[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1939 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                S. 1939

To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for 
the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, 
                        and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 13, 2023

  Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Duckworth, and Mr. Moran) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
           Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for 
the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, 
                        and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2023''.
    (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. FAA operations.
Sec. 104. Extension of expiring authorities.
Sec. 105. Authority to subpoena physical evidence.
Sec. 106. Research, engineering, and development.
Sec. 107. Effective date.
                TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATION

                        Subtitle A--Organization

Sec. 201. Future of NextGen.
Sec. 202. Airspace Innovation Office.
Sec. 203. Commercial Software Options for Improving ASIAS Analytics.
Sec. 204. Authority to use electronic service.
                     Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform

Sec. 211. Safety and efficiency through digitization of FAA systems.
Sec. 212. Report elimination or modification.
Sec. 213. Internal regulatory process review.
Sec. 214. Review and Updates of Categorical Exclusions.
                     TITLE III--SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 301. Independent Study on future state of type certification 
                            processes.
Sec. 302. Report on international validation program performance.
Sec. 303. High risk flight testing.
Sec. 304. Recording devices.
Sec. 305. Helicopter safety.
Sec. 306. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into 
                            agency guidance material.
Sec. 307. Service difficulty reports.
Sec. 308. Accountability and compliance.
Sec. 309. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers.
Sec. 310. Aircraft registration.
Sec. 311. FAA oversight of repair stations located outside the United 
                            States.
Sec. 312. Alcohol and drug testing and background checks.
Sec. 313. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high 
                            altitude balloons.
Sec. 314. International engagement.
Sec. 315. Air tour and sport parachuting safety.
Sec. 316. International aviation safety assessment program.
Sec. 317. Changed product rule reform.
Sec. 318. Development of low-cost voluntary ADS-B.
Sec. 319. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility.
Sec. 320. Safety management systems.
Sec. 321. Aviation safety information analysis and sharing program.
Sec. 322. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers.
Sec. 323. Enhancing processes for authorizing aircraft for service in 
                            commuter and on demand operations.
Sec. 324. Tower marking compliance.
Sec. 325. Administrative authority for civil penalties.
Sec. 326. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program 
                            violations.
Sec. 327. Flight service stations.
Sec. 328. Technical assistance agreements.
Sec. 329. Restoration of authority.
Sec. 330. Tarmac operations monitoring study.
Sec. 331. GAO report on cybersecurity of commercial aviation avionics.
Sec. 332. Securing aircraft avionics systems.
Sec. 333. Maintenance data availability.
Sec. 334. Study on airworthiness standards compliance.
Sec. 335. Fire protection standards.
Sec. 336. Cabin air safety.
Sec. 337. Airport air safety.
Sec. 338. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 339. Wildfire suppression.
Sec. 340. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins.
Sec. 341. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement.
Sec. 342. Crewmember pumping guidance.
Sec. 343. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft 
                            Certification, Safety, and Accountability 
                            Act.
           TITLE IV--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Sec. 401. NextGen accountability task force.
Sec. 402. Use of advanced surveillance in oceanic airspace.
Sec. 403. GPS monitoring pilot program.
Sec. 404. Runway safety technologies.
Sec. 405. Flight profile optimization.
Sec. 406. Stars remote surveillance displays.
Sec. 407. Audit of legacy systems.
Sec. 408. Aeronautical mobile communications services.
Sec. 409. Low altitude routes for vertical flight.
Sec. 410. ADS-B out equipage study; Vehicle-to-Vehicle link program.
Sec. 411. Extension of enhanced air traffic services pilot program.
Sec. 412. NextGen equipage plan.
Sec. 413. Performance based navigation report and utilization plan.
Sec. 414. Air traffic control facility realignment study.
                      TITLE V--AVIATION WORKFORCE

                  Subtitle A--Civil Aviation Workforce

Sec. 501. Aviation workforce development grants.
Sec. 502. Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 503. Study of high school aviation maintenance training programs.
Sec. 504. Military aviation maintenance technicians rule.
Sec. 505. Prohibition of remote dispatching.
Sec. 506. Employee assault prevention and response plan standards and 
                            best practices.
Sec. 507. Crewmember self-defense training.
Sec. 508. Improving apron safety.
Sec. 509. Aviation Medical Innovation and Modernization Working Group.
Sec. 510. Airman Certification Standards.
                       Subtitle B--FAA Workforce

Sec. 521. Air traffic control staffing standards.
Sec. 522. FAA Workforce review audit.
Sec. 523. Direct hire authority utilization.
Sec. 524. Staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
Sec. 525. Safety critical staffing.
Sec. 526. Instrument landing system installation.
Sec. 527. Aviation Certification Fellowship Program.
Sec. 528. Contract Tower Program air traffic controller training 
                            programs.
Sec. 529. Review of FAA and industry cooperative familiarization 
                            programs.
Sec. 530. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training.
Sec. 531. Air Traffic Controller Instructor Pipeline.
Sec. 532. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based 
                            on assessment of job-relevant aptitudes.
Sec. 533. Federal aviation administration academy and facility 
                            expansion plan.
                 TITLE VI--MODERNIZING AIRPORT SYSTEMS

Sec. 601. AIP eligibility amendments.
Sec. 602. Revised minimum apportionments.
Sec. 603. Apportionments for transitioning airports.
Sec. 604. Updating United States Government's share of project costs.
Sec. 605. Primary airport designation.
Sec. 606. Discretionary fund for terminal development costs.
Sec. 607. Alternative-delivery and advance-construction methods pilot 
                            program.
Sec. 608. Integrated project delivery.
Sec. 609. Airport investment partnership program.
Sec. 610. Airport accessibility.
Sec. 611. General aviation public-private partnership program.
Sec. 612. Runway rehabilitation.
Sec. 613. Extension of provision relating to airport access roads in 
                            remote locations.
Sec. 614. Procurement regulations applicable to FAA multimodal 
                            projects.
Sec. 615. Solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems.
Sec. 616. Additional ground based transmitters.
Sec. 617. Automated weather observing systems maintenance improvements.
Sec. 618. Contract Tower Program.
Sec. 619. Remote towers.
Sec. 620. Grant assurances.
Sec. 621. Civil penalties for grant assurances violations.
Sec. 622. Community use of airport land.
Sec. 623. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions.
Sec. 624. Clarifying airport revenue use of local general sales taxes.
Sec. 625. AIP handbook review.
Sec. 626. PFAS-related resources for airports.
Sec. 627. Progress reports on the national transition plan related to a 
                            fluorine-free firefighting foam.
Sec. 628. Review of airport layout plans.
Sec. 629. NEPA purpose and need statements.
Sec. 630. Passenger facility charge streamlining.
Sec. 631. Use of passenger facility charges for noise barriers.
Sec. 632. Automated weather observing systems policy.
Sec. 633. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation.
Sec. 634. Report on airport notifications.
Sec. 635. Coastal airports resiliency study.
Sec. 636. Survey of power distribution capacity.
Sec. 637. Study on competition and airport access.
Sec. 638. Regional airport capacity study.
Sec. 639. Study on autonomous and electric-powered track systems.
Sec. 640. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified 
                            airports.
Sec. 641. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.
                  TITLE VII--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

Sec. 701. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
Sec. 702. Unrealistic or deceptive scheduling.
Sec. 703. Refunds.
Sec. 704. Airline passenger rights transparency act.
Sec. 705. Disclosure of ancillary fees.
Sec. 706. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers.
Sec. 707. Frequent flyer programs and vouchers.
Sec. 708. Airline customer service dashboards.
Sec. 709. Annual briefings on disruptions of passenger air 
                            transportation and periods of mass 
                            cancellations of scheduled flights.
Sec. 710. Enhancing child safety.
Sec. 711. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
Sec. 712. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier 
                            industry.
Sec. 713. GAO study and report on the operational preparedness of air 
                            carriers for preparing for changing weather 
                            and other events related to changing 
                            conditions and natural hazards.
Sec. 714. Increase in civil penalties.
Sec. 715. Family seating.
Sec. 716. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

Sec. 731. Extension of the advisory committee on the air travel needs 
                            of passengers with disabilities.
Sec. 732. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation.
Sec. 733. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use 
                            wheelchairs.
Sec. 734. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters.
Sec. 735. Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All Act.
Sec. 736. Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation 
                            Consumers Act of 2023.
Sec. 737. Transportation of organs.
Sec. 738. Access and Dignity for All People who Travel Act.
Sec. 739. Equal Accessibility to Passenger Portals Act.
Sec. 740. Store On-board Wheelchairs in Cabin Act.
                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

Sec. 741. Essential air service.
Sec. 742. Small community air service development grants.
Sec. 743. GAO study and report on the alternate Essential Air Service 
                            program.
                        TITLE VIII--NEW ENTRANTS

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 801. Office of Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation.
Sec. 802. Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering 
                            Committee.
Sec. 803. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft 
                            systems.
Sec. 804. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft 
                            systems.
Sec. 805. Environmental Review and Noise Certification.
Sec. 806. UTM implementation.
Sec. 807. Operations over the high seas.
Sec. 808. Extension of the BEYOND program.
Sec. 809. Extension of the Know Before You Fly campaign.
Sec. 810. Unmanned aircraft system data exchange.
Sec. 811. Unmanned aircraft system detection and mitigation enforcement 
                            authority.
Sec. 812. Recreational operations of drone systems.
Sec. 813. UAS test ranges.
Sec. 814. Authority regarding protection of certain facilities and 
                            assets from unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 815. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and 
                            enforcement.
Sec. 816. Special authority for transport of hazardous materials by 
                            commercial package delivery unmanned 
                            aircraft systems.
                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 821. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership.
Sec. 822. Aviation Rulemaking Committee on certification of powered-
                            lift aircraft.
Sec. 823. Application of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
                            categorical exclusions for vertiport 
                            projects.
Sec. 824. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments.
Sec. 825. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 826. International coordination on powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 827. Advanced air mobility propulsion systems aviation rulemaking 
                            committee.
TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIVE AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES

Sec. 901. Advanced materials center of excellence enhancements.
Sec. 902. Center of excellence for unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 903. ASSUREd safe credentialing authority.
Sec. 904. FAA and NASA advanced aviation technologies pilot program.
Sec. 905. Advancing global leadership on civil supersonic aircraft.
Sec. 906. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership.
Sec. 907. Hypersonic flight testing.
Sec. 908. Hypersonic pathway to integration study.
Sec. 909. Operating high-speed flights in high altitude Class E 
                            airspace.
Sec. 910. Electric propulsion aircraft operations study.
Sec. 911. Contract weather observers program.
Sec. 912. Airfield pavement technology program.
Sec. 913. National aviation research plan modification.
Sec. 914. FAA and NASA research and development coordination review.
Sec. 915. Research and development of FAA's aeronautical information 
                            systems modernization activities.
Sec. 916. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
                            Environment.
Sec. 917. Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee.
                         TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 1001. Noise mitigation.
                    TITLE XI--TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

Sec. 1101. Technical corrections.

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) 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 by striking paragraphs (1) through (6) and inserting 
the following: ``
            ``(1) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(2) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(3) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(4) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(5) $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 ``2023,'' and inserting ``2028,''.

SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

    Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraphs (1) through (6) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) $3,575,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
            ``(2) $3,625,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
            ``(3) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
            ``(4) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
            ``(5) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

SEC. 103. FAA OPERATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (F) and inserting the 
following:
                    ``(A) $12,740,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
                    ``(B) $13,033,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
                    ``(C) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                    ``(D) $13,900,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
                    ``(E) $14,400,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (b) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 
2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2028''.

SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

    (a) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 47115(i) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal years 
2018 through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2028''.
    (b) Extension of Compatible Land Use Planning and Projects by State 
and Local Governments.--Section 47141(f) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting 
``September 30, 2028''.
    (c) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 100--
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176; 117 Stat. 
2518) is amended by striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 2028''.
    (d) Authority to Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2028.''.

SEC. 105. AUTHORITY TO SUBPOENA PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.

    Section 46104(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``and records'' and inserting ``, records, including documents 
and data, whether stored in a physical or electronic format, and 
tangible objects''.

SEC. 106. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT.

    Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) by paragraph (15), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting a semicolon; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(16) $344,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(17) $360,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(18) $367,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(19) $374,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(20) $390,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

SEC. 107. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The amendments made by this subtitle (other than in section 105) 
shall take effect on October 1, 2023.

                TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATION

                        Subtitle A--Organization

SEC. 201. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.

    (a) Completion and Sunset.--
            (1) Key programs.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the 
        FAA shall operationalize all the key programs under the NextGen 
        project as described in the FAA's deployment plan.
            (2) Office; advisory committee.--The NextGen Office and the 
        NextGen Advisory Committee shall terminate on December 31, 
        2025.
            (3) Transfer of residual nextgen implementation functions; 
        status report.--If the FAA does not complete the NextGen 
        project by the deadline specified in paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall transfer the residual functions of 
        completing NextGen to the Airspace Innovation Office 
        established under section 202.
            (4) Transfer of advanced air mobility functions.--Not later 
        than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, any 
        AAM (as defined in section 106(u)(7) of title 49, United States 
        Code (as added by section 801)) relevant functions, duties, and 
        responsibilities of the NAS Systems, Engineering, & Integration 
        Office or other Offices within the Office of NextGen shall be 
        incorporated into the Office of Advanced Aviation Technology 
        and Innovation established under section 106(u) of title 49, 
        United States Code (as so added).
            (5) Status reports.--If the FAA does not complete the 
        NextGen project by the deadline specified in paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall, not later than 30 days after such 
        deadline, and quarterly thereafter until all key programs under 
        the NextGen project are deployed, brief the appropriate 
        committees of Congress on the status of each incomplete 
        program, including, with respect to each such incomplete 
        program--
                    (A) an explanation as to why the program deployment 
                was delayed or not completed by such deadline;
                    (B) an assessment of the key risks to the full 
                implementation of the program and a description of how 
                the FAA is mitigating, or plans to mitigate, those 
                risks; and
                    (C) a detailed schedule of actions necessary to 
                complete the program, including updated milestones and 
                deadlines.
    (b) Independent Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days of the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall contract 
        with an independent third-party contractor or a Federally 
        funded research and development center to develop a report 
        reviewing and assessing the implementation of the NextGen 
        project.
            (2) Requirements.--The report developed under paragraph (1) 
        shall include the following:
                    (A) Evaluation of the promised operational benefits 
                at the time of initiation and the realized benefits 
                upon completion of the NextGen project.
                    (B) Recommendations for the technical capacity and 
                resources needed by the FAA in order to oversee a 
                comprehensive airspace modernization project on-
                schedule and on-budget.
                    (C) Identification of programs under the NextGen 
                project that were significantly delayed, significantly 
                diminished, or ultimately not implemented, including an 
                explanation of the cause of the delay, reduction, or 
                removal of the program from the NextGen project by the 
                FAA. This discussion shall include at a minimum, 
                programs relating to expanding surveillance coverage 
                across the country, increasing performance-based 
                navigation, and improving enroute data communications.
                    (D) Identification of any challenges that impacted 
                the implementation of the NextGen project.
                    (E) Identification of any lessons learned during 
                the NextGen project effort, and whether, how, and to 
                what effect those lessons may be applied to future 
                national airspace system modernization efforts.
                    (F) Assessment of national airspace system user 
                engagement in the NextGen project priorities and 
                implementation.
                    (G) Recommendations of the justifications for 
                further national airspace system modernization efforts 
                including economic, safety, efficiency, capacity, 
                predictability, and resiliency of the United States air 
                transportation system.
            (3) Deadline.--Not later than June 30, 2026, the report 
        developed under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the 
        Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress.

