                Administrator to--
                            (i) ensure any high altitude balloon has a 
                        continuous aircraft tracking and transmission 
                        system;
                            (ii) ensure all data relating to the 
                        altitude, location, and identity of any high 
                        altitude balloon is made available to air 
                        traffic controllers;
                            (iii) determine criteria and provide 
                        approval guidance for new equipment that 
                        provides continuous aircraft tracking and 
                        transmission for high altitude balloons and 
                        meets the performance requirements described 
                        under section 91.225 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations, including portable, 
                        battery-powered Automatic Dependent 
                        Surveillance-Broadcast Out equipage; and
                            (iv) maintain airspace safety.
            (4) Use of prior work.--In developing the report under 
        paragraph (3), the Committee may make full use of any research, 
        comments, data, findings, or recommendations made by any prior 
        aviation rulemaking committee.
            (5) New technologies and solutions.--Nothing in this 
        subsection shall require the Committee to develop 
        recommendations requiring equipage of high altitude balloons 
        with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out system 
        or an air traffic control transponder transmission system, or 
        preclude the Committee from making recommendations for the 
        adoption of new systems or solutions that may require that a 
        high altitude balloon be equipped with a system that can 
        transmit, at a minimum, the altitude, location, and identity of 
        the high altitude balloon.
            (6) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving the 
        report required under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall 
        brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the contents of 
        such report and the status of any recommendation received 
        pursuant to such report.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``high altitude 
balloon'' means a manned or unmanned free balloon operating not less 
than 18,000 feet above mean sea level.

SEC. 362. CABIN AIR SAFETY.

    (a) Deadline for 2018 Study on Bleed Air.--Not later than 6 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
complete the requirements of section 326 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and submit to the appropriate 
Congressional committees the following:
            (1) The completed study required under subsection (c) of 
        such section.
            (2) The report on the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-
        effectiveness of certification and installation of systems to 
        evaluate bleed air quality required under subsection (d) of 
        such section.
    (b) Reporting System for Smoke or Fume Events Onboard Commercial 
Aircraft.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 
        standardized submission system for air carrier employees to 
        voluntarily report fume or smoke events onboard passenger-
        carrying aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.
            (2) Collected information.--In developing the system under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that the system 
        includes a method for submitting information about a smoke or 
        fume event that allows for the collection of the following 
        information, if applicable:
                    (A) Identification of the flight number, type, and 
                registration of the aircraft.
                    (B) The date of the reported fume or smoke event 
                onboard the aircraft.
                    (C) Description of fumes or smoke in the aircraft, 
                including the nature, intensity, and visual consistency 
                or smell (if any).
                    (D) The location of the fumes or smoke in the 
                aircraft.
                    (E) The source (if discernible) of the fumes or 
                smoke in the aircraft.
                    (F) The phase of flight during which fumes or smoke 
                first became present.
                    (G) The duration of the fume or smoke event.
                    (H) Any required onboard medical attention for 
                passengers or crew members.
                    (I) Any additional factors as determined 
                appropriate by the Administrator or crew member 
                submitting a report.
            (3) Guidelines for submission.--The Administrator shall 
        issue guidelines on how to submit the information described in 
        paragraph (2).
            (4) Confirmation of submission.--Upon submitting the 
        information described in paragraph (2), the submitting party 
        shall receive a duplicate record of the submission and 
        confirmation of receipt.
            (5) Use of information.--The Administrator--
                    (A) may not publicly publish any--
                            (i) information specific to a fume or smoke 
                        event that is submitted pursuant to this 
                        section; and
                            (ii) any information that may be used to 
                        identify the party submitting such information;
                    (B) may only publicly publish information submitted 
                pursuant to this section that has been aggregated if--
                            (i) such information has been validated; 
                        and
                            (ii) the availability of such information 
                        would improve aviation safety;
                    (C) shall maintain a database of such information;
                    (D) at the request of an air carrier, shall provide 
                to such air carrier any information submitted pursuant 
                to this section that is relevant to such air carrier, 
                except any information that may be used to identify the 
                party submitting such information;
                    (E) may not, without validation, assume that 
                information submitted pursuant to this section is 
                accurate for the purposes of initiating rulemaking or 
                taking an enforcement action;
                    (F) may use information submitted pursuant to this 
                section to inform the oversight of the safety 
                management system of an air carrier; and
                    (G) may use information submitted pursuant to this 
                section for the purpose of performing a study or 
                supporting a study sponsored by the Administrator.
    (c) National Academies Study on Overall Cabin Air Quality.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
        into the appropriate arrangements with the National Academies 
        to conduct a study and issue recommendations to be made 
        publicly available pertaining to cabin air quality and any risk 
        of, and potential for, persistent and accidental fume or smoke 
        events onboard a passenger-carrying aircraft operating under 
        part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Scope.--In carrying out a study pursuant to paragraph 
        (1), the National Academies shall examine--
                    (A) the report issued pursuant to section 326 of 
                the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
                note) and any identified assumptions or gaps described 
                in such report;
                    (B) the information collected through the system 
                established pursuant to subsection (b);
                    (C) any health risks or impacts of fume or smoke 
                events on flight crews, including flight attendants and 
                pilots, and passengers onboard aircraft operating under 
                part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
                    (D) instances of persistent or regularly occurring 
                (as determined by the National Academies) fume or smoke 
                events in such aircraft;
                    (E) instances of accidental, unexpected, or 
                irregularly occurring (as determined by the National 
                Academies) fume or smoke events on such aircraft, 
                including whether such accidental events are more 
                frequent during various phases of operations, including 
                ground operations, taxiing, take off, cruise, and 
                landing;
                    (F) the air contaminants present during the 
                instances described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) and 
                the probable originating materials of such air 
                contaminants;
                    (G) the frequencies, durations, and likely causes 
                of the instances described in subparagraphs (D) and 
                (E); and
                    (H) any additional data on fume or smoke events, as 
                determined appropriate by the National Academies.
            (3) Recommendations.--As a part of the study conducted 
        under paragraph (1), the National Academies shall provide 
        recommendations--
                    (A) that, at minimum, address how to--
                            (i) improve overall cabin air quality of 
                        passenger-carrying aircraft;
                            (ii) improve the detection, accuracy, and 
                        reporting of fume or smoke events; and
                            (iii) reduce the frequency and impact of 
                        fume or smoke events; and
                    (B) to establish or update standards, guidelines, 
                or regulations that could help achieve the 
                recommendations described in subparagraph (A).
            (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 month after the 
        completion of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a copy of such study and recommendations submitted 
        with such study.
    (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the completion of the 
study conducted under subsection (c), the Administrator may, as 
appropriate to address the safety risks identified as a result of the 
actions taken pursuant to this section, issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to establish requirements for scheduled passenger air 
carrier operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations that may include the following:
            (1) Training for flight attendants, pilots, aircraft 
        maintenance technicians, airport first responders, and 
        emergency responders on how to respond to incidents on aircraft 
        involving fume or smoke events.
            (2) Required actions and procedures for air carriers to 
        take after receiving a report of an incident involving a fume 
        or smoke event in which at least 1 passenger or crew member 
        required medical attention as a result of such incident.
            (3) Installation onboard aircraft of detectors and other 
        air quality monitoring equipment.
    (e) Fume or Smoke Event Defined.--In this section, the term ``fume 
or smoke event'' means an event in which there is an atypical 
noticeable or persistent presence of fumes or air contaminants in the 
cabin, including, at a minimum, a smoke event.

SEC. 363. COMMERCIAL AIR TOUR AND SPORT PARACHUTING SAFETY.

    (a) Safety Requirements for Commercial Air Tour Operators.--
            (1) Safety reforms.--
                    (A) Authority to conduct nonstop commercial air 
                tours.--
                            (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), 
                        beginning on the date that is 2 years after the 
                        date a final rule is published pursuant to 
                        paragraph (3), no person may conduct commercial 
                        air tours unless such person either--
                                    (I) holds a certificate identifying 
                                the person as an air carrier or 
                                commercial operator under part 119 of 
                                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
                                and conducts all commercial air tours 
                                under the applicable provisions of part 
                                121 or part 135 of title 14, Code of 
                                Federal Regulations; or
                                    (II) conducts all commercial air 
                                tours pursuant to the requirements 
                                established by the Administrator under 
                                the final rule published pursuant to 
                                paragraph (3).
                            (ii) Small business exception.--The 
                        provisions of clause (i) shall not apply to a 
                        person who conducts 100 or fewer commercial air 
                        tours in a calendar year.
                    (B) Additional safety requirements.--
                            (i) In general.--Not later than 3 years 
                        after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
                        Administrator shall issue new or revised 
                        regulations to require a commercial air tour 
                        operator seeking to conduct an operation with a 
                        removed or modified door and a person 
                        conducting aerial photography operations 
                        seeking to conduct an operation with a removed 
                        or modified door to receive approval from the 
                        Administrator prior to conducting such 
                        operation.
                            (ii) Conditions and restrictions.--In 
                        issuing new or revised regulations under clause 
                        (i), the Administrator may impose such 
                        conditions and restrictions as determined 
                        necessary for safety.
                            (iii) Considerations.--In issuing new or 
                        revised regulations under clause (i), the 
                        Administrator shall require a commercial air 
                        tour operator to demonstrate to any 
                        representative of the FAA, upon request, that a 
                        pilot authorized to operate such an air tour 
                        has received avoidance training for controlled 
                        flight into terrain and in-flight loss of 
                        control. Such training shall address reducing 
                        the risk of accidents involving unintentional 
                        flight into instrument meteorological 
                        conditions to address day, night, and low-
                        visibility environments with special attention 
                        paid to research available as of the date of 
                        enactment of this Act on human factors issues 
                        involved in such accidents, including, at a 
                        minimum--
                                    (I) specific terrain, weather, and 
                                infrastructure challenges relevant in 
                                the local operating environment that 
                                increase the risk of such accidents;
                                    (II) pilot decision-making relevant 
                                to the avoidance of instrument 
                                meteorological conditions while 
                                operating under visual flight rules;
                                    (III) use of terrain awareness 
                                displays;
                                    (IV) spatial disorientation risk 
                                factors and countermeasures; and
                                    (V) strategies for maintaining 
                                control, including the use of automated 
                                systems.
            (2) Aviation rulemaking committee.--
                    (A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an 
                aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop 
                findings and recommendations to increase the safety of 
                commercial air tours.
                    (B) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking 
                committee convened under subparagraph (A) shall 
                consider, at a minimum--
                            (i) potential changes to operations 
                        regulations or requirements for commercial air 
                        tours, including requiring--
                                    (I) the adoption of pilot training 
                                standards that are comparable, as 
                                applicable, to the standards under 
                                subpart H of part 135 of title 14, Code 
                                of Federal Regulations; and
                                    (II) the adoption of maintenance 
                                standards that are comparable, as 
                                applicable, to the standards under 
                                subpart J of part 135 of title 14, Code 
                                of Federal Regulations;
                            (ii) establishing a performance-based 
                        standard for flight data monitoring for all 
                        commercial air tour operators that reviews all 
                        available data sources to identify deviations 
                        from established areas of operation and 
                        potential safety issues;
                            (iii) requiring all commercial air tour 
                        operators to install flight data recording 
                        devices capable of supporting collection and 
                        dissemination of the data incorporated in the 
                        Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program 
                        under section 13.401 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations (or, if an aircraft cannot 
                        be retrofitted with such equipment, requiring 
                        the commercial air tour operator for such 
                        aircraft to collect and maintain flight data 
                        through alternative methods);
                            (iv) requiring all commercial air tour 
                        operators to implement a flight data monitoring 
                        program, such as a Flight Operational Quality 
                        Assurance Program;
                            (v) establishing methods to provide 
                        effective terrain awareness and warning; and
                            (vi) establishing methods to provide 
                        effective traffic avoidance in identified high-
                        traffic tour areas, such as requiring 
                        commercial air tour operators that operate 
                        within such areas be equipped with an automatic 
                        dependent surveillance-broadcast out- and in-
                        supported traffic advisory system that--
                                    (I) includes both visual and aural 
                                alerts;
                                    (II) is driven by an algorithm 
                                designed to eliminate nuisance alerts; 
                                and
                                    (III) is operational during all 
                                flight operations.
                            (vii) codifying and uniformly applying 
                        Living History Flight Experience exemption 
                        conditions and limitations.
                    (C) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
                convened under subparagraph (A) shall consist of 
                members appointed by the Administrator, including--
                            (i) representatives of industry, including 
                        manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft 
                        technologies;
                            (ii) air tour operators or organizations 
                        that represent such operators; and
                            (iii) aviation safety experts with specific 
                        knowledge of safety management systems and 
                        flight data monitoring programs under part 135 
                        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                    (D) Duties.--
                            (i) In general.--The Administrator shall 
                        direct the aviation rulemaking committee to 
                        make findings and submit recommendations 
                        regarding each of the matters specified in 
                        clauses (i) through (vi) of subparagraph (B).
                            (ii) Considerations.--In carrying out the 
                        duties of the aviation rulemaking committee 
                        under clause (i), the Administrator shall 
                        direct the aviation rulemaking committee to 
                        consider--
                                    (I) recommendations of the National 
                                Transportation Safety Board;
                                    (II) recommendations of previous 
                                aviation rulemaking committees that 
                                reviewed flight data monitoring program 
                                requirements for commercial operators 
                                under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
                                Federal Regulations;
                                    (III) recommendations from industry 
                                safety organizations, including the 
                                Vertical Aviation Safety Team, the 
                                General Aviation Joint Safety 
                                Committee, and the United States 
                                Helicopter Safety Team;
                                    (IV) scientific data derived from a 
                                broad range of flight data recording 
                                technologies capable of continuously 
                                transmitting and that support a 
                                measurable and viable means of 
                                assessing data to identify and correct 
                                hazardous trends;
                                    (V) appropriate use of data for 
                                modifying behavior to prevent 
                                accidents;
                                    (VI) the need to accommodate 
                                technological advancements in flight 
                                data recording technology;
                                    (VII) data gathered from aviation 
                                safety reporting programs;
                                    (VIII) appropriate methods to 
                                provide effective terrain awareness and 
                                warning system protections while 
                                mitigating nuisance alerts for 
                                aircraft;
                                    (IX) the need to accommodate the 
                                diversity of airworthiness standards 
                                under part 27 and part 29 of title 14, 
                                Code of Federal Regulations;
                                    (X) the need to accommodate 
                                diversity of operations and mission 
                                sets;
                                    (XI) benefits of third-party data 
                                analysis for large and small 
                                operations;
                                    (XII) accommodations necessary for 
                                small businesses; and
                                    (XIII) other issues, as necessary.
                    (E) Reports and regulations.--Not later than 20 
                months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
                Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
                committees of Congress a report based on the findings 
                of the aviation rulemaking committee.
            (3) Rulemaking required.--
                    (A) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
                1 year after the date the Administrator submits a 
                report under paragraph (2)(E), the Administrator shall 
                issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing 
                increasing safety regulations for commercial air tour 
                operators based on the recommendations of the 
                rulemaking committee established under paragraph (2).
                    (B) Contents.--The notice of proposed rulemaking 
                under subparagraph (A) shall require, at a minimum--
                            (i) the adoption of pilot training 
                        standards that are comparable, as applicable, 
                        to the standards under subpart H of part 135 of 
                        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for 
                        commercial tour operators;
                            (ii) the adoption of maintenance standards 
                        that are comparable, as applicable, to the 
                        standards under subpart J of part 135 of title 
                        14, Code of Federal Regulations for commercial 
                        tour operators; and
                            (iii) that beginning on a date determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator, a helicopter 
                        operated by a commercial air tour operator be 
                        equipped with an approved flight data 
                        monitoring system capable of recording flight 
                        performance data.
                    (C) Final rule.--Not later than 2 years after the 
                issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking under 
                subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall finalize the 
                rule.
    (b) Safety Requirements for Sport Parachute Operations.--
            (1) Aviation rulemaking committee.--The Administrator shall 
        convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop 
        findings and recommendations to increase the safety of sport 
        parachute operations.
            (2) Contents.--This aviation rulemaking committee convened 
        under paragraph (1) shall consider, at a minimum--
                    (A) potential regulatory action governing parachute 
                operations that are conducted in the United States and 
                are subject to the requirements of part 105 of title 
                14, Code of Federal Regulations, to address--
                            (i) whether FAA-approved aircraft 
                        maintenance and inspection programs that 
                        consider, at a minimum, minimum equipment 
                        standards informed by recommended maintenance 
                        instructions of engine manufacturers, such as 
                        service bulletins and service information 
                        letters for time between overhauls and 
                        component life limits, should be implemented; 
                        and
                            (ii) initial and annual recurrent pilot 
                        training and proficiency checks for pilots 
                        conducting parachute operations that address, 
                        at a minimum, operation- and aircraft-specific 
                        weight and balance calculations, preflight 
                        inspections, emergency and recovery procedures, 
                        and parachutist egress procedures for each type 
                        of aircraft flown; and
                    (B) the revision of guidance material contained in 
                the advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Sport 
                Parachuting'' (AC 105-2E) to include guidance for 
                parachute operations in implementing the FAA-approved 
                aircraft maintenance and inspection program and the 
                pilot training and pilot proficiency checking programs 
                required under any new or revised regulations; and
                    (C) the revision of guidance materials issued in 
                the order of the FAA titled ``Flight Standards 
                Information Management System'' (FAA Order 8900.1), to 
                include guidance for FAA inspectors who oversee an 
                operation conducted under--
                            (i) part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                        Regulations; and
                            (ii) an exception specified in section 
                        119.1(e) of title 14, Code of Federal 
                        Regulations.
            (3) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee under 
        paragraph (1) shall consist of members appointed by the 
        Administrator, including--
                    (A) representatives of industry, including 
                manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft technologies;
                    (B) parachute operators, or organizations that 
                represent such operators; and
                    (C) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge 
                of safety management systems and flight data monitoring 
                programs under part 135 and part 105 of title 14, Code 
                of Federal Regulations.
            (4) Duties.--
                    (A) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the 
                aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and 
                submit recommendations regarding each of the matters 
                specified in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph 
                (2).
                    (B) Considerations.--In carrying out its duties 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall direct 
                the aviation rulemaking committee to consider--
                            (i) findings and recommendations of the 
                        National Transportation Safety Board, as 
                        relevant, and specifically such findings and 
                        recommendations related to parachute 
                        operations, including the June 21, 2019, 
                        incident in Mokuleia, Hawaii;
                            (ii) recommendations of previous aviation 
                        rulemaking committees that considered similar 
                        issues;
                            (iii) recommendations from industry safety 
                        organizations, including, at a minimum, the 
                        United States Parachute Association;
                            (iv) appropriate use of data for modifying 
                        behavior to prevent accidents;
                            (v) data gathered from aviation safety 
                        reporting programs;
                            (vi) the need to accommodate diversity of 
                        operations and mission sets;
                            (vii) accommodations necessary for small 
                        businesses; and
                            (viii) other issues as necessary.
            (5) Reports and regulations.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
                submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
                report based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking 
                committee.
                    (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) 
                shall include--
                            (i) any recommendations submitted by the 
                        aviation rulemaking committee; and
                            (ii) any actions the Administrator intends 
                        to initiate, if necessary, as a result of such 
                        recommendations.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
        Code.
            (2) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial 
        air tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        136.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (4) Parachute operation.--The term ``parachute operation'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 105.3 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

SEC. 364. HAWAII AIR NOISE AND SAFETY TASK FORCE.

    (a) Participation.--To the extent acceptable to the State of 
Hawaii, the Administrator shall participate as a technical advisor in 
the air noise and safety task force established by State legislation in 
the State of Hawaii.
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which 
the task force described in subsection (a) delivers findings and 
consensus recommendations to the FAA, the Administrator shall, 
consistent with maintaining the safety and efficiency of the national 
airspace system--
            (1) issue an intent to proceed with a proposed rulemaking;
            (2) take other action sufficient to carry out feasible, 
        consensus recommendations; or
            (3) issue a statement determining that no such rule or 
        other action is warranted, including a detailed explanation of 
        the rationale for such determination.
    (c) Considerations.--In determining whether to proceed with a 
proposed rulemaking, guidance, or other action under subsection (b) 
and, if applicable, in developing the proposed rule, guidance, or 
carrying out the other action, the Administrator shall consider the 
findings and consensus recommendations of the task force described in 
subsection (a).
    (d) Authorities.--In issuing the rule, guidance, or carrying out 
the other action described in subsection (b), the Administrator may 
take actions in the State of Hawaii to--
            (1) provide commercial air tour operators with preferred 
        routes, times, and minimum altitudes for the purpose of noise 
        reduction, so long as such recommendations do not negatively 
        impact safety conditions;
            (2) provide commercial air tour operators with information 
        regarding quiet aircraft technology; and
            (3) establish a method for residents of the State of Hawaii 
        to publicly report noise disruptions due to commercial air 
        tours and for commercial air tour operators to respond to 
        complaints.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as providing the Administrator with authority to ban 
commercial air tour flights in the State of Hawaii for the purposes of 
noise reduction.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial 
        air tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        136.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 365. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT EVACUATION.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study 
        on improvements to the safety and efficiency of evacuation 
        standards for manufacturers and carriers of transport category 
        airplanes, as described in parts 25 and 121 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Contents.--
                    (A) Requirements.--The study required under 
                paragraph (1) shall include--
                            (i) a prospective risk analysis, as well as 
                        an evaluation of relevant past incidents with 
                        respect to evacuation safety and evacuation 
                        standards;
                            (ii) an assessment of the evacuation 
                        testing procedures described in section 25.803 
                        of such title 14, as well as recommendations 
                        for how to revise such testing procedures to 
                        ensure that the testing procedures assess, in a 
                        safe manner, the ability of passengers with 
                        disabilities, including passengers who use 
                        wheelchairs or other mobility assistive 
                        devices, to safely and efficiently evacuate an 
                        aircraft;
                            (iii) an assessment of the evacuation 
                        demonstration procedures described in such part 
                        121, as well as recommendations for how to 
                        improve such demonstration procedures to ensure 
                        that the demonstration procedures assess, in a 
                        safe manner, the ability of passengers with 
                        disabilities, including passengers who use 
                        wheelchairs or other mobility assistive 
                        devices, to safely and efficiently evacuate an 
                        aircraft;
                            (iv) the research proposed in National 
                        Transportation Safety Board Safety 
                        Recommendation A-18-009; and
                            (v) any other analysis determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator.
                    (B) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
                paragraph (1), the Administrator shall assess the 
                following:
                            (i) The ability of passengers of different 
                        ages (including infants, children, and senior 
                        citizens) to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
                        transport category airplane.
                            (ii) The ability of passengers of different 
                        heights and weights to safely and efficiently 
                        evacuate a transport category airplane.
                            (iii) The ability of passengers with 
                        disabilities to safely and efficiently evacuate 
                        a transport category airplane.
                            (iv) The ability of passengers who cannot 
                        speak, have difficulty speaking, use synthetic 
                        speech, or are non-vocal or non-verbal to 
                        safely and efficiently evacuate a transport 
                        category airplane.
                            (v) The ability of passengers who do not 
                        speak English to safely and efficiently 
                        evacuate a transport category airplane.
                            (vi) The impact of the presence of carry-on 
                        luggage and personal items (such as a purse, 
                        briefcase, laptop, or backpack) on the ability 
                        of passengers to safely and efficiently 
                        evacuate a transport category airplane.
                            (vii) The impact of seat size and passenger 
                        seating space and pitch on the ability of 
                        passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
                        transport category airplane.
                            (viii) The impact of seats and other 
                        obstacles in the pathway to the exit opening 
                        from the nearest aisle on the ability of 
                        passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
                        transport category airplane.
                            (ix) With respect to aircraft with parallel 
                        longitudinal aisles, the impact of seat pods or 
                        other seating configurations that block access 
                        between such aisles within a cabin on the 
                        ability of passengers to safely and efficiently 
                        evacuate a transport category airplane.
                            (x) The impact of passenger load on the 
                        ability of passengers to safely and efficiently 
                        evacuate a transport category airplane.
                            (xi) The impact of animals approved to 
                        accompany a passenger, including service 
                        animals, on the ability of passengers to safely 
                        and efficiently evacuate a transport category 
                        airplane.
                            (xii) Whether an applicant for a type 
                        certificate (as defined in section 44704(e)(7) 
                        of title 49, United States Code) should be 
                        required to demonstrate compliance with FAA 
                        emergency evacuation regulations (as described 
                        in section 25.803 and Appendix J of part 25 of 
                        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) through 
                        live testing in any case in which the 
                        Administrator determines that the new aircraft 
                        design is significant.
                            (xiii) Any other factor determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator.
                    (C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
                            (i) Passenger load.--The term ``passenger 
                        load'' means the number of passengers relative 
                        to the number of seats onboard the aircraft.
                            (ii) Passengers with disabilities.--The 
                        term ``passengers with disabilities'' means any 
                        qualified individual with a disability, as 
                        defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations.
    (b) Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Evacuation Standards.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        completion of the study conducted under subsection (a), the 
        Administrator shall establish an aviation rulemaking committee 
        (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') to--
                    (A) review the findings of the study; and
                    (B) develop and submit to the Administrator 
                recommendations regarding improvements to the 
                evacuation standards described in parts 25 and 121 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members 
        appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
                    (A) Representatives of industry.
                    (B) Representatives of aviation labor 
                organizations.
                    (C) Aviation safety experts with specific knowledge 
                of the evacuation standards and requirements under such 
                parts 25 and 121.
                    (D) Representatives of individuals with 
                disabilities with specific knowledge of accessibility 
                standards regarding evacuations in emergency 
                circumstances.
                    (E) Representatives of the senior citizen 
                community.
                    (F) Representatives of pediatricians.
            (3) Considerations.--In reviewing the findings of the study 
        conducted under subsection (a) and developing recommendations 
        regarding the improvement of the evacuation standards under 
        subsection (b)(1)(B), the Committee shall consider the 
        following:
                    (A) The recommendations made by any prior aviation 
                rulemaking committee regarding the evacuation standards 
                described in such parts 25 and 121.
                    (B) Scientific data derived from the study 
                conducted under subsection (a).
                    (C) Any data gathered from aviation safety 
                reporting programs.
                    (D) The cost-benefit analysis and risk analysis of 
                any recommended standards.
                    (E) Any other item determined appropriate by the 
                Committee.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
which the Committee submits to the Administrator the recommendations 
under subsection (b)(1)(B), the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
            (1) the findings of the study conducted under subsection 
        (a);
            (2) the recommendations of the Committee under subsection 
        (b)(1)(B); and
            (3) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such 
        recommendations.
    (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after submitting to 
Congress the report under subsection (c), the Administrator shall issue 
a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the recommendations of the 
Committee that the Administrator considers appropriate.

SEC. 366. 25-HOUR COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Cockpit voice recorder for newly manufactured 
        aircraft.--A covered operator may not operate a covered 
        aircraft manufactured later than the date that is 1 year after 
        the date of enactment of this Act unless such aircraft has a 
        cockpit voice recorder installed that retains the last 25 hours 
        of recorded information using a recorder that meets the 
        standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or any later 
        revision.
            (2) Cockpit voice recorder for covered aircraft.--Not later 
        than 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a covered 
        operator may not operate a covered aircraft unless such 
        aircraft has a cockpit voice recorder installed that retains 
        the last 25 hours of recorded information using a recorder that 
        meets the standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or 
        any later revision.
    (b) Prohibited Use.--The Administrator or any covered operator may 
not use a cockpit voice recorder recording for a certificate action, 
civil penalty, or disciplinary proceedings against a flight crewmember.
    (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall--
            (1) issue a final rule to update applicable regulations, as 
        necessary, to conform to the requirements of subsection (a)(2); 
        and
            (2) issue a rule to update applicable regulations, as 
        necessary, to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that 
        any data from a cockpit voice recorder--
                    (A) is protected from unlawful or unauthorized 
                disclosure to the public;
                    (B) is used exclusively by a Federal agency or a 
                foreign accident investigative agency for a criminal 
                investigation, aircraft accident, or aircraft incident 
                investigation; and
                    (C) is not deliberately erased or tampered with 
                following a National Transportation Safety Board 
                reportable event under part 830 of title 49, Code of 
                Federal Regulations, for which civil and criminal 
                penalties may be assessed in accordance with section 
                1155 of title 49, United States Code, and section 32 of 
                title 18, United States Code.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
rescoping, constraining, or otherwise mandating delays to FAA actions 
in the notice of proposed rulemaking titled ``25-Hour Cockpit Voice 
Recorder (CVR) Requirements, New Aircraft Production'', issued on 
December 4, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 84090).
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect--
            (1) the confidentiality of recording and transcripts under 
        section 1114(c) of title 49, United States Code;
            (2) the ban on recording for civil penalty or certificate 
        under section 121.359(h) of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; or
            (3) the prohibition against use of data from flight 
        operational quality assurance programs for enforcement purposes 
        under section 13.401 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' 
        means--
                    (A) an aircraft operated by an air carrier under 
                part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
                    (B) a transport category aircraft designed for 
                operations by an air carrier or foreign air carrier 
                type-certificated with a passenger seating capacity of 
                30 or more or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such 
                an aircraft.
            (2) Covered operator.--The term ``covered operator'' means 
        the operator of a covered aircraft.

SEC. 367. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING MANDATED CONTENTS OF ONBOARD 
              EMERGENCY MEDICAL KITS.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) a regularly scheduled panel of experts should reexamine 
        and provide an updated list of mandated contents of onboard 
        emergency medical kits that is thorough and practical, keeping 
        passenger safety and well-being paramount; and
            (2) such panel should consider including on the list of 
        mandated contents of such medical kits, at a minimum, opioid 
        overdose reversal medication.

SEC. 368. PASSENGER AIRCRAFT FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT 
              EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking regarding first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and 
training required for flight crewmembers, as provided in part 121 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to all certificate 
holders operating passenger aircraft under such part.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall consider--
            (1) the benefits and costs (including the costs of flight 
        diversions and emergency landings) of requiring any new 
        medications or equipment necessary to be included in approved 
        emergency medical kits;
            (2) whether the contents of the emergency medical kits 
        include, at a minimum, appropriate medications and equipment 
        that can practicably be administered to address--
                    (A) the emergency medical needs of children and 
                pregnant women;
                    (B) opioid overdose reversal;
                    (C) anaphylaxis; and
                    (D) cardiac arrest;
            (3) what contents of the emergency medical kits should be 
        readily available, to the extent practicable, for use by flight 
        crews without prior approval by a medical professional.
    (c) Regular Review.--Not later than 5 years after the issuance of 
the final rule under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the 
Administrator shall evaluate and revise, if appropriate--
            (1) the first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and 
        training required for flight crewmembers; and
            (2) any required training for flight crewmembers regarding 
        the content, location, and function of such kit.

SEC. 369. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

    (a) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by Foreign 
Countries.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign 
              countries
    ``(a) Assessment.--
            ``(1) In general.--On a regular basis, the Administrator, 
        in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
        Secretary of State, shall assess aviation safety oversight 
        measures carried out by any foreign country--
                    ``(A) from which a foreign air carrier is 
                conducting foreign air transportation to and from the 
                United States;
                    ``(B) from which a foreign air carrier seeks to 
                conduct foreign air transportation to and from the 
                United States;
                    ``(C) whose air carriers carry or seek to carry the 
                code of a United States air carrier; or
                    ``(D) as determined appropriate by the 
                Administrator.
            ``(2) Consultation and criteria.--In conducting an 
        assessment described in paragraph (1), the Administrator 
        shall--
                    ``(A) consult with the appropriate authorities of 
                the government of the foreign country;
                    ``(B) determine the efficacy with which such 
                foreign country carries out and complies with its 
                aviation safety oversight responsibilities consistent 
                with--
                            ``(i) the Convention on International Civil 
                        Aviation (in this section referred to as the 
                        `Chicago Convention');
                            ``(ii) international aviation safety 
                        standards; and
                            ``(iii) recommended practices set forth by 
                        the International Civil Aviation Organization;
                    ``(C) use a standard approach and methodology that 
                will result in an analysis of the aviation safety 
                oversight activities of such foreign country that are 
                carried out to meet the minimum standards contained in 
                Annexes 1, 6, and 8 to the Chicago Convention in effect 
                on the date of the assessment, or any such successor 
                documents; and
                    ``(D) identify instances of noncompliance 
                pertaining to the aviation safety oversight activities 
                of such foreign country consistent with the Chicago 
                Convention, international aviation safety standards, 
                and recommended practices set forth by the 
                International Civil Aviation Organization.
            ``(3) Findings of noncompliance.--In any case in which the 
        assessment described in subsection (a)(1) finds an instance of 
        non-compliance, the Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) notify the foreign country that is the 
                subject of such finding;
                    ``(B) not later than 90 days after transmission of 
                such notification, request and initiate final 
                discussions with the foreign country to recommend 
                actions by which the foreign country can mitigate the 
                noncompliance; and
                    ``(C) after the discussions described in 
                subparagraph (B) have concluded, determine whether or 
                not the noncompliance finding has been corrected;
    ``(b) Uncorrected Non-compliance.--If the Administrator finds that 
such foreign country has not corrected the non-compliance by the close 
of such final discussions--
            ``(1) the Administrator shall notify the Secretary of 
        Transportation and the Secretary of State that the condition of 
        noncompliance remains;
            ``(2) the Administrator, after consulting with informing 
        the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, 
        shall notify the foreign country of such finding; and
            ``(3) notwithstanding section 40105(b), the Administrator, 
        after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation authority 
        of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of 
        Transportation and the Secretary of State, may withhold, 
        revoke, or prescribe conditions on the operating authority of a 
        foreign air carrier that--
                    ``(A) provides or seeks to provide foreign air 
                transportation to and from the United States; or
                    ``(B) carries or seeks to carry the code of an air 
                carrier.
    ``(c) Authority.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the 
Administrator retains the ability to take immediate safety oversight 
actions if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Secretary of State, as needed, determines that a 
condition exists that threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, or 
crew traveling to or from such foreign country. In this event that the 
Administrator makes a determination under this subsection, the 
Administrator shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of such 
determination so that the Secretary of State may issue a travel 
advisory with respect to such foreign country.
    ``(d) Public Notification.--
            ``(1) In general.--In any case in which the Administrator 
        provides notification to a foreign country under subsection 
        (b)(2), the Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) recommend the actions necessary to bring such 
                foreign country into compliance with the international 
                standards contained in the Chicago Convention;
                    ``(B) publish the identity of such foreign country 
                on the website of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
                in the Federal Register, and through other mediums 
                appropriate to provide notice to the public; and
                    ``(C) brief the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
                Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
                the Senate on the identity of such foreign country and 
                a summary of any critical safety information resulting 
                from an assessment described in subsection (a)(1).
            ``(2) Compliance.--If the Administrator finds that a 
        foreign country subsequently corrects all outstanding 
        noncompliances, the Administrator, after consulting with the 
        appropriate civil aviation authority of such foreign country 
        and notifying the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary 
        of State, shall take actions as necessary to ensure the updated 
        compliance status is reflected, including in the mediums 
        invoked in paragraph (1)(B).
    ``(e) Accuracy of the IASA List.--A foreign country that does not 
have foreign air carrier activity, as described in subsection (a)(1), 
for an extended period of time, as determined by the Administrator, 
shall be removed for inactivity from the public listings described in 
subsection (d)(1)(B), after informing the Secretary of Transportation 
and the Secretary of State.
    ``(f) Consistency.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administration shall use data, 
        tools, and methods that ensure transparency and repeatability 
        of assessments conducted under this section.
            ``(2) Training.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
        Administration personnel are properly and adequately trained to 
        carry out the assessments set forth in this section, including 
        with respect to the standards, methodology, and material used 
        to make determinations under this section.''.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the assessments conducted under the amendments made by this 
section, including the results of any corrective actions taken by 
noncompliant foreign countries.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign 
                            countries.''.

SEC. 370. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT.

    Section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Department of 
        labor complaint procedure'' and inserting ``Department of labor 
        and federal aviation administration complaint procedure''; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
            ``(5) Enforcement of order.--Whenever any person has failed 
        to comply with an order issued under paragraph (3), the 
        Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration shall consult with each other to 
        determine the most appropriate action to be taken, in which--
                    ``(A) the Secretary of Labor may file a civil 
                action in the United States district court for the 
                district in which the violation was found to occur to 
                enforce such order, for which, in actions brought under 
                this paragraph, the district courts shall have 
                jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief including, 
                injunctive relief and compensatory damages; and
                    ``(B) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
                Administration may assess a civil penalty pursuant to 
                section 46301.''.

SEC. 371. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM 
              VIOLATIONS.

    Section 46301(d)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``section 42121,'' before ``chapter 441''.

SEC. 372. ENHANCED QUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR RESTRICTED AIRLINE 
              TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATE.

    (a) Program.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the 
        requirements for a program to be known as the Enhanced 
        Qualification Program (in this section referred to as the 
        ``Program'') under which--
                    (A) qualified air carriers are certified by the 
                Administrator to provide enhanced training for eligible 
                pilots seeking to obtain restricted airline transport 
                certificates, either directly by the air carrier or by 
                a certified training institution under part 141 or part 
                142 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is 
                under contract with the qualified air carrier; and
                    (B) qualified instructors and evaluators provide 
                enhanced training to eligible pilots pursuant to the 
                curriculum requirements under paragraph (4).
            (2) Qualified instructors and evaluators.--Under the 
        Program--
                    (A) all testing and training shall be performed by 
                qualified instructors; and
                    (B) all evaluations shall be performed by qualified 
                evaluators.
            (3) Pilot assessment.--Under the Program, the Administrator 
        shall establish guidelines for an assessment that prospective 
        pilots are required to pass in order to participate in the 
        training under the Program. Such assessment shall include an 
        evaluation of the pilot's aptitude, ability, and readiness for 
        operation of transport category aircraft.
            (4) Program curriculum.--Under the Program, the 
        Administrator shall establish requirements for the curriculum 
        to be provided under the Program. Such curriculum shall 
        include--
                    (A) a nationally standardized, non-air carrier or 
                aircraft-specific training curriculum which shall--
                            (i) ensure prospective pilots have 
                        appropriate knowledge at the commercial pilot 
                        certificate, multi-engine rating, and 
                        instrument rating level;
                            (ii) introduce the pilots to concepts 
                        associated with air carrier operations;
                            (iii) meet all requirements for an ATP 
                        Certification Training Program under part 
                        61.156 or part 142 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                        Regulations; and
                            (iv) include a course of instruction 
                        designed to prepare the prospective pilot to 
                        take the ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge 
                        Test;
                    (B) an aircraft-specific training curriculum, 
                developed by the air carrier using objectives and 
                learning standards developed by the Administrator, 
                which shall--
                            (i) only be administered to prospective 
                        pilots who have completed the requirements 
                        under subparagraph (A);
                            (ii) resemble a type rating training 
                        curriculum that includes aircraft ground and 
                        flight training that culminates in--
                                    (I) the completion of a maneuvers 
                                evaluation that incorporates elements 
                                of a type rating practical test; or
                                    (II) at the discretion of the air 
                                carrier, an actual type rating 
                                practical test resulting in the 
                                issuance of a type rating for the 
                                specific aircraft; and
                            (iii) ensure the prospective pilot has an 
                        adequate understanding and working knowledge of 
                        transport category aircraft automation and 
                        autoflight systems; and
                    (C) air carrier-specific procedures using 
                objectives and learning standards developed by the 
                Administrator to further expand on the concepts 
                described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), which shall--
                            (i) only be administered to prospective 
                        pilots who have completed requirements under 
                        subparagraphs (A) and (B) and an ATP 
                        Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test;
                            (ii) include instructions on air carrier 
                        checklist usage and standard operating 
                        procedures; and
                            (iii) integrate aircraft-specific training 
                        in appropriate flight simulation training 
                        devices representing the specific aircraft 
                        type, including complete crew resource 
                        management and scenario-based training.
            (5) Application and certification.--Under the Program, the 
        Administrator shall establish a process for air carriers to 
        apply for training program certification. Such process shall 
        include a review to ensure that the training provided by the 
        air carrier will meet the requirements of this section, 
        including--
                    (A) the assessment requirements under paragraph 
                (3);
                    (B) the curriculum requirements under paragraph 
                (4);
                    (C) the requirements for qualified instructors 
                under subsection (d)(5); and
                    (D) the requirements for eligible pilots under 
                subsection (d)(2).
            (6) Data.--Under the Program, the Administrator shall 
        require that each qualified air carrier participating in the 
        Program collect and submit to the Administrator such data from 
        the Program that the Administrator determines is appropriate 
        for the Administrator to provide for oversight of the Program.
            (7) Regular inspection.--Under the Program, the 
        Administrator shall provide for the regular inspection of 
        qualified air carriers certified under paragraph (5) to ensure 
        that the air carrier continues to meet the requirements under 
        the Program.
    (b) Regulations.--The Administrator may issue regulations or 
guidance as determined necessary to carry out the Program.
    (c) Clarification Regarding Required Flight Hours.--The provisions 
of this section shall have no effect on the total flight hours required 
under part 61.159 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to receive 
an airline transport pilot certificate, or the Administrator's 
authority under section 217(d) of the Airline Safety and Federal 
Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) 
(as in effect on the date of enactment of this section).
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
        given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
        Code.
            (2) Eligible pilot.--The term ``eligible pilot'' means a 
        pilot that--
                    (A) has--
                            (i) graduated from a United States Armed 
                        Forces undergraduate pilot training school;
                            (ii) obtained a degree with an aviation 
                        major from an institution of higher education 
                        (as defined in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations) that has been issued a 
                        letter of authorization by the Administrator 
                        under part 61.169 of such title 14; or
                            (iii) completed flight and ground training 
                        for a commercial pilot certificate in the 
                        airplane category and an airplane instrument 
                        rating at a certified training institution 
                        under part 141 of such title 14;
                    (B) has a current commercial pilot certificate 
                under part 61.123 of such title 14, with airplane 
                category multi-engine and instrument ratings under part 
                61.129 of such title 14; and
                    (C) meets the pilot assessment requirements under 
                subsection (a)(3).
            (3) Qualified air carrier.--The term ``qualified air 
        carrier'' means an air carrier that has been issued a part 119 
        operating certificate for conducting operations under part 121 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (4) Qualified evaluator.--The term ``qualified evaluator'' 
        means an individual that meets the requirements for a training 
        center evaluator under part 142.55 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, or for check airmen under part 121.411 of such 
        title.
            (5) Qualified instructor.--The term ``qualified 
        instructor'' means an individual that--
                    (A) is qualified in accordance with the minimum 
                training requirements for an ATP Certification Training 
                Program under paragraphs (1) through (3) of part 
                121.410(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
                    (B) if the instructor is a flight instructor, is 
                qualified in accordance with part 121.410(b)(4) of such 
                title;
                    (C) if the instructor is administering type rating 
                practical tests, is qualified as an appropriate 
                examiner for such rating;
                    (D) received training in threat and error 
                management, facilitation, and risk mitigation 
                determined appropriate by the Administrator; and
                    (E) meets any other requirement determined 
                appropriate by the Administrator.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

SEC. 391. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Congress has tasked the FAA with responsibility for 
        securing the national airspace system, including the air 
        traffic control system and other air navigation services, civil 
        aircraft, and aeronautical products and articles through safety 
        regulation and oversight. These mandates have included 
        protecting against cyber threats affecting aviation safety or 
        the Administration's provision of safe, secure, and efficient 
        air navigation services and airspace management.
            (2) In 2016, Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
        Security Act of 2016, pursuant to which the FAA enhanced the 
        cybersecurity of the national airspace system by--
                    (A) developing a cybersecurity strategic plan;
                    (B) coordinating with other Federal agencies to 
                identify cyber vulnerabilities;
                    (C) developing a cyber threat model; and
                    (D) completing a comprehensive, strategic policy 
                framework to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks 
                to the air traffic control system.
            (3) In 2018, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2018 which--
                    (A) authorized funding for the construction of FAA 
                facilities dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of 
                the national airspace system;
                    (B) required the FAA to review and update its 
                comprehensive, strategic policy framework for 
                cybersecurity to assess the degree to which the 
                framework identifies and addresses known cybersecurity 
                risks associated with the aviation system, and evaluate 
                existing short- and long-term objectives for addressing 
                cybersecurity risks to the national airspace system;
                    (C) created a Chief Technology Officer position 
                within the FAA to be responsible for, among other 
                things, coordinating the implementation, operation, 
                maintenance, and cybersecurity of technology programs 
                relating to the air traffic control system with the 
                aviation industry and other Federal agencies; and
                    (D) directed the National Academy of Sciences to 
                study the cybersecurity workforce of the FAA in order 
                to develop recommendations to increase the size, 
                quality, and diversity of such workforce.
            (4) Congress has declared that the FAA is the primary 
        Federal agency to assess and address the threats posed from 
        cyber incidents relating to FAA-provided air traffic control 
        and air navigation services and the threats posed from cyber 
        incidents relating to civil aircraft, aeronautical products and 
        articles, aviation networks, aviation systems, services, and 
        operations, and the aerospace industry affecting aviation 
        safety or the provision of safe, secure, and efficient air 
        navigation services and airspace management by the 
        Administration.

SEC. 392. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY.

    (a) Cybersecurity Standards.--Section 44701(a) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``cybersecurity,'' after 
        ``quality of work,''; and
            (2) in paragraph (5)--
                    (A) by inserting ``cybersecurity and'' after 
                ``standards for''; and
                    (B) by striking ``procedure'' and inserting 
                ``procedures''.
    (b) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Section 44701 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(g) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law and except as provided in section 40131, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the heads of such other agencies as 
the Administrator determines necessary, shall have exclusive authority 
to prescribe regulations for purposes of assuring the cybersecurity of 
civil aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances.''.

SEC. 393. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS, POLICY, AND 
              GUIDANCE.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration, in consultation with the heads of other agencies as the 
Administrator determines necessary, shall establish a national airspace 
system cyber threat management process to protect the national airspace 
system cyber environment, including the safety, security, and 
efficiency of air navigation services provided by the Administration.
    ``(b) Issues To Be Addressed.--In establishing the national 
airspace system cyber threat management process under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
            ``(1) monitor the national airspace system for significant 
        cybersecurity incidents;
            ``(2) in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, 
        evaluate the cyber threat landscape for the national airspace 
        system, including updating such evaluation on both annual and 
        threat-based timelines;
            ``(3) conduct national airspace system cyber incident 
        analyses;
            ``(4) create a cyber common operating picture for the 
        national airspace system cyber environment;
            ``(5) coordinate national airspace system significant cyber 
        incident responses with other appropriate Federal agencies;
            ``(6) track significant cyber incident detection, response, 
        mitigation implementation, recovery, and closure;
            ``(7) establish a process, or utilize existing processes, 
        to share relevant significant cyber incident data related to 
        the national airspace system;
            ``(8) facilitate significant cybersecurity reporting, 
        including through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency; 
        and
            ``(9) consider any other matter the Administrator 
        determines appropriate.
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Cyber common operating picture.--The term `cyber 
        common operating picture' means the correlation of a detected 
        cyber incident or cyber threat in the national airspace system 
        and other operational anomalies to provide a holistic view of 
        potential cause and impact.
            ``(2) Cyber environment.--The term `cyber environment' 
        means the information environment consisting of the 
        interdependent networks of information technology 
        infrastructures and resident data, including the internet, 
        telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded 
        processors and controllers.
            ``(3) Cyber incident.--The term `cyber incident' means an 
        action that creates noticeable degradation, disruption, or 
        destruction to the cyber environment and causes a safety or 
        other negative impact on operations of--
                    ``(A) the national airspace system;
                    ``(B) civil aircraft; or
                    ``(C) aeronautical products and articles.
            ``(4) Cyber threat.--The term `cyber threat' means the 
        threat of an action that, if carried out, would constitute a 
        cyber incident or an electronic attack.
            ``(5) Electronic attack.--The term `electronic attack' 
        means the use of electromagnetic spectrum energy to impede 
        operations in the cyber environment, including through 
        techniques such as jamming or spoofing.
            ``(6) Significant cyber incident.--The term `significant 
        cyber incident' means a cyber incident, or a group of related 
        cyber incidents, that the Administrator determines is likely to 
        result in demonstrable harm to the national airspace system of 
        the United States.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process.''.

SEC. 394. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.

    Section 506(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
44704 note) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
        ``consider, where appropriate, revising'' and inserting 
        ``revise, as appropriate, existing'';
            (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (3) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) to establish a process and timeline by which 
        software-based systems and equipment, including aircraft flight 
        critical systems of aircraft operated under part 121 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, can be regularly screened to 
        attempt to determine whether the software-based systems and 
        equipment have been compromised by unauthorized external or 
        internal access.''.

SEC. 395. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation rulemaking 
committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity to conduct reviews (as 
segmented under subsection (c)) and develop findings and 
recommendations on cybersecurity standards for civil aircraft, aircraft 
ground support information systems, airports, air traffic control 
mission systems, and aeronautical products and articles.
    (b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
            (1) for each segmented review conducted by the committee 
        convened under subsection (a), submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report based on the findings of such 
        review; and
            (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
        a report under paragraph (1) and, in consultation with other 
        agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, for 
        consensus recommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking 
        committee--
                    (A) undertake a rulemaking, if appropriate, based 
                on such recommendations; and
                    (B) submit to the appropriate committees of 
                Congress a supplemental report with explanations for 
                each consensus recommendation not addressed, if 
                applicable, by a rulemaking under subparagraph (A).
    (c) Segmentation.--In tasking the aviation rulemaking committee 
with developing findings and recommendations relating to aviation 
cybersecurity, the Administrator shall direct such committee to segment 
and sequence work by the topic or subject matter of regulation, 
including by directing the committee to establish subgroups to consider 
different topics and subject matters.
    (d) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened under 
subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, 
including representatives of--
            (1) aircraft manufacturers, to include at least 1 
        manufacturer of transport category aircraft;
            (2) air carriers;
            (3) unmanned aircraft system stakeholders, including 
        operators, service suppliers, and manufacturers of hardware 
        components and software applications;
            (4) manufacturers of powered-lift aircraft;
            (5) airports;
            (6) original equipment manufacturers of ground and space-
        based aviation infrastructure;
            (7) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
        aircraft cybersecurity; and
            (8) a nonprofit which operates 1 or more federally funded 
        research and development centers with specific knowledge of 
        aviation and cybersecurity.
    (e) Member Eligibility.--Prior to a member's appointment under 
subsection (c), the Administrator shall establish appropriate 
requirements related to nondisclosure, background investigations, 
security clearances, or other screening mechanisms for applicable 
members of the aviation rulemaking committee who require access to 
sensitive security information or other protected information relevant 
to the member's duties on the rulemaking committee. Members shall 
protect the sensitive security information in accordance with part 1520 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (f) Prohibition on Compensation.--The members of the aviation 
rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a) shall not receive 
pay, allowances, or benefits from the Government by reason of their 
service on such committee.
    (g) Considerations.--The Administrator may direct such committee to 
consider--
            (1) existing aviation cybersecurity standards, regulations, 
        policies, and guidance, including those from other Federal 
        agencies, and the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
        existing standards, regulations, policies, and guidance;
            (2) threat- and risk-based security approaches used by the 
        aviation industry, including the assessment of the potential 
        costs and benefits of cybersecurity actions;
            (3) data gathered from cybersecurity or safety reporting;
            (4) the diversity of operations and systems on aircraft and 
        amongst air carriers;
            (5) design approval holder aircraft network security 
        guidance for operators;
            (6) FAA services, aviation industry services, and aircraft 
        use of positioning, navigation, and timing data in the context 
        of Executive Order No. 13905, as in effect on the date of 
        enactment of this Act;
            (7) updates needed to airworthiness regulations and systems 
        safety assessment methods used to show compliance with 
        airworthiness requirements for design, function, installation, 
        and certification of civil aircraft, aeronautical products and 
        articles, and aircraft networks;
            (8) updates needed to air carrier operating and maintenance 
        regulations to ensure continued adherence with processes and 
        procedures established in airworthiness regulations to provide 
        cybersecurity protections for aircraft systems, including for 
        continued airworthiness;
            (9) policies and procedures to coordinate with other 
        Federal agencies, including intelligence agencies, and the 
        aviation industry in sharing information and analyses related 
        to cyber threats to civil aircraft information, data, networks, 
        systems, services, operations, and technology and aeronautical 
        products and articles;
            (10) the response of the Administrator and aviation 
        industry to, and recovery from, cyber incidents, including by 
        coordinating with other Federal agencies, including 
        intelligence agencies;
            (11) processes for members of the aviation industry to 
        voluntarily report to the FAA cyber incidents that may affect 
        aviation safety in a manner that protects trade secrets and 
        confidential business information;
            (12) appropriate cybersecurity controls for aircraft 
        networks, aircraft systems, and aeronautical products and 
        articles to protect aviation safety, including airworthiness;
            (13) appropriate cybersecurity controls for airports 
        relative to the size and nature of airside operations of such 
        airports to ensure aviation safety;
            (14) minimum standards for protecting civil aircraft, 
        aeronautical products and articles, aviation networks, aviation 
        systems, services, and operations from cyber threats and cyber 
        incidents;
            (15) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
        consistent with the interests of aviation safety in air 
        commerce and national security, with other civil aviation 
        authorities, international aviation and standards 
        organizations, and any other appropriate entities to protect 
        civil aviation from cyber incidents and cyber threats;
            (16) activities of the Administrator under section 506 of 
        the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) (as 
        amended by section 394); and
            (17) any other matter the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
    (h) Definitions.--The definitions set forth in section 40131 of 
title 49, United States Code (as added by this subtitle), shall apply 
to this section.

SEC. 396. GAO REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION AVIONICS.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a review on 
the consideration, identification, and inclusion of aircraft 
cybersecurity into the strategic framework of principles and policies 
developed pursuant to section 2111 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note).
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall assess--
            (1) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity risks and 
        vulnerabilities are defined, identified, and accounted for in 
        the comprehensive and strategic framework described in 
        subsection (a), including how the implementation of such 
        framework protects and defends FAA networks and systems to 
        mitigate risks to FAA missions and service delivery;
            (2) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity, particularly of 
        aircraft avionics, is considered, incorporated, and prioritized 
        for mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy, including 
        pursuant to the framework described in paragraph (1);
            (3) how the Transportation Security Agency and FAA 
        differentiate and manage the roles and responsibilities for the 
        cybersecurity of aircraft and ground systems;
            (4) how cybersecurity vulnerabilities of aircraft and 
        ground systems are considered, incorporated, and prioritized 
        for mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy; and
            (5) the budgets of the parties responsible for implementing 
        the strategy framework for aviation security, as identified in 
        subsection (a), to satisfy mitigation requirements necessary to 
        secure the aviation ecosystem from onboard cybersecurity 
        vulnerabilities.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report 
containing the results of the review required by this section to--
            (1) the appropriate committees of Congress;
            (2) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
        Representatives; and
            (3) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental 
        Affairs of the Senate.

                     TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

SEC. 401. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE OR OBSOLETE WORKFORCE PROGRAMS.

    (a) Repeal.--Sections 44510 and 44515 of title 49, United States 
Code, are repealed.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 445 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to 
sections 44510 and 44515.

SEC. 402. CIVIL AIRMEN STATISTICS.

    (a) Publication Frequency.--The Administrator shall publish the 
study commonly referred to as the ``U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics'' on a 
monthly basis.
    (b) Presentation of Data.--The Administrator shall make the data 
from the study under subsection (a) publicly available on the website 
of the Administration in a user-friendly, downloadable format.
    (c) Expanded Data Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that data sets 
and tables published as part of the study described in subsection (a) 
display information relating to the sex of certificate holders in more 
instances.
    (d) Historical Data.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make all previously 
published annual data from the study described in subsection (a) 
available on the website of the Administration.

SEC. 403. BESSIE COLEMAN WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Bessie Coleman 
Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as 
the ``Committee'').
    (b) Purpose.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary and the 
Administrator on matters and policies related to promoting the 
recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, career 
advancement, and well-being of women in the aviation industry and 
aviation-focused Federal civil service positions.
    (c) Form of Directives.--All activities carried out by the 
Committee, including special committees, shall be in response to 
written terms of work from the Secretary or taskings approved by a 
majority of the voting members of the Committee and may not duplicate 
the objectives of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking 
Committee.
    (d) Functions.--In carrying out the directives described in 
subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as follows:
            (1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and 
        transparent manner by engaging, as prescribed by this section, 
        with representatives of the private sector associated with an 
        entity described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
            (2) Make recommendations for strategic objectives, 
        priorities, and policies that would improve the recruitment, 
        retention, training, and career advancement of women in 
        aviation professions.
            (3) Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to 
        improve the recruitment and retention of women in the 
        Administration.
            (4) Periodically review and update the recommendations 
        directed to the FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the 
        Advisory Board created pursuant to section 612 of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to improve 
        the implementation of such recommendations.
            (5) Coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights of the 
        Department of Transportation and the Federal Women's Program of 
        the FAA to ensure directives described in subsection (c) do not 
        duplicate objectives of such office or program.
    (e) Membership.--
            (1) Voting members.--The Committee shall be composed of the 
        following members:
                    (A) The Administrator, or the designee of the 
                Administrator.
                    (B) At least 25 individuals, appointed by the 
                Secretary, representing the following:
                            (i) Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace 
                        companies.
                            (ii) Public and private aviation labor 
                        organizations, including collective bargaining 
                        representatives of--
                                    (I) aviation safety inspectors and 
                                safety engineers of the FAA;
                                    (II) air traffic controllers;
                                    (III) certified aircraft 
                                maintenance technicians; and
                                    (IV) commercial airline 
                                crewmembers.
                            (iii) General aviation operators.
                            (iv) Air carriers.
                            (v) Business aviation operators, including 
                        powered-lift operators.
                            (vi) Unmanned aircraft systems operators.
                            (vii) Aviation safety management experts.
                            (viii) Aviation maintenance, repair, and 
                        overhaul entities.
                            (ix) Airport owners, operators, and 
                        employees.
                            (x) Institutions of higher education (as 
                        defined in section 101 of the Higher Education 
                        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), a postsecondary 
                        vocational institution (as defined in section 
                        102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                        U.S.C. 1002)), or a high school or secondary 
                        school (as such terms are defined in section 
                        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
                        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
                            (xi) A flight school that provides flight 
                        training, as defined in part 61 of title 14, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a 
                        pilot school certificate under part 141 of 
                        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                            (xii) Aviation maintenance technician 
                        schools governed under part 147 of title 14, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations.
                            (xiii) Engineering business associations.
                            (xiv) Civil Air Patrol.
                            (xv) Nonprofit organizations within the 
                        aviation industry.
            (2) Nonvoting members.--
                    (A) In general.--In addition to the members 
                appointed under paragraph (1), the Committee shall be 
                composed of not more than 5 nonvoting members appointed 
                by the Secretary from among officers or employees of 
                the FAA, at least 1 of which shall be an employee of 
                the Office of Civil Rights of the FAA.
                    (B) Additional nonvoting members.--The Secretary 
                may invite representatives from the Department of 
                Education and Department of Labor to serve as nonvoting 
                members on the Committee.
                    (C) Duties.--The nonvoting members may--
                            (i) take part in deliberations of the 
                        Committee; and
                            (ii) provide subject matter expertise with 
                        respect to reports and recommendations of the 
                        Committee.
                    (D) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not 
                represent any stakeholder interest other than that of 
                the respective Federal agency of the member.
            (3) Terms.--Each voting member and nonvoting member of the 
        Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a 
        term that expires not later than the date on which the 
        authorization of the Committee expires under subsection (k).
            (4) Committee characteristics.--The Committee shall have 
        the following characteristics:
                    (A) The ability to obtain necessary information 
                from additional experts in the aviation and aerospace 
                communities.
                    (B) A membership that enables the Committee to have 
                substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues 
                in a timely manner.
                    (C) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in 
                human resources, human capital management, policy, 
                labor relations, employment training, workforce 
                development, and youth outreach.
            (5) Date.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make the 
        appointments described in this subsection.
    (f) Chairperson.--
            (1) In general.--The Committee shall select a chairperson 
        from among the voting members of the Committee.
            (2) Term.--The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
    (g) Meetings.--
            (1) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet at least twice 
        each year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
            (2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Committee shall 
        be open and accessible to the public.
            (3) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall furnish 
        the Committee with logistical and administrative support to 
        enable the Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
    (h) Special Committees.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Committee may establish special 
        committees composed of industry representatives, members of the 
        public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties in 
        complying with the consultation and participation requirements 
        under subsection (d).
            (2) Applicable law.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
        Code, shall not apply to a special committee established by the 
        Committee.
    (i) Personnel Matters.--
            (1) No compensation of members.--
                    (A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the 
                Committee who is not an officer or employee of the 
                Government shall serve without compensation.
                    (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Committee 
                who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government 
                shall serve without compensation in addition to the 
                compensation received for the services of the member as 
                an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
            (2) Death or resignation.--If a member of the Committee 
        dies or resigns during the term of service of such member, the 
        Secretary shall designate a successor for the unexpired term of 
        such member.
    (j) Reports.--
            (1) Task reports.--The Committee shall submit to the 
        Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress annual 
        reports detailing the completion of each directive summarizing 
        the--
                    (A) findings and associated recommendations of the 
                Committee for any legislative and administrative 
                actions the Committee considers appropriate to improve 
                the advancement of women in aviation; and
                    (B) planned activities of the Committee, as 
                directed by the Secretary or approved by a majority of 
                voting members of the Committee, and proposed terms of 
                work to fulfill each activity.
            (2) Additional reports.--The Committee may submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the 
        Administrator additional reports and recommendations related to 
        education, training, recruitment, retention, and advancement of 
        women in the aviation industry as the Committee determines 
        appropriate.
    (k) Sunset.--The authorization of the Committee shall expire on 
October 1, 2028.

SEC. 404. FAA ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH HBCUS AND MSIS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator--
            (1) shall continue--
                    (A) to partner with and conduct outreach to 
                Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 
                minority serving institutions to promote awareness of 
                educational and career opportunities, including the 
                Educational Partnership Initiative of the FAA, and 
                develop curriculum related to aerospace, aviation, and 
                air traffic control; and
                    (B) operation of the Minority Serving Institutions 
                Internship Program; and
            (2) may--
                    (A) make internship placements under the Minority 
                Serving Institutions Internship Program available 
                during academic sessions throughout the year; and
                    (B) extend an internship placement under the 
                Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program for a 
                student beyond a single academic session.
    (b) Program Data.--In carrying out the Minority Serving 
Institutions Internship Program, the Administrator shall track data, 
including annual metrics measuring the following with respect to such 
Program:
            (1) The total number of applicants.
            (2) The total number of applicants offered an internship 
        and the total number of applicants who accept an internship.
            (3) The line of business in which each intern is placed.
            (4) The conversion rate of interns in the Program who are 
        hired as full-time FAA employees.
    (c) Minority Serving Institution Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``minority serving institution'' means an institution described in 
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).

SEC. 405. AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TESTING WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Working Group.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to establish a working group to assess 
and evaluate the appropriateness of allowing a high school student, 
upon successful completion of an aviation maintenance curriculum, to 
take the general written knowledge portion of the mechanic exam 
described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at 
an FAA-approved testing center.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the Aviation Rulemaking 
Advisory Committee tasks the working group under subsection (a), the 
working group shall submit to the Administrator a final report with 
relevant findings and recommendations.
    (c) High School Defined.--In this section, the term ``high school'' 
has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

SEC. 406. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall use the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group 
(in this section referred to as the ``Working Group'') to review airman 
certification standards and ensure that airman proficiency and 
knowledge correlates and corresponds to regulations, procedures, 
equipment, aviation infrastructure, and safety trends at the time of 
such review.
    (b) Duties.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Working Group 
shall--
            (1) obtain industry recommendations on maintaining and 
        updating airman certification standards, including guidance 
        documents and airman tests;
            (2) ensure tasks carried out by the Working Group are 
        addressed and completed in a timely and efficient manner; and
            (3) recommend to the Administrator a means by which the FAA 
        may communicate to industry the process for establishing, 
        updating, and maintaining airman certification standards, 
        including relevant guidance documents, handbooks, and airman 
        test materials.

SEC. 407. AIRMAN'S MEDICAL BILL OF RIGHTS.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Development.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 
        document (in this section referred to as the ``Airman's Medical 
        Bill of Rights'') detailing the rights of an individual before, 
        during, and after a medical examination conducted by an 
        Aviation Medical Examiner.
            (2) Contents.--The Airman's Medical Bill of Rights required 
        under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, contain information 
        about the right of an individual to--
                    (A) bring a trusted companion or request to have a 
                chaperone present for a medical examination;
                    (B) terminate an exam in accordance with guidelines 
                from the Administrator for appropriately terminating 
                such exam;
                    (C) receive medical examination with respect and 
                recognition of the dignity of the individual;
                    (D) be assured of privacy and confidentiality;
                    (E) select an Aviation Medical Examiner of the 
                choice of the individual, as long as the Aviation 
                Medical Examiner has the required designations;
                    (F) privacy when changing, undressing, and using 
                the restroom;
                    (G) ask questions about FAA medical standards and 
                the applicability to the current health status of the 
                individual;
                    (H) report an incident of misconduct by an Aviation 
                Medical Examiner to the appropriate authorities, 
                including to the State licensing board of the Aviation 
                Medical Examiner or the FAA;
                    (I) report to the Administrator an allegation 
                regarding alleged Aviation Medical Examiner misconduct 
                without fear of retaliation or negative action relating 
                to an airman certificate of the individual; and
                    (J) be advised of any known conflicts of interest 
                an Aviation Medical Examiner may have with respect to 
                the medical examination of the individual.
            (3) Public availability.--The Airman's Medical Bill of 
        Rights required under paragraph (1) shall be--
                    (A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an 
                individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor 
                system);
                    (B) made available in a hard-copy format by an 
                Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon 
                request by an individual; and
                    (C) displayed in a common space in the office of 
                the Aviation Medical Examiner.
    (b) Expectations for Medical Examinations.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 
        simplified document explaining the standard procedures 
        performed during a medical examination conducted by an Aviation 
        Medical Examiner.
            (2) Public availability.--The document required under 
        paragraph (1) shall be--
                    (A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an 
                individual in the MedXpress system (or any successor 
                system);
                    (B) made available in a hard-copy format by an 
                Aviation Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon 
                request by an individual; and
                    (C) displayed in a common space in the office of 
                the Aviation Medical Examiner.

SEC. 408. IMPROVED DESIGNEE MISCONDUCT REPORTING PROCESS.

    (a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
        streamlined process for individuals involved in incidents of 
        alleged misconduct by a designee to report such incidents in a 
        manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of such 
        individuals.
            (2) Public access to reporting process.--The process for 
        reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made 
        available to the public on the website of the Administration, 
        including--
                    (A) the designee locator search webpage; and
                    (B) the webpage of the Office of Audit and 
                Evaluation of the FAA.
            (3) Obligation to report criminal charges.--Not later than 
        90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
        Administrator shall revise the orders and policies governing 
        the Designee Management System to clarify that designees are 
        obligated to report any arrest, indictment, or conviction for 
        violation of a local, State, or Federal law within a period of 
        time specified by the Administrator.
            (4) Audit of reporting process by inspector general.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date on which the Administrator finalizes the update of 
                the reporting process under paragraph (1), the 
                inspector general of the Department of Transportation 
                shall conduct an audit of such reporting process.
                    (B) Contents.--In conducting the audit of the 
                reporting process described in subparagraph (A), the 
                inspector general shall, at a minimum--
                            (i) review the efforts of the 
                        Administration to improve the reporting process 
                        and solutions developed to respond to and 
                        investigate allegations of misconduct;
                            (ii) analyze reports of misconduct brought 
                        to the Administrator prior to any changes made 
                        to the reporting process as a result of the 
                        enactment of this Act, including the ultimate 
                        outcomes of those reports and whether any 
                        reports resulted in the Administrator taking 
                        action against the accused designee;
                            (iii) determine whether the reporting 
                        process results in appropriate action, 
                        including reviewing, investigating, and closing 
                        out reports; and
                            (iv) if applicable, make recommendations to 
                        improve the reporting process.
                    (C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                of initiation of the audit described in subparagraph 
                (A), the inspector general shall submit to the 
                appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
                results of such audit, including findings and 
                recommendations.
    (b) Designee Defined.--In this section, the term ``designee'' means 
an individual who has been designated to act as a representative of the 
Administrator as--
            (1) an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 
        183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
            (2) a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of 
        such title); or
            (3) a technical personnel examiner (as described in section 
        183.25 of such title).

SEC. 409. REPORT ON SAFE UNIFORM OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN AVIATION 
              EMPLOYEES.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall review whether air 
carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, and repair stations certificated under part 145 of such 
title have in place uniform policies and uniform offerings that ensure 
pregnant employees can perform required duties safely.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with air carriers and 
repair stations described in subsection (a) and employees of such air 
carriers and such stations who are required to adhere to a uniform 
policy.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the review required under subsection (a).

SEC. 410. HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONALS.

    The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
establish a new work code for human factors professionals who--
            (1) perform work involving the design and testing of 
        technologies, processes, and systems which require effective 
        and safe human performance;
            (2) generate and apply theories, principles, practical 
        concepts, systems, and processes related to the design and 
        testing of technologies, systems, and training programs to 
        support and evaluate human performance in work contexts; and
            (3) meet education or experience requirements as determined 
        by the Administrator.

SEC. 411. AEROMEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a working 
group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to review 
the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration 
and to make recommendations to the Administrator on modernizing such 
processes, policies, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient 
certification of airmen.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
                    (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
                    (B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the 
                Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a 
                background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry, 
                neurology, cardiology, or internal medicine.
            (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
                    (A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA; and
                    (B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be 
                selected by members of the working group.
            (3) Preference.--The Administrator, in appointing members 
        pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to--
                    (A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in 
                section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations);
                    (B) licensed medical physicians;
                    (C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and
                    (D) individuals having demonstrated research and 
                expertise in aeromedical research or sciences.
    (c) Activities.--In reviewing the aeromedical decision-making 
processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration in accordance 
with subsection (a), the working group, at a minimum, shall--
            (1) assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical 
        Examiner may issue a medical certificate directly to an 
        individual;
            (2) determine the appropriateness of the list of such 
        medical conditions as of the date of enactment of this Act;
            (3) assess the special issuance process;
            (4) determine the appropriateness of whether a renewal of a 
        special issuance can be based on a medical evaluation and 
        treatment plan by the treating medical specialist of the 
        individual pursuant to approval from an Aviation Medical 
        Examiner;
            (5) evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms 
        of red-green color blindness and determine whether such 
        technologies may be approved for use by airmen;
            (6) review policies and guidance relating to Attention-
        Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder;
            (7) evaluate whether medications used to treat such 
        disorders may be safely prescribed to airmen;
            (8) review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention 
        Motivation Study of the FAA;
            (9) review protocols and policies relating to--
                    (A) neurological disorders; and
                    (B) cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment 
                with medical best practices, latest research;
            (10) review mental health protocols and medications 
        approved for treating such mental health conditions, including 
        such actions taken resulting from recommendations by the Mental 
        Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
            (11) assess processes and protocols pertaining to 
        recertification of airmen receiving disability insurance post-
        recovery from the medical condition, injury, or disability that 
        precludes airmen from exercising the privileges of an airman 
        certificate;
            (12) assess processes and protocols pertaining to the 
        certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from 
        the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
            (13) assess and evaluate the user interface and 
        information-sharing capabilities of any online medical portal 
        administered by the FAA.
    (d) Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the 
        working group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the 
        co-chairs of such working group shall establish an aviation 
        workforce mental health task group (referred to in this 
        subsection as the ``task group'') to oversee, monitor, and 
        evaluate efforts of the Administrator related to supporting the 
        mental health of the aviation workforce.
            (2) Composition.--The co-chairs of such working group shall 
        appoint--
                    (A) a Chair of the task group; and
                    (B) members of the task group from among the 
                members of the working group appointed by the 
                Administrator under subsection (b)(1).
            (3) Duties.--The duties of the task group shall include--
                    (A) carrying out the activities described in 
                subsection (c)(10);
                    (B) soliciting feedback from aviation industry 
                professionals or other licensed professionals 
                representing air carrier operations under part 121 and 
                part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
                general aviation operations under part 91 of title 14, 
                Code of Federal Regulations;
                    (C) reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the 
                International Civil Aviation Organization on aviation 
                workforce mental health;
                    (D) providing advice, as appropriate, on the 
                implementation of the final recommendations issued by 
                the inspector general of the Department of 
                Transportation in the report titled, ``FAA Conduct 
                Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health 
                Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate 
                Safety Risks'', published on July 12, 2023 (AV2023038);
                    (E) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of 
                recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation 
                Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
                    (F) expanding and improving mental health outreach, 
                education, and assistance programs for the aviation 
                workforce; and
                    (G) reducing the stigma associated with mental 
                healthcare in the aviation workforce.
            (4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
        establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to 
        the Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a 
        report detailing--
                    (A) the results of the review under paragraph 
                (3)(A); and
                    (B) progress on the implementation of 
                recommendations pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) 
                of paragraph (3); and
                    (C) the activities carried out pursuant to 
                fulfilling the duties described in subparagraphs (F) 
                and (G) of paragraph (3).
    (e) Support.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 1 or more 
agreements with the National Academies to support the activities of the 
working group described in subsection (c).
    (f) Findings and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the working 
group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations resulting from 
the activities carried out under subsection (c).
    (g) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving 
recommendations outlined in the report under subsection (f), the 
Administrator may take such action, as appropriate, to implement such 
recommendations.
    (h) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on October 1, 2028.

SEC. 412. FRONTLINE MANAGER WORKLOAD STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study on frontline 
manager workload challenges in air traffic control facilities.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may--
            (1) consider--
                    (A) workload challenges including--
                            (i) the tasks expected to be performed by 
                        frontline managers, including employee 
                        development, management, and counseling;
                            (ii) the number of supervisory positions of 
                        operations requiring watch coverage in each air 
                        traffic control facility;
                            (iii) the complexity of traffic and 
                        managerial responsibilities; and
                            (iv) proficiency and training requirements;
                    (B) facility type;
                    (C) facility staffing levels; and
                    (D) any other factors as the Administrator 
                considers appropriate; and
            (2) describe recommendations for updates to the Frontline 
        Manager's Quick Reference Guide that reflect current 
        operational standards.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 413. MEDICAL PORTAL MODERNIZATION TASK GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the working group 
pursuant to section 411 is established, the co-chairs of such working 
group shall establish a medical portal modernization task group (in 
this section referred to as the ``task group'') to evaluate the user 
interface and information sharing capabilities of an online medical 
portal administered by the FAA.
    (b) Composition.--The co-chairs of the working group provided for 
in section 411 shall appoint--
            (1) a Chair of the task group; and
            (2) members of the task group from among the members of the 
        working group appointed by the Administrator under section 
        411(b).
    (c) Assessment; Recommendations.--The task group shall, at a 
minimum, assess and evaluate the capabilities of any such medical 
portal and provide recommendations to improve the following:
            (1) The cybersecurity protections and protocols of any such 
        medical portal, including the secure exchange of health 
        information and records between Aviation Medical Examiners and 
        pilots, or their designee, including the ability for airmen to 
        submit additional information requested by the Administrator.
            (2) The status of an airman's medical application and the 
        disclosure of how long an airman can expect to wait for a final 
        determination to be issued by the Administrator.
            (3) The disclosure of the name and contact information of 
        the Administrator's representative managing an airman's case so 
        that an Aviation Medical Examiner has a point of contact within 
        the Administration who is familiar with an airman's 
        application.
    (d) Consultation.--In carrying out the duties described in 
subsection (c), the task group may consult with cybersecurity experts 
and individuals with a knowledge of securing electronic health care 
transactions.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
detailing activities and recommendations of the task group.
    (f) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the 
report described in subsection (e), the Administrator may take such 
action as may be necessary to implement recommendations of the task 
group to improve any such medical portal.