SEC. 202. AIRSPACE INNOVATION OFFICE.

    (a) Establishment.--
            (1) In general.--On January 1, 2026, the Administrator 
        shall establish within the FAA the Airspace Innovation Office 
        (in this section referred to as the ``Office'').
            (2) Assistant administrator.--The Office shall be led by 
        the Assistant Administrator.
            (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; and
                    (B) developing an integrated plan for the future 
                state of the national airspace system and overseeing 
                the deployment of the system.
            (4) Consultation.--The Assistant Administrator shall 
        consult, as necessary, with the Chief Technology Officer 
        appointed under section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, 
        and the Associate Administrator for Advanced Aviation 
        Technology and Innovation appointed under section 106(u) of 
        title 49, United States Code (as added by section 801).
    (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 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 Nation's future air transportation system, and 
        an explanation of how those 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 FAA's mission; 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 non-profit organizations in carrying out 
                such activities;
                    (B) the annual anticipated cost of carrying out 
                such activities; and
                    (C) the technical milestones that will be used to 
                evaluate the activities.
            (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) The management of the enterprise architecture framework 
        for the introduction of these operational improvements and to 
        inform FAA financial decision-making.
            (5) A business case for the operational improvements that 
        the Office will develop and deploy not later than 2040, 
        including the benefits, costs, and risks of the preferred and 
        alternative options.
    (c) Considerations.--In developing and carrying out the integrated 
plan, the Office shall consider--
            (1) the results and recommendations of the independent 
        report on implementation of the NextGen project under section 
        201(b);
            (2) the status of the transition to, and deployment of, 
        trajectory-based operations within the national airspace 
        system; and
            (3) the audit of legacy systems required by section 407, 
        and the resulting plan to replace or enhance the identified 
        legacy systems within a reasonable time frame.
    (d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out the integrated 
plan, the Office shall consult with representatives from--
            (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
            (2) airlines;
            (3) business aviation;
            (4) general aviation;
            (5) aviation labor groups;
            (6) aviation research and development entities;
            (7) aircraft and avionics manufacturers;
            (8) air traffic control suppliers;
            (9) commercial space industry;
            (10) commercial and recreational drone industry; and
            (11) any other entities the Office deems necessary.
    (e) Plan Deadline; Briefings.--
            (1) Plan deadline.--Not later than November 30, 2026, the 
        Administrator shall submit the integrated plan required by 
        subsection (a)(3)(B) 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, and the 
        Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
            (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 by subsection (a)(3)(B), including any 
        changes to the plan.
    (f) DOT Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days 
following submission of the integrated plan under subsection (e)(1), 
the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall review 
the integrated plan and submit to the committees of Congress specified 
in paragraph (1) a report that--
            (1) assesses the business case 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.
    (g) Limitation.--The FAA is not authorized to spend any amounts on 
the deployment of new air traffic management technologies and 
operational improvements that have yet to be deployed and identified in 
the integrated plan until the committees of Congress specified in 
paragraph (1) have been briefed under subsection (e)(2).

SEC. 203. COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVING ASIAS ANALYTICS.

    (a) ASIAS Analytics.--
            (1) Evaluation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall evaluate 
        whether commercial software solutions are available to improve 
        the FAA's Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
        (ASIAS) system to advance the system's predictive capabilities 
        and analytical solutions developed.
            (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the evaluation required 
        by paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
                    (A) prioritize production-ready configurable 
                solutions over custom development to support FAA 
                critical aviation safety programs; and
                    (B) ensure that adequate market research is 
                completed in accordance with FAA acquisition management 
                system requirements, including appropriate live 
                demonstrations of proposed solutions, as part of the 
                evaluation criteria.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the results of the 
evaluation carried out under subsection (a) that--
            (1) includes an assessment of the FAA's progress toward 
        achieving previously identified milestones for ASIAS by the 
        Inspector General of the Department of Transportation and the 
        Special Committee to Review FAA Aircraft Certification Reports; 
        and
            (2) outlines the FAA's plan to use rapidly deployable 
        commercial solutions to assist the FAA in meeting such 
        milestones.

SEC. 204. 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.''.

                     Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform

SEC. 211. SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH DIGITIZATION OF FAA SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall--
            (1) identify, at the discretion of the Administrator, 3 
        processes of the FAA that result in a certification (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 by 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the digitization of 
any process allows for--
            (1) an applicant to track their application 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 1 year 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. 212. REPORT ELIMINATION OR MODIFICATION.

    (a) Reports Modified.--
            (1) Report on the airport improvement program.--
                    (A) In general.--Section 47131(a) of title 49, 
                United States Code, is amended by striking the first 
                sentence and inserting ``Not later than June 1, 2025, 
                and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of 
                Transportation shall submit to Congress a report on 
                activities carried out under this subchapter during the 
                prior 2 fiscal years.''.
                    (B) Conforming amendments.--
                            (i) Section 47131 of title 49, United 
                        States Code, is amended in the section heading 
                        by striking ``Annual'' and inserting 
                        ``Biennial''.
                            (ii) The analysis for chapter 471 of title 
                        49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
                        the item relating to section 47131 and 
                        inserting the following:

``47131. Biennial report.''.
            (2) National aviation research plan.--
                    (A) Section 44501(c)(1) of title 49, United States 
                Code, is amended by striking ``the date of submission'' 
                and inserting ``90 days after the date of submission''.
                    (B) Section 48102(g) of title 49, United States 
                Code, is amended by striking ``the date of submission'' 
                and inserting ``90 days after the date of submission''.
    (b) Reports Eliminated.--
            (1) Laser pointer incidents.--Section 2104(a) of the FAA 
        Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 
        note) is amended by striking ``Beginning 90 days after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration, in coordination with appropriate 
        Federal law enforcement agencies, shall provide quarterly 
        updates to the appropriate committees of Congress regarding'' 
        and inserting ``The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration, in coordination with appropriate Federal law 
        enforcement agencies, shall provide an annual briefing to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress regarding''.
            (2) Report on helicopter air ambulance operations.--Section 
        44731 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (d)--
                            (i) in the subsection heading, by striking 
                        ``Report to Congress'' and inserting 
                        ``Briefing'';
                            (ii) by striking the first sentence and 
                        inserting ``The Administrator shall provide a 
                        briefing to the Committee on Transportation and 
                        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
                        and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                        Transportation of the Senate annually on the 
                        data collected under subsection (a).''; and
                            (iii) in the second sentence by striking 
                        ``report'' and inserting ``briefing''; and
                    (B) in subsection (e)(2), by striking ``the 
                report'' and inserting ``the briefing''.

SEC. 213. INTERNAL REGULATORY PROCESS REVIEW.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an internal 
regulatory process review team (in this section referred to as the 
``review team'') comprising of FAA employees and individuals described 
in subsection (b) to develop recommendations to improve the timeliness 
of, and performance accountability in, the development and promulgation 
of regulatory materials (as defined in subsection (g)). The review team 
shall deliver a report with recommendations to the Secretary in 
accordance with the deadlines specified in subsection (e).
    (b) Other Members; Consultation.--
            (1) In general.--The review team shall include outside 
        experts and academics with relevant experience or expertise in 
        aviation safety and in improving the performance, 
        accountability, and transparency of the Federal regulatory 
        process, particularly as it relates to aviation safety. The 
        review team shall include at least 3 outside experts or 
        academics with relevant experience or expertise in aviation 
        safety and at least 1 outside expert or academic with relevant 
        experience or expertise in improving the performance, 
        accountability, and transparency of the Federal regulatory 
        process, particularly as it relates to aviation safety.
            (2) Consultation.--The review team may, as appropriate, 
        consult with industry stakeholders.
    (c) Contents of Review.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the review team shall do the following:
            (1) Develop a proposal for rationalizing processes and 
        eliminating redundant administrative review of regulatory 
        materials within the FAA, particularly when FAA-sponsored rule-
        making committees and stakeholders have collaborated on the 
        proposed regulations to address airworthiness standards 
        deficiencies.
            (2) With respect to each office within the FAA that reviews 
        regulatory materials, assess--
                    (A) the timeline assigned to each such office to 
                complete the review of regulatory materials;
                    (B) the actual time spent for such review;
                    (C) opportunities to reduce the actual time for 
                such review; and
                    (D) whether clear roles, responsibilities, 
                requirements, and expectations are clearly defined for 
                each office required to review the regulatory 
                materials.
            (3) 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 these employees function in the 
        rulemaking framework.
            (4) Describe any organizational changes or the need to hire 
        additional FAA employees, if necessary and taking into 
        consideration whether current positions are staffed, to reduce 
        delays in publication of proposed and final regulatory 
        materials.
            (5) 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 real-time progress tracker that updates itself to 
        show the major stages (as determined by the Secretary) of the 
        development of regulatory materials as they are initiated, in 
        progress, and completed, from inception of a proposed 
        development of regulatory materials to publication of the final 
        version of such materials.
            (6) Consider changes to the FAA's best practices under 
        rules governing ex parte communications with other validating 
        authorities, including international validating authorities, 
        and with consideration of the public interest in transparency, 
        to provide flexibility for FAA employees to discuss regulatory 
        materials, particularly for those related to enhancing aviation 
        safety and the United States' aviation international 
        leadership.
            (7) Recommend methods by which the FAA can incorporate 
        research funded by the Department of Transportation, in 
        addition to consensus standards and conformance assessment 
        processes set by private sector standards-developing 
        organizations into regulatory materials, to keep pace with 
        rapid changes in aviation technologies and processes.
            (8) 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.
    (d) Action Plan.--The Administrator shall develop an action plan to 
implement the recommendations developed by the review team. The 
Administrator shall publish the action plan on the Internet website of 
the FAA and shall transmit the plan to the appropriate committees of 
Congress.
    (e) Deadlines.--The requirements of this section shall be subject 
to the following deadlines:
            (1) The review team shall complete the evaluation required 
        under subsection (a) and submit the review team's report on 
        such evaluation to the Secretary not later than 120 days after 
        the date of enactment of this section.
            (2) The Administrator shall develop and publish the action 
        plan under subsection (d) not later than 30 days after the date 
        on which the review team submits the report required by 
        subsection (a) to the Administrator.
    (f) 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.
    (g) Regulatory Materials Defined.--In this section, the term 
``regulatory materials'' means rules, orders, advisory circulars, 
statements of policy, guidance, and other materials related to aviation 
safety regulations, as well as other materials pertaining to training 
and operation of aeronautical products.

SEC. 214. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

    Not later than 2 year after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Secretary shall--
            (1) identify each categorical exclusion under the 
        jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (referred to 
        in this section as the ``Department''), including any operating 
        administration within the Department; and
            (2) review, adopt, and broaden the applicability of 
        categorical exclusions to enable the use by operating 
        administrations of the Department, as relevant and appropriate, 
        of categorical exclusions identified in paragraph (1).

                     TITLE III--SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 301. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE STATE OF TYPE CERTIFICATION 
              PROCESSES.

    (a) Review and Study.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Administrator shall 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 set 
forth in this section.
    (b) Elements.--The review and study under subsection (a) shall 
provide analyses, assessments, and recommendations that address the 
following:
            (1) A vision for a future state of type certification that 
        reflects the highly complex, highly integrated nature of 
        today's aircraft and improvements in aviation safety.
            (2) A review of the current tools and techniques used for 
        type certification and an evaluation of whether use of advanced 
        digital tools and techniques, including model-based system 
        engineering, would improve the type certification process and 
        enhance aviation safety.
            (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 can be approved 
        and implemented quickly, particularly with respect to software 
        modifications, while maintaining the safety of the type 
        certification process.
            (5) What efficiencies and safety process improvements are 
        needed in the FAA's type certification system that will 
        facilitate the assessment and integration of innovating 
        technologies that 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 that could be adopted by the FAA and the United 
        States, as well as the best practices and tools used by the 
        United States which can be shared with other certification 
        authorities.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment 
of this section, the organization conducting the review and study shall 
submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress 
a report on the results of the review and study that includes the 
findings and recommendations of the organization.
    (d) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the 
report required under subsection (c) is submitted to the Administrator, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
regarding the FAA's response to the findings and recommendations of 
such report, what actions the FAA will take as a result of such 
findings and recommendations, and the FAA rationale for not taking 
action on any specific recommendation.

SEC. 302. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL VALIDATION PROGRAM PERFORMANCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall evaluate the performance 
of the FAA's type certificate validation program under bilateral 
agreements, with reference to agreed implementation procedures.
    (b) Contents.--The evaluation under subsection (a) shall consider, 
at minimum, the following:
            (1) Progress under section 243(a) of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) with respect 
        to improving the FAA's leadership abroad.
            (2) Performance, with reference to metrics such as the 
        number and types of projects, timeline milestones, the 
        validating authority level of involvement and certifying 
        authority delegation, and trends relating to the repeated use 
        of non-basic criteria, relating to review systems or methods of 
        compliance that have been validated previously in similar 
        context.
            (3) Training on the minimum standards for validation work 
        plan content, such as the validating authority level of 
        involvement, and what constitutes justification for level of 
        involvement and compliance document requests.
            (4) The perspectives of FAA employees responsible for type 
        validation projects, bilateral civil aviation regulatory 
        partners, and industry applicants, on the FAA's performance in 
        carrying out validation projects.
            (5) The levels of funding and staffing for the 
        International Validation Branch of the Compliance and 
        Airworthiness Division of the Aircraft Certification Service of 
        the FAA compared to the Branch's workload and goals.
            (6) The effectiveness of FAA training for employees and of 
        outreach conducted to improve and enforce validation processes.
            (7) Efforts undertaken to strengthen relationships with 
        international certification authorities to maximize safety 
        cooperation and the use of approvals issued by other certifying 
        authorities in compliance with applicable bilateral agreements 
        and implementation procedures.
    (c) Report.--The Administrator shall issue a report regarding the 
evaluation required under subsection (a) to the appropriate committees 
of Congress not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
section.

SEC. 303. HIGH RISK FLIGHT TESTING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall take necessary actions, 
including as appropriate, amending part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, and revising or modifying any associated advisory 
circulars, guidance, or policy of the FAA, in accordance with this 
section to improve flight test safety risk.
    (b) Requirements.--In developing, amending, revising, or modifying 
regulations, advisory circulars, guidance, or policy under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall do the following:
            (1) Develop 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.
            (2) Develop 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 company 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.
            (3) Work with other civil aviation authorities representing 
        States of Design to identify their best practices relative to 
        high-risk flight testing and adopt those practices into the 
        FAA's flight-testing requirements to the maximum extent 
        practicable.

SEC. 304. RECORDING DEVICES.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 44745. Cockpit recording device
    ``(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--
            ``(1) require that, not later than 4 years after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, all applicable aircraft are fitted 
        with a cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder that 
        are each capable of recording the most recent 25 hours of data;
            ``(2) prohibit any person from deliberately erasing or 
        tampering with any recording on such a cockpit voice recorder 
        or flight data recorder following a National Transportation 
        Safety Board reportable event under part 830 of title 49, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, and provide for civil and criminal 
        penalties for such deliberate erasing or tampering, which may 
        be assessed in accordance with section 1155 of this title and 
        section 32 of title 18;
            ``(3) require that such a cockpit voice recorder has the 
        capability for an operator to use an erasure feature, such as 
        an installed bulk erase function, consistent with applicable 
        law and regulations;
            ``(4) require that, in the case of such a cockpit voice 
        recorder or flight data recorder that uses a solid state 
        recording medium in which activation of a bulk erase function 
        assigns a random discrete code to the deleted recording, only 
        the manufacturer of the recorder and National Transportation 
        Safety Board have access to the software necessary to determine 
        the code in order to extract the deleted recorded data; and
            ``(5) ensure that data on such a cockpit voice recorder or 
        a flight data recorder, through technical means other than 
        encryption (such as overwriting or the substitution of a blank 
        recording medium before the recorder is returned to the owner) 
        is not disclosed for use other than for accident or incident 
        investigation purposes.
    ``(b) Prohibited Use.--A cockpit voice recorder recording shall not 
be used by the Administrator or any employer for any certificate 
action, civil penalty, or disciplinary proceedings against flight 
crewmembers.
    ``(c) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
`applicable aircraft' means an aircraft that is--
            ``(1) operated under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations; and
            ``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice 
        recorder or a flight data recorder.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 44744 the following:

``44745. Recording devices.''.

SEC. 305. HELICOPTER SAFETY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 
``Committee'') with reviewing and assessing the need for changes to the 
safety requirements for turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for 6 
or more passenger seats in relation to flight data recorders, flight 
data monitoring, and terrain awareness and warning systems. The 
Committee shall submit to the Administrator a report on the findings 
from such review and assessment, together with recommendations for such 
legislative or administrative action the Committee deems appropriate.
    (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) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
            (1) the findings and recommendations included in the 
        Committee's report; and
            (2) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such 
        recommendations.

SEC. 306. REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF HUMAN READINESS LEVELS INTO 
              AGENCY GUIDANCE MATERIAL.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (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 and monitoring of a new aviation 
        technology or system with respect to human use throughout its 
        design and development may reduce human error in new systems 
        and technologies when used in operational conditions.
            (3) The technical standard ``ANSI/HFES 400-2021, Human 
        Readiness Level Scale in the System Development Process'' 
        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 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall initiate a process to review 
ANSI/HFES Standard 400-2021 and determine whether any materials from 
this standard can and 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 shall conduct a review of the ANSI/HFES 400-2021 
technical standard and may consult with subject matter experts 
affiliated with the authoring organization for such technical standard.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the progress of the review required by 
subsection (b).

SEC. 307. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.

    (a) Annual Congressional Briefings.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
compliance during the preceding year with requirements relating to 
Service Difficulty Reports, specifically--
            (1) compliance by operators with the requirements of 
        section 121.703 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (2) compliance by approval or certificate holders with the 
        requirements of section 183.63 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; and
            (3) compliance by FAA offices with the requirements for 
        investigation of Service Difficulty Reports, as documented in 
        the following FAA Orders (and any subsequent revisions of such 
        Orders):
                    (A) FAA Order 8900.1A, Flight Standards Information 
                Management System (issued October 27, 2022);
                    (B) FAA Order 8120.23A, Certificate Management of 
                Production Approval Holders (issued March 6, 2017); and
                    (C) FAA Order 8110.107A, Monitor Safety/Analyze 
                Data (issued October 1, 2012).
    (b) Requirements.--The briefings required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following with respect to the preceding year:
            (1) Identification of categories of service difficulties 
        reported, as determined by the Administrator, including 
        repetitive service difficulties reported.
            (2) The causes of the service difficulties, as determined 
        by the Administrator.
            (3) Actions taken by, or required by, the Administrator to 
        address the identified causes of service difficulties.
            (4) Violations of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
        and what, if any, action the FAA took in response to a 
        violation, including any actions set forth in FAA Order 
        2150.3C, FAA Compliance and Enforcement Program w/Changes 1-10 
        (issued September 18, 2018) (or any subsequent revisions of 
        such Order).

SEC. 308. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.

    (a) In General.--Section 44704(a)(1) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``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 the submitted design 
data demonstrates compliance with the applicable airworthiness 
standards or that 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 section, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation of 
the certification required by the amendment made by subsection (a).

SEC. 309. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

    The Administrator shall review the process of reserving aircraft 
registration numbers and implement appropriate changes to ensure the 
fair participation by the general public, including the implementation 
of readily available software to prevent any computer auto-fill systems 
from reserving aircraft registration numbers in bulk.

SEC. 310. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 44114. Reregistration of aircraft
    ``If an application for reregistration of an aircraft is filed 
before the date on which the aircraft's registration expires, the 
aircraft may continue to be operated after the expiration of the 90-day 
period following the date on which the owner of the aircraft filed such 
reregistration application (without regard for whether the 
Administrator has received such reregistration application), provided 
that--
            ``(1) any operator of the aircraft has evidence aboard the 
        aircraft that the owner of the aircraft filed the 
        reregistration application with the Administrator not less than 
        90 days previously; and
            ``(2) the Administrator has not rejected such 
        reregistration application.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this section.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of such title 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 44113 the 
following:

``44114. Reregistration of aircraft.''.

SEC. 311. FAA OVERSIGHT OF REPAIR STATIONS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE UNITED 
              STATES.

    (a) In General.--Section 44733 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) in the section heading by striking ``Inspection'' and 
        inserting ``Oversight'';
            (2) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in the first sentence--
                            (i) by inserting ``, without prior notice 
                        to such repair stations,'' after ``annually''; 
                        and
                            (ii) by inserting ``and the applicable laws 
                        of the country in which a repair station is 
                        located'' after ``international agreements''; 
                        and
                    (B) by striking the second 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 with the applicable laws of the country 
                in which a repair station is located.'';
            (3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (i); and
            (4) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
    ``(g) Data Analysis.--
            ``(1) In general.--An air carrier conducting operations 
        under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall, 
        if applicable, provide to the appropriate office of the 
        Administration, not less than once every year, a report 
        containing the information described in paragraph (2) with 
        respect to heavy maintenance work on aircraft (including on-
        wing aircraft engines) performed in the preceding year.
            ``(2) Information required.--A report under paragraph (1) 
        shall contain the following information:
                    ``(A) The location where any heavy maintenance work 
                on aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines) 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) If applicable, a list of all failures, 
                malfunctions, or defects affecting the safe operation 
                of such aircraft identified by the air carrier within 
                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 the 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 of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration shall--
                    ``(A) analyze information made available under 
                paragraph (1) of this subsection and sections 121.703, 
                121.705, 121.707, and 145.221 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations, or any successor provisions, to 
                detect safety issues associated with heavy maintenance 
                work on aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines) 
                performed outside the United States; and
                    ``(B) require appropriate actions in response.
            ``(4) Confidentiality.--Information made available under 
        paragraph (1) shall be subject to the same protections given to 
        voluntarily provided safety or security related information 
        under section 40123.
    ``(h) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others Working on 
U.S. Registered Aircraft.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration shall require that, at each covered 
        repair station--
                    ``(A) all supervisory personnel 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 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 1 year 
        after the date of enactment of this subsection, the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
        require any individual who is responsible for approving an 
        article for return to service or who is directly in charge of 
        aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engine) maintenance 
        performed on aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, be available for consultation while 
        work is being performed at a covered repair station.''.
    (b) Definition of Covered Repair Station.--
            (1) In general.--Section 44733(i) of title 49, United 
        States Code (as redesignated by subsection (a)(3)), is 
        amended--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
                paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively; and
                    (B) 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 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.''.
            (2) 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''.
    (c) Clerical 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.''.

SEC. 312. ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING AND BACKGROUND CHECKS.

    (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (c), beginning on the date 
that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the 
Administrator may not approve or authorize international travel for any 
employee of the FAA until a final rule carrying out the requirements of 
subsection (b) of section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44733 note) has been published in the 
Federal Register.
    (b) 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 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.
    (c) Exceptions.--The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply 
to international travel that is determined by the Administrator on an 
individual-by-individual basis to be--
            (1) exclusively for the purpose of conducting a safety 
        inspection;
            (2) directly related to aviation safety standards, 
        certification, and oversight; or
            (3) vital to the national interests of the United States.
    (d) Definition of Covered Repair Station.--For purposes of this 
section, the term ``covered repair station'' means a facility that--
            (1) is located outside the United States;
            (2) is certificated under part 145 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations; and
            (3) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft (including 
        on-wing aircraft engines), operated under part 121 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 313. CONTINUOUS AIRCRAFT TRACKING AND TRANSMISSION FOR HIGH 
              ALTITUDE BALLOONS.

    (a) Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish an 
        Aviation Rulemaking Committee (in this section referred to as 
        the ``Committee'') to review and develop findings and 
        recommendations regarding a standard that any high altitude 
        balloon be equipped with a system for continuous aircraft 
        tracking that shall transmit, at a minimum, the altitude, 
        location, and identity of the high altitude balloon in a manner 
        which is accessible to air traffic controllers, aircraft, and 
        other users of 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 with specific knowledge 
                of high altitude balloon operations.
                    (C) Representatives of the Department of Defense.
                    (D) Representatives of Federal agencies that 
                conduct high altitude balloon operations.
            (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Committee shall submit to the 
        Administrator a report detailing the findings and 
        recommendations of the Committee described in paragraph (1). 
        Such report shall include 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 any high altitude balloons to have a continuous 
                aircraft tracking and transmission system.
                    (B) Any necessary updates to the requirements for 
                unmanned free 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, aircraft, and other users 
                        of the National Airspace System; and
                            (iii) maintain airspace safety.
    (b) Rulemaking and Other Requirements.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date on which the Committee submits the report under 
subsection (a)(3), the Administrator shall--
            (1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require a 
        continuous aircraft tracking and transmission system for any 
        high altitude balloon, in accordance with the recommendations 
        of the Committee; and
            (2) coordinate with foreign authorities (including 
        bilateral partners and the International Civil Aviation 
        Organization (ICAO)) to develop continuous aircraft tracking 
        and transmission system standards for any high altitude balloon 
        operating outside of the National Airspace System.
    (c) Interim Standard.--During the period beginning on the date that 
is 2 years after the date of enactment of this section and ending on 
the date on which the Administrator issues a notice of proposed 
rulemaking under subsection (b)(1), a person may only operate a high 
altitude balloon if such balloon meets the requirements described in 
section 91.215(b) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
notwithstanding the exemption provided in subsection (e)(1) of such 
section 91.215.
    (d) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, and every 6 months thereafter until the 
Administrator promulgates a final rule under subsection (b), the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the status of the rulemaking and other requirements being 
developed under such subsection.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
                    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate;
                    (B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
                    (C) the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
                    (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
                Representatives.
            (2) High altitude balloon.--The term ``high altitude 
        balloon'' means a manned or unmanned free balloon operating not 
        less than 10,000 feet above sea level.

SEC. 314. INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT.

    (a) Plan.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop and 
        implement a plan to enhance United States' leadership in 
        aviation safety and policy.
            (2) Contents of plan.--The plan required under paragraph 
        (1) shall include, at minimum, the following:
                    (A) Measures to advance international cooperation 
                related to--
                            (i) approval of new safety-enhancing 
                        technologies and aeronautical products;
                            (ii) development of regulatory policy and 
                        plans related to advanced air mobility 
                        concepts;
                            (iii) innovation in the general aviation 
                        sector;
                            (iv) further integration of uncrewed 
                        aircraft systems and advanced air mobility 
                        aircraft and operators; and
                            (v) development of international standards 
                        and best practices for enhancing aviation 
                        safety consistent with United States policy and 
                        objectives.
                    (B) Initiatives to attain greater expertise among 
                employees of the FAA on issues related to dispute 
                resolution, intellectual property, and export control 
                laws.
                    (C) Policy regarding the future direction and 
                strategy of United States engagement with the 
                International Civil Aviation Organization and bilateral 
                partner countries, including the secondment of subject 
                matter experts.
                    (D) Procedures for acceptance of mandatory 
                continuing airworthiness information, such as 
                airworthiness directives and other safety-related 
                regulatory documents, consistent with section 
                44701(e)(5) of title 49, United States Code.
                    (E) Measures to align the FAA's technical 
                assistance to foreign civil aviation regulators, taking 
                into account, among other factors, with respect to each 
                such foreign regulator, the particular aeronautical 
                products for which the United States is the State of 
                Design in operation in the State of such regulator's 
                jurisdiction.
                    (F) Measures, such as funding and the hiring of 
                additional FAA personnel, necessary for the FAA to 
                fully participate in global and bilateral activities 
                related to aviation safety.
                    (G) Measures to facilitate and expand the FAA's 
                international programs, training, and technical 
                assistance to foreign civil aviation authorities in 
                order to--
                            (i) strengthen aviation safety oversight;
                            (ii) meet the United Nations International 
                        Civil Aviation Organization standards; and
                            (iii) further United States policy and 
                        objectives.
                    (H) Initiatives to further develop and establish 
                the FAA's foreign offices in strategic regions, 
                particularly Africa and Asia-Pacific, in order to 
                support the FAA's international mission to promote a 
                safe, secure, seamless, and sustainable global 
                aerospace system.
    (b) Public Availability of Plan.--Not later than 210 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make the plan 
developed under subsection (a) available on the internet website of the 
FAA.
    (c) Submission to Congress.--
            (1) Plan.--Not later than 210 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a copy of the plan developed 
        under subsection (a).
            (2) Updates on implementation.--Not later than 1 year after 
        the submission of the plan under paragraph (1), and annually 
        thereafter through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on the activities 
        the FAA is conducting in order to implement such plan.
    (d) International Travel.--The Administrator, or the 
Administrator's designee, may authorize international travel for any 
FAA employee, without the approval of any other person or office, for 
the purpose of--
            (1) promotion of aviation safety and other relevant 
        aviation standards;
            (2) providing support for expedited acceptance of FAA 
        design and production approvals by other civil aviation 
        authorities;
            (3) facilitation of adoption of United States approaches on 
        standards and recommended practices at the International Civil 
        Aviation Organization; or
            (4) providing support for technical assistance and training 
        by the FAA.

SEC. 315. AIR TOUR AND SPORT PARACHUTING SAFETY.