SEC. 414. STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION MAINTENANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to assess 
high school aviation maintenance technician programs and identify any 
barriers for graduates of such programs with respect to--
            (1) pursuing post-secondary or vocational academic training 
        at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school; or
            (2) obtaining the training and experience necessary to 
        become an FAA-certificated mechanic through on-the-job training 
        or alternative pathways.
    (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall assess 
the following:
            (1) The number of high school aviation maintenance programs 
        in the United States and the typical career outcomes for 
        graduates of such programs.
            (2) The extent to which such programs offer curricula that 
        align with FAA mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
            (3) The number of such programs that partner with FAA-
        approved aviation maintenance technician schools (as described 
        in part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations).
            (4) The level of engagement between the FAA and high school 
        aviation maintenance programs with respect to developing 
        curricula to build the foundational knowledge and skills 
        necessary for a student to attain FAA mechanic certification 
        and associated ratings.
            (5) Barriers to accessing the general knowledge test 
        described in section 65.71(a)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
            (6) The applicability of all FAA regulations and policies 
        in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act 
        as such regulations and policies apply to student enrollees of 
        high school aviation maintenance programs and whether such 
        regulations or policies pose any barriers to students 
        interested in pursuing a career in the field of aviation 
        maintenance.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of the 
study required under this section, the Comptroller General shall 
provide to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress 
a report on the findings of such study, including recommendations for 
any legislative and administrative actions as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

SEC. 415. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION TRAINING.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue making tower 
simulator systems (in this section referred to as ``TSS'') more 
accessible to all air traffic controller specialists assigned to an air 
traffic control tower of the FAA (in this section referred to as an 
``ATCT''), regardless of facility assignment.
    (b) Cloud-based Visual Database and Software System.--Not later 
than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall develop and implement a cloud-based visual database 
and software system that is compatible with existing and future TSS 
that, at a minimum, includes--
            (1) the unique runway layout, approach paths, and lines of 
        sight of every ATCT; and
            (2) specifications that meet all applicable data security 
        requirements.
    (c) TSS Upgrades.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall upgrade existing, 
permanent TSS so that the TSS is, at a minimum, capable of--
            (1) securely and quickly downloading data from the cloud-
        based visual database and software system described in 
        subsection (b); and
            (2) running scenarios for each ATCT involving differing 
        levels of air traffic volume and varying complexities, 
        including, aircraft emergencies, rapidly changing weather, 
        issuance of safety alerts, special air traffic procedures for 
        events of national or international significance, and 
        recovering from unforeseen events or losses of separation.
    (d) Mobile TSS.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall acquire and implement mobile TSS 
at each ATCT that is without an existing, permanent TSS so that the 
mobile TSS is capable of, at a minimum, the capabilities described in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
    (e) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
may collaborate with the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
States Code.

SEC. 416. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INSTRUCTOR RECRUITMENT, HIRING, AND 
              RETENTION.

    (a) In General.--No later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study examining the 
recruitment, hiring, and retention of air traffic controller 
instructors and the projected number of instructors needed to maintain 
the safety of the national airspace system over a 5-year period 
beginning with fiscal year 2025.
    (b) Contents.--The Administrator shall include in the study 
required under subsection (a) the following:
            (1) An examination of projected instructor staffing 
        targets, including the number of on-the-job instructors needed 
        for the instruction and training of Certified Professional 
        Controllers (in this section referred to as ``CPCs'') in 
        training.
            (2) An analysis on whether involving additional retired 
        CPCs as instructors, including for classroom training, would 
        produce improvements in air traffic controller instruction and 
        training.
            (3) Recommendations on how and where to utilize retired 
        CPCs.
            (4) The effect on the ability of active CPCs to carry out 
        on-the-job duties, other than instruction, and any related 
        efficiencies if additional retired CPCs were involved as 
        instructors.
            (5) The known vulnerabilities, as categorized by FAA Air 
        Traffic Organization regions, in cases in which the FAA 
        requires CPCs to provide instruction and training to CPCs in 
        training is a significant burden on FAA air traffic controller 
        staffing levels.
    (c) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
Administrator initiates the study required under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
results of the study and any actions that may be taken by the 
Administrator based on such results.

SEC. 417. ENSURING HIRING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS IS BASED 
              ON ASSESSMENT OF JOB-RELEVANT APTITUDES.

    (a) Review of the Air Traffic Skills Assessment.--Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall review and revise, if necessary, the Air Traffic Skills 
Assessment (in this section referred to as the ``AT-SA'') administered 
to air traffic controller applicants described in clauses (ii) and 
(iii) of section 44506(f)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code, in 
accordance with the following requirements, the Administrator shall:
            (1) Evaluate all questions on the AT-SA and determine 
        whether a peer-reviewed job analysis that ensures all questions 
        test job-relevant aptitudes would result in improvements in the 
        air traffic control specialist workforce training and hiring 
        process.
            (2) Assess the assumptions and methodologies used to 
        develop the AT-SA, the job-relevant aptitudes measured, and the 
        scoring process for the assessment.
            (3) Assess whether any other revisions to the AT-SA are 
        necessary to enhance the air traffic control specialist 
        workforce training and hiring process.
    (b) DOT Inspector General Report.--Not later than 180 days after 
the completion of the review and any necessary revision of the AT-SA 
required under subsection (a), the inspector general of the Department 
of Transportation shall submit to the Administrator, the appropriate 
committees of Congress, and, upon request, to any member of Congress, a 
report that assesses the AT-SA and any applicable revisions, a 
description of any associated actions taken by the Administrator, and 
any other recommendations to address the results of the report.

SEC. 418. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE VETERANS WITH PILOT TRAINING 
              SERVICES.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary 
of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a 
pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities to provide pilot 
training activities and related education to support a pathway for 
veterans to become commercial aviators.
    (b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity'' 
means a pilot school or provisional pilot school that--
            (1) holds an Air Agency Certificate under part 141 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (2) has an established employment pathway with at least 1 
        air carrier operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
    (c) Priority Application.--In selecting eligible entities under 
this section, the Secretary shall prioritize eligible entities that 
meet the following criteria:
            (1) An eligible entity accredited (as defined in section 
        61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by an 
        accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
            (2) An eligible entity that holds a letter of authorization 
        issued in accordance with section 61.169 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.
    (d) Use of Funds.--Amounts from a grant received by an eligible 
entity under the pilot program established under subsection (a) shall 
be used for the following:
            (1) Administrative costs related to implementation of the 
        program described in subsection (a) not to exceed 5 percent of 
        the amount awarded.
            (2) To provide guidance and pilot training services, 
        including tuition and flight training fees for veterans 
        enrolled with an eligible entity, to support such veterans in 
        obtaining any of the following pilot certificates and ratings:
                    (A) Private pilot certificate with airplane single-
                engine or multi-engine ratings.
                    (B) Instrument rating.
                    (C) Commercial pilot certificate with airplane 
                single-engine or multi-engine ratings.
                    (D) Multi-engine rating.
                    (E) Certificated flight instructor single-engine 
                certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
                    (F) Certificated flight instructor multi-engine 
                certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
                    (G) Certificated flight instructor instrument 
                certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
            (3) To provide educational materials, training materials, 
        and equipment to support pilot training activities and related 
        education for veterans enrolled with the eligible entity.
            (4) To provide periodic reports to the Secretary on use of 
        the grant funds, including documentation of training completion 
        of the certificates and ratings described in subparagraphs (A) 
        through (G) of paragraph (2).
    (e) Award Amount Limit.--An award granted to an eligible entity 
shall not exceed more than $750,000 in any given fiscal year.
    (f) Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized 
to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
2028.

SEC. 419. PROVIDING NON-FEDERAL WEATHER OBSERVER TRAINING TO AIRPORT 
              PERSONNEL.

    The Administrator may take such actions as are necessary to provide 
training that is easily accessible and streamlined for airport 
personnel to become certified as non-Federal weather observers so that 
such personnel can manually provide weather observations in any case in 
which automated surface observing systems and automated weather 
observing systems experience outages and errors to ensure operational 
safety at airports.

SEC. 420. PROHIBITION OF REMOTE DISPATCHING.

    (a) Amendments to Prohibition.--
            (1) In general.--Section 44711(a) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (9) by striking ``or'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph 
                (11); and
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
            ``(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical 
        location designated as a dispatching center or flight following 
        center of an air carrier, except as provided under section 
        44747; or''.
            (2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue 
        regulations requiring persons to comply with section 
        44711(a)(10) of title 49, United States Code (as added by 
        paragraph (1)).
    (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44748. Aircraft dispatching
    ``(a) Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.--No person may serve as an 
aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless such person holds the 
appropriate aircraft dispatcher certificate issued by the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration.
    ``(b) Proof of Certification.--Upon the request of the 
Administrator or an authorized representative of the National 
Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal agency, a 
person who holds such a certificate, and is performing dispatching, 
shall present the certificate for inspection.
    ``(c) Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--Each air carrier shall establish and 
        maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following 
        centers necessary to maintain operational control of each 
        flight of the air carrier at all times.
            ``(2) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each 
        dispatch center and flight following center of the air 
        carrier--
                    ``(A) has a sufficient number of aircraft 
                dispatchers on duty at the dispatch center or flight 
                following center to ensure proper operational control 
                of each flight of the air carrier at all times;
                    ``(B) has the necessary equipment, in good repair, 
                to maintain proper operational control of each flight 
                of the air carrier at all times; and
                    ``(C) includes the presence of physical security 
                and cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized 
                access to the dispatch center or flight following 
                center or to the operations of either such center.
    ``(d) Prohibition.--
            ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an 
        air carrier may not dispatch aircraft from any location other 
        than the dispatch center or flight following center of the air 
        carrier.
            ``(2) Emergency authority.--In the event of an emergency or 
        other event that renders a dispatch center or a flight 
        following center inoperable, an air carrier may dispatch 
        aircraft from a location other than the dispatch center or 
        flight following center of the air carrier for a period of time 
        not to exceed 14 consecutive days per location without approval 
        of the Administrator.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
        such title is further amended by adding at the end the 
        following:

``44748. Aircraft dispatching.''.

SEC. 421. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to part 
121 air carriers relating to the expression of milk by crewmembers on 
an aircraft during noncritical phases of flight, consistent with the 
performance of the crewmember's duties aboard the aircraft. The 
guidance shall be equally applicable to any lactating crewmember. In 
developing the guidance, the Administrator shall--
            (1) consider multiple methods of expressing breast milk 
        that could be used by crewmembers, including the use of 
        wearable lactation technology; and
            (2) ensure the guidance will not require an air carrier or 
        foreign air carrier to incur significant expense, such as 
        through--
                    (A) the addition of an extra crewmember in response 
                to providing a break;
                    (B) removal or retrofitting of seats on the 
                aircraft; or
                    (C) modification or retrofitting of an aircraft.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Crewmember.--The term ``crewmember'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
            (2) Critical phases of flight.--The term ``critical phases 
        of flight'' has the meaning given such term in section 121.542 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) Part 121.--The term ``part 121'' means part 121 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (c) Aviation Safety.--Nothing in this section shall limit the 
authority of the Administrator relating to aviation safety under 
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 422. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON EXTENT AND EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL 
              AVIATION PILOT SHORTAGE ON REGIONAL/COMMUTER CARRIERS.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to 
identify the extent and effects of the commercial aviation pilot 
shortage on regional/commuter carriers (as such term is defined in 
section 41719(d) of title 49, United States Code).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for such 
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

SEC. 423. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF FEDERAL 
              AVIATION ADMINISTRATION YOUTH ACCESS TO AMERICAN JOBS IN 
              AVIATION TASK FORCE.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of 
the following recommendations of the Youth Access to American Jobs in 
Aviation Task Force of the FAA established under section 602 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254):
            (1) Improve information access about careers in aviation 
        and aerospace.
            (2) Collaboration across regions of the FAA on outreach and 
        workforce development programs.
            (3) Increase opportunities for mentoring, pre-
        apprenticeships, and apprenticeships in aviation.

SEC. 424. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IMPROVING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM 
              STAFFING AT FAA.

    It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should leverage 
the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative to address 
any staffing challenges and skills gaps within the FAA to support 
efforts to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
and other new airspace entrants into the national airspace system.

SEC. 425. JOINT AVIATION EMPLOYMENT TRAINING WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an interagency 
working group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to 
advise the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense on matters and 
policies related to increasing awareness of the eligibility, training, 
and experience requirements needed to become an FAA-certified or a 
military-covered aviation professional in order to improve career 
transitions between the military and civilian workforces.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
                    (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2);
                    (B) not less than 6 representatives of the FAA, to 
                be appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph 
                (2)(A); and
                    (C) not less than 1 representative of each 
                component of the armed forces (as such term is defined 
                in section 101 of title 10, United States Code), to be 
                appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph 
                (2)(B).
            (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
                    (A) a representative of the Department of 
                Transportation, to be appointed by the Secretary; and
                    (B) a representative of the Department of Defense, 
                to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense.
    (c) Activities.--The working group shall--
            (1) evaluate and compare all eligibility, training, and 
        experience requirements for individuals interested in becoming 
        FAA-certified, or serving in the armed forces, as covered 
        aviation professionals, including agency policies, guidance, 
        and orders affecting covered aviation professionals;
            (2) identify challenges that inhibit recruitment, training, 
        and retention within the respective workforces of such 
        professionals;
            (3) assess methods to improve outreach, engagement, and 
        awareness of eligibility, training, and experience requirements 
        needed to enter careers of covered aviation professionals;
            (4) consult with representatives from nonprofit 
        organizations supporting veterans and representatives from 
        aviation industry organizations representing covered aviation 
        professionals in the development of recommendations required 
        pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(B); and
            (5) identify opportunities for increased interagency 
        information sharing across workforces on matters related to 
        certification pathways, including knowledge testing, affecting 
        covered aviation professionals.
    (d) Initial Report to Congress.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the Secretary establishes the working group, the working 
        group shall submit to the covered committees of Congress an 
        initial report on the activities of the working group.
            (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
        shall include--
                    (A) a detailed description of the findings of the 
                working group pursuant to the activities required under 
                subsection (c), including feedback offered by 
                representatives described in subsection (c)(4); and
                    (B) recommendations for regulatory, policy, or 
                legislative action to improve awareness of the 
                eligibility, training, and experience requirements 
                needed to become FAA-certified or military-covered 
                aviation professionals across the civilian and military 
                workforces.
    (e) Annual Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
which the working group submits the initial report under subsection 
(d), and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the 
covered committees of Congress a report--
            (1) describing the continued activities of the working 
        group;
            (2) describing any progress made by the Secretary or 
        Secretary of Defense in implementing the recommendations 
        described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and
            (3) containing any other recommendations the working group 
        may have with respect to efforts to improve the employment and 
        training of covered aviation professionals in the civilian and 
        military workforces.
    (f) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on the date that is 
4 years after the date on which the working group submits the initial 
report to Congress pursuant to subsection (d).
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered 
        committees of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
                Representatives;
                    (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
                    (C) the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
                    (D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate.
            (2) Covered aviation professional.--The term ``covered 
        aviation professional'' means--
                    (A) an airman;
                    (B) an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
                    (C) an air traffic controller; and
                    (D) any other aviation-related professional that 
                has comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and 
                military workforces, as determined jointly by the co-
                chairs of the working group.

SEC. 426. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RULE.

    (a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance 
Technicians.--
            (1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice 
        of proposed rulemaking to revise part 65 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, to--
                    (A) create a military mechanic written competency 
                test that addresses gaps between military and civilian 
                experience; and
                    (B) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman 
                Certification Standard to qualify eligible military 
                maintenance technicians for a civilian mechanic 
                certificate with airframe or powerplant ratings.
            (2) Consideration.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall evaluate and consider--
                    (A) whether to allow a certificate of eligibility 
                from the Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician 
                Certification Council (in this section referred to as 
                the ``JSAMTCC'') evidencing completion of a training 
                curriculum for any rating sought to serve as a 
                substitute to fulfill the requirement under such part 
                65 for oral and practical tests administered by a 
                designated mechanic examiner for eligible military 
                maintenance technicians;
                    (B) aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained 
                in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and 
                Powerplant Airman Certification Standards as described 
                in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, as appropriate, to the rating sought; and
                    (C) any applicable recommendations by the Aviation 
                Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification 
                System Working Group.
    (b) Expansion of Testing Locations.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
shall determine--
            (1) whether an expansion of the number of active testing 
        locations operated within military installation testing centers 
        would increase access to testing; and
            (2) how to implement such expansion, if appropriate.
    (c) Outreach and Awareness.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a plan to increase 
outreach and awareness regarding services made available by the JSAMTCC 
and how such services can assist in facilitating the transition between 
military and civilian aviation maintenance careers.
    (d) Briefings.--
            (1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date on which the Administrator develops the outreach and 
        awareness plan pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator 
        shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
        and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of 
        Representatives a briefing on the activities planned to 
        implement the outreach and awareness plan.
            (2) Periodic briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, and 2 years thereafter, the 
        Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, 
        Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Veterans' 
        Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
        House of Representatives a briefing on any rulemaking 
        activities carried out pursuant to subsection (a), including a 
        timeline for the issuance of a final rule.
    (e) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.--For purposes 
of this section, the term ``eligible military maintenance technician'' 
means an individual who--
            (1) has been a maintenance technician during service in the 
        armed forces who was honorably discharged or has retired from 
        the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United 
        States Code);
            (2) presents an official record of service in the armed 
        forces confirming that the individual has been a military 
        aviation maintenance technician, holding an appropriate 
        Military Occupational Specialty Code, as determined by the 
        Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; 
        and
            (3) presents documentary evidence of experience in 
        accordance with the requirements under section 65.77 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 427. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.

    Section 44918 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and unruly 
                passenger behavior'' before the period at the end;
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and 
                        inserting the following:
                    ``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities 
                and determine the seriousness of any occurrence of such 
                behavior and activities.'';
                            (ii) by striking subparagraph (H) and 
                        inserting the following:
                    ``(H) De-escalation training based on 
                recommendations issued by the Air Carrier Training 
                Aviation Rulemaking Committee.'';
                            (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) 
                        and (J) as subparagraphs (J) and (K), 
                        respectively; and
                            (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (H) 
                        the following:
                    ``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active 
                attacker.'';
                    (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(4) Minimum standards.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
        Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, in 
        consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the 
        Aviation Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum 
        standards for--
                    ``(A) the training provided under this subsection 
                and any for recurrent training; and
                    ``(B) the individuals or entities providing such 
                training.''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (6)--
                            (i) in the first sentence--
                                    (I) by inserting ``and the Federal 
                                Air Marshal Service'' after 
                                ``consultation with the 
                                Administrator'';
                                    (II) by striking ``and periodically 
                                shall'' and inserting ``and shall 
                                periodically''; and
                                    (III) by inserting ``based on 
                                changes in the potential or actual 
                                threat conditions'' before the period 
                                at the end; and
                            (ii) in the third sentence by inserting ``, 
                        including self-defense training expertise and 
                        experience'' before the period at the end; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Neither'' and 
                inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (8), 
                neither''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(8) Air carrier accommodation.--An air carrier with a 
        crew member participating in the training program under this 
        subsection shall provide a process through which each such crew 
        member may obtain reasonable accommodations.''.

SEC. 428. DIRECT-HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall utilize direct hire 
authorities (as such authorities existed on the day before the date of 
enactment of this Act) to hire individuals on a non-competitive basis 
for positions related to aircraft certification and aviation safety. In 
utilizing such authorities, the Administrator shall take into 
consideration any staffing gaps in the safety workforce of the FAA, 
including in positions supporting the safe integration of unmanned 
aircraft systems and other new airspace entrants.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the--
            (1) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire 
        authorities described in subsection (a);
            (2) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire 
        authorities with respect to the Unmanned Aircraft System 
        Collegiate Training Initiative of the FAA; and
            (3) number of employees hired as a result of the 
        utilization of such authorities by the Administrator, the 
        relevant lines of business or offices in which such employees 
        were hired, and the occupational series of the positions 
        filled.

SEC. 429. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation 
shall initiate an audit of any FAA workforce plans completed during the 
5 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which such audit is 
initiated related to occupations the agency relies on to accomplish its 
aviation safety mission.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit under subsection (a), the 
inspector general shall--
            (1) identify whether any safety-critical positions have not 
        been reviewed within the period specified in subsection (a);
            (2) assess staffing levels and workforce retention trends 
        relating to safety-critical occupations within all offices of 
        the FAA that support such services;
            (3) review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical and senior 
        positions, including the average vacancy period of such 
        positions during the most recent fiscal year in the period 
        specified in subsection (a);
            (4) evaluate any applicable assessments of the historic 
        workload of safety-critical positions and changes in workload 
        demands over time;
            (5) analyze any applicable assessments of critical 
        competencies and skills gaps among safety-critical positions 
        conducted by the FAA and any relevant agency actions in 
        response;
            (6) review whether existing FAA workforce development 
        programs are producing intended results, especially in rural 
        communities, such as increased recruitment and retention of 
        agency personnel; and
            (7) review opportunities (as such opportunities exist on 
        the date of enactment of this Act) for employees of the FAA to 
        gain or enhance expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities 
        through cooperative training with appropriate aerospace 
        companies and organizations, including--
                    (A) assessing the appropriateness of existing 
                cooperative training programs and any conflicts of 
                interest or the appearance of such conflicts with FAA 
                policies and obligations relating to FAA employee 
                interactions with aviation industry;
                    (B) identifying a means by which to leverage such 
                programs to support credentialing and recurrent 
                training activities for FAA employees, as appropriate;
                    (C) assessing the policies and procedures the FAA 
                has established to avoid both conflicts of interest and 
                the appearance of such conflicts for employees 
                participating in such opportunities, which may include 
                requirements under--
                            (i) chapter 131 of title 5, United States 
                        Code;
                            (ii) chapter 11 of title 18, United States 
                        Code;
                            (iii) subchapter B of chapter XVI of title 
                        5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                            (iv) sections 2635.101 and 2635.502 of 
                        title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    (D) evaluating whether the conflict of interest 
                policies and procedures of the FAA for such 
                opportunities provide for the appropriate means by 
                which employees return to work at the FAA after having 
                engaged in such opportunities.
    (c) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress--
            (1) a report on the results of the audit conducted under 
        subsection (a); and
            (2) recommendations for such legislative and administrative 
        action as the inspector general determines appropriate.

SEC. 430. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review and, as necessary, revise 
the staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) Consideration of prior studies and reports.--In 
        reviewing and revising the model, the Administrator shall take 
        into consideration the contents and recommendations contained 
        in the following:
                    (A) The 2006 report released by the National 
                Research Council titled ``Staffing Standards for 
                Aviation Safety Inspectors''.
                    (B) The 2007 study released by the National Academy 
                of Sciences titled ``Staffing Standards for Aviation 
                Safety Inspectors''.
                    (C) The 2013 report released by Grant Thornton LLP, 
                titled ``ASTARS Gap Analysis Study: Comparison of the 
                AVS Staffing Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors to 
                the National Academy of Sciences' Recommendations Final 
                Report''.
                    (D) The 2021 report released by the inspector 
                general of the Department of Transportation titled 
                ``FAA Can Increase Its Inspector Staffing Model's 
                Effectiveness by Implementing System Improvements and 
                Maximizing Its Capabilities''.
                    (E) The FAA Fiscal Year 2023 Aviation Safety 
                Workforce Plan conducted to satisfy the requirements of 
                section 104 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
                Accountability Act, as enacted in the Consolidated 
                Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).
            (2) Assessments.--In carrying out this section, the 
        Administrator shall assess the following:
                    (A) Projected staffing needs at the service and 
                office level.
                    (B) Forecasted attrition of the aviation safety 
                inspector workforce.
                    (C) Forecasted workload of aviation safety 
                inspectors, including responsibilities associated with 
                overseeing aviation manufacturers and new airspace 
                entrants.
                    (D) Means by which field managers use the model to 
                assess aviation safety inspector staffing and provide 
                feedback on resources needed at the office level.
                    (E) Work performed by aviation safety inspectors in 
                comparison to designees acting on behalf of the 
                Administrator.
                    (F) Any associated performance metrics to inform 
                periodic comparisons to actual aviation safety 
                inspector staffing level results.
            (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
        Administrator shall consult with interested persons, including 
        the exclusive collective bargaining representative for aviation 
        safety inspectors certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
        United States Code.

SEC. 431. SAFETY-CRITICAL STAFFING.

    (a) Implementation of Staffing Standards for Safety Inspectors.--
Upon completion of the revised staffing model for aviation safety 
inspectors under section 430, and validation of the model by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall take all appropriate actions in 
response to the number of aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety 
technicians, and operation support positions that are identified in 
such model to meet the responsibilities of the Flight Standards Service 
and Aircraft Certification Service, including potentially increasing 
the number of safety critical positions in the Flight Standards Service 
and Aircraft Certification Service each fiscal year, as appropriate, so 
long as such staffing increases are measured relative to the number of 
individuals serving in safety-critical positions as of September 30, 
2023.
    (b) Availability of Appropriations.--Any increase in safety 
critical staffing pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the 
availability of appropriations.
    (c) Safety-critical Positions Defined.--In this section, the term 
``safety-critical positions'' means--
            (1) aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety specialists 
        (1801 job series), aviation safety technicians, and operations 
        support positions in the Flight Standards Service; and
            (2) manufacturing safety inspectors, pilots, engineers, 
        Chief Scientist Technical Advisors, aviation safety specialists 
        (1801 job series), safety technical specialists, and 
        operational support positions in the Aircraft Certification 
        Service.

SEC. 432. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE.

    (a) Task Force.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a task 
        force to develop voluntary standards and best practices 
        relating to suspected violations of sections 46318, 46503, and 
        46504 of title 49, United States Code, including--
                    (A) proper and consistent incident documentation 
                and reporting techniques;
                    (B) best practices for flight crew and cabin crew 
                response, including de-escalation;
                    (C) improved coordination between stakeholders, 
                including flight crew and cabin crew, airport staff, 
                other Federal agencies as appropriate, and law 
                enforcement; and
                    (D) appropriate enforcement actions.
            (2) Membership.--The task force convened under paragraph 
        (1) shall be comprised of representatives of--
                    (A) air carriers;
                    (B) airport sponsors and airport law enforcement 
                agencies;
                    (C) other Federal agencies determined necessary by 
                the Administrator;
                    (D) labor organizations representing air carrier 
                pilots;
                    (E) labor organizations representing flight 
                attendants; and
                    (F) labor organizations representing ticketing, 
                check-in, or other customer service representatives 
                employed by air carriers.
    (b) Announcements.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such actions as 
may be necessary to include in the briefing of passengers before 
takeoff required under section 121.571 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, a statement informing passengers that it is against 
Federal law to assault or threaten to assault any individual on an 
aircraft or interfere with the duties of a crewmember.
    (c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the definitions in 
section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to terms 
in this section.

SEC. 433. USE OF BIOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENTS.

    Section 44506(f)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ``paragraph (1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
(1)(B)''.

SEC. 434. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN STANDARDS AND 
              BEST PRACTICES.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) each air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations, shall submit to the Administrator 
        an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan pursuant to 
        section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
        44903 note);
            (2) each such air carrier should have in place and deploy 
        an Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan to facilitate 
        appropriate protocols, standards, and training to equip 
        employees with best practices and the experience necessary to 
        respond effectively to hostile situations and disruptive 
        behavior and maintain a safe traveling experience; and
            (3) any air carrier formed after the date of enactment of 
        this Act should develop and implement an Employee Assault 
        Prevention and Response Plan.
    (b) Required Briefing.--Section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(f) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall provide to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a briefing on the Employee Assault Prevention and Response 
Plan submitted by each air carrier pursuant to this section.''.

SEC. 435. FORMAL POLICY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT ON AIR 
              CARRIERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, passenger air carriers operating under part 121 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall issue, in consultation 
with labor unions representing personnel, a formal policy with respect 
to sexual assault or harassment incidents.
    (b) Contents.--Each policy required under subsection (a) shall 
include--
            (1) a statement indicating that no sexual assault or 
        harassment incident is acceptable under any circumstance;
            (2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a sexual 
        assault or harassment incident, including--
                    (A) appropriate public outreach activities; and
                    (B) confidential phone and internet-based 
                opportunities for reporting;
            (3) procedures that personnel should follow upon the 
        reporting of a sexual assault or harassment incident, including 
        actions to protect affected individuals from continued sexual 
        assault or harassment and to notify law enforcement, including 
        the Federal Bureau of Investigation, when appropriate;
            (4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the extent 
        practicable, future travel with the air carrier by any 
        passenger who commits a sexual assault or harassment incident; 
        and
            (5) training that is required for all appropriate personnel 
        with respect to each such policy, including specific training 
        for personnel who may receive reports of sexual assault or 
        harassment incidents.
    (c) Passenger Information.--An air carrier described in subsection 
(a) shall display, on the website of the air carrier and through the 
use of appropriate signage, a written statement that informs passengers 
and personnel of the procedure for reporting a sexual assault or 
harassment incident.
    (d) Standard of Care.--Compliance with the requirements of this 
section, and any policy issued thereunder, shall not determine whether 
the air carrier described in subsection (a) has acted with any 
requisite standard of care.
    (e) Rules of Construction.--
            (1) Effect on authorities.--Nothing in this section shall 
        be construed as granting the Secretary any additional 
        authorities beyond ensuring that a passenger air carrier 
        operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations issues a formal policy and displays required 
        information in compliance with this section.
            (2) Effect on other laws.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to alter existing authorities of the Equal Employment 
        Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the 
        Department of Justice to enforce applicable employment and 
        sexual assault and sexual harassment laws.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Personnel.--The term ``personnel'' means an employee or 
        contractor of passenger air carrier operating under part 121 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Sexual assault.--The term ``sexual assault'' means the 
        occurrence of an act that constitutes any nonconsensual sexual 
        act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when 
        the victim lacks capacity to consent.
            (3) Sexual assault or harassment incident.--The term 
        ``sexual assault or harassment incident'' means the occurrence, 
        or reasonably suspected occurrence, of an act that--
                    (A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual 
                harassment; and
                    (B) is committed--
                            (i) by a passenger or personnel against 
                        another passenger or personnel; and
                            (ii) within an aircraft or in an area in 
                        which passengers are entering or exiting an 
                        aircraft.

SEC. 436. INTERFERENCE WITH SECURITY SCREENING PERSONNEL.

    Section 46503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``An individual'' and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(a) In General.--An individual''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Airport and Air Carrier Employees.--For purposes of this 
section, an airport or air carrier employee who has security duties 
within the airport includes an airport or air carrier employee 
performing ticketing, check-in, baggage claim, or boarding 
functions.''.

SEC. 437. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKFORCE STAFFING.

    (a) Maximum Hiring.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Administrator shall set 
as the minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers (excluding 
individuals described in section 44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United 
States Code) the maximum number of individuals able to be trained at 
the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.
    (b) Transportation Research Board Assessment.--
            (1) Review.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit an 
        attestation to the appropriate committees of Congress 
        demonstrating an agreement entered into with the with the 
        National Academies Transportation Research Board to--
                    (A) compare the Certified Professional Controller 
                (in this section referred to as ``CPC'') operational 
                staffing models and methodologies in determining the 
                FAA Controller Staffing Standard included in the 2023 
                Air Traffic Controller Workforce Plan of the FAA, with 
                such models and methodologies developed by the 
                Collaborative Resource Workgroup of the FAA (in this 
                subsection referred to as ``CRWG'') to determine CPC 
                operational staffing targets necessary to meet facility 
                operational, statutory, contractual and safety 
                requirements, including--
                            (i) the availability factor multiplier and 
                        other formula components;
                            (ii) the independent facility staffing 
                        targets of CPCs able to control traffic;
                            (iii) air traffic controller position 
                        utilization;
                            (iv) attrition rates at each air traffic 
                        control facility operated by the 
                        Administration; and
                            (v) the time needed to meet facility 
                        operational, statutory, and contractual 
                        requirements, including relevant resources to 
                        develop, evaluate, and implement processes and 
                        initiatives affecting the national airspace 
                        system;
                    (B) examine the current and estimated budgets of 
                the FAA to implement the FAA Controller Staffing 
                Standard included in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan 
                in comparison to the funding needed to implement the 
                CRWG CPC operational staffing targets;
                    (C) assess future needs of the air traffic control 
                system and potential impacts on staffing standards, 
                including projected air traffic in the airspace of each 
                air traffic control facility operated by the 
                Administration; and
                    (D) determine which staffing models and 
                methodologies evaluated pursuant to this subsection 
                best accounts for the operational staffing needs of the 
                air traffic control system and provide a justification 
                for such determination.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the agreement 
        entered into pursuant to paragraph (b)(1), the Transportation 
        Research Board of the National Academies shall submit a report 
        to the Administrator and appropriate committees of Congress on 
        the findings and recommendations under this subsection, 
        including the determination pursuant to subparagraph (D).
            (3) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment under this 
        subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall consult 
        with--
                    (A) the exclusive bargaining representatives of air 
                traffic control specialists of the Administration 
                certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States 
                Code;
                    (B) front line managers of the air traffic control 
                system;
                    (C) managers and employees responsible for training 
                air traffic controllers;
                    (D) the MITRE Corporation;
                    (E) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic 
                Organization of the FAA, and other Federal Government 
                representatives;
                    (F) users and operators in the air traffic control 
                system;
                    (G) relevant industry representatives; and
                    (H) other parties determined appropriate by the 
                Transportation Research Board of the National 
                Academies.
    (c) Required Implementation of Identified Staffing Model.--
            (1) Use of staffing model.--The Administrator shall, as 
        appropriate, take such action that may be necessary to 
        implement and use the staffing model identified by the 
        Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), 
        including any recommendations for improving such model, not 
        later than one year after enactment of this Act.
            (2) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after taking such 
        actions to implement and use the staffing model identified by 
        the Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection 
        (b)(1)(D), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
        committees of Congress regarding the reasons for why any 
        recommendation by the Transportation Research Board study was 
        not incorporated into the implemented staffing model.
    (d) Revised Staffing Standards.--The Administration shall revise 
the FAA CPC operational staffing standards of the Administration 
implemented under subsection (c) to--
            (1) provide that the controller and management workforce is 
        sufficiently staffed to safely and efficiently manage and 
        oversee the air traffic control system;
            (2) account for the target number of CPCs able to control 
        traffic at each independent facility; and
            (3) avoid any required or requested reduction of national 
        airspace system capacity or aircraft operations as a result of 
        inadequate air traffic control system staffing.
    (e) Interim Adoption of Collaborative Resource Workgroup Models.--
            (1) In general.--In submitting a Controller Workforce Plan 
        of the FAA to Congress published after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, the Administrator shall adopt and use the staffing 
        models and methodologies developed by the Collaborative 
        Resource Workgroup that were recommended in the 2023 Controller 
        Workforce Plan.
            (2) Revisions to the controller workforce plan.--Section 
        44506(e) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the number of 
                air traffic controllers needed'' and inserting ``the 
                number of fully certified air traffic controllers 
                needed'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
                paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the 
        Federal Aviation Administration--
                    ``(A) the current certified professional controller 
                staffing levels;
                    ``(B) the operational staffing targets for 
                certified professional controllers;
                    ``(C) the anticipated certified professional 
                controller attrition for each of the next 3 years; and
                    ``(D) the number of certified professional 
                controller trainees;''.
            (3) Effective date.--The requirements of paragraph (1) 
        shall cease to be effective upon the adoption and 
        implementation of a revised staffing model by the Administrator 
        as required under subsection (c).
    (f) Controller Training.--In any Controller Workforce Plan of the 
FAA published after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) identify all limiting factors on the ability of the 
        Administrator to hire and train controllers in line with the 
        staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
            (2) describe what actions the Administrator intends to take 
        to rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards 
        targets and identify contributing factors that are outside the 
        control of the Administrator.

SEC. 438. AIRPORT SERVICE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall complete a comprehensive 
review of the domestic airport service workforce and examine the role 
of, impact on, and importance of such workforce to the aviation 
economy.
    (b) Working Group.--
            (1) Report.--Upon completion of the review required under 
        subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
        Secretary a report containing such review.
            (2) Public working group.--The Secretary may convene a 
        public working group to evaluate and discuss the report under 
        paragraph (1) containing--
                    (A) the entities the Comptroller General consulted 
                with in carrying out the review under subsection (a);
                    (B) representatives of other relevant Federal 
                agencies; and
                    (C) any other appropriate stakeholder.
            (3) Termination.--If the Secretary convenes a working group 
        under paragraph (2), such working group shall terminate on the 
        date that is 1 year after the date on which the working group 
        is convened.

SEC. 439. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY AND FACILITY 
              EXPANSION PLAN.

    (a) Plan.--
            (1) In general.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate the 
        development of a plan to expand overall FAA capacity relating 
        to facilities, instruction, equipment, and training resources 
        to grow the number of developmental air traffic controllers 
        enrolled per fiscal year and support increases in FAA air 
        controller staffing to advance the safety of the national 
        airspace system.
            (2) Considerations.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall consider--
                    (A) the resources needed to support an increase in 
                the total number of developmental air traffic 
                controllers enrolled at the FAA Academy;
                    (B) the resources needed to lessen FAA Academy 
                attrition per fiscal year;
                    (C) how to modernize the education and training of 
                developmental air traffic controllers, including 
                through the use of new techniques and technologies to 
                support instruction;
                    (D) the equipment needed to support expanded 
                instruction, including air traffic control simulation 
                systems, virtual reality, and other virtual training 
                platforms;
                    (E) projected staffing needs associated with FAA 
                Academy expansion and the operation of education 
                platforms, including the number of on-the-job 
                instructors needed to educate and train additional 
                developmental air traffic controllers;
                    (F) the costs of expanding FAA capacity at the 
                existing air traffic control academy (as described in 
                paragraph (1)(A));
                    (G) soliciting input from, and coordinating with, 
                relevant stakeholders as appropriate, including the 
                exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic 
                control specialists of the FAA certified under section 
                7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
                    (H) other logistical and financial considerations 
                as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress the plan developed under subsection (a).
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the submission of the 
plan under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the plan, including the 
implementation of the plan.

SEC. 440. IMPROVING FEDERAL AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 625. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish--
            ``(1) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
        support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots 
        and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce;
            ``(2) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
        support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance 
        technical workers and the development of the aviation 
        maintenance workforce; and
            ``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
        support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing 
        technical workers and aerospace engineers and the development 
        of the aviation manufacturing workforce.
    ``(b) Project Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--Out of amounts made available under 
        section 48105 of title 49, United States Code, there is 
        authorized to be appropriated--
                    ``(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(1);
                    ``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(2); and
                    ``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(3).
            ``(2) Dollar amount limit.--In providing grants under the 
        programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may 
        not make any grant more than $1,000,000 to any eligible entity 
        in any 1 fiscal year.
            ``(3) Education projects.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
        not less than 20 percent of the amounts made available under 
        this subsection is used to carry out a grant program that shall 
        be referred to as the `Willa Brown Aviation Education Program' 
        under which the Secretary shall provide grants for eligible 
        projects described in subsection (d) that are carried out in 
        counties containing at least 1 qualified opportunity zone (as 
        such term is defined in section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986).
            ``(4) Set aside for technical assistance.--The Secretary 
        may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to 
        carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
        2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for 
        a grant under this subsection.
            ``(5) Consideration for certain applicants.--In reviewing 
        and selecting applications for grants under the programs 
        established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give 
        consideration to applicants that provide an assurance--
                    ``(A) to use grant funds to encourage the 
                participation of populations that are underrepresented 
                in the aviation industry, including in economically 
                disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities;
                    ``(B) to address the workforce needs of rural and 
                regional airports; or
                    ``(C) to strengthen aviation programs at a 
                minority-serving institution (as described in section 
                371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or 
                a public postsecondary vocational institution.
    ``(c) Eligible Applications.--
            ``(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.--An 
        application for a grant under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(1) may be submitted, in such form as the 
        Secretary may specify, by--
                    ``(A) an air carrier (as such term is defined in 
                section 40102 of title 49, United States Code);
                    ``(B) an entity that holds management 
                specifications under subpart K of title 91 of title 14, 
                Code of Federal Regulations;
                    ``(C) an accredited institution of higher 
                education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a 
                high school or secondary school;
                    ``(D) a flight school that provides flight 
                training, as such term is defined in part 61 of title 
                14, Code of Federal Regulations, or that holds a pilot 
                school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations;
                    ``(E) a labor organization representing 
                professional aircraft pilots;
                    ``(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization 
                described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 
                Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 
                501(a) of such Code; or
                    ``(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal 
                governmental entity.
            ``(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.--An 
        application for a grant under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the 
        Secretary may specify, by--
                    ``(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part 
                21, 121, 135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations;
                    ``(B) a labor organization representing aviation 
                maintenance workers;
                    ``(C) an accredited institution of higher 
                education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a 
                high school or secondary school;
                    ``(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization 
                described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 
                Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 
                501(a) of such Code; or
                    ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal 
                governmental entity.
            ``(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.--An 
        application for a grant under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the 
        Secretary may specify, by--
                    ``(A) a holder of a type or production certificate 
                or similar authorization issued under section 44704 of 
                title 49, United States Code;
                    ``(B) an accredited institution of higher 
                education, a postsecondary vocational institution, or a 
                high school or secondary school;
                    ``(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization 
                described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 
                Code of 1986 that is exempt from taxation under section 
                501(a) of such Code;
                    ``(D) a labor organization representing aerospace 
                engineering, design, or manufacturing workers; or
                    ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal 
                governmental entity.
    ``(d) Eligible Projects.--
            ``(1) Aircraft pilot program.--For purposes of the program 
        established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a 
        project--
                    ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum 
                that provides high school or secondary school students 
                and students of institutions of higher education with 
                meaningful aviation education to become aircraft pilots 
                or unmanned aircraft systems operators, including 
                purchasing and operating a computer-based simulator 
                associated with such curriculum;
                    ``(B) to establish or improve registered 
                apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for 
                individuals pursuing employment as a professional 
                aircraft pilot or unmanned aircraft systems operator;
                    ``(C) to create and deliver curriculum that 
                provides certified flight instructors with the 
                necessary instructional, leadership, and communication 
                skills to better educate student pilots;
                    ``(D) to support the transition to professional 
                aircraft pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, 
                including for members and veterans of the armed forces;
                    ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in 
                commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or 
                unmanned system operator, including outreach to 
                populations that are underrepresented in the aviation 
                industry; or
                    ``(F) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft 
                pilot or unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.
            ``(2) Aviation maintenance program.--For purposes of the 
        program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible 
        project is a project--
                    ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum 
                that provides high school and secondary school students 
                and students of institutions of higher education with 
                meaningful aviation maintenance education to become an 
                aviation mechanic or aviation maintenance technician, 
                including purchasing and operating equipment associated 
                with such curriculum;
                    ``(B) to establish or improve registered 
                apprenticeship, internship, or scholarship programs for 
                individuals pursuing employment in the aviation 
                maintenance industry;
                    ``(C) to support the transition to aviation 
                maintenance careers, including for members and veterans 
                of the armed forces;
                    ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in 
                the aviation maintenance industry, including outreach 
                to populations that are underrepresented in the 
                aviation industry; or
                    ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
                maintenance technical workforce.
            ``(3) Aviation manufacturing program.--For purposes of the 
        program established under subsection (a)(3), an eligible 
        project is a project--
                    ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum 
                that provides high school and secondary school students 
                and students of institutions of higher education with 
                meaningful aviation manufacturing education to become 
                an aviation manufacturing technical worker or aerospace 
                engineer, including teaching technical skills used in 
                the engineering and production of components, parts, or 
                systems thereof for inclusion in an aircraft, aircraft 
                engine, propeller, or appliance;
                    ``(B) to establish registered apprenticeship, 
                internship, or scholarship programs for individuals 
                pursuing employment in the aviation manufacturing 
                industry;
                    ``(C) to support the transition to aviation 
                manufacturing careers, including for members and 
                veterans of the armed forces;
                    ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in 
                the aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach 
                to populations that are underrepresented in the 
                aviation industry; or
                    ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
                manufacturing workforce.
    ``(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary shall 
establish reasonable reporting and monitoring requirements for grant 
recipients under this section to measure relevant outcomes for the 
grant programs established under subsection (a).
    ``(f) Notice of Grants.--
            ``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
        public notice of any grant awarded under this section in a 
        timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
            ``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide to 
        the appropriate Committees of Congress advance notice of a 
        grant to be made under this section.
    ``(g) Grant Authority.--
            ``(1) Limit on faa authority.--The authority of the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, acting on 
        behalf of the Secretary, to issue grants under this section 
        shall terminate on October 1, 2027.
            ``(2) Nondelegation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, the 
        Secretary shall issue grants under this section and may not 
        delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under this 
        section to the Administrator.
    ``(h) Program Name Redesignation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, 
the Secretary shall redesignate the name of the program established 
under subsection (a) as the `Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, 
Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program' or the `CAREER Program'.
    ``(i) Consultation With Secretary of Education.--The Secretary may 
consult with the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, in--
            ``(1) reviewing applications for grants for eligible 
        projects under this section; and
            ``(2) developing considerations regarding program quality 
        and measurement of student outcomes.
    ``(j) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
administration of the programs established under subsection (a) 
covering each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 that includes--
            ``(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this 
        section and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling 
        program expectations;
            ``(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively 
        impact the future supply of individuals in the United States 
        aviation workforce, including any related best practices for 
        carrying out such projects;
            ``(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by 
        governmental entities, educational institutions, and 
        businesses, aviation labor organizations, or other stakeholders 
        to support aviation workforce growth;
            ``(4) a review of how many grant recipients engaged with 
        veterans and the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting 
        and retaining veterans as part of the aviation workforce; and
            ``(5) a review of outreach conducted by grant recipients to 
        encourage individuals to participate in aviation careers and 
        the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and 
        retaining such individuals as part of the aviation workforce.
    ``(k) Program Authority Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to 
issue grants under this section shall expire on October 1, 2028.
    ``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Armed forces.--The term `armed forces' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United 
        States Code.
            ``(2) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
            ``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        `institution of higher education' has the meaning given such 
        term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001(a)).
            ``(4) Postsecondary vocational institution.--The term 
        `postsecondary vocational institution' has the meaning given 
        such term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
        (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).
            ``(5) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has 
        the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2024.

SEC. 441. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce 
              development
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall, in consultation with other Federal agencies 
and the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment 
Readiness Council (in this section referred to as the `CAREER Council') 
established in subsection (c), establish and maintain a national 
strategic plan to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention and 
address projected challenges in the civil aviation workforce, 
including--
            ``(1) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term workforce 
        challenges relevant to the economy, workforce readiness, and 
        priorities of the United States aviation sector;
            ``(2) any existing or projected workforce shortages; and
            ``(3) any workforce situation or condition that warrants 
        special attention by the Federal Government.
    ``(b) Requirements.--The national strategic plan described in 
subsection (a) shall--
            ``(1) take into account the activities and accomplishments 
        of all Federal agencies that are related to carrying out such 
        plan;
            ``(2) include recommendations for carrying out such plan; 
        and
            ``(3) project and identify, on an annual basis, aviation 
        workforce challenges, including any applicable workforce 
        shortages.
    ``(c) Career Council.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2025, 
        the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall 
        establish a council comprised of individuals with expertise in 
        the civil aviation industry to--
                    ``(A) assist with developing and maintaining the 
                national strategic plan described in subsection (a); 
                and
                    ``(B) provide advice to the Secretary, as 
                appropriate, relating to the CAREER Program established 
                under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
                2018, including as such advice relates to program 
                administration and grant application selection, and 
                support the development of performance metrics 
                regarding the quality and outcomes of the Program.
            ``(2) Appointment.--The CAREER Council shall be appointed 
        by the Secretary from candidates nominated by national 
        associations representing various sectors of the aviation 
        industry, including--
                    ``(A) commercial aviation;
                    ``(B) general aviation;
                    ``(C) aviation labor organizations, including 
                collective bargaining representatives of Federal 
                Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors, 
                aviation safety engineers, and air traffic controllers;
                    ``(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;
                    ``(E) aviation manufacturers; and
                    ``(F) unmanned aviation.
            ``(3) Term.--Each council member appointed by the Secretary 
        under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 2 years.
    ``(d) Nondelegation.--The Secretary may not delegate any of the 
authorities or responsibilities under this section to the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.''.

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.

    Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (e)(1)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by 
                striking ``7'' and inserting ``8''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and an 
                Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy'' and 
                inserting ``an Assistant Secretary for Transportation 
                Policy, and an Assistant Secretary for Aviation 
                Consumer Protection''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the 
        Department an Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (in this 
        subsection referred to as the `Office') to administer and 
        enforce the aviation consumer protection and civil rights 
        authorities provided to the Department by statute, including 
        the authorities under section 41712--
                    ``(A) to assist, educate, and protect passengers; 
                and
                    ``(B) to monitor compliance with, conduct 
                investigations relating to, and enforce, with support 
                of attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel, 
                including by taking appropriate action to address 
                violations of aviation consumer protection and civil 
                rights.
            ``(2) Leadership.--The Office shall be headed by the 
        Assistant Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection (in this 
        subsection referred to as the `Assistant Secretary').
            ``(3) Transition.--Not later than 180 days after funding is 
        appropriated for an Office of Aviation Consumer Protection 
        headed by an Assistant Secretary, the Office of Aviation 
        Consumer Protection that is a unit within the Office of the 
        General Counsel of the Department which is headed by the 
        Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Consumer Protection 
        shall cease to exist. The Secretary shall determine which 
        employees are necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the 
        new Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and such employees 
        shall be transferred from the Office of the General Counsel, as 
        appropriate, to the newly established Office of Aviation 
        Consumer Protection.
            ``(4) Coordination.--The Assistant Secretary shall 
        coordinate with the General Counsel appointed under subsection 
        (e)(1)(E), in accordance with section 1.26 of title 49, Code of 
        Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), on all legal 
        matters relating to--
                    ``(A) aviation consumer protection; and
                    ``(B) the duties and activities of the Office 
                described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph 
                (1).
            ``(5) Annual report.--The Assistant Secretary shall submit 
        to the Secretary, who shall submit to Congress and make 
        publicly available on the website of the Department, an annual 
        report that, with respect to matters under the jurisdiction of 
        the Department, or otherwise within the statutory authority of 
        the Department--
                    ``(A) analyzes trends in aviation consumer 
                protection, civil rights, and licensing;
                    ``(B) identifies major challenges facing 
                passengers; and
                    ``(C) addresses any other relevant issues, as the 
                Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate.
            ``(6) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
        $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, $13,000,000 for fiscal year 
        2025, $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, $15,000,000 for fiscal 
        year 2027, and $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 to carry out 
        this subsection.''.

SEC. 502. ADDITIONAL WITHIN AND BEYOND PERIMETER SLOT EXEMPTIONS AT 
              RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT.

    (a) Increase in Number of Slot Exemptions.--Section 41718 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection:
    ``(i) Additional Slot Exemptions.--
            ``(1) Increase in slot exemptions.--Not later than 60 days 
        after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2024, the Secretary shall grant, by order, 10 exemptions from--
                    ``(A) the application of sections 49104(a)(5), 
                49109, and 41714 to air carriers to operate limited 
                frequencies and aircraft on routes between Ronald 
                Reagan Washington National Airport and domestic 
                airports located within or beyond the perimeter 
                described in section 49109; and
                    ``(B) the requirements of subparts K, S, and T of 
                part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(2) Non-limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made 
        available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 8 
        available to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a 
        non-limited incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington 
        National Airport as of the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2024.
            ``(3) Limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made 
        available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 2 
        available to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a 
        limited incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington National 
        Airport as of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
        Act of 2024.
            ``(4) Allocation procedures.--The Secretary shall allocate 
        the 10 slot exemptions provided under paragraph (1) pursuant to 
        the application process established by the Secretary under 
        subsection (d), subject to the following:
                    ``(A) Limitations.--Each air carrier that is 
                eligible under paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) shall be 
                eligible to operate no more and no less than 2 of the 
                newly authorized slot exemptions.
                    ``(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall consider the 
                extent to which the exemptions will--
                            ``(i) enhance options for nonstop travel to 
                        beyond-perimeter airports that do not have 
                        nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington 
                        National Airport as of the date of enactment of 
                        the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
                            ``(ii) have a positive impact on the 
                        overall level of competition in the markets 
                        that will be served as a result of those 
                        exemptions.
            ``(5) Prohibition.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Metropolitan Washington 
                Airports Authority may not assess any penalty or 
                similar levy against an individual air carrier solely 
                for obtaining and operating a slot exemption authorized 
                under this subsection.
                    ``(B) Rule of construction.--Subparagraph (A) shall 
                not be construed as prohibiting the Metropolitan 
                Washington Airports Authority from assessing and 
                collecting any penalty, fine, or other levy, such as a 
                handling fee or landing fee, that is--
                            ``(i) authorized by the Metropolitan 
                        Washington Airports Regulations;
                            ``(ii) agreed to in writing by the air 
                        carrier; or
                            ``(iii) charged in the ordinary course of 
                        business to an air carrier operating at Ronald 
                        Reagan Washington National Airport regardless 
                        of whether or not the air carrier obtained a 
                        slot exemption authorized under this 
                        subsection.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 41718(c)(2)(A) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in clause (i) by striking ``and (b)'' and inserting ``, 
        (b), and (i)''; and
            (2) in clause (ii) by striking ``and (g)'' and inserting 
        ``(g), and (i)''.
    (c) Preservation of Existing Within Perimeter Service.--Nothing in 
this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be 
construed as authorizing the conversion of a within-perimeter exemption 
or slot at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that is in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act to serve an airport located beyond 
the perimeter described in section 49109 of title 49, United States 
Code.

SEC. 503. REFUNDS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 42304 the following:
``Sec. 42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed 
              flights
    ``(a) In General.--In the case of a passenger that holds a 
nonrefundable ticket on a scheduled flight to, from, or within the 
United States, an air carrier or a foreign air carrier shall, upon 
request as set forth in subsection (f), provide a full refund, 
including any taxes and ancillary fees, for the fare such carrier 
collected for any cancelled flight or significantly delayed or changed 
flight where the passenger chooses not to--
            ``(1) fly on the significantly delayed or changed flight or 
        accept rebooking on an alternative flight; or
            ``(2) accept any voucher, credit, or other form of 
        compensation offered by the air carrier or foreign air carrier 
        pursuant to subsection (c).
    ``(b) Timing of Refund.--Any refund required under subsection (a) 
shall be issued by the air carrier or foreign air carrier--
            ``(1) in the case of a ticket purchased with a credit card, 
        not later than 7 business days after the earliest date the 
        refund was requested as set forth in subsection (f); or
            ``(2) in the case of a ticket purchased with cash or 
        another form of payment, not later than 20 days after the 
        earliest date the refund was requested as set forth in 
        subsection (f).
    ``(c) Alternative to Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
carrier may offer a voucher, credit, or other form of compensation as 
an explicit alternative to providing a refund required by subsection 
(a) but only if--
            ``(1) the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice 
        of--
                    ``(A) the terms of the offer; and
                    ``(B) the passenger's right to a full refund under 
                this section;
            ``(2) the voucher, credit, or other form of compensation 
        offered explicitly as an alternative to providing a refund 
        required by subsection (a) remains valid and redeemable by the 
        consumer for a period of at least 5 years from the date on 
        which such voucher, credit, or other form of compensation is 
        issued;
            ``(3) upon the issuance of such voucher, credit, or other 
        form of compensation, an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or 
        ticket agent, where applicable, notifies the recipient of the 
        expiration date of the voucher, credit, or other form of 
        compensation; and
            ``(4) upon request by an individual who self-identifies as 
        having a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations), an air carrier, foreign air 
        carrier, or ticket agent provides a notification under 
        paragraph (3) in an electronic format that is accessible to the 
        recipient.
    ``(d) Significantly Delayed or Changed Flight Defined.--In this 
section, the term `significantly delayed or changed flight' includes, 
at a minimum, a flight where the passenger arrives at a destination 
airport--
            ``(1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours 
        after the original scheduled arrival time; and
            ``(2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more 
        hours after the original scheduled arrival time.
    ``(e) Application to Ticket Agents.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final 
        rule to apply refund requirements to ticket agents in the case 
        of cancelled flights and significantly delayed or changed 
        flights.
            ``(2) Transfer of funds.--The Secretary shall issue 
        regulations requiring air carriers and foreign air carriers to 
        promptly transfer funds to a ticket agent if--
                    ``(A) the Secretary has determined that the ticket 
                agent is responsible for providing the refund; and
                    ``(B) the ticket agent does not possess the funds 
                of the passenger.
            ``(3) Timing and alternatives.--A refund provided by a 
        ticket agent shall comply with the requirements in subsections 
        (b) and (c) of this section.
    ``(f) Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air carrier shall 
consider a passenger to have requested a refund if--
            ``(1) a flight is cancelled and a passenger is not offered 
        an alternative flight or any voucher, credit, or other form of 
        compensation by the air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant 
        to subsection (c);
            ``(2) a passenger rejects the significantly delayed or 
        changed flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or any 
        voucher, credit, or other form of compensation offered by the 
        air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant to subsection (c); 
        or
            ``(3) a passenger does not respond to an offer of--
                    ``(A) a significantly delayed or changed flight or 
                an alternative flight and the flight departs without 
                the passenger; or
                    ``(B) a voucher, credit, or other form of 
                compensation by the date on which the cancelled flight 
                was scheduled to depart or the date that the 
                significantly delayed or changed flight departs.
    ``(g) Refund Notification.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
carrier shall update their passenger notification systems to ensure 
passengers owed a refund under this section are notified of their right 
to receive a refund.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 42304 the following:

``42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed 
                            flights.''.

SEC. 504. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS POSTERS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by inserting after section 42305 the following:
``Sec. 42306. Know Your Rights posters
    ``(a) In General.--Each large hub airport, medium hub airport, and 
small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall prominently 
display posters that clearly and concisely outline the rights of 
airline passengers under Federal law with respect to, at a minimum--
            ``(1) flight delays and cancellations;
            ``(2) refunds;
            ``(3) bumping of passengers from flights and the oversale 
        of flights; and
            ``(4) lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
    ``(b) Location.--Posters described in subsection (a) shall be 
displayed in conspicuous locations throughout the airport, including 
ticket counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.
    ``(c) Accessibility Assistance.--Each large hub airport, medium hub 
airport, and small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall 
ensure that passengers with a disability (as such term is defined in 
section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) who identify 
themselves as having such a disability are notified of the availability 
of accessibility assistance and shall assist such passengers in 
connecting to the appropriate entities to obtain the same information 
required in this section that is provided to other passengers.''.
    (b) Exemption.--Section 46301(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States 
Code, is further amended by striking ``chapter 423'' and inserting 
``chapter 423 (except section 42306)''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 42305 the following:

``42306. Know Your Rights posters.''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act.

SEC. 505. ACCESS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TRAVELERS.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, it is 
        important for customers to be able to easily access information 
        about the status of their flight and any alternative flight 
        options.
            (2) Customers should be able to access real-time assistance 
        from customer service agents of air carriers without an 
        excessive wait time, particularly during times of mass 
        disruptions.
    (b) Transparency Requirements.--
            (1) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or 
        monitored text messaging number.--Chapter 423 of title 49, 
        United States Code, is further amended by inserting after 
        section 42306 the following:
``Sec. 42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored 
              text messaging number
    ``(a) Requirement.--
            ``(1) In general.--A covered air carrier that operates a 
        domestic or international flight to, from, or within the United 
        States shall maintain--
                    ``(A) a customer service telephone line staffed by 
                live agents;
                    ``(B) a customer chat option that allows for 
                customers to speak to a live agent within a reasonable 
                time, to the greatest extent practicable; or
                    ``(C) a monitored text messaging number that 
                enables customers to communicate and speak with a live 
                agent directly.
            ``(2) Provision of services.--The services required under 
        paragraph (1) shall be provided to customers without charge for 
        the use of such services, and shall be available at all times.
    ``(b) Rulemaking Authority.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
rules as may be necessary to carry out this section.
    ``(c) Covered Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term 
`covered air carrier' means an air carrier that sells tickets for 
scheduled passenger air transportation on an aircraft that, as 
originally designed, has a passenger capacity of 30 or more seats.
    ``(d) Effective Date.--Beginning on the date that is 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, a covered air carrier shall 
comply with the requirement specified in subsection (a) without regard 
to whether the Secretary has promulgated any rules to carry out this 
section as of the date that is 120 days after such date of 
enactment.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of 
        title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting 
        after the item relating to section 42306 the following:

``42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored text 
                            messaging number.''.

SEC. 506. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.

    (a) Dashboards.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is further amended by inserting after section 42307 the 
        following:
``Sec. 42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards
    ``(a) Requirement To Establish and Maintain Publicly Available 
Dashboards.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish, maintain, 
and make publicly available the following online dashboards for 
purposes of keeping aviation consumers informed with respect to certain 
policies of, and services provided by, large air carriers (as such term 
is defined by the Secretary) to the extent that such policies or 
services exceed what is required by Federal law:
            ``(1) Delay and cancellation dashboard.--A dashboard that 
        displays information regarding the services and compensation 
        provided by each large air carrier to mitigate any passenger 
        inconvenience caused by a delay or cancellation due to 
        circumstances in the control of such carrier.
            ``(2) Explanation of circumstances.--The website on which 
        such dashboard is displayed shall explain the circumstances 
        under which a delay or cancellation is not due to circumstances 
        in the control of the large air carrier (such as a delay or 
        cancellation due to a weather event or an instruction from the 
        Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control System 
        Command Center) consistent with section 234.4 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
            ``(3) Family seating dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
        information regarding which large air carriers guarantee that 
        each child shall be seated adjacent to an adult accompanying 
        the child without charging any additional fees.
            ``(4) Seat size dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
        information regarding aircraft seat size for each large air 
        carrier, including the pitch, width, and length of a seat in 
        economy class for the aircraft models and configurations most 
        commonly flown by such carrier.
            ``(5) Family seating sunset.--The requirement in subsection 
        (a)(3) shall cease to be effective on the date on which the 
        rule in section 516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is 
        effective.
    ``(b) Accessibility Requirement.--In developing the dashboards 
required in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in order to ensure the 
dashboards are accessible and contain pertinent information for 
passengers with disabilities, consult with the Air Carrier Access Act 
Advisory Committee, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers 
Compliance Board, any other relevant department or agency to determine 
appropriate accessibility standards, and disability organizations, 
including advocacy and nonprofit organizations that represent or 
provide services to individuals with disabilities.
    ``(c) Limitation on Dashboards.--After the rule required in section 
516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is effective, the Secretary 
may not establish or maintain more than 4 different customer service 
dashboards at any given time.
    ``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier shall 
provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires to 
carry out this section.
    ``(e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 
1, 2028.''.
            (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish each of 
        the online dashboards required by section 42308(a) of title 49, 
        United States Code, not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 42307 the following:

``42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards.''.

SEC. 507. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 46301(a)(1) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
``$25,000'' and inserting ``$75,000''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to violations occurring on or after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
    (c) Conforming Regulations.--The Secretary shall revise such 
regulations as necessary to conform to the amendment made by subsection 
(a).

SEC. 508. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.

    (a) Extension.--Section 411(h) of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by striking ``May 
10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Coordination.--Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
    ``(i) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult, as 
appropriate, with foreign air carriers, air carriers with an ultra-low-
cost business model, nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in 
disability and accessibility matters, ticket agents, travel management 
companies, and any other groups as determined by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 509. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER ADVOCATE REPORTING 
              REQUIREMENT.

    Section 424(e) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
42302 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
``October 1, 2028''.

SEC. 510. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.

    (a) Section 429 of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
            (1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
        of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
                    (A) by transferring such section to appear after 
                section 41726 of title 49, United States Code;
                    (B) by redesignating such section as section 41727 
                of such title; and
                    (C) by amending the section heading of such section 
                to read as follows:
``Sec. 41727. Passenger Rights''.
            (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41727 of title 49, United 
        States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1), 
        is amended in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than 90 
        days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary'' 
        and inserting ``The Secretary''.
    (b) Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
            (1) In general.--Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
        of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
                    (A) by transferring such section to appear after 
                section 41727 of title 49, United States Code, as 
                transferred and redesignated by subsection (a)(1);
                    (B) by redesignating such section 434 as section 
                41728 of such title; and
                    (C) by amending the section heading of such section 
                41728 to read as follows:
``Sec. 41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights''.
            (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41728 of title 49, United 
        States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1), 
        is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a) by striking ``the section 
                41705 of title 49, United States Code'' and inserting 
                ``section 41705'';
                    (B) in subsection (c) by striking ``the date of 
                enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018''; and
                    (C) in subsection (f) by striking ``ensure 
                employees'' and inserting ``ensure that employees''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 41726 the following:

``41727. Passenger rights.
``41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights.''.

SEC. 511. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics 
shall initiate a rulemaking to revise section 234.4 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, to create a new ``cause of delay'' category (or 
categories) that identifies and tracks information on delays and 
cancellations of air carriers (as defined in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code) that are due to instructions from the FAA Air 
Traffic Control System and to make any other changes necessary to carry 
out this section.
    (b) Air Carrier Code.--The following causes shall not be included 
within the Air Carrier code specified in section 234.4 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, for cancelled and delayed flights:
            (1) Aircraft cleaning necessitated by the death of a 
        passenger.
            (2) Aircraft damage caused by extreme weather, foreign 
        object debris, or sabotage.
            (3) A baggage or cargo loading delay caused by an outage of 
        a bag system not controlled by a carrier or its contractor.
            (4) Cybersecurity attacks (provided that the air carrier is 
        in compliance with applicable cybersecurity regulations).
            (5) A shutdown or system failure of government systems that 
        directly affects the ability of an air carrier to safely 
        conduct flights and is unexpected.
            (6) Overheated brakes due to a safety incident resulting in 
        the use of emergency procedures.
            (7) Unscheduled maintenance, including in response to an 
        airworthiness directive, manifesting outside a scheduled 
        maintenance program that cannot be deferred or must be 
        addressed before flight.
            (8) An emergency that required medical attention through no 
        fault of the carrier.
            (9) The removal of an unruly passenger.
            (10) An airport closure due to the presence of volcanic 
        ash, wind, or wind shear.
    (c) Family Seating Complaints.--
            (1) In general.--The Director of the Bureau of 
        Transportation Statistics shall update the reporting framework 
        of the Bureau to create a new category to identify and track 
        information on complaints related to family seating.
            (2) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (1) shall cease 
        to be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by 
        section 513 is effective.
    (d) Air Travel Consumer Report.--
            (1) ATCSCC delays.--The Secretary shall include information 
        on delays and cancellations that are due to instructions from 
        the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center in the Air 
        Travel Consumer Report issued by the Office of Aviation 
        Consumer Protection of the Department of Transportation.
            (2) Family seating complaints.--The Secretary shall include 
        information on complaints related to family seating--
                    (A) in the Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the 
                Office of Aviation Consumer Protection of the 
                Department of Transportation; and
                    (B) on the family seating dashboard required by 
                subsection (a)(2).
            (3) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (2) shall cease 
        to be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by 
        section 513 is effective.

SEC. 512. REIMBURSEMENT FOR INCURRED COSTS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall direct all air carriers providing 
scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation to 
establish policies regarding reimbursement for lodging, transportation 
between such lodging and the airport, and meal costs incurred due to a 
flight cancellation or significant delay directly attributable to the 
air carrier.
    (b) Definition of Significantly Delayed.--In this section, the term 
``significantly delayed'' means, with respect to air transportation, 
the departure or arrival at the originally ticketed destination 
associated with such transportation has changed--
            (1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours after 
        the original scheduled arrival time; and
            (2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more hours 
        after the original scheduled arrival time.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as providing the Secretary with any additional authorities 
beyond the authority to require air carriers establish the policies 
referred to in subsection (a).

SEC. 513. STREAMLINING OF OFFLINE TICKET DISCLOSURES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such action as may be 
necessary to update the process by which an air carrier or ticket agent 
is required to fulfill disclosure obligations in ticketing transactions 
for air transportation not completed through a website.
    (b) Requirements.--The process updated under subsection (a) shall--
            (1) include means of referral to the applicable air carrier 
        website with respect to disclosures related to air carrier 
        optional fees and policies;
            (2) include a means of referral to the website of the 
        Department of Transportation with respect to any other required 
        disclosures to air transportation passengers;
            (3) make no changes to air carrier or ticket agent 
        obligations with respect to--
                    (A) section 41712(c) of title 49, United States 
                Code; or
                    (B) subsections (a) and (b) of section 399.84 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
                regulations); and
            (4) require disclosures referred to in paragraphs (1) and 
        (2) to be made in the manner existing prior to the date of 
        enactment of this Act upon passenger request.
    (c) Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term ``air carrier'' 
has the meaning given such term in section 40102(a) of title 49, United 
States Code.

SEC. 514. GAO STUDY ON COMPETITION AND CONSOLIDATION IN THE AIR CARRIER 
              INDUSTRY.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study assessing 
competition and consolidation in the United States air carrier 
industry. Such study shall include an assessment of data related to--
            (1) the history of mergers in the United States air carrier 
        industry, including whether any claimed efficiencies have been 
        realized;
            (2) the effect of consolidation in the United States air 
        carrier industry, if any, on consumers;
            (3) the effect of consolidation in the United States air 
        carrier industry, if any, on air transportation service in 
        small and rural markets; and
            (4) the current state of competition in the United States 
        air carrier industry as of the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), and recommendations for such 
legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

SEC. 515. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS OF AIR 
              CARRIERS FOR CERTAIN EVENTS.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--The Comptroller General shall study and 
        assess the operational preparedness of air carriers for 
        changing weather and other events related to changing 
        conditions and natural hazards, including flooding, extreme 
        heat, changes in precipitation, storms, including winter 
        storms, coastal storms, tropical storms, and hurricanes, and 
        fire conditions.
            (2) Requirements.--As part of the study required under 
        paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall assess the 
        following:
                    (A) The extent to which air carriers are preparing 
                for weather events and natural disasters, as well as 
                changing conditions and natural hazards, that may 
                impact operational investments of air carriers, 
                staffing levels and safety policies, mitigation 
                strategies, and other resiliency planning.
                    (B) How the FAA oversees operational resilience of 
                air carriers relating to storms, natural disasters, and 
                changing conditions.
                    (C) Steps the Federal Government and air carriers 
                can take to improve operational resilience relating to 
                storms, natural disasters, and changing conditions.
    (b) Briefing and Report.--
            (1) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study 
        required under subsection (a), and recommendations for such 
        legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller 
        General determines appropriate.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the briefing 
        required by paragraph (1) is provided, the Comptroller General 
        shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
        on the results of the study required under subsection (a), and 
        recommendations for such legislative and administrative action 
        as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
    (c) Definition of Air Carrier.--In this section, the term ``air 
carrier'' has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code.

SEC. 516. FAMILY SEATING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to establish a policy directing air carriers that assign 
seats, or allow individuals to select seats in advance of the date of 
departure of a flight, to sit each young child adjacent to an 
accompanying adult, to the greatest extent practicable, if adjacent 
seat assignments are available at any time after the ticket is issued 
for each young child and before the first passenger boards the flight.
    (b) Prohibition on Fees.--The notice of proposed rulemaking 
described in subsection (a) shall include a provision that prohibits an 
air carrier from charging a fee, or imposing an additional cost beyond 
the ticket price of the additional seat, to seat each young child 
adjacent to an accompanying adult within the same class of service.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Notwithstanding the requirement in 
subsection (a), nothing in this section may be construed to allow the 
Secretary to impose a change in the overall seating or boarding policy 
of an air carrier that has an open or flexible seating policy in place 
that generally allows adjacent family seating as described under this 
section.
    (d) Young Child.--In this section, the term ``young child'' means 
an individual who has not attained 14 years of age.

SEC. 517. PASSENGER EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an advisory 
committee to advise the Secretary and the Administrator in carrying out 
activities relating to the improvement of the passenger experience in 
air transportation customer service. The advisory committee shall not 
duplicate the work of any other advisory committee.
    (b) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint the members of the 
advisory committee, which shall be comprised of at least 1 
representative of each of--
            (1) mainline air carriers;
            (2) air carriers with a low-cost or ultra-low-cost business 
        model;
            (3) regional air carriers;
            (4) large hub airport sponsors and operators;
            (5) medium hub airport sponsors and operators;
            (6) small hub airport sponsors and operators;
            (7) nonhub airport sponsors and operators;
            (8) ticket agents;
            (9) representatives of intermodal transportation companies 
        that operate at airports;
            (10) airport concessionaires;
            (11) nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in 
        consumer protection matters;
            (12) senior managers of the FAA Air Traffic Organization;
            (13) aircraft manufacturers;
            (14) entities representing individuals with disabilities;
            (15) certified labor organizations representing aviation 
        workers, including--
                    (A) FAA employees;
                    (B) airline pilots working for air carriers 
                operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations;
                    (C) flight attendants working for air carriers 
                operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations; and
                    (D) other customer-facing airline and airport 
                workers;
            (16) other organizations or industry segments as determined 
        by the Secretary; and
            (17) other Federal agencies that directly interface with 
        passengers at airports.
    (c) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the advisory committee under this 
section shall be filled in a manner consistent with subsection (b).
    (d) Travel Expenses.--Members of the advisory committee under this 
section shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
    (e) Chair.--The Secretary shall designate an individual among the 
individuals appointed under subsection (b) to serve as Chair of the 
advisory committee.
    (f) Duties.--The duties of the advisory committee shall include--
            (1) evaluating ways to improve the comprehensive passenger 
        experience, including--
                    (A) transportation between airport terminals and 
                facilities;
                    (B) baggage handling;
                    (C) wayfinding;
                    (D) the security screening process; and
                    (E) the communication of flight delays and 
                cancellations;
            (2) evaluating ways to improve efficiency in the national 
        airspace system affecting passengers;
            (3) evaluating ways to improve the cooperation and 
        coordination between the Department of Transportation and other 
        Federal agencies that directly interface with aviation 
        passengers at airports;
            (4) responding to other taskings determined by the 
        Secretary; and
            (5) providing recommendations to the Secretary and the 
        Administrator, if determined necessary during the evaluations 
        considered in paragraphs (1) through (4).
    (g) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report containing--
            (1) consensus recommendations made by the advisory 
        committee since such date of enactment or the previous report, 
        as appropriate; and
            (2) an explanation of how the Secretary has implemented 
        such recommendations and, for such recommendations not 
        implemented, the Secretary's reason for not implementing such 
        recommendation.
    (h) Definition.--The definitions in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code, shall apply to this section.
    (i) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 
2028.
    (j) Termination of DOT ACCESS Advisory Committee.--The ACCESS 
Advisory Committee of the Department of Transportation shall terminate 
on the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 518. UPDATING PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENT REGULATIONS.