    (a) Safety Management System Requirements for Certain Operators.--
Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator shall issue a final rule requiring each person 
holding a certificate under part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, and authorized to conduct operations in accordance with 
the provisions of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
implement a safety management system, as appropriate for the 
operations.
    (b) Other Safety Requirements for Commercial Operators.--
            (1) Safety reforms.--
                    (A) Authority to conduct nonstop commercial air 
                tours.--
                            (i) In general.--Subject to clauses (ii) 
                        and (iii), beginning on the date that is 3 
                        years after the date of enactment of this 
                        section, no person may conduct commercial air 
                        tours unless that person--
                                    (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
                                    (II) conducts all commercial air 
                                tours under the applicable provisions 
                                of part 121 or part 135 of title 14, 
                                Code of Federal Regulations.
                            (ii) Small business exception.--The 
                        provisions of clause (i) shall not apply to a 
                        person who conducts 50 or fewer commercial air 
                        tours in a year.
                            (iii) Temporary exception.--Notwithstanding 
                        the requirements of clause (i), for a period of 
                        5 years after the date described in clause (i), 
                        a person who holds a letter of authorization 
                        issued by the Administrator to conduct nonstop 
                        commercial air tours under section 91.147 of 
                        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, may 
                        continue to conduct nonstop commercial air 
                        tours under such letter of authorization so 
                        long as the person--
                                    (I) as of the date of enactment of 
                                this section, has submitted (or not 
                                later than 18 months after such date of 
                                enactment, submits) an application to 
                                the Administrator for an air carrier 
                                certificate under part 119, Code of 
                                Federal Regulations; and
                                    (II) has not been issued such part 
                                119 certificate or received a denial of 
                                the application submitted under 
                                subclause (I).
                            (iv) Reporting required.--Beginning on the 
                        date that is 3 years after the date of 
                        enactment, and every 12 months thereafter, each 
                        person that conducts commercial air tours 
                        (including any person excluded from the 
                        certificate requirement under clause (ii) or 
                        (iii)) shall report to the Administrator the 
                        total number of commercial air tours that 
                        person conducted during the previous 12 months.
                            (v) Other terms.--The Administrator shall--
                                    (I) revise title 14, Code of 
                                Federal Regulations, to include 
                                definitions for the terms ``aerial 
                                work'' and ``aerial photography'' that 
                                are limited to aerial operations 
                                performed for compensation or hire with 
                                an approved operating certificate; and
                                    (II) to the extent necessary, 
                                revise section 119.1(e)(4)(iii) of 
                                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
                                to conform with the requirements of 
                                such definitions.
                    (B) Additional safety requirements.--Not later than 
                3 years after the date of enactment of this section, 
                the Administrator shall issue new or revised 
                regulations that shall require all certificated 
                commercial air tour operators to ensure that the doors 
                of the airplane or helicopter used for such tour remain 
                closed during the period of the tour in which the 
                airplane or helicopter is airborne, except for those 
                conducting parachute operations, and incorporate 
                avoidance training for controlled flight into terrain 
                and in-flight loss of control into the training program 
                required under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations, as applicable. The 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 section 
                on human factors issues involved in such accidents, 
                including but not limited to--
                            (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 inform--
                            (i) 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;
                            (ii) 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 
                        (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);
                            (iii) requiring all commercial air tour 
                        operators to implement a flight data monitoring 
                        program, such as a Flight Operational Quality 
                        Assurance Program;
                            (iv) establishing methods to provide 
                        effective terrain awareness and warning; and
                            (v) establishing methods to provide 
                        effective traffic avoidance in identified high-
                        traffic tour areas, such as requiring air tour 
                        operators that operate within those 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.
                    (B) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
                shall consist of members appointed by the 
                Administrator, including--
                            (i) representatives of industry, including 
                        manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft 
                        technologies;
                            (ii) representatives of aviation operator 
                        organizations; 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.
                    (C) 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 (v) of subparagraph (A).
                            (ii) Considerations.--In carrying out its 
                        duties 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 on part 135 commercial 
                                operators;
                                    (III) recommendations from industry 
                                safety organizations, including but not 
                                limited to the Vertical Aviation Safety 
                                Team (VAST), the General Aviation Joint 
                                Safety Committee, and the United States 
                                Helicopter Safety Team (USHST);
                                    (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 (TAWS) 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.
                    (D) Reports and regulations.--The Administrator 
                shall--
                            (i) not later than 20 months after the date 
                        of enactment of this section, submit to the 
                        appropriate committees of Congress a report 
                        based on the findings of the aviation 
                        rulemaking committee;
                            (ii) not later than 12 months after the 
                        date of submission of the report under clause 
                        (i), and after consideration of the 
                        recommendations of the aviation rulemaking 
                        committee, issue an intent to proceed with 
                        proposed rulemakings regarding each of the 
                        matters specified in clauses (i) through (v) of 
                        subparagraph (A); and
                            (iii) not later than 3 years after the date 
                        of enactment of this section, issue a final 
                        rule with respect to each of the matters 
                        specified in such clauses of subparagraph (A).
    (c) Expedited Process for Obtaining Operating Certificates.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall implement 
        procedures to improve the process for obtaining operating 
        certificates under part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
            (2) Considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
        beginning on the date that is 18 months after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall give 
        priority consideration to operators that must obtain a 
        certificate in accordance with subsection (b)(1)(A).
            (3) Report required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing--
                    (A) how the procedures implemented under paragraph 
                (1) will increase the efficiency of the process for 
                obtaining operating certificates under part 119 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and, if 
                applicable, certificates authorizing operations under 
                part 135 of such title;
                    (B) how considerations under paragraph (2) will be 
                incorporated into procedures implemented under 
                paragraph (1); and
                    (C) any additional resources required to implement 
                procedures under paragraph (1).
            (4) Additional reports required.--Not later than 3 years 
        after the date of enactment of this section, and annually 
        thereafter the Administrator shall submit a report to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress that--
                    (A) includes--
                            (i) data on certification approvals and 
                        denials; and
                            (ii) data on duration of key phases of the 
                        certification process; and
                    (B) identifies certification policies in need of 
                reform or repeal.
    (d) 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 inform--
                    (A) rulemaking governing parachute operations 
                conducted in the United States that are subject to the 
                requirements of part 105 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, to address--
                            (i) Federal Aviation Administration-
                        approved aircraft maintenance and inspection 
                        programs that consider, at a minimum, 
                        requirements for compliance with engine 
                        manufacturers' recommended maintenance 
                        instructions, such as service bulletins and 
                        service information letters for time between 
                        overhauls and component life limits;
                            (ii) initial and annual recurrent pilot 
                        proficiency checking programs 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
                            (iii) initial and annual recurrent pilot 
                        review programs for parachute operations pilots 
                        that address, at a minimum, operation-specific 
                        and aircraft-specific weight and balance 
                        calculations, preflight inspections, emergency 
                        and recovery procedures, and parachutist egress 
                        procedures for each type of aircraft flown, as 
                        well as competency flight checks to determine 
                        pilot competence in practical skills and 
                        techniques in each type of aircraft;
                    (B) the revision of guidance material contained in 
                Advisory Circular 105-2E (relating to sport parachute 
                jumping), to include guidance for parachute operations 
                in implementing the Federal Aviation Administration-
                approved aircraft maintenance and inspection program 
                and the pilot training and pilot proficiency checking 
                programs required under any new or revised regulations 
                issued in accordance with paragraph (1); and
                    (C) the revision of guidance materials issued in 
                Order 8900.1 entitled ``Flight Standards Information 
                Management System'', to include guidance for Federal 
                Aviation Administration inspectors who oversee part 91 
                of title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, operations 
                conducted under any of the exceptions specified in 
                section 119.1(e) of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations, which include parachute operations.
            (2) 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) representatives of parachute operator 
                organizations; 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.
            (3) 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 
                (1).
                    (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 generally 
                        as relevant and specifically those 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, but not limited to, 
                        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.
            (4) Reports and regulations.--The Administrator shall--
                    (A) not later than 20 months after the date of 
                enactment of this section, submit to the appropriate 
                committees of Congress a report based on the findings 
                of the aviation rulemaking committee;
                    (B) not later than 12 months after the date of 
                submission of the report under subparagraph (A), and 
                after consideration of the recommendations of the 
                aviation rulemaking committee, issue, as necessary, an 
                intent to proceed with proposed rulemakings regarding 
                each of the matters specified in subparagraphs (A) 
                through (C) of paragraph (1); and
                    (C) not later than 3 years after the date of 
                enactment of this section, issue, as necessary, a final 
                rule with respect to each of the matters specified in 
                such subparagraphs of paragraph (1).
    (e) 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) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' 
        means a flight conducted for compensation or hire in an 
        airplane or helicopter where a purpose of the flight is 
        sightseeing.
            (3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial 
        air tour operator'' means any person who conducts a commercial 
        air tour.
            (4) Parachute operation.--The term ``parachute operation'' 
        has the meaning given that term in section 105.3 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

SEC. 316. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

    Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(g) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by Foreign 
Countries.--
            ``(1) Assessment.--
                    ``(A) In general.--At intervals the Administrator 
                considers necessary in the interests of safety, the 
                Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of 
                Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall assess 
                the effectiveness of the aviation safety oversight 
                measures carried out by a foreign country--
                            ``(i) from which a foreign air carrier 
                        serves the United States;
                            ``(ii) from which a foreign air carrier 
                        seeks to serve the United States;
                            ``(iii) whose air carriers code-share with 
                        a United States air carrier; or
                            ``(iv) as the Administrator considers 
                        appropriate.
                    ``(B) Requirements.--In conducting an assessment 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall--
                            ``(i) consult with the appropriate 
                        authorities of the government of the foreign 
                        country concerned;
                            ``(ii) determine the extent to which such 
                        country effectively maintains and carries out 
                        its aviation safety oversight measures pursuant 
                        to the Convention on International Civil 
                        Aviation (in this section referred to as the 
                        `Chicago Convention'); and
                            ``(iii) use a standard that will result in 
                        an analysis of the aviation safety oversight 
                        measures carried out by such country based on 
                        the minimum standards contained in Annexes 1, 
                        6, and 8 to the Chicago Convention in effect on 
                        the date of the assessment.
                    ``(C) Non-compliance findings.--
                            ``(i) In general.--When the assessment 
                        required by this subsection identifies areas of 
                        non-compliance to the safety oversight measures 
                        in the Chicago Convention, the Administrator 
                        shall conduct final discussions with the 
                        foreign country within 90 days of the 
                        assessment to determine whether the non-
                        compliance findings have been corrected and the 
                        foreign country is now in compliance with the 
                        applicable international standards for 
                        effective aviation safety oversight.
                            ``(ii) Correction.--If the Administrator 
                        determines that the foreign country has 
                        corrected identified area of non-compliance by 
                        the close of final discussions, the Federal 
                        Aviation Administration will issue or continue 
                        to issue operations specifications to the 
                        foreign operator to enable the United States 
                        air service or to the United States operator if 
                        the foreign operator is to carry its airline 
                        code.
                            ``(iii) Non-correction.--If the 
                        Administrator determines that the foreign 
                        country has not has corrected identified area 
                        of non-compliance by the close of final 
                        discussions--
                                    ``(I) immediate notification will 
                                be made to the Secretary of 
                                Transportation and the Secretary of 
                                State, that a condition exists that 
                                threatens the safety of passengers, 
                                aircraft, or crew traveling to or from 
                                the foreign country; and
                                    ``(II) notwithstanding section 
                                40105(b), the Administrator, after 
                                consulting with the appropriate civil 
                                aviation authority of the foreign 
                                country concerned and notification to 
                                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 provides foreign air 
                                transportation.
                    ``(D) Authority.--Notwithstanding subparagraphs (B) 
                and (C), the Administrator retains the ability to 
                initiate immediate safety oversight action when 
                justified based on available safety information.
            ``(2) Notification.--At the conclusion of the international 
        aviation safety assessment process, the Administrator, after 
        advising the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of 
        State, shall inform the foreign country of the determination 
        regarding its compliance to ICAO standards. The determination 
        shall--
                    ``(A) for foreign countries determined to be 
                compliant in ICAO standards, state that no further 
                action is needed; and
                    ``(B) for foreign countries determined to be non-
                compliant in ICAO standards, recommend the actions 
                necessary to bring the aviation safety oversight 
                measures carried out by that country into compliance 
                with the international standards contained in the 
                Chicago Convention, as used by the Federal Aviation 
                Administration in making the assessment.
            ``(3) Failure to maintain and carry out standards.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), if 
                the Administrator determines that a foreign country 
                does not maintain and carry out effective aviation 
                safety oversight measures, the Administrator shall--
                            ``(i) notify the appropriate authorities of 
                        the government of the foreign country 
                        consistent with paragraph (2);
                            ``(ii) publish the identity of the foreign 
                        country on the Federal Aviation Administration 
                        website, in the Federal Register, and through 
                        other mediums to provide notice to the public;
                            ``(iii) transmit the identity of the 
                        foreign country to the Secretary of State to 
                        inform the relevant travel advisories; and
                            ``(iv) provide the identity of the foreign 
                        country and any critical safety information 
                        resulting from the assessment to the Committee 
                        on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
                        Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
                        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
                    ``(B) Immediate exercise of authority.--
                            ``(i) In general .--The Administrator may 
                        immediately exercise authority under 
                        subparagraph (A) if the Administrator, in 
                        consultation with the Secretary of 
                        Transportation and the Secretary of State, 
                        determines that a condition exists that 
                        threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, 
                        or crew traveling to or from the foreign 
                        country.
                            ``(ii) Notification to the secretary of 
                        state.--The Administrator shall immediately 
                        notify the Secretary of State of a 
                        determination under clause (i) so that the 
                        Secretary of State may issue a travel advisory 
                        with respect to the foreign country.
            ``(4) Accuracy of the iasa list.--To meet the need for the 
        public to have timely and accurate information about the 
        aviation safety oversight of foreign countries, the 
        Administrator shall regularly review the activity of foreign 
        air carriers serving the United States and carrying the code of 
        a United States air carrier. Countries with no such operations 
        for an extended period of time, as determined by the 
        Administrator, will be removed from the public listings for 
        inactivity, after advisement with the Secretary of 
        Transportation and the Secretary of State.
            ``(5) Training.--The Federal Aviation Administration shall 
        use data, tools, and methods in order to ensure transparency 
        and repeatable results of the assessments conducted under this 
        subsection. The Federal Aviation Administration shall ensure 
        that Federal Aviation Administration personnel are properly and 
        adequately trained to carry out the assessments set forth in 
        this subsection, including with respect to ICAO standards and 
        their implementation by foreign countries.
            ``(6) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
        date of enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, 
        the Administrator 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 on the assessments conducted under 
        this subsection, including the results of any corrective action 
        period.''.

SEC. 317. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this section, 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 any exception 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 codified 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 section, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the FAA's 
implementation of the recommendations of the Changed Product Rule 
International Authorities Working Group, established under 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.

SEC. 318. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST VOLUNTARY ADS-B.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator, working with 
representatives from industry groups, including pilots, aircraft 
owners, avionics manufacturers, and any others deemed necessary to 
offer technical expertise, shall develop a report regarding the 
development of a suitable position reporting system for voluntary use 
in airspace not mandated for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast 
Out equipment and use (in this section referred to as ``ADS-B Out'') by 
section 91.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to facilitate 
traffic awareness.
    (b) Requirements.--The report developed under subsection (a) 
shall--
            (1) research and catalog equipment, standards, and systems 
        (including international) relating to ADS-B Out available as of 
        the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (c);
            (2) address strengths and weaknesses of the such equipment, 
        standards and systems, including with respect to costs;
            (3) outline potential regulatory and procedural changes 
        that may need to be undertaken by the FAA and other government 
        entities, as well as equipment, standards, and systems that may 
        need to be developed and required, to enable the development 
        and voluntary use of equipment (existing or new) that enables 
        the use of portable, and installed, low cost position reporting 
        in airspace not mandated for ADS-B Out;
            (4) determine market size, development costs, and barriers 
        that may need to be overcome for the development of technology 
        that enables the use of portable, and installed, low cost 
        position reporting in airspace not mandated for ADS-B Out; and
            (5) include a communication strategy that is targeted 
        towards potential users and promotes the benefits of the 
        position reporting solutions to enhance traffic awareness for 
        voluntary use in airspace not mandated for ADS-B Out, when such 
        technology is available for commercial use.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 30 day after the date on 
which the report developed under subsection (a) is finalized, the 
Administrator shall submit the report to the appropriate committees of 
Congress.

SEC. 319. 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 8, 2018.
    (b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall make such regulatory 
changes as are necessary as a result of the enactment of subsection 
(a).