    (a) ARAC Tasking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee with--
            (1) reviewing passenger information requirement regulations 
        under section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulation, 
        and such other related regulations as the Administrator 
        determines appropriate; and
            (2) making recommendations to update and improve such 
        regulations.
    (b) Final Regulation.--Not later than 6 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final regulation 
revising section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
such other related regulations as the Administrator determines 
appropriate, to--
            (1) update such section and regulations to incorporate 
        exemptions commonly issued by the Administrator;
            (2) reflect civil penalty inflation adjustments; and
            (3) incorporate such updates and improvements recommended 
        by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that the 
        Administrator determines appropriate.

SEC. 519. SEAT DIMENSIONS.

    Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) initiate a rulemaking activity based on the regulation 
        described in section 577 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
        (49 U.S.C. 42301 note); or
            (2) if the Administrator decides not to pursue the 
        rulemaking described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
        brief appropriate committees of Congress on the justification 
        of such decision.

SEC. 520. MODERNIZATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT SUBMISSIONS.

    Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
``Sec. 42302. Consumer complaints
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall--
            ``(1) maintain an accessible website through the Office of 
        Aviation Consumer Protection to accept the submission of 
        complaints from airline passengers regarding air travel service 
        problems; and
            ``(2) take appropriate actions to notify the public of such 
        accessible website.
    ``(b) Notice to Passengers on the Internet.--An air carrier or 
foreign air carrier providing scheduled air transportation using any 
aircraft that as originally designed has a passenger capacity of 30 or 
more passenger seats shall include on the accessible website of the 
carrier--
            ``(1) the accessible website, e-mail address, or telephone 
        number of the air carrier for the submission of complaints by 
        passengers about air travel service problems; and
            ``(2) the accessible website maintained pursuant to 
        subsection (a).
    ``(c) Use of Additional or Alternative Technologies.--The Secretary 
shall periodically evaluate the benefits of using mobile phone 
applications or other widely used technologies to--
            ``(1) provide additional or alternative means for air 
        passengers to submit complaints; and
            ``(2) provide such additional or alternative means as the 
        Secretary determines appropriate.
    ``(d) Air Ambulance Providers.--Each air ambulance provider shall 
include the accessible website, or a link to such accessible website, 
maintained pursuant to subsection (a) and the contact information for 
the Aviation Consumer Advocate established by section 424 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42302 note) on--
            ``(1) any invoice, bill, or other communication provided to 
        a passenger or customer of such provider; and
            ``(2) the accessible website and any related mobile device 
        application of such provider.''.

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

SEC. 541. AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--Section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
            (1) in the section heading by striking ``advisory committee 
        on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities'' and 
        inserting ``air carrier access act advisory committee'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(1) by striking subparagraph (G) and 
        inserting the following:
                    ``(G) Manufacturers of wheelchairs, including 
                powered wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.''; and
            (3) in subsection (g) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
        inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 439 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 439. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.''.

SEC. 542. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE 
              WHEELCHAIRS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to develop requirements for minimum training standards for 
airline personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who board 
or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device.
    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or 
contractors who assist passengers who use wheelchairs who board or 
deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device--
            (1) before being allowed to assist a passenger using an 
        aisle chair or other boarding device to board or deplane, be 
        able to successfully demonstrate skills (during hands-on 
        training sessions) on--
                    (A) how to safely use the aisle chair, or other 
                boarding device, including the use of all straps, 
                brakes, and other safety features;
                    (B) how to assist in the transfer of passengers to 
                and from their wheelchair, the aisle chair, and the 
                aircraft's passenger seat, either by physically lifting 
                the passenger or deploying a mechanical device for the 
                lift or transfer; and
                    (C) how to effectively communicate with, and take 
                instruction from, the passenger;
            (2) are trained regarding the availability of accessible 
        lavatories and on-board wheelchairs and the right of a 
        qualified individual with a disability to request an on-board 
        wheelchair; and
            (3) complete refresher training within 18 months of an 
        initial training and be recertified on the job every 18 months 
        thereafter by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified 
        for providing aisle chair assistance.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
            (1) whether to require air carriers and foreign air 
        carriers to partner with national disability organizations and 
        disabled veterans organizations representing individuals with 
        disabilities who use wheelchairs and scooters in developing, 
        administering, and auditing training;
            (2) whether to require air carriers and foreign air 
        carriers to use a lift device, instead of an aisle chair, to 
        board and deplane passengers with mobility disabilities; and
            (3) whether individuals able to provide boarding and 
        deplaning assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility 
        should receive training incorporating procedures from medical 
        professionals on how to properly lift these passengers.
    (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant 
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
    (e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in 
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any 
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements 
established under the final rule under subsection (d).

SEC. 543. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to develop minimum training standards related to stowage of 
wheelchairs and scooters used by passengers with disabilities on 
aircraft.
    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that personnel and 
contractors of air carriers and foreign air carriers who stow 
wheelchairs and scooters on aircraft--
            (1) before being allowed to handle or stow a wheelchair or 
        scooter, be able to successfully demonstrate skills (during 
        hands-on training sessions) on--
                    (A) how to properly handle and configure, at a 
                minimum, the most commonly used power and manual 
                wheelchairs and scooters for stowage on each aircraft 
                type operated by the air carrier or foreign air 
                carrier;
                    (B) how to properly review any wheelchair or 
                scooter information provided by the passenger or the 
                wheelchair or scooter manufacturer; and
                    (C) how to properly load, secure, and unload 
                wheelchairs and scooters, including how to use any 
                specialized equipment for loading or unloading, on each 
                aircraft type operated by the air carrier or foreign 
                air carrier; and
            (2) complete refresher training within 18 months of an 
        initial training and be recertified on the job every 18 months 
        thereafter by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified 
        for handling and stowing wheelchairs and scooters.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, whether to require air 
carriers and foreign air carriers to partner with wheelchair or scooter 
manufacturers, national disability and disabled veterans organizations 
representing individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters, and aircraft 
manufacturers, in developing, administering, and auditing training.
    (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant 
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
    (e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in 
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any 
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements 
established under the final rule under subsection (d).

SEC. 544. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER ALL.

    (a) Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require air carriers 
        to publish in a prominent and easily accessible place on the 
        public website of the air carrier, information describing the 
        relevant dimensions and other characteristics of the cargo 
        holds of all aircraft types operated by the air carrier, 
        including the dimensions of the cargo hold entry, that would 
        limit the size, weight, and allowable type of cargo.
            (2) Proprietary information.--The Secretary shall allow an 
        air carrier to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret 
        or proprietary information submitted in accordance with 
        paragraph (1), as appropriate.
    (b) Refund Required for Individual Traveling With Wheelchair.--In 
the case of a qualified individual with a disability traveling with a 
wheelchair who has purchased a ticket for a flight from an air carrier, 
but who cannot travel on the aircraft for such flight because the 
wheelchair of such qualified individual cannot be physically 
accommodated in the cargo hold of the aircraft, the Secretary shall 
require such air carrier to offer a refund to such qualified individual 
of any previously paid fares, fees, and taxes applicable to such 
flight.
    (c) Evaluation of Data Regarding Damaged Wheelchairs.--Not later 
than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall--
            (1) evaluate data regarding the type and frequency of 
        incidents of the mishandling of wheelchairs on aircraft and 
        delineate such data by--
                    (A) types of wheelchairs involved in such 
                incidents; and
                    (B) the ways in which wheelchairs are mishandled, 
                including the type of damage to wheelchairs (such as 
                broken drive wheels or casters, bent or broken frames, 
                damage to electrical connectors or wires, control input 
                devices, joysticks, upholstery or other components, 
                loss, or delay of return);
            (2) determine whether there are trends with respect to the 
        data evaluated under paragraph (1); and
            (3) make available on the public website of the Department 
        of Transportation, in an accessible manner, a report containing 
        the results of the evaluation of data and determination made 
        under paragraphs (1) and (2) and a description of how the 
        Secretary plans to address such results.
    (d) Report to Congress on Mishandled Wheelchairs.--Upon completion 
of each annual report required under subsection (c), the Secretary 
shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress such report.
    (e) Feasibility of In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems.--
            (1) Roadmap.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a publicly available 
        strategic roadmap that describes how the Department of 
        Transportation and the United States Access Board, 
        respectively, shall, in accordance with the recommendations 
        from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and 
        Mathematics Transportation Research Board Special Report 341--
                    (A) establish a program of research, in 
                collaboration with the Rehabilitation Engineering and 
                Assistive Technology Society of North America, the 
                assistive technology industry, air carriers, original 
                equipment manufacturers, national disability and 
                disabled veterans organizations, and any other relevant 
                stakeholders, to test and evaluate an appropriate 
                selection of WC19-compliant wheelchairs and accessories 
                in accordance with applicable FAA crashworthiness and 
                safety performance criteria, including the issues and 
                considerations set forth in such Special Report 341; 
                and
                    (B) sponsor studies that assess issues and 
                considerations, including those set forth in such 
                Special Report 341, such as--
                            (i) the likely demand for air travel by 
                        individuals who are nonambulatory if such 
                        individuals could remain seated in their 
                        personal wheelchairs in flight; and
                            (ii) the feasibility of implementing 
                        seating arrangements that would accommodate 
                        passengers in wheelchairs in the main cabin in 
                        flight.
            (2) Study.--If determined to be technically feasible by the 
        Secretary, not later than 2 years after making such 
        determination, the Secretary shall commence a study to assess 
        the economic and financial feasibility of air carriers and 
        foreign air carriers implementing seating arrangements that 
        accommodate passengers with wheelchairs in the main cabin 
        during flight. Such study shall include an assessment of--
                    (A) the cost of such seating arrangements, 
                equipment, and installation;
                    (B) the demand for such seating arrangements;
                    (C) the impact of such seating arrangements on 
                passenger seating and safety on aircraft;
                    (D) the impact of such seating arrangements on the 
                cost of operations and airfare; and
                    (E) any other information determined appropriate by 
                the Secretary.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
        the study under paragraph (2) is completed, the Secretary shall 
        submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a publicly 
        available report describing the results of the study conducted 
        under paragraph (2) and any recommendations the Secretary 
        determines appropriate.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
        Code.
            (2) Disability; qualified individual with a disability.--
        The terms ``disability'' and ``qualified individual with a 
        disability'' have the meanings given such terms in section 
        382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on 
        date of enactment of this Act).
            (3) Wheelchair.--The term ``wheelchair'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 37.3 of title 49, Code of Federal 
        Regulations (as in effect on date of enactment of this Act), 
        and includes power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and 
        scooters.

SEC. 545. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR AVIATION 
              CONSUMERS.

    (a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make publicly 
available, a report on aviation consumer complaints related to 
passengers with a disability filed with the Department of 
Transportation.
    (b) Contents.--Each annual report submitted under subsection (a) 
shall, at a minimum, include the following:
            (1) The number of aviation consumer complaints reported to 
        the Secretary related to passengers with a disability filed 
        with the Department of Transportation during the calendar year 
        preceding the year in which such report is submitted.
            (2) The nature of such complaints, including reported 
        issues with--
                    (A) an air carrier, including an air carrier's 
                staff training or lack thereof;
                    (B) mishandling of passengers with a disability or 
                their accessibility equipment, including mobility aids 
                and wheelchairs;
                    (C) the condition, availability, or lack of 
                accessibility of equipment operated by an air carrier 
                or a contractor of an air carrier;
                    (D) the accessibility of in-flight services, 
                including accessing and using on-board lavatories, for 
                passengers with a disability;
                    (E) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
                disability in communicating with air carrier personnel;
                    (F) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
                disability in being moved, handled, or otherwise 
                assisted;
                    (G) an air carrier changing the flight itinerary of 
                a passenger with a disability without the consent of 
                such passenger;
                    (H) issues experienced by passengers with a 
                disability traveling with a service animal; and
                    (I) such other issues as the Secretary determines 
                appropriate.
            (3) An overview of the review process for such complaints 
        received during such calendar year.
            (4) The median length of time for how quickly review of 
        such complaints was initiated by the Secretary.
            (5) The median length of time for how quickly such 
        complaints were resolved or otherwise addressed.
            (6) Of the complaints that were found to violate section 
        41705 of title 49, United States Code--
                    (A) the number of such complaints for which a 
                formal enforcement order was issued; and
                    (B) the number of such complaints for which a 
                formal enforcement order was not issued.
            (7) How many aviation consumer complaints related to 
        passengers with a disability were referred to the Department of 
        Justice for an enforcement action under--
                    (A) section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
                (29 U.S.C. 794);
                    (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
                U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); or
                    (C) any other provision of law.
            (8) How many aviation consumer complaints related to 
        passengers with a disability filed with the Department of 
        Transportation that involved airport staff (or other matters 
        under the jurisdiction of the FAA) were referred to the FAA.
            (9) The number of disability-related aviation consumer 
        complaints filed with the Department of Transportation 
        involving Transportation Security Administration staff that 
        were referred to the Transportation Security Administration or 
        the Department of Homeland Security.
    (c) Definitions.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
        definitions set forth in section 40102 of title 49, United 
        States Code, and section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, apply to this section.
            (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' means an air 
        carrier conducting passenger operations under part 121 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) Passengers with a disability.--In this section, the 
        term ``passengers with a disability'' has the meaning given the 
        term ``qualified individual with a disability'' in section 
        382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 546. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
        180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
        shall issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding 
        seating accommodations for any qualified individual with a 
        disability.
            (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 18 
        months after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed 
        rulemaking under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary 
        shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding seating 
        accommodations for any qualified individual with a disability.
            (3) Final rule.--Not later than 30 months after the date on 
        which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (B) 
        is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant 
        to the rulemaking conducted under this subsection.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the advanced notice of 
proposed rulemaking required in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall 
consider the following:
            (1) The scope and anticipated number of qualified 
        individuals with a disability who--
                    (A) may need to be seated with a companion to 
                receive assistance during a flight; or
                    (B) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other 
                seating considerations.
            (2) The types of disabilities that may need seating 
        accommodations.
            (3) Whether such qualified individuals with a disability 
        are unable to obtain, or have difficulty obtaining, appropriate 
        seating accommodations.
            (4) The scope and anticipated number of individuals 
        assisting a qualified individual with a disability who should 
        be afforded an adjoining seat pursuant to section 382.81 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (5) Any notification given to qualified individuals with a 
        disability regarding available seating accommodations.
            (6) Any method that is adequate to identify fraudulent 
        claims for seating accommodations.
            (7) Any other information determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary.
    (c) Known Service Animal Travel Pilot Program.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a pilot 
        program to allow approved program participants as known service 
        animals for purposes of exemption from the documentation 
        requirements under part 382 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, with respect to air travel with a service animal.
            (2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) be optional for a service animal accompanying a 
                qualified individual with a disability;
                    (B) provide for assistance for applicants, 
                including over-the-phone assistance, throughout the 
                application process for the program; and
                    (C) with respect to any web-based components of the 
                pilot program, meet or exceed the standards described 
                in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
                U.S.C. 794d) and the regulations implementing that Act 
                as set forth in part 1194 of title 36, Code of Federal 
                Regulations (or any successor regulations).
            (3) Consultation.--In establishing the pilot program under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with--
                    (A) disability organizations, including advocacy 
                and nonprofit organizations that represent or provide 
                services to individuals with disabilities;
                    (B) air carriers and foreign air carriers;
                    (C) accredited service animal training programs and 
                authorized registrars, such as the International Guide 
                Dog Federation, Assistance Dogs International, and 
                other similar organizations and foreign and domestic 
                governmental registrars of service animals;
                    (D) other relevant departments or agencies of the 
                Federal Government; and
                    (E) other entities determined to be appropriate by 
                the Secretary.
            (4) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the 
        pilot program under this subsection, an individual shall--
                    (A) be a qualified individual with a disability;
                    (B) require the assistance of a service animal 
                because of a disability; and
                    (C) submit an application to the Secretary at such 
                time, in such manner, and containing such information 
                as the Secretary may require.
            (5) Clarification.--The Secretary may award a grant or 
        enter into a contract or cooperative agreement in order to 
        carry out this subsection.
            (6) Nominal fee.--The Secretary may require an applicant to 
        pay a nominal fee, not to exceed $25, to participate in the 
        pilot program.
            (7) Reports to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
        establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and 
        annually thereafter until the date described in paragraph (8), 
        the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress and make publicly available report on the progress of 
        the pilot program.
            (8) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date 
        that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (d) Accredited Service Animal Training Programs and Authorized 
Registrars.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall publish and maintain, on the website of 
the Department of Transportation, a list of--
            (1) accredited programs that train service animals; and
            (2) authorized registrars that evaluate service animals.
    (e) Report to Congress on Service Animal Requests.--Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on requests for air travel with service animals, 
including--
            (1) during the reporting period, how many requests to board 
        an aircraft with a service animal were made in total, and how 
        many requests were made by qualified individuals with 
        disabilities; and
            (2) the number and percentage of such requests, categorized 
        by type of request, that were reported by air carriers or 
        foreign air carriers as--
                    (A) granted;
                    (B) denied but not fraudulent; or
                    (C) denied as fraudulent.
    (f) Training.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in consultation 
        with the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, issue 
        guidance regarding improvements to training for airline 
        personnel (including contractors) in recognizing when a 
        qualified individual with a disability is traveling with a 
        service animal.
            (2) Requirements.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1) 
        shall--
                    (A) take into account respectful engagement with 
                and assistance for individuals with a wide range of 
                visible and nonvisible disabilities;
                    (B) provide information on--
                            (i) service animal behavior and whether the 
                        service animal is appropriately harnessed, 
                        leashed, or otherwise tethered; and
                            (ii) the various types of service animals, 
                        such as guide dogs, hearing or signal dogs, 
                        psychiatric service dogs, sensory or social 
                        signal dogs, and seizure response dogs; and
                    (C) outline the rights and responsibilities of the 
                handler of the service animal.
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
        given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
        Code.
            (2) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
        has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.
            (3) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term 
        ``qualified individual with a disability'' has the meaning 
        given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
            (4) Service animal.--The term ``service animal'' has the 
        meaning given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.

SEC. 547. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS.

    (a) Applications and Information Communication Technologies.--Not 
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall, in consultation with the United States Architectural 
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, issue regulations setting 
forth minimum standards to ensure that individuals with disabilities 
are able to access customer-focused kiosks, software applications, and 
websites of air carriers, foreign air carriers, and airports, in a 
manner that is equally as effective, and has a substantially equivalent 
ease of use, as for individuals without disabilities.
    (b) Consistency With Guidelines.--The standards set forth under 
subsection (a) shall be consistent with the standards contained in the 
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA of the Web 
Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium or any 
subsequent version of such Guidelines.
    (c) Review.--
            (1) Air carrier access act advisory committee review.--The 
        Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee shall periodically 
        review, and make appropriate recommendations regarding, the 
        accessibility of websites, kiosks, and information 
        communication technology of air carriers, foreign air carriers, 
        and airports, and make such recommendations publicly available.
            (2) DOT review.--Not later than 5 years after issuing 
        regulations under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, 
        the Secretary shall--
                    (A) review the recommendations of the Air Carrier 
                Access Act Advisory Committee regarding the regulations 
                issued under this subsection; and
                    (B) update such regulations as necessary.

SEC. 548. AIRCRAFT ACCESS STANDARDS.

    (a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
            (1) Standards.--
                    (A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not 
                later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
                Act, the Secretary shall issue an advanced notice of 
                proposed rulemaking regarding standards to ensure that 
                the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is 
                accessible, in terms of design for, transportation of, 
                and communication with, individuals with disabilities, 
                including individuals who use wheelchairs.
                    (B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
                1 year after the date on which the advanced notice of 
                proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is 
                completed, the Secretary shall issue a notice of 
                proposed rulemaking regarding standards addressed in 
                subparagraph (A).
                    (C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date on which the notice of proposed rulemaking under 
                subparagraph (B) is completed, the Secretary shall 
                issue a final rule.
            (2) Covered airport, equipment, and features.--The 
        standards prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at a 
        minimum--
                    (A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
                    (B) improved procedures to ensure the priority 
                cabin stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to 
                section 382.67 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations; and
                    (C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage 
                to assistive devices.
            (3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Access 
        Board and any other relevant department or agency to determine 
        appropriate accessibility standards.
    (b) In-Flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue 
a notice of proposed rulemaking in accordance with the November 22, 
2016, resolution of the Department of Transportation ACCESS Committee 
and the consensus recommendation set forth in the Term Sheet Reflecting 
Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-Flight Entertainment.
    (c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems 
and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
            (1) Timing.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after 
                completion of the report required by section 544(e)(2), 
                and if such report finds economic and financial 
                feasibility of air carriers and foreign air carriers 
                implementing seating arrangements that accommodate 
                individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs 
                (including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and 
                scooters) in the main cabin during flight, the 
                Secretary shall conduct a negotiated rulemaking on new 
                type certificated aircraft standards for seating 
                arrangements that accommodate such individuals in the 
                main cabin during flight or an accessible route to a 
                minimum of 2 aircraft passenger seats for passengers to 
                access from personal assistive devices of such 
                individuals.
                    (B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include participation of 
                representatives of--
                            (i) air carriers;
                            (ii) aircraft manufacturers;
                            (iii) national disability organizations;
                            (iv) aviation safety experts; and
                            (v) mobility aid manufacturers.
            (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
        after the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of 
        proposed rulemaking regarding the standards described in 
        paragraph (1).
            (3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) is 
        completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule regarding the 
        standards described in paragraph (1).
            (4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and 
        rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
        consider--
                    (A) a reasonable period for the design, 
                certification, and construction of aircraft that meet 
                the requirements;
                    (B) the safety of all persons on-board the 
                aircraft, including necessary wheelchair standards and 
                wheelchair compliance with FAA crashworthiness and 
                safety performance criteria; and
                    (C) the costs of design, installation, equipage, 
                and aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet 
                equipage and fare impacts.
    (d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The Advisory 
Committee established under section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) shall examine technical solutions and 
the feasibility of visually and tactilely accessible announcements on-
board aircraft.
    (e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct consultation with 
the Access Board, prescribe regulations setting forth minimum standards 
under section 41705 of title 49, United States Code, that ensure all 
gates (including counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks 
covered under such section at airports are accessible to and usable by 
all individuals with disabilities, including through the provision of 
visually and tactilely accessible announcements and full and equal 
access to aural communications.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Access board.--The term ``Access Board'' means the 
        Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
            (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
        Code.
            (3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual 
        with a disability'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.

SEC. 549. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.

    Section 41705(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraph (1), and inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) not later than 120 days after the receipt of 
                any complaint of a violation of this section or a 
                regulation prescribed under this section, investigate 
                such complaint; and
                    ``(B) provide, in writing, to the individual that 
                filed the complaint and the air carrier or foreign air 
                carrier alleged to have violated this section or a 
                regulation prescribed under this section, the 
                determination of the Secretary with respect to--
                            ``(i) whether the air carrier or foreign 
                        air carrier violated this section or a 
                        regulation prescribed under this section;
                            ``(ii) the facts underlying the complaint; 
                        and
                            ``(iii) any action the Secretary is taking 
                        in response to the complaint.''.

SEC. 550. REMOVAL OF OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PASSENGERS WITH 
              DISABILITIES.

    (a) Sovereignty and Use of Airspace.--Section 40103(a)(2) of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``handicapped 
individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with disabilities''.
    (b) Special Prices for Foreign Air Transportation.--Section 
41511(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``handicap'' and inserting ``disability''.
    (c) Discrimination Against Individuals With Disabilities.--Section 
41705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the heading by 
striking ``handicapped individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with 
disabilities''.
    (d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
41705 and inserting the following:

``41705. Discrimination against individuals with disabilities.''.

SEC. 551. ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN AIRCRAFT CABIN.

    (a) In General.--If an individual informs an air carrier or foreign 
air carrier at the time of booking a ticket for air transportation on a 
covered aircraft that the individual requires the use of any 
wheelchair, the air carrier or foreign air carrier shall provide 
information regarding the provision and use of on-board wheelchairs, 
including the rights and responsibilities of the air carrier and 
passenger as such rights and responsibilities relate to the provision 
and use of on-board wheelchairs.
    (b) Availability of Information.--An air carrier or foreign air 
carrier that operates a covered aircraft shall provide on a publicly 
available website of the carrier information regarding the rights and 
responsibilities of both passengers on such aircraft and the air 
carrier or foreign air carrier relating to on-board wheelchairs, 
including--
            (1) that an air carrier or foreign air carrier is required 
        to equip aircraft that have more than 60 passenger seats and 
        that have an accessible lavatory (whether or not having such a 
        lavatory is required by section 382.63 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations) with an on-board wheelchair, unless an 
        exception described in such section 382.65 applies;
            (2) that a qualified individual with a disability (as 
        defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations (as in effect on date of enactment of this Act)) 
        may request an on-board wheelchair on aircraft with more than 
        60 passenger seats even if the lavatory is not accessible and 
        that the basis of such request must be that the individual can 
        use an inaccessible lavatory but cannot reach it from a seat 
        without using an on-board wheelchair;
            (3) that the air carrier or foreign air carrier may require 
        the qualified individual with a disability to provide the 
        advance notice specified in section 382.27 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, in order for the individual to be provided 
        with the on-board wheelchair; and
            (4) if the air carrier or foreign air carrier requires the 
        advance notice described in paragraph (3), information on how 
        such a qualified individual with a disability can make such a 
        request.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Applicability of terms.--The definitions contained in 
        section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, apply to this 
        section.
            (2) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means 
        an aircraft that is required to be equipped with on-board 
        wheelchairs in accordance with section 382.65 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 552. AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a program to study and 
evaluate the accessibility of new transport category aircraft designs 
certified, including, at a minimum--
            (1) considering the safe boarding and deplaning processes 
        for such aircraft, including individuals who use wheelchairs or 
        other mobility aids, are blind or have limited vision, or are 
        deaf or hard of hearing; and
            (2) determining such aircraft can provide accessible 
        lavatories.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the study and evaluation under 
this section, the Secretary shall consult with--
            (1) air carriers;
            (2) aircraft manufacturers and aerospace supply companies; 
        and
            (3) other stakeholders as determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary.
    (c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress--
            (1) a report on the findings of the study and evaluation 
        under subsection (a); and
            (2) any recommendations based on the findings of such study 
        and evaluation.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require the Secretary to require the retrofit of transport 
category aircraft based on the findings and evaluation under subsection 
(a).

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

SEC. 561. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORMS.

    (a) Reduction in Subsidy Cap.--
            (1) In general.--Section 41731(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
                    ``(C) had an average subsidy per passenger, as 
                determined by the Secretary--
                            ``(i) of less than $1,000 during the most 
                        recent fiscal year beginning before October 1, 
                        2026, regardless of driving miles to the 
                        nearest large or medium hub airport;
                            ``(ii) of less than $850 during the most 
                        recent fiscal year beginning after September 
                        30, 2026, regardless of driving miles to the 
                        nearest medium or large hub airport; and
                            ``(iii) of less than $650 during the most 
                        recent fiscal year for locations that are less 
                        than 175 miles from the nearest large or medium 
                        hub airport; and''.
            (2) Notice.--Section 41731(a)(1)(D)(ii) is amended by 
        striking ``90-day'' and inserting ``140-day''.
            (3) Waivers.--Section 41731(e) of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Waivers.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive, on an annual 
        basis, subsections (a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C)(iii) with respect to 
        an eligible place if such place demonstrates to the Secretary's 
        satisfaction that the reason the eligibility requirements of 
        such subsections are not met is due to a temporary decline in 
        demand.
            ``(2) Limitation.--Beginning with fiscal year 2027, the 
        Secretary may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(B) to 
        any location--
                    ``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
                    ``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25 
                consecutive years.
            ``(3) Limitation.--Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the 
        Secretary may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(C)(iii) 
        to any location--
                    ``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
                    ``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25 
                consecutive years.''.
            (4) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 332 of the Department of Transportation 
                and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public 
                Law 106-69; 49 U.S.C. 41731 note) is repealed.
                    (B) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 426 of the 
                FAA Modernization and Reform Act (49 U.S.C. 41731 note) 
                are repealed.
    (b) Restriction on Length of Routes.--
            (1) In general.--Section 41732(a)(1) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
            ``(1) to a medium or large hub airport less than 650 miles 
        from an eligible place (unless such airport or eligible place 
        are located in a noncontiguous State); or''.
            (2) Exception.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
        not apply to an eligible place that is served by an air carrier 
        selected to receive essential air service compensation under 
        subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, 
        if--
                    (A) such service is in effect upon the date of 
                enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) such service is provided by the same air 
                carrier that provided service on the date of enactment 
                of this Act.
            (3) Sunset.--Paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect on 
        October 1, 2028.
    (c) Improvements to Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41732 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2) by inserting ``medium or large'' 
        after ``nearest''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph 
                (3); and
                    (C) by striking paragraph (6).
    (d) Level of Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41733 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)(1)--
                    (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(B) the contractual, marketing, code-share, or interline 
        arrangements the applicant has made with a larger air carrier 
        serving the hub airport;'';
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (C);
                    (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) 
                as subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
                    (D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by 
                striking ``giving substantial weight to'' and inserting 
                ``including'';
                    (E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by 
                striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (F) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by 
                striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (G) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(F) the total compensation proposed by the air carrier 
        for providing scheduled air service under this section.''; and
            (2) in subsection (h) by striking ``by section 332 of the 
        Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
        Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-69; 113 Stat. 1022)'' 
        and inserting ``under section 41731(a)(1)(C)''.
    (e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that route 
structures to rural airports serve a critical function to the Nation by 
connecting many military installations to major regional airline hubs.
    (f) Ending, Suspending, and Reducing Basic Essential Air Service.--
Section 41734 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking ``An air carrier'' and inserting 
                ``Subject to subsection (d), an air carrier''; and
                    (B) by striking ``90'' and inserting ``140'';
            (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Continuation of Compensation After Notice Period.--
            ``(1) In general.--If an air carrier receiving compensation 
        under section 41733 for providing basic essential air service 
        to an eligible place is required to continue to provide service 
        to such place under this section after the 140-day notice 
        period under subsection (a), the Secretary--
                    ``(A) shall provide the carrier with compensation 
                sufficient to pay to the carrier the amount required by 
                the then existing contract for performing the basic 
                essential air service that was being provided when the 
                140-day notice was given under subsection (a);
                    ``(B) may pay an additional amount that represents 
                a reasonable return on investment; and
                    ``(C) may pay an additional return that recognizes 
                the demonstrated additional lost profits from 
                opportunities foregone and the likelihood that those 
                lost profits increase as the period during which the 
                carrier or provider is required to provide the service 
                continues.
            ``(2) Authority.--The Secretary may incorporate contract 
        termination penalties or conditions on compensation into a 
        contract for an air carrier to provide service to an eligible 
        place that take effect in the event an air carrier provides 
        notice that it is ending, suspending, or reducing basic 
        essential air service.'';
            (3) in subsection (e) by striking ``providing that service 
        after the 90-day notice period'' and all that follows through 
        the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting 
        ``providing that service after the 140-day notice period 
        required by subsection (a), the Secretary may provide the air 
        carrier with compensation after the end of the 140-day notice 
        period to pay for the fully allocated actual cost to the air 
        carrier of performing the basic essential air service that was 
        being provided when the 140-day notice was given under 
        subsection (a) plus a reasonable return on investment that is 
        at least 5 percent of operating costs.''; and
            (4) in subsection (f) by inserting ``air'' after ``find 
        another''.
    (g) Enhanced Essential Air Service.--Section 41735 of title 49, 
United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the 
analysis for subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (h) Compensation Guidelines, Limitations, and Claims.--Section 
41737(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary may''; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (2).
    (i) Joint Proposals.--Section 41740 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for 
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (j) Preservation of Basic Essential Air Service at Single Carrier 
Dominated Hub Airports.--Section 41744 of title 49, United States Code, 
and the item relating to such section in the analysis for subchapter II 
of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (k) Community and Regional Choice Programs.--Section 41745 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraph (E) and 
        redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E);
            (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
            (3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as 
        subsections (b) through (e), respectively.
    (l) Marketing Program.--Section 41748 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for 
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.

SEC. 562. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    Section 41743 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``10-year'' 
                and inserting ``5-year''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (5)--
                            (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) 
                        through (G) as subparagraphs (C) through (H), 
                        respectively;
                            (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) 
                        the following:
                    ``(B) the community has demonstrated support from 
                at least 1 air carrier to provide service;''; and
                            (iii) in subparagraph (F), as so 
                        redesignated, by inserting ``or substantially 
                        reduced (as measured by enplanements, capacity 
                        (seats), schedule, connections, or routes)'' 
                        after ``terminated'';
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, which shall 
                begin with each new grant, including same-project new 
                grants, and which shall be calculated on a non-
                consecutive basis for air carriers that provide air 
                service that is seasonal'' after ``3 years''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, or an airport 
                where air service has been terminated or substantially 
                reduced,'' before ``to obtain service'';
            (3) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or the 
                community's current air service needs'' after ``the 
                project''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``$10,000,000 for 
                each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and all that 
                follows through ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
                ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
                2028'';
            (4) in subsection (g)(4) by striking ``and the creation of 
        aviation development zones''; and
            (5) by striking subsections (f) and (h) and redesignating 
        subsection (g) (as amended by paragraph (4)) as subsection (f).

SEC. 563. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE 
              PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall study the effectiveness 
of the alternate essential air service pilot program established under 
section 41745 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section 
referred to as the ``Alternate EAS program''), including challenges, if 
any, that have impeded robust community participation in the Alternate 
EAS program.
    (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include an assessment of potential changes to the Alternate EAS program 
and the basic essential air service programs under subchapter II of 
chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, including changes in which 
Governors of States or territories containing essential air service 
communities would be given block grants in lieu of essential air 
service subsidies.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the study required under subsection 
(a), including any recommendations for legislation and administrative 
action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

SEC. 564. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE IN PARTS OF ALASKA.

    Not later than September 1, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation 
with the appropriate State authority of Alaska, shall review all 
domestic points in the State of Alaska that were deleted from carrier 
certificates between July 1, 1968, and October 24, 1978, and that were 
not subsequently determined to be an eligible place prior to January 1, 
1982, as a result of being unpopulated at that time due to destruction 
during the 1964 earthquake and its resultant tidal wave, to determine 
whether such points have been resettled or relocated and should be 
designated as an eligible place entitled to receive a determination of 
the level of essential air service supported, if necessary, with 
Federal funds.

SEC. 565. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE COMMUNITY PETITION FOR REVIEW.

    (a) In General.--Section 41733 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting ``, as defined by the 
        Secretary'' after ``appropriate representative of the place''; 
        and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Community Petition for Review.--
            ``(1) Petition.--An appropriate representative of an 
        eligible place, as defined by the Secretary, may submit to the 
        Secretary a petition expressing no confidence in the air 
        carrier providing basic essential air service under this 
        section and requesting a review by the Secretary. A petition 
        submitted under this subsection shall demonstrate that the air 
        carrier--
                    ``(A) is unwilling or unable to meet the 
                operational specifications outlined in the order issued 
                by the Secretary specifying the terms of basic 
                essential air service to such place;
                    ``(B) is experiencing reliability challenges with 
                the potential to adversely affect air service to such 
                place; or
                    ``(C) is no longer able to provide service to such 
                place at the rate of compensation specified by the 
                Secretary.
            ``(2) Review.--Not later than 2 months after the date on 
        which the Secretary receives a petition under paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall review the operational performance of the 
        air carrier providing basic essential air service to such place 
        that submitted such petition and determine whether such air 
        carrier is fully complying with the obligations specified in 
        the order issued by the Secretary specifying the terms of basic 
        essential air service to such place.
            ``(3) Termination.--If based on a review under paragraph 
        (2), the Secretary determines noncompliance by an air carrier 
        with an order specifying the terms for basic essential air 
        service to the community, the Secretary may--
                    ``(A) terminate the order issued to the air 
                carrier; and
                    ``(B) issue a notice pursuant to subsection (c) 
                that an air carrier may apply to provide basic 
                essential air service to such place for compensation 
                under this section and select an applicant pursuant to 
                such subsection.
            ``(4) Continuation of service.--If the Secretary makes a 
        determination under paragraph (3) to terminate an order issued 
        to an air carrier under this section, the Secretary shall 
        ensure continuity in air service to the affected place.''.

SEC. 566. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.

    Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``$155,000,000 for fiscal year 2018'' and all that follows 
through ``May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``$348,544,000 for fiscal year 
2024, $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $342,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026, $342,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and $350,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2028''.

SEC. 567. GAO STUDY ON COSTS OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the 
change in costs of the essential air service program under sections 
41731 through 41742 of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall--
            (1) assess trends in costs of the essential air service 
        program under sections 41731 through 41742 of title 49, United 
        States Code, over the 10-year period ending on the date of 
        enactment of this Act; and
            (2) review potential causes for the increased cost of the 
        essential air service program, including--
                    (A) labor costs;
                    (B) fuel costs;
                    (C) aging aircraft costs;
                    (D) air carrier opportunity costs;
                    (E) airport costs; and
                    (F) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a).

SEC. 568. RESPONSE TIME FOR APPLICATIONS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL AIR 
              SERVICE.

    The Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to respond 
with an approval or denial of any application filed by an applicant to 
provide essential air service under subchapter II of chapter 417 of 
title 49, United States Code, to the greatest extent practicable not 
later than 6 months after receiving such application. The Assistant 
General Counsel for International and Aviation Economic Law shall 
ensure the timely review of all orders proposed by the Essential Air 
Service Office, and such timeliness shall be analyzed annually by the 
General Counsel of the Department of Transportation.

SEC. 569. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN AIRPORT DELAYS.

    The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on flight delays in 
the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the possible 
causes of such delays.

SEC. 570. REPORT ON RESTORATION OF SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with 
the National Academies to conduct a study on the loss of commercial air 
service in small communities in the United States and options to 
restore such service.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), that National Academies shall--
            (1) assess the reduction of scheduled commercial air 
        service to small communities over a 5-year period ending on the 
        date of enactment of this Act, to include small communities 
        that have lost all scheduled commercial air service;
            (2) review economic trends that have resulted in reduction 
        or loss of scheduled commercial air service to such 
        communities;
            (3) review the economic losses of such communities who have 
        suffered a reduction or loss of scheduled commercial air 
        service;
            (4) identify the causes that prompted air carriers to 
        reduce or eliminate scheduled commercial air service to such 
        communities;
            (5) assess the impact of changing aircraft economics; and
            (6) identify recommendations that can be implemented by 
        such communities or Federal, State, or local agencies to aid in 
        the restoration or replacement of scheduled commercial air 
        service.
    (c) Case Studies.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the National Academies shall assess not fewer than 7 
communities that have lost commercial air service or have had 
commercial air service significantly reduced in the past 15 years, 
including--
            (1) Williamsport Regional Airport;
            (2) Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport; and
            (3) Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Secretary and the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
            (1) the results of the study described in subsection (a); 
        and
            (2) recommendations to Congress and communities on action 
        that can be taken to improve or restore scheduled commercial 
        service to small communities.
    (e) Funding.--No funding made available to carry out subchapter II 
of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, may be used to carry 
out this section.

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

SEC. 601. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.

    (a) In General.--Not later than January 1, 2025, the Administrator 
shall expedite the installation of at least 15 instrument landing 
systems (in this section referred to as ``ILS'') in the national 
airspace system by utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle and the 
employees of the FAA.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) incorporate lessons learned from installations under 
        section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code;
            (2) record metrics of cost and time savings of expedited 
        installations;
            (3) consider opportunities to further develop ILS technical 
        expertise among the employees of the FAA; and
            (4) consider the cost-benefit analysis of utilizing the 
        existing ILS contract vehicle, the employees of the FAA, or 
        both, to accelerate the installation and deployment of procured 
        equipment.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than June 30, 2025, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress--
            (1) on the installation of ILS under this section;
            (2) describing any planned near-term ILS installations; and
            (3) outlining the approach of the FAA to accelerate future 
        procurement and installation of ILS throughout the national 
        airspace system in a manner consistent with the requirements of 
        title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and 
        Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).

SEC. 602. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate a study examining the effects of 
reclassifying navigation aids to Design Assurance Level-A from Design 
Assurance Level-B, including the following navigation aids:
            (1) Distance measuring equipment.
            (2) Very high frequency omni-directional range.
            (3) Tactical air navigation.
            (4) Wide area augmentation system.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall address--
            (1) the cost-benefit analyses associated with the 
        reclassification described in such subsection;
            (2) the findings from the operational safety assessments 
        and preliminary hazard analyses of the navigation aids listed 
        in such subsection;
            (3) the risks of such reclassification on navigation aid 
        equipment currently in use;
            (4) the potential impacts on global interoperability of 
        navigational aids; and
            (5) what additional actions should be taken based on the 
        findings of this subsection.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 603. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW.

    (a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2026, the 
Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National 
Academy of Public Administration to initiate a review to assess the 
performance of the FAA in delivering and implementing quantifiable 
operational benefits to the national airspace system within the NextGen 
program.
    (b) Review Requirements.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration shall--
            (1) leverage metrics used by the FAA to quantify the 
        benefits of NextGen technology and investments;
            (2) validate metrics and identify additional metrics the 
        FAA can use to track national airspace system throughput and 
        savings as a result of NextGen investments--
                    (A) by calculating a per flight average, weighted 
                by distance, of the--
                            (i) reduction and cumulative savings of 
                        track miles and time savings;
                            (ii) reduction and cumulative savings of 
                        emissions and fuel burn; and
                            (iii) reduction of aircraft operation time; 
                        and
                    (B) by using any other metrics that the National 
                Academy determines may provide insights into the 
                quantifiable benefits for operators in the national 
                airspace system; and
            (3) validate current metrics and identify additional 
        metrics the FAA can use to track and assess fleet equipage 
        across operators in the national airspace system, including 
        identifying--
                    (A) the percentage of aircraft equipped with 
                NextGen avionics equipment as recommended in the report 
                of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum 
                Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 
                Report'', issued on November 17, 2020;
                    (B) quantified costs and benefits for an operator 
                to properly equip an aircraft with baseline NextGen 
                avionics equipment over the lifecycle of such aircraft; 
                and
                    (C) cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits 
                associated with rates of mixed equipage across 
                operators.
    (c) Industry Consultation.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration may 
consult with aviation industry stakeholders.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the initiation of the 
review under subsection (a), the National Academy shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing any findings and recommendations under such review.
    (e) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the 
report required under subsection (d), the Administrator shall establish 
a website of the FAA that can be used to monitor and update--
            (1) the metrics identified by the review conducted under 
        subsection (a) on a quarterly and annual basis through 2030, as 
        appropriate; and
            (2) the total amount invested in NextGen technologies and 
        resulting quantifiable benefits on a quarterly basis until the 
        Administrator announces the completion of NextGen 
        implementation.

SEC. 604. AIRSPACE ACCESS.

    (a) Coalescing Airspace.--
            (1) Review of national airspace system.--Not later than 3 
        years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
        Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, 
        shall conduct a comprehensive review of the airspace of the 
        national airspace system, including special use airspace.
            (2) Streamlining and expediting access.--In carrying out 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall identify methods to 
        streamline, expedite, and provide greater flexibility of access 
        to certain categories of airspace for users of the national 
        airspace system who may not regularly have such access.
    (b) Briefing.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 months after the 
        completion of review the under subsection (a), the 
        Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
        Congress on the findings of such review and a proposed action 
        plan to improve access to airspace for users of the national 
        airspace system.
            (2) Contents.--In the briefing under paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall include, at a minimum, the following:
                    (A) An identification of current challenges and 
                barriers faced by airspace users in accessing certain 
                categories of airspace, including special use airspace.
                    (B) An evaluation of existing procedures, 
                regulations, and requirements that may impede or delay 
                access to certain categories of airspace for certain 
                users of the national airspace system.
                    (C) Actions for streamlining and expediting the 
                airspace access process, including potential regulatory 
                changes, technological advancements, and enhanced 
                coordination among relevant stakeholders and Federal 
                agencies.
                    (D) If determined appropriate, an implementation 
                plan for a framework that allows for temporary access 
                to certain categories of airspace, including special 
                use airspace, by users of the national airspace system 
                who do not have regular access to such airspace.
                    (E) An assessment of the impact of airspace access 
                improvements described in paragraph (1) on the safety 
                of, efficiency of, and economic opportunities for 
                airspace users, including--
                            (i) military operators;
                            (ii) commercial operators; and
                            (iii) general aviation operators.
            (3) Implementation and follow-up.--
                    (A) Action plan.--The Administrator shall take such 
                actions as are necessary to implement the action plan 
                developed pursuant to this section.
                    (B) Coordination.--In implementing the action plan 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall 
                coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including 
                airspace users and the Secretary of Defense, to ensure 
                effective implementation of such action plan, and 
                ongoing collaboration in addressing airspace access 
                challenges.
                    (C) Progress reports.--The Administrator shall 
                provide to the appropriate committees of Congress 
                periodic briefings on the implementation of the action 
                plan developed under this subparagraph (A), including 
                updates on--
                            (i) the adoption of streamlined procedures;
                            (ii) technological enhancements; and
                            (iii) any regulatory changes necessary to 
                        improve airspace access and flexibility.

SEC. 605. FAA CONTRACT TOWER WORKFORCE AUDIT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the workforce needs of the 
Contract Tower Program, as established under section 47124 of title 49, 
United States Code.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit required under subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall, at a minimum--
            (1) review the assumptions and methodologies used in 
        assessing FAA contract towers staffing levels and determine the 
        adequacy of staffing levels at such towers;
            (2) evaluate the supply and demand of trained and 
        certificated personnel prepared for work and such towers;
            (3) examine efforts to establish an air traffic controller 
        training program or curriculum to allow contract tower 
        contractors to conduct--
                    (A) initial training of controller candidates 
                employed or soon to be employed by such contractors who 
                do not have a Control Tower Operator certificate or a 
                FAA tower credential;
                    (B) any initial training for controller candidates 
                who have completed an approved Air Traffic Collegiate 
                Training Initiative program from an accredited school 
                that has a demonstrated successful curriculum; or
                    (C) on-the-job training of such candidates 
                described in subparagraphs (A) or (B);
            (4) assess whether establishing pathways to allow contract 
        tower contractors to use the air traffic technical training 
        academy of the FAA, or other means such as higher educational 
        institutions, to provide initial technical training for air 
        traffic controllers employed by such contractors could improve 
        the workforce needs of the contract tower program and any 
        related impact such training may have on air traffic controller 
        staffing more broadly; and
            (5) consult with the exclusive bargaining representative of 
        the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of 
        title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the 
audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of such 
audit and any recommendations as a result of such audit.
    (d) Implementation.--The Administrator shall take such actions as 
are necessary to implement any recommendations included in the report 
required under subsection (c) with which the Administrator concurs.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
construed as a delegation of authority by the Administrator to air 
traffic control contractors for the purposes of issuing initial 
certifications to air traffic controllers.

SEC. 606. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER SAFETY.

    In designing, adopting a design, or constructing an air traffic 
control tower based on a previously adopted design, the Administrator 
shall prioritize the safety of the national airspace system, the safety 
of employees of the Administration, the operational reliability of such 
air traffic control tower, and the costs of such tower.

SEC. 607. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES DATA REPORTS.

    Section 45303(g)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ``8 years'' and inserting ``14 years''.

SEC. 608. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.

    In selecting projects for the replacement of federally owned air 
traffic control towers from funds made available under the heading 
``Federal Aviation Administration--Facilities and Equipment'' in title 
VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(Public Law 117-58), the Administrator shall consider selecting 
projects at small hub commercial service airports with control towers 
that are at least 50 years old.

SEC. 609. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.

    (a) Pilot Program.--
            (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a 
        pilot program to award grants to air traffic flow management 
        technology providers to develop prototype capabilities to 
        incorporate flight profile optimization (in this section 
        referred to as ``FPO'') into the trajectory based-operations 
        air traffic flow management system of the FAA.
            (2) Considerations.--In establishing the pilot program 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the 
        following:
                    (A) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities 
                may reduce strain on the national airspace system 
                infrastructure while facilitating safe and efficient 
                flow of future air traffic volumes and diverse range of 
                aircraft and advanced aviation aircraft.
                    (B) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities 
                may achieve environmental benefits and time savings.
                    (C) The perspectives of FAA employees responsible 
                for air traffic flow management development projects, 
                bilateral civil aviation regulatory partners, and 
                industry applicants on the performance of the FAA in 
                carrying out air traffic flow management system 
                development projects.
                    (D) Any other information the Administrator 
                determines appropriate.
            (3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        the program, an air traffic flow management technology provider 
        shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, 
        in such manner, and containing such information as the 
        Administrator may require.
            (4) Maximum amount.--A grant awarded under the program may 
        not exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic flow management 
        technology provider.
    (b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of 
the pilot program under subsection (d) established under this section, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the progress of such pilot program, including any implementation 
challenges of the program, detailed metrics of the program, and any 
recommendations to achieve the adoption of FPO.
    (c) Trajectory-based Operations Defined.--In this section, the term 
``trajectory-based operations'' means an air traffic flow management 
method for strategically planning, managing, and optimizing flights 
that uses time-based management, performance-based navigation, and 
other capabilities and processes to achieve air traffic flow management 
operational objectives and improvements.
    (d) Sunset.--The pilot program under this section shall terminate 
on October 1, 2028.

SEC. 610. EXTENSION OF ENHANCED AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM.

    Section 547 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 
note) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Certain nextgen avionics.--The term `certain NextGen 
        avionics' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as 
        recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee 
        titled `Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 
        19-1 Report', issued on November 17, 2020.
            ``(2) Preferential basis.--The term `preferential basis' 
        means prioritizing aircraft equipped with certain NextGen 
        avionics by providing them more efficient service, shorter 
        queuing, or priority clearances to the maximum extent possible 
        without reducing overall capacity or safety of the national 
        airspace system.''; and
            (2) in subsection (e) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
        inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 611. FEDERAL CONTACT TOWER WAGE DETERMINATIONS AND POSITIONS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall request that the Secretary of 
Labor--
            (1) review and update, as necessary, including to account 
        for cost-of-living adjustments, the basis for the wage 
        determination for air traffic controllers who are employed at 
        air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower 
        Program established under section 47124 of title 49, United 
        States Code;
            (2) reassess the basis for air traffic controller 
        occupation codes;
            (3) create a new wage determination category or occupation 
        code for managers of air traffic controllers who are employed 
        at air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower 
        Program; and
            (4) consult with the Administrator in carrying out the 
        requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
includes--
            (1) a description of the findings and conclusions of the 
        review and reassessment made under subsection (a);
            (2) an explanation of and justification for the basis for 
        the wage determination; and
            (3) a description of the actions taken by the Department of 
        Transportation and the Department of Labor to ensure that 
        contract tower air traffic controller wages are adjusted for 
        inflation and are assigned the appropriate occupation codes.

SEC. 612. BRIEFING ON RADIO COMMUNICATIONS COVERAGE AROUND MOUNTAINOUS 
              TERRAIN.

    (a) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the radio communications coverage within the 
airspace surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport in Mena, 
Arkansas.
    (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
            (1) The radio communications coverage within the airspace 
        surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport with the 
        applicable Air Route Traffic Control Center.
            (2) The altitudes at which radio communications 
        capabilities are lost within such airspace.
            (3) Recommendations on changes to increase radio 
        communications coverage below 4,000 feet above ground level 
        within such airspace.

SEC. 613. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

    (a) Satellite Voice Communications Services.--The Administrator 
shall evaluate the addition of satellite voice communication services 
(in this section referred to as ``SatVoice'') to the Aeronautical 
Mobile Communications program (in this section referred to as the 
``AMCS program'') that provides for the delivery of air traffic control 
messages in oceanic and remote continental airspace.
    (b) Analysis and Implementation Procedures.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin 
to develop the safety case analysis and implementation procedures for 
SatVoice instructions over the controlled oceanic and remote 
continental airspace regions of the FAA.
    (c) Requirements.--The analysis and implementation procedures 
required under subsection (b) shall include, at a minimum, the 
following:
            (1) Network and protocol testing and integration with 
        satellite service providers.
            (2) Operational testing with aircraft to identify and 
        resolve performance issues.
            (3) A definition of Satcom Standards and Recommended 
        Practices established through a collaboration with the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization, which shall include 
        an RCP-130 performance standard as well as SatVoice standards.
            (4) Training for radio operators on new operation 
        procedures and protocols.
            (5) A phased implementation plan for incorporating SatVoice 
        services into the AMCS program.
            (6) The estimated cost of the implementation procedures for 
        relevant stakeholders.
    (d) HF/VHF Minimum Equipage.--
            (1) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to affect the HF/VHF equipage requirement for 
        communications in oceanic and remote continental airspace as of 
        the date of enactment of this Act.
            (2) Maintenance of hf/vhf services.--The Administrator 
        shall maintain HF/VHF services existing as of the date of 
        enactment of this Act as minimum equipage under the AMCS 
        program to provide for auxiliary communication and maintain 
        safety in the event of a satellite outage.

SEC. 614. DELIVERY OF CLEARANCE TO PILOTS VIA INTERNET PROTOCOL.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot 
program to conduct testing and an evaluation to determine the 
feasibility of the use, in air traffic control towers, of technology 
for mobile clearance delivery for general aviation and on-demand air 
carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, at suitable airports that do not have tower data link 
services.
    (b) Airport Selection.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate 5 
        suitable airports for participation in the program established 
        under subsection (a) after consultation with the exclusive 
        representatives of air traffic controllers certified under 
        section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, airport sponsors, 
        aircraft and avionics manufacturers, MITRE, and aircraft 
        operators
            (2) Airport size and complexity.--In designating airports 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall designate airports 
        of different size and complexity.
    (c) Program Objective.--The program established under subsection 
(a) shall address and include safety, security, and operational 
requirements for mobile clearance delivery at airports and heliports 
across the United States.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
program under subsection (a) is established, the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
safety, security, and operational performance of mobile clearance 
delivery at airports pursuant to this section and recommendations on 
how best to improve the program.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Mobile clearance delivery.--The term ``mobile clearance 
        delivery'' means the delivery of access to departure clearance 
        and clearance cancellation via internet protocol via 
        applications to pilots while aircraft are on the ground where 
        traditional data link installations are not feasible or 
        possible.
            (2) Tower data link services.--The term ``tower data link 
        services'' means communications between controllers and pilots 
        using controller-pilot data link communications.
            (3) Suitable airport.--The term ``suitable airport'' means 
        towered airports, non-towered airports, and heliports.

SEC. 615. STUDY ON CONGESTED AIRSPACE.

    (a) Study.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
efficiency and efficacy of scheduled commercial air service transiting 
congested airspace.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
            (1) various regions of congested airspace and the differing 
        factors of such regions;
            (2) commercial air service;
            (3) military flight activity;
            (4) emergency response activity;
            (5) commercial space launch and reentry activities;
            (6) weather; and
            (7) air traffic controller staffing.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the initiation of the 
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study 
and recommendations to reduce the impacts to scheduled air service 
transiting congested airspace.

SEC. 616. BRIEFING ON LIT VORTAC PROJECT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the Little Rock Port Authority Very High 
Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid 
Project (in this section referred to as ``LIT VORTAC'').
    (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
            (1) The status of the efforts by the FAA to relocate the 
        LIT VORTAC.
            (2) The status of new flight planning of the relocated LIT 
        VORTAC.
            (3) A description of and timeline for each remaining phase 
        of the relocation of the LIT VORTAC.

SEC. 617. SURFACE SURVEILLANCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct

              
 a review of surface surveillance systems that are operational as of 
such date of enactment.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) demonstrate that any change to the configuration of 
        surface surveillance systems or decommissioning of a sensor 
        from such systems provides an equivalent level of safety as the 
        current system;
            (2) determine how a technology refresh of legacy sensor 
        equipment can reduce operational and maintenance costs of 
        surface surveillance systems compared to current costs and 
        extend the useful life and affordability of such systems; and
            (3) consider how to enhance such systems through new 
        capabilities and software tools that improve the safety of 
        terminal airspace and the airport surface.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consult with--
            (1) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
        surface surveillance technology, including multilateration and 
        automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast;
            (2) representatives of the exclusive bargaining 
        representative of the air traffic controllers certified under 
        section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, with expertise in 
        surface safety; and
            (3) representatives of the exclusive bargaining 
        representative of airway transportation systems specialists of 
        the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States 
        Code.
    (d) Briefing.--Upon completion of the review under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the findings of such review.
    (e) Implementation.--The Administrator may implement changes to 
surface surveillance systems consistent with the findings of the review 
described in subsection (d).

SEC. 618. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.

    (a) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``development and 
        location of air navigation facilities'' and inserting 
        ``development of air navigation facilities and services''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``and development'' and inserting 
                ``procurement, and development'' each place it appears;
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``facilities and 
                equipment'' and inserting ``facilities, services, and 
                equipment'';
                    (C) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A) by striking ``first and 2d years'' and 
                        inserting ``first and second years''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking 
                        ``subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause'' and 
                        inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B)'';
                    (D) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``the 3d, 4th, and 5th'' 
                        and inserting ``the third, fourth, and fifth''; 
                        and
                            (ii) by striking ``systems and facilities'' 
                        and inserting ``systems, services, and 
                        facilities''; and
                    (E) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``growth of 
                aviation'' and inserting ``growth of the aerospace 
                industry''.
    (b) Systems, Procedures, Facilities, Services, and Devices.--
            (1) In general.--Section 44505 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the section heading by striking ``and 
                devices'' and inserting ``services, and devices'';
                    (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``and devices'' 
                and inserting ``services, and devices'' each place it 
                appears; and
                    (C) in subsection (b) by striking ``develop dynamic 
                simulation models'' and inserting ``develop or procure 
                dynamic simulation models and tools'' each place it 
                appears.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 44505 and inserting the following:

``44505. Systems, procedures, facilities, services, and devices.''.

SEC. 619. NEXTGEN PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the Administrator 
determines appropriate, the Administrator shall convene FAA officials 
to evaluate and expedite the implementation of NextGen programs and 
capabilities.
    (b) Nextgen Program Prioritization.--In allocating amounts 
appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, the Secretary shall give priority to the following activities:
            (1) Performance-based navigation.
            (2) Data communications.
            (3) Terminal flight data manager.
            (4) Aeronautical information management.
            (5) Other activities as recommended by the NextGen Advisory 
        Committee and determined by the Administrator to be 
        appropriate.
    (c) Performance-based Navigation.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement 
        performance-based navigation procedures for all terminal and 
        enroute routes, including approach and departure procedures for 
        covered airports.
            (2) Specific procedures.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-based 
        navigation procedures:
                    (A) Trajectory-based operations.
                    (B) Optimized profile descents.
                    (C) Multiple airport route separation.
                    (D) Established on required navigation performance.
                    (E) Converging runway display aids.
            (3) Performance-based navigation baseline equipage 
        requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator 
        shall issue such regulations as may be required, and publish 
        applicable advisory circulars, to establish the equipage 
        baseline appropriate for aircraft to safely use performance-
        based navigation procedures.
            (4) Utilization action plan.--Not later than 180 days after 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in consultation 
        with certified labor representatives of air traffic controllers 
        and the NextGen Advisory Committee, develop an action plan to 
        utilize performance-based navigation procedures as a primary 
        means of navigation to further reduce the dependency on legacy 
        systems within the national airspace system.
    (d) Data Communications.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement 
        the use of data communications.
            (2) Specific capabilities.--In carrying out subsection (a) 
        and this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the 
        following data communications capabilities:
                    (A) Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface 
                aircraft operations and runway safety at airports.
                    (B) Automated message generation and receipt.
                    (C) Message routing and transmission.
                    (D) Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
                    (E) Implementation of data communications at all 
                Air Route Traffic Control Centers.
                    (F) The Future Air Navigation System.
    (e) Terminal Flight Data Manager and Other Systems.--
            (1) Terminal flight data manager.--Not later than 4 years 
        after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
        shall install the Terminal Flight Data Manager system at not 
        less than 89 airports in the United States based on the highest 
        number of annual aircraft operations or a determination of 
        operational need and the impact of installation and deployment 
        on the national airspace system.
            (2) Electronic flight strips.--At a minimum, the 
        Administrator shall implement electronic flight strips at the 
        air traffic control towers of airports described in paragraph 
        (1).
            (3) Flow management data and services.--Not later than 4 
        years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the 
        Administrator finds that Terminal Flight Data Manager systems 
        would be beneficial to safety or efficiency, the Administrator 
        shall install Flow Management Data and Services at airports 
        described under paragraph (1).
            (4) Appropriations.--The activities under paragraphs (1), 
        (2), and (3) of this subsection shall be contingent on the 
        appropriation of funds to carry out this subsection.
    (f) Aeronautical Information Management Systems.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully modernize 
        the aeronautical information management systems of the FAA to 
        improve the functionality, useability, durability, and 
        reliability of such systems used in the national airspace 
        system.
            (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall--
                    (A) improve the distribution of critical safety 
                information to pilots, air traffic control, and other 
                relevant aviation stakeholders;
                    (B) fully develop and implement the Enterprise 
                Information Display System; and
                    (C) notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical 
                information management system, restructure the back-up 
                systems of aeronautical information management systems 
                to be independent and self-sufficient from one another.
    (g) Nextgen Equipage Plan.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 14 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 2-year 
        implementation plan to further incentivize the acceleration of 
        the equipage rates of certain NextGen avionics within the 
        fleets of air carriers (as such term is defined in section 
        40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
            (2) Contents.--In developing the plan required under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
                    (A) provide for further implementation and 
                deployment of NextGen operational improvements to 
                incentivize universal equipage of commercial and 
                regional aircraft with certain NextGen avionics;
                    (B) identify any remaining barriers for operators 
                of commercial and regional aircraft to properly equip 
                such aircraft with certain NextGen avionics, including 
                any methods to address such barriers;
                    (C) provide for the use of the best methods to 
                highlight and enhance to operators of commercial and 
                regional aircraft the benefits of equipping such 
                aircraft with certain NextGen avionics; and
                    (D) include in such plan any equipage guidelines 
                and regulations the Administrator determines necessary 
                and appropriate.
            (3) Consultation.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall consult with representatives 
        from--
                    (A) trade associations representing air carriers;
                    (B) trade associations representing avionics 
                manufacturers;
                    (C) certified labor organizations representing air 
                traffic controllers; and
                    (D) any other representatives the Administrator 
                determines appropriate.
            (4) Submission of plan.--Not later than 15 months after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
        to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan required 
        under this subsection.
            (5) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate 
        such actions necessary to implement the plan developed under 
        paragraph (1), including initiating any required rulemaking.
            (6) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``certain 
        NextGen avionics'' means those avionics and baseline 
        capabilities as recommended in the report of the NextGen 
        Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad 
        Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 Report'', issued on November 17, 2020.
    (h) Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.--
            (1) Notification of congress.--For each deadline 
        established under subsections (a) through (g), if the 
        Administrator determines that the Administrator has not met or 
        will not meet each such deadline, the Administrator shall, not 
        later than 30 days after such determination, notify the 
        appropriate committees of Congress about the failure to meet 
        each deadline.
            (2) Contents of notification.--Each notification under 
        paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
                    (A) An explanation as to why the Administrator will 
                not or did not meet the deadline described in such 
                paragraph.
                    (B) A description of the actions the Administrator 
                plans to take to meet the deadline described in such 
                paragraph.
                    (C) Actions Congress can take to assist the 
                Administrator in meeting the deadline described in such 
                paragraph.
            (3) Briefing.--If the Administrator is required to provide 
        notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide the 
        appropriate committees of Congress quarterly briefings as to 
        the progress made by the Administrator regarding implementation 
        under the respective subsection for which the deadline will not 
        be or was not met until such time as the Administrator has 
        completed the required work under such subsection.
    (i) NextGen Advisory Committee Consultation.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult and task 
        the NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations 
        on ways to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement the 
        NextGen program to realize the operational benefits of such 
        programs.
            (2) Considerations.--In providing recommendations under 
        paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall consider--
                    (A) air traffic throughput of the national airspace 
                system;
                    (B) daily operational performance, including delays 
                and cancellations; and
                    (C) the potential need for performance-based 
                operational metrics related to the NextGen program and 
                subsequent air traffic modernization programs and 
                efforts.

SEC. 620. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.

    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(3) by adding at the end the 
        following:
                    ``(H) Period for completion of an operational 
                readiness inspection.--The Secretary shall provide 
                airport sponsors acting in good faith 7 years to 
                complete an operational readiness inspection after 
                receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio of air traffic 
                control services for an airport.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Improving Controller Situational Awareness.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow air 
        traffic controllers at towers operated under the Contract Tower 
        Program to use approved advanced equipment and technologies to 
        improve operational situational awareness, including Standard 
        Terminal Automation Replacement System radar displays, 
        Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, Flight Data Input/
        Output, and Automatic Terminal Information System.
            ``(2) Installation and maintenance.--Not later than 2 years 
        after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary 
        shall allow airports to--
                    ``(A) procure a Standard Terminal Automation 
                Replacement System or any equivalent system through the 
                Federal Aviation Administration, and install and 
                maintain such system using Administration services; or
                    ``(B) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation 
                Replacement System, or any equivalent system, and 
                install and maintain such system using services 
                directly from an original equipment manufacturer.
            ``(3) Requirements.--To help facilitate the integration of 
        the equipment and technology described in paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary--
                    ``(A) shall establish minimum performance and 
                technical standards that ensure the safe use of 
                equipment and technology, including commercial radar 
                displays capable of displaying primary and secondary 
                radar targets, for use by controllers in contract 
                towers to improve situational awareness;
                    ``(B) shall identify approved vendors for such 
                equipment and technology, to the maximum extent 
                practicable;
                    ``(C) shall establish, in consultation with 
                contract tower operators, an appropriate training 
                program to periodically train air traffic controllers 
                employed by such operators to ensure proper and 
                efficient integration and use of the situational 
                awareness equipment and technology described in 
                paragraph (1) into contract tower operations;
                    ``(D) may add Standard Terminal Automation 
                Replacement System equipment or any equivalent system 
                to the minimum level of equipage necessary for Federal 
                contract towers to perform the function of such towers, 
                as applicable; and
                    ``(E) shall require that any technology, system, or 
                equipment procured pursuant to this subsection be 
                procured using non-Federal funds, except as made 
                available under a grant issued pursuant to 47124(b)(4).
    ``(g) Liability Insurance.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult 
        with aviation industry experts, including air traffic control 
        contractors and aviation insurance professionals, to determine 
        adequate limits of liability for the Contract Tower Program.
            ``(2) Interim steps.--Not later than 6 months after the 
        date of enactment of this subsection and until the Secretary 
        makes a determination on liability limits under paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall require air traffic control contractors to 
        have excess liability insurance (as determined by the 
        Secretary) to ensure continuity of such coverage should a major 
        accident occur.
            ``(3) Briefing.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
        enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall brief the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
        of the Senate on the findings, conclusions, and actions taken 
        and planned to be taken to carry out this subsection.''.

SEC. 621. REMOTE TOWERS.

    (a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended--
            (1) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the 
        Federal Aviation Administration shall create a program and 
        publish milestones to achieve system design and operational 
        approval for a remote tower system.
            ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) rely on support from the Office of Airports 
                of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Air 
                Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation 
                Administration, including the Air Traffic Services 
                Service Unit and the Technical Operations Service Unit;
                    ``(B) consult with relevant stakeholders, as the 
                Administrator determines appropriate;
                    ``(C) establish requirements for the system design 
                and operational approval of remote towers, including--
                            ``(i) visual siting processes and 
                        requirements for electro-optical sensors;
                            ``(ii) datalink latency requirements;
                            ``(iii) visual presentation design 
                        requirements for monitors used to display 
                        sensor and camera feeds; and
                            ``(iv) any other wireless 
                        telecommunications infrastructure requirements 
                        to enable the operation of such towers;
                    ``(D) use a safety risk management panel process to 
                address any safety issues with respect to a remote 
                tower;
                    ``(E) if a remote tower is intended to be installed 
                at a non-towered airport, assess the safety benefits of 
                the remote tower against the lack of an existing tower;
                    ``(F) allow the use of surface surveillance 
                technology, either standalone or integrated into the 
                visual automation platform, as a situational awareness 
                tool;
                    ``(G) establish protocols for contingency 
                operations and procedures in the event of remote tower 
                technology failures and malfunctions; and
                    ``(H) support active testing of a remote tower 
                system that has achieved system design approval by the 
                William J. Hughes Technical Center at an airport that 
                has installed remote tower infrastructure to support 
                such system.
            ``(3) System design approval and evaluation process.--Not 
        later than December 31, 2024, the Administrator shall expand 
        the system design approval and evaluation process for a digital 
        or remote tower system to not less than 3 airports at which a 
        digital or remote tower will be installed or operated at 
        airports not located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center 
        and using the criteria under section 161 of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note), to the 
        extent the Administrator has willing technology providers and 
        airports interested in the installation and operation of such 
        towers.
            ``(4) Preservation of existing design approvals.--Nothing 
        in this subsection shall be construed to invalidate any system 
        design approval activity carried out by the William J. Hughes 
        Technical Center prior to the date of enactment of this 
        subsection.
            ``(5) Prioritization for remote tower certification.--In 
        carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall prioritize system design and operational 
        approval for a remote tower system at--
                    ``(A) airports that do not have a permanent air 
                traffic control tower at the time of application;
                    ``(B) airports that would provide small and rural 
                community air service; or
                    ``(C) airports that have been newly accepted as of 
                the date of enactment of this subsection into the 
                Contract Tower Program.''.
    (b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter through October 
1, 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress on--
            (1) the status of remote and digital tower projects in the 
        system design approval and commissioning process;
            (2) the effectiveness and adequacy of the pilot program 
        established under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note); and
            (3) any other issues related to the demand for and 
        potential use of remote tower technology that the Administrator 
        determines are appropriate.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 47124(b) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(B)(ii) by inserting ``or a remote air 
        traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design 
        Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after ``an 
        operating air traffic control tower''; and
            (2) in paragraph (4)(A)--
                    (A) in clause (i)(III) by inserting ``or remote air 
                traffic control tower equipment that has received 
                System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation 
                Administration'' after ``certified by the Federal 
                Aviation Administration''; and
                    (B) in clause (ii)(III) by inserting ``or remote 
                air traffic control tower equipment that has received 
                System Design Approval from the Federal Aviation 
                Administration'' after ``certified by the Federal 
                Aviation Administration''.
    (d) Extension.--Section 161(a)(10) of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 622. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate an audit of all 
legacy systems of the national airspace system to determine the level 
of operational risk, functionality, and security of such systems and 
the compatibility of such systems with current and future technology.
    (b) Scope of Audit.--The audit required under subsection (a)--
            (1) shall be conducted by an independent third-party 
        contractor or a federally funded research and development 
        center selected by the Administrator;
            (2) shall include an assessment of whether a legacy system 
        is an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy 
        system;
            (3) with respect to any legacy systems identified in the 
        audit as an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy 
        system, shall include--
                    (A) an analysis of the operational risks associated 
                with using such legacy systems;
                    (B) recommendations for replacement or enhancement 
                of such legacy systems; and
                    (C) an analysis of any potential impact on aviation 
                safety and efficiency; and
            (4) shall include recommended performance metrics by which 
        the Administrator can assess the circumstances in which safety-
        critical communication, navigation, and surveillance aviation 
        infrastructure within the national airspace system can remain 
        in operational service, which take into account--
                    (A) the expected lifespan of such aviation 
                infrastructure;
                    (B) the number and type of mechanical failures of 
                such aviation infrastructure;
                    (C) the average annual costs of maintaining such 
                aviation infrastructure over a 5-year period and 
                whether such costs exceed the cost to replace such 
                aviation infrastructure; and
                    (D) the availability of replacement parts or labor 
                capable of maintaining such aviation infrastructure.
    (c) Deadline.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the audit required under subsection (a) shall be 
completed.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the audit required under 
subsection (a) is completed, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and 
recommendations of such audit, including--
            (1) an inventory of the legacy systems in use;
            (2) an assessment of the operational condition of the 
        legacy systems in use, including the interoperability of such 
        systems;
            (3) the average age of such legacy systems and, for each 
        such legacy system, the intended design life of the system, by 
        type; and
            (4) the availability of replacement parts, equipment, or 
        technology to maintain such legacy systems.
    (e) Plan to Accelerate Drawdown, Replacement, or Enhancement of 
Identified Legacy Systems.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
        which the Administrator provides the report under subsection 
        (d), the Administrator shall develop and implement a plan, in 
        consultation with industry representatives, to accelerate the 
        drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of any legacy systems 
        that are identified in the audit required under subsection (a) 
        as outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy systems.
            (2) Priorities.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall prioritize the drawdown, 
        replacement, or enhancement of such legacy systems based on the 
        operational risks such legacy systems pose to aviation safety 
        and the costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of 
        such legacy systems.
            (3) Collaboration with external experts.--In carrying out 
        this subsection, the Administrator shall--
                    (A) collaborate with industry representatives and 
                other external experts in information technology to 
                develop the plan under paragraph (1) within a 
                reasonable timeframe;
                    (B) identify technologies in existence or in 
                development that, with or without adaptation, are 
                expected to be suitable to meet the technical 
                information technology needs of the FAA; and
                    (C) maintain consistency with the acquisition 
                management system established and updated pursuant to 
                section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code.
            (4) Progress updates.--The Administrator shall provide the 
        appropriate committees of Congress with semiannual updates 
        through September 30, 2028 on the progress made in carrying out 
        the plan under paragraph (1).
            (5) Inspector general review.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                Administrator develops the plan required under 
                paragraph (1), the inspector general of the Department 
                of Transportation shall assess such efforts of the 
                Administration to drawdown, replace, or enhance any 
                legacy systems identified under subsection (a).
                    (B) Report.--The inspector general shall submit to 
                the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
                results of the review carried out under subparagraph 
                (A).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Industry.--The term ``industry'' means aviation 
        industry organizations with expertise in aviation-dedicated 
        network systems, systems engineering platforms, aviation 
        software services, air traffic management, flight operations, 
        and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
            (2) Legacy system.--The term ``legacy system'' means any 
        communication, navigation, surveillance, or automation or 
        network applications or ground-based aviation infrastructure, 
        or other critical software and hardware systems owned by the 
        FAA, that were deployed prior to the year 2000, including the 
        Notice to Air Missions system.
            (3) Outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy 
        system.--The term ``outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable 
        legacy system'' means a legacy system for which the likelihood 
        of failure of such system creates a risk to air safety or 
        security due to the age, ability to be maintained in a cost-
        effective manner, vulnerability to degradation, errors, or 
        malicious attacks of such system, or any other factors that may 
        compromise the performance or security of such system, 
        including a legacy system--
                    (A) that is vulnerable or susceptible to mechanical 
                failure; and
                    (B) with a risk of a single point of failure or 
                that lacks sufficient contingencies in the event of 
                such failure.

SEC. 623. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.

    (a) Examination.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
        into an agreement with a federally funded research and 
        development center to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility 
        Realignment study to examine consolidating or otherwise 
        reorganizing air traffic control facilities and the management 
        of airspace controlled by such facilities.
            (2) Contents.--In the study required under paragraph (1), 
        the federally funded research and development center shall--
                    (A) evaluate the potential efficiencies that may 
                result from a reorganization;
                    (B) identify whether certain areas prone to 
                airspace congestion or facility staff shortages would 
                benefit from any enhanced flexibilities or operational 
                changes; and
                    (C) recommend opportunities for integration of 
                separate facilities to create a more collaborative and 
                efficient traffic control environment.
            (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
        federally funded research and development center shall consult 
        with the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers 
        certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the federally funded research and development center shall 
submit to the Administrator a report detailing the findings of the 
study required under subsection (a) and recommendations related to 
consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities 
and locations.
    (c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after 
receiving the report under subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the 
study under subsection (a) and any recommendations under subsection (b) 
related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work 
facilities and locations.

SEC. 624. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER REPLACEMENT PROCESS REPORT.

    (a) Report Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a 
report on the process by which air traffic control tower facilities are 
chosen for replacement.
    (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
contain--
            (1) the process by which air traffic control tower 
        facilities are chosen for replacement, including which 
        divisions of the Administration control or are involved in the 
        replacement decision making process;
            (2) the criteria the Administrator uses to determine which 
        air traffic control tower facilities to replace, including--
                    (A) the relative importance of each such criteria;
                    (B) why the Administrator uses each such criteria; 
                and
                    (C) the reasons for the relative importance of each 
                such criteria;
            (3) what types of investigation the Administrator carries 
        out to determine if an air traffic control tower facility 
        should be replaced;
            (4) a timeline of the replacement process for an individual 
        air traffic control tower facility replacement;
            (5) the list of facilities established under subsection 
        (c), including the reason for selecting each such facility; and
            (6) any other information the Administrator considers 
        relevant.
    (c) List of Replaced Air Traffic Control Tower Facilities.--The 
Administrator shall establish, maintain, and publish on the website of 
the FAA a list of the following:
            (1) All air traffic control tower facilities replaced 
        within the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of 
        this Act.
            (2) Any air traffic control tower facilities for which the 
        Administrator has made a determination requiring replacement, 
        but for which such replacement has not yet been completed.

SEC. 625. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.

    (a) Pilot Program for Transitioning to FAA Towers.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
        pilot program to convert high-activity air traffic control 
        towers operating under the Contract Tower Program as 
        established under section 47124 of title 49, United States 
        Code, (in this section referred to as the ``Contract Tower 
        Program'') to a level I (Visual Flight Rules) tower staffed by 
        the FAA.
            (2) Priority.--In selecting air traffic control towers to 
        participate in the pilot program established under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall prioritize air traffic control 
        towers operating under the Contract Tower Program that--
                    (A) either--
                            (i) had over 200,000 annual tower 
                        operations in calendar year 2022; or
                            (ii) served a small hub airport with more 
                        than 900,000 passenger enplanements in calendar 
                        year 2021;
                    (B) are either currently owned by the FAA or are 
                constructed to FAA standards; and
                    (C) operate within complex airspace, including 
                airspace that serves air carrier, general aviation, and 
                military aircraft.
            (3) Tower selection.--The number of air traffic control 
        towers selected to participate in the pilot program established 
        under paragraph (1) shall be determined based on the 
        availability of funds for the pilot program and the interest of 
        the airport sponsor related to such facility.
            (4) Controller retention.--With respect to any high-
        activity air traffic control tower selected to be converted 
        under the pilot program established under paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall appoint to the position of air traffic 
        controller any air traffic controller who--
                    (A) is employed at such air traffic control tower 
                as of the date on which the Administrator selects such 
                tower to be converted;
                    (B) meets the qualifications contained in section 
                44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
                    (C) has all other pre-employment qualifications 
                required by law to be a certified controller of the 
                FAA.
            (5) Safety analysis.--
                    (A) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a 
                safety analysis to determine whether the conversion of 
                any air traffic control tower described in paragraph 
                (1) negatively impacts aviation safety at such air 
                traffic control tower and take such actions needed to 
                address any negative impact.
                    (B) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
                of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
                submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
                report describing the results of the safety analysis 
                under subparagraph (A), any actions taken to address 
                any negative impacts to safety, and the overall results 
                of the pilot program established under this subsection.
            (6) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts made 
        available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, 
        there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
        subsection $30,000,000 to remain available for 5 fiscal years.
    (b) Air Traffic Controller Staffing Levels at Small and Medium Hub 
Airports.--Section 47124(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the 
        following:
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Small or medium hub airports.--In the case of 
                a contract entered into on or after the date of 
                enactment of this subparagraph to operate an airport 
                traffic control tower at a small or medium hub airport, 
                the contract shall require the Secretary, after 
                coordination with the airport sponsor and the entity, 
                State, or subdivision, and not later than 18 months 
                after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
                Act of 2024, to provide funding sufficient for the cost 
                of wages and benefits of at least 2 air traffic 
                controllers for each tower operating shift.''.
    (c) Priorities for Facility Selection.--Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
                            ``(viii) Air traffic control towers at 
                        airports with safety or operational problems 
                        related to the lack of an existing tower.
                            ``(ix) Air traffic control towers at 
                        airports with projected commercial and military 
                        increases in aircraft or flight operations.
                            ``(x) Air traffic control towers at 
                        airports with a variety of aircraft operations, 
                        including a variety of commercial and military 
                        flight operations.''.

SEC. 626. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE IN OCEANIC 
              AIRSPACE.

    It is the sense of Congress the FAA shall continue to evaluate the 
potential uses for space-based automatic dependent surveillance 
broadcast to improve surveillance coverage of domestic airspace 
including improving surveillance coverage over remote terrain and in 
oceanic airspace. If determined appropriate by the Administrator, the 
FAA shall consider whether additional testing would meaningfully 
contribute to the FAA's processes for developing separation standards 
and more efficient routes.

SEC. 627. LOW-ALTITUDE ROUTES FOR VERTICAL FLIGHT.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
national airspace system requires additional rotorcraft, powered-lift 
aircraft, and low-altitude instrument flight rules, routes leveraging 
advances in performance based navigation in order to provide direct, 
safe, and reliable routes that ensure sufficient separation from higher 
altitude fixed wing aircraft traffic.
    (b) Low-altitude Rotorcraft and Powered-lift Aircraft Instrument 
Flight Routes.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a 
        rulemaking process to establish or update, as appropriate, low 
        altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure safe rotorcraft 
        and powered-lift aircraft operations in the national airspace 
        system.
            (2) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
        Administrator shall--
                    (A) incorporate instrument flight rules rotorcraft 
                operations into the low-altitude performance based 
                navigation procedure infrastructure;
                    (B) prioritize the development of new helicopter 
                area navigation instrument flight rules routes as part 
                of the United States air traffic service route 
                structure that utilize performance based navigation, 
                such as Global Positioning System and Global Navigation 
                Satellite System equipment; and
                    (C) consider the impact of such low altitude flight 
                routes on other airspace users and impacted communities 
                to ensure that such routes are designed to minimize--
                            (i) the potential for conflict with 
                        existing national airspace system operations;
                            (ii) the workload of air traffic 
                        controllers; and
                            (iii) negative effects to impacted 
                        communities.
            (3) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking process 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
                    (A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport, 
                rotorcraft manufacturer and operator, general aviation 
                operator, powered-lift operator, air carrier, and 
                performance based navigation technology manufacturer 
                sectors;
                    (B) the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
                    (C) exclusive bargaining representatives of air 
                traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of 
                title 5, United States Code; and
                    (D) other stakeholders determined appropriate by 
                the Administrator.

SEC. 628. REQUIRED CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL PARKS OVERFLIGHTS 
              ADVISORY GROUP.

    Section 40128(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) consult with the advisory group established 
                under section 805 of the National Parks Air Tour 
                Management Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 note) and 
                consider all advice, information, and recommendations 
                provided by the advisory group to the Administrator and 
                the Director.''.

SEC. 629. UPGRADING AND REPLACING AGING AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
        into an agreement with a qualified organization to conduct a 
        study to assess the need for upgrades to or replacement of 
        existing automated surface observation systems/automated 
        weather observing systems (in this section referred to as 
        ``ASOS/AWOS'') located in non-contiguous States.
            (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) 
        shall include an analysis of--
                    (A) the age of each ASOS/AWOS located in non-
                contiguous States;
                    (B) the number of days in the calendar year 
                preceding the date on which the study is conducted that 
                each such ASOS/AWOS was not able to accurately 
                communicate or disseminate data for any period of time;
                    (C) impacts of extreme severe weather on ASOS/AWOS 
                outages;
                    (D) the effective coverage of the existing ASOS/
                AWOS;
                    (E) detailed upgrade requirements for each existing 
                ASOS/AWOS, including an assessment of whether 
                replacement would be the most cost-effective 
                recommendation;
                    (F) prior maintenance expenditures for each 
                existing ASOS/AWOS;
                    (G) a description of all upgrades or replacements 
                made by the FAA to ASOS/AWOS prior to the date of 
                enactment of this Act;
                    (H) impacts of an outage or break in service in the 
                FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure on such ASOS/
                AWOS; and
                    (I) any other matter determined appropriate by the 
                Administrator.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), and include in such report--
            (1) a plan for executing upgrades to or replacements of 
        existing ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous States;
            (2) a plan for converting and upgrading such ASOS/AWOS 
        communications to the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure;
            (3) an assessment of the use of unmonitored navigational 
        aids to allow for alternate airport planning for commercial and 
        cargo aviation to limit ASOS/AWOS service disruptions;
            (4) an evaluation of additional alternative methods of 
        compliance for obtaining weather elements that would be as 
        sufficient as current data received through ASOS/AWOS; and
            (5) any other recommendation determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (c) Funding.--To carry out the study under this section, the 
Administrator may use amounts made available pursuant to section 
48101(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 630. AIRSPACE INTEGRATION FOR SPACE LAUNCH AND REENTRY.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
            (1) a safe and efficient national airspace system that 
        successfully supports existing users and integrates new 
        entrants is of the utmost importance;
            (2) both commercial aviation and space launch and reentry 
        operations are vital to United States global leadership, 
        national security, and economic opportunity;
            (3) aircraft hazard areas are necessary during space launch 
        and reentry operations to ensure public safety; and
            (4) the Administrator should prioritize the development and 
        deployment of technologies to improve visibility of space 
        launch and reentry operations within FAA computer systems and 
        minimize operational workload to air traffic controllers 
        associated with routing traffic during spaceflight launch and 
        reentry operations.
    (b) Space Launch and Reentry Airspace Integration Technology.--Out 
of amounts made available under section 48101 of title 49, United 
States Code, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2028 
(or until such time as the Administrator determines that the project 
meeting the requirements of this section has reached an operational 
status) is available for the Administrator to carry out a project to 
expedite the development, acquisition, and deployment of technologies 
or capabilities to aid in space launch and reentry integration with the 
objective of operational readiness not later than December 31, 2026, 
which may include--
            (1) technologies recommended by the Airspace Access 
        Priorities aviation rulemaking committee in the final report 
        titled ``ARC Recommendations Final Report'', issued on August 
        21, 2019;
            (2) systems to enable the integration of launch and reentry 
        data directly onto air traffic controller displays; and
            (3) automated systems to enable near real-time planning and 
        dynamic rerouting of commercial aircraft during and following 
        commercial space launch and reentry operations.

SEC. 631. UPDATE TO FAA ORDER ON AIRWAY PLANNING STANDARD.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to update 
,the order of the FAA titled ``Airway Planning Standard Number One-
Terminal Air Navigation Facilities and Air Traffic Control Services'' 
(FAA Order 7031.2c), to lower the remote radar bright display scope 
installation requirement from 30,000 annual itinerant operations to 
15,000 annual itinerant operations.

             TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

SEC. 701. DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT PLANS.

    Section 47101(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) in the second sentence, by inserting 
        ``(including long-term resilience from the impact of natural 
        hazards and severe weather events)'' after ``environmental''; 
        and
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(E) consider the impact of hazardous weather 
                events on long-term operational resilience.''.

SEC. 702. AIP DEFINITIONS.

    Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) `air carrier' has the meaning given such term in 
        section 40102.'';
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at 
                        the end;
                            (ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period 
                        at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(iii) a secondary runway at a nonhub 
                        airport that is equivalent in size and type to 
                        the primary runway of such airport.'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                            (i) in clause (iii) by inserting ``and fuel 
                        infrastructure for such equipment to remove 
                        snow'' after ``surveillance equipment'';
                            (ii) in clause (ix) by striking ``and'' at 
                        the end;
                            (iii) in clause (x) by striking the period 
                        and inserting ``; and''; and
                            (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(xi) a medium intensity approach lighting 
                        system with runway alignment indicator 
                        lights.'';
                    (C) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``after 
                December 31, 1991,'';
                    (D) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``if the 
                airport is located in an air quality nonattainment or 
                maintenance area (as defined in sections 171(2) and 
                175A of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)) 
                and if the airport would be able to receive emission 
                credits, as described in section 47139'';
                    (E) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``the airport 
                is located in an air quality nonattainment or 
                maintenance area (as defined in sections 171(2) and 
                175A of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)), 
                if the airport would be able to receive appropriate 
                emission credits (as described in section 47139), 
                and'';
                    (F) in subparagraph (P)--
                            (i) by striking ``improve the reliability 
                        and efficiency of the airport's power supply'' 
                        and inserting ``improve reliability and 
                        efficiency of the power supply of the airport 
                        or meet current and future electrical power 
                        demand'';
                            (ii) by inserting ``, renewable energy 
                        generation and storage infrastructure 
                        (including necessary substation upgrades to 
                        support such infrastructure)'' after 
                        ``electrical generators'';
                            (iii) by striking ``supply, and'' and 
                        inserting ``supply,''; and
                            (iv) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting ``, and smart glass (including 
                        electrochromic glass).''; and
                    (G) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(S) acquisition of advanced digital construction 
                management systems and related technology used in the 
                planning, design and engineering, construction, and 
                maintenance of airport facilities when such systems or 
                technologies are acquired to carry out a project 
                approved by the Secretary under this subchapter.
                    ``(T) improvements, or planning for improvements 
                (including monitoring equipment or services), that 
                would be necessary to sustain commercial service flight 
                operations or permit the resumption of such flight 
                operations following a natural disaster (including an 
                earthquake, flooding, high water, wildfires, hurricane, 
                storm surge, tidal wave, tornado, tsunami, wind driven 
                water, sea level rise, tropical storm, cyclone, land 
                instability, or winter storm) at--
                            ``(i) a primary airport; or
                            ``(ii) a nonprimary airport that is 
                        designated as a Federal staging area or 
                        incident support base by the Administrator of 
                        the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
                    ``(U) a project to comply with rulemakings and 
                recommendations on airport cybersecurity standards from 
                the aviation rulemaking committee convened under 
                section 395 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
                    ``(V) reconstructing or rehabilitating an existing 
                crosswind runway (regardless of the wind coverage of 
                the primary runway) if the reconstruction or 
                rehabilitation of such crosswind runway is in the most 
                recently approved airport layout plan of the sponsor.
                    ``(W) constructing or acquiring such airport-owned 
                infrastructure or equipment, notwithstanding revenue 
                producing capability of such infrastructure or 
                equipment, as may be required for--
                            ``(i) the on-airport distribution or 
                        storage of unleaded aviation gasoline for 
                        piston-driven aircraft, including on-airport 
                        construction or expansion of pipelines, storage 
                        tanks, low-emission fuel systems, and airport-
                        owned fuel trucks providing exclusively 
                        unleaded aviation fuels (unless the Secretary 
                        determines that an alternative fuel may be 
                        safely used in such fuel truck for a limited 
                        time); or
                            ``(ii) fueling systems for type 
                        certificated hydrogen-powered aircraft.
                    ``(X) constructing, reconstructing, or 
                rehabilitating a taxiway or taxilane that serves non-
                exclusive use aeronautical facilities, including 
                aircraft storage facilities, except for the 50 feet of 
                pavement immediately in front of an ineligible 
                building.
                    ``(Y) any other activity (excluding terminal 
                development) that the Secretary concludes will 
                reasonably improve the safety of the airport.'';
            (3) in paragraph (5)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and 
                catchment area analyses'' after ``planning'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) assessing current and future electrical power 
                demand for airport airside and landside activities.'';
            (4) in paragraph (20)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 
                Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of 
                Palau.'';
            (5) in paragraph (27) by striking ``the Trust Territory of 
        the Pacific Islands,''; and
            (6) in paragraph (28)(B) by striking ``described in section 
        47119(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``for moving passengers and 
        baggage between terminal facilities and between terminal 
        facilities and aircraft''.

SEC. 703. REVENUE DIVERSION PENALTY ENHANCEMENT.

    (a) In General.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (m)(4) by striking ``an amount equal to'' 
        and inserting ``an amount equal to double''; and
            (2) in subsection (n)(1) by striking ``an amount equal to'' 
        and inserting ``an amount equal to double''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall not 
apply to any illegal diversion of airport revenues (as described in 
section 47107(m) of title 49, United States Code) that occurred prior 
to the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 704. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORT REQUIREMENT.

    Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.

SEC. 705. RENEWAL OF CERTAIN LEASES.

    Section 47107(t)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``the date of enactment 
        of this subsection'' and inserting ``October 7, 2016''; and
            (2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
        following:
                    ``(D) that--
                            ``(i) supports the operation of military 
                        aircraft by the Air Force or Air National 
                        Guard--
                                    ``(I) at the airport; or
                                    ``(II) remotely from the airport; 
                                or
                            ``(ii) is for the use of nonaeronautical 
                        land or facilities of the airport by the 
                        National Guard.''.

SEC. 706. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.

    Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
    ``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (a)(13), 
        (b), and (c) and section 47133, and subject to paragraph (2), 
        the sponsor of a public-use airport shall not be considered to 
        be in violation of this subtitle, or to be found in violation 
        of a grant assurance made under this section, or under any 
        other provision of law, as a condition for the receipt of 
        Federal financial assistance for airport development, solely 
        because the sponsor has--
                    ``(A) entered into an agreement, including a 
                revised agreement, with a local government providing 
                for the use of airport property for an interim 
                compatible recreational purpose at below fair market 
                value; or
                    ``(B) permanently restricted the use of airport 
                property to compatible recreational and public park use 
                without paying or otherwise obtaining payment of fair 
                market value for the property.
            ``(2) Restrictions.--
                    ``(A) Interim compatible recreational purpose.--
                Paragraph (1) shall apply, with respect to a sponsor 
                that has taken the action described in subparagraph (A) 
                of such paragraph, only--
                            ``(i) to an agreement regarding airport 
                        property that was initially entered into before 
                        the publication of the Federal Aviation 
                        Administration's Policy and Procedures 
                        Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, dated 
                        February 16, 1999;
                            ``(ii) if the agreement between the sponsor 
                        and the local government is subordinate to any 
                        existing or future agreements between the 
                        sponsor and the Secretary, including agreements 
                        related to a grant assurance under this 
                        section;
                            ``(iii) to airport property that was 
                        purchased using funds from a Federal grant for 
                        acquiring land issued prior to January 1, 1989;
                            ``(iv) if the airport sponsor has provided 
                        a written statement to the Administrator that 
                        the property made available for a recreational 
                        purpose will not be needed for any aeronautical 
                        purpose during the next 10 years;
                            ``(v) if the agreement includes a term of 
                        not more than 2 years to prepare the airport 
                        property for the interim compatible 
                        recreational purpose and not more than 10 years 
                        of use for that purpose;
                            ``(vi) if the recreational purpose will not 
                        impact the aeronautical use of the airport;
                            ``(vii) if the airport sponsor provides a 
                        certification that the sponsor is not 
                        responsible for preparation, startup, 
                        operations, maintenance, or any other costs 
                        associated with the recreational purpose; and
                            ``(viii) if the recreational purpose is 
                        consistent with Federal land use compatibility 
                        criteria under section 47502.
                    ``(B) Recreational use.--Paragraph (1) shall apply, 
                with respect to a sponsor that has taken the action 
                described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, only--
                            ``(i) to airport property that was 
                        purchased using funds from a Federal grant for 
                        acquiring land issued prior to January 1, 1989;
                            ``(ii) to airport property that has been 
                        continuously leased or licensed through a 
                        written agreement with a governmental entity or 
                        non-profit entity for recreational or public 
                        park uses since July 1, 2003;
                            ``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided 
                        a written statement to the Administrator that 
                        the recreational or public park use does not 
                        impact the aeronautical use of the airport and 
                        that the property to be permanently restricted 
                        for recreational or public park use is not 
                        needed for any aeronautical use at the time the 
                        written statement is provided and is not 
                        expected to be needed for any aeronautical use 
                        at any time after such statement is provided;
                            ``(iv) if the airport sponsor provides a 
                        certification to the Administrator that the 
                        sponsor is not responsible for operations, 
                        maintenance, or any other costs associated with 
                        the recreational or public park use;
                            ``(v) if the recreational purpose is 
                        consistent with Federal land use compatibility 
                        criteria under section 47502; and
                            ``(vi) if the airport sponsor will--
                                    ``(I) lease the property to a local 
                                government entity or non-profit entity 
                                to operate and maintain the property at 
                                no cost to the airport sponsor; or
                                    ``(II) transfer title to the 
                                property to a local government entity 
                                subject to a permanent deed restriction 
                                ensuring compatible airport use under 
                                regulations issued pursuant to section 
                                47502.
            ``(3) Revenue from certain sales of airport property.--
        Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an airport sponsor 
        leasing or selling a portion of airport property as described 
        in paragraph (2)(B)(vi) may--
                    ``(A) lease or sell such portion of airport 
                property for less than fair market value; and
                    ``(B) subject to the requirements of subsection 
                (b), retain the revenue from the lease or sale of such 
                portion of airport property for use in accordance with 
                section 47133.
            ``(4) Secretary review and approval.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of law, and subject to the sponsor providing a 
        written statement certifying such sponsor meets the 
        requirements under this subsection, no actions permitted under 
        this subsection shall require the review or approval of the 
        Secretary of Transportation.
            ``(5) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
        may be construed as permitting a diversion of airport revenue 
        for the capital or operating costs associated with the 
        community use of airport land.
            ``(6) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--In 
        this subsection, the terms `aeronautical use' and `aeronautical 
        purpose'--
                    ``(A) mean all activities that involve or are 
                directly related to the operation of aircraft, 
                including activities that make the operation of 
                aircraft possible and safe;
                    ``(B) include services located at an airport that 
                are directly and substantially related to the movement 
                of passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo; and
                    ``(C) do not include any uses of an airport that 
                are not described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including 
                any aviation-related uses that do not need to be 
                located at an airport, such as flight kitchens and 
                airline reservation centers.''.

SEC. 707. PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.

    Section 47108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A) of this 
        title'' and inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Increasing Government Share.--
            ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) or 
        (3), the amount stated in an offer as the maximum amount the 
        Government will pay may not be increased when the offer has 
        been accepted in writing.
            ``(2) Exception.--For a project receiving assistance under 
        a grant approved under this chapter or chapter 475, the amount 
        may be increased--
                    ``(A) for an airport development project, by not 
                more than 15 percent; and
                    ``(B) to acquire an interest in land for an airport 
                (except a primary airport), based on creditable 
                appraisals at the time of the acquisition or a court 
                award in a condemnation proceeding, by not more than 
                the greater of--
                            ``(i) 15 percent; or
                            ``(ii) 25 percent of the total increase in 
                        allowable project costs attributable to 
                        acquiring an interest in land.
            ``(3) Price adjustment provisions.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may incorporate a 
                provision in a project grant agreement under which the 
                Secretary agrees to pay more than the maximum amount 
                otherwise specified in the agreement if the Secretary 
                finds that commodity or labor prices have increased 
                since the agreement was made.
                    ``(B) Decrease in costs.--A provision incorporated 
                in a project grant agreement under this paragraph shall 
                ensure that the Secretary realizes any financial 
                benefit associated with a decrease in material or labor 
                costs for the project.'';
            (3) by striking subsection (c); and
            (4) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
        (c) and (d), respectively.

SEC. 708. UPDATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF PROJECT COSTS.

    Section 47109 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Special Rule for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.--Notwithstanding 
subsection (a), the Government's share of allowable project costs for a 
grant made to a nonhub or nonprimary airport in each of fiscal years 
2025 and 2026 shall be 95 percent.''.

SEC. 709. ALLOWABLE PROJECT COSTS AND LETTERS OF INTENT.

    Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
                striking ``after May 13, 1946, and''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by inserting ``or preparing for'' after 
                        ``formulating''; and
                            (ii) by inserting ``utility relocation, 
                        work site preparation,'' before ``and 
                        administration'';
            (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking ``section 47114(c)(1) 
        or 47114(d)'' and inserting ``section 47114 or distributed from 
        the small airport fund under section 47116'';
            (3) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by striking ``commercial 
        service airport having at least 0.25 percent of the boardings 
        each year at all such airports'' and inserting ``medium hub 
        airport or large hub airport'';
            (4) in subsection (h) by striking ``section 
        47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``section 47114(c)(1)(D) or 
        section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
            (5) by striking subsection (i).

SEC. 710. SMALL AIRPORT LETTERS OF INTENT.

    (a) In General.--Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Small Airport Letters of Intent.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a letter of 
        intent to a sponsor stating an intention to obligate an amount 
        from future budget authority for an airport development project 
        (including costs of formulating the project) at a nonhub 
        airport or an airport that is not a primary airport.
            ``(2) Contents.--In the letter issued under paragraph (1), 
        the Secretary shall establish a schedule under which the 
        Secretary will reimburse the sponsor for the Government's share 
        of allowable project costs, as amounts become available, if the 
        sponsor, after the Secretary issues the letter, carries out the 
        project without receiving amounts under this subchapter.
            ``(3) Limitations.--The amount the Secretary intends to 
        obligate in a letter of intent issued under this subsection 
        shall not exceed the larger of--
                    ``(A) the Government's share of allowable project 
                costs; or
                    ``(B) $10,000,000.
            ``(4) Financing.--Allowable project costs under paragraphs 
        (1) and (2) may include costs associated with making payments 
        for debt service on indebtedness incurred to carry out the 
        project.
            ``(5) Requirements.--The Secretary shall issue a letter of 
        intent under paragraph (1) only if--
                    ``(A) the sponsor notifies the Secretary, before 
                the project begins, of the intent of the sponsor to 
                carry out the project and requests a letter of intent; 
                and
                    ``(B) the sponsor agrees to comply with all 
                statutory and administrative requirements that would 
                apply to the project if it were carried out with 
                amounts made available under this subchapter.
            ``(6) Assessment.--In reviewing a request for a letter of 
        intent under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the 
        grant history of an airport, the enplanements or operations of 
        an airport, and such other factors as the Secretary determines 
        appropriate.
            ``(7) Prioritization.--In issuing letters of intent under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                    ``(A) prioritize projects that--
                            ``(i) cannot reasonably be funded by an 
                        airport sponsor using funds apportioned under 
                        section 47114(c), 47114(d)(2)(A), or 
                        47114(d)(6), including funds apportioned under 
                        such sections in multiple fiscal years pursuant 
                        to section 47117(b)(1); and
                            ``(ii) are necessary to the continued safe 
                        operation or development of an airport; and
                    ``(B) structure the reimbursement schedules under 
                such letters in a manner that minimizes unnecessary or 
                undesirable project segmentation.
            ``(8) No obligation or commitment.--
                    ``(A) In general.--A letter of intent issued under 
                this subsection is not an obligation of the Government 
                under section 1501 of title 31, and the letter is not 
                deemed to be an administrative commitment for 
                financing.
                    ``(B) Obligation or commitment.--An obligation or 
                administrative commitment may be made only as amounts 
                are provided in authorization and appropriation Acts.
            ``(9) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in 
        this section shall be construed to prohibit the obligation of 
        amounts pursuant to a letter of intent under this subsection in 
        the same fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Letters of intent.--Section 47110(e)(7) of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended by striking ``under this 
        section'' and inserting ``under this subsection''.
            (2) Priority for letters of intent.--Section 47115(h) of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``prior 
        to fulfilling intentions to obligate under section 47110(i)'' 
        after ``section 47110(e)''.

SEC. 711. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT FUNDS 
              TO CERTAIN ENTITIES THAT HAVE VIOLATED INTELLECTUAL 
              PROPERTY RIGHTS OF UNITED STATES ENTITIES.

    (a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 30 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, amounts provided as project grants under 
subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, may not be 
used to enter into a covered contract with any entity on the list 
required under subsection (b).
    (b) List Required.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, and thereafter as required under 
        paragraph (2), the United States Trade Representative, the 
        Attorney General, and the Administrator shall make available to 
        the Administrator a publicly-available list of entities 
        manufacturing airport passenger boarding infrastructure or 
        equipment that--
                    (A) are owned, directed by, or subsidized in whole 
                or in part by the People's Republic of China;
                    (B) have been determined by a Federal court to have 
                misappropriated intellectual property or trade secrets 
                from an entity organized under the laws of the United 
                States or any jurisdiction within the United States;
                    (C) own or control, are owned or controlled by, are 
                under common ownership or control with, or are 
                successors to an entity described in subparagraph (A); 
                or
                    (D) have entered into an agreement with or accepted 
                funding from, whether in the form of minority 
                investment interest or debt, have entered into a 
                partnership with, or have entered into another 
                contractual or other written arrangement with an entity 
                described in subparagraph (A).
            (2) Updates to list.--The United States Trade 
        Representative shall update the list required under paragraph 
        (1), based on information provided by the Attorney General and 
        the Administrator--
                    (A) not less frequently than every 90 days during 
                the 180-day period following the initial publication of 
                the list under paragraph (1); and
                    (B) not less frequently than annually thereafter.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) In general.--The definitions in section 47102 of title 
        49, United States Code, shall apply.
            (2) Covered contract.--The term ``covered contract'' means 
        a contract or other agreement for the procurement of 
        infrastructure or equipment for a passenger boarding bridge at 
        an airport.

SEC. 712. APPORTIONMENTS.

    (a) Primary, Commercial Service, and Cargo Airports.--
            (1) Primary and commercial service airports.--Section 
        47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
        as follows:
            ``(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--
                    ``(A) Primary airport apportionment.--The Secretary 
                shall apportion to the sponsor of each primary airport 
                for each fiscal year an amount equal to--
                            ``(i) $15.60 for each of the first 50,000 
                        passenger boardings at the airport during the 
                        prior calendar year;
                            ``(ii) $10.40 for each of the next 50,000 
                        passenger boardings at the airport during the 
                        prior calendar year;
                            ``(iii) $5.20 for each of the next 400,000 
                        passenger boardings at the airport during the 
                        prior calendar year;
                            ``(iv) $1.30 for each of the next 500,000 
                        passenger boardings at the airport during the 
                        prior calendar year; and
                            ``(v) $1.00 for each additional passenger 
                        boarding at the airport during the prior 
                        calendar year.
                    ``(B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--Not less 
                than $1,300,000 nor more than $22,000,000 may be 
                apportioned under subparagraph (A) to an airport 
                sponsor for a primary airport for each fiscal year.
                    ``(C) New airport.--Notwithstanding subparagraph 
                (A), the Secretary shall apportion in the first fiscal 
                year following the official opening of a new airport 
                with scheduled passenger air transportation an amount 
                equal to $1,300,000 to the sponsor of such airport.
                    ``(D) Nonprimary commercial service airport 
                apportionment.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        apportion to each commercial service airport 
                        that is not a primary airport an amount equal 
                        to--
                                    ``(I) $60 for each of the first 
                                2,500 passenger boardings at the 
                                airport during the prior calendar year; 
                                and
                                    ``(II) $153.33 for each of the next 
                                7,499 passenger boardings at the 
                                airport during the prior calendar year.
                            ``(ii) Applicability.--Paragraphs (4) and 
                        (5) of subsection (d) shall apply to funds 
                        apportioned under this subparagraph.
                    ``(E) Public airports with military use.--
                Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public 
                airport shall be considered a primary airport in each 
                of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 for purposes of this 
                chapter if such airport was--
                            ``(i) designated as a primary airport in 
                        fiscal year 2017; and
                            ``(ii) in use by an air reserve station in 
                        the calendar year used to calculate 
                        apportionments to airport sponsors in a fiscal 
                        year.
                    ``(F) Special rule for fiscal year 2024.--
                Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph 
                or the absence of scheduled passenger service at an 
                airport, the Secretary shall apportion in fiscal year 
                2024 to the sponsor of an airport an amount based on 
                the number of passenger boardings at the airport during 
                whichever of the following years that would result in 
                the highest apportioned amount under this paragraph:
                            ``(i) Calendar year 2018.
                            ``(ii) Calendar year 2019.
                            ``(iii) The prior full calendar year prior 
                        to fiscal year 2024.''.
            (2) Cargo airports.--Section 47114(c)(2) of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) by striking ``3.5'' and inserting 
                        ``4''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``100,000,000 pounds'' and 
                        inserting ``25,000,000 pounds'';
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                    (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
                subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
    (b) General Aviation Airports.--Section 47114(d) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in the heading by striking ``Special rule'' and 
                inserting ``Apportionment'';
                    (B) by striking ``excluding primary airports but 
                including reliever and nonprimary commercial service 
                airports'' each place it appears and inserting 
                ``excluding commercial service airports but including 
                reliever airports'';
                    (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by 
                striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent''; 
                and
                    (D) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and 
                inserting the following:
                    ``(C) An airport that has previously been listed as 
                unclassified under the national plan of integrated 
                airport systems that has reestablished the classified 
                status of such airport as of the date of apportionment 
                shall be eligible to accrue apportionment funds 
                pursuant to subparagraph (A) so long as such airport 
                retains such classified status.'';
            (2) in paragraph (4)--
                    (A) in the heading by striking ``Airports in 
                alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii'' and inserting 
                ``Airports in Noncontiguous States and Territories'';
                    (B) by striking ``An amount apportioned under 
                paragraph (2) or (3)'' and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) Alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii.--An amount 
                apportioned under this subsection''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Other territories.--An amount apportioned 
                under paragraph (2)(B)(i) may be made available by the 
                Secretary for any public-use airport in Guam, American 
                Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin 
                Islands if the Secretary determines that there are 
                insufficient qualified grant applications for projects 
                at airports that are otherwise eligible for funding 
                under that paragraph. The Secretary shall prioritize 
                the use of such amounts in the territory the amount was 
                originally apportioned in.'';
            (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``or subsection 
        (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under this subsection'';
            (4) in paragraph (6)--
                    (A) by striking ``provision of this subsection'' 
                and inserting ``provision of this section''; and
                    (B) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' after 
                ``under this subsection'';
            (5) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (6) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as 
        paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Project grant application approval.--Section 
        47106(a)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
        striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 
        47114(d)(2)(B)''.
            (2) Air traffic control contract program.--Section 
        47124(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is further 
        amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
                            (i) in subclause (I) by striking ``sections 
                        47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)'' and inserting 
                        ``subsections (c) and (d) of section 47114'';
                            (ii) in subclause (II) by striking 
                        ``sections 47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
                        inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 
                        47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                            (iii) in subclause (III) by striking 
                        ``sections 47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
                        inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 
                        47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B)(v) by striking ``section 
                47114(d)(2) or 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 
                47114(d)(2)(B)''.

SEC. 713. PFC TURNBACK REDUCTION.

    (a) In General.--Section 47114(f) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``sponsor of an airport having at 
                least .25 percent of the total number of boardings each 
                year in the United States and'' and inserting ``sponsor 
                of a medium or large hub airport'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``50 percent'' 
                and inserting ``40 percent'' each place it appears; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``75 percent'' 
                and inserting ``60 percent'' each place it appears; and
            (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(2) Effective date of reduction.--
                    ``(A) New charge collection.--A reduction in an 
                apportionment under paragraph (1) shall not take effect 
                until the first fiscal year following the year in which 
                the collection of the charge imposed under section 
                40117 has begun.
                    ``(B) New categorization.--A reduction in an 
                apportionment under paragraph (1) shall only be applied 
                to an airport if such airport has been designated as a 
                medium or large hub airport for 3 consecutive years.''.
    (b) Applicability.--For an airport that increased in categorization 
from a small hub to a medium hub in any fiscal year beginning after the 
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-254) and prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the amendment 
to section 47114(f)(2) of title 49, United States Code, under 
subsection (a) shall be applied as though the airport increased in 
categorization from a small hub to a medium hub in the calendar year 
prior to the first fiscal year in which such amendment is applicable.

SEC. 714. AIRPORT SAFETY AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE DISCRETIONARY 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in the heading by striking ``Supplemental Discretionary 
        Funds'' and inserting ``Airport Safety and Resilient 
        Infrastructure Discretionary Program'';
            (2) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraph (B) and 
        inserting the following:
                    ``(B) Minimum allocation.--Not less than 50 percent 
                of the amounts available under this subsection shall be 
                used to provide grants at nonprimary, nonhub, and small 
                hub airports.
                    ``(C) Prioritization.--In making grants for 
                projects eligible under subparagraph (D)(iii), the 
                Secretary shall prioritize grants to large and medium 
                hub airports.
                    ``(D) Eligibilities.--In making grants under this 
                subsection, the Secretary shall provide grants to 
                airports for projects that--
                            ``(i) meet the definition of `airport 
                        development' under section 47102(3)(T);
                            ``(ii) would otherwise increase the 
                        resilience of airport infrastructure against 
                        changing flooding or inundation patterns; or
                            ``(iii) reduce runway incursions or 
                        increase runway or taxiway safety.'';
            (3) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking clauses (i) through 
        (vi) and inserting the following:
                            ``(i) $532,392,074 for fiscal year 2024.
                            ``(ii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
                            ``(iii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
                            ``(iv) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
                            ``(v) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''; 
                        and
            (4) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``2 fiscal years'' and 
        inserting ``3 fiscal years''.
    (b) Briefing.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the 
        Secretary first awards a grant for fiscal year 2025 under 
        section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code, and annually 
        thereafter through 2028, the Secretary shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the grant program 
        established under such section.
            (2) Contents.--In briefing the appropriate committees of 
        Congress under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include--
                    (A) a description of each project funded under the 
                grant program established under section 47115(j), 
                including the vulnerabilities such program addresses;
                    (B) a description of projects completed that 
                received funding under such program, including the 
                total time between award and project completion;
                    (C) a description of the consultation with other 
                agencies that the Secretary has undertaken in carrying 
                out such program;
                    (D) recommendations to improve the administration 
                of such program, including additional consultation with 
                other agencies and whether additional appropriation 
                levels are appropriate; and
                    (E) other items determined appropriate by the 
                Secretary.

SEC. 715. SPECIAL CARRYOVER ASSUMPTION RULE.

    Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(l) Special Carryover Assumption Rule.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in addition to amounts made available under 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary may add to the 
discretionary fund an amount equal to one-third of the apportionment 
funds made available under section 47114 that were not required during 
the previous fiscal year pursuant to section 47117(b)(1) out of the 
anticipated amount of apportionment funds made available under section 
47114 that will not be required during the current fiscal year pursuant 
to section 47117(b)(1).''.

SEC. 716. SMALL AIRPORT FUND.

    Section 47116 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) 
        and inserting the following:
            ``(1) Not more than 25 percent for grants for projects at 
        small hub airports.
            ``(2) Not less than 25 percent for grants to sponsors of 
        public-use airports (except commercial service airports).
            ``(3) Not less than 50 percent for grants to sponsors of 
        commercial service airports that are not larger than a nonhub 
        airport.'';
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph 
                (2); and
            (3) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(e) General Aviation Transient Aprons.--In distributing amounts 
from the fund described in subsection (a) to sponsors described in 
subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3), 5 percent of each amount shall be used 
for projects to construct or rehabilitate aprons intended to be used 
for itinerant general aviation aircraft parking.''.

SEC. 717. REVISION OF DISCRETIONARY CATEGORIES.

    Section 47117 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``or (3)(A), 
                whichever is applicable''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                            (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' 
                        and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' 
                        and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)'';
            (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
        inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
            (3) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``section 
                47114(d)(2)(A) of this title'' and inserting ``section 
                47114(d)(2)(B)(i)''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(B) or 
                        (C)'' and inserting ``section 
                        47114(d)(2)(B)(ii) or (iii)'' in each place it 
                        appears; and
                            (ii) by striking ``of this title''; and
            (4) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A)--
                                    (I) by striking ``$300,000,000'' 
                                and inserting ``$200,000,000'';
                                    (II) by striking ``for compatible 
                                land use planning and projects carried 
                                out by State and local governments 
                                under section 47141,'';
                                    (III) by striking ``section 
                                47102(3)(Q)'' and inserting 
                                ``subparagraphs (O), (P), (Q), and (W) 
                                of section 47102(3)'';
                                    (IV) by striking ``to comply with 
                                the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et 
                                seq.)''; and
                                    (V) by inserting ``The Secretary 
                                shall provide not less than two-thirds 
                                of amounts under this subparagraph and 
                                paragraph (3) for grants to sponsors of 
                                small hub, medium hub, and large hub 
                                airports.'' after ``being met in that 
                                fiscal year.''; and
                            (ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
                    (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(3) Special rule.--Beginning in fiscal year 2026, if the 
        amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) was not equal to 
        or greater than $150,000,000 in the preceding fiscal year, the 
        Secretary shall issue grants for projects eligible under 
        paragraph (1)(A) from apportionment funds made available under 
        section 47114 that are not required during the fiscal year 
        pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in an amount that is not less 
        than--
                    ``(A) $150,000,000; minus
                    ``(B) the amount made available under paragraph 
                (1)(A) in the preceding fiscal year.''.

SEC. 718. DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS.

    (a) Terminal Projects at Transitioning Airports.--Section 47119(c) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``or'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (5)--
                    (A) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
                inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                    (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; or''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) not more than $20,000,000 of the amount that may be 
        distributed for the fiscal year from the discretionary fund 
        established under section 47115, to the sponsor of a nonprimary 
        airport to pay costs allowable under subsection (a) for 
        terminal development projects, if the Secretary determines 
        (which may be based on actual and projected enplanement trends, 
        as well as completion of an air service development study, 
        demonstrated commitment by airlines to provide commercial 
        service accommodating at least 10,000 annual enplanements, the 
        documented commitment of a sponsor to providing the remaining 
        funding to complete the proposed project, and a favorable 
        environmental finding (including all required permits) in 
        support of the proposed project) that the status of the 
        nonprimary airport is reasonably expected to change to primary 
        status based on enplanements for the third calendar year after 
        the issuance of the discretionary grant.''.
    (b) Limitation.--Section 47119(f) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$30,000,000''.

SEC. 719. PROTECTING GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS FROM CLOSURE.

    (a) Non-surplus Property.--Section 47125 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Waiving Restrictions.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
        may grant to an airport, city, or county a waiver of any of the 
        terms, conditions, reservations, or restrictions contained in a 
        deed under which the United States conveyed to the airport, 
        city, or county an interest in real property for airport 
        purposes pursuant to section 16 of the Federal Airport Act (60 
        Stat. 179), section 23 of the Airport and Airway Development 
        Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232), or this section.
            ``(2) Conditions.--Any waiver granted by the Secretary 
        pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following 
        conditions:
                    ``(A) The applicable airport, city, county, or 
                other political subdivision shall agree that in 
                conveying any interest in the real property which the 
                United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county, 
                the airport, city, or county will receive consideration 
                for such interest that is equal to its current fair 
                market value.
                    ``(B) Any consideration received by the airport, 
                city, or county under subparagraph (A) shall be used 
                exclusively for the development, improvement, 
                operation, or maintenance of a public airport by the 
                airport, city, or county.
                    ``(C) Such waiver--
                            ``(i) will not significantly impair the 
                        aeronautical purpose of an airport;
                            ``(ii) will not result in the permanent 
                        closure of an airport (unless the Secretary 
                        determines that the waiver will directly 
                        facilitate the construction of a replacement 
                        airport); or
                            ``(iii) is necessary to protect or advance 
                        the civil aviation interests of the United 
                        States.
                    ``(D) Any other conditions required by the 
                Secretary.
            ``(3) Annual reporting.--The Secretary shall include a list 
        and description of each waiver granted pursuant to paragraph 
        (1) in the plan required under section 47103.''.
    (b) Surplus Property.--
            (1) In general.--Section 47151 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(d) Waiver of Condition.--The Secretary may not waive any 
condition imposed on an interest in surplus property conveyed under 
subsection (a) that such interest be used for an aeronautical purpose 
unless the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 days 
before the issuance of such waiver and determines that such waiver--
            ``(1) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
        purpose of an airport;
            ``(2) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
        airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will 
        directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); 
        or
            ``(3) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation 
        interests of the United States.''.
            (2) Waiving and adding terms.--Section 47153 of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and 
        inserting the following:
    ``(c) Restrictions on Waiver.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and 
(b), the Secretary may not waive any term under this section that an 
interest in land be used for an aeronautical purpose unless--
            ``(1) the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 
        days before the issuance of a waiver; and
            ``(2) the Secretary determines that such waiver--
                    ``(A) will not significantly impair the 
                aeronautical purpose of an airport;
                    ``(B) will not result in the permanent closure of 
                an airport (unless the Secretary determines that the 
                waiver will directly facilitate the construction of a 
                replacement airport); or
                    ``(C) is necessary to protect or advance the civil 
                aviation interests of the United States.''.
    (c) Repeals.--
            (1) Airports near closed or realigned bases.--Section 1203 
        of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (49 U.S.C. 
        47101 note), and the item relating to such section in the table 
        of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
            (2) Release from restrictions.--Section 817 of the FAA 
        Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note), 
        and the item relating to such section in the table of contents 
        under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

SEC. 720. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Training.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Training for Participating States.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to each 
        State participating in the block grant program under this 
        section training or updated training materials for the 
        administrative responsibilities assumed by the State under such 
        program at no cost to the State.
            ``(2) Timing.--The training or updated training materials 
        provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided at least once 
        during each 2-year period and at any time there is a material 
        change in the program.''.
    (b) Administration.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code, 
is further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Roles and Responsibilities of Participating States.--
            ``(1) Airports.--Unless a State participating in the block 
        grant program under this section expressly agrees in a 
        memorandum of agreement, the Secretary shall not require the 
        State to manage functions and responsibilities for airport 
        actions or projects that do not relate to such program.
            ``(2) Program documentation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Any grant agreement providing 
                funds to be administered under such program shall be 
                consistent with the most recently executed memorandum 
                of agreement between the State and the Federal Aviation 
                Administration.
                    ``(B) Parity.--The Administrator of the Federal 
                Aviation Administration shall provide parity to 
                participating States and shall only require the same 
                type of information and level of detail for any program 
                agreements and documentation that the Administrator 
                would perform with respect to such action if the State 
                did not participate in the program.
            ``(3) Responsibilities.--Unless the State expressly agrees 
        to retain responsibility, the Administrator shall retain 
        responsibility for the following:
                    ``(A) Grant compliance investigations, 
                determinations, and enforcement.
                    ``(B) Obstruction evaluation and airport airspace 
                analysis, determinations, and enforcement off airport 
                property.
                    ``(C) Non-rulemaking analysis, determinations, and 
                enforcement for proposed improvements on airport 
                properties not associated with this subchapter, or off 
                airport property.
                    ``(D) Land use determinations, compatibility 
                planning, and airport layout plan review and approval 
                (consistent with section 47107(x)) for projects not 
                funded by amounts available under this subchapter.
                    ``(E) Nonaeronautical and special event 
                recommendations and approvals.
                    ``(F) Instrument approach procedure evaluations and 
                determinations.
                    ``(G) Environmental review for projects not funded 
                by amounts available under this subchapter.
                    ``(H) Review and approval of land leases, land 
                releases, changes in on-airport land-use designation, 
                and through-the-fence agreements.''.
    (c) IIJA State Block Grant Program Administrative Funding.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall distribute 
        administrative funding to assist States participating in the 
        State block grant program under section 47128 of title 49, 
        United States Code, with program implementation of airport 
        infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment and 
        Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).
            (2) Funding source.--In distributing administrative funds 
        to States under this subsection, the Secretary shall distribute 
        such funds from the funds made available in the Infrastructure 
        Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) for personnel, 
        contracting, and other costs to administer and oversee grants 
        of the Airport Infrastructure Grants, Contract Tower 
        Competitive Grant Program, and Airport Terminal Program.
            (3) Administrative funds.--With respect to administrative 
        funds made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026--
                    (A) the amount of administrative funds available 
                for distribution under paragraph (2) shall be an amount 
                equal to a percentage determined by the Secretary, but 
                not less than 2 percent, of the annual allocations 
                provided under the heading ``AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 
                GRANTS'' under the heading ``FEDERAL AVIATION 
                ADMINISTRATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
                Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-
                58) to non-primary airports participating in the 
                State's block grant program each fiscal year of the 
                Airport Infrastructure Grant program;
                    (B) administrative funds distributed under 
                paragraph (2) shall be used by such States to--
                            (i) administer and oversee, as outlined in 
                        a memorandum of agreement or other agreement 
                        between the FAA and the State, all airport 
                        grant program funds provided under the 
                        Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public 
                        Law 117-58) to non-primary airports 
                        participating in the State's block grant 
                        program, whether through direct allocation or 
                        through competitive selection; and
                            (ii) carry out the public purposes of 
                        supporting eligible and justified airport 
                        development and infrastructure projects as 
                        provided in the Infrastructure Investment and 
                        Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58); and
                    (C) except as provided in paragraph (4), such 
                administrative funds shall be distributed to such 
                States through a cooperative agreement executed between 
                the State and the FAA not later than December 1 of each 
                fiscal year in which the Infrastructure Investment and 
                Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) provides airport grant 
                program funds.
            (4) Initial distribution.--With respect to administrative 
        funds made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2024, funds 
        available as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be 
        distributed to States through a cooperative agreement executed 
        between the State and the FAA not later than 30 days after such 
        date of enactment.
    (d) Report.--The Comptroller General shall issue to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the Office of Airports of the FAA 
and the airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 
and chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, and include in such 
report a description of--
            (1) the responsibilities of States participating in the 
        block grant program under section 47128 of title 49, United 
        States Code; and
            (2) the impact of title VIII of division J of the 
        Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) and 
        other Federal administrative funding sources on the ability of 
        such States to disburse and administer airport improvement 
        program funds.

SEC. 721. INNOVATIVE FINANCING TECHNIQUES.

    Section 47135 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
        following:
    ``(a) Authority.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
        approve an application by an airport sponsor to use grants 
        received under this subchapter for innovative financing 
        techniques related to an airport development project that is 
        located at an airport that is not a large hub airport.
            ``(2) Approval.--The Secretary may approve not more than 30 
        applications described under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year.
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purpose of grants made under this section 
shall be to--
            ``(1) provide information on the benefits and difficulties 
        of using innovative financing techniques for airport 
        development projects;
            ``(2) lower the total cost of an airport development 
        project; or
            ``(3) expedite the delivery or completion of an airport 
        development project without reducing safety or causing 
        environmental harm.''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) any other techniques that the Secretary 
                determines are consistent with the purposes of this 
                section.''.

SEC. 722. LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT PLANS.

    Section 47136(c) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
            (1) by striking ``applicants that will'' and inserting the 
        following: ``applicants that--
            ``(1) will'';
            (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
        and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) provide a long-term management plan for eligible 
        vehicles and equipment that includes the existing and future 
        infrastructure requirements of the airport related to such 
        vehicles and equipment.''.

SEC. 723. ALTERNATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY.

    (a) In General.--Section 47142 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the section heading by striking ``Design-build 
        contracting'' and inserting ``Alternative project delivery'';
            (2) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``Administrator of the 
                        Federal Aviation Administration'' and inserting 
                        ``Secretary of Transportation''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``award a design-build'' 
                        and inserting ``award a covered project 
                        delivery'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``design-build'' 
                and inserting ``covered project delivery''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``design-build 
                contract will'' and inserting ``covered project 
                delivery contract is projected to''; and
            (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Pilot Program.--
            ``(1) Pilot program.--Not later than 270 days after the 
        date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
        establish a pilot program under which the Administrator may 
        award grants for integrated project delivery contracts, as 
        described in subsection (d)(2), to carry out up to 5 building 
        construction projects at airports in the United States with a 
        grant awarded under section 47104.
            ``(2) Application.--
                    ``(A) Eligibility.--A sponsor of an airport may 
                submit to the Secretary an application, in such time 
                and manner and containing such information as the 
                Secretary may require, to carry out a building 
                construction project under the pilot program that would 
                otherwise be eligible for assistance under this 
                chapter.
                    ``(B) Approval.--The Secretary may approve the 
                application of a sponsor of an airport submitted under 
                paragraph (1) to authorize such sponsor to award an 
                integrated project delivery contract using a selection 
                process permitted under applicable State or local law 
                if--
                            ``(i) the Secretary approves the 
                        application using criteria established by the 
                        Secretary;
                            ``(ii) the integrated project delivery 
                        contract is in a form that is approved by the 
                        Secretary;
                            ``(iii) the Secretary is satisfied that the 
                        contract will be executed pursuant to 
                        competitive procedures and contains a schematic 
                        design and any other material that the 
                        Secretary determines sufficient to approve the 
                        grant;
                            ``(iv) the Secretary is satisfied that the 
                        use of an integrated project delivery contract 
                        will be cost effective and expedite the 
                        project;
                            ``(v) the Secretary is satisfied that there 
                        will be no conflict of interest; and
                            ``(vi) the Secretary is satisfied that the 
                        contract selection process will be open, fair, 
                        and objective and that not less than 2 sets of 
                        proposals will be submitted for each team 
                        entity under the selection process.
            ``(3) Reimbursement of costs.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may reimburse a 
                sponsor of an airport for any design or construction 
                costs incurred before a grant is made pursuant to this 
                section if--
                            ``(i) the project funding is approved by 
                        the Secretary in advance;
                            ``(ii) the project is carried out in 
                        accordance with all administrative and 
                        statutory requirements under this chapter; and
                            ``(iii) the project is carried out under 
                        this chapter after a grant agreement has been 
                        executed.
                    ``(B) Accounting.--Reimbursement of costs shall be 
                based on transparent cost accounting or open book cost 
                accounting.
    ``(d) Covered Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this section, 
the term `covered project delivery contract' means--
            ``(1) an agreement that provides for both design and 
        construction of a project by a contractor through alternative 
        project delivery methods, including construction manager-at-
        risk and progressive design build; or
            ``(2) a single contract for the delivery of a whole project 
        that--
                    ``(A) includes, at a minimum, the sponsor, builder, 
                and architect-engineer as parties that are subject to 
                the terms of the contract;
                    ``(B) aligns the interests of all the parties to 
                the contract with respect to the project costs and 
                project outcomes; and
                    ``(C) includes processes to ensure transparency and 
                collaboration among all parties to the contract 
                relating to project costs and project outcomes.''.
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Secretary 
establishes the pilot program under section 47142(c) of title 49, 
United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), the Secretary shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on whether integrated 
project delivery or other covered project delivery contracts authorized 
under such section resulted in any project efficiencies.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
47142 and inserting the following:

``47142. Alternative project delivery.''.

SEC. 724. NONMOVEMENT AREA SURVEILLANCE SURFACE DISPLAY SYSTEMS PILOT 
              PROGRAM.

    Section 47143(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.

SEC. 725. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
and carry out a pilot program to award grants to sponsors to carry out 
capital projects to upgrade the accessibility of commercial service 
airports for individuals with disabilities by increasing the number of 
commercial service airports, airport terminals, or airport facilities 
that meet or exceed the standards and regulations under the Americans 
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) and the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 note).
    ``(b) Use of Funds.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a sponsor 
        shall use a grant awarded under this section--
                    ``(A) for a project to repair, improve, or relocate 
                the infrastructure of an airport, airport terminal, or 
                airport facility to increase accessibility for 
                individuals with disabilities, or as part of a plan to 
                increase accessibility for individuals with 
                disabilities;
                    ``(B) to develop or modify a plan (as described in 
                subsection (e)) for a project that increases 
                accessibility for individuals with disabilities, 
                including--
                            ``(i) assessments of accessibility or 
                        assessments of planned modifications to an 
                        airport, airport terminal, or airport facility 
                        for passenger use, performed by the disability 
                        advisory committee of the recipient airport (if 
                        applicable), the protection and advocacy system 
                        for individuals with disabilities in the 
                        applicable State, a center for independent 
                        living, or a disability organization, including 
                        an advocacy or nonprofit organization that 
                        represents or provides services to individuals 
                        with disabilities; or
                            ``(ii) coordination by the disability 
                        advisory committee of the recipient airport 
                        with a protection and advocacy system, center 
                        for independent living, or such disability 
                        organization; or
                    ``(C) to carry out any other project that meets or 
                exceeds the standards and regulations described in 
                subsection (a).
            ``(2) Limitation.--Eligible costs for a project funded with 
        a grant awarded under this section shall be limited to the 
        costs associated with carrying out the purpose authorized under 
        subsection (a).
    ``(c) Eligibility.--A sponsor may use a grant under this section to 
upgrade a commercial service airport that is accessible to and usable 
by individuals with disabilities--
            ``(1) consistent with the current (as of the date of the 
        upgrade) standards and regulations described in subsection (a); 
        and
            ``(2) even if the related service, program, or activity, 
        when viewed in the entirely of the service, program, or 
        activity, is readily accessible and usable as so described.
    ``(d) Selection Criteria.--In making grants to sponsors under this 
section, the Secretary shall give priority to sponsors that are 
proposing--
            ``(1) a capital project to upgrade the accessibility of a 
        commercial service airport that is not accessible to and usable 
        by individuals with disabilities consistent with standards and 
        regulations described in subsection (a); or
            ``(2) to meet or exceed the Airports Council International 
        accreditation under the Accessibility Enhancement 
        Accreditation, through the incorporation of universal design 
        principles.
    ``(e) Accessibility Commitment.--A sponsor that receives a grant 
under this section shall adopt a plan under which the sponsor commits 
to pursuing airport accessibility projects that--
            ``(1) enhance the passenger experience and maximize 
        accessibility of commercial service airports, airport 
        terminals, or airport facilities for individuals with 
        disabilities, including by--
                    ``(A) upgrading bathrooms, counters, or pumping 
                rooms;
                    ``(B) increasing audio and visual accessibility on 
                information boards, security gates, or paging systems;
                    ``(C) updating airport terminals to increase the 
                availability of accessible seating and power outlets 
                for durable medical equipment (such as powered 
                wheelchairs);
                    ``(D) updating airport websites and other 
                information communication technology to be accessible 
                for individuals with disabilities; or
                    ``(E) increasing the number of elevators, including 
                elevators that move power wheelchairs to an aircraft;
            ``(2) improve the operations of, provide efficiencies of 
        service to, and enhance the use of commercial service airports 
        for individuals with disabilities;
            ``(3) establish a disability advisory committee if the 
        airport is a small, medium, or large hub airport; and
            ``(4) make improvements in personnel, infrastructure, and 
        technology that can assist passenger self-identification 
        regarding disability and needing assistance.
    ``(f) Coordination With Disability Advocacy Entities.--In 
administering grants under this section, the Secretary shall 
encourage--
            ``(1) engagement with disability advocacy entities (such as 
        the disability advisory committee of the sponsor) and a 
        protection and advocacy system for individuals with 
        disabilities in the applicable State, a center for independent 
        living, or a disability organization, including an advocacy or 
        nonprofit organization that represents or provides services to 
        individuals with disabilities; and
            ``(2) assessments of accessibility or assessments of 
        planned modifications to commercial service airports to the 
        extent merited by the scope of the capital project of the 
        sponsor proposed to be assisted under this section, taking into 
        account any such assessment already conducted by the Federal 
        Aviation Administration.
    ``(g) Federal Share of Costs.--The Government's share of allowable 
project costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section 
shall be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified 
under section 47109.
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Center for independent living.--The term `center for 
        independent living' has the meaning given such term in section 
        702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796a).
            ``(2) Disability advisory committee.--The term `disability 
        advisory committee' means a body of stakeholders (including 
        airport staff, airline representatives, and individuals with 
        disabilities) that provide to airports and appropriate 
        transportation authorities input from individuals with 
        disabilities, including identifying opportunities for removing 
        barriers, expanding accessibility features, and improving 
        accessibility for individuals with disabilities at airports.
            ``(3) Protection and advocacy system.--The term `protection 
        and advocacy system' means a system established in accordance 
        with section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance 
        and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15043).
    ``(i) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
chapter, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the Secretary may 
use up to $20,000,000 of the amounts that would otherwise be used to 
make grants from the discretionary fund under section 47115 for each 
such fiscal year to carry out this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 
471 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 47144 the following:

``47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility.''.

SEC. 726. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47146. General aviation program runway extension pilot program
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish and carry out a pilot program to provide grants to general 
aviation airports to increase the usable runway length capability at 
such airports in order to--
            ``(1) expand access to such airports for larger aircraft; 
        and
            ``(2) support the development and economic viability of 
        such airports.
    ``(b) Grants.--
            ``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out the 
        pilot program established in subsection (a), the Secretary 
        shall make grants to not more than 2 sponsors of general 
        aviation airports per fiscal year.
            ``(2) Use of funds.--A sponsor of a general aviation 
        airport shall use a grant awarded under this section to plan, 
        design, or construct a project to extend an existing primary 
        runway by not greater than 1,000 feet in order to accommodate 
        large turboprop or turbojet aircraft that cannot be 
        accommodated with the existing runway length.
            ``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
        this section, a sponsor of a general aviation airport shall 
        submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
        form, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
        require.
            ``(4) Selection.--In selecting an applicant for a grant 
        under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize projects 
        that demonstrate that the existing runway length at the airport 
        is--
                    ``(A) inadequate to support the near-term 
                operations of 1 or more business entities operating at 
                the airport as of the date of submission of such 
                application;
                    ``(B) a direct aircraft operational impediment to 
                airport economic viability, job creation or retention, 
                or local economic development; and
                    ``(C) not located within 20 miles of another 
                National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems airport 
                with comparable runway length.
    ``(c) Project Justification.--A project that demonstrates the 
criteria described in subsection (b) shall be considered a justified 
cost with respect to the pilot program, notwithstanding--
            ``(1) any benefit-cost analysis required under section 
        47115(d); or
            ``(2) a project justification determination described in 
        section 3 of chapter 3 of FAA Order 5100.38D, Airport 
        Improvement Program Handbook (dated September 30, 2014) (or any 
        successor document).
    ``(d) Federal Share.--The Government's share of allowable project 
costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section shall 
be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified under 
section 47109.
    ``(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 5 years after the 
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives a report that evaluates the pilot program, 
including--
            ``(1) information regarding the level of applicant interest 
        in grants for increasing runway length;
            ``(2) the number of large aircraft that accessed each 
        general aviation airport that received a grant under the pilot 
        program in comparison to the number of such aircraft that 
        accessed the airport prior to the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2024, based on data provided to the 
        Secretary by the airport sponsor not later than 6 months before 
        the submission date described in this subsection; and
            ``(3) a description, provided to the Secretary by the 
        airport sponsor not later than 6 months before the submission 
        date described in this subsection, of the economic development 
        opportunities supported by increasing the runway length at 
        general aviation airports.
    ``(f) Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the 
Secretary may use funds under section 47116(b)(2) to carry out this 
section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 
471 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 47145 the following:

``47146. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.''.

SEC. 727. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.

    Section 47306 of title 49, United States Code, and the item 
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 473 of such title, 
are repealed.

SEC. 728. TRANSFERS OF AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ACQUIRED WITH AIP FUNDING.

    (a) In General.--Section 44502(e) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``An airport'' and 
        inserting ``Subject to paragraph (4), an airport in a non-
        contiguous State'';
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at 
                the end and inserting ``; or''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                subparagraph:
                    ``(D) a Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System 
                with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights.''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(4) Exception.--The requirement under paragraph (1) that 
        an eligible air traffic system or equipment be purchased in 
        part using a Government airport aid program, airport 
        development aid program, or airport improvement project grant 
        shall not apply if the air traffic system or equipment is 
        installed at an airport that is categorized as a basic or local 
        general aviation airport under the most recently published 
        national plan of integrated airport systems under section 
        47103.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect beginning on October 1, 2024.

SEC. 729. NATIONAL PRIORITY SYSTEM FORMULAS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall review and update the National 
Priority System prioritization formulas contained in FAA Order 5090.5 
to account for the amendments to chapter 471 of title 49, United States 
Code, made by this Act.
    (b) Required Consultation.--In revising the formulas under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the 
following:
            (1) Primary airports, including large, medium, small, and 
        nonhub airports.
            (2) Non-primary airports, including general aviation 
        airports.
            (3) Airport trade associations, including trade 
        associations representing airport executives.
            (4) State aviation officials, including associations 
        representing such officials.
            (5) Air carriers, including mainline, regional, and low-
        cost air carriers.
            (6) Associations representing air carriers.
    (c) Priority Projects.--In revising the formulas under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall assign the highest priority to projects that 
increase or maintain the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the 
aviation system.

SEC. 730. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) While significant progress has occurred due to the 
        establishment of the airport disadvantaged business enterprise 
        program and the airport concessions disadvantaged business 
        enterprise program under sections 47113 and 47107(e) of title 
        49, United States Code, respectively, discrimination and 
        related barriers continue to pose significant obstacles for 
        minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to do business in 
        airport-related markets across the Nation.
            (2) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and 
        documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous 
        sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, 
        scientific reports, reports issued by public and private 
        agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by 
        organizations and individuals, and discrimination lawsuits. 
        Such testimony and documentation show that race- and gender-
        neutral efforts alone are insufficient to address the problem.
            (3) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph 
        (2) demonstrate that race and gender discrimination pose a 
        barrier to full and fair participation in airport-related 
        businesses of women business owners and minority business 
        owners in the racial groups detailed in parts 23 and 26 of 
        title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and has impacted firm 
        development and other aspects of airport-related business in 
        the public and private markets.
            (4) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph 
        (2) provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need for 
        the continuation of the airport disadvantaged business 
        enterprise program and the airport concessions disadvantaged 
        business enterprise program to address race and gender 
        discrimination in airport-related business.
    (b) Supportive Services.--Section 47113 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Supportive Services.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, may, at 
        the request of an airport sponsor, provide assistance under a 
        grant issued under this subchapter to develop, conduct, and 
        administer training programs and assistance programs in 
        connection with any airport improvement project subject to part 
        26 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, for small business 
        concerns referred to in subsection (b) to achieve proficiency 
        to compete, on an equal basis for contracts and subcontracts 
        related to such projects.
            ``(2) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to receive 
        assistance under this section is--
                    ``(A) a State;
                    ``(B) a political subdivision of a State or local 
                government;
                    ``(C) a Tribal government;
                    ``(D) an airport sponsor;
                    ``(E) a metropolitan planning organization;
                    ``(F) a group of entities described in 
                subparagraphs (A) through (E); or
                    ``(G) any other organization considered appropriate 
                by the Secretary.''.

SEC. 731. EXTENSION OF PROVISION RELATING TO AIRPORT ACCESS ROADS IN 
              REMOTE LOCATIONS.

    Section 162 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47102 
note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
``2018'' and all that follows through ``2024'' and inserting ``2024 
through 2028''.

SEC. 732. POPULOUS COUNTIES WITHOUT AIRPORTS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not 
deny inclusion in the national plan of integrated airport systems 
maintained under section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, to an 
airport or proposed airport if the airport or proposed airport--
            (1) is located in the most populous county (as such term is 
        defined in section 2 of title 1, United States Code) of a State 
        that does not have an airport listed in the national plan;
            (2) has an airport sponsor that was established before 
        January 1, 2017;
            (3) is located more than 15 miles away from another airport 
        listed in the national plan;
            (4) demonstrates how the airport will meet the operational 
        activity required, through a forecast validated by the 
        Secretary, within the first 10 years of operation;
            (5) meets FAA airport design standards;
            (6) submits a benefit-cost analysis;
            (7) presents a detailed financial plan to accomplish 
        construction and ongoing maintenance; and
            (8) has the documented support of the State government for 
        the entry of the airport or proposed airport into the national 
        plan.

SEC. 733. AIP HANDBOOK UPDATE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the Airport Improvement 
Program Handbook (FAA Order 5100.38D) (in this section referred to as 
the ``AIP Handbook'') to account for legislative changes to the airport 
improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 and chapter 475 
of title 49, United States Code, and to make such other changes as the 
Administrator determines necessary.
    (b) Requirements Relating to Alaska.--In revising the AIP Handbook 
under subsection (a) (and in any subsequent revision), the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall 
identify and incorporate reasonable exceptions to the general 
requirements of the AIP Handbook to meet the unique circumstances, and 
advance the safety needs, of airports in Alaska, including with respect 
to the following:
            (1) Snow Removal Equipment Building size and configuration.
            (2) Expansion of lease areas.
            (3) Shared governmental use of airport equipment and 
        facilities in remote locations.
            (4) Ensuring the resurfacing or reconstruction of legacy 
        runways to support--
                    (A) aircraft necessary to support critical health 
                needs of a community;
                    (B) remote fuel deliveries; and
                    (C) firefighting response.
            (5) The use of runway end identifier lights at airports in 
        Alaska.
    (c) Additional Requirement.--In revising the AIP Handbook under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall include updates to reflect 
whether a light emitting diode system is an appropriate replacement for 
any existing halogen system.
    (d) Public Comment.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a draft 
        revision of the AIP Handbook and make such draft available for 
        public comment for a period of not less than 90 days.
            (2) Review.--The Administrator shall--
                    (A) review all comments submitted during the public 
                comment period described under paragraph (1);
                    (B) as the Administrator considers appropriate, 
                incorporate changes based on such comments into the 
                final revision of the Handbook; and
                    (C) provide a response to all significant comments.
    (e) Interim Implementation of Changes.--
            (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not 
        later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
        Administrator shall issue program guidance letters to provide 
        for the interim implementation of amendments made by this Act 
        to the Airport Improvement Program.
            (2) Alaska exceptions.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        date on which the Administrator identified reasonable 
        exceptions under subsection (b), the Administrator, in 
        consultation with the Regional Administrator of the FAA Alaskan 
        Region, shall issue program guidance letters to provide for the 
        interim application of such exceptions.

SEC. 734. GAO AUDIT OF AIRPORT FINANCIAL REPORTING PROGRAM.

    (a) Audit.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate an audit of the 
airport financial reporting program of the FAA and provide 
recommendations to the Administrator on improvements to such program.
    (b) Requirements.--In conducting the audit required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
            (1) review relevant FAA guidance to airports, including the 
        version of Advisory Circular 150/5100-19, titled ``Operating 
        and Financial Summary'', that is in effect on the date of 
        enactment of this Act;
            (2) evaluate the information requested or required by the 
        Administrator from airports for completeness and usefulness by 
        the FAA and the public;
            (3) assess the costs associated with collecting, reporting, 
        and maintaining such information for airports and the FAA;
            (4) determine if such information provided is--
                    (A) updated on a regular basis to make such 
                information useful; and
                    (B) audited and verified in an appropriate manner;
            (5) assess if the Administrator has addressed the issues 
        the Administrator discovered during the apportionment and 
        disbursement of relief funds to airports under the Coronavirus 
        Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136) 
        using inaccurate and aged airport financial data; and
            (6) determine whether the airport financial reporting 
        program as structured as of the date of enactment of this Act 
        provides value to the FAA, the aviation industry, or the 
        public.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after the 
completion of the audit required under subsection (a), the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing the findings of such audit and any recommendations provided 
to the Administrator to improve or alter the airport financial 
reporting program.

SEC. 735. GAO STUDY OF ONSITE AIRPORT GENERATION.

    (a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
feasibility of installation and adoption of certain power generation 
property at airports which receive funding from the Federal Government.
    (b) Content.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
            (1) any safety impacts of the installation and operation of 
        such power generation property, either in aggregate or around 
        certain locations or structures at the airport;
            (2) regulatory barriers to adoption;
            (3) benefits to adoption;
            (4) previous examples of adoptions;
            (5) impacts on other entities; and
            (6) previous examples of adoption and factors pertaining to 
        previous examples of adoption, including--
                    (A) novel uses beyond supplemental power 
                generation, such as expanding nonresidential property 
                around airports to minimize noise, power generation 
                resilience, and market forces;
                    (B) challenges identified in the installation 
                process;
                    (C) upfront and long-term costs, both foreseen and 
                unforeseen;
                    (D) funding sources used to pay for upfront costs; 
                and
                    (E) long-term savings.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the initiation of the 
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of 
the study and any recommendations based on such results.
    (d) Power Generation Property Defined.--In this section, the term 
``power generation property'' means equipment defined in section 
48(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

SEC. 736. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AT AIRPORTS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study to examine 
the efficacy of transportation demand management strategies at United 
States airports.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall examine, at a minimum--
            (1) whether transportation demand management strategies 
        should be considered by airports when making infrastructure 
        planning and construction decisions;
            (2) the impact of transportation demand management 
        strategies on existing multimodal options to and from airports 
        in the United States; and
            (3) best practices for developing transportation demand 
        management strategies that can be used to improve access to 
        airports for passengers and airport and airline personnel.
    (c) Report.--Upon completion of the study conducted under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on such study.
    (d) Transportation Demand Management Strategy Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``transportation demand management strategy'' means 
the use of planning, programs, policy, marketing, communications, 
incentives, pricing, data, and technology to optimize travel modes, 
routes used, departure times, and number of trips.

SEC. 737. COASTAL AIRPORTS ASSESSMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Chief of 
Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of 
Engineers, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, shall initiate an assessment on the 
resiliency of airports in coastal or flood-prone areas of the United 
States.
    (b) Contents.--The assessment required under subsection (a) shall--
            (1) examine the impact of hazardous weather and other 
        environmental factors that pose risks to airports in coastal or 
        flood-prone areas; and
            (2) identify and evaluate initiatives and best practices to 
        prevent and mitigate the impacts of factors described in 
        paragraph (1) on airports in coastal or flood-prone areas.
    (c) Report.--Upon completion of the assessment, the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on--
            (1) the results of the assessment required under subsection 
        (a); and
            (2) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
        action to improve the resiliency of airports in coastal or 
        flood-prone areas in the United States.

SEC. 738. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

    Section 47134(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Benefit-cost analysis.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Prior to approving an 
                application submitted under subsection (a), the 
                Secretary may require a benefit-cost analysis.
                    ``(B) Finding.--If a benefit-cost analysis is 
                required, the Secretary shall issue a preliminary and 
                conditional finding, which shall--
                            ``(i) be issued not later than 60 days 
                        after the date on which the sponsor submits all 
                        information required by the Secretary;
                            ``(ii) be based upon a collaborative review 
                        process that includes the sponsor or a 
                        representative of the sponsor;
                            ``(iii) not constitute the issuance of a 
                        Federal grant or obligation to issue a grant 
                        under this chapter or other provision of law; 
                        and
                            ``(iv) not constitute any other obligation 
                        on the part of the Federal Government until the 
                        conditions specified in the final benefit-cost 
                        analysis are met.''.

SEC. 739. SPECIAL RULE FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN UNCLASSIFIED 
              AIRPORTS.