SEC. 320. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

    (a) Finding.--Congress finds that on January 11, 2023, the FAA 
released a notice of proposed rulemaking to update and expand the 
requirements for safety management systems.
    (b) As the FAA reviews comments to the notice of proposed 
rulemaking described in subsection (a) and drafts the final rule, the 
Administrator shall ensure that safety management systems program 
requirements can be appropriately scaled to the size and complexity of 
each operator.

SEC. 321. AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND SHARING PROGRAM.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
section, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress, a report on the FAA's progress with respect to the 
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) program that--
            (1) describes the phased approach the FAA is following to 
        construct the ASIAS system;
            (2) describes the efforts of the FAA to secure increased 
        safety data from--
                    (A) commercial air carriers;
                    (B) general aviation operators;
                    (C) helicopter operators;
                    (D) unmanned aircraft system operators; and
                    (E) other aircraft operators; and
            (3) provides a summary of the efforts of the FAA to address 
        gaps in safety data provided from any of the classes of 
        operators described in paragraph (2).

SEC. 322. 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 section, subject to subsection (b)(2), 
the Administrator shall establish a working group for purposes of 
reviewing, evaluating, and making recommendations on check pilot 
functions for air carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The working group required by this section 
        shall include--
                    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check pilots 
                (as described in section 91.1089 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations);
                    (B) representatives of air carriers operating under 
                such part 135; and
                    (C) industry associations representing such air 
                carriers.
            (2) Existing working group.--The Administrator may assign 
        the duties of the working group described in subsection (c) to 
        an existing FAA working group if--
                    (A) the membership of the existing working group 
                includes the members required under paragraph (1); or
                    (B) the members required under paragraph (1) are 
                added to the membership of the existing working group.
    (c) Duties.--The working group shall review, evaluate, and make 
recommendations on the following:
            (1) Methods for approving check pilots for air carriers 
        operating under such part 135.
            (2) Actions required to ensure such air carriers are 
        authorized an adequate number of check pilots to enable timely 
        occurrence of pilot checks.
            (3) Differences in qualification standards applied to--
                    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check pilots; 
                and
                    (B) check pilots of an authorized air carrier.
            (4) Methods to standardize the qualification standards for 
        check pilots, including check pilots who are employees of the 
        FAA and or of an authorized air carrier.
            (5) Methods to improve the training and qualification of 
        check pilots.
            (6) Prior recommendations made by FAA advisory committees 
        or working groups regarding check pilot functions.
            (7) Petitions for rulemaking submitted to the FAA regarding 
        check pilot functions.
    (d) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after than the 
date on which the Administrator establishes the working group under 
subsection (a) (or tasks an existing FAA working group under subsection 
(b)(2) 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, as well as the Administrator's 
efforts to implement such recommendations.

SEC. 323. ENHANCING PROCESSES FOR AUTHORIZING AIRCRAFT FOR SERVICE IN 
              COMMUTER AND ON DEMAND OPERATIONS.

    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 
establish a Part 135 Aircraft Conformity Working Group (in this section 
referred to as the ``Working Group''). The Working Group shall study 
methods and make recommendations to clarify requirements and 
standardize the process for conducting and completing aircraft 
conformity processes for existing part 135 air carriers and operators 
in a timely manner and entering those aircraft into service.
    (b) Membership.--The Working Group shall be comprised of 
representatives of the FAA, existing part 135 air carriers and 
operators, and associations or trade groups representing such class of 
air carriers or operators.
    (c) Duties.--The Working Group shall consider all aspects of the 
current FAA processes for ensuring aircraft conformity and make 
recommendations to enhance those 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 part 135 operators to add an 
        aircraft that was listed on another part 135 certificate 
        immediately prior to moving to the new air carrier; 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 
Administrator's efforts 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. 324. TOWER MARKING COMPLIANCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall provide a briefing 
to the appropriate committees of Congress on implementation of the 
requirements of section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security 
Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note) (as amended by section 576 of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254, 132 Stat. 3391)).
    (b) Requirements.--The briefing required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
            (1) A description of, and timeframe for, the 
        Administrator's development of requirements to file notice of 
        construction of meteorological evaluation towers and other 
        renewable energy projects under the notice of proposed 
        rulemaking RIN 2120-AK77.
            (2) A description of the FAA's use of existing publicly 
        accessible databases to collect and make available information 
        about certain structures that are required to, or voluntarily, 
        file notice with the FAA.
            (3) For the period beginning on July 15, 2016, and ending 
        on the date the briefing required by subsection (a) is 
        provided, a list of aircraft accidents during such period that 
        are associated with covered towers (as such term is defined in 
        section 2110(b)(1)(A) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
        Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note) that are not marked 
        in accordance with applicable guidance in the advisory circular 
        of the FAA issued December 4, 2015 (AC 70/7460-IL).

SEC. 325. 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 2023;
                            ``(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 2023;
                            ``(iii) $10,000,000 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 
                        2023;
                            ``(iv) $250,000 if the violation was 
                        committed by an individual on or after the date 
                        of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
                        2023; or
                            ``(v) $2,500,000 if the violation was 
                        committed by a small business concern on or 
                        after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                        Reauthorization Act of 2023;'';
            (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 2023;
                    ``(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 2023;
                    ``(C) $10,000,000 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 2023;
                    ``(D) $250,000 if the violation was committed by an 
                individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2023; or
                    ``(E) $2,500,000 if the violation was committed by 
                a small business concern on or after the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023.''; 
                and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(10) The maximum amounts authorized in clauses (iii) 
        through (v) of paragraph (4)(A) and in subparagraphs (C) 
        through (E) of paragraph (8) of this subsection shall be 
        adjusted for inflation no less frequently than every 5 
        years.''.

SEC. 326. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM 
              VIOLATIONS.

    Section 46301(d)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``subchapter III of chapter 421,'' before ``chapter 441''.

SEC. 327. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.

    (a) Repeal.--Section 44514 of title 49, United States Code, and the 
item relating to that section in the analysis for chapter 445 of such 
title 49 are repealed.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 106(g)(1)(D) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``44514,''.

SEC. 328. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS.

    Section 40104(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
            ``(3) State-to-state agreements.--The Administrator shall 
        promote efficient delivery of bilateral and multilateral 
        engagement and technical assistance by waiving the requirement 
        for State-to-State agreements for the provision of technical 
        assistance and training 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.
            ``(4) Definition.--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) related training and exercises in 
                        support of aviation safety, efficiency, and 
                        security.''.

SEC. 329. 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. Security and research and development activities
    ``(a) General Requirements.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall conduct research (including behavioral 
research) and development activities appropriate to develop, modify, 
test, and evaluate a system, procedure, facility, or device to protect 
passengers and property against acts of criminal violence, aircraft 
piracy, and terrorism and to ensure security.
    ``(b) 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, United States Code, 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) of this 
        subsection does not authorize information to be withheld from a 
        committee of Congress authorized to have the information.
            ``(3) Sensitive security information.--Nothing in paragraph 
        (1) shall be construed to authorize the designation of 
        information as sensitive security information (as defined in 
        section 15.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations)--
                    ``(A) to conceal a violation of law, inefficiency, 
                or administrative error;
                    ``(B) to prevent embarrassment to a person, 
                organization, or agency;
                    ``(C) to restrain competition; or
                    ``(D) to 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, 
        United States Code, 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.
    ``(c) 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 
United States 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 it had 
never been repealed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-254; 132 Stat. 3186).
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Chapter 401 analysis.--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. Security and research and development activities.''.
            (2) Other disclosure requirements.--Section 44912 of title 
        49, United States Code, is amended in subsection (d) by 
        striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as 
        paragraph (2).

SEC. 330. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.

    (a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Transportation 
Statistics (referred to in this section as the ``Director''), in 
consultation with other offices within the Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation and the FAA, shall conduct a study to explore the 
capture, storage, analysis, and feasibility of monitoring ground source 
data at airports in the United States.
    (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the study conducted under 
subsection (a) shall include:
            (1) Determining the current state of ground source data 
        coverage at airports in the United States.
            (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 and 
        developing 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 section, the Director shall establish a pilot 
        program for the purposes of collecting data and developing 
        ground-based tarmac delay statistics or other relevant 
        statistics with respect to airports in the United States.
            (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 section; 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 section, 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. 331. 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 for aviation security as 
part of the FAA's cybersecurity strategy.
    (b) Contents of the Review.--The review required by subsection (a) 
shall assess--
            (1) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity risks and 
        vulnerabilities are defined and accounted for in the strategy 
        aviation security framework, particularly in pillar 2 of that 
        framework to ``protect and defend FAA networks and systems to 
        mitigate risks to FAA missions and service delivery'';
            (2) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity, particularly of the 
        aircraft avionics, is considered, incorporated, and prioritized 
        in the cybersecurity strategy pursuant to section 509 of the 
        FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note);
            (3) how roles and responsibilities for aircraft and ground 
        systems cybersecurity are differentiated and enforced between 
        the Transportation Security Agency and the FAA;
            (4) how aircraft and ground systems cybersecurity 
        vulnerabilities are being identified and prioritized for 
        mitigation, particularly considering the commercial technology 
        ecosystem; and
            (5) the budgets of the parties responsible for implementing 
        the strategy framework for aviation security, as identified in 
        subsection (a), to satisfy those mitigation requirements 
        necessary to secure the aviation ecosystem from onboard 
        cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, 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 Government 
        Affairs of the Senate.

SEC. 332. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.

    Section 506(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (42 U.S.C. 
44704 note) is amended--
            (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
        ``consider, where appropriate, revising'' and inserting 
        ``revise, where appropriate, existing'';
            (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (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 require that software-based systems and equipment, 
        including aircraft flight critical systems, be verified to 
        ensure the software-based systems and equipment have not been 
        compromised by unauthorized external and internal access.''.

SEC. 333. MAINTENANCE DATA AVAILABILITY.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall assign to the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee the task of--
            (1) performing a comprehensive review of previous and 
        current FAA regulations and related internal and external 
        guidance material related to instructions for continue 
        airworthiness (in this section referred to as ``ICA''); and
            (2) developing and submitting to the Administrator 
        recommendations for guidance or regulatory changes to--
                    (A) clarify the obligations of design approval 
                holders to develop and make ICA available;
                    (B) create methods to identify and provide access 
                to ICA; and
                    (C) create mechanisms to accept complaints, resolve 
                disputes, and enforce obligations.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the 
recommendations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to 
the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes such 
recommendations and the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such 
recommendations.

SEC. 334. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on the safety 
consequences of a transport airplane design approved by a domestic or 
foreign aviation manufacturer failing to comply with the applicable 
airworthiness standards. The study shall identify--
            (1) each final airworthiness directive applicable to 
        transport airplanes that was issued by the FAA in the 2-year 
        period prior to the date of enactment of this section to 
        address unsafe conditions resulting from the approval of 
        designs that were non-compliant with an applicable 
        airworthiness standard; and
            (2) for each such airworthiness directive--
                    (A) the airworthiness standard with which the 
                affected products failed to comply, as well as the 
                resulting unsafe condition and whether such condition 
                resulted in an accident;
                    (B) the methods by which the noncompliance was 
                discovered and brought to the attention of the FAA;
                    (C) an analysis of whether the method used by the 
                applicant to show compliance was acceptable and whether 
                other compliance methods would have identified the 
                noncompliance during the type certification process;
                    (D) the date of approval of the relevant type 
                design and the date of issuance of the airworthiness 
                directive;
                    (E) any corrective action mandated to address the 
                identified unsafe condition;
                    (F) the period of time specified for the 
                incorporation of the corrective action, during which 
                the affected products were allowed to operate before 
                the unsafe condition was corrected; and
                    (G) the total cost of compliance estimated in the 
                final rule adopting the airworthiness directive.
    (b) Coordination.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall coordinate with, and solicit comments from, 
union representatives of the aviation safety engineers involved in the 
development of airworthiness directives.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this section, 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) a description of any root cause of unsafe conditions 
        identified by such study, as well as an identification of any 
        action required to address any such root cause;
            (3) the union representative comments solicited under 
        subsection (b); and
            (4) any other recommendations for legislative or 
        administrative action determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (d) Definition of Transport Airplane.--For purposes of this 
section, the term ``transport airplane'' has the meaning given such 
term in FAA Notice N 8900.649, titled ``Use of Air Carrier Pilots 
During Flight Standardization Board Evaluations for Transport 
Airplanes'' (issued December 23, 2022).

SEC. 335. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.

    (a) Internal Regulatory Review Team.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish 
        an internal regulatory review team (in this section referred to 
        as the ``Team'').
            (2) Review.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
                date on which the Team is established, the Team shall 
                conduct a review of foreign airworthiness standards and 
                guidance for firewalls to determine best practices that 
                should be adopted by the FAA and submit to the 
                Administrator a report on the findings of such review.
                    (B) Requirements.--In conducting the review, the 
                team shall--
                            (i) identify any significant differences in 
                        standards or guidance with respect to test 
                        article selection, fire test boundaries, and 
                        evaluation criteria for such tests, including 
                        the use of certification by analysis where 
                        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 FAA's firewall 
                        requirements; 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 FAA's Significant Standards List based on such findings; 
        and
            (2) not later than 90 days after such date, submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on such findings, 
        together with recommendations for such legislative or 
        administrative action as the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.

SEC. 336. CABIN AIR SAFETY.

    (a) Deadline for Submissions to Congress.--Not later than 60 days 
after the date of enactment of this section, 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 study by the Airliner Cabin Environmental Research 
        Center of Excellence on bleed air required by 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 by subsection (d) of such 
        section.
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after such date of 
enactment, the Administrator may 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, 
with respect to incidents onboard aircraft involving oil and hydraulic 
fluid fume events. The rulemaking shall include, as necessary, the 
study and report required under subsection (a) and 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 smoke or fume events.
            (2) A standardized FAA form and system for reporting 
        incidents involving smoke or fume events onboard aircraft.
            (3) The development of investigative procedures for the FAA 
        to follow after receipt of a report of an incident involving an 
        oil and hydraulic fluid event onboard aircraft in which at 
        least 1 passenger or crew member required medical attention as 
        a result of the incident.
            (4) Installation onboard aircraft of detectors and other 
        air quality monitoring equipment situated in the air supply 
        system to enable pilots and maintenance technicians to locate 
        the sources of air supply contamination, including carbon 
        monoxide.

SEC. 337. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.

    The Administrator shall evaluate whether there are impacts to 
travelers due to poor air quality and bleed air inside Washington 
Dulles International Airport.

SEC. 338. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall revise section part 
121.569 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to include each of 
the provisions described in subsection (b).
    (b) Provisions Described.--The provisions described in this 
subsection are the following:
            (1) A 30-day limit on foreign aircraft interchange 
        agreements.
            (2) A minimum break between foreign aircraft interchange 
        renewals of 90 days.
            (3) A limit of no more than 1 foreign aircraft interchange 
        agreement between 2 airlines.
            (4) A limit of no more than 2 foreign aircraft on the 
        interchange agreement.

SEC. 339. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.