    (a) Request for Reclassification.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2024, a 
        privately owned reliever airport (as such term is defined in 
        section 47102 of title 49, United States Code) that is 
        identified as unclassified in the National Plan of Integrated 
        Airport Systems of the FAA titled ``National Plan of Integrated 
        Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-2027'', published on September 30, 
        2022 may submit to the Secretary a request to reclassify the 
        airport according to the criteria used to classify a publicly 
        owned airport.
            (2) Required information.--In submitting a request under 
        paragraph (1), a privately owned reliever airport shall include 
        the following information:
                    (A) A sworn statement and accompanying 
                documentation that demonstrates how the airport would 
                satisfy the requirements of FAA Order 5090.5, titled 
                ``Formulation of the NPIAS and ACIP'' (or any successor 
                guidance), to be classified as ``Local'' or ``Basic'' 
                if the airport was publicly owned.
                    (B) A report that--
                            (i) identifies the role of the airport to 
                        the aviation system; and
                            (ii) describes the long-term fiscal 
                        viability of the airport based on demonstrated 
                        aeronautical activity and associated revenues 
                        relative to ongoing operating and maintenance 
                        costs.
    (b) Eligibility Review.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
        request from a privately owned reliever airport under 
        subsection (a), the Secretary shall perform an eligibility 
        review with respect to the airport, including an assessment of 
        the safety, security, capacity, access, compliance with Federal 
        grant assurances, and protection of natural resources of the 
        airport and the quality of the environment, as prescribed by 
        the Secretary.
            (2) Public sponsor.--In performing the eligibility review 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
                    (A) may require the airport requesting 
                reclassification to provide information regarding the 
                outlook (whether positive or negative) for obtaining a 
                public sponsor; and
                    (B) may not require the airport to obtain a public 
                sponsor.
    (c) Reclassification by Secretary.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
        request from a privately owned reliever airport under 
        subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall grant such request if 
        the following criteria are met:
                    (A) The request includes the required information 
                under subsection (a)(2).
                    (B) The privately owned reliever airport, to the 
                satisfaction of the Secretary--
                            (i) passes the eligibility review performed 
                        under subsection (b); or
                            (ii) submits a corrective action plan in 
                        accordance with paragraph (2).
            (2) Corrective action plan.--With respect to a privately 
        owned reliever airport that does not, to the satisfaction of 
        the Secretary, pass the eligibility review performed under 
        subsection (b), the Secretary shall provide notice of 
        disapproval to such airport not later than 60 days after 
        receiving the request under subsection (a)(1), and such airport 
        may resubmit to the Secretary a reclassification request along 
        with a corrective action plan that--
                    (A) resolves any shortcomings identified in such 
                eligibility review; and
                    (B) proves that any necessary corrective action has 
                been completed by the airport.
    (d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately owned 
reliever airport under this section shall take effect not later than--
            (1) October 1, 2025, for any request granted under 
        subsection (c)(1); and
            (2) October 1, 2026, for any request granted after the 
        submission of a corrective action plan under subsection (c)(2).

SEC. 740. PERMANENT SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall produce an engineering brief that describes the 
acceptable use of permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems 
at regional, local, and basic general aviation airports (as categorized 
in the most recent National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems of the 
FAA titled ``National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-
2027'', published on September 30, 2022).

SEC. 741. SECONDARY RUNWAYS.

    In approving grants for projects with funds made available pursuant 
to title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs 
Act (Public Law 117-58) under the heading ``Federal Aviation 
Administration--Airport Infrastructure Grants'', the Administrator 
shall consider permitting a nonhub or small hub airport to use such 
funds to extend secondary runways, notwithstanding the level of 
operational activity at such airport.

SEC. 742. INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORTS AND MEETING CURRENT 
              AND FUTURE ENERGY POWER DEMANDS.

    (a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
a program under which the Secretary shall--
            ``(1) encourage the sponsor of each public-use airport to--
                    ``(A) conduct airport planning that assesses the 
                airport's--
                            ``(i) current and future energy power 
                        requirements, including--
                                    ``(I) heating and cooling;
                                    ``(II) on-road airport vehicles and 
                                ground support equipment;
                                    ``(III) gate electrification;
                                    ``(IV) electric aircraft charging; 
                                and
                                    ``(V) vehicles and equipment used 
                                to transport passengers and employees 
                                between the airport and--
                                            ``(aa) nearby facilities 
                                        owned or controlled by the 
                                        airport or which otherwise 
                                        directly support the functions 
                                        or services provided by the 
                                        airport; or
                                            ``(bb) an intermodal 
                                        surface transportation facility 
                                        adjacent to the airport; and
                            ``(ii) existing energy infrastructure 
                        condition, location, and capacity, including 
                        base load and backup power, to meet the current 
                        and future electrical power demand as 
                        identified in this subparagraph; and
                    ``(B) conduct airport development to improve energy 
                efficiency, increase peak load savings at the airport, 
                and meet future electrical power demands as identified 
                in subparagraph (A); and
            ``(2) reimburse the airport sponsor for the costs incurred 
        in conducting the assessment under paragraph (1)(A).
    ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to airport sponsors 
from amounts made available under section 48103 to assist such sponsors 
that have completed the assessment described in subsection (a)(1)--
            ``(1) to acquire or construct equipment that will improve 
        energy efficiency at the airport; and
            ``(2) to pursue an airport development project described in 
        subsection (a)(1)(B).
    ``(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), 
the sponsor of a public-use airport shall submit an application, 
including a certification that no safety projects are being deferred by 
requesting a grant under this section, to the Secretary at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
require.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
47140 and inserting the following:

``47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand.''.

SEC. 743. REVIEW OF AIRPORT LAYOUT PLANS.

    (a) In General.--Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) [Reserved].''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) [Reserved].''.
    (b) Airport Layout Plan Approval Authority.--Section 47107 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(16)--
                    (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(B) subject to subsection (x), the Secretary will 
                review and approve or disapprove the plan and any 
                revision or modification of the plan before the plan, 
                revision, or modification takes effect;''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (C)(i) by striking 
                ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subsection (x)''; 
                and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(x) Scope of Airport Layout Plan Review and Approval Authority of 
Secretary.--
            ``(1) Authority over projects on land acquired without 
        federal assistance.--For purposes of subsection (a)(16)(B), 
        with respect to any project proposed on land acquired by an 
        airport owner or operator without Federal assistance, the 
        Secretary may review and approve or disapprove only the 
        portions of the plan (or any subsequent revision to the plan) 
        that--
                    ``(A) materially impact the safe and efficient 
                operation of aircraft at, to, or from the airport;
                    ``(B) adversely affect the safety of people or 
                property on the ground as a result of aircraft 
                operations; or
                    ``(C) adversely affect the value of prior Federal 
                investments to a significant extent.
            ``(2) Limitation on non-aeronautical review.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may not require an 
                airport to seek approval for (including in the 
                submission of an airport layout plan), or directly or 
                indirectly regulate or place conditions on (including 
                through any grant assurance), any project that is not 
                subject to paragraph (1).
                    ``(B) Review and approval authority.--If only a 
                portion of a project proposed by an airport owner or 
                operator is subject to the review and approval of the 
                Secretary under subsection (a)(16)(B), the Secretary 
                shall not extend review and approval authority to other 
                non-aeronautical portions of the project.
            ``(3) Notice.--
                    ``(A) In general.--An airport owner or operator 
                shall submit to the Secretary a notice of intent to 
                proceed with a proposed project (or a portion thereof) 
                that is outside of the review and approval authority of 
                the Secretary, as described in this subsection, if the 
                project was not on the most recently submitted airport 
                layout plan of the airport.
                    ``(B) Failure to object.--If not later than 45 days 
                after receiving the notice of intent described in 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary fails to object to such 
                notice, the proposed project (or portion thereof) shall 
                be deemed as being outside the scope of the review and 
                approval authority of the Secretary under subsection 
                (a)(16)(B).''.

SEC. 744. PROTECTION OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF AIRSPACE AT AIRPORTS.

    (a) Airspace Review Process Requirements.--The Administrator shall 
consider the following additional factors in the evaluation of 
cumulative impacts when making a determination of hazard or no hazard, 
or objection or no objection, as applicable, under part 77 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, regarding proposed construction or 
alteration within 3 miles of the runway ends and runway centerlines (as 
depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan of the airport) on any 
land not owned by any such airport:
            (1) The accumulation and spacing of structures or other 
        obstructions that might constrain radar or communication 
        capabilities, thereby reducing the capacity of an airport, 
        flight procedure minimums or availability, or aircraft takeoff 
        or landing capabilities.
            (2) Safety risks of lasers, lights, or light sources, 
        inclusive of lighted billboards and screens, affixed to 
        structures, that may pose hazards to air navigation.
            (3) Water features or hazardous wildlife attractants, as 
        defined by the Administrator.
            (4) Impacts to visual flight rule traffic patterns for both 
        fixed and rotary wing aircraft, inclusive of special visual 
        flight rule procedures established by Letters of Agreement 
        between air traffic facilities, the airport, and flight 
        operators.
            (5) Impacts to FAA-funded airport improvement projects, 
        improvements depicted on or described in FAA-approved Airport 
        Layout Plans and master plans, and preservation of the 
        navigable airspace necessary for achieving the objectives and 
        utilization of the projects and plans.
    (b) Required Information.--A notice submitted under part 77 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall include the following:
            (1) Actual designs of an entire project and property, 
        without regard to whether a proposed construction or alteration 
        within 3 miles of the end of a runway of an airport and runway 
        centerlines as depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan 
        of the airport is limited to a singular location on a property.
            (2) If there are any changes to such designs or addition of 
        equipment, such as cranes used to construct a building, after 
        submission of such a notice, all information included with the 
        notice submitted before such change or addition shall be 
        resubmitted, along with information regarding the change or 
        addition.
    (c) Expiration.--
            (1) In general.--Unless extended, revised, or terminated, 
        each determination of no hazard issued by the Administrator 
        under part 77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall 
        expire 18 months after the effective date of the determination, 
        or on the date the proposed construction or alteration is 
        abandoned, whichever is earlier.
            (2) After expiration.--Determinations under paragraph (1) 
        are no longer valid with regard to whether a proposed 
        construction or alteration would be a hazard to air navigation 
        after such determination has expired.
    (d) Authority to Consolidate OEI Surface Criteria.--The 
Administrator may develop a single set of One Engine Inoperative 
surface criteria that is specific to an airport. The Administrator 
shall consult with the airport operator and flight operators that use 
such airport, on the development of such surface criteria.
    (e) Development of Policies to Protect OEI Surfaces.--Not later 
than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
regarding the status of the efforts of the FAA to protect One Engine 
Inoperative surfaces from encroachment at United States certificated 
and federally obligated airports, including the current status of 
efforts to incorporate such protections into FAA Obstruction 
Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis processes.
    (f) Authority to Consult With Other Agencies.--The Administrator 
may consult with other Federal, State, or local agencies as necessary 
to carry out the requirements of this section.
    (g) Applicability.--This section shall only apply to an airport in 
a county adjacent to 2 States with converging intersecting cross runway 
operations within 12 nautical miles of an Air Force base.

SEC. 745. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a pilot program under 
which airport sponsors may use funds made available under chapter 471 
or section 48103 of title 49, United States Code, for use at up to 10 
airports to carry out--
            (1) activities associated with the acquisition, by purchase 
        or lease, operation, and installation of equipment to support 
        the operations of electric aircraft, including interoperable 
        electric vehicle charging equipment; and
            (2) the construction or modification of infrastructure to 
        facilitate the delivery of power or services necessary for the 
        use of electric aircraft, including--
                    (A) on airport utility upgrades; and
                    (B) associated design costs.
    (b) Eligibility.--A public-use airport is eligible for 
participation in the pilot program under this section if the Secretary 
finds that funds made available under subsection (a) would support--
            (1) electric aircraft operators at such airport, or using 
        such airport; or
            (2) electric aircraft operators planning to operate at such 
        airport with an associated agreement in place.
    (c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a) 
shall terminate on October 1, 2028.

SEC. 746. CURB MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

    Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent airports from--
            (1) engaging in curb management practices, including 
        determining and assigning curb designations and regulations;
            (2) installing and maintaining upon any of the roadways or 
        parts of roadways as many curb zones as necessary to aid in the 
        regulation, control, and inspection of passenger loading and 
        unloading; or
            (3) enforcing curb zones using sensor, camera, automated 
        license plate recognition, and software technologies and 
        issuing citations by mail to the registered owner of the 
        vehicle.

SEC. 747. NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.

    Notwithstanding part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, 
or any other provision of law, funds made available as part of the 
Airport Improvement Program under subchapter I of chapter 471 or 
chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, shall not be subject to 
any public notice of funding opportunity requirement.

SEC. 748. RUNWAY SAFETY PROJECTS.

    In awarding grants under section 47115 of title 49, United States 
Code, for runway safety projects, the Administrator shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable--
            (1) reduce unnecessary or undesirable project segmentation; 
        and
            (2) complete the entire project in an expeditious manner.

SEC. 749. AIRPORT DIAGRAM TERMINOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall update Airport Diagram 
Order JO 7910.4 and any related advisory circulars, policy, and 
guidance to ensure the clear and consistent use of terms to delineate 
the types of parking available to general aviation pilots.
    (b) Collaboration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall collaborate with industry stakeholders, commercial 
service airports, and general aviation airports in--
            (1) facilitating basic standardization of general aviation 
        parking terms;
            (2) accounting for the majority of uses of general aviation 
        parking terms; and
            (3) providing clarity for chart users.
    (c) IAC Specifications.--The Administrator shall encourage the 
Interagency Air Committee to incorporate the terms developed pursuant 
to subsection (a) in publications produced by the Committee.

SEC. 750. GAO STUDY ON FEE TRANSPARENCY BY FIXED BASED OPERATORS.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study 
reviewing the efforts of fixed based operators to meet their 
commitments to improve the online transparency of prices and fees for 
all aircraft and enhancing the customer experience for general and 
business aviation users.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study described in subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General, at a minimum, should evaluate the fixed based 
operator industry commitment to ``Know Before You Go'' best business 
practices including--
            (1) fixed based operators provisions for all general 
        aviation and business aircraft types regarding a description of 
        available services and a listing of applicable retail fuel 
        prices, fees, and charges;
            (2) the accessibility of fees and charges described in 
        paragraph (1) to aircraft operators on-line and in a user-
        friendly manner and with sufficient clarity that a pilot 
        operating a particular aircraft type can determine what will be 
        charged;
            (3) efforts by fixed based operators to invite and 
        encourage customers to contact them so that operators can ask 
        questions, know any options, and make informed decisions; and
            (4) any practices imposed by an airport operator that 
        prevent fixed based operators from fully disclosing fees and 
        charges.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of 
the review required under this section.

SEC. 751. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

    Section 157(b)(2) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
47113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) Publishing data.--The Secretary of 
                Transportation shall report on a publicly accessible 
                website the uniform report of DBE awards/commitments 
                and payments specified in part 26 of title 49, Code of 
                Federal Regulations, and the uniform report of ACDBE 
                Participation for non-car rental and car rental 
                concessions, for each airport sponsor beginning with 
                fiscal year 2025.''.

SEC. 752. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN RUNWAY LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not 
require an airport to shorten the length or width of the runway, apron, 
or taxiway of the airport as a condition for the receipt of federal 
financial assistance if the airport directly supports a base of the 
United States Air Force or the Air National Guard at the airport, 
regardless of the stationing of military aircraft.

SEC. 753. REPORT ON INDO-PACIFIC AIRPORTS.

    The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
shall submit to Congress a report on airports of strategic importance 
in the Indo-Pacific region that includes each of the following:
            (1) An identification of airports and air routes critical 
        to national security, defense operations, emergency response, 
        and continuity of government activities.
            (2) An assessment of the economic impact and contribution 
        of airports and air routes to national and regional economies.
            (3) An evaluation of the connectivity and accessibility of 
        airports and air routes, including their importance in 
        supporting domestic and international travel, trade, and 
        tourism.
            (4) An analysis of infrastructure and technological 
        requirements necessary to maintain and enhance the strategic 
        importance of identified airports and air routes.
            (5) An identification of potential vulnerabilities, risks, 
        and challenges faced by airports and air routes of strategic 
        importance, including cybersecurity threats and physical 
        infrastructure vulnerabilities.
            (6) Any recommendations for improving the security, 
        resilience, and efficiency of the identified airports and air 
        routes, including potential infrastructure investments and 
        policy changes.

SEC. 754. GAO STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANTS AT CERTAIN AIRPORTS.

    The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the implementation 
of grants provided to airports located in the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau under 
section 47115(i) of title 49, United States Code and submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of such 
study.

SEC. 755. GAO STUDY ON TRANSIT ACCESS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
transit access to airports and submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on the results of such study.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall review public transportation access to 
commercial service airports throughout the United States, including 
accessibility and other potential barriers for individuals.

SEC. 756. BANNING MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.

    (a) In General.--The United States, acting through the 
Administrator, shall release the City of Banning, California, from all 
restrictions, conditions, and limitations on the use, encumbrance, 
conveyance, and closure of the Banning Municipal Airport, as described 
in the most recent airport layout plan approved by the FAA, to the 
extent such restrictions, conditions, and limitations are enforceable 
by the Administrator.
    (b) Conditions.--The release under subsection (a) shall not be 
executed before the City of Banning, California, or its designee, 
transfers to the United States Government the following:
            (1) A reimbursement for 1983 grant the City of Banning, 
        California received from the FAA for the purchase of 20 acres 
        of land, at an amount equal to the fair market value for the 
        highest and best use of the Banning Municipal Airport property 
        determined in good faith by 2 independent and qualified real 
        estate appraisers and an independent review appraiser on or 
        after the date of the enactment of this Act.
            (2) An amount equal to the unamortized portion of any 
        Federal development grants other than land paid to the City of 
        Banning for use at the Banning Municipal Airport, which may be 
        paid with, and shall be an allowable use of, airport revenue 
        notwithstanding section 47107 or 47133 of title 49, United 
        States Code.
            (3) For no consideration, all airport and aviation-related 
        equipment of the Banning Municipal Airport owned by the City of 
        Banning and determined by the FAA or the Department of 
        Transportation of the State of California to be salvageable for 
        use at other airports.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the applicability of--
            (1) the requirements and processes under section 46319 of 
        title 49, United States Code;
            (2) the requirements under the National Environmental 
        Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
            (3) the requirements and processes under part 157 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
            (4) the public notice requirements under section 
        47107(h)(2) of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 757. DISPUTED CHANGES OF SPONSORSHIP AT FEDERALLY OBLIGATED, 
              PUBLICLY OWNED AIRPORT.

    (a) Approval Authority.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a 
        disputed change of airport sponsorship, the Administrator shall 
        have the sole legal authority to approve any change in the 
        sponsorship of, or operational responsibility for, the airport 
        from the airport sponsor of record to another public or private 
        entity.
            (2) Exclusion.--This section shall not apply to a change of 
        sponsorship or ownership of a privately-owned airport, a 
        transfer under the Airport Investment Partnership Program, a 
        change when the Federal Government exercises a right of 
        reverter, or a change that is not disputed.
    (b) Conditions for Approval.--
            (1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
        Administrator shall not approve any disputed change of airport 
        sponsorship unless the Administrator receives--
                    (A) written documentation from the airport sponsor 
                of record consenting to the change in sponsorship or 
                operation;
                    (B) notice of a final, non-reviewable judicial 
                decision requiring such change; or
                    (C) notice of a legally-binding agreement between 
                the parties involved.
            (2) Pending judicial review.--The Administrator may not 
        evaluate or approve a disputed change of airport sponsorship 
        where a legal dispute is pending before a court of competent 
        jurisdiction.
            (3) Technical assistance.--
                    (A) In general.--Any State or local legislative 
                body or public agency considering whether to take an 
                action (including by drafting legislation) that would 
                impact the ownership, sponsorship, governance, or 
                operations of a federally obligated, publicly owned 
                airport may request from the Administrator, at any 
                point in the deliberative process--
                            (i) technical assistance regarding the 
                        interrelationship between Federal and State or 
                        local requirements applicable to any such 
                        action; and
                            (ii) review and comment on such action.
                    (B) Failure to seek technical assistance.--The 
                Administrator may deny a change in the ownership, 
                sponsorship, or governance of, or operational 
                responsibility for, a federally obligated, publicly 
                owned airport if a State or local legislative body or 
                public agency does not seek technical assistance under 
                subparagraph (A) with respect to such change.
    (c) Final Decision Authority.--In addition to the conditions 
outlined in subsection (b), the Administrator shall independently 
determine whether the proposed sponsor or operator is able to satisfy 
Federal requirements for airport sponsorship or operation and shall 
ensure, by requiring whatever terms and conditions the Administrator 
determines necessary, that any change in the ownership, sponsorship, or 
governance of, or operational responsibility for, a federally 
obligated, publicly owned airport is consistent with existing Federal 
law, regulations, existing grant assurances, and Federal land 
conveyance obligations.
    (d) Definition of Disputed Change of Airport Sponsorship.--In this 
section, the term ``disputed change of airport sponsorship'' means any 
action that seeks to change the ownership, sponsorship, or governance 
of, or operational responsibility for, a federally obligated, publicly 
owned airport, including any such change directed by judicial action or 
State or local legislative action, where the airport sponsor of record 
initially does not consent to such change.

SEC. 758. PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO FAA MULTIMODAL 
              PROJECTS.

    (a) In General.--Any multimodal airport development project that 
uses grant funding from funds made available to the Administrator to 
carry out subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, 
or airport infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment 
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) shall abide by the procurement 
regulations applicable to--
            (1) the FAA; and
            (2) subject to subsection (b), the component of the project 
        relating to transit, highway, or rail, respectively.
    (b) Multiple Component Projects.--In the case of a multimodal 
airport development project described in subsection (a) that involves 
more than 1 component described in paragraph (2) of such subsection, 
such project shall only be required to apply the procurement 
regulations applicable to the component where the greatest amount of 
Federal financial assistance will be expended.

SEC. 759. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.

    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize the 
Secretary to issue a Deed of Release from all terms, conditions, 
reservations, restrictions, and obligations contained in the Quitclaim 
Deed and to permit the State of Arizona to deposit all proceeds of the 
disposition of Buckeye 940 in the appropriate fund for the benefit of 
the beneficiaries of the Arizona State Land Trust.
    (b) Release of Any and All Interest in Buckeye 940.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, the United States, acting through the Secretary, shall 
        issue to the State of Arizona a Deed of Release to release all 
        terms, conditions, reservations, restrictions, and obligations 
        contained in the Quitclaim Deed, including any and all 
        reversionary interest of the United States in Buckeye 940.
            (2) Terms and conditions.--The Deed of Release described in 
        paragraph (1) shall be subject to such additional terms and 
        conditions, consistent with such paragraph, as the Secretary 
        considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United 
        States.
            (3) No restriction on use of proceeds.--Notwithstanding any 
        other provision of law, the State of Arizona may dispose of 
        Buckeye 940 and any proceeds thereof, including proceeds 
        already collected by the State and held in a suspense account, 
        without regard to any restriction imposed by the Quitclaim Deed 
        or by section 155.7 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (4) Mineral reservation.--The Deed of Release described in 
        paragraph (1) shall include the release of all interests of the 
        United States to the mineral rights on Buckeye 940 included in 
        the Quitclaim Deed.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Buckeye 940.--The term ``Buckeye 940'' means all of 
        section 12, T.1 N., R.3 W. and all of adjoining fractional 
        section 7, T.1 N., R.2 W., Gila and Salt River Meridian, 
        Arizona, which property was the subject of the Quitclaim Deed 
        between the United States and the State of Arizona, dated July 
        11, 1949, and which is currently owned by the State of Arizona 
        and held in trust for the beneficiaries of the Arizona State 
        Land Trust.
            (2) Quitclaim deed.--The term ``Quitclaim Deed'' means the 
        Quitclaim Deed between the United States and the State of 
        Arizona, dated July 11, 1949.

SEC. 760. WASHINGTON, DC METROPOLITAN AREA SPECIAL FLIGHT RULES AREA.

    (a) Submission of Study to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense, 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a study 
on the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone under 
subpart V of part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Contents of Study.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall assess specific proposed changes to the 
Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone that will 
decrease operational impacts and improve general aviation access to 
airports in the National Capital Region that are currently impacted by 
the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the committees of 
Congress described in subsection (a) a briefing on the feasibility 
(including any associated costs) of--
            (1) installing equipment that allows a pilot to communicate 
        with air traffic control using a very high frequency radio for 
        the purposes of receiving an instrument flight rules clearance, 
        activating a DC FRZ flight plan, or activating a DC SFRA flight 
        plan (as applicable) at--
                    (A) non-towered airports in the Flight Restricted 
                Zone; and
                    (B) airports in the Special Flight Rules Area that 
                do not have the communications equipment described in 
                this paragraph;
            (2) allowing a pilot approved by the Transportation 
        Security Administration in accordance with section 1562.3 of 
        title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to electronically file a 
        DC FRZ flight plan or instrument flight rules flight plan that 
        departs from, or arrives at, an airport in the Flight 
        Restricted Zone; and
            (3) allowing a pilot to electronically file a standard very 
        high frequency radio flight plan that departs from, or arrives 
        at, an airport in the Special Flight Rules Area or Flight 
        Restricted Zone.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) DC frz flight plan; dc sfra flight plan.--The terms 
        ``DC FRZ flight plan'' and ``DC SFRA flight plan'' have the 
        meanings given such terms in section 93.335 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Standard vfr flight plan.--The term ``standard VFR 
        flight plan'' means a VFR flight plan (as such term is 
        described in section 91.153 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations) that includes search and rescue services.

SEC. 761. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS IN PUERTO RICO.

    (a) In General.--No later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on air cargo 
operations in Puerto Rico.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
            (1) The economic impact of waivers authorized by the 
        Secretary related to air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
            (2) Recommendations for security measures that may be 
        necessary to support increased air cargo operations in Puerto 
        Rico.
            (3) Potential need for additional staff to safely 
        accommodate additional air cargo operations.
            (4) Airport infrastructure improvements that may be needed 
        in the 3 international airports located in Puerto Rico to 
        support increased air cargo operations.
            (5) Alternatives to increase private stakeholder engagement 
        and use of the 3 international airports in Puerto Rico to 
        attract increased air cargo operations.
            (6) Possible national benefits of increasing air cargo 
        operations in Puerto Rico.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study described 
in subsection (a).

SEC. 762. PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE NATIONAL TRANSITION PLAN RELATED TO A 
              FLUORINE-FREE FIREFIGHTING FOAM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter until the progress 
report termination date described in subsection (c), the Administrator, 
in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a progress report on the development and 
implementation of a national transition plan related to a fluorine-free 
firefighting foam that meets the performance standards referenced in 
chapter 6 of the advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Aircraft Fire 
Extinguishing Agents'', issued on July 8, 2004 (Advisory Circular 150/
5210-6D) and is acceptable under section 139.319(l) of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, for use at part 139 airports.
    (b) Required Information.--Each progress report under subsection 
(a) shall include the following:
            (1) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with 
        respect to providing part 139 airports with--
                    (A) guidance from the Environmental Protection 
                Agency on acceptable environmental limits relating to 
                fluorine-free firefighting foam;
                    (B) guidance from the Department of Defense on the 
                transition of the Department of Defense to a fluorine-
                free firefighting foam;
                    (C) best practices for the decontamination of 
                existing aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, 
                systems, and other equipment used to deploy 
                firefighting foam at part 139 airports; and
                    (D) timelines for the release of policy and 
                guidance relating to the development of implementation 
                plans for part 139 airports to obtain approved military 
                specification products and firefighting personnel 
                training.
            (2) A comprehensive list of the amount of aqueous film-
        forming firefighting foam at each part 139 airport as of the 
        date of the submission of the progress report, including the 
        amount of such firefighting foam held in firefighting equipment 
        and the number of gallons regularly kept in reserve at each 
        such airport.
            (3) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with 
        respect to providing airports that are not part 139 airports 
        and local authorities with responsibility for inspection and 
        oversight with guidance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) 
        of paragraph (1) as such guidance relates to the use of 
        fluorine-free firefighting foam at such airports.
            (4) Any other information that the Administrator determines 
        is appropriate.
    (c) Progress Report Termination Date.--The progress report 
termination date described in this subsection is the date on which the 
Administrator notifies the appropriate committees of Congress that 
development and implementation of the national transition plan 
described in subsection (a) is complete.
    (d) Part 139 Airport Defined.--In this section, the term ``part 139 
airport'' means an airport certified under part 139 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 763. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the activities of the FAA with respect to--
            (1) collecting more accurate data in notices of 
        construction, alteration, activation, and deactivation of 
        airports as required under part 157 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations; and
            (2) making the database under part 157 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, more accurate and useful for aircraft 
        operators, particularly for helicopter and rotary wing type 
        aircraft operators.

SEC. 764. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
            (1) specific actions the Secretary and the Administrator, 
        using existing legal authority, can take to expand access for 
        lower cost passenger air carriers to capacity constrained 
        airports in the United States, including New York John F. 
        Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark 
        Liberty International Airport; and
            (2) any additional legal authority the Secretary and the 
        Administrator require in order to make additional slots at New 
        York John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia 
        Airport and runway timings at Newark Liberty International 
        Airport available to lower cost passenger air carriers.

SEC. 765. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study on the following:
            (1) Existing FAA policy and guidance that govern the siting 
        of new airports or the transition of general aviation airports 
        to commercial service.
            (2) Ways that existing regulations and policies could be 
        streamlined to facilitate the development of new airport 
        capacity, particularly in high-demand air travel regions 
        looking to invest in new airport capacity.
            (3) Whether Federal funding sources (existing as of the 
        date of enactment of this Act) that are authorized by the 
        Secretary could be used for such purposes.
            (4) Whether such Federal funding sources meet the needs of 
        the national airspace system for adding new airport capacity 
        outside of the commercial service airports in operation as of 
        the date of enactment of this Act.
            (5) If such Federal funding sources are determined by the 
        Administrator to be insufficient for the purposes described in 
        this subsection, an estimate of the funding gap.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such 
legislative or administrative action as the Administrator determines 
appropriate.
    (c) Guidance.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall, if appropriate, revise FAA 
guidance to incorporate the findings of the study conducted under 
subsection (a) to assist airports and State and local departments of 
transportation in increasing airport capacity to meet regional air 
travel demand.

SEC. 766. STUDY ON AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-POWERED TRACK SYSTEMS.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator may conduct a study to determine the 
feasibility and economic viability of autonomous or electric-powered 
track systems that--
            (1) are located underneath the pavement at an airport; and
            (2) allow a transport category aircraft to taxi without the 
        use of the main engines of the aircraft.
    (b) Briefing.--If the Administrator conducts a study under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the results of such study.

SEC. 767. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.

    (a) PFAS Replacement Program for Airports.--Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation 
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall 
establish a program to reimburse sponsors of eligible airports for the 
reasonable and appropriate costs incurred after September 12, 2023, and 
associated with any of the following:
            (1) The one-time initial acquisition by the sponsor of an 
        eligible airport of an approved fluorine-free firefighting 
        agent under Military Specification MIL-PRE-32725, dated January 
        12, 2023, in a quantity of--
                    (A) the capacity of all required aircraft rescue 
                and firefighting equipment listed in the most recent 
                FAA-approved Airport Certification Manual, regardless 
                of how the equipment was initially acquired; and
                    (B) twice the quantity carried onboard each 
                required truck available in the fire station for the 
                eligible airport.
            (2) The disposal of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl 
        products, including fluorinated aqueous film-forming agents, to 
        the extent such disposal is necessary to facilitate the 
        transition to such approved fluorine-free firefighting agent, 
        including aqueous film-forming agents currently in firefighting 
        equipment and vehicles and any wastewater generated during the 
        cleaning of firefighting equipment and vehicles.
            (3) The cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or 
        components thereof, to the extent such cleaning or disposal is 
        necessary to facilitate the transition to such approved 
        fluorine-free firefighting agent.
            (4) The acquisition of any equipment, or components 
        thereof, necessary to facilitate the transition to such 
        approved fluorine-free firefighting agent.
            (5) The replacement of any aircraft rescue and firefighting 
        equipment determined necessary to be replaced by the Secretary.
    (b) Distribution of Funds.--
            (1) Grants to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting 
        vehicles.--
                    (A) In general.--Of the amounts made available to 
                carry out the PFAS replacement program, the Secretary 
                shall reserve up to $30,000,000 to make grants to each 
                eligible airport that is designated under part 139 as 
                an Index A airport and does not have existing 
                capabilities to produce fluorine-free firefighting foam 
                for the replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting 
                vehicles.
                    (B) Amount.--The maximum amount of a grant made 
                under subparagraph (A) may not exceed $2,000,000.
            (2) Remaining amounts.--
                    (A) Determination of need.--With respect to the 
                amount of firefighting foam concentrate required for 
                foam production commensurate with applicable aircraft 
                rescue and firefighting equipment required in 
                accordance with the most recent FAA-approved Airport 
                Certification Manual, the Secretary shall determine--
                            (i) for each eligible airport, the total 
                        amount of such concentrate required for all of 
                        the federally required aircraft rescue and 
                        firefighting vehicles that meet index 
                        requirements under part 139, in gallons; and
                            (ii) for all eligible airports, the total 
                        amount of firefighting foam concentrate, in 
                        gallons.
                    (B) Determination of grant amounts.--The Secretary 
                shall make a grant to the sponsor of each eligible 
                airport in an amount equal to the product of--
                            (i) the amount of funds made available to 
                        carry out this section that remain available 
                        after the Secretary reserves the amount 
                        described in paragraph (1); and
                            (ii) the ratio of the amount determined 
                        under subparagraph (A)(i) for such eligible 
                        airport to the amount determined under 
                        subparagraph (A)(ii).
    (c) Program Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the 
        eligibility of costs payable under the PFAS replacement program 
        by taking into account all engineering, technical, and 
        environmental protocols and generally accepted industry 
        standards that are developed or established for approved 
        fluorine-free firefighting foams.
            (2) Compliance with applicable law.--To be eligible for 
        reimbursement under the program established under subsection 
        (a), the sponsor of an eligible airport shall carry out all 
        actions related to the acquisition, disposal, and transition to 
        approved fluorine-free firefighting foams, including the 
        cleaning and disposal of equipment, in full compliance with all 
        applicable Federal laws in effect at the time of obligation of 
        a grant under this section.
            (3) Federal share.--The Federal share of allowable costs 
        under the PFAS replacement program shall be 100 percent.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated not 
        more than $350,000,000 to carry out the PFAS replacement 
        program.
            (2) Requirements.--Amounts made available to carry out the 
        PFAS replacement program shall--
                    (A) remain available for expenditure for a period 
                of 5 fiscal years; and
                    (B) be available in addition to any other funding 
                available for similar purposes under any other Federal, 
                State, local, or Tribal program.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Eligible airport.--The term ``eligible airport'' means 
        an airport holding an Airport Operating Certificate issued 
        under part 139.
            (2) Part 139.--The term ``part 139'' means part 139 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) PFAS replacement program.--The term ``PFAS replacement 
        program'' means the program established under subsection (a).

SEC. 768. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 50101 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking ``(except section 47127)'' each place it 
        appears; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Limitation on Certain Rolling Stock Procurements.--
            ``(1) In general.--Financial assistance made available 
        under the provisions described in subsection (a) shall not be 
        used in awarding a contract or subcontract to an entity on or 
        after the date of enactment of this subsection for the 
        procurement of rolling stock for use in an airport-related 
        project if the manufacturer of the rolling stock--
                    ``(A) is incorporated in or has manufacturing 
                facilities in the United States; and
                    ``(B) is owned or controlled by, is a subsidiary 
                of, or is otherwise related legally or financially to a 
                corporation based in a country that--
                            ``(i) is identified as a nonmarket economy 
                        country (as defined in section 771(18) of the 
                        Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1677(18))) as of 
                        the date of enactment of this subsection;
                            ``(ii) was identified by the United States 
                        Trade Representative in the most recent report 
                        required by section 182 of the Trade Act of 
                        1974 (19 U.S.C. 2242) as a foreign country 
                        included on the priority watch list defined in 
                        subsection (g)(3) of that section; and
                            ``(iii) is subject to monitoring by the 
                        Trade Representative under section 306 of the 
                        Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2416).
            ``(2) Exception.--
                    ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
                the term `otherwise related legally or financially' 
                does not include--
                            ``(i) a minority relationship or 
                        investment; or
                            ``(ii) relationship with or investment in a 
                        subsidiary, joint venture, or other entity 
                        based in a country described in paragraph 
                        (1)(B) that does not export rolling stock or 
                        components of rolling stock for use in the 
                        United States.
                    ``(B) Corporation based in people's republic of 
                china.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i), for 
                purposes of paragraph (1), the term `otherwise related 
                legally or financially' includes a minority 
                relationship or investment if the relationship or 
                investment involves a corporation based in the People's 
                Republic of China.
            ``(3) International agreements.--This subsection shall be 
        applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the 
        United States under international agreements.
            ``(4) Waiver.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the 
                limitation described in paragraph (1) using the 
                criteria described in subsection (b).
                    ``(B) Notification.--Not later than 10 days after 
                issuing a waiver under subparagraph (A), the Secretary 
                shall notify the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
                Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
                the Senate.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Restricting contract awards because of discrimination 
        against united states goods or services.--Section 50102 of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(except 
        section 47127)''.
            (2) Restriction on airport projects using products or 
        services of foreign countries denying fair market 
        opportunities.--Section 50104(b) of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended by striking ``(except section 47127)''.
            (3) Fraudulent use of made in america label.--Section 50105 
        of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
        ``(except section 47127)''.

SEC. 769. MAINTAINING SAFE FIRE AND RESCUE STAFFING LEVELS.

    (a) Update to Regulation.--The Administrator shall update the 
regulations contained in section 139.319 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to ensure that paragraph (4) of such section provides that 
at least 1 individual maintains certification at the emergency medical 
technician basic level, or higher, at a small, medium, or large hub 
airport.
    (b) Staffing Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a review of 
airport environments and related regulations to evaluate sufficient 
staffing levels necessary for firefighting, rescue, and emergency 
medical services and response at airports certified under part 139 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after completing the review 
under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review.

SEC. 770. GRANT ASSURANCES.

    (a) General Written Assurances.--Section 47107(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (20) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (21) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(22) the airport owner or operator may not restrict or 
        prohibit the sale or self-fueling of any 100-octane low lead 
        aviation gasoline for purchase or use by operators of general 
        aviation aircraft if such aviation gasoline was available at 
        such airport at any time during calendar year 2022, until the 
        earlier of--
                    ``(A) December 31, 2030; or
                    ``(B) the date on which the airport or any retail 
                fuel seller at such airport makes available an unleaded 
                aviation gasoline that--
                            ``(i) has been authorized for use by the 
                        Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
                        Administration as a replacement for 100-octane 
                        low lead aviation gasoline for use in nearly 
                        all piston-engine aircraft and engine models; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) meets either an industry consensus 
                        standard or other standard that facilitates the 
                        safe use, production, and distribution of such 
                        unleaded aviation gasoline, as determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator.''.
    (b) Civil Penalties for Grant Assurances Violations.--Section 
46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``section 47107(a)(22) 
        (including any assurance made under such section),'' after 
        ``chapter 451,''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(8) Failure to Continue Offering Aviation Fuel.--Notwithstanding 
paragraph (1), the maximum civil penalty for a violation of section 
47107(a)(22) (including any assurance made under such section) 
committed by a person, including if the person is an individual or a 
small business concern, shall be $5,000 for each day that the person is 
in violation of that section.''.

SEC. 771. AVIATION FUEL IN ALASKA.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Prohibition on restriction of fuel usage or 
        availability.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration and the Administrator of the Environmental 
        Protection Agency shall not restrict the continued use or 
        availability of 100-octane low lead aviation gasoline in the 
        State of Alaska until the earlier of--
                    (A) December 31, 2032; or
                    (B) 6 months after the date on which the 
                Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
                finds that an unleaded aviation fuel is widely 
                commercially available at airports throughout the State 
                of Alaska that--
                            (i) has been authorized for use by the 
                        Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
                        Administration as a replacement for 100-octane 
                        low lead aviation gasoline; and
                            (ii) meets either an industry consensus 
                        standard or other standard that facilitates and 
                        ensures the safe use, production, and 
                        distribution of such unleaded aviation fuel.
            (2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit 
        the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration or the Administrator of the Environmental 
        Protection Agency to address the endangerment to public health 
        and welfare posed by lead emissions--
                    (A) in the United States outside of the State of 
                Alaska; or
                    (B) within the State of Alaska after the date 
                specified in paragraph (1).
    (b) GAO Report on Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Fuel in the 
State of Alaska.--
            (1) Evaluation.--The Comptroller General of the United 
        States shall conduct an evaluation of the following:
                    (A) The aircraft, routes, and supply chains in the 
                State of Alaska utilizing leaded aviation gasoline, 
                including identification of remote and rural 
                communities that rely upon leaded aviation gasoline.
                    (B) The estimated costs and benefits of 
                transitioning aircraft and the supply chain in the 
                State of Alaska to aviation fuel that meets the 
                requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of 
                section 47107(a)(22)(B) of title 49, United States 
                Code, as added by section 770, including direct costs 
                of new aircraft and equipment and indirect costs, 
                including transportation from refineries to markets, 
                foreign imports, and changes in leaded aviation 
                gasoline prices as a result of reduced supply.
                    (C) The programs of the Environmental Protection 
                Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other 
                government agencies that can be utilized to assist 
                individuals, communities, industries, and the State of 
                Alaska with the costs described in subparagraph (B).
                    (D) A reasonable time frame to permit any 
                limitation on 100-octane low-lead aviation gasoline in 
                the State of Alaska.
                    (E) Other logistical considerations associated with 
                the transition described in subparagraph (B).
            (2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit 
        a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted 
        under paragraph (1) to--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works 
                of the Senate;
                    (C) the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
                    (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the 
                House of Representatives.

SEC. 772. APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS.

    The amendments to the Airport Improvement Program apportionment and 
discretionary formulas under chapter 471 of title 49, United States 
Code, made by this Act (except as they relate to the extension of 
provisions or authorities expiring on May 10, 2024, or May 11, 2024) 
shall not apply in a fiscal year beginning before the date of enactment 
of this Act.

SEC. 773. PROHIBITION ON USE OF AMOUNTS TO PROCESS OR ADMINISTER ANY 
              APPLICATION FOR THE JOINT USE OF HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE 
              BASE WITH CIVIL AVIATION.

    No amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Federal 
Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 may be used 
to process or administer any application for the joint use of Homestead 
Air Reserve Base, Homestead, Florida, by the Air Force and civil 
aircraft.

SEC. 774. UNIVERSAL CHANGING STATION.

    (a) Grant Assurances.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States 
Code, as amended by section 743(b)(2), is further amended by adding at 
the end the following:
    ``(y) Universal Changing Station.--
            ``(1) In general.--In fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year 
        thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation may approve an 
        application under this subchapter for an airport development 
        project grant only if the Secretary receives written assurances 
        that the airport owner or operator will install or maintain (in 
        compliance with the requirements of section 35.133 of title 28, 
        Code of Federal Regulations), as applicable--
                    ``(A) at least 1 private, single-use room with a 
                universal changing station that--
                            ``(i) meets the standards established under 
                        paragraph (2)(A); and
                            ``(ii) is accessible to all individuals for 
                        purposes of use by an individual with a 
                        disability in each passenger terminal building 
                        of the airport; and
                    ``(B) signage at or near the entrance to the 
                changing station indicating the location of the 
                changing station.
            ``(2) Standards required.--Not later than 2 years after the 
        date of enactment of this subsection, the United States Access 
        Board shall--
                    ``(A) establish--
                            ``(i) comprehensive accessible design 
                        standards for universal changing tables; and
                            ``(ii) standards on the privacy, 
                        accessibility, and sanitation equipment of the 
                        room in which such table is located, required 
                        to be installed, or maintained under this 
                        subsection; and
                    ``(B) in establishing the standards under 
                subparagraph (A), consult with entities with 
                appropriate expertise relating to the use of universal 
                changing stations used by individuals with 
                disabilities.
            ``(3) Applicability.--
                    ``(A) Airport size.--The requirement in paragraph 
                (1) shall only apply to applications submitted by the 
                airport sponsor of a medium or large hub airport.
                    ``(B) Special rule.--The requirement in paragraph 
                (1) shall not apply with respect to a project grant 
                application for a period of time, determined by the 
                Secretary, if the Secretary determines that 
                construction or maintenance activities make it 
                impracticable or unsafe for the universal changing 
                station to be located in the sterile area of the 
                building.
            ``(4) Exception.--Upon application by an airport sponsor, 
        the Secretary may determine that a universal changing station 
        in existence before the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2024, complies with the requirements of 
        paragraph (1) (including the standards established under 
        paragraph (2)(A)), notwithstanding the absence of 1 or more of 
        the standards or characteristics required under such paragraph.
            ``(5) Definition.--In this section:
                    ``(A) Disability.--The term `disability' has the 
                meaning given that term in section 3 of the Americans 
                with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
                    ``(B) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has 
                the same meaning given that term in section 1540.5 of 
                title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
                    ``(C) Universal changing station.--The term 
                `universal changing station' means a universal or adult 
                changing station that meets the standards established 
                by the United States Access Board under paragraph 
                (2)(A).
                    ``(D) United states access board.--The term `United 
                States Access Board' means the Architectural and 
                Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established 
                under section 502(a)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 
                1973 (29 U.S.C. 792(a)(1)).''.
    (b) Terminal Development Costs.--Section 47119(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Universal changing stations.--In addition to the 
        projects described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may approve 
        a project for terminal development for the construction or 
        installation of a universal changing station (as defined in 
        section 47107(y)) at a commercial service airport.''.

SEC. 774A. AIRPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program to 
provide grants to airports described in subsection (b)(1) to address 
human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention efforts, 
including by--
            (1) coordinating human trafficking prevention efforts 
        across multimodal transportation operations within a community; 
        and
            (2) accomplishing the best practices and recommendations 
        provided by the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee 
        on Human Trafficking.
    (b) Distribution.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute amounts 
        made available for grants under this section to--
                    (A) the 75 airports in the United States with the 
                highest number of passenger enplanements annually, 
                based on the most recent data available; and
                    (B) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, 
                an airport not described in subparagraph (A) that 
                serves an area with a high prevalence of human 
                trafficking, on application of the airport.
            (2) Priority; considerations.--In distributing amounts made 
        available for grants under this section, the Secretary shall--
                    (A) give priority in grant amounts to airports 
                referred to in paragraph (1) that serve regions with a 
                higher prevalence of human trafficking; and
                    (B) take into consideration the effect the amounts 
                would have on surrounding areas.
            (3) Consultation.--In distributing amounts made available 
        for grants under this section, the Secretary shall consult with 
        the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human 
        Trafficking in determining the amounts to be distributed to 
        each grant recipient to ensure the best use of the funds.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.

SEC. 774B. STUDY ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR CERTAIN NONHUB AIRPORTS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the 
challenges faced by nonhub airports not designated as essential air 
service communities and recommend ways to help secure and retain flight 
schedules using existing Federal programs, such as the Small Community 
Air Service Development program.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), including recommendations for such legislation 
and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines 
appropriate.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

SEC. 775. ADDITIONAL PERMITTED USES OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE 
              REVENUE.

    Section 40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
                    ``(H) A project at a small hub airport for a noise 
                barrier where the day-night average sound level from 
                commercial, general aviation, or cargo operations is 
                expected to exceed 55 decibels as a result of new 
                airport development.
                    ``(I) A project for the replacement of existing 
                workspace elements (including any associated in-kind 
                facility or equipment within or immediately adjacent to 
                a terminal development or renovation project at such 
                airport) related to the relocation of a Federal agency 
                on airport grounds due to such terminal development or 
                renovation project for which development costs are 
                eligible costs under this section.''.

SEC. 776. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE STREAMLINING.

    (a) In General.--Section 40117 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
                        inserting ``Except as provided under subsection 
                        (l), the Secretary''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``$1, $2, or $3'' and 
                        inserting ``$1, $2, $3, $4, or $4.50'';
                    (B) by striking paragraph (4);
                    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as 
                paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
                    (D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
                            (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (4)'' 
                        and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)'' 
                        and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                    (E) in paragraph (6)(A), as so redesignated--
                            (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1), (4), and 
                        (6)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (5)''; 
                        and
                            (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)'' 
                        and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
            (2) in subsection (e)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or a 
                passenger facility charge imposition is authorized 
                under subsection (l)'' after ``of this section''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``reasonable'' 
                after ``subject to''; and
            (3) in subsection (l)--
                    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot 
                Program for Passenger Facility Charge Authorizations'' 
                and inserting ``Passenger Facility Charge 
                Streamlining'';
                    (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) In general.--
                    ``(A) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
                regulations to streamline the process for authorizing 
                eligible agencies for airports to impose passenger 
                facility charges.
                    ``(B) Passenger facility charge.--An eligible 
                agency may impose a passenger facility charge of $1, 
                $2, $3, $4, or $4.50 in accordance with the provisions 
                of this subsection instead of using the procedures 
                otherwise provided in this section.'';
                    (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(4) Acknowledgment of receipt and indication of 
        objection.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall acknowledge 
                receipt of the notice and indicate any objection to the 
                imposition of a passenger facility charge under this 
                subsection for any project identified in the notice 
                within 60 days after receipt of the eligible agency's 
                notice.
                    ``(B) Prohibited objection.--The Secretary may not 
                object to an eligible airport-related project that 
                received Federal financial assistance for airport 
                development, terminal development, airport planning, or 
                for the purposes of noise compatibility, if the Federal 
                financial assistance and passenger facility charge 
                collection (including interest and other returns on the 
                revenue) do not exceed the total cost of the project.
                    ``(C) Allowed objection.--The Secretary may only 
                object to the imposition of a passenger facility charge 
                under this subsection for a project that--
                            ``(i) establishes significant policy 
                        precedent;
                            ``(ii) raises significant legal issues;
                            ``(iii) garners significant controversy, as 
                        evidenced by significant opposition to the 
                        proposed action by the applicant or other 
                        airport authorities, airport users, 
                        governmental agencies, elected officials, or 
                        communities;
                            ``(iv) raises significant revenue 
                        diversion, airport noise, or access issues, 
                        including compliance with section 47111(e) or 
                        subchapter II of chapter 475;
                            ``(v) includes multimodal components; or
                            ``(vi) serves no aeronautical purpose.'';
                    (D) by striking paragraph (6); and
                    (E) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph 
                (6).
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to 
implement the amendments made by subsection (a).
    (c) Interim Guidance.--The interim guidance established in the 
memorandum of the FAA titled ``PFC 73-20. Streamlined Procedures for 
Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Authorizations at Small-, Medium-, and 
Large-Hub Airports'', issued on January 22, 2020, including any 
modification to such guidance necessary to conform with the amendments 
made by subsection (a), shall remain in effect until the effective date 
of the final rule issued under subsection (b).

     Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

SEC. 781. STREAMLINING CONSULTATION PROCESS.

    Section 47101(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''.

SEC. 782. REPEAL OF BURDENSOME EMISSIONS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 47139 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``airport sponsors 
                        receive'' and inserting ``airport sponsors may 
                        receive'';
                            (ii) by striking ``carrying out projects'' 
                        and inserting ``carrying out projects, 
                        including projects''; and
                            (iii) by striking ``conditions'' and 
                        inserting ``considerations''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``airport sponsor'' and 
                        inserting ``airport sponsor, including for an 
                        airport outside of a nonattainment area or 
                        maintenance area,'';
                            (ii) by striking ``only'';
                            (iii) by striking ``or as offsets'' and 
                        inserting ``, as offsets''; and
                            (iv) by striking the period at the end and 
                        inserting ``, or as part of a State 
                        implementation plan.'';
            (2) by striking subsection (b); and
            (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

SEC. 783. EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ONE FEDERAL DECISION.

    Section 47171 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by striking ``develop and''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``projects at congested 
                        airports'' and all that follows through 
                        ``aviation security projects'' and inserting 
                        ``projects, terminal development projects, 
                        general aviation airport construction or 
                        improvement projects, and aviation safety 
                        projects''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``better'' and 
                inserting ``streamlined'';
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Aviation Projects Subject to a Streamlined Environmental 
Review Process.--
            ``(1) In general.--Any airport capacity enhancement 
        project, terminal development project, or general aviation 
        airport construction or improvement project shall be subject to 
        the coordinated and expedited environmental review process 
        requirements set forth in this section.
            ``(2) Project designation criteria.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may designate an 
                aviation safety project for priority environmental 
                review.
                    ``(B) Requirements.--A designated project shall be 
                subject to the coordinated and expedited environmental 
                review process requirements set forth in this section.
                    ``(C) Guidelines.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        establish guidelines for the designation of an 
                        aviation safety project or aviation security 
                        project for priority environmental review.
                            ``(ii) Consideration.--Guidelines 
                        established under clause (i) shall provide for 
                        consideration of--
                                    ``(I) the importance or urgency of 
                                the project;
                                    ``(II) the potential for 
                                undertaking the environmental review 
                                under existing emergency procedures 
                                under the National Environmental Policy 
                                Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
                                    ``(III) the need for cooperation 
                                and concurrent reviews by other Federal 
                                or State agencies; and
                                    ``(IV) the prospect for undue delay 
                                if the project is not designated for 
                                priority review.'';
            (3) in subsection (c) by striking ``an airport capacity 
        enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
        designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project 
        described or designated under subsection (b)'';
            (4) in subsection (d) by striking ``each airport capacity 
        enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
        designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project 
        described or designated under subsection (b)'';
            (5) in subsection (h) by striking ``designated under 
        subsection (b)(3)'' and all that follows through ``congested 
        airports'' and inserting ``described in subsection (b)(1)'';
            (6) in subsection (j)--
                    (A) by striking ``For any'' and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) In general.--For any''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary shall define the purpose and 
        need of a project not later than 45 days after--
                    ``(A) the submission of the appropriately completed 
                proposed purpose and need description of the airport 
                sponsor; and
                    ``(B) any appropriately completed proposed revision 
                to a development project that affects the purpose and 
                need description previously prepared or accepted by the 
                Federal Aviation Administration.
            ``(3) Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide all airport 
        sponsors with technical assistance in drafting purpose and need 
        statements and necessary supporting documentation for projects 
        involving Federal approvals from more than 1 Federal agency.'';
            (7) in subsection (k)--
                    (A) by striking ``an airport capacity enhancement 
                project at a congested airport or a project designated 
                under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project 
                described or designated under subsection (b)'';
                    (B) by striking ``project shall consider'' and 
                inserting the following: ``project shall--
            ``(1) consider'';
                    (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
                ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) limit the comments of the agency to--
                    ``(A) subject matter areas within the special 
                expertise of the agency; and
                    ``(B) changes necessary to ensure the agency is 
                carrying out the obligations of that agency under the 
                National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
                4321 et seq.) and other applicable law.'';
            (8) in subsection (l) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``and section 1503 of title 40, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.''; and
            (9) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
    ``(m) Coordination and Schedule.--
            ``(1) Coordination plan.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the 
                date of publication of a notice of intent to prepare an 
                environmental impact statement or the initiation of an 
                environmental assessment, the Secretary of 
                Transportation shall establish a plan for coordinating 
                public and agency participation in and comment on the 
                environmental review process for a project described or 
                designated under subsection (b). The coordination plan 
                may be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding.
                    ``(B) Cloud-based, interactive digital platforms.--
                The Secretary is encouraged to utilize cloud-based, 
                interactive digital platforms to meet community 
                engagement and agency coordination requirements under 
                subparagraph (A).
                    ``(C) Schedule.--
                            ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        establish as part of such coordination plan, 
                        after consultation with and the concurrence of 
                        each participating agency for the project and 
                        with the State in which the project is located 
                        (and, if the State is not the project sponsor, 
                        with the project sponsor), a schedule for--
                                    ``(I) interim milestones and 
                                deadlines for agency activities 
                                necessary to complete the environmental 
                                review; and
                                    ``(II) completion of the 
                                environmental review process for the 
                                project.
                            ``(ii) Factors for consideration.--In 
                        establishing the schedule under clause (i), the 
                        Secretary shall consider factors such as--
                                    ``(I) the responsibilities of 
                                participating agencies under applicable 
                                laws;
                                    ``(II) resources available to the 
                                cooperating agencies;
                                    ``(III) overall size and complexity 
                                of the project;
                                    ``(IV) the overall time required by 
                                an agency to conduct an environmental 
                                review and make decisions under 
                                applicable Federal law relating to a 
                                project (including the issuance or 
                                denial of a permit or license) and the 
                                cost of the project; and
                                    ``(V) the sensitivity of the 
                                natural and historic resources that 
                                could be affected by the project.
                            ``(iii) Maximum project schedule.--To the 
                        maximum extent practicable and consistent with 
                        applicable Federal law, the Secretary shall 
                        develop, in concurrence with the project 
                        sponsor, a maximum schedule for the project 
                        described or designated under subsection (b) 
                        that is not more than 2 years for the 
                        completion of the environmental review process 
                        for such projects, as measured from, as 
                        applicable, the date of publication of a notice 
                        of intent to prepare an environmental impact 
                        statement to the record of decision.
                            ``(iv) Dispute resolution.--
                                    ``(I) In general.--Any issue or 
                                dispute that arises between the 
                                Secretary and participating agencies 
                                (or amongst participating agencies) 
                                during the environmental review process 
                                shall be addressed expeditiously to 
                                avoid delay.
                                    ``(II) Responsibilities.--The 
                                Secretary and participating agencies 
                                shall--
                                            ``(aa) implement the 
                                        requirements of this section 
                                        consistent with any dispute 
                                        resolution process established 
                                        in an applicable law, 
                                        regulation, or legally binding 
                                        agreement to the maximum extent 
                                        permitted by law; and
                                            ``(bb) seek to resolve 
                                        issues or disputes at the 
                                        earliest possible time at the 
                                        project level through agency 
                                        employees who have day-to-day 
                                        involvement in the project.
                                    ``(III) Secretary 
                                responsibilities.--
                                            ``(aa) In general.--The 
                                        Secretary shall make 
                                        information available to each 
                                        cooperating and participating 
                                        agency and project sponsor as 
                                        early as practicable in the 
                                        environmental review regarding 
                                        the environmental, historic, 
                                        and socioeconomic resources 
                                        located within the project area 
                                        and the general locations of 
                                        the alternatives under 
                                        consideration.
                                            ``(bb) Sources of 
                                        information.--The information 
                                        described in item (aa) may be 
                                        based on existing data sources, 
                                        including geographic 
                                        information systems mapping.
                                    ``(IV) Cooperating and 
                                participating agency 
                                responsibilities.--Each cooperating and 
                                participating agency shall--
                                            ``(aa) identify, as early 
                                        as practicable, any issues of 
                                        concern regarding any potential 
                                        environmental impacts of the 
                                        project, including any issues 
                                        that could substantially delay 
                                        or prevent an agency from 
                                        completing any environmental 
                                        review or authorization 
                                        required for the project; and
                                            ``(bb) communicate any 
                                        issues described in item (aa) 
                                        to the project sponsor.
                                    ``(V) Elevation for missed 
                                milestone.--If a dispute between the 
                                Secretary and participating agencies 
                                (or amongst participating agencies) 
                                causes a milestone to be missed or 
                                extended, or the Secretary anticipates 
                                that a permitting timetable milestone 
                                will be missed or will need to be 
                                extended, the dispute shall be elevated 
                                to an official designated by the 
                                relevant agency for resolution. The 
                                elevation of a dispute shall take place 
                                as soon as practicable after the 
                                Secretary becomes aware of the dispute 
                                or potential missed milestone.
                                    ``(VI) Exception.--Disputes that do 
                                not impact the ability of an agency to 
                                meet a milestone may be elevated as 
                                appropriate.
                                    ``(VII) Further evaluation.--If a 
                                resolution has not been reached at the 
                                end of the 30-day period after a 
                                relevant milestone date or extension 
                                date after a dispute has been elevated 
                                to the designated official, the 
                                relevant agencies shall elevate the 
                                dispute to senior agency leadership for 
                                resolution.
                    ``(D) Consistency with other time periods.--A 
                schedule under subparagraph (C) shall be consistent 
                with any other relevant time periods established under 
                Federal law.
                    ``(E) Modification.--
                            ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
                        clause (ii), the Secretary may lengthen or 
                        shorten a schedule established under 
                        subparagraph (C) for good cause. The Secretary 
                        may consider a decision by the project sponsor 
                        to change, modify, expand, or reduce the scope 
                        of a project as good cause for purposes of this 
                        clause.
                            ``(ii) Limitations.--
                                    ``(I) Lengthened schedule.--The 
                                Secretary may lengthen a schedule under 
                                clause (i) for a cooperating Federal 
                                agency by not more than 1 year after 
                                the latest deadline established for the 
                                project described or designated under 
                                subsection (b) by the Secretary.
                                    ``(II) Shortened schedule.--The 
                                Secretary may not shorten a schedule 
                                under clause (i) if doing so would 
                                impair the ability of a cooperating 
                                Federal agency to conduct necessary 
                                analyses or otherwise carry out 
                                relevant obligations of the Federal 
                                agency for the project.
                    ``(F) Failure to meet deadline.--If a cooperating 
                Federal agency fails to meet a deadline established 
                under subparagraph (D)(ii)(I)--
                            ``(i) the cooperating Federal agency shall, 
                        not later than 10 days after failing to meet 
                        the deadline, submit to the Secretary a report 
                        that describes the reasons why the deadline was 
                        not met; and
                            ``(ii) the Secretary shall--
                                    ``(I) submit to the Committee on 
                                Transportation and Infrastructure of 
                                the House of Representatives and the 
                                Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                                Transportation of the Senate a copy of 
                                the report under clause (i); and
                                    ``(II) make the report under clause 
                                (i) publicly available on a website of 
                                the Department of Transportation.
                    ``(G) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule under 
                subparagraph (C), and of any modifications to the 
                schedule under subparagraph (E), shall be--
                            ``(i) provided to all participating 
                        agencies and to the State department of 
                        transportation of the State in which the 
                        project is located (and, if the State is not 
                        the project sponsor, to the project sponsor); 
                        and
                            ``(ii) made available to the public.
            ``(2) Comment deadlines.--The Secretary shall establish the 
        following deadlines for comment during the environmental review 
        process for a project:
                    ``(A) For comments by agencies and the public on a 
                draft environmental impact statement, a period of not 
                more than 60 days after publication in the Federal 
                Register of notice of the date of public availability 
                of such statement, unless--
                            ``(i) a different deadline is established 
                        by agreement of the lead agency, the project 
                        sponsor, and all participating agencies; or
                            ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead 
                        agency for good cause.
                    ``(B) For all other comment periods established by 
                the lead agency for agency or public comments in the 
                environmental review process, a period of not more than 
                45 days from availability of the materials on which 
                comment is requested, unless--
                            ``(i) a different deadline is established 
                        by agreement of the Secretary, the project 
                        sponsor, and all participating agencies; or
                            ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead 
                        agency for good cause.
            ``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--In any 
        case in which a decision under any Federal law relating to a 
        project described or designated under subsection (b) (including 
        the issuance or denial of a permit or license) is required to 
        be made by the later of the date that is 180 days after the 
        date on which the Secretary made all final decisions of the 
        lead agency with respect to the project or 180 days after the 
        date on which an application was submitted for the permit or 
        license, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate and publish on a website of the 
        Department of Transportation--
                    ``(A) as soon as practicable after the 180-day 
                period, an initial notice of the failure of the Federal 
                agency to make the decision; and
                    ``(B) every 60 days thereafter until such date as 
                all decisions of the Federal agency relating to the 
                project have been made by the Federal agency, an 
                additional notice that describes the number of 
                decisions of the Federal agency that remain outstanding 
                as of the date of the additional notice.
            ``(4) Involvement of the public.--Nothing in this 
        subsection shall reduce any time period provided for public 
        comment in the environmental review process under existing 
        Federal law, including a regulation.
    ``(n) Concurrent Reviews and Single NEPA Document.--
            ``(1) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and 
        cooperating agency under the expedited and coordinated 
        environmental review process established under this section 
        shall--
                    ``(A) carry out the obligations of such agency 
                under other applicable law concurrently, and in 
                conjunction, with the review required under the 
                National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
                4321 et seq.), unless doing so would impair the ability 
                of such agency to conduct needed analysis or otherwise 
                carry out such obligations; and
                    ``(B) formulate and implement administrative, 
                policy, and procedural mechanisms to enable the agency 
                to ensure completion of the environmental review 
                process in a timely, coordinated, and environmentally 
                responsible manner.
            ``(2) Single nepa document.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent 
                practicable and consistent with Federal law, all 
                Federal permits and reviews for a project shall rely on 
                a single environmental document prepared under the 
                National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
                4321 et seq.) under the leadership of the Secretary.
                    ``(B) Use of document.--
                            ``(i) In general.--To the maximum extent 
                        practicable, the Secretary shall develop an 
                        environmental document sufficient to satisfy 
                        the requirements for any Federal approval or 
                        other Federal action required for the project, 
                        including permits issued by other Federal 
                        agencies.
                            ``(ii) Cooperation of participating 
                        agencies.--In carrying out this subparagraph, 
                        other participating agencies shall cooperate 
                        with the lead agency and provide timely 
                        information.
                    ``(C) Treatment as participating and cooperating 
                agencies.--A Federal agency required to make an 
                approval or take an action for a project, as described 
                in this paragraph, shall work with the Secretary to 
                ensure that the agency making the approval or taking 
                the action is treated as being both a participating and 
                cooperating agency for the project.
                    ``(D) Exceptions.--The Secretary may waive the 
                application of subparagraph (A) with respect to a 
                project if--
                            ``(i) the project sponsor requests that 
                        agencies issue separate environmental 
                        documents;
                            ``(ii) the obligations of a cooperating 
                        agency or participating agency under the 
                        National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
                        U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already been 
                        satisfied with respect to the project; or
                            ``(iii) the Secretary determines that 
                        reliance on a single environmental document (as 
                        described in subparagraph (A)) would not 
                        facilitate timely completion of the 
                        environmental review process for the project.
            ``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--An agency 
        participating in the expedited and coordinated environmental 
        review process under this section shall--
                    ``(A) provide comments, responses, studies, or 
                methodologies on areas within the special expertise or 
                jurisdiction of the agency; and
                    ``(B) use the process to address any environmental 
                issues of concern to the agency.
    ``(o) Environmental Impact Statement.--
            ``(1) In general.--In preparing a final environmental 
        impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
        1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project described or 
        designated under subsection (b), if the Secretary modifies the 
        statement in response to comments that are minor and are 
        confined to factual corrections or explanations of why the 
        comments do not warrant additional agency response, the 
        Secretary may write on errata sheets attached to the statement 
        instead of rewriting the draft statement, subject to the 
        condition that the errata sheets--
                    ``(A) cite the sources, authorities, and reasons 
                that support the position of the agency; and
                    ``(B) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances 
                that would trigger agency reappraisal or further 
                response.
            ``(2) Single document.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
        for a project subject to a coordinated review process under 
        this section, the Secretary shall expeditiously develop a 
        single document that consists of a final environmental impact 
        statement and a record of decision, unless--
                    ``(A) the final environmental impact statement or 
                record of decision makes substantial changes to the 
                project that are relevant to environmental or safety 
                concerns; or
                    ``(B) there is a significant new circumstance or 
                information relevant to environmental concerns that 
                bears on the proposed action or the environmental 
                impacts of the proposed action.
            ``(3) Length of environmental document.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
                subparagraph (B), an environmental impact statement 
                shall not exceed 150 pages, not including any citations 
                or appendices.
                    ``(B) Extraordinary complexity.--An environmental 
                impact statement for a proposed agency action of 
                extraordinary complexity shall not exceed 300 pages, 
                not including any citations or appendices.
    ``(p) Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5) and to the 
        maximum extent practicable and appropriate, the following 
        agencies may adopt or incorporate by reference, and use a 
        planning product in proceedings relating to, any class of 
        action in the environmental review process of a project 
        described or designated under subsection (b):
                    ``(A) The lead agency for a project, with respect 
                to an environmental impact statement, environmental 
                assessment, categorical exclusion, or other document 
                prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
                1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
                    ``(B) A cooperating agency with responsibility 
                under Federal law with respect to the process for and 
                completion of any environmental permit, approval, 
                review, or study required for a project under any 
                Federal law other than the National Environmental 
                Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if 
                consistent with such Act.
            ``(2) Identification.--If a lead or cooperating agency 
        makes a determination to adopt or incorporate by reference and 
        use a planning product under paragraph (1), such agency shall 
        identify the agencies that participated in the development of 
        the planning products.
            ``(3) Adoption or incorporation by reference of planning 
        products.--Such agency may--
                    ``(A) adopt or incorporate by reference an entire 
                planning product under paragraph (1); or
                    ``(B) select portions of a planning project under 
                paragraph (1) for adoption or incorporation by 
                reference.
            ``(4) Timing.--The adoption or incorporation by reference 
        of a planning product under paragraph (1) may--
                    ``(A) be made at the time the lead and cooperating 
                agencies decide the appropriate scope of environmental 
                review for the project; or
                    ``(B) occur later in the environmental review 
                process, as appropriate.
            ``(5) Conditions.--Such agency in the environmental review 
        process may adopt or incorporate by reference a planning 
        product under this section if such agency determines, with the 
        concurrence of the lead agency, if appropriate, and, if the 
        planning product is necessary for a cooperating agency to issue 
        a permit, review, or approval for the project, with the 
        concurrence of the cooperating agency, if appropriate, that the 
        following conditions have been met:
                    ``(A) The planning product was developed through a 
                planning process conducted pursuant to applicable 
                Federal law.
                    ``(B) The planning product was developed in 
                consultation with appropriate Federal and State 
                resource agencies and Indian Tribes.
                    ``(C) The planning process included broad 
                multidisciplinary consideration of systems-level or 
                corridor-wide transportation needs and potential 
                effects, including effects on the human and natural 
                environment.
                    ``(D) The planning process included public notice 
                that the planning products produced in the planning 
                process may be adopted during any subsequent 
                environmental review process in accordance with this 
                section.
                    ``(E) During the environmental review process, the 
                such agency has--
                            ``(i) made the planning documents available 
                        for public review and comment by members of the 
                        general public and Federal, State, local, and 
                        Tribal governments that may have an interest in 
                        the proposed project;
                            ``(ii) provided notice of the intention of 
                        the such agency to adopt or incorporate by 
                        reference the planning product; and
                            ``(iii) considered any resulting comments.
                    ``(F) There is no significant new information or 
                new circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of 
                affecting the continued validity or appropriateness of 
                the planning product or portions thereof.
                    ``(G) The planning product has a rational basis and 
                is based on reliable and reasonably current data and 
                reasonable and scientifically acceptable methodologies.
                    ``(H) The planning product is documented in 
                sufficient detail to support the decision or the 
                results of the analysis and to meet requirements for 
                use of the information in the environmental review 
                process.
                    ``(I) The planning product is appropriate for 
                adoption or incorporation by reference and use in the 
                environmental review process for the project and is 
                incorporated in accordance with, and is sufficient to 
                meet the requirements of, the National Environmental 
                Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and section 
                1502.21 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(6) Effect of adoption or incorporation by reference.--
        Any planning product or portions thereof adopted or 
        incorporated by reference by such agency in accordance with 
        this subsection may be--
                    ``(A) incorporated directly into an environmental 
                review process document or other environmental 
                document; and
                    ``(B) relied on and used by other Federal agencies 
                in carrying out reviews of the project.
    ``(q) Report on NEPA Data.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a process 
        to track, and annually submit to the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural 
        Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
        Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on projects 
        described in subsection (b)(1) that contains the information 
        described in paragraph (3).
            ``(2) Time to complete.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the 
        NEPA process--
                    ``(A) for an environmental impact statement--
                            ``(i) begins on the date on which a notice 
                        of intent is published in the Federal Register; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) ends on the date on which the 
                        Secretary issues a record of decision, 
                        including, if necessary, a revised record of 
                        decision; and
                    ``(B) for an environmental assessment--
                            ``(i) begins on the date on which the 
                        Secretary makes a determination to prepare an 
                        environmental assessment; and
                            ``(ii) ends on the date on which the 
                        Secretary issues a finding of no significant 
                        impact or determines that preparation of an 
                        environmental impact statement is necessary.
            ``(3) Information described.--The information referred to 
        in paragraph (1) is, with respect to the Federal Aviation 
        Administration--
                    ``(A) the number of proposed actions for which a 
                categorical exclusion was applied by the Secretary 
                during the reporting period;
                    ``(B) the number of proposed actions for which a 
                documented categorical exclusion was applied by the 
                Secretary during the reporting period;
                    ``(C) the number of proposed actions pending on the 
                date on which the report is submitted for which the 
                issuance of a documented categorical exclusion by the 
                Secretary is pending;
                    ``(D) the number of proposed actions for which an 
                environmental assessment was issued by the Secretary 
                during the reporting period;
                    ``(E) the length of time the Administration took to 
                complete each environmental assessment described in 
                subparagraph (D);
                    ``(F) the number of proposed actions pending on the 
                date on which the report is submitted for which an 
                environmental assessment is being drafted by the 
                Secretary;
                    ``(G) the number of proposed actions for which a 
                final environmental impact statement was completed by 
                the Secretary during the reporting period;
                    ``(H) the length of time that the Secretary took to 
                complete each environmental impact statement described 
                in subparagraph (G);
                    ``(I) the number of proposed actions pending on the 
                date on which the report is submitted for which an 
                environmental impact statement is being drafted; and
                    ``(J) for the proposed actions reported under 
                subparagraphs (F) and (I), the percentage of such 
                proposed actions for which--
                            ``(i) project funding has been identified; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) all other Federal, State, and local 
                        activities that are required to allow the 
                        proposed action to proceed are completed.
            ``(4) Definitions.--In this section:
                    ``(A) Environmental assessment.--The term 
                `environmental assessment' has the meaning given such 
                term in section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal 
                Regulations (or a successor regulation).
                    ``(B) Environmental impact statement.--The term 
                `environmental impact statement' means a detailed 
                statement required under section 102(2)(C) of the 
                National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
                4332(2)(C)).
                    ``(C) NEPA process.--The term `NEPA process' means 
                the entirety of the development and documentation of 
                the analysis required under the National Environmental 
                Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including 
                the assessment and analysis of any impacts, 
                alternatives, and mitigation of a proposed action, and 
                any interagency participation and public involvement 
                required to be carried out before the Secretary 
                undertakes a proposed action.
                    ``(D) Proposed action.--The term `proposed action' 
                means an action (within the meaning of the National 
                Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
                seq.)) under this title that the Secretary proposes to 
                carry out.
                    ``(E) Reporting period.--The term `reporting 
                period' means the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year 
                in which a report is issued under subsection (a).''.

SEC. 784. SUBCHAPTER III DEFINITIONS.

    Section 47175 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``and'' at the end and 
        inserting ``or'';
            (2) in paragraph (4)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                            (i) by striking ``(B)''; and
                            (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) 
                        as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
            (3) by striking paragraph (5);
            (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (1), (4), (2), (6), 
        and (8) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), 
        respectively; and
            (5) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(8) Terminal development.--The term `terminal 
        development' has the meaning given such term in section 
        47102.''.

SEC. 785. PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.

    Section 190 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 
note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``in each fiscal year'' 
        after ``6 projects''; and
            (2) in subsection (i) by striking ``5 years'' and all that 
        follows through the period at the end and inserting ``on 
        October 1, 2028.''.

SEC. 786. PART 150 NOISE STANDARDS UPDATE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review and revise, as appropriate, 
part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect all 
relevant laws and regulations, including part 161 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (b) Outreach.--As part of the review conducted under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall clarify existing and future noise policies 
and standards and seek feedback from airports, airport users, and 
individuals living in the vicinity of airports and in airport adjacent 
communities before implementing any changes to any noise policies or 
standards.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the review 
conducted under subsection (a).
    (d) Sunset.--The requirement under subsection (c) shall terminate 
on the earlier of--
            (1) October 1, 2028; or
            (2) the date on which 1 briefing is provided under 
        subsection (c) after the changes in subsection (a) are 
        implemented.

SEC. 787. REDUCING COMMUNITY AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE.

    In implementing or substantially revising a flight procedure, the 
Administrator shall consider the following actions (to the extent that 
such actions do not negatively affect aviation safety or efficiency) to 
reduce undesirable aircraft noise:
            (1) Implement flight procedures that can mitigate the 
        impact of aircraft noise, based on a consensus community 
        recommendation.
            (2) Work with airport sponsors and potentially impacted 
        neighboring communities in establishing or modifying aircraft 
        arrival and departure routes.
            (3) In collaboration with local governments, discourage 
        local encroachment of residential or other buildings near 
        airports that could create future aircraft noise complaints or 
        impact airport operations or aviation safety.