    (a) In General.--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, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall promulgate an interim final 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 promulgating any rule under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall not enable any aircraft of a 
type that has been manufactured in accordance with the requirements of 
and accepted for use by, any branch of the United States Military and 
has been later modified to be used for wildfire suppression operations.
    (c) Conforming Amendments to FAA Documents.--In promulgating an 
interim final rule under subsection (a), the Administrator shall amend 
FAA Order 8110.56, Restricted Category Type Certification (dated 
February 27, 2006), as well as any corresponding policy or guidance 
material, to reflect the requirements of subsection (a).
    (d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to limit the Administrator's authority to take action otherwise 
authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.
    (e) Definitions.--For purposes of 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. 340. 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 section, the Administrator shall enter into 
        appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of 
        Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in this subsection 
        referred to as the ``National Academies'') under which the 
        National Academies will conduct a 1-year study on the health 
        and safety impacts, with respect to passengers and crewmembers 
        during each season in which the study is conducted, of the 
        temperature of a covered aircraft cabin falling outside of a 
        temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during all 
        phases of flight operation.
            (2) Consultation.--In conducting the study required by 
        paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with the 
        FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, air carriers operating 
        under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
        applicable aviation labor organizations.
            (3) Flight definition.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
        term ``flight operation'' means the period beginning on the 
        moment an individual boards the covered aircraft with the 
        intention of work and duty related to the flight until such 
        time as all such individuals have disembarked from the covered 
        aircraft.
    (b) Reports.--
            (1) To the administrator.--Not later than 180 days after 
        the date on which the study under subsection (a) is completed, 
        the National Academies shall submit to the Administrator a 
        report on the results of such study, together with 
        recommendations determined appropriate by the National 
        Academies.
            (2) To congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
        which the National Academies submits the report under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report describing the results of the 
        study required by subsection (a), together with recommendations 
        for further action deemed appropriate by the Administrator.
    (c) Definition of Covered Aircraft.--For purposes of this section, 
the term ``covered aircraft'' means an aircraft operated under part 121 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 341. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENT.

    Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, 
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 
only apply to aircraft operating at altitudes above flight level 410. 
In 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.

SEC. 342. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall issue guidance to 
Part 121 air carriers relating to the expression of milk by crewmembers 
on an aircraft during non-critical 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 that complying with the advisory circular will 
        not require an air carrier or foreign air carrier to incur 
        significant expense, such as through the addition of an extra 
        crewmember in response to providing a break, removal or 
        retrofitting of seats on the aircraft, or 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 
Administrator's authority for aviation safety under subtitle VII of 
title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 343. 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), in the matter preceding 
        subparagraph (A), by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and 
        inserting ``September 30, 2028''; 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) Oversight of FAA Compliance Program.--Section 122 of division V 
of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``October 1, 2023'' 
        and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and
            (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
        ``2028''.
    (i) 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''.

           TITLE IV--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

SEC. 401. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY TASK FORCE.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a task force, 
to be known as the ``NextGen Accountability Task Force'' (referred to 
in this section as the ``Task Force'') to provide recommendations on 
the most effective operational metrics that can be used to assess the 
performance of the FAA in delivering and implementing quantifiable 
operational benefits to the national airspace system within the Next 
Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) project.
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed of, at a 
        minimum, representatives from--
                    (A) the FAA;
                    (B) trade associations representing avionics 
                manufacturers;
                    (C) trade associations representing air carriers
                    (D) trade associations representing business or 
                general aviation operators;
                    (E) labor organizations representing air traffic 
                controllers; and
                    (F) any other interested parties that the 
                Administrator determines may provide expertise and 
                assist the Task Force to fulfill its obligations.
            (2) Appointment.--The Administrator shall appoint each 
        member of the Task Force.
            (3) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Task Force shall be filled 
        in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
    (c) Duties.--The Task Force shall --
            (1) leverage current metrics used by the FAA to quantify 
        the benefits of NextGen technology and investments;
            (2) validate current and establish additional metrics for 
        the FAA to track national airspace system throughput and 
        savings due to NextGen investments by calculating a weighted 
        average by distance, on a per flight basis--
                    (A) reduction and cumulative savings of track miles 
                and time savings;
                    (B) reduction and cumulative savings of emissions 
                and fuel burn;
                    (C) reduction of aircraft operation time; and
                    (D) any other metrics that the Administrator 
                determines may provide quantifiable benefits for 
                operators in the national airspace system; and
            (3) validate current and establish metrics for the FAA to 
        track and assess fleet equipage across operators in the 
        national airspace system including--
                    (A) percentage of aircraft equipped with NextGen 
                avionics equipment as recommended in the Minimum 
                Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team, NextGen Advisory 
                Committee (NAC) Task 19-1 Report completed in November 
                2020;
                    (B) quantified costs and benefits for an operator 
                to properly equip with baseline NextGen avionics 
                equipment over the aircraft's lifecycle; and
                    (C) cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits 
                associated with rates of mixed equipage across 
                operators.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Task Force shall submit to the Administrator a report 
with its findings and recommendations and metrics developed pursuant to 
subsections (a) and (c).
    (e) Public Display.--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 present, track, and update 
through 2030--
            (1) the metrics recommended and established by the Task 
        Force on a quarterly and annual basis depending on the metric; 
        and
            (2) the total amount invested in NextGen technologies and 
        resulting quantifiable benefits on a quarterly basis until the 
        Administrator declares the completion of NextGen 
        implementation.
    (f) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United 
States Code (commonly known as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), 
shall not apply to the Task Force.
    (g) Sunset.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date on which 
the Administrator receives the report required under subsection (d).

SEC. 402. USE OF ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE IN OCEANIC AIRSPACE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop a plan to--
            (1) coordinate with counterparts at air service navigation 
        providers in airspace that is adjacent to United States 
        airspace or international airspace delegated to the United 
        States to--
                    (A) adopt reduced separation standards in oceanic 
                airspace;
                    (B) implement procedures that will permit user 
                preferred routes to increase fuel efficiency and reduce 
                greenhouse gas emissions; and
                    (C) exercise leadership in setting global standards 
                by harmonizing the safety and efficiency of air traffic 
                operations in airspace neighboring any airspace 
                delegated to the United States; and
            (2) utilize Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast 
        (ADS-B) relay service within United States airspace or 
        international airspace delegated to the United States for--
                    (A) positive air traffic control, including 
                separation of aircraft by implementing the ICAO 
                Advanced Surveillance-Enhanced Procedural Separation 
                standard;
                    (B) air traffic flow management;
                    (C) search and rescue;
                    (D) accident investigation; and
                    (E) data analytics.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which the 
Administrator completes development of the plan required by subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report that--
            (1) details the actions the Administrator shall take to 
        implement the plan, including specifying the required technical 
        system upgrades, operational procedure modifications, new 
        training requirements, and a transition plan;
            (2) details a schedule with milestones for implementation 
        of the use of advanced surveillance systems or services and 
        coordination of such use with international air service 
        navigation providers; and
            (3) describes any anticipated safety enhancements, fuel and 
        operating cost savings, and reduction in carbon emissions of 
        aircraft operating through airspace in which such advanced 
        surveillance systems or services are used.

SEC. 403. GPS MONITORING PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall conduct a pilot program 
to evaluate technologies to detect, measure, and locate disrupting 
sources of interference to the GPS Standard Positioning Service in 
order to mitigate the impacts on air commerce and other related 
government and civilian functions within the air traffic management 
ecosystem.
    (b) Evaluation of Technologies.--
            (1) Types of technologies.--The pilot program shall 
        evaluate commercially available technologies, as well as 
        technologies under development by the FAA, the Department of 
        Transportation, the Department of Defense, the Department of 
        Homeland Security, and the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration.
            (2) Scope.--The pilot program shall consider technologies 
        that have both physical electronics equipment and software 
        components, as well as technologies with only software 
        components.
    (c) Number of Evaluation Sites.--The pilot program shall evaluate 
technologies for the purposes described in subsection (a) at not less 
than 5, and not more than 7, airports unless the Administrator 
determines that additional evaluation sites are needed to carry out the 
pilot program.
    (d) Location of Evaluation Sites.--
            (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be conducted at 
        each of the following types of airports:
                    (A) A primary airport in Class B airspace.
                    (B) A primary airport in Class C airspace.
                    (C) A primary airport in Class D airspace.
                    (D) An airport in Class E airspace.
                    (E) A Joint-Use Airport.
            (2) Documented interference.--In determining whether an 
        airport should be an evaluation site for the pilot program, the 
        Administrator shall consider airports described in paragraph 
        (1) that have experienced documented instances of interference 
        to the GPS Standard Positioning Service during the 5-year 
        period ending with the date of enactment of this section.
    (e) Private Sector Participation.--The Administrator shall 
collaborate with the private sector, including providers of technology 
that can cost-effectively implement a capability to potentially 
mitigate the impacts of GPS Standard Positioning Service interference 
on air commerce.
    (f) Congressional Briefings.--Beginning 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter until the date on 
which the report required by subsection (g) is submitted, the 
Administrator shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress with 
a briefing summarizing the status of, and findings from, the pilot 
program.
    (g) Report.--Not later than 180 days after date on which pilot 
program is terminated, the Administrator shall provide a report to the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the pilot program.
    (h) GPS Standard Positioning Service Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``GPS Standard Positioning Service'' has the meaning given such 
term in section 2281(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 404. RUNWAY SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study of runway 
safety incidents and accidents at airports in the United States and 
identify technologies that may prevent or reduce the risk of such 
incidents and accidents.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a) that includes the following:
            (1) Recommendations for preventative measures, including 
        process changes and identification of available technologies, 
        to mitigate the risks of runway safety incidents and accidents 
        at or near airports in the United States.
            (2) Recommendations for additional airports in the United 
        States, based on a risk-based analysis, that would be viable 
        candidates for installation of runway safety technologies.
            (3) The FAA's timeline and action plan for replacing, 
        maintaining, or enhancing the operational capability provided 
        by the Airport Surface Detection System - Model X (ASDE-X) and 
        the Airport Surface Surveillance Capability (ASSC) legacy 
        surveillance systems, and implementing runway safety 
        technologies at airports currently without surface surveillance 
        systems, as needed to improve runway safety.
            (4) An explanation of the decision-making process used by 
        the FAA to determine whether to introduce runway safety 
        technologies, like ASDE-X, ASSC, or other appropriate surface 
        surveillance systems, at additional airports.
    (c) Briefings.--Following the submission of the report under 
subsection (b) and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the action 
plan under subsection (b)(3), including on the--
            (1) status of implementing new surface surveillance systems 
        at additional airports; and
            (2) justification for delaying or not implementing 
        additional surface surveillance systems at airports identified 
        by the Administrator under subsection (b)(2).

SEC. 405. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.

    (a) Pilot Program.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
        of enactment of this section, 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 FAA's trajectory based-
        operations air traffic flow management system.
            (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 FAA's performance in 
                carrying out air traffic flow management system 
                development projects.
                    (D) Any other information the Administrator deems 
                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 
        shall not exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic flow 
        management technology provider.
    (b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually 
thereafter until the termination of the pilot program, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
progress of the pilot program under this section, including any 
implementation challenges of the program, detailed metrics of the 
program, and any suggested action to achieve the adoption of FPO.
    (c) Definition of Trajectory-based Operations.--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.

SEC. 406. STARS REMOTE SURVEILLANCE DISPLAYS.

    (a) Certification.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall define 
        minimum performance and technical requirements in order to 
        provide a mechanism to certify a commercial radar display 
        capable of displaying primary and secondary radar targets for 
        use by controllers in FAA Contract Tower program towers.
            (2) STARS.--With respect to a Standard Terminal Automation 
        Replacement System or any equivalent system procured directly 
        from an original equipment manufacturer (in this section 
        referred to as an ``OEM''), the Administrator shall move 
        expeditiously to certify such systems for Federal contract 
        towers and identify such systems by issuing an advisory 
        circular regarding the certification of such systems.
            (3) Minimum equipment list.--The FAA may add Standard 
        Terminal Automation Replacement System equipment to the minimum 
        level of equipage necessary for Federal contract towers to 
        perform their function, as applicable.
    (b) Installation and Maintenance.--Not later than December 31, 
2025, the Administrator shall allow airports to--
            (1) procure, install, and maintain a Standard Terminal 
        Automation Replacement System or any equivalent system through 
        the FAA; or
            (2) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement 
        System or any equivalent system and installation and 
        maintenance services directly from an OEM.

SEC. 407. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall initiate an audit of 
all legacy systems to determine their level of operational risk, 
functionality, security, and compatibility with current and future 
technology.
    (b) Scope of Audit.--The audit required by subsection (a)--
            (1) shall be conducted by an independent third-party 
        contractor or a Federally funded research and development 
        center (FFRDC) selected by the Administrator;
            (2) shall include an assessment of whether a legacy system 
        is outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable, as defined in 
        subsection (f); and
            (3) with respect to any legacy systems identified in the 
        audit as outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable, 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.
    (c) Deadline.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the audit required 
by subsection (a) shall be completed.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the audit required by 
subsection (a) is completed, the Administrator shall provide a report 
to the appropriate committees of Congress on the audit's findings and 
recommendations, including--
            (1) an inventory of the legacy systems in use;
            (2) an assessment of the operational condition of the 
        legacy systems in use; and
            (3) the average age of in-service legacy systems and, for 
        each legacy system in use, the intended design life of the 
        system, by type.
    (e) Collaboration With Industry on Plan to Accelerate Drawdown, 
Replacement, or Enhancement of Legacy Systems.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
        which the Administrator provides the report required by 
        subsection (d), the Administrator shall initiate a plan, in 
        coordination with industry, to accelerate drawdown, 
        replacement, or enhancement of any legacy systems that are 
        identified in the audit required by subsection (a) as outdated, 
        insufficient, unsafe, or unstable.
            (2) Priorities.--The Administrator shall prioritize the 
        drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of such legacy systems 
        based on the operational risks such legacy systems pose to air 
        safety and the costs associated with the replacement or 
        enhancement of such legacy systems.
            (3) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall work with 
        industry to develop a plan to replace or enhance the identified 
        legacy systems within a reasonable time frame.
            (4) Progress updates.--The Administrator shall provide the 
        appropriate committees of Congress with semi-annual updates on 
        the progress made in replacing or enhancing the identified 
        legacy systems.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Industry.--The term ``industry'' means the aviation 
        industry, limited to organizations with expertise in aviation-
        dedicated network systems, systems engineering platforms, 
        aviation software services, air traffic management, flight 
        operations, and International Civil Aviation Organization 
        (ICAO) standards.
            (2) Legacy systems.--The term ``legacy systems'' means any 
        communication, navigation, surveillance, or automation or 
        network applications or ground-based aviation infrastructure 
        owned by the FAA that were deployed prior to the year 2000, 
        including the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system.
            (3) Outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable.--The term 
        ``outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable'' means a legacy 
        system for which the likelihood of failure creates a risk to 
        air safety or security due to the legacy system's age, ability 
        to be cost-effectively maintained, or any other factors that 
        may compromise the performance or security of the legacy 
        system. Such term includes a legacy system with a risk of a 
        single point of failure or that lacks of sufficient back-up 
        capability in the event of a failure.

SEC. 408. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

    (a) Satellite Voice Communications Services.--The Administrator 
shall evaluate the addition of satellite voice communication services 
(referred to in this section 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 120 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
begin to develop the safety case analysis and stated implementation 
procedures for SatVoice instructions over the FAA's controlled oceanic 
and remote continental airspace regions.
    (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) Collaboration with the International Civil Aviation 
        Organization in defining Satcom Standards and Recommended 
        Practices (SARPs), which shall include an RCP-130 performance 
        standard as well as SatVoice standards.
            (4) Training of 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.--The addition of SatVoice capability 
as an added means of communication in oceanic and remote continental 
airspace shall in no way affect the current HF/VHF equipage requirement 
for communications in such airspace. The Administrator shall maintain 
existing HF/VHF services as minimum equipage under the AMCS program to 
provide for auxiliary communication and maintain safety in the event of 
a satellite outage.