SEC. 788. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

    (a) Categorical Exclusion for Projects of Limited Federal 
Assistance.--An action by the Administrator to approve, permit, 
finance, or otherwise authorize any airport project that is undertaken 
by the sponsor, owner, or operator of a public-use airport shall be 
presumed to be covered by a categorical exclusion under FAA Order 
1050.1F (or any successor document), if such project--
            (1) receives less than $6,000,000 (as adjusted annually by 
        the Administrator to reflect any increases in the Consumer 
        Price Index prepared by the Department of Labor) of Federal 
        funds or funds from charges collected under section 40117 of 
        title 49, United States Code; or
            (2) has a total estimated cost of not more than $35,000,000 
        (as adjusted annually by the Administrator to reflect any 
        increases in the Consumer Price Index prepared by the 
        Department of Labor) and Federal funds comprising less than 15 
        percent of the total estimated project cost.
    (b) Categorical Exclusion in Emergencies.--An action by the 
Administrator to approve, permit, finance, or otherwise authorize an 
airport project that is undertaken by the sponsor, owner, or operator 
of a public-use airport shall be presumed to be covered by a 
categorical exclusion under FAA Order 1050.1F (or any successor 
document), if such project is--
            (1) for the repair or reconstruction of any airport 
        facility, runway, taxiway, or similar structure that is in 
        operation or under construction when damaged by an emergency 
        declared by the Governor of the State with concurrence of the 
        Administrator or for a disaster or emergency declared by the 
        President pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
        and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
            (2) in the same location with the same capacity, 
        dimensions, and design as the original airport facility, 
        runway, taxiway, or similar structure as before the declaration 
        described in this section; and
            (3) commenced within a 2-year period beginning on the date 
        of a declaration described in this section.
    (c) Extraordinary Circumstances.--The presumption that an action is 
covered by a categorical exclusion under subsections (a) and (b) shall 
not apply if the Administrator determines that extraordinary 
circumstances exist with respect to such action.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to impact any aviation safety authority of the Administrator.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Categorical exclusion.--The term ``categorical 
        exclusion'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        1508.1(d) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Public-use airport; sponsor.--The terms ``public-use 
        airport'' and ``sponsor'' have the meanings given such terms in 
        section 47102 of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 789. UPDATING PRESUMED TO CONFORM LIMITS.

    Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to update 
the FAA's list of actions that are presumed to conform to a State 
implementation plan pursuant to section 93.153(f) of title 40, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to include projects relating to the construction 
of aircraft hangars.

SEC. 790. RECOMMENDATIONS ON REDUCING ROTORCRAFT NOISE IN DISTRICT OF 
              COLUMBIA.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
reducing rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall consider--
            (1) the extent to which military operators consider 
        operating over unpopulated areas outside of the District of 
        Columbia for training missions;
            (2) the extent to which vehicles or aircraft other than 
        conventional rotorcraft (such as unmanned aircraft) could be 
        used for emergency and law enforcement response; and
            (3) the extent to which relevant operators and entities 
        have assessed and addressed, as appropriate, the noise impacts 
        of various factors of operating rotorcraft, including, at a 
        minimum--
                    (A) altitude;
                    (B) the number of flights;
                    (C) flight paths;
                    (D) time of day of flights;
                    (E) types of aircraft;
                    (F) operating procedures; and
                    (G) pilot training.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on preliminary observations, with a report to 
follow at a date agreed upon at the time of the briefing, containing--
            (1) the contents of the study conducted under subsection 
        (a); and
            (2) any recommendations for the reduction of rotorcraft 
        noise in the District of Columbia.
    (d) Relevant Operators and Entities Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``relevant operators and entities'' means--
            (1) the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police 
        Department of the District of Columbia;
            (2) any medical rotorcraft operator that routinely flies a 
        rotorcraft over the District of Columbia; and
            (3) any other operator that routinely flies a rotorcraft 
        over the District of Columbia.

SEC. 791. UFP STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with the National Academies under which the National Research 
Council shall carry out a study examining airborne ultrafine particles 
and the effect of such particles on airport-adjacent communities.
    (b) Scope of Study.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
(a), the National Research Council shall--
            (1) summarize the relevant literature and studies done on 
        airborne UFPs worldwide;
            (2) focus on large hub airports;
            (3) examine airborne UFPs and the potential effect of such 
        UFPs on airport-adjacent communities, including--
                    (A) characteristics of UFPs present in the air;
                    (B) spatial and temporal distributions of UFP 
                concentrations;
                    (C) primary sources of UFPs;
                    (D) the contribution of aircraft and airport 
                operations to the distribution of UFP concentrations 
                compared to other sources;
                    (E) potential health effects associated with 
                elevated UFP exposures, including outcomes related to 
                cardiovascular disease, respiratory infection and 
                disease, degradation of neurocognitive functions, and 
                other health effects; and
                    (F) potential UFP exposures, especially to 
                susceptible groups;
            (4) consider the concentration of UFPs resulting from 
        various aviation fuel sources including aviation gasoline, 
        sustainable aviation fuel, and hydrogen, to the extent 
        practicable;
            (5) identify measures intended to reduce the release of 
        UFPs; and
            (6) identify information gaps related to understanding 
        potential relationships between UFP exposures and health 
        effects, contributions of aviation-related emissions to UFP 
        exposures, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
    (c) Coordination.--The Administrator may coordinate with the heads 
of such other agencies that the Administrator considers appropriate to 
provide data and other assistance necessary for the study.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the National Research 
Council submits of the results of the study to the Administrator, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report containing the results of the study carried out under subsection 
(a), including any recommendations based on such study.
    (e) Definition of Ultrafine Particle.--In this section, the terms 
``ultrafine particle'' and ``UFP'' mean particles with diameters less 
than or equal to 100 nanometers.

SEC. 792. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Aircraft 
Noise Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
Committee'') to advise the Administrator on issues facing the aviation 
community that are related to aircraft noise exposure and existing FAA 
noise policies and regulations.
    (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint the members of the 
Advisory Committee, which shall be comprised of--
            (1) at least 1 representative of each of--
                    (A) engine manufacturers;
                    (B) air carriers;
                    (C) airport owners or operators;
                    (D) aircraft manufacturers;
                    (E) advanced air mobility manufacturers or 
                operators; and
                    (F) institutions of higher education; and
            (2) representatives of airport-adjacent communities from 
        geographically diverse regions.
    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Advisory Committee shall include--
            (1) the evaluation of existing research on aircraft noise 
        impacts and annoyance;
            (2) the assessment of alternative noise metrics that could 
        be used to supplement or replace the existing Day Night Level 
        standard, in consultation with the National Academies;
            (3) the evaluation of the current 65-decibel exposure 
        threshold, including the impact to land use compatibility 
        around airports if such threshold was lowered;
            (4) the evaluation of current noise mitigation strategies 
        and the community engagement efforts by the FAA with respect to 
        changes in airspace utilization, such as the integration of new 
        entrants and usage of performance-based navigation; and
            (5) other duties determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (d) Reports.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        establishment of the Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee 
        shall submit to the Administrator a report on any recommended 
        changes to current aviation noise policies.
            (2) Report to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
        date the Administrator receives the report under paragraph (1), 
        the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report containing the recommendations made by the 
        Advisory Committee.
    (e) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after 
submission of the report under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on how the Administrator 
plans to implement recommendations contained in the report and, for 
each recommendation that the Administrator does not plan to implement, 
the reason of the Administrator for not implementing the 
recommendation.
    (f) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult with other 
relevant Federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, in carrying out the duties described in section (c).

SEC. 793. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall continue existing 
community engagement activities under the designation of a Community 
Collaboration Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program'').
    (b) Responsibilities.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
        Administrator shall facilitate and harmonize, as appropriate, 
        policies and procedures carried out by various offices of the 
        FAA pertaining to community engagement relating to--
                    (A) airport planning and development;
                    (B) noise and environmental policy;
                    (C) NextGen implementation;
                    (D) air traffic route changes;
                    (E) integration of new and emerging entrants; and
                    (F) other topics with respect to which community 
                engagement is critical to program success.
            (2) Specified responsibilities.--In carrying out the 
        Program, the Administrator shall be responsible for--
                    (A) updating the internal guidance of the FAA for 
                community engagement based on--
                            (i) best practices of other Federal 
                        agencies and external organizations with 
                        expertise in community engagement;
                            (ii) interviews with impacted residents; 
                        and
                            (iii) recommendations solicited from 
                        individuals and local government officials in 
                        communities adversely impacted by aircraft 
                        noise;
                    (B) coordinating with the Air Traffic Organization 
                on community engagement efforts related to air traffic 
                procedure changes to ensure that impacted communities 
                are consulted in a meaningful way;
                    (C) coordination with Regional Ombudsmen of the 
                FAA;
                    (D) oversight, streamlining, and increasing the 
                responsiveness of the noise complaint process of the 
                FAA by--
                            (i) centralizing noise complaint data and 
                        improving data collection methodologies;
                            (ii) ensuring such Regional Ombudsmen are 
                        consulted in local air traffic procedure 
                        development decisions; and
                            (iii) collecting feedback from such 
                        Regional Ombudsmen to inform national 
                        policymaking efforts;
                    (E) timely implementation of the recommendations, 
                as appropriate, made by the Comptroller General to the 
                Secretary contained in the report titled ``Aircraft 
                Noise: FAA Could Improve Outreach Through Enhanced 
                Noise Metrics, Communication, and Support to 
                Communities'', issued in September 2021 (GAO-21-103933) 
                to improve the outreach of the FAA to local communities 
                impacted by aircraft noise, including--
                            (i) any recommendations to--
                                    (I) identify appropriate 
                                supplemental metrics for assessing 
                                noise impacts and circumstances for 
                                their use to aid in the internal 
                                assessment of the FAA of noise impacts 
                                related to proposed flight path 
                                changes;
                                    (II) update guidance to incorporate 
                                additional tools to more clearly convey 
                                expected impacts, such as other noise 
                                metrics and visualization tools; and
                                    (III) improve guidance to airports 
                                and communities on effectively engaging 
                                with the FAA; and
                            (ii) any other recommendations included in 
                        the report that would assist the FAA in 
                        improving outreach to communities affected by 
                        aircraft noise;
                    (F) ensuring engagement with local community groups 
                as appropriate in conducting the other responsibilities 
                described in this section; and
                    (G) other responsibilities as considered 
                appropriate by the Administrator.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Administrator 
implements the recommendations described in subsection (b)(2)(E), the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
describing--
            (1) the implementation of each such recommendation;
            (2) how any recommended actions are assisting the 
        Administrator in improving outreach to communities affected by 
        aircraft noise and other community engagement concerns; and
            (3) any challenges or barriers that limit or prevent the 
        ability of the Administrator to take such actions.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require the Administrator to alter the organizational 
structure of the FAA nor change the reporting structure of any 
employee.

SEC. 794. INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall 
establish a mechanism to make helicopter noise complaint data 
accessible to the FAA, to helicopter operators operating in the 
Washington, DC area, and to the public on a website of the FAA, based 
on the recommendation of the Government Accountability Office in the 
report titled ``Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could 
Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns'', 
published on January 7, 2021 (GAO-21-200).
    (b) Cooperation.--Any helicopter operator operating in the 
Washington, DC area shall, to the extent practicable, provide 
helicopter noise complaint data to the FAA through the mechanism 
established under subsection (a).
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Helicopter noise complaint data.--The term ``helicopter 
        noise complaint data''--
                    (A) means general data relating to a complaint made 
                by an individual about helicopter noise in the 
                Washington, DC area and may include--
                            (i) the location and description of the 
                        event that is the subject of the complaint;
                            (ii) the start and end time of such event;
                            (iii) a description of the aircraft that is 
                        the subject of the complaint; and
                            (iv) the airport name associated with such 
                        event; and
                    (B) does not include the personally identifiable 
                information of the individual who submitted the 
                complaint.
            (2) Washington, dc area.--The term ``Washington, DC area'' 
        means the area inside of a 30-mile radius surrounding Ronald 
        Reagan Washington National Airport.

SEC. 795. MECHANISMS TO REDUCE HELICOPTER NOISE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine 
ways in which a State, territorial, or local government may mitigate 
the negative impacts of commercial helicopter noise.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall consider--
            (1) the varying degree of commercial helicopter operations 
        in different communities; and
            (2) actions that State and local governments have taken, 
        and authorities such governments have used, to reduce the 
        impact of commercial helicopter noise and the success of such 
        actions.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted 
under subsection (a).

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

SEC. 801. REEXAMINATION OF PILOTS OR CERTIFICATE HOLDERS.

    The Pilot's Bill of Rights (Public Law 112-153) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 5. REEXAMINATION OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide timely, written 
notification to an individual subject to a reexamination of an airman 
certificate issued under chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code.
    ``(b) Information Required.--In providing notification under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall inform the individual--
            ``(1) of the nature of the reexamination and the specific 
        activity on which the reexamination is necessitated;
            ``(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 year from 
        the date of the notice provided by the Administrator, however, 
        if the reexamination is not conducted within 30 days, the 
        Administrator may restrict passenger carrying operations;
            ``(3) that if such reexamination is not conducted after 1 
        year from date of notice, the airman certificate of the 
        individual may be suspended or revoked; and
            ``(4) when, as determined by the Administrator, an oral or 
        written response to the notification from the Administrator is 
        not required.
    ``(c) Exception.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
Administrator from reexamining a certificate holder if the 
Administrator has reasonable grounds--
            ``(1) to establish that an airman may not be qualified to 
        exercise the privileges of a certificate or rating based upon 
        an act or omission committed by the airman while exercising 
        such privileges or performing ancillary duties associated with 
        the exercise of such privileges; or
            ``(2) to demonstrate that the airman obtained such a 
        certificate or rating through fraudulent means or through an 
        examination that was inadequate to establish the qualifications 
        of an airman.
    ``(d) Standard of Review.--An order issued by the Administrator to 
amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate after 
reexamination of the airman is subject to the standard of review 
provided for under section 2 of this Act.''.

SEC. 802. GAO REVIEW OF PILOT'S BILL OF RIGHTS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a study of the implementation of the Pilot's 
Bill of Rights.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall review--
            (1) the implementation and application of the Pilot's Bill 
        of Rights;
            (2) the application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 
        and the Federal Rules of Evidence to covered proceedings by the 
        National Transportation Safety Board, as required by section 2 
        of the Pilot's Bill of Rights;
            (3) the appeal process and the typical length of time 
        associated with a final determination in a covered proceeding; 
        and
            (4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pilot's Bill 
        of Rights.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered proceeding.--The term ``covered proceeding'' 
        means a proceeding conducted under subpart C, D, or F of part 
        821 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to 
        denial, amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of 
        an airman certificate.
            (2) Pilot's bill of rights.--The term ``Pilot's Bill of 
        Rights'' means the Pilot's Bill of Rights (Public Law 112-153).

SEC. 803. DATA PRIVACY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44114. Privacy
    ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
including section 552(b)(3) of title 5, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall establish and update as necessary 
a process by which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or 
operator, the Administrator withholds the registration number and other 
similar identifiable data or information, except for physical markings 
required by law, of the aircraft of the owner or operator from any 
broad dissemination or display (except in furnished data or information 
made available to or from a Government agency pursuant to a government 
contract, subcontract, or agreement, including for traffic management 
purposes) for the noncommercial flights of the owner or operator.
    ``(b) Withholding Personally Identifiable Information on the 
Aircraft Registry.--Not later than 2 years after the enactment of this 
Act and notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 
552(b)(3) of title 5, the Administrator shall establish a procedure by 
which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, the 
Administrator shall withhold from broad dissemination or display by the 
FAA (except in furnished data or information made available to or from 
a Government agency pursuant to a government contract, subcontract, or 
agreement, including for traffic management purposes) the personally 
identifiable information of such individual, including on a publicly 
available website of the FAA.
    ``(c) ICAO Aircraft Identification Code.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
        program for aircraft owners and operators to apply for a new 
        ICAO aircraft identification code.
            ``(2) Limitations.--In carrying out the program described 
        in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall require--
                    ``(A) each applicant to attest to a safety or 
                security need in applying for a new ICAO aircraft 
                identification code; and
                    ``(B) each approved applicant who obtains a new 
                ICAO aircraft identification code to comply with all 
                applicable aspects of, or related to, part 45 of title 
                14, Code of Federal Regulations, including updating an 
                aircraft's registration number and N-Number to reflect 
                such aircraft's new ICAO aircraft identification code.
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) ADS-B.--The term `ADS-B' means automatic dependent 
        surveillance-broadcast.
            ``(2) ICAO.--The term `ICAO' means the International Civil 
        Aviation Organization.
            ``(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term 
        `personally identifiable information' means--
                    ``(A) the mailing address or registration address 
                of an individual;
                    ``(B) an electronic address (including an email 
                address) of an individual; or
                    ``(C) the telephone number of an individual.
                    ``(D) the names of the aircraft owner or operator, 
                if the owner or operator is an individual.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``44114. Privacy.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 566 of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44103 note) and the item relating to such 
section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act are 
repealed.

SEC. 804. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a review of the 
process for reserving aircraft registration numbers to ensure that such 
process offers an equal opportunity for members of the general public 
to obtain specific aircraft registration numbers.
    (b) Assessment.--In conducting the review under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall assess the following:
            (1) Whether the use of readily available software to 
        prevent computer or web-based auto-fill systems from reserving 
        aircraft registration numbers in bulk would improve 
        participation in the reservation process by the general public.
            (2) Whether a limit should be imposed on the number of 
        consecutive years a person may reserve an aircraft registration 
        number.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the review conducted under subsection (a), including any 
recommendations of the Administrator to improve equal participation in 
the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers by the general 
public.

SEC. 805. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF INVESTIGATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of issuance 
of a letter of investigation to any person, as required by section 2(b) 
of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) make a determination regarding such investigation and 
        pursue subsequent action; or
            (2) close such investigation.
    (b) Extension.--
            (1) In general.--If, upon review of the facts and status of 
        an investigation described in subsection (a), the Administrator 
        determines that the time provided to make a final determination 
        or close such investigation is insufficient, the Administrator 
        shall approve an extension of such investigation for 2 years.
            (2) Additional extensions.--The Administrator may approve 
        consecutive extensions under paragraph (1).
    (c) Delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the authority 
to approve an extension described in subsection (b) to anyone other 
than the leadership of the Administration as described in section 
106(b) of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 806. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Unlimited letter of authorization.--Not later than 1 
        year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
        shall take such action as may be necessary to allow for the 
        issuance of letters of authorizations to airmen with the 
        authorization for--
                    (A) all types and makes of experimental high-
                performance single engine piston powered aircraft; and
                    (B) all types and makes of experimental high-
                performance multiengine piston powered aircraft.
            (2) Requirements.--An individual who holds a letter of 
        authorization and applies for an authorization described in 
        paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B)--
                    (A) shall be given an all-makes and models 
                authorization of--
                            (i) experimental single-engine piston 
                        powered authorized aircraft; or
                            (ii) experimental multiengine piston 
                        powered authorized aircraft;
                    (B) shall hold the appropriate category and class 
                rating for the authorized aircraft;
                    (C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft 
                authorizations in aircraft of the same category and 
                class rating for the authorization sought; and
                    (D) may become qualified in additional experimental 
                aircraft by completing aircraft-specific ground and 
                flight training.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
to disallow an individual from being given both an authorization 
described in paragraph (1)(A) and an authorization described in 
paragraph (1)(B).
    (c) Failure to Comply.--
            (1) In general.--If the Administrator fails to implement 
        subsection (a) within the time period prescribed in such 
        subsection, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
        committees of Congress on the status of the implementation of 
        such subsection on a monthly basis until the implementation is 
        complete.
            (2) No delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the 
        briefing described in paragraph (1).

SEC. 807. RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION.

     Section 2(b) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Response to letter of investigation.--
                    ``(A) In general.--If an individual decides to 
                respond to a Letter of Investigation described in 
                paragraph (2)(B), such individual may respond not later 
                than 30 days after receipt of such Letter, including 
                providing written comments on the incident to the 
                investigating office.
                    ``(B) Construction.--Nothing in this paragraph 
                shall be construed to diminish the authority of the 
                Administrator (as of the day before the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024) to 
                take emergency action relating to an airman 
                certificate.''.

SEC. 808. ADS-B OUT EQUIPAGE STUDY; VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE LINK PROGRAM.

    (a) Study and Briefing on ADS-B Out Equipage.--
            (1) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study 
        to determine--
                    (A) the number of aircraft registered in the United 
                States, and any other aerial vehicles operating in the 
                airspace of the United States, that are not equipped 
                with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast out 
                equipment (in this section referred to as ``ADS-B 
                out'');
                    (B) the requirements for, and impact of, expanding 
                the dual-link architecture that is used below an 
                altitude of flight level 180;
                    (C) the costs and benefits of equipage of ADS-B 
                out;
                    (D) the costs and benefits of any accommodation 
                made for aircraft with inoperable ADS-B out;
                    (E) reasons why aircraft owners choose not to equip 
                or use an aircraft with ADS-B out; and
                    (F) ways to further incentivize aircraft owners to 
                equip and use aircraft with ADS-B out.
            (2) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study 
        conducted under paragraph (1).
    (b) Vehicle-to-vehicle Link Program.--Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination 
with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration and the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, 
shall establish an interagency coordination program to advance vehicle-
to-vehicle link initiatives that--
            (1) enable the real-time digital exchange of key 
        information between nearby aircraft; and
            (2) are not reliant on ground infrastructure or air-to-
        ground communication links.

SEC. 809. ENSURING SAFE LANDINGS DURING OFF-AIRPORT OPERATIONS.

    The Administrator shall not apply section 91.119 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, in any manner that requires a pilot to continue 
a landing that is unsafe.

SEC. 810. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST VOLUNTARY ADS-B.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall prepare a report on the 
development of a suitable position reporting system for voluntary use 
in covered airspace to facilitate traffic awareness.
    (b) Technical Advice.--In preparing the report under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall solicit technical advice from 
representatives from--
            (1) industry groups, including pilots, aircraft owners, 
        avionics manufacturers; and
            (2) any others determined necessary by the Administrator.
    (c) Requirements.--In preparing the report under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall--
            (1) research and catalog domestic and international 
        equipment, standards, and systems analogous to ADS-B available 
        as of the date on which the report is completed;
            (2) address strengths and weaknesses of such equipment, 
        standards, and systems, including with respect to cost;
            (3) to enable the development and voluntary use of 
        portable, installed, low-cost position reporting systems for 
        use in covered airspace--
                    (A) provide recommendations on any regulatory and 
                procedural changes to be taken by the Administrator or 
                other Federal entities; and
                    (B) describe any equipment, standards, and systems 
                that may need to be developed with respect to such 
                reporting systems;
            (4) determine market size, development costs, and barriers 
        that may need to be overcome for the development of technology 
        that enables such position reporting systems in covered 
        airspace; and
            (5) include a communication strategy that--
                    (A) targets potential users of such position 
                reporting systems as soon as such technology is 
                available for commercial use; and
                    (B) promotes the benefits of the voluntary use in 
                covered airspace of position reporting systems to 
                enhance traffic awareness.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the report prepared under subsection (a) is finalized, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
the report prepared under subsection (a).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered airspace.--The term ``covered airspace'' means 
        airspace for which the use of ADS-B out equipment on an 
        aircraft is not required under section 91.225 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations,
            (2) ADS-B.--The term ``ADS-B'' means Automatic Dependent 
        Surveillance-Broadcast.

SEC. 811. AIRSHOW SAFETY TEAM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator may, as determined necessary 
by the Administration, coordinate with the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee to establish an Airshow Safety Team focused on airshow 
and aerial event safety.
    (b) Objective.--The objective of the Airshow Safety Team described 
in subsection (a) shall be to--
            (1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Government and 
        industry cooperation, communication, and coordination on 
        airshow and aerial event safety; and
            (2) reduce airshow and aerial event accidents and incidents 
        through non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies.
    (c) Activities.--In carrying out the objectives pursuant to 
subsection (b), the Airshow Safety Team shall, at a minimum--
            (1) perform an analysis of airshow and aerial event 
        accidents and incidents in conjunction with the Safety Analysis 
        Team;
            (2) publish and update every 2 years after initial 
        publication an Airshow Safety Plan that incorporates consensus 
        based and data driven mitigation measures and non-regulatory 
        safety strategies to improve and promote safety of the public, 
        performers, and airport personnel; and
            (3) engage the airshow and aerial event community to--
                    (A) communicate non-regulatory, proactive safety 
                strategies identified by the Airshow Safety Plan to 
                mitigate incidents; and
                    (B) discuss best practices to uphold and maintain 
                safety at events.
    (d) Membership.--The Administrator may request the Airshow Safety 
Team be comprised of at least 10 individuals, each of whom shall have 
knowledge or a background in the planning, execution, operation, or 
management of an airshow or aerial event.
    (e) Meetings.--The Airshow Safety Team shall meet at least twice a 
year at the direction of the co-chairs of the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee.
    (f) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
require an amendment to the charter of the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee.

SEC. 812. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION VALIDITY DURING RENEWAL.

    (a) In General.--Section 44103 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Validity of Aircraft Registration During Renewal.--
            ``(1) In general.--An aircraft may be operated on or after 
        the expiration date found on the certificate of registration 
        issued for such aircraft under this section as if it were not 
        expired if the operator of such aircraft has aboard the 
        aircraft--
                    ``(A) documentation validating that--
                            ``(i) an aircraft registration renewal 
                        application form (AC Form 8050-1B, or a 
                        succeeding form) has been submitted to the 
                        Administrator for such aircraft but not yet 
                        approved or denied; and
                            ``(ii) such aircraft is compliant with 
                        maintenance, inspections, and any other 
                        requirements for the aircraft's airworthiness 
                        certificate issued under section 44704(d); and
                    ``(B) the most recent aircraft registration.
            ``(2) Proof of pending renewal application.--The 
        Administrator shall provide an applicant for renewal of 
        registration under this section with documentation described in 
        paragraph (1)(A). Such documentation shall--
                    ``(A) be made electronically available to the 
                applicant immediately upon submitting an aircraft 
                registration renewal application to the Civil Aviation 
                Registry for an aircraft;
                    ``(B) notify the applicant of the operational 
                allowance described in paragraph (1);
                    ``(C) deem an aircraft's airworthiness certificate 
                issued under section 44704(d) as valid provided that 
                the applicant confirms acknowledgment of the 
                requirements of paragraph (1)(A)(ii);
                    ``(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged the 
                limitations described in paragraph (3)(A) and (3)(B); 
                and
                    ``(E) include identifying information pertaining to 
                such aircraft and to the registered owner.
            ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
        shall be construed to permit any person to operate an 
        aircraft--
                    ``(A) with an expired registration, except as 
                specifically provided for under this subsection; or
                    ``(B) if the Administrator has denied an 
                application to renew the registration of such 
                aircraft.''.
    (b) Rulemaking; Guidance.--Not later than 36 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule, 
if necessary, and update all applicable guidance and policies to 
reflect the amendment made by this section.

SEC. 813. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATES.

    Section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(l) Temporary Airman Certificate.--An individual may obtain a 
temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a 
permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A 
temporary airman certificate shall be--
            ``(1) made available--
                    ``(A) electronically to the individual immediately 
                upon submitting an online application for a replacement 
                certificate to the Administrator; or
                    ``(B) physically to the individual at a flight 
                standards district office--
                            ``(i) if the individual submits an online 
                        application for a replacement certificate; or
                            ``(ii) if the individual applies for a 
                        permanent replacement certificate other than by 
                        online application and such application has 
                        been received by the Federal Aviation 
                        Administration; and
            ``(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement 
        airman certificate from the Administrator.''.

SEC. 814. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--A flight instructor, registered owner, lessor, or 
lessee of a covered aircraft shall not be required to obtain a letter 
of deviation authority from the Administrator to allow, conduct, or 
receive flight training, checking, and testing in such aircraft if--
            (1) the flight instructor is not providing both the 
        training and the aircraft;
            (2) no person advertises or broadly offers the aircraft as 
        available for flight training, checking, or testing; and
            (3) no person receives compensation for use of the aircraft 
        for a specific flight during which flight training, checking, 
        or testing was received, other than expenses for owning, 
        operating, and maintaining the aircraft.
    (b) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
aircraft'' means--
            (1) an experimental category aircraft;
            (2) a limited category aircraft; and
            (3) a primary category aircraft.

SEC. 815. BASICMED FOR EXAMINERS ADMINISTERING TESTS OR PROFICIENCY 
              CHECKS.

    (a) Equivalent Pilot-in-command Medical Requirements.--
Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical test or proficiency 
check if such examiner meets the medical qualification requirements 
under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the 
operation being conducted is in a covered aircraft, as such term is 
defined in section 2307(j) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security 
Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule to update part 
61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to implement the 
requirements under subsection (a), in addition to any related 
requirements the Administrator finds are in the interest of aviation 
safety.

SEC. 816. DESIGNEE LOCATOR TOOL IMPROVEMENTS.

    Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall ensure that the designee locator search function of 
the public website of the Designee Management System of the 
Administration has the functionality to--
            (1) filter a search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (as 
        described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations) by sex, if such information is available;
            (2) display credentials and aircraft qualifications of a 
        designated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of 
        such title); and
            (3) display the scheduling availability of a designated 
        pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title) 
        to administer a test or proficiency check to an airman.

SEC. 817. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION BACKLOG.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to reduce 
and maintain the aircraft registration and recordation backlog at the 
Civil Aviation Registry so that, on average, applications are processed 
not later than 10 business days after receipt.

SEC. 818. PART 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE BACKLOG.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall take such actions as may 
be necessary to achieve the goal of reducing the backlog of air carrier 
certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to--
            (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, maintain an average application acceptance or 
        rejection time of less than 60 days; and
            (2) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, maintain an average application acceptance or 
        rejection time of less than 30 days.
    (b) Measures.--In meeting the goal under subsection (a), the 
Administrator may--
            (1) assign, as appropriate, additional personnel or support 
        staff, including on a temporary basis, to review, adjudicate, 
        and approve applications;
            (2) improve and expand promotion of existing applicant 
        resources which could improve the quality of applications 
        submitted to decrease the need for Administration applicant 
        coordination and communications; and
            (3) take into consideration any third-party entity that 
        assisted in the preparation of an application for an air 
        carrier certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
    (c) Congressional Briefing.--Beginning 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and not less than every 6 months thereafter 
until the Administrator complies with the requirements under subsection 
(a)(2), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to appropriate 
committees of Congress on the status of the backlog of air carrier 
certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, any measures the Administrator has put in place under 
subsection (b).

SEC. 819. ENHANCING PROCESSES FOR AUTHORIZING AIRCRAFT FOR SERVICE IN 
              COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS.

    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a part 
        135 aircraft conformity working group (in this section referred 
        to as the ``Working Group'').
            (2) Requirements.--The Working Group shall study methods 
        and make recommendations to clarify requirements and 
        standardize the process for conducting and completing aircraft 
        conformity processes in a timely manner for existing operators 
        and air carriers operating aircraft under part 135 and entering 
        such aircraft into service.
    (b) Membership.--The Working Group shall be comprised of 
representatives of the FAA, existing operators and air carriers 
operating aircraft under part 135, associations or trade groups 
representing such operators or air carriers, and, as appropriate, labor 
groups representing employees of air carriers operating under part 135.
    (c) Duties.--The Working Group shall consider all aspects of the 
FAA processes as of the date of enactment of this Act for ensuring 
aircraft conformity and make recommendations to enhance such processes, 
including with respect to--
            (1) methodologies for air carriers and operators to 
        document and attest to aircraft conformity in accordance with 
        the requirements of part 135;
            (2) streamlined protocols for operators and air carriers 
        operating aircraft under part 135 to add an aircraft that was 
        listed on another part 135 certificate immediately prior to 
        moving to a new air carrier or operator; and
            (3) changes to FAA policy and documentation necessary to 
        implement the recommendations of the Working Group.
    (d) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
on which the Administrator establishes the Working Group, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
progress made by the Working Group in carrying out the duties specified 
in subsection (c), recommendations of the Working Group, and the 
efforts of the Administrator to implement such recommendations.
    (e) Definition of Part 135.--In this section, the term ``part 135'' 
means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 820. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES.

    Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall issue a final rule for the rulemaking activity 
titled ``Removal of the Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor 
Certificate'', published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal 
Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL25) to, at a minimum, 
update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to--
            (1) remove the expiration date on a flight instructor 
        certificate; and
            (2) replace the requirement that a flight instructor renews 
        their flight instructor certificate with appropriate recent 
        experience requirements for the holder of a flight instructor 
        certificate to exercise the privileges of such certificate.

SEC. 821. CONSISTENCY OF POLICY APPLICATION IN FLIGHT STANDARDS AND 
              AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION.

    (a) In General.--The inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate audits, as described in subsection (d), 
of the Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services of the FAA, 
and the personnel of such offices, on the consistency of--
            (1) the interpretation of policies, orders, guidance, and 
        regulations; and
            (2) the application of policies, orders, guidance, and 
        regulations.
    (b) Components.--In completing the audits required under this 
section, the inspector general shall interview stakeholders, including 
at a minimum, individuals or entities that--
            (1) hold a certificate or authorization related to the 
        issue being audited under subsection (d);
            (2) are from different regions of the country with matters 
        before different flight standards district offices or before 
        different FAA Flight Standards Service and Aircraft 
        Certification Service offices;
            (3) work with multiple flight standards district offices or 
        aircraft certification offices of the Administration; or
            (4) hold a single or multiple relevant certificates or 
        authorizations.
    (c) Reports.--The inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, 
the Secretary, and the Administrator a report for each audit required 
in this section, containing the results of the audit, including 
findings and necessary recommendations to the Administrator to improve 
the consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and Aircraft 
Certification Services offices of the Administration.
    (d) Audits.--The inspector general shall complete an audit and 
issue the associated report required under subsection (c) not later 
than--
            (1) 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
        regard to supplemental type certificates;
            (2) 34 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
        regard to repair stations certificated under part 145 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (3) 50 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
        regard to technical standards orders.
    (e) Implementation.--In addressing any recommendations from the 
inspector general contained in the reports required under subsection 
(c), the Administrator may--
            (1) maintain an implementation plan; and
            (2) broadly adopt any best practices to improve the 
        consistency of interpretation and application of policies, 
        orders, guidance, and regulations by other offices of the 
        Administration and with regard to other activities of the 
        Administration.
    (f) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving a report 
required under subsection (c), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation plan required 
under subsection (d), the status of any recommendation received 
pursuant to this section, and any best practices that are being 
implemented more broadly.

SEC. 822. APPLICATION OF POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUIDANCE.

    Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Policies, Orders, and Guidance.--
            ``(1) Consistency of application.--The Administrator shall 
        ensure consistency in the application of policies, orders, and 
        guidance of the Administration by--
                    ``(A) audits of the application and interpretation 
                of such material by Administration personnel from 
                person to person and office to office;
                    ``(B) updating policies, orders, and guidance to 
                resolve inconsistencies and clarify demonstrated 
                ambiguities, such as through repeated inconsistent 
                interpretation; and
                    ``(C) ensuring officials are properly documenting 
                findings and decisions throughout a project to decrease 
                the occurrence of duplicative work and inconsistent 
                findings by subsequent officials assigned to the same 
                project.
            ``(2) Alterations.--The Administrator shall consult as 
        appropriate with regulated entities who will be impacted by 
        proposed changes to the content or application of policies, 
        orders, and guidance before making such changes.
            ``(3) Authorities and regulations.--The Administrator shall 
        issue policies, orders, and guidance documents that are related 
        to a law or regulation or clarify the intent of or compliance 
        with specific laws and regulations.''.

SEC. 823. EXPANSION OF THE REGULATORY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATIONS BOARD.

    Section 224 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``; and'' and 
                inserting a semicolon;
                    (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period and 
                inserting a semicolon; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) the Office of Airports;
            ``(5) the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials 
        Safety;
            ``(6) the Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement; 
        and
            ``(7) such other offices as the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``anonymous 
                regulatory interpretation questions'' and inserting 
                ``regulatory interpretation questions, including 
                anonymously,'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``anonymous 
                regulatory interpretation questions'' and inserting 
                ``regulatory interpretation questions, including 
                anonymously''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(6) Submit recommendations, as needed, to the Assistant 
        Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement for 
        consideration.''.

SEC. 824. MODERNIZATION OF SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATION 
              RULEMAKING DEADLINE.

    Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall issue a final rule for the rulemaking activity 
titled ``Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification'', 
published in Fall 2022 in the long-term actions of the Unified Agenda 
of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL50).

SEC. 825. EXCLUSION OF GYROPLANES FROM FUEL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.

    Section 44737 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter'' 
        each place it appears;
            (2) in the heading for paragraph (2) of subsection (a) by 
        striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Exception.--A helicopter issued an experimental certificate 
under section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
successor regulations), or operating under a Special Flight Permit 
issued under section 21.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or any successor regulations), is excepted from the requirements of 
this section.''.

SEC. 826. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING ELIGIBILITY.

    (a) Forestry and Fire Protection Flight Time Logging.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        law, aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry 
        and fire protection agencies are eligible to log pilot flight 
        times, if the flight time was acquired by the pilot while 
        engaged on an official forestry or fire protection flight, in 
        the same manner as aircraft under the direct operational 
        control of a Federal, State, county, or municipal law 
        enforcement agency.
            (2) Retroactive application.--Paragraph (1) shall be 
        applied as if enacted on October 5, 2018.
    (b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make such regulatory 
changes as are necessary to conform to the requirements of this 
section.

SEC. 827. EAGLE INITIATIVE.

    (a) EAGLE Initiative.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue to 
        partner with industry and other Federal Government stakeholders 
        in carrying out the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions 
        Initiative (in this section referred to as the ``EAGLE 
        Initiative'') through the end of 2030.
            (2) FAA responsibilities.--In collaborating with industry 
        and other Government stakeholders to carry out the EAGLE 
        Initiative, the Administrator shall take such actions as may be 
        necessary under the authority of the Administrator to 
        facilitate--
                    (A) the safe elimination of the use of leaded 
                aviation gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by the end 
                of 2030 without adversely affecting the safe and 
                efficient operation of the piston-engine aircraft 
                fleet;
                    (B) the approval of the use of unleaded 
                alternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for use in all 
                piston-engine aircraft types and piston-engine models;
                    (C) the implementation of the requirements of 
                section 47107(a)(22) of title 49, United States Code, 
                as added by this Act, as such requirements relate to 
                the continued availability of aviation gasoline;
                    (D) efforts to make unleaded aviation gasoline that 
                is approved for use in piston-engine aircraft and 
                engines widely available for purchase and use at 
                airports in the National Plan of Integrated Airport 
                Systems; and
                    (E) the development of a transition plan to safely 
                enable the transition of the piston-engine general 
                aviation aircraft fleet to unleaded aviation gasoline 
                by 2030, to the extent practicable.
            (3) Activities.--In carrying out the responsibilities of 
        the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (2), the Administrator 
        shall, at a minimum--
                    (A) maintain a fleet authorization process for the 
                efficient approval or authorization of eligible piston-
                engine aircraft and engine models to operate safely 
                using qualified unleaded aviation gasolines;
                    (B) review, update, and prioritize, as soon as 
                practicable, certification processes and projects, as 
                necessary, for aircraft engines and modifications to 
                such engines to operate with unleaded aviation 
                gasoline;
                    (C) seek to facilitate programs that accelerate the 
                creation, evaluation, qualification, deployment, and 
                use of unleaded aviation gasolines;
                    (D) carry out, in partnership with the general 
                aviation community, an ongoing campaign for training 
                and educating aircraft owners and operators on how to 
                safely transition to unleaded aviation gasoline;
                    (E) evaluate aircraft and aircraft engines to 
                ensure that such aircraft and aircraft engines can 
                safely operate with unleaded aviation gasoline 
                candidates during cold weather conditions; and
                    (F) facilitate the development of agency policies 
                and processes, as appropriate, to support the 
                deployment of necessary infrastructure at airports to 
                enable the distribution and storage of unleaded 
                aviation gasolines.
            (4) Consultation and collaboration with relevant 
        stakeholders.--In carrying out the EAGLE Initiative, the 
        Administrator shall continue to consult and collaborate, as 
        appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including--
                    (A) general aviation aircraft engine, aircraft 
                propulsion, and aircraft airframe manufacturers;
                    (B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft 
                owners, aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators;
                    (C) airports and fixed-base operators;
                    (D) State, local, and Tribal aviation officials;
                    (E) representatives of the petroleum industry, 
                including developers, refiners, producers, and 
                distributors of unleaded aviation gasolines; and
                    (F) air carriers and commercial operators operating 
                under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations.
            (5) Report to congress.--
                    (A) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after 
                the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
                shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
                a report that--
                            (i) contains an updated strategic plan for 
                        maintaining a fleet authorization process for 
                        the efficient approval and authorization of 
                        eligible piston-engine aircraft and engine 
                        models to operate using unleaded aviation 
                        gasolines in a manner that ensures safety;
                            (ii) describes the structure and 
                        involvement of all FAA offices that have 
                        responsibilities described in paragraph (2); 
                        and
                            (iii) identifies policy initiatives, 
                        regulatory initiatives, or legislative 
                        initiatives needed to improve and enhance the 
                        timely and safe transition to unleaded aviation 
                        gasoline for the piston-engine aircraft fleet.
                    (B) Annual briefing.--Not later than 1 year after 
                the date on which the Administrator submits the initial 
                report under subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter 
                through 2030, the Administrator shall brief the 
                appropriate committees of Congress on activities and 
                progress of the EAGLE Initiative.
                    (C) Sunset.--Subparagraph (B) shall cease to be 
                effective after December 31, 2030.
    (b) Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.--
            (1) In general.--In developing the transition plan under 
        subsection (a)(2)(E), the Administrator may, at a minimum, 
        assess the following:
                    (A) Efforts undertaken by the EAGLE Initiative, 
                including progress towards--
                            (i) safely eliminating the use of leaded 
                        aviation gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by 
                        the end of 2030 without adversely affecting the 
                        safe and efficient operation of the piston-
                        engine aircraft fleet;
                            (ii) approving the use of unleaded 
                        alternatives to leaded aviation gasoline for 
                        use in all piston-engine aircraft types and 
                        piston-engine models; and
                            (iii) facilitating efforts to make approved 
                        unleaded aviation gasoline that is approved for 
                        use in piston-engine aircraft and engines 
                        widely available at airports for purchase and 
                        use in the National Plan of Integrated Airport 
                        Systems.
                    (B) The evaluation and development of necessary 
                airport infrastructure, including fuel storage and 
                dispensing facilities, to support the distribution and 
                storage of unleaded aviation gasoline.
                    (C) The establishment of best practices for piston-
                engine aircraft owners and operators, airport operators 
                and personnel, aircraft maintenance technicians, and 
                other appropriate personnel for protecting against 
                exposure to lead containment when--
                            (i) conducting fueling operations;
                            (ii) disposing of inspected gasoline 
                        samples;
                            (iii) performing aircraft maintenance; and
                            (iv) conducting engine run-ups.
                    (D) Efforts to address supply chain and other 
                logistical barriers inhibiting the timely distribution 
                of unleaded aviation gasoline to airports.
                    (E) Outreach efforts to educate and update piston-
                engine aircraft owners and operators, airport 
                operators, and other members of the general aviation 
                community on the potential benefits, availability, and 
                safety of unleaded aviation gasoline.
            (2) Publication; guidance.--Upon completion of developing 
        such transition plan, the Administrator shall--
                    (A) make the plan available to the public on an 
                appropriate website of the FAA; and
                    (B) provide guidance supporting the implementation 
                of the transition plan.
            (3) Collaboration with eagle initiative.--In supporting the 
        development of such transition plan and issuing associated 
        guidance pertaining to the implementation of such transition 
        plan, the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with 
        individuals carrying out the EAGLE Initiative.
            (4) Unleaded aviation gasoline communication materials.--
        The Administrator may collaborate with individuals carrying out 
        the EAGLE Initiative to jointly develop and continuously update 
        websites, brochures, and other communication materials 
        associated with such transition plan to clearly convey the 
        availability of unleaded aviation gasoline at airports.
            (5) Briefing to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
        publication of such transition plan, the Administrator shall 
        brief the appropriate committees of Congress on such transition 
        plan and any agency efforts or actions pertaining to the 
        implementation of such transition plan.
            (6) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to delay or alter the ongoing work of the EAGLE 
        Initiative established by the Administrator in 2022.

SEC. 828. EXPANSION OF BASICMED.

    (a) In General.--Section 2307 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(2) the individual holds a medical certificate issued by 
        the Federal Aviation Administration or has held such a 
        certificate at any time after July 14, 2006;'';
                    (B) in paragraph (7) by inserting ``calendar'' 
                before ``months''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (8)(A) by striking ``5'' and 
                inserting ``6'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by inserting ``(or any 
        successor form)'' after ``(3-99)'';
            (3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
    ``(h) Report Required.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report that describes the effect of the 
regulations issued or revised under subsection (a) and includes 
statistics with respect to changes in small aircraft activity and 
safety incidents.''; and
            (4) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
    ``(j) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term `covered 
aircraft' means an aircraft that--
            ``(1) is authorized under Federal law to carry not more 
        than 7 occupants;
            ``(2) has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more 
        than 12,500 pounds; and
            ``(3) is not a transport category rotorcraft certified to 
        airworthiness standards under part 29 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.''.
    (b) Rulemaking.--The Administrator shall update regulations in 
parts 61 and 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as necessary, 
to implement the amendments made by this section.
    (c) Applicability.--Beginning on the date that is 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall apply parts 
61 and 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner reflecting the 
amendments made by this section.

SEC. 829. PROHIBITION ON USING ADS-B OUT DATA TO INITIATE AN 
              INVESTIGATION.

    Section 46101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(c) Prohibition on Using ADS-B Out Data to Initiate an 
Investigation.--
            ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
        this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration may not initiate an investigation (excluding a 
        criminal investigation) of a person based exclusively on 
        automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data.
            ``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
        shall prohibit the use of automatic dependent surveillance-
        broadcast data in an investigation that was initiated for any 
        reason other than the review of automatic dependent 
        surveillance-broadcast data, including if such investigation 
        was initiated as a result of a report or complaint submitted to 
        the Administrator.''.

SEC. 830. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EXEMPTIONS.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) Validity of exemption.--Except as otherwise provided in 
        this subsection, an exemption from section 61.113(c) of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is granted by the 
        Administrator for the purpose of allowing a volunteer pilot to 
        accept reimbursement from a volunteer pilot organization for 
        the fuel costs and airport fees attributed to a flight 
        operation to provide charitable transportation pursuant to 
        section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
        U.S.C. 40101 note) shall be valid for 5 years.
            (2) Failing to adhere.--If the Administrator finds an 
        exemption holder under paragraph (1) or a volunteer pilot fails 
        to adhere to the conditions and limitations of the exemption 
        described under such paragraph, the Administrator may rescind 
        or suspend the exemption.
            (3) No longer qualifying.--If the Administrator finds that 
        such exemption holder no longer qualifies as a volunteer pilot 
        organization, the Administrator shall rescind such exemption.
            (4) Forgoing exemption.--If such exemption holder informs 
        the Administrator that such holder no longer plans to exercise 
        the authority granted by such exemption, the Administrator may 
        rescind such exemption.
    (b) Additional Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--A volunteer pilot organization may impose 
        additional safety requirements on a volunteer pilot without--
                    (A) being considered--
                            (i) an air carrier (as such term is defined 
                        in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
                        Code); or
                            (ii) a commercial operator (as such term is 
                        defined in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations); or
                    (B) constituting common carriage.
            (2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
        construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the 
        Administrator to regulate, as appropriate, a flight operation 
        associated with a volunteer pilot organization that constitutes 
        a commercial operation or common carriage.
    (c) Reissuance of Existing Exemptions.--In reissuing an expiring 
exemption described in subsection (a) that was originally issued prior 
to the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure 
that the reissued exemption--
            (1) accounts for the provisions of this section and section 
        821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 
        40101 note); and
            (2) is otherwise substantially similar to the previously 
        issued exemption.
    (d) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to--
            (1) affect the authority of the Administrator to exempt a 
        pilot (exercising the private pilot privileges) from any 
        restriction on receiving reimbursement for the fuel costs and 
        airport fees attributed to a flight operation to provide 
        charitable transportation; or
            (2) impose or authorize the imposition of any additional 
        requirements by the Administrator on a flight that is arranged 
        by a volunteer pilot organization in which the volunteer 
        pilot--
                    (A) is not reimbursed the fuel costs and airport 
                fees attributed to a flight operation to provide 
                charitable flights; or
                    (B) pays a pro rata share of expenses as described 
                in section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Volunteer pilot.--The term ``volunteer pilot'' means a 
        person who--
                    (A) acts as a pilot in command of a flight 
                operation to provide charitable transportation pursuant 
                to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 
                of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); and
                    (B) holds a private pilot certificate, commercial 
                pilot certificate, or an airline transportation pilot 
                certificate issued under part 61 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations.
            (2) Volunteer pilot organization.--The term ``volunteer 
        pilot organization'' has the meaning given such term in section 
        821(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
        U.S.C. 40101 note).

SEC. 831. GAO REPORT ON CHARITABLE FLIGHTS.

    (a) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a review of the 
following:
            (1) Applicable laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, 
        and guidance pertaining to charitable flights and the 
        operations of such flights, including reimbursement of fuel 
        costs.
            (2) Petitions for exemption from the requirements of 
        section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for 
        the purpose of allowing a pilot to accept reimbursement for the 
        fuel costs associated with a flight operation to provide 
        charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA 
        Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), 
        including assessment of--
                    (A) the conditions and limitations a petitioner 
                shall comply with if the exemption is granted and 
                whether such conditions and limitations are--
                            (i) applied to petitioners in a consistent 
                        manner; and
                            (ii) commensurate with the types of flight 
                        operations exemption holders propose to conduct 
                        under any such exemptions;
                    (B) denied petitions for such an exemption and the 
                reasons for the denial of such petitions; and
                    (C) the processing time of a petition for such an 
                exemption.
            (3) Charitable flights conducted without an exemption from 
        section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
        including an analysis of the certificates, qualifications, and 
        aeronautical experience of the operators of such flights.
    (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with charitable 
organizations, including volunteer pilot organizations, aircraft 
owners, and pilots who volunteer to provide transportation for or on 
behalf of a charitable organization, flight safety experts, and 
employees of the FAA.
    (c) Recommendations.--As part of the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall make recommendations, as 
determined appropriate, to the Administrator to improve the rules, 
policies, and guidance pertaining to charitable flight operations.
    (d) Report.--Upon completion of the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the findings of such review 
and recommendations developed under subsection (c).

SEC. 832. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING.

    (a) Authorized Additional Pilots.--An individual acting as an 
authorized additional pilot during Phase I flight testing of aircraft 
holding an experimental airworthiness certificate, in accordance with 
section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and meeting 
the requirements set forth in FAA regulations and policy in effect as 
of the date of enactment of this Act, shall not be deemed to be 
operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or 
hire.
    (b) Use of Aircraft.--An individual who uses, causes to use, or 
authorizes to use aircraft for flights conducted under subsection (a) 
shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or 
property for compensation or hire.
    (c) Revision of Rules.--The Administrator shall, as necessary, 
issue, revise, or repeal the rules, regulations, guidance, or 
procedures of the FAA to conform to the requirements of this section.

SEC. 833. NATIONAL COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF DESIGNATED PILOT 
              EXAMINERS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish an office to 
provide oversight and facilitate national coordination of designated 
pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (b) Responsibilities.--The office described in subsection (a) shall 
be responsible for the following:
            (1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under 
        section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Coordinating with other offices, as appropriate, to 
        support the standardization of policy, guidance, and 
        regulations across the FAA pertaining to the selection, 
        training, duties, and deployment of designated pilot examiners 
        appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, including evaluating the consistency by which such 
        examiners apply Administration policies, orders, and guidance.
            (3) Evaluating the consistency by which such examiners 
        apply FAA policies, orders, and guidance.
            (4) Coordinating placement and deployment of such examiners 
        across regions based on demand for examinations from the pilot 
        community.
            (5) Developing a code of conduct for such examiners.
            (6) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and 
        merit of such examiners.
            (7) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal 
        mentorship program for such examiners.
    (c) Coordination.--In carrying out the responsibilities listed in 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure the office--
            (1) coordinates on an ongoing basis with flight standards 
        district offices, designated pilot examiner managing 
        specialists, and aviation industry stakeholders, including 
        representatives of the general aviation community; and
            (2) considers whether to implement the final 
        recommendations report issued by the Designated Pilot Examiner 
        Reforms Working Group and accepted by the Aviation Rulemaking 
        Advisory Committee on June 17, 2021.
    (d) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter through fiscal 
        year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report that evaluates the use of 
        designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
        regulation), for testing, including both written and practical 
        tests.
            (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include 
        an analysis of--
                    (A) the methodology and rationale by which 
                designated pilot examiners are deployed;
                    (B) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the 
                average time an individual in each region must wait to 
                schedule an appointment with a designated pilot 
                examiner;
                    (C) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the 
                estimated total time individuals in each region were 
                forced to wait to schedule an appointment with a 
                designated pilot examiner;
                    (D) the primary reasons and best ways to reduce 
                wait times described in subparagraph (C);
                    (E) the number of tests conducted by designated 
                pilot examiners;
                    (F) the number and percentage of available 
                designated pilot examiners that perform such tests; and
                    (G) the average rate of retests, including of both 
                written and practical tests.

SEC. 834. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking concerning whether to revise the requirements under 
paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 135.89(b) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to apply only to aircraft operating at altitudes 
above flight level 410.
    (b) Considerations.--In issuing the notice of proposed rulemaking, 
the Administrator shall consider applicable safety data and risks, 
including in relation to applicable incidents and accidents, as well as 
the investigations and recommendations of the National Transportation 
Safety Board.

            TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

SEC. 901. DEFINITIONS.

    Except as otherwise provided, the definitions contained in section 
44801 of title 49, United States Code, apply to this subtitle.

SEC. 902. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC.

    (a) In General.--Section 44804 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the section heading by striking ``small unmanned'' 
        and inserting ``unmanned''; and
            (2) by striking ``small'' each place it appears.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of such 
title is amended by striking the item relating to section 44804 and 
inserting the following:

``44804. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.''.

SEC. 903. SMALL UAS SAFETY STANDARDS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    Section 44805 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the section heading by striking ``small unmanned'' 
        and inserting ``small unmanned'';
            (2) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``operation of small'' 
        and inserting ``operation of a small'';
            (3) in subsection (f) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (f)'';
            (4) in subsection (g)(3) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (f)'';
            (5) in subsection (i)(1) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (f)''; and
            (6) by redesignating subsection (e) through (j) as 
        subsections (c) through (h), respectively.

SEC. 904. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION AND 
              ENFORCEMENT.

    Section 44810 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c) by inserting ``, and any other 
        location the Administrator determines appropriate'' after 
        ``Data''; and
            (2) in subsection (h) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
        inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 905. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Sensitive Radar Data Feed Pilot Program.--Not later than 270 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and other heads of relevant 
Federal agencies, shall establish a pilot program to make airspace data 
feeds containing controlled unclassified information available to 
qualified users (as determined by the Administrator), consistent with 
subsection (b).
    (b) Authorization.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and other 
heads of relevant Federal agencies, shall establish a process to 
authorize qualified users to receive airspace data feeds containing 
controlled unclassified information related to air traffic within the 
national airspace system and use such information in an agreed upon 
manner to--
            (1) provide and enable--
                    (A) air traffic management services; and
                    (B) unmanned aircraft system traffic management 
                services; or
            (2) to test technologies that may enable or enhance the 
        provision of the services described in paragraph (1).
    (c) Consultation.--In establishing the process described in 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall consult with representatives of 
the unmanned aircraft systems industry and related technical groups to 
identify an efficient, secure, and effective format and method for 
providing data described in this section.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after establishing the pilot 
program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
findings of the pilot program established under this section.
    (e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 
2028.

SEC. 906. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of 
technologies and methods that may be used by operators of unmanned 
aircraft systems to detect and avoid manned aircraft that may lawfully 
operate below 500 feet above ground level and that are--
            (1) not equipped with a transponder or automatic dependent 
        surveillance-broadcast out equipment; or
            (2) otherwise not electronically conspicuous.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with--
            (1) representatives of--
                    (A) unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers and 
                operators;
                    (B) general aviation operators;
                    (C) agricultural aircraft operators;
                    (D) helicopter operators; and
                    (E) State and local governments; and
            (2) any other stakeholder the Comptroller General 
        determines appropriate.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the results of such study.

SEC. 907. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE.

    (a) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall review and evaluate the 
final rule of the FAA titled ``Remote Identification of Unmanned 
Aircraft'', issued on January 15, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 4390), to 
determine whether unmanned aircraft manufacturers and operators can 
meet the intent of such final rule through alternative means of 
compliance, including through network-based remote identification.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report on the results of the evaluation under subsection 
(a).

SEC. 908. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall adopt a performance- and 
risk-based approach in reviewing requests for certificates of waiver 
under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Standardization of Waiver Application.--
            (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
        Administrator shall improve the process to submit requests for 
        certificates of waiver described in subsection (a).
            (2) Format.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator may not require the use of open-ended descriptive 
        prompts that are required to be filled out by an applicant, 
        except to provide applicants the ability to provide the FAA 
        with information for an unusual or irregular operation.
            (3) Data.--
                    (A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
                Administrator shall leverage data gathered from 
                previous requests for certificates of waivers.
                    (B) Considerations.--In carrying out subparagraph 
                (A), the Administrator shall safely use--
                            (i) big data analytics; and
                            (ii) machine learning.
    (c) Consideration of Property Access.--
            (1) In general.--In determining whether to issue a 
        certificate of waiver under section 107.200 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall--
                    (A) consider whether the waiver applicant has 
                control over access to all real property on the ground 
                within the area of operation; and
                    (B) recognize and account for the safety 
                enhancements of such controlled access.
            (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
        be construed to influence the extent to which the Administrator 
        considers a lack of control over access to all real property on 
        the ground within an area of operation as affecting the safety 
        of an operation intended to be conducted under such certificate 
        of waiver.
    (d) Public Availability of Waivers.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall publish all 
        certificates of waiver issued under section 107.200 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, on the website of the FAA, 
        including, with respect to each issued certificate of waiver--
                    (A) the terms, conditions, and limitations; and
                    (B) the class of airspace and any restrictions 
                related to operating near airports or heliports.
            (2) Publication.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall ensure that published information is made 
        available in a manner that prevents inappropriate disclosure of 
        proprietary information.
    (e) Precedential Use of Previously Approved Waivers.--
            (1) Waiver approval precedent.--If the Administrator 
        determines, using criteria for a particular waiver, that an 
        application for a certificate of waiver issued under section 
        107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, is 
        substantially similar (or is comprised of elements that are 
        substantially similar) to an application for a certificate of 
        waiver that the Administrator has previously approved, the 
        Administrator may streamline, as appropriate, the approval of 
        applications for such a particular waiver.
            (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall 
        be construed to preclude an applicant for a certificate of 
        waiver from applying to modify a condition or remove a 
        limitation of such certificate.
    (f) Modification of Waivers.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish an 
        expedited review process for a request to modify or renew 
        certificates of waiver previously issued under section 107.200 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as appropriate.
            (2) Use of review process.--The review process established 
        under paragraph (1) shall be used to modify or renew 
        certificates of waiver that cover operations that are 
        substantially similar in all material facts to operations 
        covered under a previously issued certificate of waiver.

SEC. 909. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFICATION.

    (a) National Environmental Policy Act Guidance.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
publish unmanned aircraft system-specific environmental review guidance 
and implementation procedures and, thereafter, revise such guidance and 
procedures as appropriate to carry out the requirements of this 
section.
    (b) Prioritization.--The guidance and procedures established by the 
Administrator under subsection (a) shall include processes that allow 
for the prioritization of project applications and activities that--
            (1) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emission 
        activities;
            (2) offset or limit the release of environmental pollutants 
        to soil or water; or
            (3) demonstrate other factors that benefit human safety or 
        the environment, as determined by the Administrator.
    (c) Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
examine and integrate programmatic-level approaches to the requirements 
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) by which the Administrator can--
            (1) leverage an environmental review for unmanned aircraft 
        operations within a defined geographic region, including within 
        and over commercial sites, industrial sites, or other sites 
        closed or restricted to the public; and
            (2) leverage an environmental assessment or environmental 
        impact statement for nationwide programmatic approaches for 
        large scale distributed unmanned aircraft operations.
    (d) Developing 1 or More Categorical Exclusions.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall engage in periodic 
        consultations with the Council on Environmental Quality to 
        identify actions that are appropriate for a new categorical 
        exclusion and shall incorporate such actions in FAA Order 
        1050.1F (or successor order) as considered appropriate by the 
        Administrator to more easily allow for safe commercial 
        operations of unmanned aircraft.
            (2) Prior operations.--The Administrator shall review 
        existing categorical exclusions for applicability to unmanned 
        aircraft operations in accordance with the National 
        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
        subchapter A of chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the plan of the Administrator to implement subsection 
(a).
    (f) Nonapplication of Noise Certification Requirements Pending 
Standards Development.--
            (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements of 
        section 44715 of title 49, United States Code, the 
        Administrator shall--
                    (A) waive the determination of compliance with part 
                36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for an 
                applicant seeking unmanned aircraft type and 
                airworthiness certifications; and
                    (B) not deny, withhold, or delay such 
                certifications due to the absence of a noise 
                certification basis under such part, if the 
                Administrator has developed appropriate noise 
                measurement procedures for unmanned aircraft and the 
                Administrator has received from the applicant the noise 
                measurement results based on such procedures.
            (2) Duration.--The nonapplication of the noise 
        certification requirements under paragraph (1) shall continue 
        until the Administrator finalizes the noise certification 
        requirements for unmanned aircraft in part 36 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, or another part of title 14 of such 
        Code, as required under paragraph (3).
            (3) Associated uas certification standards.--
                    (A) Development of criteria.--Not later than 18 
                months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
                Administrator shall develop and establish substantive 
                criteria and standard metrics to determine whether to 
                approve an unmanned aircraft pursuant to part 36 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                    (B) Substantive criteria and standard metrics.--In 
                establishing the substantive criteria and standard 
                metrics under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall 
                include criteria and metrics related to the noise 
                impacts of an unmanned aircraft.
                    (C) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish 
                in the Federal Register and post on the website of the 
                FAA the criteria and metrics established under 
                subparagraph (A).
    (g) Concurrent Reviews.--If the Administrator determines that the 
design, construction, maintenance and operational sustainability, 
airworthiness approval, or operational approval of an unmanned aircraft 
require environmental assessments, including under the requirements of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, conduct 
such reviews and analyses concurrently.
    (h) Third-party Support.--In implementing subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall allow for the engagement of approved specialized 
third parties, as appropriate, to support an applicant's preparation 
of, or the Administration's preparation and review of, documentation 
relating to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to ensure streamlined timelines for 
complex reviews.
    (i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise limiting the 
authority of the Administrator from implementing or complying with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any related requirements to ensure the 
protection of the environment and aviation safety.

SEC. 910. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE RESPONSE.

    (a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Wildfire Response.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with 
        the Chief of the Forest Service, the Administrator of the 
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and any other 
        Federal entity (or a contracted unmanned aircraft system 
        operator of a Federal entity) the Administrator considers 
        appropriate, shall develop a plan for the use of unmanned 
        aircraft systems by public entities in wildfire response 
        efforts, including wildfire detection, mitigation, and 
        suppression.
            (2) Plan contents.--The plan developed under paragraph (1) 
        shall include recommendations to--
                    (A) identify and designate areas of public land 
                with high potential for wildfires in which public 
                entities may conduct unmanned aircraft system 
                operations beyond visual line of sight as part of 
                wildfire response efforts, including wildfire 
                detection, mitigation, and suppression;
                    (B) develop a process to facilitate the safe and 
                efficient operation of unmanned aircraft systems beyond 
                the visual line of sight in wildfire response efforts 
                in areas designated under subparagraph (A), including a 
                waiver process under section 91.113 or section 107.31 
                of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for public 
                entities that use unmanned aircraft systems for aerial 
                wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression; and
                    (C) improve coordination between the relevant 
                Federal agencies and public entities on the use of 
                unmanned aircraft systems in wildfire response efforts.
            (3) Plan submission.--Upon completion of the plan under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit such plan to, and 
        provide a briefing for, the appropriate committees of Congress 
        and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
        House of Representatives.
            (4) Publication.--Upon submission of the plan under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall publish such plan on a 
        publicly available website of the FAA.
    (b) Applicability.--The plan developed under this section shall 
cover only unmanned aircraft systems that are--
            (1) operated by, or on behalf of, a public entity;
            (2) operated in airspace covered by a wildfire-related 
        temporary flight restriction under section 91.137 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (3) under the operational control of, or otherwise are 
        being operationally coordinated by, an authorized aviation 
        coordinator responsible for coordinating disaster response 
        aircraft within the airspace covered by such temporary flight 
        restriction.
    (c) Interagency Coordination.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
into the necessary agreements to provide a liaison of the 
Administration to the National Interagency Fire Center to facilitate 
the implementation of the plan developed under this section and the use 
of manned and unmanned aircraft in wildfire response efforts, including 
wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the Administrator of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency under section 611 of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5196).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Public entity.--The term ``public entity'' means--
                    (A) a Federal agency;
                    (B) a State government;
                    (C) a local government;
                    (D) a Tribal Government; and
                    (E) a territorial government.
            (2) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
        given such term in section 205 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 
        670k).
            (3) Wildfire.--The term ``wildfire'' has the meaning given 
        that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression 
        Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m).

SEC. 911. PILOT PROGRAM FOR UAS INSPECTIONS OF FAA INFRASTRUCTURE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a pilot program to 
supplement inspection and oversight activities of the Department of 
Transportation with unmanned aircraft systems to increase employee 
safety, enhance data collection, increase the accuracy of inspections, 
reduce costs, and for other purposes the Secretary considers to be 
appropriate.
    (b) Ground-based Aviation Infrastructure.--In participating in the 
program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall evaluate the use 
of unmanned aircraft systems to inspect ground-based aviation 
infrastructure that may require visual inspection in hard-to-reach 
areas, including--
            (1) navigational aids;
            (2) air traffic control towers;
            (3) radar facilities;
            (4) communication facilities; and
            (5) other air traffic control facilities.
    (c) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (b), the 
Administrator shall consult with the labor union certified under 
section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, to represent personnel 
responsible for the inspection of the ground-based aviation 
infrastructure.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot 
program under this section, the Secretary shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the status and results 
of the pilot program established under subsection (a), including--
            (1) cost savings;
            (2) a description of how unmanned aircraft systems were 
        used to supplement existing inspection, data collection, or 
        oversight activities of Department employees, including the 
        number of operations and types of activities performed;
            (3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, associated 
        with the use of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement 
        conventional inspection, data collection, or oversight 
        activities;
            (4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems maintained by 
        the Department for the program, or an overview of the services 
        used as part of the pilot program; and
            (5) recommendations for improving the use or efficacy of 
        unmanned aircraft systems to supplement the Department's 
        inspection, data collection, or oversight activities.
    (e) Sunset and Incorporation Into Standard Practice.--
            (1) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection 
        (a) and the briefing requirement under subsection (d) shall 
        terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act.
            (2) Incorporation into standard practice.--Upon termination 
        of the pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall 
        assess the results and determine whether to permanently 
        incorporate the use of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
        regular inspection, data collection, and oversight activities 
        of the Department.
            (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 9 months after the 
        termination of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the 
        Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report on the final results of the pilot program and 
        the actions taken by the Administrator under paragraph (2).

SEC. 912. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an unmanned aircraft system 
infrastructure inspection grant program to provide grants to 
governmental entities to facilitate the use of small unmanned aircraft 
systems to support more efficient inspection, operation, construction, 
maintenance, and repair of an element of critical infrastructure to 
improve worker safety related to projects.
    (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--A governmental entity may use a grant 
provided under this section to--
            (1) purchase or lease small unmanned aircraft systems;
            (2) support the operational capabilities of small unmanned 
        aircraft systems used by the governmental entity;
            (3) contract for services performed using a small unmanned 
        aircraft system in circumstances in which the governmental 
        entity does not have the resources or expertise to safely carry 
        out or assist in carrying out the activities described under 
        subsection (a); and
            (4) support the program management capability of the 
        governmental entity to use or contract the use of a small 
        unmanned aircraft system, as described in paragraph (3).
    (c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, a governmental entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such form, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require, including an assurance that the 
governmental entity or any contractor of the governmental entity, will 
comply with relevant Federal regulations.
    (d) Selection of Applicants.--In selecting an application for a 
grant under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applications 
that propose to--
            (1) carry out a project in a variety of communities, 
        including urban, suburban, rural, Tribal, or any other type of 
        community; and
            (2) address a safety risk in the inspection, operation, 
        construction, maintenance, or repair of an element of critical 
        infrastructure.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to interfere with an agreement between a governmental entity 
and a labor union, including the requirements of section 5333(b) of 
title 49, United States Code.
    (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the first 
grant is provided under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report that evaluates the program 
carried out under this section that includes--
            (1) a description of the number of grants provided under 
        this section;
            (2) the amount of each grant provided under this section;
            (3) the activities carried out with a grant provided under 
        this section; and
            (4) the effectiveness of such activities in meeting the 
        objectives described in subsection (a).
    (g) Funding.--
            (1) Federal share.--
                    (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
                (B), the Federal share of the cost of a project carried 
                out using a grant provided under this section shall not 
                exceed 50 percent of the total project cost.
                    (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal 
                share under subparagraph (A) to up to 75 percent for a 
                project carried out using a grant provided under this 
                section by a governmental entity if such entity--
                            (i) submits a written application to the 
                        Secretary requesting an increase in the Federal 
                        share; and
                            (ii) demonstrates that the additional 
                        assistance is necessary to facilitate the 
                        acceptance and full use of a grant under this 
                        section, such as alleviating economic hardship, 
                        meeting additional workforce needs, or any 
                        other uses that the Secretary determines to be 
                        appropriate.
            (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts 
        authorized to be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 49, 
        United States Code, the following amounts are authorized to 
        carry out this section:
                    (A) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
                    (B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
                    (C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
                    (D) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
    (h) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical 
        infrastructure'' has the meaning given such term in subsection 
        (e) of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001 (42 
        U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
            (2) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element 
        of critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure 
        facility or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads, 
        highways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure, 
        communication systems, pipelines, or other related facilities 
        or assets, as determined by the Secretary.
            (3) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental entity'' 
        means--
                    (A) a State, the District of Columbia, the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United 
                States, or a political subdivision thereof;
                    (B) a unit of local government;
                    (C) a Tribal government;
                    (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
                    (E) a consortia of more than 1 of the entities 
                described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).
            (4) Project.--The term ``project'' means a project for the 
        inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, or repair of 
        an element of critical infrastructure, including mitigating 
        environmental hazards to such infrastructure.

SEC. 913. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a drone 
education and training grant program to make grants to educational 
institutions for workforce training for small unmanned aircraft 
systems.
    (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under this section 
shall be used in furtherance of activities authorized under section 631 
and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
    (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an educational institution shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of amounts authorized to 
be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, 
the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
    (e) Educational Institution Defined.--In this section, the term 
``educational institution'' means an institution of higher education 
(as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized under 
sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
40101 note).

SEC. 914. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study of the 
effectiveness of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training 
Initiative established under section 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
    (b) Report.--Upon completion of the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report describing--
            (1) the findings of such study; and
            (2) any recommendations to improve the Unmanned Aircraft 
        Systems Collegiate Training Initiative.

SEC. 915. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    The Secretary may not renew the charter of the Advanced Aviation 
Advisory Committee (chartered by the Secretary on June 10, 2022).

SEC. 916. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the termination of the 
Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee pursuant to section 915, the 
Administrator shall establish an Unmanned and Autonomous Flight 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
Committee'').
    (b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide the Administrator 
advice on policy- and technical-level issues related to unmanned and 
autonomous aviation operations and activities, including, at a minimum, 
the following:
            (1) The safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and 
        autonomous flight operations into the national airspace system, 
        including feedback on--
                    (A) the certification and operational standards of 
                highly automated aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and 
                associated elements of such aircraft;
                    (B) coordination of procedures for operations in 
                controlled and uncontrolled airspace; and
                    (C) communication protocols.
            (2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, including 
        evaluating and assessing the potential benefits of using 
        unmanned aircraft systems.
            (3) The development of processes and methodologies to 
        address safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned 
        aircraft systems, including risk assessments and mitigation 
        strategies.
            (4) Unmanned aircraft system training, education, and 
        workforce development programs, including evaluating 
        aeronautical knowledge gaps in the unmanned aircraft system 
        workforce, assessing the workforce needs of unmanned aircraft 
        system operations, and establishing a strong pipeline to ensure 
        a robust unmanned aircraft system workforce.
            (5) The analysis of unmanned aircraft system data and 
        trends.
            (6) Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, including the 
        use of existing aviation infrastructure and the development of 
        necessary infrastructure.
    (c) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed 
        of not more than 12 members.
            (2) Representatives.--The Advisory Committee shall include 
        at least 1 representative of each of the following:
                    (A) Commercial operators of unmanned aircraft 
                systems.
                    (B) Unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.
                    (C) Counter-UAS manufacturers.
                    (D) FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system service 
                suppliers.
                    (E) Unmanned aircraft system test ranges under 
                section 44803 of title 49, United States Code.
                    (F) An unmanned aircraft system physical 
                infrastructure network provider.
                    (G) Community advocates.
                    (H) Certified labor organizations representing 
                commercial airline pilots, air traffic control 
                specialists employed by the Administration, certified 
                aircraft maintenance technicians, certified aircraft 
                dispatchers, or aviation safety inspectors.
                    (I) Academia or a relevant research organization.
            (3) Observers.--The Administrator may invite appropriate 
        representatives of other Federal agencies to observe or provide 
        input on the work of the Advisory Committee, but shall not 
        allow such representatives to participate in any decision-
        making of the Advisory Committee.
    (d) Reporting.--
            (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall submit to the 
        Administrator an annual report of the activities, findings, and 
        recommendations of the Committee.
            (2) Congressional reporting.--The Administrator shall 
        submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the reports 
        required under paragraph (1).
    (e) Prohibition.--The Administrator may not task the Advisory 
Committee established under this section with a review or the 
development of recommendations relating to operations conducted under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 917. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary 
to expand the membership of the NextGen Advisory Committee (chartered 
by the Secretary on June 15, 2022) to include 1 representative from the 
unmanned aircraft system industry and 1 representative from the 
powered-lift industry.
    (b) Qualifications.--The representatives required under subsection 
(a) shall have the following qualifications, as applicable:
            (1) Demonstrated expertise in the design, manufacturing, or 
        operation of unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift 
        aircraft.
            (2) Demonstrated experience in the development or 
        implementation of unmanned aircraft system and powered-lift 
        aircraft policies and procedures.
            (3) Demonstrated commitment to advancing the safe 
        integration of unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift 
        aircraft into the national airspace system.

SEC. 918. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the purpose of the joint Department of Defense-Federal 
        Aviation Administration executive committee (in this section 
        referred to as the ``Executive Committee'') on conflict and 
        dispute resolution as described in section 1036(b) of the 
        Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
        Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417) is to resolve disputes on the 
        matters of policy and procedures between the Department of 
        Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration relating to 
        airspace, aircraft certifications, aircrew training, and other 
        issues, including the access of unmanned aerial systems of the 
        Department of Defense to the national airspace system;
            (2) by mutual agreement of Executive Committee leadership, 
        operating with the best of intentions, the current scope of 
        activities and membership of the Executive Committee has 
        exceeded the original intent of, and tasking to, the Executive 
        Committee; and
            (3) the expansion described in paragraph (2) has resulted 
        in an imbalance in the oversight of certain Federal entities in 
        matters concerning civil aviation safety and security.
    (b) Charter.--
            (1) Charter revision.--Not later than 45 days after the 
        date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to 
        revise the charter of the Executive Committee to reflect the 
        scope, objectives, membership, and activities described in 
        section 1036(b) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense 
        Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417) in 
        order to achieve the increasing, and ultimately routine, access 
        of unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of Defense into 
        the national airspace system.
            (2) Sunset.--Not earlier than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to sunset 
        the activities of the Executive Committee by joint agreement of 
        the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense.

SEC. 919. REVIEW OF REGULATIONS TO ENABLE UNESCORTED UAS OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Defense, conduct a review of the requirements necessary to 
permit unmanned aircraft systems (excluding small unmanned aircraft 
systems) operated by a Federal agency or armed forces (as such term is 
defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) to be operated 
in the national airspace system, including outside of restricted 
airspace, without being escorted by a manned aircraft.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of the 
review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the 
review, including any recommended regulatory and statutory changes to 
enable the operations described under subsection (a).

SEC. 920. EXTENSION OF BEYOND PROGRAM.

    (a) FAA BEYOND Program Extension.--The Administrator shall extend 
the BEYOND program of the FAA as in effect on the day before the date 
of enactment of this Act (in this section referred to as the 
``Program'') and the existing agreements with State, local, and Tribal 
governments entered into under the Program until the date on which the 
Administrator determines the Program is no longer necessary or useful.
    (b) FAA BEYOND Program Expansion.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consider expanding 
        the Program to include additional State, local, and Tribal 
        governments to test and evaluate the use of new and emerging 
        aviation concepts and technologies to evaluate and inform FAA 
        policies, rulemaking, and guidance related to the safe 
        integration of such concepts and technologies into the national 
        airspace system.
            (2) Scope.--If the Administrator determines the Program 
        should be expanded, the Administrator shall address additional 
        factors in the Program, including--
                    (A) increasing automation in civil aircraft, 
                including unmanned aircraft systems and new or emerging 
                aviation technologies;
                    (B) operations of such systems and technologies, 
                including beyond visual line of sight; and
                    (C) the societal and economic impacts of such 
                operations.
            (3) Additional waiver authority.--In carrying out an 
        expansion of the Program, the Administrator may waive the 
        requirements of section 44711 of title 49, United States Code, 
        including related regulations, under any BEYOND program 
        agreement to the extent consistent with aviation safety.

SEC. 921. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall implement the 
recommendations made by--
            (1) the Comptroller General to the Secretary contained in 
        the report of the Government Accountability Office titled 
        ``Drones: FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones 
        into the National Airspace System'', issued in January 2023 
        (GAO-23-105189); and
            (2) the inspector general of the Department of 
        Transportation to the Administrator contained in the audit 
        report of the inspector general titled ``FAA Made Progress 
        Through Its UAS Integration Pilot Program, but FAA and Industry 
        Challenges Remain To Achieve Full UAS Integration'', issued in 
        April 2022 (Project ID: AV2022027).
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the Administrator 
shall provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress 
that--
            (1) provides a status update on the--
                    (A) implementation of the recommendations described 
                in subsection (a);
                    (B) implementation of statutory provisions related 
                to unmanned aircraft system integration under subtitle 
                B of title III of division B of the FAA Reauthorization 
                Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254); and
                    (C) actions taken by the Administrator to implement 
                recommendations related to safe integration of unmanned 
                aircraft systems into the national airspace system 
                included in aviation rulemaking committee reports 
                published after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254);
            (2) provides a description of steps taken to achieve the 
        safe integration of such systems into the national airspace 
        system, including milestones and performance metrics to track 
        results;
            (3) provides the costs of executing the integration 
        described in paragraph (2), including any estimates of future 
        Federal resources or investments required to complete such 
        integration; and
            (4) identifies any regulatory or policy changes required to 
        execute the integration described in paragraph (2).

SEC. 922. EXTENSION OF KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY CAMPAIGN.

    Section 356 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2024 
through 2028''.

SEC. 923. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION.

    Section 40125(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``research, or'' and inserting 
        ``research,''; and
            (2) by inserting ``(including data collection on civil 
        aviation systems undergoing research, development, test, or 
        evaluation at a test range (as such term is defined in section 
        44801)), infrastructure inspections, or any other activity 
        undertaken by a governmental entity that the Administrator 
        determines is inherently governmental'' after ``biological or 
        geological resource management''.

SEC. 924. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMATION.

    (a) Comprehensive Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a 
comprehensive plan for the integration of autonomous unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system.
    (b) Comprehensive Plan Contents.--In establishing the comprehensive 
plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) identify FAA processes and regulations that need to 
        change to accommodate the increasingly automated role of a 
        remote operator of an unmanned aircraft system; and
            (2) identify how the Administrator intends to authorize 
        operations ranging from low risk automated operations to 
        increasingly complex automated operations of such systems.
    (c) Coordination.--In establishing the comprehensive plan under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
            (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
            (2) the Department of Defense;
            (3) manufacturers of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems;
            (4) operators of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems; and
            (5) other stakeholders with knowledge of automation in 
        aviation, the human-computer interface, and aviation safety, as 
        determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (d) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress, the subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and 
Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
Appropriations of the Senate and the subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House of Representatives the plan established 
under subsection (a).

SEC. 925. UAS TEST RANGES.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by striking section 44803 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges
    ``(a) Test Ranges.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration shall carry out and update, as 
        appropriate, a program for the use of unmanned aircraft system 
        (in this section referred to as UAS) test ranges to--
                    ``(A) enable a broad variety of development, 
                testing, and evaluation activities related to UAS and 
                associated technologies; and
                    ``(B) the extent consistent with aviation safety 
                and efficiency, support the safe integration of 
                unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
                system.
            ``(2) Designations.--
                    ``(A) Existing test ranges.--Test ranges designated 
                under this section shall include the 7 test ranges 
                established under the following:
                            ``(i) Section 332(c) of the FAA 
                        Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 
                        40101 note), as in effect on the day before the 
                        date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
                        Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254).
                            ``(ii) Any other test ranges designated 
                        pursuant to the amendment made by section 
                        2201(b) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
                        Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) 
                        after the date of enactment of such Act.
                    ``(B) New test ranges.--If the Administrator finds 
                that it is in the best interest of enabling safe UAS 
                integration into the national airspace system, the 
                Administrator may select and designate as a test range 
                under this section up to 2 additional test ranges in 
                accordance with the requirements of this section 
                through a competitive selection process.
                    ``(C) Limitation.--Not more than 9 test ranges 
                designated under this section shall be part of the 
                program established under this section at any given 
                time.
            ``(3) Eligibility.--Test ranges selected by the 
        Administrator pursuant to (2)(B) shall--
                    ``(A) be an instrumentality of a State, local, 
                Tribal, or territorial government or other public 
                entity;
                    ``(B) be approved by the chief executive officer of 
                the State, local, territorial, or Tribal government for 
                the principal place of business of the applicant, prior 
                to seeking designation by the Administrator;
                    ``(C) undertake and ensure testing and evaluation 
                of innovative concepts, technologies, and operations 
                that will offer new safety benefits, including 
                developing and retaining an advanced aviation 
                industrial base within the United States; and
                    ``(D) meet any other requirements established by 
                the Administrator.
    ``(b) Airspace Requirements.--
            ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under 
        subsection (a), the Administrator may establish, upon the 
        request of a test range sponsor designated by the Administrator 
        under subsection (a), a restricted area, special use airspace, 
        or other similar type of airspace pursuant to part 73 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, for purposes of--
                    ``(A) accommodating hazardous development, testing, 
                and evaluation activities to inform the safe 
                integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
                national airspace system; or
                    ``(B) other activities authorized by the 
                Administrator pursuant to subsection (f).
            ``(2) NEPA review.--The Administrator may require that each 
        test range sponsor designated by the Administrator under 
        subsection (a) provide a draft environmental review consistent 
        with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
        4321 et seq.), subject to the supervision of and adoption by 
        the Administrator, with respect to any request for the 
        establishment of a restricted area, special use airspace, or 
        other similar type of airspace under this subsection.
            ``(3) Inactive restricted area or special use airspace.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the event a restricted area, 
                special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace 
                established under paragraph (1) is not needed to meet 
                the needs of the using agency (as described in 
                subparagraph (B)), any related airspace restrictions, 
                limitations, or designations shall be inactive.
                    ``(B) Using agency.--For purposes of this 
                subsection, a test range sponsor designated by the 
                Administrator under subsection (a) shall be considered 
                the using agency with respect to a restricted area 
                established by the Administrator under this subsection.
            ``(4) Approval authority.--The Administrator shall have the 
        authority to approve access by a participating or 
        nonparticipating operator to a test range or restricted area, 
        special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace 
        established by the Administrator under this subsection.
    ``(c) Program Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
subsection (a), the Administrator--
            ``(1) may develop operational standards and air traffic 
        requirements for flight operations at test ranges;
            ``(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the resources of, 
        the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration and other relevant Federal agencies, as 
        determined appropriate by the Administrator;
            ``(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft 
        operations;
            ``(4) shall provide for verification of the safety of 
        flight systems and related navigation procedures as such 
        systems and procedures relate to the continued development of 
        regulations and standards for integration of unmanned aircraft 
        systems into the national airspace system;
            ``(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as necessary and 
        with available resources, in projects for development, testing, 
        and evaluation of flight systems, including activities 
        conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization 
        Act of 2024, to facilitate the development of regulations and 
        the validation of standards by the Administrator for the safe 
        integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
        airspace system, which may include activities related to--
                    ``(A) developing and enforcing geographic and 
                altitude limitations;
                    ``(B) providing for alerts regarding any hazards or 
                limitations on flight, including prohibition on flight, 
                as necessary;
                    ``(C) developing or validating sense and avoid 
                capabilities;
                    ``(D) developing or validating technology to 
                support communications, navigation, and surveillance;
                    ``(E) testing or validating operational concepts 
                and technologies related to beyond visual line of sight 
                operations, autonomous operations, nighttime 
                operations, operations over people, operations 
                involving multiple unmanned aircraft systems by a 
                single pilot or operator, and unmanned aircraft systems 
                traffic management capabilities or services;
                    ``(F) improving privacy protections through the use 
                of advances in unmanned aircraft systems;
                    ``(G) conducting counter-UAS testing capabilities, 
                with the approval of the Administrator; and
                    ``(H) other relevant topics for which development, 
                testing or evaluation are needed;
            ``(6) shall develop data sharing and collection 
        requirements for test ranges to support the unmanned aircraft 
        systems integration efforts of the Administration and 
        coordinate periodically with all test range sponsors to ensure 
        the test range sponsors know--
                    ``(A) what data should be collected;
                    ``(B) how data can be de-identified to flow more 
                readily to the Administration;
                    ``(C) what procedures should be followed; and
                    ``(D) what development, testing, and evaluation 
                would advance efforts to safely integrate unmanned 
                aircraft systems into the national airspace system;
            ``(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive Federal 
        funding, including in-kind contributions, other than from the 
        Federal Aviation Administration, in furtherance of research, 
        development, testing, and evaluation objectives; and
            ``(8) shall use modeling and simulation tools to assist in 
        the testing, evaluation, verification, and validation of 
        unmanned aircraft systems.
    ``(d) Exemption.--Except as provided in subsection (f), the 
requirements of section 44711, including any related implementing 
regulations, shall not apply to persons approved by the test range 
sponsor for operation at a test range designated by the Administrator 
under this section.
    ``(e) Responsibilities of Test Range Sponsors.--The sponsor of each 
test range designated by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall--
            ``(1) provide access to all interested private and public 
        entities seeking to carry out research, development, testing 
        and evaluation activities at the test range designated pursuant 
        to this section, to the greatest extent practicable, consistent 
        with safety and any operating procedures established by the 
        test range sponsor, including access by small business concerns 
        (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act 
        (15 U.S.C. 632));
            ``(2) ensure all activities remain within the geographical 
        boundaries and altitude limitations established for any 
        restricted area, special use airspace, or other similar type of 
        airspace covering the test range;
            ``(3) ensure no activity is conducted at the designated 
        test range in a careless or reckless manner;
            ``(4) establish safe operating procedures for all operators 
        approved for activities at the test range, including provisions 
        for maintaining operational control and ensuring protection of 
        persons and property on the ground, subject to approval by the 
        Administrator;
            ``(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations conducted 
        at the test range;
            ``(6) consult with the Administrator on the nature of 
        planned activities at the test range and whether temporary 
        segregation of the airspace is required to contain such 
        activities consistent with aviation safety;
            ``(7) protect proprietary technology, sensitive data, or 
        sensitive research of any civil or private entity when using 
        the test range;
            ``(8) maintain detailed records of all ongoing and 
        completed activities conducted at the test range and all 
        operators conducting such activities, for inspection by, and 
        reporting to, the Administrator, as required by agreement 
        between the Administrator and the test range sponsor;
            ``(9) make all original records available for inspection 
        upon request by the Administrator; and
            ``(10) provide recommendations, on a quarterly basis until 
        the program terminates, to the Administrator to further enable 
        public and private development, testing, and evaluation 
        activities at the test ranges to contribute to the safe 
        integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
        airspace system.
    ``(f) Testing.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize a 
        sponsor of a test range designated under subsection (a) to host 
        research, development, testing, and evaluation activities, 
        including activities conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the 
        FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as appropriate, other than 
        activities directly related to the integration of unmanned 
        aircraft systems into the national airspace system, so long as 
        the activity is necessary to inform the development of 
        regulations, standards, or policy for integrating new types of 
        flight systems into the national airspace system.
            ``(2) Waiver.-- In carrying out this section, the 
        Administrator may waive the requirements of section 44711 
        (including any related implementing regulations) to the extent 
        the Administrator determines such waiver is consistent with 
        aviation safety.
    ``(g) Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.--The 
Administrator may use the transaction authority under section 
106(l)(6), including in coordination with the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to enter into collaborative research and 
development agreements or to direct research, development, testing, and 
evaluation related to unmanned aircraft systems, including activities 
conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2024, as appropriate, at any test range designated under subsection 
(a).
    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--Out of amounts authorized to be 
        appropriated under section 106(k), $6,000,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2025 through 2028, shall be available to the 
        Administrator for the purposes of--
                    ``(A) providing matching funds to commercial 
                entities that contract with a UAS test range to 
                demonstrate or validate technologies that the FAA 
                considers essential to the safe integration of UAS into 
                the national airspace system; and
                    ``(B) supporting or performing such demonstration 
                and validation activities described in subparagraph (A) 
                at a test range designated under the section.
            ``(2) Disbursement.--Funding provided under this subsection 
        shall be divided evenly among all UAS test ranges designated 
        under this section, for the purpose of providing matching funds 
        to commercial entities described in paragraph (1) and available 
        until expended.
    ``(i) Termination.--The program under this section shall terminate 
on September 30, 2028.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Conforming amendment.--Section 44801(10) of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended by striking ``any of the 6 test 
        ranges established by the Administrator under section 332(c) of 
        the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
        note), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of 
        the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and any public entity 
        authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration as an 
        unmanned aircraft system flight test center before January 1, 
        2009'' and inserting ``the test ranges designated by the 
        Administrator under section 44803''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of 
        title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
        relating to section 44803 and inserting the following:

``44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges.''.
    (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the test 
ranges designated under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code, 
shall--
            (1) provide fair and accessible services to a broad variety 
        of unmanned aircraft technology developers, to the extent 
        practicable;
            (2) operate in the best interest of domestic technology 
        developers in terms of intellectual property and proprietary 
        data protections; and
            (3) comply with data sharing and collection requirements 
        prescribed by the FAA.

SEC. 926. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS.

    (a) In General.--Section 44806 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the section heading by inserting ``and public safety 
        use of tethered unmanned aircraft systems'' after ``systems'';
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in the subsection heading by inserting ``safety 
                use of'' after ``public''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A)--
                                    (I) by striking ``Not later than 
                                180 days after the date of enactment of 
                                this Act, the'' and inserting ``The'';
                                    (II) by striking ``permit the use 
                                of'' and inserting ``permit'';
                                    (III) by striking ``public''; and
                                    (IV) by inserting ``by a public 
                                safety organization for such systems'' 
                                after ``systems'';
                            (ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and 
                        inserting the following:
                    ``(A) operated--
                            ``(i) at or below an altitude of 150 feet 
                        above ground level within class B, C, D, E, or 
                        G airspace, but not at a greater altitude than 
                        the ceiling depicted on the UAS Facility Maps 
                        published by the Federal Aviation 
                        Administration, where applicable;
                            ``(ii) within zero-grid airspaces as 
                        depicted on such UAS Facility Maps, only if 
                        operated in life-saving or emergency situations 
                        and with prior notification to the 
                        Administration in a manner determined by the 
                        Administrator; or
                            ``(iii) above 150 feet above ground level 
                        within class B, C, D, E, or G airspace only 
                        with prior authorization from the 
                        Administrator;'';
                            (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
                            (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), 
                        (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (B), (C), and 
                        (D), respectively; and
                    (C) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Public 
                actively'' and inserting ``Actively''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Definition.--In this section, the term `public safety 
organization' means an entity that primarily engages in activities 
related to the safety and well-being of the general public, including 
law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and 
other organizations that protect and serve the public in matters of 
safety and security.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
44806 and inserting the following:

``44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of 
                            tethered unmanned aircraft systems.''.
    (c) Definition.--Section 44801(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting:
                    ``(A) weighs 55 pounds or less, including payload 
                but not including the tether;'';
            (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (3) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting a semicolon; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(D) is able to maintain safe flight control in 
                the event of a power or flight control failure during 
                flight; and
                    ``(E) is programmed to initiate a controlled 
                landing in the event of a tether separation.''.

SEC. 927. EXTENDING SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
              SYSTEMS.

    (a) Extension.--Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 
2033''.
    (b) Clarification.--Section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by inserting ``or chapter 447'' after 
                ``Notwithstanding any other requirement of this 
                chapter'';
                    (B) by striking ``the Secretary of Transportation'' 
                and inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal 
                Aviation Administration''; and
                    (C) by striking ``if certain'' and inserting 
                ``how'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting 
                ``Administrator''; and
                    (B) by striking ``which types of'' and inserting 
                ``how such''.
            (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--
            ``(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
        Administrator shall establish requirements, or a process to 
        accept proposed requirements, for the safe and efficient 
        operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace 
        system, including operations related to testing and evaluation 
        of proprietary systems.
            ``(2) Expedited exemptions and approvals.--The 
        Administrator shall, taking into account the statutory mandate 
        to ensure safe and efficient use of the national airspace 
        system, issue approvals--
                    ``(A) to enable low-risk beyond visual line of 
                sight operations, including, at a minimum, package 
                delivery operations, extended visual line of sight 
                operations, or shielded operations within 100 feet of 
                the ground or a structure; or
                    ``(B) that are aligned with Administration 
                exemptions or approvals that enable beyond visual line 
                of sight operations with the use of acoustics, ground 
                based radar, automatic dependent surveillance-
                broadcast, and other technological solutions.
            ``(3) Treatment of mitigation measures.--To the extent that 
        an operation under this section will be conducted exclusively 
        within the airspace of a Mode C Veil, such operation shall be 
        treated as satisfying the requirements of section 91.113(b) of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation 
        employs--
                    ``(A) automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast 
                in-based detect and avoid capabilities;
                    ``(B) air traffic control communication and 
                coordination;
                    ``(C) aeronautical information management systems 
                acceptable to the Administrator, such as notices to air 
                missions, to notify other airspace users of such 
                operations; or
                    ``(D) any other risk mitigations as set by the 
                Administrator.
            ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
        shall be construed to--
                    ``(A) provide an unmanned aircraft operating 
                pursuant to this section the right of way over a manned 
                aircraft; or
                    ``(B) limit the authority of the Administrator to 
                impose requirements, conditions, or limitations on 
                operations conducted under this section in order to 
                address safety concerns.''; and
            (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Authority.--The Administrator may exercise the authorities 
described in this section, including waiving applicable parts of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, without initiating a rulemaking or 
imposing the requirements of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to the extent consistent with aviation safety.''.
    (c) Clarification of Status of Previously Issued Rulemakings and 
Exemptions.--
            (1) Rulemakings.--Any rule issued pursuant to section 44807 
        of title 49, United States Code, shall continue to be in effect 
        following the expiration of such authority.
            (2) Exemptions.--Any exemption granted under the authority 
        described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, and 
        in effect as of the expiration of such authority, shall 
        continue to be in effect until the date that is 3 years after 
        the date of termination described in such exemption, provided 
        the Administrator does not determine there is a safety risk.
            (3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
        be construed to interfere with the Administrator's--
                    (A) authority to rescind or amend an exemption for 
                reasons such as unsafe conditions or operator 
                oversight; or
                    (B) ability to grant an exemption based on a 
                determination made pursuant to section 44807 of title 
                49, United States Code, prior to the date described in 
                subsection (d) of such section.

SEC. 928. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.

    (a) Specified Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of 
Unmanned Aircraft.--Section 44809 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6) and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(6) Except for circumstances when the Administrator 
        establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as otherwise 
        authorized in section (c), in Class G airspace, the aircraft is 
        flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground 
        level and complies with all airspace and flight restrictions 
        and prohibitions established under this subtitle, such as 
        special use airspace designations and temporary flight 
        restrictions.'';
            (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Operations at Fixed Sites.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
        process to approve, and publicly disseminate the location of, 
        fixed sites at which a person may carry out recreational 
        unmanned aircraft system operations.
            ``(2) Operating procedures.--
                    ``(A) Controlled airspace.--Persons operating 
                unmanned aircraft under paragraph (1) from a fixed site 
                within Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within 
                the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E 
                airspace designated for an airport, or a community-
                based organization sponsoring operations within such 
                airspace, shall make the location of the fixed site 
                known to the Administrator and shall establish a 
                mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the air 
                traffic control facility.
                    ``(B) Altitude.--The Administrator, in coordination 
                with community-based organizations sponsoring 
                operations at fixed sites, shall develop a process to 
                approve requests for recreational unmanned aircraft 
                systems operations at fixed sites that exceed the 
                maximum altitude contained in a UAS Facility Map 
                published by the Federal Aviation Administration.
                    ``(C) Uncontrolled airspace.--Subject to compliance 
                with all airspace and flight restrictions and 
                prohibitions established under this subtitle, including 
                special use airspace designations and temporary flight 
                restrictions, persons operating unmanned aircraft 
                systems from a fixed site designated under the process 
                described in paragraph (1) may operate within Class G 
                airspace--
                            ``(i) up to 400 feet above ground level, 
                        without prior authorization from the 
                        Administrator; and
                            ``(ii) above 400 feet above ground level, 
                        with prior authorization from the 
                        Administrator.
            ``(3) Unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater.--A 
        person may operate an unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or 
        greater, including the weight of anything attached to or 
        carried by the aircraft, if--
                    ``(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards 
                and limitations developed by a community-based 
                organization and approved by the Administrator; and
                    ``(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as 
                described in paragraph (1).
            ``(4) FAA-recognized identification areas.--In implementing 
        subpart C of part 89 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
        the Administrator shall prioritize the review and adjudication 
        of requests to establish FAA Recognized Identification Areas at 
        fixed sites established under this section.'';
            (3) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (3) by striking ``subsection (a) 
                of''; and
                    (B) by striking the subsection designation and 
                heading and all that follows through ``(3) Savings 
                clause.--'' and inserting ``(d) Savings clause.--'';
            (4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to'';
            (5) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
        manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems, community-based 
        organizations, and other industry stakeholders, shall develop, 
        maintain, and update, as necessary, an aeronautical knowledge 
        and safety test. Such test shall be administered electronically 
        by the Administrator or a person designated by the 
        Administrator.''; and
            (6) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as 
                paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so 
                redesignated) the following:
            ``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration;''.
    (b) Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Educational Purposes.--
Section 350 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44809 
note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
                paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so 
                redesignated) the following:
            ``(2) operated by an elementary school, a secondary school, 
        or an institution of higher education for educational or 
        research purposes;''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``an elementary 
                school, or a secondary school'' after ``with respect to 
                the operation of an unmanned aircraft system by an 
                institution of higher education,''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has 
        the meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801(19)).
            ``(4) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has 
        the meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the 
        Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801(45)).''.

SEC. 929. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``, including 
        temporarily,'' after ``restrict'';
            (2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking ``Other 
        locations that warrant such restrictions'' and inserting 
        ``State prisons''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Deadlines.--
            ``(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
        the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall 
        publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to carry out the 
        requirements of this section.
            ``(2) Not later than 16 months after publishing the notice 
        of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
        shall issue a final rule based on the notice of proposed 
        rulemaking published under paragraph (1).
    ``(g) Definition of State Prison.--In this section, the term `State 
prison' means an institution under State jurisdiction, including a 
State Department of Corrections, the primary use of which is for the 
confinement of individuals convicted of a felony.''.

SEC. 930. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT OPERATIONS FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
              SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned 
              aircraft systems
    ``(a) Proposed Rule.--Not later than 4 months after the date of 
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator 
shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing a performance-
based regulatory pathway for unmanned aircraft systems (in this section 
referred to as `UAS') to operate beyond visual line of sight (in this 
section referred to as `BVLOS').
    ``(b) Requirements.--The proposed rule required under subsection 
(a) shall, at a minimum, establish the following:
            ``(1) Acceptable levels of risk for BVLOS UAS operations, 
        including the levels developed pursuant to section 931 of the 
        FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
            ``(2) Standards for remote pilots or UAS operators for 
        BVLOS operations, taking into account varying levels of 
        automated control and management of UAS flights.
            ``(3) An approval or acceptance process for UAS and 
        associated elements (as defined by the Administrator), which 
        may leverage the creation of a special airworthiness 
        certificate or a manufacturer's declaration of compliance to a 
        Federal Aviation Administration accepted means of compliance. 
        Such process--
                    ``(A) shall not require, but may allow for, the use 
                of type or production certification;
                    ``(B) shall consider the airworthiness of any UAS 
                that--
                            ``(i) is within a maximum gross weight or 
                        kinetic energy, as determined by the 
                        Administrator; and
                            ``(ii) operates within a maximum speed 
                        limit as determined by the Administrator;
                    ``(C) may require such systems to operate in the 
                national airspace system at altitude limits determined 
                by the Administrator; and
                    ``(D) may require such systems to operate at 
                standoff distances from the radius of a structure or 
                the structure's immediate uppermost limit, as 
                determined by the Administrator.
            ``(4) Operating rules for UAS that have been approved or 
        accepted as described in paragraph (3).
            ``(5) Protocols, if appropriate, for networked information 
        exchange, such as network-based remote identification, in 
        support of BVLOS operations.
            ``(6) The safety of manned aircraft operating in the 
        national airspace system and consider the maneuverability and 
        technology limitations of certain aircraft, including hot air 
        balloons.
    ``(c) Final Rule.--Not later than 16 months after publishing the 
proposed rule under subsection (a), the Administrator shall issue a 
final rule based on such proposed rule.
    ``(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to require the agency to rescope any rulemaking efforts related to UAS 
BVLOS operations that are ongoing as of the date of enactment of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft 
                            systems.''.

SEC. 931. ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK AND RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a risk 
assessment methodology that allows for the determination of acceptable 
levels of risk for unmanned aircraft system operations, including 
operations beyond visual line of sight, conducted--
            (1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations;
            (2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States 
        Code; or
            (3) pursuant to other applicable regulations, as 
        appropriate.
    (b) Risk Assessment Methodology Considerations.--In establishing 
the risk assessment methodology under this section, the Administrator 
shall ensure alignment with the considerations included in the order 
issued by the FAA titled ``UAS Safety Risk Management Policy'' (FAA 
Order 8040.6A), and any subsequent amendments to such order, as the 
Administrator considers appropriate.
    (c) Publication.--The Administrator shall make the risk assessment 
methodology established under this section available to the public on 
an appropriate website of the Administration and update such 
methodology as necessary.

SEC. 932. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE APPROVALS.

    (a) Approval Process.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish procedures, 
which may include a rulemaking, to approve third-party service 
suppliers, including third-party service suppliers of unmanned aircraft 
system traffic management, to support the safe integration and 
commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
    (b) Acceptance of Standards.--In establishing the approval process 
required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that, to 
the maximum extent practicable, industry consensus standards, such as 
ASTM International Standard F3548-21, titled ``UAS Traffic Management 
(UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability'', are included as an 
acceptable means of compliance for third-party services.
    (c) Approvals.--In establishing the approval process required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) define and implement criteria and conditions for the 
        approval and oversight of third-party service suppliers that--
                    (A) could have a direct or indirect impact on air 
                traffic services in the national airspace system; and
                    (B) require FAA oversight; and
            (2) establish procedures by which unmanned aircraft systems 
        can use the capabilities and services of third-party service 
        suppliers to support operations.
    (d) Harmonization.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall seek to harmonize, to the extent practicable and advisable, any 
requirements and guidance for the development, use, and operation of 
third-party capabilities and services, including UTM, with similar 
requirements and guidance of other civil aviation authorities.
    (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall consider any relevant information provided by the Administrator 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration regarding research 
and development efforts the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration may have conducted related to the use of UTM providers.
    (f) Third-party Service Supplier Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``third-party service supplier'' means an entity other than the 
FAA that provides a distributed service that affects the safety or 
efficiency of the national airspace system, including UAS service 
suppliers, supplemental data service providers, and infrastructure 
providers, such as providers of ground-based surveillance, command-and-
control, and information exchange to another party.
    (g) Rules of Construction.--
            (1) Beyond visual line of sight operations.--Nothing in 
        this section shall be construed to prevent or prohibit beyond 
        visual line of sight operations of unmanned aircraft systems, 
        or other types of operations, through the use of technologies 
        other than third-party capabilities and services.
            (2) Airspace.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
        to alter the authorities provided under section 40103 of title 
        49, United States Code.

SEC. 933. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BY 
              COMMERCIAL PACKAGE DELIVERY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other Federal requirement or 
restriction related to the transportation of hazardous materials on 
aircraft, the Secretary shall, beginning not later than 180 days after 
enactment of this section, use a risk-based approach to establish the 
operational requirements, standards, or special permits necessary to 
approve or authorize an air carrier to transport hazardous materials by 
unmanned aircraft systems providing common carriage under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under successor authorities, 
as applicable, based on the weight, amount, and type of hazardous 
material being transported and the characteristics of the operations 
subject to such requirements, standards, or special purposes.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall consider, at a minimum--
            (1) the safety of the public and users of the national 
        airspace system;
            (2) efficiencies of allowing the safe transportation of 
        hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems and whether 
        such transportation complies with the hazardous materials 
        regulations under subchapter C of chapter I of title 49, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, including any changes to such 
        regulations issued pursuant to this section;
            (3) the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous 
        materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into 
        consideration the risk associated with differing weights, 
        quantities, and packing group classifications of hazardous 
        materials;
            (4) mitigations to the risk of the hazardous materials 
        being transported, based on the weight, amount, and type of 
        materials being transported and the characteristics of the 
        operation, including operational and aircraft-based 
        mitigations; and
            (5) the altitude at which unmanned aircraft operations are 
        conducted.
    (c) Safety Risk Assessments.--The Secretary may require unmanned 
aircraft systems operators to submit a safety risk assessment 
acceptable to the Administrator, as part of the operator certification 
process, in order for such operators to perform the carriage of 
hazardous materials as authorized under this section.
    (d) Conformity of Hazardous Materials Regulations.--The Secretary 
shall make such changes as are necessary to conform the hazardous 
materials regulations under parts 173 and 175 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to this section. Such changes shall be made 
concurrently with the activities described in subsection (a).
    (e) Stakeholder Input on Changes to the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations.--
            (1) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days of the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall hold a public 
        meeting to obtain input on changes necessary to implement this 
        section.
            (2) Periodic updates.--The Secretary shall--
                    (A) periodically review, as necessary, amounts of 
                hazardous materials allowed to be carried by unmanned 
                aircraft systems pursuant to this section; and
                    (B) determine whether such amounts should be 
                revised, based on operational and safety data, without 
                negatively impacting overall aviation safety.
    (f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to--
            (1) limit the authority of the Secretary, the 
        Administrator, or the Administrator of the Pipeline and 
        Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from implementing 
        requirements to ensure the safe carriage of hazardous materials 
        by aircraft; and
            (2) confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the 
        Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
        Administration under part 175 of title 49, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, and chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code.
    (g) Definition of Hazardous Materials.--In this section, the term 
``hazardous materials'' has the meaning given such term in section 5102 
of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 934. OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS.

    (a) In General.--To the extent permitted by treaty obligations of 
the United States, including the Convention on International Civil 
Aviation (in this section referred to as ``ICAO''), the Administrator 
shall work with other civil aviation authorities to establish and 
implement operational approval processes to permit unmanned aircraft 
systems to operate over the high seas within flight information regions 
for which the United States is responsible for operational control.
    (b) Consultation.--In establishing and implementing the operational 
approval process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult 
with appropriate stakeholders, including industry stakeholders.
    (c) ICAO Activities.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall engage ICAO through the 
submission of a working paper, panel proposal, or other appropriate 
mechanism to clarify the permissibility of unmanned aircraft systems to 
operate over the high seas.
    (d) Review.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall review whether, and to what extent, 
ICAO member states are approving the operation of unmanned aircraft 
systems over the high seas and brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress regarding the findings of such review.

SEC. 935. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft
    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) Temporary flight restrictions.--The Administrator of 
        the Federal Aviation Administration shall, upon the request by 
        an eligible entity, temporarily restrict unmanned aircraft 
        operations over eligible large public gatherings.
            ``(2) Denial.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator may deny a request for a temporary flight 
        restriction sought under paragraph (1) if--
                    ``(A) the temporary flight restriction would be 
                inconsistent with aviation safety or security, would 
                create a hazard to people or property on the ground, or 
                would unnecessarily interfere with the efficient use of 
                the airspace;
                    ``(B) the entity seeking the temporary flight 
                restriction does not comply with the requirements in 
                subsection (b);
                    ``(C) the eligibility requirements in subsections 
                (c) and (d) have not been met;
                    ``(D) a flight restriction exists to the airspace 
                overlying the same location as the temporary flight 
                restriction sought under this section; or
                    ``(E) the Administrator determines appropriate for 
                any other reason.
    ``(b) Requirements.--
            ``(1) Advance notice.--Eligible entities may only request a 
        temporary flight restriction under subsection (a) not less than 
        30 calendar days prior to the eligible large public gathering.
            ``(2) Required information.--Eligible entities seeking a 
        temporary flight restriction under this section shall provide 
        the Administrator with all relevant information, including the 
        following:
                    ``(A) Geographic boundaries of the stadium or other 
                venue hosting the eligible large public gathering, as 
                applicable.
                    ``(B) The dates and anticipated starting and ending 
                times for the large public gathering.
                    ``(C) Points of contact for the requesting eligible 
                entity and the on-scene incident command responsible 
                for securing the large public gathering.
                    ``(D) Any other information the Administrator 
                considers necessary to establish the restriction.
    ``(c) Eligible Large Public Gatherings.--
            ``(1) In general.--To be eligible for a temporary flight 
        restriction under this section, large public gatherings hosted 
        in a stadium or other venue shall--
                    ``(A) be hosted in a stadium or other venue that--
                            ``(i) has previously hosted events 
                        qualifying for the application of special 
                        security instructions in accordance with 
                        section 521 of the Transportation, Treasury, 
                        and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 
                        2004 (Public Law 108-199); and
                            ``(ii) is not enclosed;
                    ``(B) have an estimated attendance of at least 
                30,000 people; and
                    ``(C) be advertised in the public domain.
            ``(2) Additional gatherings.--To be eligible for a 
        temporary flight restriction under this section, large public 
        gatherings hosted in a venue other than a stadium or other 
        venue described in paragraph (1)(A) shall--
                    ``(A) have an estimated attendance of at least 
                100,000 people;
                    ``(B) be primarily outdoors;
                    ``(C) have a defined and static geographical 
                boundary; and
                    ``(D) be advertised in the public domain.
    ``(d) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to request a temporary 
flight restriction under subsection (a) shall be a credentialed law 
enforcement organization of the Federal Government or a State, local, 
Tribal, or territorial government.
    ``(e) Timeliness.--The Administrator shall make every practicable 
effort to assess eligibility and establish temporary flight 
restrictions under subsection (a) in a timely fashion.
    ``(f) Public Information.--Any temporary flight restriction 
designated under this section shall be published by the Administrator 
in a publicly accessible manner at least 2 days prior to the start of 
the eligible large public gathering.
    ``(g) Prohibition on Operations.--No person may operate an unmanned 
aircraft within a temporary flight restriction established under this 
section unless--
            ``(1) the Administrator authorizes the operation for 
        operational or safety purposes;
            ``(2) the operation is being conducted for safety, 
        security, or compliance oversight purposes and is authorized by 
        the Administrator; or
            ``(3) the aircraft operation is conducted with the approval 
        of the eligible entity.
    ``(h) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section may be construed as 
prohibiting the Administrator from authorizing the operation of an 
aircraft, including an unmanned aircraft system, over, under, or within 
a specified distance from an eligible large public gathering for which 
a temporary flight restriction has been established under this section 
or cancelling a temporary flight restriction established under this 
section.
    ``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prevent the Administrator from using existing processes or 
procedures to meet the intent of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft.''.

SEC. 936. COVERED DRONE PROHIBITION.

    (a) Prohibitions.--The Secretary is prohibited from--
            (1) entering into, extending, or renewing a contract or 
        awarding a grant--
                    (A) for the operation, procurement, or contracting 
                action with respect to a covered unmanned aircraft 
                system; or
                    (B) to an entity that operates (as determined by 
                the Administrator) a covered unmanned aircraft system 
                in the performance of such contract;
            (2) issuing a grant to a covered foreign entity for any 
        project related to covered unmanned aircraft systems; and
            (3) operating a covered unmanned aircraft system.
    (b) Exemptions.--The Secretary is exempt from any prohibitions 
under subsection (a) if the grant, operation, procurement, or 
contracting action is for the purposes of testing, researching, 
evaluating, analyzing, or training related to--
            (1) unmanned aircraft detection systems and counter-UAS 
        systems, including activities conducted--
                    (A) under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS 
                through Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the 
                FAA; or
                    (B) by the unmanned aircraft system test ranges 
                designated under section 44803 of title 49, United 
                States Code;
            (2) the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the 
        national airspace system or maintenance of public safety;
            (3) the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies 
        into the national airspace system, including activities carried 
        out under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through 
        Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA;
            (4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, 
        determining security threats of covered unmanned aircraft 
        systems; and
            (5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information 
        warfare operations.
    (c) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive any restrictions under 
subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by notifying the appropriate 
committees of Congress in writing, not later than 15 days after waiving 
such restrictions, that the procurement or other activity is in the 
public interest.
    (d) Replacement of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary shall take such actions as 
        are necessary to replace any covered unmanned aircraft system 
        that is owned or operated by the Department of Transportation 
        as of the date of enactment of this Act with an unmanned 
        aircraft system manufactured in the United States or an allied 
        country (as such term is defined in section 2350f(d)(1) of 
        title 10, United States Code) if the capabilities of such 
        covered unmanned aircraft system are consequential to the work 
        of the Department or the mission of the Department.
            (2) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
        Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
    (e) Effective Dates.--
            (1) Operations.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and 
        (3) of subsection (a) shall be in effect on the date of 
        enactment of this Act.
            (2) Grants.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and (2) 
        of subsection (a) shall--
                    (A) not apply to grants awarded before the date of 
                enactment of this Act; and
                    (B) apply to grants awarded after the date of 
                enactment of this Act.
    (f) Application of Prohibitions.--The prohibitions under subsection 
(a) are applicable to all offices and programs of the Department of 
Transportation, including--
            (1) aviation research grant programs;
            (2) aviation workforce development programs established 
        under section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
        U.S.C. 40101 note);
            (3) FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence;
            (4) programs established under sections 631 and 632 of the 
        FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); and
            (5) the airport improvement program under subchapter I of 
        chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code.
    (g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall prevent a 
State, local, Tribal, or territorial governmental agency from procuring 
or operating a covered unmanned aircraft system purchased with non-
Federal funding.
    (h) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered foreign country.--The term ``covered foreign 
        country'' means any of the following:
                    (A) The People's Republic of China.
                    (B) The Russian Federation.
                    (C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                    (D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
                    (E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                    (F) The Republic of Cuba.
                    (G) Any other country the Secretary determines 
                necessary.
            (2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign 
        entity'' means--
                    (A) an entity included on the list developed and 
                maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council 
                and published in the System for Award Management;
                    (B) an entity included on the Consolidated 
                Screening List or Entity List as designated by the 
                Secretary of Commerce;
                    (C) an entity that is domiciled in, or under the 
                influence or control of, a covered foreign country; or
                    (D) an entity that is a subsidiary or affiliate of 
                an entity described under subparagraphs (A) through 
                (C).
            (3) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``covered 
        unmanned aircraft system'' means--
                    (A) a small unmanned aircraft, an unmanned 
                aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system, or the 
                associated elements of such aircraft and aircraft 
                systems related to the collection and transmission of 
                sensitive information (consisting of communication 
                links and the components that control the unmanned 
                aircraft) that enable the operator to operate the 
                aircraft in the National Airspace System which is 
                manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity; 
                and
                    (B) an unmanned aircraft detection system or 
                counter-UAS system that is manufactured or assembled by 
                a covered foreign entity.

SEC. 937. EXPANDING USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE GULF OF 
              MEXICO.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall prioritize the 
authorization of an eligible UAS test range sponsor partnering with an 
eligible airport authority to achieve the goals specified in subsection 
(b).
    (b) Goals.--The goals of a partnership authorized pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall be to test the operations of innovative 
technologies in both commercial and non-commercial applications, 
consistent with existing law, to--
            (1) identify challenges associated with aviation operations 
        over large bodies of water;
            (2) provide transportation of cargo and passengers to 
        offshore energy infrastructure;
            (3) assess the impacts of operations in saltwater 
        environments;
            (4) identify the challenges of integrating such 
        technologies in complex airspace, including with commercial 
        rotorcraft; and
            (5) identify the differences between coordinating with 
        Federal air traffic control towers and towers operated under 
        the FAA Contract Tower Program.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--The Administrator shall provide an 
annual briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the status 
of the partnership authorized under this section, including detailing 
any barriers to the commercialization of innovative technologies in the 
Gulf of Mexico.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Eligible airport authority.--The term ``eligible 
        airport authority'' means an AIP-eligible airport authority 
        that is--
                    (A) located in a state bordering the Gulf of Mexico 
                which does not already contain a UAS Test Range;
                    (B) has an air traffic control tower operated under 
                the FAA Contract Tower Program;
                    (C) is located within 60 miles of a port; and
                    (D) does not have any scheduled passenger airline 
                service as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
            (2) Innovative technologies.--The term ``innovative 
        technologies'' means unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift 
        aircraft.
            (3) UAS.--The term ``UAS'' means an unmanned aircraft 
        system.

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

SEC. 951. DEFINITIONS.

    In this subtitle:
            (1) Advanced air mobility.--The terms ``advanced air 
        mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean a transportation system that is 
        comprised of urban air mobility and regional air mobility using 
        manned or unmanned aircraft.
            (2) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term ``powered-lift 
        aircraft'' has the meaning given the term ``powered-lift'' in 
        section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (3) Regional air mobility.--The term ``regional air 
        mobility'' means the movement of passengers or property by air 
        between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
                propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
                nontraditional power systems, or autonomous 
                technologies;
                    (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds; and
                    (C) is not urban air mobility.
            (4) Urban air mobility.--The term ``urban air mobility'' 
        means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
        points in different cities or 2 points within the same city 
        using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
                propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
                nontraditional power systems, or autonomous 
                technologies; and
                    (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds.
            (5) Vertiport.--The term ``vertiport'' means an area of 
        land, water, or a structure used or intended to be used to 
        support the landing, takeoff, taxiing, parking, and storage of 
        powered-lift aircraft or other aircraft that vertiport design 
        and performance standards established by the Administrator can 
        accommodate.

SEC. 952. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the United States should take actions to become a 
        global leader in advanced air mobility;
            (2) as such a global leader, the FAA should--
                    (A) prioritize work on the type certification of 
                powered-lift aircraft;
                    (B) publish, in line with stated deadlines, 
                rulemakings and policy necessary to enable commercial 
                operations, such as the Special Federal Aviation 
                Regulation of the FAA titled ``Integration of Powered-
                Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous 
                Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', 
                issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
                    (C) work with global partners to promote acceptance 
                of advanced air mobility products; and
                    (D) leverage the existing aviation system to the 
                greatest extent possible to support advanced air 
                mobility operations; and
            (3) the FAA should work with manufacturers, prospective 
        operators of powered-lift aircraft, and other relevant 
        stakeholders to enable the safe entry of such aircraft into the 
        national airspace system.

SEC. 953. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT CATEGORICAL 
              EXCLUSIONS FOR VERTIPORT PROJECTS.

    In considering the environmental impacts of a proposed vertiport 
project on an airport for purposes of compliance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) apply any applicable categorical exclusions in 
        accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
        (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of title 
        40, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (2) after consultation with the Council on Environmental 
        Quality, take steps to establish additional categorical 
        exclusions, as appropriate, for vertiports on an airport, in 
        accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
        (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of title 
        40, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 954. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP AMENDMENTS.

    Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b) by striking ``, particularly 
        passenger-carrying aircraft,'';
            (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subparagraph (D) and 
        inserting the following:
                    ``(D) operators of airports, heliports, and 
                vertiports, and fixed-base operators;'';
            (3) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
                striking ``1 year'' and inserting ``18 months'';
                    (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or that may 
                impede such maturation'' after ``AAM industry'';
                    (C) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(9) processes and programs that can be leveraged to 
        improve the efficiency of Federal reviews required for 
        infrastructure development, including for electrical capacity 
        projects.'';
            (4) in subsection (f)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (3);
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
                new paragraph:
            ``(2) recommendations for sharing expertise and data on 
        critical items, including long-term electrification 
        requirements and the needs of cities (from a macro-
        electrification standpoint) to enable the deployment of AAM; 
        and''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph 
                (2) of this section, by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and 
                inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.
            (5) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
                striking ``working group'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
                Transportation'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (3); and
                    (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) summarizing any dissenting views and opinions of a 
        participant of the working group described in subsection 
        (c)(3); and'';
            (6) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) by striking ``Not later than 30 days'' and 
                inserting the following:
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(2) Considerations for termination of working group.--In 
        deciding whether to terminate the working group under this 
        subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall 
        consider other interagency coordination activities associated 
        with AAM, or other new or novel users of the national airspace 
        system, that could benefit from continued wider interagency 
        coordination.''; and
            (7) in subsection (i)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``transports 
                people and property by air between two points in the 
                United States using aircraft with advanced 
                technologies, including electric aircraft or electric 
                vertical take-off and landing aircraft,'' and inserting 
                ``is comprised of urban air mobility and regional air 
                mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph 
                (7);
                    (C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph 
                (9);
                    (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
            ``(5) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term `powered-lift 
        aircraft' has the meaning given the term `powered-lift' in 
        section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            ``(6) Regional air mobility.--The term `regional air 
        mobility' means the movement of passengers or property by air 
        between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as 
                distributed propulsion, vertical take-off and landing, 
                powered-lift, non-traditional power systems, or 
                autonomous technologies;
                    ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds; and
                    ``(C) is not urban air mobility.'';
                    (E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so 
                redesignated, the following:
            ``(8) Urban air mobility.--The term `urban air mobility' 
        means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
        points in different cities or 2 points within the same city 
        using an airworthy aircraft that--
                    ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as 
                distributed propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, 
                powered lift, nontraditional power systems, or 
                autonomous technologies; and
                    ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 
                1,320 pounds.''; and
                    (F) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(10) Vertiport.--The term `vertiport' means an area of 
        land, water, or a structure, used or intended to be used to 
        support the landing, take-off, taxiing, parking, and storage of 
        powered lift or other aircraft that vertiport design and 
        performance standards established by the Administrator can 
        accommodate.''.

SEC. 955. RULES FOR OPERATION OF POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.

    (a) SFAR Rulemaking.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 7 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a final 
        rule for the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA 
        titled ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and 
        Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and 
        Airplanes'', issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72), establishing 
        procedures for certifying pilots of powered-lift aircraft and 
        providing operational rules for powered-lift aircraft capable 
        of transporting passengers and cargo.
            (2) Requirements.--With respect to any powered-lift 
        aircraft type certificated by the Administrator, the 
        regulations established under paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) provide a practical pathway for pilot 
                qualification and operations;
                    (B) establish performance-based requirements for 
                energy reserves and other range- and endurance-related 
                requirements that reflect the capabilities and intended 
                operations of the aircraft;
                    (C) provide for a combination of pilot training 
                requirements, including simulators, to ensure the safe 
                operation of powered-lift aircraft; and
                    (D) to the maximum extent practicable, align 
                powered-lift pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 
                of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil 
                Aviation published by the International Civil Aviation 
                Organization.
            (3) Considerations.--In developing the regulations required 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
                    (A) consider whether to grant an individual with an 
                existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) 
                or helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve 
                as pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in 
                commercial operation following the completion of an 
                FAA-approved pilot type rating for such type of 
                aircraft;
                    (B) consult with the Secretary of Defense with 
                regard to--
                            (i) the Agility Prime program of the United 
                        States Air Force;
                            (ii) powered-lift aircraft evaluated and 
                        deployed for military purposes, including the 
                        F-35B program; and
                            (iii) the commonalities and differences 
                        between powered-lift aircraft types and the 
                        handling qualities of such aircraft; and
                    (C) consider the adoption of the recommendations 
                for powered-lift operations, as appropriate, contained 
                in document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation 
                Organization titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of 
                ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Tilt-
                rotors'', published in 2019.
    (b) Interim Application of Rules and Privileges in Lieu of 
Rulemaking.--
            (1) In general.--Beginning 16 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, if a final rule has not been published 
        pursuant to subsection (a)--
                    (A) the rules in effect on the date that is 16 
                months after the date of enactment of this Act that 
                apply to the operation and the operator of rotorcraft 
                or fixed-wing aircraft under subchapters F, G, H, and I 
                of chapter 1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
                shall be--
                            (i) deemed to apply to--
                                    (I) the operation of a powered-lift 
                                aircraft in the national airspace 
                                system; and
                                    (II) the operator of such a 
                                powered-lift aircraft; and
                            (ii) applicable, as determined by the 
                        operator of an airworthy powered-lift aircraft 
                        in consultation with the Administrator, and 
                        consistent with sections 91.3 and 91.13 of 
                        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                    (B) upon the completion of a type rating for a 
                specific powered-lift aircraft, airmen that hold a 
                pilot or instructor certification with airplane 
                category ratings in any class or rotorcraft category 
                ratings in the helicopter class shall be deemed to have 
                privileges of a powered-lift rating for such specific 
                powered-lift aircraft.
            (2) Termination of interim rules and privileges.--This 
        subsection shall cease to have effect 1 month after the 
        effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to subsection 
        (a).
    (c) Powered-lift Aircraft Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on 
        which the Administrator issues the first certificate to 
        commercially operate a powered-lift aircraft, the Administrator 
        shall establish an aviation rulemaking committee (in this 
        section referred to as the ``Committee'') to provide the 
        Administrator with specific findings and recommendations for, 
        at a minimum, the creation of a standard pathway for the--
                    (A) performance-based certification of powered-lift 
                aircraft;
                    (B) certification of airmen capable of serving as 
                pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft; and
                    (C) operation of powered-lift aircraft in 
                commercial service and air transportation.
            (2) Considerations.--In providing findings and 
        recommendations under paragraph (1), the Committee shall 
        consider the following:
                    (A) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur 
                innovation and technology adoption and promote the 
                development of performance-based regulations.
                    (B) Lessons and insights learned from previously 
                published special conditions and other Federal Register 
                notices of airworthiness criteria for powered-lift 
                aircraft.
                    (C) To the maximum extent practicable, aligning 
                powered-lift pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 
                of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil 
                Aviation published by the International Civil Aviation 
                Organization.
                    (D) The adoption of the recommendations contained 
                in document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation 
                Organization titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of 
                ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Tilt-
                rotors'', published in 2019, as appropriate.
                    (E) Practical pathways for pilot qualification and 
                operations.
                    (F) Performance-based requirements for energy 
                reserves and other range- and endurance-related designs 
                and technologies that reflect the capabilities and 
                intended operations of the aircraft.
                    (G) A combination of pilot training requirements, 
                including simulators, to ensure the safe operation of 
                powered-lift aircraft.
            (3) Report.--The Committee shall submit to the 
        Administrator a report detailing the findings and 
        recommendations of the Committee.
    (d) Powered-lift Aircraft Rulemaking.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date on 
        which the Committee submits the report under subsection (c)(3), 
        the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to implement the 
        findings and recommendations of the Committee, as determined 
        appropriate by the Administrator.
            (2) Requirements.--In developing the rulemaking under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
                    (A) consult with the Secretary of Defense with 
                regard to methods for pilots to gain proficiency and 
                earn the necessary ratings required to act as a pilot-
                in-command of powered-lift aircraft;
                    (B) consider and plan for unmanned and remotely 
                piloted powered-lift aircraft, and the associated 
                elements of such aircraft, through the promulgation of 
                performance-based regulations;
                    (C) consider any information and experience gained 
                from operations and efforts that occur as a result of 
                the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA 
                titled ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot 
                Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments 
                Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', issued on June 
                14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
                    (D) consider whether to grant an individual with an 
                existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) 
                or helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve 
                as pilot-in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in 
                commercial operation following the completion of an 
                FAA-approved pilot type rating for such type of 
                aircraft;
                    (E) work to harmonize the certification and 
                operational requirements of the FAA with those of civil 
                aviation authorities with bilateral safety agreements 
                in place with the United States, to the extent such 
                harmonization does not negatively impact domestic 
                manufacturers and operators; and
                    (F) consider and plan for the use of alternative 
                fuel types and propulsion methods, including reviewing 
                the performance-based nature of parts 33 and 35 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and any related 
                recommendations provided to the Administrator by the 
                aviation rulemaking advisory committee described in 
                section 956.

SEC. 956. ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS REGULATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation Rulemaking 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') 
to provide the Administrator with specific findings and recommendations 
for regulations related to the certification and installation of--
            (1) electric engines and propellers;
            (2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion systems;
            (3) hydrogen fuel cells;
            (4) hydrogen combustion engines or propulsion systems; and
            (5) other new or novel propulsion mechanisms and methods as 
        determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Committee 
shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
            (1) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur innovation and 
        technology adoption, and promote the development of 
        performance-based regulations.
            (2) Lessons and insights learned from previously published 
        special conditions and other published airworthiness criteria 
        for novel engines, propellers, and aircraft.
            (3) The requirements of part 33 and part 35 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations, any boundaries of applicability 
        for standalone engine type certificates (including highly 
        integrated systems), and the use of technical standards order 
        authorizations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after providing findings and 
recommendations under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing such findings and recommendations.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding plans of 
the FAA in response to the findings and recommendations contained in 
the report.

SEC. 957. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT ENTRY INTO SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with 
exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers 
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, and any 
relevant stakeholder as determined appropriate by the Administrator, 
take such actions as may be necessary to safely integrate powered-lift 
aircraft into the national airspace system, including in controlled 
airspace, and learn from any efforts to adopt and update related policy 
and guidance.
    (b) Air Traffic Policies for Entry Into Service.--Not later than 40 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
update air traffic orders and policies, to the extent necessary, and 
address air traffic control system challenges in order to allow for--
            (1) the use of existing air traffic procedures, where 
        determined to be safe by the Administrator, by powered-lift 
        aircraft; and
            (2) the approval of letters of agreement between air 
        traffic control system facilities and powered-lift operators 
        and infrastructure operators to minimize the amount of active 
        coordination required for safe recurring powered-lift aircraft 
        operations, as appropriate.
    (c) Long-term Air Traffic Policies.--Beginning 40 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
            (1) continue to update air traffic orders and policies to 
        support the operation of powered-lift aircraft;
            (2) to the extent necessary, develop powered-lift specific 
        procedures for airports, heliports, and vertiports;
            (3) evaluate the human factors impacts on controllers 
        associated with managing powered-lift aircraft operations, 
        consider the impact of additional operations on air traffic 
        controller staffing, and make necessary changes to staffing, 
        procedures, regulations, and orders; and
            (4) consider the use of third-party service providers to 
        manage increased operations in controlled airspace to support, 
        supplement, and enhance the work of air traffic controllers.

SEC. 958. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING VERTICAL FLIGHT.

    (a) Update to Design Standards.--The Administrator shall--
            (1) not later than December 31, 2024, publish an update to 
        the memorandum of the FAA titled ``Engineering Brief No. 105, 
        Vertiport Design'', issued on September 21, 2022 (EB No. 105);
            (2) not later than December 31, 2025, publish a 
        performance-based vertiport design advisory circular; and
            (3) begin the work necessary to update the advisory 
        circular of the FAA titled ``Heliport Design'' (Advisory 
        Circular 150/5390) in order to provide performance-based 
        guidance for heliport design, including consideration of 
        alternative fuel and propulsion mechanisms.
    (b) Engineering Brief Sunset.--Upon the publication of an advisory 
circular pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall cancel 
the memorandum described in subsection (a)(1).
    (c) Dual Use Facilities.--The Administrator shall establish a 
mechanism by which owners and operators of aviation infrastructure can 
safely accommodate, or file a notice to accommodate, powered-lift 
aircraft if such infrastructure meets the safety requirements or 
guidance of the FAA for such aircraft.
    (d) Guidance, Forms, and Planning.--The Administrator shall--
            (1) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
        this Act, ensure airport district offices of the FAA have 
        sufficient guidance and policy direction regarding the use and 
        applicability of heliport and vertiport design standards of the 
        FAA, and update such guidance routinely;
            (2) determine if updates to FAA Form 7460 and Form 7480 are 
        necessary and update such forms, as appropriate; and
            (3) ensure that the methodology and underlying data sources 
        of the Terminal Area Forecast of the FAA include commercial 
        operations conducted by aircraft regardless of propulsion type 
        or fuel type.

SEC. 959. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

    The Administrator shall increase efforts to update and keep current 
the Airport Master Record of the FAA, including by establishing a 
streamlined process by which the owners and operators of public and 
private aviation facilities with nontemporary, nonintermittent 
operations are encouraged to keep the information on such facilities 
current.

SEC. 960. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.

    Section 101 of division Q of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2023 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, as 
                        well as the use of existing airport and 
                        heliport infrastructure that may require 
                        modifications to safely accommodate AAM 
                        operations,'' after ``vertiport 
                        infrastructure''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                    (I) in clause (iii) by striking 
                                ``vertiport'' and inserting ``locations 
                                for'';
                                    (II) in clause (iv) by inserting 
                                ``and guidance'' after ``any 
                                standards'';
                                    (III) in clause (v) by striking 
                                ``vertiport infrastructure'' and 
                                inserting ``urban air mobility and 
                                regional air mobility operations''; and
                                    (IV) in clause (x) by inserting 
                                ``or the modification of aviation 
                                infrastructure'' after ``operation of a 
                                vertiport'';
                    (B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ``the 
                Department of Defense, the National Guard,'' before 
                ``or''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (6)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking 
                        ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting 
                        ``September 30, 2027''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B)--
                                    (I) in clause (i) by striking 
                                ``and'' at the end;
                                    (II) in clause (ii) by striking the 
                                period at the end and inserting ``; 
                                and''; and
                                    (III) by adding at the end the 
                                following:
                            ``(iii) a description of--
                                    ``(I) initial community engagement 
                                efforts and responses from the public 
                                on the planning and development efforts 
                                of eligible entities related to urban 
                                air mobility and regional air mobility 
                                operations;
                                    ``(II) how eligible entities are 
                                planning for and encouraging early 
                                adoption of urban air mobility and 
                                regional air mobility operations;
                                    ``(III) what role each level of 
                                government plays in the process; and
                                    ``(IV) whether such entities 
                                recommend specific regulatory or 
                                guidance actions be taken by the 
                                Secretary or any other head of a 
                                Federal agency in order to support such 
                                early adoption.'';
            (2) by striking subsection (c)(1) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(1) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under 
        section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there are 
        authorized to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2023 through 2026, to remain available until 
        expended.'';
            (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
        ``2026'' each place it appears; and
            (4) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the 
                following:
            ``(1) Advanced air mobility; aam; regional air mobility; 
        urban air mobility; vertiport.--The terms `advanced air 
        mobility', `AAM', `regional air mobility', `urban air 
        mobility', and `vertiport' have the meaning given such terms in 
        section 2(i) of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
        Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).''; and
                    (B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10).

SEC. 961. CENTER FOR ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES.

    (a) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall develop a plan to establish a Center 
for Advanced Aviation Technologies to support the testing and 
advancement of new and emerging aviation technologies.
    (b) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), the 
Administrator may consult with the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group 
established in the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (Public Law 117-203), as amended by this Act, and the interagency 
working group established in section 1042 of this Act.
    (c) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider as roles and responsibilities for the 
Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies--
            (1) developing an airspace laboratory and flight 
        demonstration zones to facilitate the safe integration of 
        advanced air mobility aircraft into the national airspace 
        system, with at least 1 such zone to be established within the 
        same geographic region as the Center for Advanced Aviation 
        Technologies and that also has aviation manufacturers with 
        relevant expertise, such as powered-lift;
            (2) establishing testing corridors for the purposes of 
        validating air traffic requirements for advanced air mobility 
        operations, operational procedures, and performance 
        requirements, with at least 1 such corridor to be established 
        within the same geographic region as the Center for Advanced 
        Aviation Technologies;
            (3) developing and facilitating technology partnerships 
        with, and between, industry, academia, and other government 
        agencies, and supporting such partnerships;
            (4) identifying new and emerging aviation technologies, 
        innovative aviation concepts, and relevant aviation services, 
        including advanced air mobility, powered-lift aircraft, and 
        other advanced aviation technologies, as determined appropriate 
        by the Administrator; and
            (5) any other duties, as determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (d) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the 
plan developed under subsection (a).
    (e) Center.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the Administrator 
shall establish the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies in 
accordance with the plan developed under subsection (a). In choosing 
the location for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, the 
Administrator shall give preference to a community or region with a 
strong aeronautical presence, specifically the presence of--
            (1) a large commercial airport or large air logistics 
        center;
            (2) aviation manufacturing with expertise in advanced 
        aviation technologies, such as powered-lift;
            (3) existing FAA facilities or offices, such as a Center, 
        Institute, certificate management office, or a regional 
        headquarters;
            (4) airspace utilized for advanced aviation technology 
        testing activity, and capable of supporting a wide range of use 
        cases;
            (5) proximity to both rural and urban communities;
            (6) State, local, or Tribal governments;
            (7) programs to support public-private partnerships for 
        advanced aviation technologies; and
            (8) academic institutions that offer programs relating to 
        advanced aviation technologies engineering.
    (f) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under section 
106(k) of title 49, United States Code, $35,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2025 through 2028 is authorized to carry out this section.
    (g) Interaction With Other Entities.--The Administrator, in 
carrying out this section, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
leverage the research and testing capacity and capabilities of the 
Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and, as appropriate, 
the unmanned aircraft test ranges established in section 44803 of title 
49, United States Code.
    (h) Savings Clauses.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
interfere with any of the following activities:
            (1) The ongoing activities of the unmanned aircraft test 
        ranges established in section 44803 of title 49, United States 
        Code, to the maximum extent practicable.
            (2) The ongoing activities of the William J. Hughes 
        Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, to the maximum extent 
        practicable.
            (3) The ongoing activities of the Center of Excellence for 
        Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to the maximum extent practicable.
            (4) The ongoing activities of the Mike Monroney 
        Aeronautical Center, to the maximum extent practicable.

                   TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

SEC. 1001. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered 
        committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Science, Space, 
        and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate.
            (2) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics 
        and Space Administration.

SEC. 1002. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZATION OF 
              APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (15) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following:
            ``(16) $280,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(17) $311,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(18) $323,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(19) $334,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(20) $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

SEC. 1003. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION; FUNDING FOR SAFETY RESEARCH AND 
              DEVELOPMENT.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the allocation of funding pursuant to section 
48102 of title 49, United States Code, to the Secretary to conduct 
civil aviation research and development and to assess the 
implementation of section 48102(b)(2) of such title.

SEC. 1004. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN MODIFICATION.

    (a) Modification of Submission Deadline.--Section 44501(c)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``the date of submission'' and inserting 
        ``the date that is 30 days after the date of submission''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following ``If such report 
        cannot be prepared and submitted by the date that is 30 days 
        after the date of submission of the President's budget to 
        Congress, the Administrator shall submit, before such date, a 
        letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee of Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
        Representatives stating the reason for delayed submission, 
        impacts of the delay, and actions taken to address 
        circumstances that led to the delay.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 48102(g) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``the date of submission'' and 
inserting ``the date that is 30 days after the date of submission''.

SEC. 1005. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ENHANCEMENTS.

    Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) Continued operations.--The Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) continue operation of the Advanced Materials 
                Center of Excellence (referred to in this section as 
                the `Center'); and
                    ``(B) make a determination on whether to award a 
                grant to the Center not later than 90 days after the 
                date on which the grants officer of the Federal 
                Aviation Administration recommends a proposal for award 
                of such grant to the Administrator.
            ``(2) Purposes.--The Center shall--
                    ``(A) focus on applied research and training on the 
                safe use of composites and advanced materials, and 
                related manufacturing practices, in airframe 
                structures; and
                    ``(B) conduct research and development into 
                aircraft structure crash worthiness and passenger 
                safety, as well as address safe and accessible air 
                travel of individuals with a disability (as defined in 
                section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
                (or any successor regulation)), including materials 
                required to facilitate safe wheelchair restraint 
                systems on commercial aircraft.''; and
            (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
            ``(1) promote and facilitate collaboration among member 
        universities, academia, the Administration, the commercial 
        aircraft industry, including manufacturers, commercial air 
        carriers, and suppliers, and other appropriate stakeholders for 
        the purposes under subsection (a) and the activities described 
        in paragraphs (2) through (4);
            ``(2) carry out research and development activities to 
        advance technology, improve engineering practices, and 
        facilitate continuing education in relevant areas of study, 
        which shall include--
                    ``(A) all structural materials, including--
                            ``(i) metallic and non-metallic based 
                        additive materials, ceramic materials, carbon 
                        fiber polymers, and thermoplastic composites;
                            ``(ii) the long-term material and 
                        structural behavior of such materials; and
                            ``(iii) evaluating the resiliency and long-
                        term durability of advanced materials in high 
                        temperature conditions and in engines for 
                        applications in advanced aircraft; and
                    ``(B) structural technologies, such as additive 
                manufacturing, to be used in applications within the 
                commercial aircraft industry, including traditional 
                fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and emerging aircraft 
                types such as advanced air mobility aircraft; and
            ``(3) conduct research activities for the purpose of 
        improving the safety and certification of aviation structures, 
        materials, and additively manufactured aviation products and 
        components; and
            ``(4) conducting research activities to advance the safe 
        movement of all passengers, including individuals with a 
        disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)), and 
        individuals using personal wheelchairs in flight, that takes 
        into account the modeling, engineering, testing, operating, and 
        training issues significant to all passengers and relevant 
        stakeholders.''.

SEC. 1006. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred to in this section as the 
`Center').
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall carry out the following 
responsibilities:
            ``(1) Conduct applied research and training on the safe and 
        efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced 
        air mobility into the national airspace system.
            ``(2) Promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, 
        the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal agency partners, 
        and industry stakeholders (including manufacturers, operators, 
        service providers, standards development organizations, 
        carriers, and suppliers), with respect to the safe and 
        efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced 
        air mobility into the national airspace system.
            ``(3) Establish goals set to advance technology, improve 
        engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education with 
        respect to the safe and efficient integration of unmanned 
        aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the national 
        airspace system.
    ``(c) Program Participation.--The Administrator shall ensure the 
participation in the Center of institutions of higher education (as 
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001)) and research institutions that provide accredited bachelor's 
degree programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to 
commercial pilot certifications and that include a focus on pilot 
training for women aviators.
    ``(d) Leveraging of Certain Capacity and Capabilities.--The 
Administrator shall, in carrying out research necessary to validate 
consensus safety standards accepted pursuant to section 44805, to the 
maximum extent practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity 
and capabilities of--
            ``(1) the Center;
            ``(2) the test ranges designated under section 44803;
            ``(3) existing Federal and non-Federal test ranges and 
        testbeds;
            ``(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 
        and
            ``(5) the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced 
        Aerospace.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.''.

SEC. 1007. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall establish a credentialing authority for the 
program of record of the Federal Aviation Administration (referred to 
in this section as `ASSUREd Safe') under the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
    ``(b) Purposes.--ASSUREd Safe shall offer services throughout the 
United States, and to allies and partners of the United States, 
including--
            ``(1) online and in-person standards, education, and 
        testing for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by first 
        responders for emergency and disaster management operations;
            ``(2) uniform communications standards, operational 
        standards, and reporting standards for civilian, military, and 
        international allies and partners; and
            ``(3) any other relevant standards development related to 
        operation of unmanned aircraft systems, as determined 
        appropriate by the Administrator.
    ``(c) Coordination.--The Administrator shall ensure that the Center 
of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinates with the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency on establishment of ASSUREd Safe, and on 
any services offered by ASSUREd Safe.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.''.

SEC. 1008. CLEEN ENGINE AND AIRFRAME TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP.

    Section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsonic'' after 
        ``fuels for civil''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Selection.--In carrying out the program, the Administrator 
may provide that not less than 2 of the cooperative agreements entered 
into under this section involve the participation of an entity that is 
a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business 
Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), provided that the submitted technology proposal 
of the entity meets, at a minimum, FAA Acquisition Management System 
requirements and requisite technology readiness levels for entry into 
the agreement, as determined by the Administrator.''.

SEC. 1009. HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT TESTING.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA, shall establish procedures for the exclusive 
purposes of developmental and airworthiness testing and demonstration 
flights, which may include the establishment of high-speed testing 
corridors in the national airspace system--
            (1) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-
        speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with supersonic 
        speed, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
        this Act; and
            (2) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-
        speed aircraft that conduct flights operating with hypersonic 
        speed, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
        this Act.
    (b) Areas of Testing and Demonstration.--The Administrator shall 
take action, as appropriate, to ensure flight testing and demonstration 
flights occur in areas where such flights will not interfere with the 
safety of other aircraft or the efficient use of airspace in the 
national airspace system.
    (c) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall consider--
            (1) sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations;
            (2) applications for special flight authorizations for 
        flights operating at supersonic or hypersonic speed, as 
        described in section 91.818 of such title;
            (3) the environmental impacts of developmental and 
        airworthiness testing operations;
            (4) requiring applicants to include specification of 
        proposed flight areas;
            (5) the authorization of flights to and from airports in 
        Class D airspace within 10 nautical miles of oceanic coastline;
            (6) developing the vertical limits at or above the altitude 
        necessary for safe supersonic and hypersonic operations;
            (7) proponent-provided data regarding the design and 
        operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data regarding 
        sonic boom overpressures;
            (8) the safety of the uninvolved public; and
            (9) community outreach, education, and engagement.
    (d) Consultation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders, shall assess 
and report to the covered committees of Congress on a means for 
supporting continued compliance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Administrator shall seek to 
enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally funded research 
and development center, or other independent nonprofit organization 
that recommends long term solutions for maintaining compliance with 
such Act for 1 or more over-land or near-land hypersonic and supersonic 
test areas as established by the Administrator.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft'' 
        means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, 
        including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
            (2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights 
        operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
            (3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights 
        operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

SEC. 1010. HIGH-SPEED AIRCRAFT PATHWAY TO INTEGRATION STUDY.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
        aircraft manufacturers and operators, institutions of higher 
        education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education 
        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), the Administrator of NASA, the 
        Secretary of Defense, and any other agencies the Administrator 
        determines appropriate, shall conduct a study assessing actions 
        necessary to facilitate the safe operation and integration of 
        high-speed aircraft into the national airspace system.
            (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) 
        shall include, at a minimum--
                    (A) an initial assessment of cross-agency equities 
                related to high-speed aircraft technologies and flight;
                    (B) the identification and collection of data 
                required to develop certification, flight standards, 
                and air traffic requirements for the deployment and 
                integration of high-speed aircraft;
                    (C) the development of a framework and potential 
                timeline to establish the appropriate regulatory 
                requirements for conducting high-speed aircraft 
                flights;
                    (D) strategic plans to improve the FAA's state of 
                preparedness and response capability in advance of 
                receiving applications to conduct high-speed aircraft 
                flights; and
                    (E) a survey of global high-speed aircraft-related 
                regulatory and testing developments or activities.
            (3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator may consider--
                    (A) feedback and input reflecting the technical 
                expertise of the aerospace industry and other 
                stakeholders, as the Administrator determines 
                appropriate, to inform future development of policies, 
                regulations, and standards that enable the safe 
                operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into 
                the national airspace system;
                    (B) opportunities for--
                            (i) demonstrating United States global 
                        leadership in high-speed aircraft and related 
                        technologies; and
                            (ii) strengthening global harmonization in 
                        aeronautics including in the development of 
                        international policies relating to the safe 
                        operation of high-speed aircraft; and
                    (C) methods and opportunities for community 
                outreach, education, and engagement.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a) and recommendations, if appropriate, to facilitate 
the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the 
national airspace system.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft'' 
        means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, 
        including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
            (2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights 
        operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
            (3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights 
        operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

SEC. 1011. OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE CLASS E 
              AIRSPACE.

    (a) Research.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of 
NASA and any other relevant stakeholders the Administrator determines 
appropriate, including industry and academia, shall undertake research 
to identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the minimum altitude 
above the upper boundary of Class A airspace, at or above which flights 
operating with speeds above Mach 1 generate sonic booms that do not 
produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures that reach the surface 
under prevailing atmospheric conditions.
    (b) Hypersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``hypersonic'' 
means a flight operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.