SEC. 409. LOW ALTITUDE ROUTES FOR VERTICAL FLIGHT.

    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
national airspace system requires additional rotorcraft, including 
advanced air mobility aircraft, low-altitude instrument flight rules 
routes leveraging advances in performance based navigation to operate 
on direct, safe, and reliable routes that ensure sufficient separation 
from higher altitude fixed wing aircraft traffic.
    (b) Low-altitude Rotorcraft Instrument Flight Routes.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall initiate a 
        rulemaking process to--
                    (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 (RNAV) instrument flight rules routes, 
                acting through notice and comment rulemaking, as part 
                of the United States air traffic service route (ATS) 
                structure that utilize performance based navigation, 
                such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global 
                Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment.
            (2) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking process 
        under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
                    (A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport, 
                rotorcraft manufacturer, rotorcraft operator, general 
                aviation operator, commercial air carrier, and 
                performance based navigation technology manufacturer 
                sectors;
                    (B) the United States Helicopter Safety Team; and
                    (C) other stakeholders determined appropriate by 
                the Administrator.

SEC. 410. 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 section, the Administrator shall initiate a 
        study to determine--
                    (A) the number of aircraft registered in the United 
                States and other devices operating in the airspace of 
                the United States that are not equipped with Automatic 
                Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) out equipment;
                    (B) the requirements for and impact of expanding 
                the dual-link architecture that is used below an 
                altitude of FL180 to any altitude below the current 
                radar floor;
                    (C) the costs and benefits of equipage; and
                    (D) the cost and benefits of any accommodation made 
                for aircraft with inoperable ADS-B out equipment.
            (2) Annual briefings.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter through 
        2025, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
        of Congress on the results of the study conducted under 
        paragraph (1), including any updates thereof.
    (b) Vehicle-to-Vehicle Link Program.--Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, 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 programs 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. 411. 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.--
            ``(1) Certain nextgen avionics.--The term `certain NextGen 
        avionics' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as 
        recommended in the Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team, 
        NextGen Advisory Committee (NAC) Task 19-1 Report completed in 
        November 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 ``September 30, 2023'' 
        and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 412. NEXTGEN EQUIPAGE PLAN.

    (a) Plan.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop a 2-year 
        implementation plan to further incentivize the acceleration of 
        the equipage rates of certain NextGen avionics in the active 
        commercial and regional fleet of the national airspace system.
            (2) Contents.--The plan required under paragraph(1) shall, 
        at a minimum, evaluate and consider recommendations to--
                    (A) provide for further implementation and 
                deployment of NextGen operational improvements to 
                incentivize universal equipage across the active fleet 
                for commercial and regional aircraft;
                    (B) identify any remaining barriers for operators 
                to properly equip with certain NextGen avionics, 
                including any methods to address such barriers;
                    (C) provide for the use of the best methods to 
                highlight and enhance the benefits realizable by 
                operators equipping with certain NextGen avionics; and
                    (D) contain any equipage guidelines and regulations 
                the Administrator deems 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) labor organizations representing air traffic 
                controllers; and
                    (D) any other representatives the Administrator 
                determines appropriate.
    (b) Submission of Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall consider the 
recommendations under subsection (a) and submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress the plan required under subsection (a).
    (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
the plan required under subsection (a) is submitted to the appropriate 
committees of Congress under subsection (b), the Administrator shall, 
if Administrator determined appropriate, initiate a rulemaking 
proceeding to address one or more of the recommendations contained in 
the plan.
    (d) Definition.--In this section the term ``certain NextGen 
avionics'' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as 
recommended in the Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team, NextGen 
Advisory Committee (NAC) Task 19-1 Report completed in November 2020.

SEC. 413. PERFORMANCE BASED NAVIGATION REPORT AND UTILIZATION PLAN.

    (a) Report on Performance Based Navigation.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall publish on 
        the website of the FAA a progress report on the utilization, 
        implementation, and operational benefits of performance based 
        navigation (in this section referred to as ``PBN'') procedures 
        of the FAA within the national airspace system.
            (2) Contents.--The report shall include, at a minimum, a 
        detailed implementation plan with respect to the 
        recommendations made by--
                    (A) the PBN Clarification Ad Hoc Team, NextGen 
                Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 
                ``NAC'') Task 19-4 Report completed in November 2020;
                    (B) the Final Report of the Major Air Carrier 
                Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Way Forward 
                Workgroup for the FAA's PBN Clarification Tasking to 
                the NAC dated June 2020;
                    (C) the NAC Subcommittee Update on Opportunities 
                dated June 2020;
                    (D) the Barriers to Established on Required 
                Navigation Performance Procedures dated November 2019; 
                and
                    (E) the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 
                547 Enhanced Air Traffic Services, NAC Task 20-3 Report 
                dated March 2021.
    (b) Utilization Action Plan.--180 days after the completion of the 
report under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, in consultation 
with representatives of air traffic controllers, develop an action plan 
to utilize PBN as a primary means of navigation to further reduce the 
dependency on legacy systems within the national airspace system.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the development of the 
action plan under subsection (b), and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the implementation of the action plan, including the 
utilization rate of PBN as a primary means of navigation.

SEC. 414. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall partner with a third 
party to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment report to 
examine consolidating or otherwise reorganizing air traffic control 
work facilities and locations and airspace structure management.
    (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall do the 
following:
            (1) Evaluate the potential efficiencies that may result 
        from a reorganization.
            (2) Identify whether certain areas prone to congestion or 
        staff shortages would benefit from enhanced flexibilities.
            (3) Recommend opportunities for integration of separate 
        facilities to create a more collaborative and efficient traffic 
        control environment.
    (c) Report and Briefing.--
            (1) To the administrator.--Not later than September 30, 
        2025, the third party described in subsection (a) shall submit 
        to the Administrator a report on the recommendations described 
        in subsection (b)(3), and a copy of such report shall be 
        transmitted to the labor organization representing air traffic 
        controllers.
            (2) To congress.--Not later than 60 days after receiving 
        the recommendations described in subsection (b)(3), the 
        Administrator shall brief the relevant Congressional committees 
        on such recommendations, as well as the Administrator's plan, 
        if any, to implement such recommendations.

                      TITLE V--AVIATION WORKFORCE

                  Subtitle A--Civil Aviation Workforce

SEC. 501. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the 
                end;
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
            ``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
        support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing 
        technical workers and the development of the aviation 
        manufacturing workforce.'';
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023'' each 
                place it appears and inserting ``2028'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (3);
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following 
                new paragraph:
            ``(2) Additional funding.--In addition to amounts available 
        for grants pursuant to paragraph (1), there is authorized to be 
        appropriated--
                    ``(A) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(1);
                    ``(B) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(2); and
                    ``(C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 
                through 2028 to provide grants under the program 
                established under subsection (a)(3).''; and
                    (D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by 
                subparagraph (B), by inserting ``(or, in the case of 
                fiscal years 2024 through 2028, $1,000,000)'' after 
                ``$500,000'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``, a 
                postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
                section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1002),'' after ``(20 U.S.C. 1001))'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, a 
                postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
                section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1002),'' after ``(20 U.S.C. 1001))''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
            ``(3) An application for a grant under the program 
        established under subsection (a)(3) shall 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, or a credible applicant 
                for such a certificate as determined by the Secretary;
                    ``(B) an accredited institution 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 of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), or a high 
                school or secondary school (as defined in section 7801 
                of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
                (20 U.S.C. 7801); and
                    ``(C) a State or local governmental entity.'';
            (4) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Eligible Projects.--For purposes of a program established 
under subsection (a), an eligible project is a project--
            ``(1) to create and deliver a program designed to provide 
        students with meaningful aviation education that is designed to 
        prepare the students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace 
        engineers, unmanned aircraft systems operators, aviation 
        maintenance technical workers, or aviation manufacturing 
        technical workers (as applicable to the relevant program 
        described in subsection (a));
            ``(2) to support the professional development of teachers 
        and other educators implementing a program described in 
        paragraph (1);
            ``(3) to establish new educational programs that teach 
        technical skills used by aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, 
        unmanned aircraft systems operators, aviation maintenance 
        technical workers, or aviation manufacturing technical workers 
        (as applicable to the relevant program described in subsection 
        (a)), including purchasing equipment, or to improve existing 
        such programs;
            ``(4) to establish scholarships or registered 
        apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment as aircraft 
        pilots, aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft systems 
        operators, aviation maintenance technical workers, or aviation 
        manufacturing technical workers (as applicable to the relevant 
        program described in subsection (a));
            ``(5) to support outreach about careers as aircraft pilots, 
        aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft systems operators, 
        aviation maintenance technical workers, or aviation 
        manufacturing technical workers (as applicable to the relevant 
        program described in subsection (a)) to--
                    ``(A) primary, secondary, and post-secondary school 
                students; or
                    ``(B) communities underrepresented in the 
                applicable industry;
            ``(6) to support educational opportunities in both urban 
        and rural areas;
            ``(7) to support transition to careers as aircraft pilots, 
        aerospace engineers, unmanned aircraft systems operators, 
        aviation maintenance technical workers, or aviation 
        manufacturing technical workers (as applicable to the relevant 
        program described in subsection (a)), including for veterans 
        and members of the Armed Forces; or
            ``(8) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot, 
        aerospace engineer, unmanned aircraft system operator 
        workforces, aviation maintenance technical worker, or aviation 
        manufacturing technical worker workforces.'';
            (5) in subsection (e)
                    (A) in paragraph (1)--
                            (i) by inserting ``aviation 
                        manufacturers,'' after ``repair stations,'' and
                            (ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new 
                paragraph:
            ``(3) give priority to applicants who partner with, or 
        establish links between, secondary schools and post-secondary 
        schools and who work collaboratively or participate in industry 
        or sector partnerships.''; and
            (6) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(f) Consultation With the Secretary of Education.--The Secretary 
may consult with the Secretary of Education in--
            ``(1) developing the design of the grant application under 
        this section;
            ``(2) reviewing and selecting applications for grants for 
        eligible projects under this section; and
            ``(3) establishing considerations regarding program quality 
        and measurement of student outcomes.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (4) of section 48105 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
``2028''.
    (c) National Strategic Plan for Aviation Workforce Development.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall, to the 
        extent practicable and in consultation with other Federal 
        agencies and private individuals, establish a national 
        strategic plan for addressing projected shortages of aviation 
        workers in the aviation industry, including--
                    (A) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term 
                needs critical to the economy, national security, 
                workforce readiness, environmental concerns, and 
                priorities of the United States aviation sector, such 
                as emergency readiness and resilience; and
                    (B) any situation or condition that warrants 
                special attention by the Federal Government.
            (2) Requirements.--The national strategic plan established 
        under paragraph (1) shall--
                    (A) take into account the activities and 
                accomplishments of all agencies in the executive branch 
                of the Federal Government that are related to carrying 
                out such national strategic plan; and
                    (B) include recommendations for legislation, 
                regulations, and budget proposals to carry out such 
                national strategic plan.

SEC. 502. WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--There is established within the Department of 
Transportation the Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this 
section referred to as the ``Committee'').
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) Composition.--
                    (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the 
                Committee shall be composed of up to 16 members 
                appointed by the Secretary, including representatives 
                from the following:
                            (i) Passenger and cargo air carriers 
                        operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations.
                            (ii) Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace 
                        companies.
                            (iii) Nonprofit organizations within the 
                        aviation industry, including at least 1 State 
                        aviation agency.
                            (iv) Airport operators and employees.
                            (v) Aviation business associations.
                            (vi) Engineering business associations.
                            (vii) United States Air Force Auxiliary, 
                        Civil Air Patrol.
                            (viii) Institutions of higher education and 
                        aviation trade schools.
                            (ix) The Department of Labor.
                            (x) The Department of Education.
                            (xi) Nonprofit labor organizations 
                        representing aviation workers, including 
                        organizations representing aviation maintenance 
                        workers and pilots for cargo and passenger air 
                        carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations.
                            (xii) The FAA.
                    (B) Date.--The appointments described in 
                subparagraph (A) shall be made not later than 9 months 
                after the date of enactment of this section.
                    (C) Ex officio members.--The Secretary shall 
                appoint 1 member from the Office of Civil Rights of the 
                FAA to serve in an ex officio capacity.
            (2) Subcommittees.--The Committee may establish 
        subcommittees as the Committee determines appropriate.
            (3) Chair; subcommittee chairs.--The Committee--
                    (A) shall select a Chair from among the members of 
                the Committee; and
                    (B) may select subcommittee chairs from among the 
                members of the Committee, as the Committee determines 
                appropriate.
            (4) Term of service.--
                    (A) In general.--Each member of the Committee shall 
                serve until the termination date described in 
                subsection (e).
                    (B) Successors.--
                            (i) Death or resignation.--If a member of 
                        the Committee dies or resigns during their term 
                        of service, the Secretary shall designate a 
                        successor for the unexpired term of such 
                        member.
                            (ii) Expired term.--Any member of the 
                        Committee whose term of office has expired 
                        shall continue to serve as a member until their 
                        successor is appointed by the Secretary.
            (5) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall furnish 
        the Committee logistical and administrative support to enable 
        the Committee to perform its duties.
            (6) Compensation.--Each member of the Committee shall serve 
        without compensation.
    (c) Duties.--
            (1) Advisory role.--The Committee--
                    (A) shall advise the Secretary and the 
                Administrator on matters related to promoting women in 
                the aviation industry, including education, training, 
                recruitment, retention, and career advancement;
                    (B) shall review and update the recommendations 
                directed to FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the 
                Advisory Board created under section 612 of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and 
                recommend how to engage with those entities to improve 
                the implementation of such recommendations;
                    (C) shall coordinate with the Department of 
                Transportation Office of Civil Rights and the FAA's 
                Federal Women's Program to not duplicate the objectives 
                of such program; and
                    (D) shall not duplicate the objectives of the Air 
                Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
            (2) Reports.--
                    (A) Annual report.--Not later than October 31 of 
                the first calendar year beginning after the date on 
                which the Committee is established under subsection 
                (a), and annually thereafter, the Committee shall 
                submit to Congress, the Secretary, and the 
                Administrator a report that contains a detailed 
                statement of the Committee's recommendations under 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1), together 
                with the recommendations of the Committee for such 
                legislation and administrative actions as the Committee 
                considers appropriate.
                    (B) Additional reports.--The Committee may submit 
                to Congress, the Secretary, and the Administrator 
                additional reports and recommendations related to 
                education, training, recruiting, retaining, and 
                advancing women in the aviation industry as the 
                Committee determines appropriate.
    (d) Review of Recommendations.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date on which the Secretary receives a report from the Committee under 
subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that 
indicates--
            (1) which recommendations of the Committee that the 
        Secretary has determined the Department of Transportation is 
        able to address and provide an update regarding the 
        implementation of such recommendations on an annual basis; and
            (2) which such recommendations the Secretary is not able to 
        implement (including any recommendations for legislation) and a 
        rationale for that determination.
    (e) Sunset.--The Committee shall terminate on September 30, 2028.