SEC. 1012. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study 
assessing the safe and scalable operation and integration of electric 
aircraft into the national airspace system.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address--
            (1) identification of the workforce technical capacity and 
        competencies needed for the Administrator to certify aircraft 
        systems specific to electric aircraft;
            (2) the data development and collection required to develop 
        standards specific to electric aircraft;
            (3) the regulatory standards and guidance material needed 
        to facilitate the safe operation and maintenance of electric 
        aircraft, including--
                    (A) fire protection;
                    (B) high voltage electromagnetic environments;
                    (C) engine and human machine interfaces;
                    (D) reliability of high voltage components and 
                insulation;
                    (E) lithium batteries for propulsion use;
                    (F) operating and pilot qualifications; and
                    (G) airspace integration;
            (4) the airport infrastructure requirements to support 
        electric aircraft operations, including an assessment of--
                    (A) the capabilities of airport infrastructure, 
                including, to the extent practicable, the capabilities 
                and capacity of the electrical power grid of the United 
                States to support such operations, including cost, 
                challenges, and opportunities for clean generation of 
                electricity relating to such support, existing as of 
                the date of enactment of this Act;
                    (B) aircraft operations specifications;
                    (C) projected operations demand by carriers and 
                other operators;
                    (D) potential modifications to existing airport 
                infrastructure;
                    (E) additional investments in new infrastructure 
                and systems required to meet operations demand;
                    (F) management of infrastructure relating to 
                hazardous materials used in hybrid and electric 
                propulsion; and
                    (G) ability of such current and future airport 
                infrastructure capabilities to adapt to meet the 
                evolving needs of electric aircraft operations; and
            (5) varying types of electric aircraft, including advanced 
        air mobility aircraft and small or regional passenger or cargo 
        aircraft.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General may consider the following:
            (1) The potential for improvements to air service 
        connectivity for communities through the deployment of electric 
        aircraft operations, including by--
                    (A) establishing routes to small and rural 
                communities; and
                    (B) introducing alternative modes of transportation 
                for multimodal operations within communities.
            (2) Impacts to airport-adjacent communities, including 
        implications due to changes in airspace utilization and land 
        use compatibility.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results 
of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations for 
such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Electric aircraft.--The term ``electric aircraft'' 
        means an aircraft with a fully electric or hybrid electric 
        driven propulsion system used for flight.
            (2) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air 
        mobility'' means a transportation system that transports 
        passengers and cargo by air between two points in the United 
        States using aircraft with advanced technologies, including 
        aircraft with hybrid or electric vertical take-off and landing 
        capabilities, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

SEC. 1013. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.

    Section 2306 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 
(Public Law 114-190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking subsection 
(b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.--The 
Administrator may not discontinue or diminish the contract weather 
observer program at any airport until September 30, 2028.''.

SEC. 1014. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 744. RESEARCH AND DEPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT 
              TECHNOLOGIES.

    ``Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, the Secretary may carry out a program for the 
research and development of airfield pavement technologies under which 
the Secretary makes grants to, and enters into cooperative agreements 
with, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and nonprofit 
organizations that--
            ``(1) research concrete and asphalt pavement technologies 
        that extend the life of airfield pavements;
            ``(2) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to 
        improve long-term pavement performance;
            ``(3) develop and conduct training with respect to such 
        airfield pavement technologies;
            ``(4) provide for demonstration projects of such airfield 
        pavement technologies; and
            ``(5) promote the latest airfield pavement technologies to 
        aid the development of safer, more cost effective, and more 
        resilient and sustainable airfield pavements.''.

SEC. 1015. REVIEW OF FAA MANAGEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a review of the 
management of research and development activities of the FAA, and the 
insight of the Administrator into, and coordination with, other Federal 
government research and development activities relating to civil 
aviation.
    (b) Review of FAA Management.--The review of the Comptroller 
General under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of how the 
Administrator--
            (1) plans, manages, and tracks progress of research and 
        development projects and activities and how FAA processes and 
        procedures compare with leading practices related to research 
        and development management and collaboration, as determined by 
        the Comptroller General;
            (2) prioritizes research and development objectives;
            (3) applies leading practices related to management of 
        research and development, enhancement of collaboration and 
        cooperation, and minimization of duplication, waste, and 
        inefficiencies, in conducting activities--
                    (A) among FAA research and development programs;
                    (B) with NASA, including--
                            (i) the extent to which NASA and the FAA 
                        leverage each other's laboratory and testing 
                        capabilities, facilities, resources, and 
                        subject matter expert personnel in support of 
                        aeronautics research and development programs 
                        and projects;
                            (ii) an assessment of--
                                    (I) the fiscal year in which the 
                                review is conducted, and the 3 fiscal 
                                years prior to such year, of Federal 
                                expenditures and any applicable 
                                fluctuation in the appropriated funds, 
                                for FAA and NASA research and 
                                development programs and projects and 
                                the impact of any funding changes on 
                                agency programs and projects; and
                                    (II) the extent to which other 
                                Federal agencies, industry partners, 
                                and research organizations are involved 
                                in such programs and projects; and
                            (iii) recommendations, as appropriate, for 
                        the improvement of such coordination and 
                        collaboration with NASA;
                    (C) with other relevant Federal agencies;
                    (D) with international partners; and
                    (E) with academia, research organizations, 
                standards groups, and industry;
            (4) interacts with the private sector, including by 
        examining the extent to which FAA--
                    (A) takes into account private sector research and 
                development efforts in the management and investment of 
                the research and development activities and investments 
                of the FAA; and
                    (B) assesses the impact of FAA research and 
                development on U.S. private sector aeronautics research 
                and development investments;
            (5) transitions the results of research and development 
        projects into operational use;
            (6) has implemented the recommendations in the report 
        issued by the Comptroller General titled ``Aviation Research 
        and Development'' issued April 2017 (GAO report 17-372) and the 
        results of the efforts to implement such recommendations; and
            (7) can improve management of research and development 
        activities and any recommendations as the Comptroller General 
        determines appropriate based on the results of the review.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the review 
under required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the covered committees of Congress--
            (1) a report on such review and relevant findings; and
            (2) recommendations, including the recommendations 
        developed under paragraphs (3)(B)(iii) and (7) of subsection 
        (b).

SEC. 1016. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FAA'S AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION 
              SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Using amounts made available under section 
48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, and subject to the 
availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in coordination with 
the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, shall 
establish a research and development program, not later than 60 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, to inform the continuous 
modernization of the aeronautical information systems of the FAA, 
including--
            (1) the Aeronautical Information Management Modernization, 
        including the Notice to Air Missions system of the FAA;
            (2) the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
        system; and
            (3) the Service Difficulty Reporting System.
    (b) Review and Report.--
            (1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
        into an agreement with a federally funded research and 
        development center to conduct and complete a review of planned 
        and ongoing modernization efforts of the aeronautical 
        information systems of the FAA. Such review shall identify 
        opportunities for additional coordination between the 
        Administrator and the John A. Volpe National Transportation 
        Systems Center to further modernize such systems.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the Administrator 
        enters into the agreement with the center under paragraph (1), 
        the Center shall submit to the Administrator, the covered 
        committees of Congress, and the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the 
        review conducted under paragraph (1) and such recommendations 
        as the Center determines appropriate.

SEC. 1017. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS AND 
              ENVIRONMENT.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 445 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
              Environment
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue operation of 
the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (in 
this section referred to as the `Center').
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
            ``(1) focus on research to--
                    ``(A) assist in the development, qualification, and 
                certification of the use of aviation fuel from 
                alternative and renewable sources (such as biomass, 
                next-generation feedstocks, alcohols, organic acids, 
                hydrogen, bioderived chemicals and gaseous carbon) for 
                commercial aircraft;
                    ``(B) assist in informing the safe use of 
                alternative aviation fuels in commercial aircraft that 
                also apply electrified aircraft propulsion systems;
                    ``(C) reduce community exposure to civilian 
                aircraft noise and pollutant emissions;
                    ``(D) inform decision making to support United 
                States leadership on international aviation 
                environmental issues, including the development of 
                domestic and international standards; and
                    ``(E) improve and expand the scientific 
                understanding of civil aviation noise and pollutant 
                emissions and their impacts, as well as support the 
                development of improved modeling approaches and tools;
            ``(2) examine the use of novel technologies and other forms 
        of innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in 
        commercial aircraft; and
            ``(3) support collaboration with other Federal agencies, 
        industry stakeholders, research institutions, and other 
        relevant entities to accelerate the research, development, 
        testing, evaluation, and demonstration programs and facilitate 
        United States sustainability and competitiveness in aviation.
    ``(c) Grant Authority.--The Administrator shall carry out the work 
of the Center through the use of grants or other measures, as 
determined appropriate by the Administrator pursuant to section 44513, 
including through interagency agreements and coordination with other 
Federal agencies.
    ``(d) Participation.--
            ``(1) Participation of educational and research 
        institutions.--In carrying out the responsibilities described 
        in subsection (b), the Center shall include, as appropriate, 
        participation by--
                    ``(A) institutions of higher education and research 
                institutions that--
                            ``(i) have existing facilities for 
                        research, development, and testing; and
                            ``(ii) leverage private sector 
                        partnerships;
                    ``(B) other Federal agencies;
                    ``(C) consortia with experience across the 
                alternative fuels supply chain, including with 
                research, feedstock development and production, small-
                scale development, testing, and technology evaluation 
                related to the creation, processing, production, and 
                transportation of alternative aviation fuel; and
                    ``(D) consortia with experience in innovative 
                technologies to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn 
                in commercial aircraft.
            ``(2) Use of nasa facilities.--The Center shall, in 
        consultation with the Administrator of NASA, consider using, on 
        a reimbursable basis, the existing and available capacity in 
        aeronautics research facilities at the Langley Research Center, 
        the NASA John H. Glenn Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test 
        Facility, and other appropriate facilities of the National 
        Aeronautics and Space Administration.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of such 
title, as amended by section 817, is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 44519 the following:

``44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
                            Environment.''.

SEC. 1018. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the aviation and 
commercial wireless industries, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and 
other relevant government stakeholders, shall carry out an accelerated 
research and development program to inform the development and testing 
of the standards and technology necessary to ensure appropriate FAA 
certification actions and industry production that meets the 
installation requirements for next generation radio altimeters across 
all necessary aircraft by January 1, 2028.
    (b) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Administrator may award grants for the purposes of research and 
development, testing, and other activities necessary to ensure that 
next generation radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, 
certified, and installed on necessary aircraft by 2028, including 
through public-private partnership grants (which shall include 
protections for necessary intellectual property with respect to any 
private sector entity testing, certifying, or producing next generation 
radio altimeters under the program carried out under this section) with 
industry to ensure the accelerated production and installation by 
January 1, 2028.
    (c) Review and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees 
of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives a report on the steps the Administrator 
has taken as of the date on which such report is submitted and any 
actions the Administrator plans to take, including as part of the 
program carried out under this section, to ensure that next generation 
radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and 
installed by 2028.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to apply to efforts to retrofit the existing supply of 
altimeters in place as of the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1019. HYDROGEN AVIATION STRATEGY.

    (a) FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using Hydrogen to 
Propel Commercial Aircraft.--The Secretary, acting through the 
Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall exercise 
leadership in and shall conduct research and development activities 
relating to enabling the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation, 
including the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen to propel 
commercial aircraft.
    (b) Research Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
complete the development of a research and development strategy on the 
safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
    (c) Considerations.--The strategy developed under subsection (b) 
shall consider the following:
            (1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and 
        pathways toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in 
        civil aviation.
            (2) The use of hydrogen in addition to electric propulsion 
        to propel commercial aircraft and any related operational 
        efficiencies.
    (d) Exercise of Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator, and 
the Secretary of Energy shall carry out the research activities 
consistent with the strategy in subsection (b), and that may include 
the following:
            (1) Establishing positions and goals for the safe use of 
        hydrogen in civil aviation, including to propel commercial 
        aircraft.
            (2) Understanding of the qualification of hydrogen aviation 
        fuel, the safe transition to such fuel for aircraft, the 
        advancement of certification efforts for such fuel, and risk 
        mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in aircraft 
        systems, including propulsion and storage systems.
            (3) Through grant, contract, or interagency agreements, 
        carrying out research and development to understand the 
        contribution that the use of hydrogen would have on civil 
        aviation, including hydrogen as an input for conventional jet 
        fuel, hydrogen fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion, 
        sustainable aviation fuel, and power to liquids or synthetic 
        fuel, and researching ways of accelerating the introduction of 
        hydrogen-propelled aircraft.
            (4) Reviewing grant eligibility requirements, loans, loan 
        guarantees, and other policies and requirements of the FAA and 
        the Department of Energy to identify ways to increase the safe 
        and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
            (5) Considering the needs of the aerospace industry, 
        aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport 
        sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders in 
        creating policies that enable the safe use of hydrogen in civil 
        aviation.
            (6) Coordinating with NASA, and obtaining input from the 
        aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, 
        airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and 
        other stakeholders regarding--
                    (A) the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil 
                aviation, including--
                            (i) updating or modifying existing policies 
                        on such use;
                            (ii) assessing barriers to, and benefits 
                        of, the introduction of hydrogen in civil 
                        aviation, including aircraft propelled by 
                        hydrogen;
                            (iii) the operational differences between 
                        aircraft propelled by hydrogen and aircraft 
                        propelled with other types of fuels; and
                            (iv) public, economic, and noise benefits 
                        of the operation of commercial aircraft 
                        propelled by hydrogen and associated aerospace 
                        industry activity; and
                    (B) other issues identified by the Secretary, the 
                Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the advisory 
                committee established under paragraph (7) that must be 
                addressed in order to enable the safe and efficient use 
                of hydrogen in civil aviation.
            (7) Establish an advisory committee composed of 
        representatives of NASA, the aerospace industry, aviation 
        suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
        fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the 
        Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy on 
        the activities carried out under this subsection.
    (e) International Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator, 
and the Secretary of Energy, in the appropriate international forums, 
shall take actions that--
            (1) demonstrate global leadership in carrying out the 
        activities required by subsections (a) and (b);
            (2) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
        suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
        fixed base operators, and other stakeholders identified under 
        subsection (b);
            (3) consider the needs of fuel cell manufacturers; and
            (4) seek to advance the competitiveness of the United 
        States in the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
    (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator 
and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing--
            (1) the actions of the Secretary, the Administrator, and 
        the Secretary of Energy to exercise leadership in conducting 
        research relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in 
        civil aviation;
            (2) the planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to 
        update or modify existing policies related to the safe and 
        efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, based on the 
        results of the research and development carried out under this 
        section, including such actions identified as a result of 
        consultation with, and feedback from, the aerospace industry, 
        aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport 
        sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and other stakeholders 
        identified under subsection (b); and
            (3) a proposed timeline for any such actions pursuant to 
        paragraph (2).

SEC. 1020. AVIATION FUEL SYSTEMS.

    (a) Coordination.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
stakeholders identified in subsection (b), shall review, plan, and make 
recommendations with respect to coordination and implementation issues 
relating to aircraft powered by new aviation fuels or fuel systems, 
including at a minimum, the following:
            (1) Research and technical assistance related to the 
        development, certification, operation, and maintenance of 
        aircraft powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems, along 
        with refueling and charging infrastructure and associated 
        technologies critical to their deployment.
            (2) Data sharing with respect to the installation, 
        maintenance, and utilization of charging and refueling 
        infrastructure at airports.
            (3) Development and deployment of training and 
        certification programs for the development, construction, and 
        maintenance of aircraft, related fuel systems, and charging and 
        refueling infrastructure.
            (4) Any other issues that the Secretary, in consultation 
        with the Secretary of Energy, shall deem of interest related to 
        the validation and certification of new fuels for use or fuel 
        systems in aircraft.
    (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with--
            (1) the Department of Energy;
            (2) NASA;
            (3) the Department of the Air Force; and
            (4) other Federal agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
    (c) Prohibition on Duplication.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal 
programs or efforts.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
granting the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority to 
establish alternative fuel emissions standards.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the covered committees of 
Congress a briefing on the results of the review of coordination 
efforts conducted under this section.

SEC. 1021. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER UNITED STATES CONTROLLED 
              OCEANIC AIRSPACE AND OTHER REMOTE LOCATIONS.

    (a) Persistent Aviation Surveillance Over Oceans and Remote 
Locations.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other 
relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out research, development, 
demonstration, and testing to enable civil aviation surveillance over 
oceans and other remote locations to improve safety.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, 
in coordination with other Federal agencies.

SEC. 1022. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.

    (a) Review.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
shall conduct a review of current and planned research, modeling, and 
technology capabilities that have the potential to--
            (1) more accurately detect and predict weather impacts to 
        aviation;
            (2) inform how advanced predictive models can enhance 
        aviation operations; and
            (3) increase national airspace system safety and 
        efficiency.
    (b) Consideration.--The review required under subsection (a) shall 
include consideration of the unique impacts of weather on unmanned 
aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United 
States Code) and advanced air mobility operations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under 
subsection (a).
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, 
in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration.

SEC. 1023. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.

    (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other 
appropriate Federal agencies, shall continue to carry out research and 
development activities relating to technologies and operations to 
enhance air traffic surface operations safety.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research and development 
under subsection (a) shall examine the following:
            (1) Methods and technologies to enhance the safety and 
        efficiency of air traffic control operations related to air 
        traffic surface operations.
            (2) Emerging technologies installed in aircraft cockpits to 
        enhance ground situational awareness, including enhancements to 
        the operational performance of runway traffic alerting and 
        runway landing safety technologies.
            (3) Safety enhancements and adjustments to air traffic 
        surface operations to account for and enable safe operations of 
        advanced aviation technology.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees 
of Congress a report on the research and development activities carried 
out under this section, including regarding the transition into 
operational use of such activities.

SEC. 1024. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE 
              LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.

    (a) Review.--The Administrator shall conduct a review of current 
and planned artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies 
to improve airport efficiency and safety.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may consider--
            (1) identifying best practices and lessons learned from 
        both domestic and international artificial intelligence and 
        machine learning technology applications to improve airport 
        operations; and
            (2) coordinating with other relevant Federal agencies to 
        identify China's domestic application of artificial 
        intelligence and machine learning technologies relating to 
        airport operations.
    (c) Summaries.--The review conducted under subsection (a) shall 
include examination of the application of artificial intelligence and 
machine learning technologies to the following:
            (1) Jet bridges.
            (2) Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.
            (3) Aircraft taxi.
            (4) Air traffic control operations.
            (5) Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary 
        to help improve airport efficiency and safety.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under 
subsection (a).

SEC. 1025. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator 
of NASA and industry, shall provide to the covered committees of 
Congress a briefing on any plans to build on existing research and 
development activities and identify any further research and 
development needed to inform the development of Federal and 
international policies, regulations, standards, and recommended 
practices relating to the certification and safe and efficient 
operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing research and development efforts 
conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator 
of NASA.
    (c) Supersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``supersonic'' 
means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than 
Mach 5.

SEC. 1026. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the 
Federal Communications Commission, shall conduct research, engineering, 
and development related to the effective and efficient use and 
management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain, 
including for aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced air 
mobility.
    (b) Contents.--The research, engineering, and development conducted 
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, address the following:
            (1) How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency 
        spectrum adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication, 
        navigation, and surveillance may impact the safety of civil 
        aviation.
            (2) The effectiveness of measures to identify risks, 
        protect, and mitigate against spectrum interference in 
        frequency bands used in civil aviation operations to ensure 
        public safety.
            (3) The identification of any emerging civil aviation 
        systems and their anticipated spectrum requirements.
            (4) The implications of paragraphs (1) through (3) on 
        existing civil aviation systems that use radio frequency 
        spectrum, including on the operational specifications of such 
        systems, as it relates to existing and to future radio 
        frequency spectrum requirements for civil aviation.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the research, engineering, 
and development conducted under subsection (a).

SEC. 1027. RESEARCH PLAN ON THE REMOTE TOWER PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress a comprehensive plan for research, development, 
testing, and evaluation needed to further mature remote tower 
technologies and systems and related requirements and provide a 
strategic roadmap to support deployment of such technologies.
    (b) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider--
            (1) how remote tower systems could enhance certain air 
        traffic services, including providing additional air traffic 
        support to existing air traffic control tower operations and 
        providing air traffic support at airports without a manned air 
        traffic control tower;
            (2) the validation and certification timeline and structure 
        of the FAA;
            (3) existing remote tower technologies to the extent 
        possible to inform technology maturation and improvements;
            (4) new and developing remote tower technologies and the 
        extent to which remote tower systems enable the introduction of 
        advanced technological capabilities; and
            (5) collaborating with the exclusive bargaining 
        representative of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified 
        under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit or otherwise delay testing, validating, certifying, or deploying 
remote tower technologies conducted under section 47124 title 49, 
United States Code.

SEC. 1028. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.

    (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator shall carry out a research program to evaluate 
opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training 
and training time for individuals seeking to become certified 
professional controllers of the FAA, as required by the Administrator.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research program under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            (1) assess the benefits of deploying and using advanced 
        technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine 
        learning, adaptive computer-based simulation, virtual reality, 
        or augmented reality, or any other technology determined 
        appropriate by the Administrator, to enhance air traffic 
        controller knowledge retention and controller performance, 
        strengthen safety, and improve the effectiveness of training 
        time; and
            (2) include collaboration with labor organizations, 
        including the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
        traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 of 
        title 5, United States Code, and other stakeholders.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the findings of the research under subsection (a).
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to delay the installation of tower simulation systems by the 
Administrator at FAA air traffic facilities across the national 
airspace system.

SEC. 1029. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress a report on the status of the implementation by 
the Administrator of the framework developed under section 2111 of the 
FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 49 
U.S.C. 44903 note).
    (b) Contents.--The report, at a minimum, shall include the 
following:
            (1) A description of the progress of the Administrator in 
        developing, implementing, and updating such framework.
            (2) An overview of completed research and development 
        projects to date and a description of remaining research and 
        development activities prioritized for the most needed 
        improvements, with target dates, to safeguard the national 
        airspace system.
            (3) An explanation for any delays or challenges in so 
        implementing such section.

SEC. 1030. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA, shall carry out applied research and development 
to--
            (1) enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe 
        turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and
            (2) inform the development of measures to mitigate safety 
        impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from 
        severe turbulence.
    (b) Research and Development Activities.--In carrying out the 
research and development under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) establish processes and procedures for comprehensive 
        and systematic data collection, through both instrumentation 
        and pilot reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-air 
        turbulence;
            (2) establish measures for storing and managing such data 
        collection;
            (3) support measures for monitoring and characterizing 
        incidents of severe turbulence;
            (4) consider relevant existing research and development 
        from other entities, including Federal departments and 
        agencies, academia, and the private sector; and
            (5) carry out research and development--
                    (A) to understand the impacts of relevant factors 
                on the nature of turbulence, including severe 
                turbulence and clear-air turbulence;
                    (B) to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight 
                planning and execution, seasonal predictions for 
                schedule and route-planning, and long-term projections 
                of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; 
                and
                    (C) on other subject matters areas related to 
                severe turbulence, as determined by the Administrator; 
                and
            (6) support the effective transition of the results of 
        research and development to operations, in cases in which such 
        transition is appropriate.
    (c) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The 
Administrator shall ensure that research and development activities 
under this section do not duplicate other Federal programs relating to 
turbulence.
    (d) Turbulence Data.--
            (1) Commercial providers.--In carrying out the research and 
        development under subsection (a) and the activities described 
        in subsection (b), the Administrator may enter into agreements 
        with commercial providers for the following:
                    (A) The purchase of turbulence data.
                    (B) The placement on aircraft of instruments 
                relevant to understanding and monitoring turbulence.
            (2) Data access.--The Administrator shall make the data 
        collected under subsection (b) widely available and accessible 
        to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities, 
        including the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration, to the greatest extent practicable 
        and in accordance with FAA data management policies.
    (e) Report on Turbulence Research.--Not later than 15 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in collaboration 
with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a 
report that--
            (1) details the activities conducted under this section, 
        including how the requirements of subsection (b) have 
        contributed to the goals described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
        subsection (a);
            (2) assesses the current state of scientific understanding 
        of the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected future 
        trends in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, including 
        clear-air turbulence;
            (3) describes the processes and procedures for collecting, 
        storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);
            (4) assesses--
                    (A) the use of commercial providers pursuant to 
                subsection (d)(1); and
                    (B) the need for any future Federal Government 
                collection or procurement of data and instruments 
                related to turbulence, including an assessment of 
                costs;
            (5) describes how such data will be made available to the 
        scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
            (6) identifies future research and development needed to 
        inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate the 
        safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence, 
        including clear-air turbulence.

SEC. 1031. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.

    Nothing in this title may be construed as modifying or limiting 
existing collaborations, or limiting potential engagement on future 
collaborations, between the Administrator, stakeholders, and labor 
organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
States Code, pertaining to FAA research, engineering, development, 
demonstration, and testing activities.

SEC. 1032. LIMITATION.

    (a) Prohibited Activities.--None of the funds authorized in this 
title may be used to conduct research, develop, design, plan, 
promulgate, implement, or execute a policy, program, order, or contract 
of any kind with the Chinese Communist Party or any entity that is 
domiciled in China or under the influence of China unless such 
activities are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date 
of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Exemption.--The Administrator is exempt from the prohibitions 
under subsection (a) if the prohibited activities are executed for the 
purposes of testing, research, evaluating, analyzing, or training 
related to--
            (1) counter-unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation 
        systems, including activities conducted--
                    (A) under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned 
                Aircraft Systems of the FAA; or
                    (B) by the test ranges designated under section 
                44803 of title 49, United States Code;
            (2) the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the 
        national airspace system or maintenance of public safety;
            (3) the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies 
        into the national airspace system, including activities carried 
        out by the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems 
        of the FAA;
            (4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, 
        determining security threats of unmanned aircraft systems; and
            (5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information 
        warfare operations.
    (c) Waivers.--
            (1) Public interest determination.--The Administrator may 
        waive any prohibitions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case 
        basis if the Administrator determines that activities described 
        in subsection (a) are in the public interest.
            (2) Notification.--If the Administrator provides a waiver 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall notify the covered 
        committees of Congress in writing not later than 15 days after 
        exercising such waiver.

    Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

SEC. 1041. DEFINITIONS.

    In this subtitle:
            (1) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air 
        mobility'' means a transportation system that is comprised of 
        urban air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or 
        unmanned aircraft.
            (2) Interagency working group.--The term ``interagency 
        working group'' means the advanced air mobility and unmanned 
        aircraft systems interagency working group of the National 
        Science and Technology Council established under section 1042.
            (3) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization'' 
        has the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the National 
        Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), except that such term 
        shall also include--
                    (A) any organization composed of labor 
                organizations, such as a labor union federation or a 
                State or municipal labor body; and
                    (B) any organization which would be included in the 
                definition for such term under such section 2(5) but 
                for the fact that the organization represents--
                            (i) individuals employed by the United 
                        States, any wholly owned Government 
                        corporation, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any 
                        State or political subdivision thereof;
                            (ii) individuals employed by persons 
                        subject to the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 
                        et seq.); or
                            (iii) individuals employed as agricultural 
                        laborers.
            (4) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy 
        Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
            (5) Technical standard.--The term ``technical standard'' 
        has the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the 
        National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 
        U.S.C. 272 note).
            (6) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
        system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of 
        title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 1042. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

    (a) Designation.--
            (1) In general.--The National Science and Technology 
        Council shall establish or designate an interagency working 
        group on advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems to 
        coordinate Federal research, development, deployment, testing, 
        and education activities to enable advanced air mobility and 
        unmanned aircraft systems.
            (2) Membership.--The interagency working group shall be 
        comprised of senior representatives from NASA, the Department 
        of Transportation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National 
        Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Homeland 
        Security, and such other Federal agencies as appropriate.
    (b) Duties.--The interagency working group shall--
            (1) develop a strategic research plan to guide Federal 
        research to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft 
        systems and oversee implementation of the plan;
            (2) oversee the development of--
                    (A) an assessment of the current state of United 
                States competitiveness and leadership in advanced air 
                mobility and unmanned aircraft systems, including the 
                scope and scale of United States investments in 
                relevant research and development; and
                    (B) strategies to strengthen and secure the 
                domestic supply chain for advanced air mobility systems 
                and unmanned aircraft systems;
            (3) facilitate communication and outreach opportunities 
        with academia, industry, professional societies, State, local, 
        Tribal, and Federal governments, and other stakeholders;
            (4) facilitate partnerships to leverage knowledge and 
        resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
        governments, National Laboratories, unmanned aircraft systems 
        test range (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United 
        States Code), academic institutions, and others;
            (5) coordinate with the advanced air mobility working group 
        established under section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility 
        Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117-203) and heads 
        of other Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication 
        of research and other activities to ensure that the activities 
        carried out by the interagency working group are complementary 
        to those being undertaken by other interagency efforts; and
            (6) coordinate with the National Security Council and other 
        authorized agency coordinating bodies on the assessment of 
        risks affecting the existing Federal unmanned aircraft systems 
        fleet and outlining potential steps to mitigate such risks.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 
2028, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered 
committees of Congress a report that includes a summary of federally 
funded advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research, 
development, deployment, and testing activities, including the budget 
for each of the activities described in this paragraph.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--The interagency working group shall not 
be construed to conflict with or duplicate the work of the interagency 
working group established under the advanced air mobility working group 
established by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (Public Law 117-203).

SEC. 1043. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the interagency working group shall develop and 
periodically update, as appropriate, a strategic plan for Federal 
research, development, deployment, and testing of advanced air mobility 
systems and unmanned aircraft systems.
    (b) Considerations.--In developing the plan required under 
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consider and use--
            (1) information, reports, and studies on advanced air 
        mobility and unmanned aircraft systems that have identified 
        research, development, deployment, and testing needed;
            (2) information set forth in the national aviation research 
        plan developed under section 44501(c) of title 49, United 
        States Code; and
            (3) recommendations made by the National Academies in the 
        review of the plan under subsection (d).
    (c) Contents of the Plan.--In developing the plan required under 
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall--
            (1) determine and prioritize areas of advanced air mobility 
        and unmanned aircraft systems research, development, 
        demonstration, and testing requiring Federal Government 
        leadership and investment;
            (2) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the 
        calendar year the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities 
        for Federal research, development, and testing which will--
                    (A) support the development of advanced air 
                mobility technologies and the development of an 
                advanced air mobility research, innovation, and 
                manufacturing ecosystem;
                    (B) take into account sustained, consistent, and 
                coordinated support for advanced air mobility and 
                unmanned aircraft systems research, development, and 
                demonstration, including through grants, cooperative 
                agreements, testbeds, and testing facilities;
                    (C) apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft 
                systems research, development, demonstration, and 
                testing to advanced air mobility systems;
                    (D) inform the development of voluntary consensus 
                technical standards and best practices for the 
                development and use of advanced air mobility and 
                unmanned aircraft systems;
                    (E) support education and training activities at 
                all levels to prepare the United States workforce to 
                use and interact with advanced air mobility systems and 
                unmanned aircraft systems;
                    (F) support partnerships to leverage knowledge and 
                resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and 
                Federal governments, the National Laboratories, Center 
                of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research of 
                the FAA, unmanned aircraft systems test ranges (as 
                defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States 
                Code), academic institutions, labor organizations, and 
                others to advance research activities;
                    (G) leverage existing Federal investments; and
                    (H) promote hardware interoperability and open-
                source systems;
            (3) support research and other activities on the impacts of 
        advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems on national 
        security, safety, economic, legal, workforce, and other 
        appropriate societal issues;
            (4) reduce barriers to transferring research findings, 
        capabilities, and new technologies related to advanced air 
        mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into operation for the 
        benefit of society and United States competitiveness;
            (5) in consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers, 
        measure and track the contributions of unmanned aircraft 
        systems and advanced air mobility to United States economic 
        growth and other societal indicators; and
            (6) identify relevant research and development programs and 
        make recommendations for the coordination of relevant 
        activities of the Federal agencies and set forth the role of 
        each Federal agency in implementing the plan.
    (d) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 
Evaluation.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement 
with the National Academies to review the plan every 5 years.
    (e) Public Participation.--In developing the plan under subsection 
(a), the interagency working group shall consult with representatives 
of stakeholder groups, which may include academia, research 
institutions, and State, industry, and labor organizations. Not later 
than 90 days before the plan, or any revision thereof, is submitted to 
Congress, the plan shall be published in the Federal Register for a 
public comment period of not less than 60 days.
    (f) Reports to Congress on the Strategic Research Plan.--
            (1) Progress report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group 
        described in section 1042 of this Act shall transmit to the 
        covered committees of Congress a report that describes the 
        progress in developing the plan required under this section.
            (2) Initial report.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall 
        transmit to the covered committees of Congress the strategic 
        research plan developed under this section.
            (3) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
        transmission of the initial report under paragraph (2) and 
        every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 2033, the 
        interagency working group shall transmit to the covered 
        committees of Congress a report that includes an analysis of 
        the progress made towards achieving the goals and priorities 
        for the strategic research plan.

SEC. 1044. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND 
              ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

    (a) In General.--Consistent with the research plan in section 1043, 
the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of NASA and 
other Federal agencies, shall carry out and support research, 
development, testing, and demonstration activities and technology 
transfer, and activities to facilitate the transition of such 
technologies into application to enable advanced air mobility and 
unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe integration of 
advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system, in areas including--
            (1) beyond visual-line-of-sight operations;
            (2) command and control link technologies;
            (3) development and integration of unmanned aircraft system 
        traffic management into the national airspace system;
            (4) noise and other societal and environmental impacts;
            (5) informing the development of an industry consensus 
        vehicle-to-vehicle standard;
            (6) safety, including collisions between advanced air 
        mobility and unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes, 
        traveling at various speeds, and various other crewed aircraft 
        or various parts of other crewed aircraft of various sizes and 
        traveling at various speeds; and
            (7) detect-and-avoid capabilities.
    (b) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The 
Administrator shall ensure that research and development and other 
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal 
activities related to the integration of unmanned aviation systems or 
advanced air mobility.
    (c) Lessons Learned.--The Administrator shall apply lessons learned 
from unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, 
and testing to advanced air mobility systems.
    (d) Research on Approaches to Evaluating Risk.--The Administrator 
shall conduct research on approaches to evaluating risk in emerging 
vehicles, technologies, and operations for unmanned aircraft systems 
and advanced air mobility systems. Such research shall include--
            (1) defining quantitative metrics, including metrics that 
        may support the Administrator in making determinations, and 
        research to inform the development of requirements, as 
        practicable, for the operations of certain unmanned aircraft 
        systems, as described under section 44807 of title 49, United 
        States Code;
            (2) developing risk-based processes and criteria to inform 
        the development of regulations and certification of complex 
        operations, to include autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight 
        operations, of unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes and 
        weights, and advanced air mobility systems; and
            (3) considering the utility of performance standards to 
        make determinations under section 44807 of title 49, United 
        States Code.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the actions taken by the Administrator to 
implement provisions under this section that includes--
            (1) a summary of the costs and results of research under 
        subsection (a)(6);
            (2) a description of plans for and progress toward the 
        implementation of research and development under subsection 
        (d);
            (3) a description of the progress of the FAA in using 
        research and development to inform FAA certification guidance 
        and regulations of--
                    (A) large unmanned aircraft systems, including 
                those weighing more than 55 pounds; and
                    (B) extended autonomous and remotely piloted 
                operations beyond visual line of sight in controlled 
                and uncontrolled airspace; and
            (4) a current plan for full operational capability of 
        unmanned aircraft systems traffic management, as described in 
        section 376 the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
        44802 note).
    (f) Parallel Efforts.--
            (1) In general.--Research and development activities under 
        this section may be conducted concurrently with the deployment 
        of technologies outlined in (a) and in carrying out the this 
        title and title IX.
            (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
        construed to delay appropriate actions to deploy the 
        technologies outlined in subsection (a), including the 
        deployment of beyond visual-line-of-sight operations of 
        unmanned aircraft systems, or delay the Administrator in 
        carrying out this title and title IX, or limit FAA use of 
        existing risk methodologies to make determinations pursuant to 
        section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, prior to 
        completion of relevant research and development activities.
            (3) Practices and regulations.--The Administrator shall, to 
        the maximum extent practicable, use the results of research and 
        development activities conducted under this section to inform 
        decisions on whether and how to maintain or update existing 
        regulations and practices, or whether to establish new 
        practices or regulations.

SEC. 1045. PARTNERSHIPS FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND 
              TESTING.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to 
examine research, development, demonstration, and testing partnerships 
of the FAA to advance unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air 
mobility and to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system.
    (b) Considerations.--The Administrator shall ensure that the entity 
carrying out the study in subsection (a) shall--
            (1) identify existing FAA partnerships with external 
        entities, including academia and Centers of Excellence, 
        industry, and nonprofit organizations, and the types of such 
        partnership arrangements;
            (2) examine the partnerships in paragraph (1), including 
        the scope and areas of research, development, demonstration, 
        and testing carried out, and associated arrangements for 
        performing research and development activities;
            (3) review the extent to which the FAA uses the results and 
        outcomes of each partnership to advance the research and 
        development in unmanned aircraft systems;
            (4) identify additional research and development areas, if 
        any, that may benefit from partnership arrangements, and 
        whether such research and development would require new 
        partnerships;
            (5) identify any duplication of ongoing or planned 
        research, development, demonstration, or testing activities;
            (6) identify effective and appropriate means for 
        publication and dissemination of the results and sharing with 
        the public, commercial, and research communities related data 
        from such research, development, demonstration, and testing 
        conducted under such partnerships;
            (7) identify effective mechanisms, either new or already 
        existing, to facilitate coordination, evaluation, and 
        information-sharing among and between such partnerships;
            (8) identify effective and appropriate means for 
        facilitating technology transfer activities within such 
        partnerships;
            (9) identify the extent to which such partnerships broaden 
        participation from groups historically underrepresented in 
        science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including 
        computer science and cybersecurity, and include participation 
        by industry, workforce, and labor organizations; and
            (10) review options for funding models best suited for such 
        partnerships, which may include cost-sharing and public-private 
        partnership models with industry.
    (c) Transmittal.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the covered 
committees of Congress the study described in subsection (a).

                        TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Title 49 Analysis.--The analysis for title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to subtitle IX and 
inserting the following:

``IX. MULTIMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION.....................   70101''.
    (b) Subtitle I Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle I of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter 
7.
    (c) Subtitle VII Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle VII of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
chapter 448 and inserting the following:

``448. Unmanned Aircraft Systems............................   44801''.
    (d) Authority To Exempt.--Section 40109(b) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 40103(b)(1) and (2) of 
this title'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 
40103(b)''.
    (e) Disposal of Property.--Section 40110(c)(4) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(2)'' and inserting 
``subsection (a)(3)''.
    (f) General Procurement Authority.--Section 40110(d)(3) of title 
49, United States Code, is further amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``, as in effect on 
        October 9, 1996'' after ``Policy Act'';
            (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``the Office of Federal 
        Procurement Policy Act'' and inserting ``division B of subtitle 
        I of title 41''; and
            (3) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``section 
        27(e)(3)(A)(iv) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy 
        Act'' and inserting ``section 2105(c)(1)(D) of title 41''.
    (g) Government-Financed Air Transportation.--Section 40118(g)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``detection and 
reporting of potential human trafficking (as described in paragraphs 
(9) and (10)'' and inserting ``detection and reporting of potential 
severe forms of trafficking in persons and sex trafficking (as such 
terms are defined in paragraphs (11) and (12)''.
    (h) FAA Authority To Conduct Criminal History Record Checks.--
Section 40130(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14616)'' and inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 40316)''.
    (i) Submissions of Plans.--Section 41313(c)(16) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``will consult'' and inserting 
``the foreign air carrier shall consult''.
    (j) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501(c) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``40119,''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Subject to section 
        40119(b) of this title and regulations prescribed under section 
        40119(b),'' and inserting ``Subject to section 44912(d)(2) and 
        regulations prescribed under such section,''.
    (k) Civil Penalty.--Section 44704(f) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and inserting 
``subsection (d)(3)''.
    (l) Use and Limitation of Amounts.--Section 44508 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``40119,'' each place it 
appears.
    (m) Structures Interfering With Air Commerce or National 
Security.--Section 44718(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `adverse impact on 
military operations and readiness' and `unacceptable risk to the 
national security of the United States' have the meaning given those 
terms in section 183a(h) of title 10.''.
    (n) Meteorological Services.--Section 44720(b)(2) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``the Administrator to persons'' and 
        inserting ``the Administrator, to persons''; and
            (2) by striking ``the Administrator and to'' and inserting 
        ``the Administrator, and to''.
    (o) Aeronautical Charts.--Section 44721(c)(1) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``1947,'' and inserting ``1947''.
    (p) Flight Attendant Certification.--Section 44728(c) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``Regulation,'' and 
inserting ``Regulations,''.
    (q) Manual Surcharge.--The analysis for chapter 453 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

``45306. Manual surcharge.''.
    (r) Schedule of Fees.--Section 45301(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``The Administrator shall establish'' and 
inserting ``The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall establish''.
    (s) Judicial Review.--Section 46110(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (l) or (s) of section 114'' 
and inserting ``subsection (l) or (r) of section 114''.
    (t) Civil Penalties.--Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in the heading for paragraph (6), by striking ``Failure 
        to collect airport security badges'' and inserting ``Failure to 
        collect airport security badges''; and
            (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Penalties relating to 
        harm to passengers with disabilities'' in the paragraph heading 
        and inserting ``Penalties relating to harm to passengers with 
        disabilities''.
    (u) Payments Under Project Grant Agreements.--Section 47111(e) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fee'' and 
inserting ``charge''.
    (v) Agreements for State and Local Operation of Airport 
Facilities.--Section 47124(b)(1)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the second period at the end.
    (w) Use of Funds for Repairs for Runway Safety Repairs.--Section 
47144(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``(42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.)'' and inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 5121 et 
seq.)''.
    (x) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.--Section 49106 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B) by striking ``and section 49108 
        of this title''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)(6)(C) by inserting ``the'' before 
        ``jurisdiction''.
    (y) Separability and Effect of Judicial Order.--Section 49112(b) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking paragraph (1); and
            (2) by striking ``(2) Any action'' and inserting ``Any 
        action''.

SEC. 1102. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, 
shall convene a working group (in this section referred to as the 
``working group'') to assist in developing best practices for 
transportation of an organ in the cabin of an aircraft operating under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and to identify 
regulations that hinder such transportation, if applicable.
    (b) Composition.--The working group shall be comprised of 
representatives from the following:
            (1) Air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
            (2) Organ procurement organizations.
            (3) Organ transplant hospitals.
            (4) Flight attendants.
            (5) Other relevant Federal agencies involved in organ 
        transportation or air travel.
    (c) Considerations.--In establishing the best practices described 
in subsection (a), the working group shall consider--
            (1) a safe, standardized process for acceptance, handling, 
        management, and transportation of an organ in the cabin of such 
        aircraft; and
            (2) protocols to ensure the safe and timely transport of an 
        organ in the cabin of such aircraft, including through 
        connecting flights.
    (d) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the convening of 
the working group, such working group shall submit to the Secretary a 
report containing recommendations for the best practices described in 
subsection (a).
    (e) Definition of Organ.--In this section, the term ``organ''--
            (1) has the meaning given such term in section 121.2 of 
        title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (2) includes--
                    (A) organ-related tissue;
                    (B) bone marrow; and
                    (C) human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-
                based products (as such term is defined in section 
                1271.3(d) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations).

SEC. 1103. ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION 
              CARDS.

    The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
accept, in any instance where an individual is required to submit 
government-issued identification to the Administrator, a digital or 
mobile driver's license or identification card issued to such 
individual by a State.

SEC. 1104. QUASQUICENTENNIAL OF AVIATION.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) December 17, 2028, is the 125th anniversary of the 
        first successful manned, free, controlled, and sustained flight 
        by an aircraft.
            (2) The first flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty 
        Hawk, North Carolina, is a defining moment in the history of 
        the United States and the world.
            (3) The Wright brothers' achievement is a testament to 
        their ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to innovation, 
        which has inspired generations of aviators and scientists 
        alike.
            (4) The advent of aviation and the air transportation 
        industry has fundamentally transformed the United States and 
        the world for the better.
            (5) The 125th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first 
        flight is worthy of recognition and celebration to honor their 
        legacy and to inspire a new generation of Americans as aviation 
        reaches an inflection point of innovation and change.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
Secretary, the Administrator, and the heads of other appropriate 
Federal agencies should facilitate and participate in local, national, 
and international observances and activities that commemorate and 
celebrate the 125th anniversary of powered flight.

SEC. 1105. LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARGO AIRCRAFT.

    (a) In General.--The standards adopted by the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency in part 1030 of title 40, Code of 
Federal Regulations, and the requirements in part 38 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, that were finalized by the Administrator of the 
FAA under the final rule titled ``Airplane Fuel Efficiency 
Certification'', and published on February 16, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 
12634) in part 38 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall not 
apply to any covered airplane before the date that is 5 years after 
January 1, 2028.
    (b) Operational Limitation.--The Administrator shall limit to 
domestic use or international operations, consistent with relevant 
international agreements and standards, the operation of any covered 
airplane that--
            (1) does not meet the standards and requirements described 
        in subsection (a); and
            (2) received an original certificate of airworthiness 
        issued by the Administrator on or after January 1, 2028.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Covered airplane.--The term ``covered airplane'' means 
        an airplane that--
                    (A) is a subsonic jet that is a purpose-built 
                freighter;
                    (B) has a maximum takeoff mass greater than 180,000 
                kilograms but not greater than 240,000 kilograms; and
                    (C) has a type design certificated prior to January 
                1, 2023.
            (2) Purpose-built freighter.--The term ``purpose-built 
        freighter'' means any airplane that--
                    (A) was configured to carry cargo rather than 
                passengers prior to receiving an original certificate 
                of airworthiness; and
                    (B) is configured to carry cargo rather than 
                passengers.

SEC. 1106. PROHIBITION ON MANDATES.

    (a) Prohibition on Mandates.--The Administrator may not require any 
contractor to mandate that employees of such contractor obtain a COVID-
19 vaccine or enforce any condition regarding the COVID-19 vaccination 
status of employees of a contractor.
    (b) Prohibition on Implementation.--The Administrator may not 
implement or enforce any requirement that--
            (1) employees of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-
        19;
            (2) employees of the FAA be vaccinated against COVID-19; or
            (3) passengers of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-
        19 or wear a mask as a result of a COVID-19 related public 
        health measure.

SEC. 1107. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 41729. COVID-19 vaccination status
    ``(a) In General.--An air carrier (as such term is defined in 
section 40102) may not deny service to any individual solely based on 
the vaccination status of the individual with respect to COVID-19.
    ``(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to apply to the regulation of intrastate travel, 
transportation, or movement, including the intrastate transportation of 
passengers.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 41728 the following:

``41729. COVID-19 vaccination status.''.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the 
amendment made by this section, shall be construed to permit or 
otherwise authorize an executive agency to enact or otherwise impose a 
COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

SEC. 1108. RULEMAKING RELATED TO OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH 
              ALTITUDE CLASS E AIRSPACE.

    Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator 
identifies the minimum altitude pursuant to section 1011, the 
Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of 
proposed rulemaking to amend sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, and such other regulations as appropriate, 
to permit flight operations with speeds above Mach 1 at or above the 
minimum altitude identified under section 1011 without specific 
authorization, provided that such flight operations--
            (1) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
            (2) do not produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures 
        that reach the surface under prevailing atmospheric conditions;
            (3) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances 
        necessary to operate in controlled airspace; and
            (4) comply with applicable environmental requirements.

SEC. 1109. FAA LEADERSHIP IN HYDROGEN AVIATION.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall exercise leadership in the 
development of Federal regulations, standards, best practices, and 
guidance relating to the safe and efficient certification of the use of 
hydrogen in civil aviation, including the certification of hydrogen-
powered commercial aircraft.
    (b) Exercise of Leadership.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) develop a viable path for the certification of the safe 
        use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including hydrogen-powered 
        aircraft, that considers existing frameworks, modifying an 
        existing framework, or developing new standards, best 
        practices, or guidance to complement the existing frameworks, 
        as appropriate;
            (2) review certification regulations, guidance, and other 
        requirements of the FAA to identify ways to safely and 
        efficiently certify hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft;
            (3) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
        suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
        fixed base operators, and other stakeholders when developing 
        regulations and standards that enable the safe certification 
        and deployment of the use of hydrogen in civil aviation, 
        including hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft, in the national 
        airspace system; and
            (4) obtain the input of the aerospace industry, aviation 
        suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
        fixed base operators, academia, research institutions, and 
        other stakeholders regarding--
                    (A) an appropriate regulatory framework and 
                timeline for permitting the safe and efficient use of 
                hydrogen in civil aviation, including the deployment 
                and operation of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft 
                in the United States, which may include updating or 
                modifying existing regulations;
                    (B) how to accelerate the resolution of issues 
                related to data, standards development, and related 
                regulations necessary to facilitate the safe and 
                efficient certification of the use of hydrogen in civil 
                aviation, including hydrogen-powered commercial 
                aircraft; and
                    (C) other issues identified and determined 
                appropriate by the Administrator or the advisory 
                committee established under section 1019(d)(7) to be 
                addressed to enable the safe and efficient use of 
                hydrogen in civil aviation, including the deployment 
                and operation of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft.

SEC. 1110. ADVANCING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CIVIL SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT.

    Section 181 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``regulations, and 
        standards'' and inserting ``regulations, standards, and 
        recommended practices''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g) Additional Reports.--
            ``(1) Initial progress report.--Not later than 1 year after 
        the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator 
        shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
        describing--
                    ``(A) the progress of the actions described in 
                subsection (d)(1);
                    ``(B) any planned, proposed, or anticipated action 
                to update or modify existing policies and regulations 
                related to civil supersonic aircraft, including such 
                actions identified as a result of stakeholder 
                consultation and feedback (such as landing and takeoff 
                noise); and
                    ``(C) any other information determined appropriate 
                by the Administrator.
            ``(2) Subsequent report.--Not later than 2 years after the 
        date on which the Administrator submits the initial progress 
        report under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall update the 
        report described in paragraph (1) and submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress such report.''.

SEC. 1111. LEARNING PERIOD.

    Section 50905(c)(9) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``January 1, 2025''.

SEC. 1112. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES.

    Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 
124n(i)) is amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting 
``October 1, 2024''.

SEC. 1113. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
economic sustainability of air cargo operations.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
            (1) Airport and cargo development strategies, including the 
        pursuit of new air carriers and plans for physical expansion.
            (2) Key historical statistics for passenger, cargo volumes, 
        including freight, express, and mail cargo, and operations, 
        including statistics distinguishing between passenger and 
        freight operations.
            (3) A description of air cargo facilities, including the 
        age and condition of such facilities and the square footage and 
        configuration of the landside and airside infrastructure of 
        such facilities, and cargo buildings.
            (4) The projected square footage deficit of the cargo 
        facilities and infrastructure described in paragraph (3).
            (5) The projected requirements and square footage deficit 
        for air cargo support facilities.
            (6) The general physical and operating issues and 
        constraints associated with air cargo operations.
            (7) A description of delays in truck bays associated with 
        the infrastructure and critical landside issues, including 
        truck maneuvering and queuing and parking for employees and 
        customers.
            (8) The estimated cost of developing new cargo facilities 
        and infrastructure, including the identification of percentages 
        for development with a return on investment and without a 
        return on investment.
            (9) The projected leasing costs to tenants per square foot 
        with and without Federal funding of the non-return on 
        investment allocation.
            (10) A description of customs and general staffing issues 
        associated with air cargo operations and the impacts of such 
        issues on service.
            (11) An assessment of the impact, cost, and estimated cost 
        savings of using modern comprehensive communications and 
        technology systems in air cargo operations.
            (12) A description of the impact of Federal regulations and 
        local enforcement of interdiction and facilitation policies on 
        throughput.
    (c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress the results of the study carried out 
under this section.

SEC. 1114. WING-IN-GROUND-EFFECT CRAFT.

    (a) Memorandum of Understanding.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant of 
        the Coast Guard shall execute a memorandum of understanding 
        governing the specific roles, authorities, delineations of 
        responsibilities, resources, and commitments of the FAA and the 
        Coast Guard, respectively, pertaining to wing-in-ground-effect 
        craft that are--
                    (A) only capable of operating either in water or in 
                ground effect over water; and
                    (B) operated exclusively over waters subject to the 
                jurisdiction of the United States.
            (2) Contents.--The memorandum of understanding described in 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) cover, at a minimum, the processes of the FAA 
                and the Coast Guard will follow to promote 
                communications, efficiency, and nonduplication of 
                effort in carrying out such memorandum of 
                understanding; and
                    (B) provide procedures for, at a minimum--
                            (i) the approval of wing-in-ground-effect 
                        craft designs;
                            (ii) the operation of wing-in-ground-effect 
                        craft, including training and certification of 
                        persons responsible for operating such craft;
                            (iii) pilotage of wing-in-ground-effect 
                        craft;
                            (iv) the inspection, including pre-delivery 
                        and service, of wing-in-ground-effect craft; 
                        and
                            (v) the maintenance of wing-in-ground-
                        effect craft.
    (b) Status Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the status of the memorandum 
of understanding described in subsection (a) as well as provide any 
recommendations for legislative action to improve efficacy or 
efficiency of wing-in-ground-effect craft governance.
    (c) Wing-in-ground-effect Craft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``wing-in-ground-effect craft'' means a craft that is capable of 
operating completely above the surface of the water on a dynamic air 
cushion created by aerodynamic lift due to the ground effect between 
the craft and the surface of the water.

SEC. 1115. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORIZATION OR WAIVER.

    (a) Required Coordination.--
            (1) In general.--On an annual basis, the Administrator 
        shall convene a meeting with representatives of FAA-approved 
        air shows, the general aviation community, stadiums and other 
        large outdoor events and venues or organizations that run such 
        events, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department 
        of Justice--
                    (A) to identify scheduling conflicts between FAA-
                approved air shows and large outdoor events and venues 
                where--
                            (i) flight restrictions will be imposed 
                        pursuant to section 521 of division F of the 
                        Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 
                        U.S.C. 40103 note); or
                            (ii) any other restriction will be imposed 
                        pursuant to FAA Flight Data Center Notice to 
                        Airmen 4/3621 (or any successor notice to 
                        airmen); and
                    (B) in instances where a scheduling conflict 
                between events is identified or is found to be likely 
                to occur, develop appropriate operational and 
                communication procedures to ensure for the safety and 
                security of both events.
            (2) Scheduling conflict.--If the Administrator or any other 
        stakeholder party to the required annual coordination required 
        in paragraph (1) identifies a scheduling conflict outside of 
        the annual meeting at any point prior to the scheduling 
        conflict, the Administrator shall work with impacted 
        stakeholders to develop appropriate operational and 
        communication procedures to ensure for the safety and security 
        of both events.
    (b) Operational Purposes.--Section 521(a)(2)(B) of division F of 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note) is 
amended--
            (1) in clause (ii) by inserting ``(or attendees approved 
        by)'' after ``guests of'';
            (2) in clause (iv) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(vi) to permit the safe operation of an 
                        aircraft that is operated by an airshow 
                        performer in connection with an airshow, 
                        provided such aircraft is not permitted to 
                        operate directly over the stadium (or adjacent 
                        parking facilities) during the sporting event; 
                        and''.

SEC. 1116. DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL PORT OF ENTRY FOR THE IMPORTATION 
              AND EXPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS BY THE 
              UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of funding and in 
accordance with subsection (b), the Director of the United States Fish 
and Wildlife Service shall designate 1 additional port as a ``port of 
entry designated for the importation and exportation of wildlife and 
wildlife products'' under section 14.12 of title 50, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    (b) Criteria for Selecting Additional Designated Port.--The 
Director shall select the additional port to be designated pursuant to 
subsection (a) from among the United States airports that handled more 
than 8,000,000,000 pounds of cargo during 2022, as reported by the 
Federal Aviation Administration Air Carrier Activity Information 
System, and based upon the analysis submitted to Congress by the 
Director pursuant to the Wildlife Trafficking reporting directive under 
title I of Senate Report 114-281.
    (c) Authority to Accept Donations.--The Director may accept 
donations from private entities and, notwithstanding section 3302 of 
title 31, United States Code, may use those donations to fund the 
designation of the additional port pursuant to subsection (a).

            TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``National Transportation Safety 
Board Amendments Act of 2024''.

SEC. 1202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 1118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(a) In General.--
            ``(1) Authorizations.--There is authorized to be 
        appropriated for purposes of this chapter--
                    ``(A) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
                    ``(B) $145,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
                    ``(C) $148,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                    ``(D) $151,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
                    ``(E) $154,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
            ``(2) Availability.--Amounts authorized under paragraph (1) 
        shall remain available until expended.''.

SEC. 1203. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES.

    Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
``Sec. 1101. Definitions
    ``(a) In General.--In this chapter:
            ``(1) Accident.--The term `accident' includes damage to or 
        destruction of vehicles in surface or air transportation or 
        pipelines, regardless of whether the initiating event is 
        accidental or otherwise.
            ``(2) State.--The term `State' means a State of the United 
        States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin 
        Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and 
        Guam.
    ``(b) Applicability of Other Definitions.--Section 2101(23) of 
title 46 and section 40102(a) of this title shall apply to this 
chapter.''.

SEC. 1204. ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING.

    (a) Training on Emerging Transportation Technologies.--Section 
1113(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
        a semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(K) notwithstanding section 3301 of title 41, acquire 
        training on emerging transportation technologies if such 
        training--
                    ``(i) is required for an ongoing investigation; and
                    ``(ii) meets the criteria under section 
                3304(a)(7)(A) of title 41.''.
    (b) Additional Training Needs.--Section 1115(d) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ``and in those subjects furthering 
the personnel and workforce development needs set forth in the 
strategic workforce plan of the Board as required under section 
1113(h)'' after ``of accident investigation''.

SEC. 1205. OVERTIME ANNUAL REPORT TERMINATION.

     Section 1113(g)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.

SEC. 1206. STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN.

    Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Strategic Workforce Plan.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Board shall develop a strategic 
        workforce plan that addresses the immediate and long-term 
        workforce needs of the Board with respect to carrying out the 
        authorities and duties of the Board under this chapter.
            ``(2) Aligning the workforce to strategic goals.--In 
        developing the strategic workforce plan under paragraph (1), 
        the Board shall take into consideration--
                    ``(A) the current state and capabilities of the 
                Board, including a high-level review of mission 
                requirements, structure, workforce, and performance of 
                the Board;
                    ``(B) the significant workforce trends, needs, 
                issues, and challenges with respect to the Board and 
                the transportation industry;
                    ``(C) with respect to employees involved in 
                transportation safety work, the needs, issues, and 
                challenges, including accident severity and risk, posed 
                by each mode of transportation, and how the Board's 
                staffing for each transportation mode reflects these 
                aspects;
                    ``(D) the workforce policies, strategies, 
                performance measures, and interventions to mitigate 
                succession risks that guide the workforce investment 
                decisions of the Board;
                    ``(E) a workforce planning strategy that identifies 
                workforce needs, including the knowledge, skills, and 
                abilities needed to recruit and retain skilled 
                employees at the Board;
                    ``(F) a workforce management strategy that is 
                aligned with the mission of the Board, including plans 
                for continuity of leadership and knowledge sharing;
                    ``(G) an implementation system that addresses 
                workforce competency gaps, particularly in mission-
                critical occupations; and
                    ``(H) a system for analyzing and evaluating the 
                performance of the Board's workforce management 
                policies, programs, and activities.
            ``(3) Planning period.--The strategic workforce plan 
        developed under paragraph (1) shall address a 5-year forecast 
        period, but may include planning for longer periods based on 
        information about emerging technologies or safety trends in 
        transportation.
            ``(4) Plan updates.--The Board shall update the strategic 
        workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) not less than once 
        every 5 years.
            ``(5) Relationship to strategic plan.--The strategic 
        workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) may be developed 
        separately from, or incorporated into, the strategic plan 
        required under section 306 of title 5.
            ``(6) Availability.--The strategic workforce plan under 
        paragraph (1) and the strategic plan required under section 306 
        of title 5 shall be--
                    ``(A) submitted to the Committee on Transportation 
                and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and 
                the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
                of the Senate; and
                    ``(B) made available to the public on a website of 
                the Board.''.

SEC. 1207. TRAVEL BUDGETS.

    (a) In General.--Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Non-accident-related Travel Budget.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Board shall establish annual fiscal 
        year budgets for non-accident-related travel expenditures for 
        each Board member.
            ``(2) Notification.--The Board shall notify the Committee 
        on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate of any non-accident-related travel 
        budget overrun for any Board member not later than 30 days of 
        such overrun becoming known to the Board.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9 of the National Transportation 
Safety Board Amendments Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 1113 note) is repealed.

SEC. 1208. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.

    (a) In General.--Section 1114(b) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Trade Secrets'' 
        and inserting ``Certain Confidential Information''; and
            (2) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``In 
                general.--The Board''; and
                    (B) by striking ``information related to a trade 
                secret referred to in section 1905 of title 18'' and 
                inserting ``confidential information described in 
                section 1905 of title 18, including trade secrets,''.
    (b) Aviation Enforcement.--Section 1151 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Notification to Congress.--If the Board or Attorney General 
carry out such civil actions described in subsection (a) or (b) of this 
section against an airman employed at the time of the accident or 
incident by an air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, the Board shall immediately notify the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate of such civil actions, including--
            ``(1) the labor union representing the airman involved, if 
        applicable;
            ``(2) the air carrier at which the airman is employed;
            ``(3) the docket information of the incident or accident in 
        which the airman was involved;
            ``(4) the date of such civil actions taken by the Board or 
        Attorney General; and
            ``(5) a description of why such civil actions were taken by 
        the Board or Attorney General.
    ``(e) Subsequent Notification to Congress.--Not later than 15 days 
after the notification described in subsection (d), the Board shall 
submit a report to or brief the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate describing the 
status of compliance with the civil actions taken.''.

SEC. 1209. BOARD JUSTIFICATION OF CLOSED UNACCEPTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS.

    Section 1116(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
        paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
            ``(3) a list of each recommendation made by the Board to 
        the Secretary of Transportation or the Commandant of the Coast 
        Guard that was closed in an unacceptable status in the 
        preceding 12 months, including--
                    ``(A) any explanation the Board received from the 
                Secretary or Commandant; and
                    ``(B) any explanation from the Board as to why the 
                recommendation was closed in an unacceptable status, 
                including a discussion of why alternate means, if any, 
                taken by the Secretary or Commandant to address the 
                Board's recommendation were inadequate;''.

SEC. 1210. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Highway Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(B) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``selects in cooperation 
with a State'' and inserting ``selects, concurrent with any State 
investigation, in which case the Board and the relevant State agencies 
shall coordinate to ensure both the Board and State agencies have 
timely access to the information needed to conduct each such 
investigation, including any criminal and enforcement activities 
conducted by the relevant State agency''.
    (b) Rail Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
            ``(C) a railroad--
                    ``(i) accident in which there is a fatality or 
                substantial property damage, except--
                            ``(I) a grade crossing accident or 
                        incident, unless selected by the Board; or
                            ``(II) an accident or incident involving a 
                        trespasser, unless selected by the Board; or
                    ``(ii) accident or incident that involves a 
                passenger train, except in any case in which such 
                accident or incident resulted in no fatalities or 
                serious injuries to the passengers or crewmembers of 
                such train, and--
                            ``(I) was a grade crossing accident or 
                        incident, unless selected by the Board; or
                            ``(II) such accident or incident involved a 
                        trespasser, unless selected by the Board;''.

SEC. 1211. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

    Section 1131(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following: 
``public--
            ``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly 
        accessible database on a website of the Board; and
            ``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is 
        not printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a 
        reasonable cost.''.

SEC. 1212. ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELINESS OF REPORTS.

    Section 1131 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(f) Timeliness of Reports.--If any accident report under 
subsection (e) is not completed within 2 years from the date of the 
accident, the Board shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
identifying such accident report and the reasons for which such report 
has not been completed. The Board shall report progress toward 
completion of the accident report to each such Committees every 90 days 
thereafter, until such time as the accident report is completed.''.

SEC. 1213. ENSURING ACCESS TO DATA.

    Section 1134 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(g) Recorders and Data.--In investigating an accident under this 
chapter, the Board may require from a transportation operator or 
equipment manufacturer or the vendors, suppliers, subsidiaries, or 
parent companies of such manufacturer, or operator of a product or 
service which is subject to an investigation by the Board--
            ``(1) any recorder or recorded information pertinent to the 
        accident;
            ``(2) without undue delay, information the Board determines 
        necessary to enable the Board to read and interpret any 
        recording device or recorded information pertinent to the 
        accident; and
            ``(3) design specifications or data related to the 
        operation and performance of the equipment the Board determines 
        necessary to enable the Board to perform independent physics-
        based simulations and analyses of the accident situation.''.

SEC. 1214. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

    Section 1135(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following: 
``public--
            ``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly 
        accessible database on a website of the Board; and
            ``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is 
        not printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a 
        reasonable cost.''.

SEC. 1215. IMPROVING DELIVERY OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.

    (a) Aircraft Accidents.--Section 1136 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
            (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
        involved in aircraft accidents'' and inserting ``to passengers 
        involved in aircraft accidents and families of such 
        passengers'';
            (2) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) by inserting ``within United States airspace or 
                airspace delegated to the United States'' after 
                ``aircraft accident'';
                    (B) by striking ``National Transportation Safety 
                Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall''; and
                    (C) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) by striking ``emotional care and 
                        support'' and inserting ``emotional care, 
                        psychological care, and family support 
                        services''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``the families of 
                        passengers involved in the accident'' and 
                        inserting ``passengers involved in the accident 
                        and the families of such passengers'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                striking ``the families of passengers involved in the 
                accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
                accident and the families of such passengers'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health 
                and counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional 
                care, psychological care, and family support 
                services'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``the families who have 
                        traveled to the location of the accident'' and 
                        inserting ``passengers involved in the accident 
                        and the families of such passengers who have 
                        traveled to the location of the accident'';
                            (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before 
                        ``affected families''; and
                            (iii) by striking ``periodically'' and 
                        inserting ``regularly''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``passengers 
                and'' before ``families'';
            (4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
    ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
            ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of 
        family services.--
                    ``(A) Requests by director of family support 
                services.--It shall be the responsibility of the 
                director of family support services designated for an 
                accident under subsection (a)(1) to request, as soon as 
                practicable, from the air carrier or foreign air 
                carrier involved in the accident a passenger list, 
                which is based on the best available information at the 
                time of the request.
                    ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family 
                support services may not release to any person 
                information on a list obtained under subparagraph (A), 
                except that the director may, to the extent the 
                director considers appropriate, provide information on 
                the list about a passenger to--
                            ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
                            ``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal 
                        agency responsible for determining the 
                        whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
                    ``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or 
                Federal agency may not release to any person any 
                information obtained under subparagraph (B)(ii), except 
                if given express authority from the director of family 
                support services.
                    ``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in 
                subparagraph (C) shall be construed to preclude a 
                local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency from releasing 
                information that is lawfully obtained through other 
                means independent of releases made by the director of 
                family support services under subparagraph (B).
            ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
        organization.--
                    ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
                organization designated for an accident under 
                subsection (a)(2) may request from the air carrier or 
                foreign air carrier involved in the accident a 
                passenger list.
                    ``(B) Use of information.--The designated 
                organization may not release to any person information 
                on a passenger list but may provide information on the 
                list about a passenger to the family of the passenger 
                to the extent the organization considers 
                appropriate.'';
            (5) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ``the families of 
        passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
        ``passengers involved in the accident and the families of such 
        passengers'';
            (6) in subsection (g)(3)--
                    (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``prevent 
                mental health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent 
                certain care and support'';
                    (B) by striking ``providing mental health and 
                counseling services'' and inserting ``providing 
                emotional care, psychological care, and family support 
                services''; and
                    (C) by inserting ``passengers and'' before 
                ``families'';
            (7) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; 
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a 
        list based on the best available information at the time of a 
        request, of the name of each passenger aboard the aircraft 
        involved in the accident.''; and
            (8) in subsection (i) by striking ``the families of 
        passengers involved in an aircraft accident'' and inserting 
        ``passengers involved in the aircraft accident and the families 
        of such passengers''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to 
section 1136 and inserting the following:

``1136. Assistance to passengers involved in aircraft accidents and 
                            families of such passengers.''.
    (c) Rail Accidents.--Section 1139 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
        involved in rail passenger accidents'' and inserting ``to 
        passengers involved in rail passenger accidents and families of 
        such passengers'';
            (2) in subsection (a) by striking ``National Transportation 
        Safety Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall'';
            (3) in subsection (a)(2)--
                    (A) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
                inserting ``emotional care, psychological care, and 
                family support services''; and
                    (B) by striking ``the families of passengers 
                involved in the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
                involved in the accident and the families of such 
                passengers'';
            (4) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
                striking ``the families of passengers involved in the 
                accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
                accident and the families of such passengers'';
                    (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health 
                and counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional 
                care, psychological care, and family support 
                services'';
                    (C) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) by striking ``the families who have 
                        traveled to the location of the accident'' and 
                        inserting ``passengers involved in the accident 
                        and the families of such passengers who have 
                        traveled to the location of the accident''; and
                            (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before 
                        ``affected families''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (4) by inserting ``passengers 
                and'' before ``families'';
            (5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
    ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
            ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of 
        family services.--
                    ``(A) Requests by director of family support 
                services.--It shall be the responsibility of the 
                director of family support services designated for an 
                accident under subsection (a)(1) to request, as soon as 
                practicable, from the rail passenger carrier involved 
                in the accident a passenger list, which is based on the 
                best available information at the time of the request.
                    ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family 
                support services may not release to any person 
                information on a list obtained under subparagraph (A), 
                except that the director may, to the extent the 
                director considers appropriate, provide information on 
                the list about a passenger to--
                            ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
                            ``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal 
                        agency responsible for determining the 
                        whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
                    ``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or 
                Federal agency may not release to any person any 
                information obtained under subparagraph (B)(ii), except 
                if given express authority from the director of family 
                support services.
                    ``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in 
                subparagraph (C) shall be construed to preclude a 
                local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency from releasing 
                information that is lawfully obtained through other 
                means independent of releases made by the director of 
                family support services under subparagraph (B).
            ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
        organization.--
                    ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
                organization designated for an accident under 
                subsection (a)(2) may request from the rail passenger 
                carrier involved in the accident a passenger list.
                    ``(B) Use of information.--The designated 
                organization may not release to any person information 
                on a passenger list but may provide information on the 
                list about a passenger to the family of the passenger 
                to the extent the organization considers 
                appropriate.'';
            (6) in subsection (g)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the families of 
                passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
                ``passengers involved in the accident and the families 
                of such passengers''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (3)--
                            (i) in the paragraph heading by striking 
                        ``prevent mental health and counseling'' and 
                        inserting ``prevent certain care and support'';
                            (ii) by striking ``providing mental health 
                        and counseling services'' and inserting 
                        ``providing emotional care, psychological care, 
                        and family support services''; and
                            (iii) by inserting ``passengers and'' 
                        before ``families''; and
            (7) in subsection (h)--
                    (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; 
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a 
        list based on the best available information at the time of the 
        request, of the name of each passenger aboard the rail 
        passenger carrier's train involved in the accident. A rail 
        passenger carrier shall use reasonable efforts, with respect to 
        its unreserved trains, and passengers not holding reservations 
        on its other trains, to ascertain the names of passengers 
        aboard a train involved in an accident.''.
    (d) Plans To Address Needs of Families of Passengers Involved in 
Rail Passenger Accidents.--Section 24316(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``a major'' and inserting ``any''.
    (e) Information for Families of Individuals Involved in 
Accidents.--Section 1140 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the heading by striking ``for families of 
        individuals involved in accidents'' and inserting ``individuals 
        involved in accidents and families of such individuals''; and
            (2) by striking ``the families of individuals involved in 
        the accident'' and inserting ``individuals involved in 
        accidents and the families of such individuals''.
    (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to 
section 1139 and inserting the following:

``1139. Assistance to passengers involved in rail passenger accidents 
                            and families of such passengers.''.

SEC. 1216. UPDATING CIVIL PENALTY AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Section 1155 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the heading by striking ``Aviation penalties'' and 
        inserting ``Penalties''; and
            (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``or section 1136(g) 
        (related to an aircraft accident)'' and inserting ``section 
        1136(g), or section 1139(g)''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
1155 and inserting the following:

``1155. Penalties.''.

SEC. 1217. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC DOCKET RECORDS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall 
make all records included in the public docket of an accident or 
incident investigation conducted by the Board (or the public docket of 
a study, report, or other product issued by the Board) electronically 
available in a publicly accessible database on a website of the Board, 
regardless of the date on which such public docket or record was 
created.
    (b) Database.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Board may 
utilize the multimodal accident database management system established 
pursuant to section 1108 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
U.S.C. 1119 note) or such other publicly available database as the 
Board determines appropriate.
    (c) Briefings.--The Board shall provide the appropriate committees 
of Congress an annual briefing on the implementation of this section 
until requirements of subsection (a) are fulfilled. Such briefings 
shall include--
            (1) the number of public dockets that have been made 
        electronically available pursuant to this section; and
            (2) the number of public dockets that were unable to be 
        made electronically available, including all reasons for such 
        inability.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``public docket'' and 
``record'' have the same meanings given such terms in section 801.3 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of 
enactment of this Act.

SEC. 1218. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

    Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the National Transportation Safety Board shall implement a drug testing 
program applicable to Board employees, including employees in safety or 
security sensitive positions, in accordance with Executive Order No. 
12564 (51 Fed. Reg. 32889).

SEC. 1219. ACCESSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall 
conduct an assessment of the headquarters and regional offices of the 
Board to determine barriers to accessibility to facilities.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the assessment under subsection (a), 
the Board shall consider compliance with--
            (1) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 
        et seq.) and the corresponding accessibility guidelines 
        established under part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; and
            (2) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
        12101 et seq.).

SEC. 1220. MOST WANTED LIST.

    (a) Reporting Requirements.--Section 1135 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e).
    (b) Report on Most Wanted List Methodology.--Section 1106 of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) and the item 
relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of 
such Act are repealed.

SEC. 1221. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) Evaluation and Audit of National Transportation Safety Board.--
Section 1138(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``expenditures of the National Transportation Safety'' and inserting 
``expenditures of the''.
    (b) Organization and Administrative.--The analysis for chapter 11 
of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
            (1) by striking the items relating to sections 117 and 
        1117; and
            (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 1116 
        the following:

``1117. Methodology.''.
    (c) Surface Transportation Board.--The analysis for subtitle II of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to chapter 11 the following:

``13. Surface Transportation Board..........................    1301''.

SEC. 1222. AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS.

    (a) Removal of FAA Medical Certificate Requirement.--Not later than 
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the 
Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Administrator 
and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall 
take such actions as may be necessary to revise the eligibility 
requirements for the Air Safety Investigating Series 1815 occupational 
series (and any similar occupational series relating to transportation 
accident investigating) to remove any requirement that an individual 
hold a current medical certificate issued by the Administrator.
    (b) Updates to Other Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the 
        Administrator and Chairman, shall take such actions as may be 
        necessary to update and revise experiential, educational, and 
        other eligibility requirements for the Air Safety Investigating 
        Series 1815 occupational series (and any similar occupational 
        series relating to transportation accident investigating).
            (2) Considerations.--In updating the requirements under 
        paragraph (1), the Director shall consider--
                    (A) the direct relationship between any requirement 
                and the duties expected to be performed by the 
                position;
                    (B) changes in the skills and tools necessary to 
                perform transportation accident investigations; and
                    (C) such other considerations as the Director, 
                Administrator, or Chairman determines appropriate.

SEC. 1223. REVIEW OF NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD PROCUREMENTS.

    Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General shall, pursuant to section 1138 of title 49, 
United States Code, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report regarding the procurement and contracting planning, practices, 
and policies of the National Transportation Safety Board, including 
such planning, practices, and policies regarding sole-source contracts.

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

SEC. 1301. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.

    (a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
        ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the 
        end and inserting ``or the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code is 
amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.

SEC. 1302. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.

    (a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Ticket Taxes.--
            (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
            (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
            (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of the Internal Revenue Code 
        of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
        ``September 30, 2028''.
            (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) 
        of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
        ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
            (3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of the 
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 
        2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
118th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H.R. 3935

_______________________________________________________________________

                               AMENDMENT