SEC. 503. STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION MAINTENANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall 
        initiate a study to assess the aviation maintenance technician 
        workforce pipeline in the United States, as well as any 
        barriers for students enrolled in high school aviation 
        maintenance programs with respect to--
                    (A) entering airframe and powerplant mechanic 
                programs; or
                    (B) accessing pathways to mechanic certification.
            (2) Contents.--The study required under paragraph (1) shall 
        assess the following:
                    (A) The number of high school aviation maintenance 
                programs in the United States and the typical career 
                outcomes for graduates of such programs.
                    (B) The extent to which high school aviation 
                maintenance programs offer curricula that align with 
                FAA mechanic airman certification standards.
                    (C) The opportunities afforded to students enrolled 
                in alternative or high school maintenance programs 
                partnered with aviation maintenance technician schools 
                (as described in section 147.15 of title 14, Code of 
                Federal Regulations).
                    (D) Alternate paths to a certificated aviation 
                maintenance technician school for the fulfillment of 
                the experience requirements described in section 
                65.75(c) of such title 14.
                    (E) Any barriers to entry associated with--
                            (i) developing and attaining the knowledge 
                        and experience requirements described in 
                        section 65.75 and section 147.31 of such title 
                        14; or
                            (ii) access to the mechanic certification 
                        process.
                    (F) The level of engagement between the FAA and 
                high school aviation maintenance programs with respect 
                to developing curricula that assist with building 
                foundational knowledge and skills necessary to attain 
                FAA mechanic certifications and associated ratings.
                    (G) Any barriers to accessing the general knowledge 
                test described in section 65.71(a)(3) of such title 14.
                    (H) Whether allowing mechanic certificate 
                applicants to take the general knowledge test prior to 
                such applicants meeting the relevant experience 
                requirements would present a safety risk.
                    (I) Whether regulatory changes could reduce any 
                barriers described in this paragraph.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Comptroller General shall provide to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report and 
briefing on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a), 
together with recommendations for such legislative and administrative 
action as the Comptroller General deems appropriate.

SEC. 504. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RULE.

    (a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance 
Technicians.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall issue a final rule that revises 
part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to--
            (1) create a military mechanic written competency test; and
            (2) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman Certification 
        Standard to qualify eligible military maintenance technicians 
        for a mechanic certificate with airframe or powerplant ratings; 
        and
            (3) 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 (in this section referred to as a 
        ``DME'') for eligible military maintenance technicians.
    (b) Aeronautical Knowledge Subject Areas.--
            (1) In general.--The military mechanic written competency 
        test and Airman Certification Standard described in subsection 
        (a) shall focus on the aeronautical knowledge subject areas 
        contained in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and 
        Powerplant Airman Certification Standards, as appropriate to 
        the rating sought.
            (2) Identification of subject areas.--The aeronautical 
        knowledge subject areas shall be identified and recommended to 
        the Administrator, in consultation with industry stakeholders, 
        through the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman 
        Certification System Working Group.
    (c) Expansion of Testing Locations.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator, in 
consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of 
Homeland Security, shall determine whether an expansion of the number 
of active testing locations operated within military installation 
testing centers would increase access to testing, as well as how to 
implement such expansion.
    (d) Outreach and Awareness.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this section, 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--
            (1) the services made available by the JSAMTCC; and
            (2) the military mechanic written competency test 
        established under subsection (a).
    (e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the 
Administrator issues the final rule under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall submit 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 report on the 
activities carried out under this section, together with 
recommendations for such legislative or administrative action as the 
Administrator determines appropriate.
    (f) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.--For purposes 
of this section, the term ``eligible military maintenance technician'' 
means an individual who is a current or former maintenance technician 
who was honorably discharged or has retired from the United States 
Armed Forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States 
Code) and meets the following requirements:
            (1) The individual presents an official United States Armed 
        Forces record confirming that the individual is or was a 
        military aviation maintenance technician, holding an 
        appropriate Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code, as 
        determined by the Administrator, in coordination with the 
        Secretary of Defense.
            (2) The individual presents documentary evidence of 
        experience in accordance with the requirements under section 
        65.77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

SEC. 505. 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 
                new paragraph:
            ``(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical 
        location designated as a dispatching center or flight following 
        center of an air carrier; or''.
            (2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall promulgate 
        regulations requiring persons and air carriers to comply with 
        paragraph (10) of section 44711(a) of title 49, United States 
        Code (as added by paragraph (1)).
            (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
        shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, without regard to whether the 
        regulations required by paragraph (2) have been promulgated as 
        of that date.
    (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
        Code, as amended by section 304(a), is amended by adding at the 
        end the following new section:
``Sec. 44746. Aircraft dispatching
    ``(a) In General.--Each air carrier shall establish and maintain 
sufficient dispatch centers and flight following centers to maintain 
operational control of each flight of the air carrier at all times.
    ``(b) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each dispatch 
center and flight following center of the air carrier--
            ``(1) 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;
            ``(2) has the necessary equipment, in good repair, to 
        maintain proper operational control of each flight of the air 
        carrier at all times; and
            ``(3) 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.
    ``(c) Prohibition.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to 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, 
        an air carrier may dispatch aircraft from a location other than 
        the dispatch center or flight following center of the air 
        carrier for a brief period of time, but not to exceed a period 
        of 24 consecutive hours per location.''.
            (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
        such title, as amended by section 304(b), is amended by 
        inserting after the item relating to section 44744 the 
        following:

``44746. Aircraft dispatching.''.

SEC. 506. 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.
    (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 new subsection:
    ``(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. 507. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.

    Section 44918(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and unruly passenger 
        behavior'' before the period at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities 
                and determine the seriousness of any occurrence.'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``, including 
                training to defend against the use of edged or contact 
                weapons'' before the period at the end;
                    (C) by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the 
                following:
                    ``(H) De-escalation training based on 
                recommendations issued by the Air Carrier Training 
                Aviation Rulemaking Committee.'';
                    (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) and (J) as 
                subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
                    (E) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the 
                following:
                    ``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active 
                attacker.'';
            (3) 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 2023, 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 for recurrent training; and
                    ``(B) the individuals or entities providing such 
                training.'';
            (4) in paragraph (6)--
                    (A) 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
                    (B) in the second sentence, by inserting ``, 
                including self-defense training expertise and 
                experience'' before the period at the end; and
            (5) 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. 508. IMPROVING APRON SAFETY.

    (a) Study and Report on Engine Ingestion Zone and Jet Blast Zone 
Accidents.--
            (1) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on ways 
        to minimize or eliminate engine ingestion zone and jet blast 
        zone accidents, including through--
                    (A) improving markings on the apron 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;
                    (B) incorporating markings on aircraft to indicate 
                the engine inlet danger zone, using hazard warning 
                stripes, decals, or other measures;
                    (C) limiting ground service personnel access to an 
                aircraft until the engines of the aircraft are no 
                longer running, the beacon on top of the aircraft has 
                been turned off, the individual blades of the engine 
                fan can be observed, and there is a notification from 
                the flight deck crew confirming the engines are off 
                (including the time for cool down, particularly for 
                engines with low ground clearance);
                    (D) improving aircraft engine design to prevent or 
                minimize engine ingestion, such as the use of 
                stationary inlet guide vanes or engine guarding;
                    (E) improving the use of or requirements for 
                Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or electrical systems 
                maintenance or incorporating changes to other systems 
                or apron operation procedures to eliminate or minimize 
                the length of time an aircraft engine runs (or be 
                permitted to run) while the aircraft is at the gate or 
                stopped on the ground; and
                    (F) improving communication devices and 
                requirements for operable radios and headsets.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the study 
        conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations 
        for such legislative or administrative action as determined 
        appropriate by the Administrator.
    (b) Improved Training.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator may, as 
        appropriate, develop and publish training and related 
        educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion and jet 
        blast hazards for ground crews (including supervisory 
        employees) that includes information on--
                    (A) the specific dangers and consequences of 
                entering engine ingestion or jet blast zones;
                    (B) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine 
                ingestion or jet blast zone; and
                    (C) 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.
            (2) Training regulations.--Not later than 180 days after 
        the publication of the training and related educational 
        materials described in paragraph (1), the Administrator may 
        promulgate regulations to require any new, transferred, or 
        current (as of the date of enactment of this section) employee 
        of the FAA to receive the relevant engine ingestion and jet 
        blast zone hazard training before such employee may perform 
        work on the apron.

SEC. 509. AVIATION MEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING GROUP.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish the 
Aviation Medical Innovation and Modernization Working Group (in this 
section referred to as the ``Working Group'') and appoint members of 
the Working Group in accordance with subsection (b).
    (b) Membership.--
            (1) Number.--The members of the Working Group shall not 
        exceed 20 individuals.
            (2) Composition.--
                    (A) Federal air surgeon.--The Federal Air Surgeon 
                shall be a member of the Working Group and shall be the 
                Chair of the Working Group.
                    (B) Senior aviation medical examiners.--In addition 
                to the Federal Air Surgeon, at least 8 members of the 
                Working Group shall be individuals who are Senior 
                Aviation Medical Examiners.
                    (C) Other members.--In addition to the Federal Air 
                Surgeon and the members appointed under subparagraph 
                (B), the remaining members shall be licensed medical 
                physicians with substantial expertise in--
                            (i) aerospace medicine;
                            (ii) psychological medicine;
                            (iii) neurological medicine;
                            (iv) cardiovascular medicine; or
                            (v) internal medicine.
                    (D) Preference in appointments.--The Administrator 
                shall give preference to appointing members of the 
                Working Group who are Aviation Medical Examiners or 
                licensed medical physicians who have demonstrated 
                research and expertise in aviation medical issues.
                    (E) Use of subgroups.--The Working Group 
                Administrator may use subgroups to develop the 
                recommendations under subsection (c).
    (c) Recommendations.--The Working Group shall develop a report that 
includes recommendations with respect to the following areas:
            (1) Evaluation of the conditions an Aviation Medical 
        Examiner can issue (CACI).
            (2) Improvements and reforms to the Special Issuance 
        process, including whether, after initial medical certification 
        by the FAA, renewals can be based on a medical evaluation and 
        treatment plan by a pilot's treating medical specialist with 
        concurrence from the pilot's Aviation Medical Examiner.
            (3) Development of an online medical portal administered by 
        the FAA that--
                    (A) adheres to cybersecurity protections and 
                protocols;
                    (B) authorizes Aviation Medical Examiners, pilots, 
                or their designee, to securely share medical records;
                    (C) provides timely updates for a pilot's medical 
                application and improves return to flying timelines;
                    (D) provides pilots with the ability to submit 
                additional information requested from the FAA;
                    (E) includes the method to contact the reviewing 
                office; and
                    (F) such other requirements as the Working Group 
                may recommend.
            (4) The use of technologies to address forms of red-green 
        color blindness for pilots.
            (5) Improvements to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity 
        Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder protocols.
            (6) Improvements to neurology protocols, specifically, 
        stroke, head injury, and known loss of consciousness.
            (7) Improvements to FAA mental health protocols, including, 
        but not limited to, mental health conditions such as depression 
        and anxiety, the use of medications for treating mental health 
        conditions, and neurocognitive testing rules and applicability.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
Working Group is established--
            (1) the Working Group shall submit the report developed in 
        accordance with subsection (c) to the Administrator, along with 
        recommendations for such legislation and administrative action 
        as the Working Group determines appropriate; and
            (2) the Administrator shall submit such report and 
        recommendations to the appropriate committees of Congress.
    (e) Actions by the Administrator.--The Administrator may take such 
action as the Administrator determines appropriate to implement the 
recommendations in the report under submitted under subsection (d).
    (f) Exemption From the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--Chapter 10 
of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Working Group.
    (g) Sunset.--The Working Group shall terminate on the date on which 
the Working Group submits the report required by subsection (d).

SEC. 510. 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 obtain 
industry recommendations on maintaining and updating Airman 
Certification Standards.
    (b) Duties.--In carrying out its activities, the Working Group 
shall--
            (1) ensure that testing remains correlated and corresponds 
        to current regulations, procedures, equipment, aviation 
        infrastructure, and safety trends;
            (2) work with industry to solicit recommendations on airman 
        certification and testing, including new, and revisions to 
        existing, Airman Certification Standards guidance documents and 
        airman tests; and
            (3) ensure other tasks carried out by the Working Group are 
        addressed and completed in a timely and efficient manner.

                       Subtitle B--FAA Workforce

SEC. 521. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFFING STANDARDS.

    (a) FAA Air Traffic Control Staffing Standards.--The Administrator 
shall complete the requirements of subsection (b) and implement 
revisions to the FAA Certified Professional Controller (in this section 
referred to as ``CPC'') operational staffing targets, in consultation 
with appropriate stakeholders including the exclusive bargaining 
representative of air traffic control specialists of the FAA certified 
under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, by September 30, 
2024.
    (b) National Academy of Sciences Study.--
            (1) Study.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall enter into 
        appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of 
        Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in this subsection 
        referred to as the ``National Academies'') under which the 
        National Academies will conduct a study of the methodology used 
        by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup (in this subsection 
        referred to as ``CRWG'') to determine CPC operational staffing 
        targets needed to meet facility operational, statutory, and 
        contractual requirements, including resources to develop, 
        evaluate, and implement processes and initiatives affecting the 
        national airspace system.
            (2) Contents.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall 
        include the following elements:
                    (A) A review of similarities and discrepancies 
                between methodologies used to develop the CRWG CPC 
                operational staffing targets and the staffing targets 
                developed by the FAA as reflected by the staffing 
                standards used in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan.
                    (B) An examination of the discrepancies between the 
                CRWG CPC staffing targets and the FAA-developed CPC 
                staffing standards used in the 2023 Controller 
                Workforce Plan that contribute to a significant 
                divergence in operational staffing headcounts 
                (including with respect to CPCs, CPCs-in-training at 
                new facilities, and trainees), CPC staffing targets, 
                and staffing needs for air traffic controllers between 
                fiscal year 2027 and fiscal year 2032 to ensure the 
                safe and efficient operation of the national airspace 
                system.
                    (C) An evaluation of--
                            (i) air traffic in the airspace of each air 
                        traffic control facility operated by the FAA;
                            (ii) air traffic controller position 
                        utilization;
                            (iii) attrition rates at each air traffic 
                        control facility operated by the FAA; and
                            (iv) the time needed to meet facility 
                        operational, statutory, and contractual 
                        requirements, including resources to develop, 
                        evaluate, and implement processes and 
                        initiatives affecting the national airspace 
                        system.
                    (D) For each air traffic control facility operated 
                by the FAA, a description of--
                            (i) the current CPC staffing levels;
                            (ii) the operational staffing targets for 
                        CPCs;
                            (iii) the anticipated CPC attrition for 
                        each of the next 3 years; and
                            (iv) the number of CPC trainees.
                    (E) An examination of the FAA's current and 
                estimated budgets and funding needed to implement the 
                CRWG CPC operational staffing targets and needs in 
                comparison to such funding needed to implement the 
                staffing standards developed by the FAA as reflected in 
                the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan.
                    (F) An analysis of the recommendations included in 
                Transportation Research Board Special Report 314, 
                titled ``The Federal Aviation Administration's Approach 
                for Determining Future Air Traffic Controller Staffing 
                Needs'' that have not yet been addressed or implemented 
                by the Administrator.
                    (G) Recommendations for further action by the 
                Administrator, as appropriate, to--
                            (i) address operational staffing 
                        requirements to meet facility operational, 
                        statutory, and contractual requirements; and
                            (ii) provide fulsome air traffic controller 
                        staffing to ensure the safe and efficient 
                        operation of the national airspace system, 
                        including the integration of new users, 
                        technologies, and procedures.
            (3) Consultation.--In conducting the study required by 
        paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with--
                    (A) Federal Government and industry 
                representatives;
                    (B) the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
                traffic control specialists of the FAA certified under 
                section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
                    (C) other parties determined appropriate by the 
                National Academies.
            (4) Reports.--
                    (A) To the administrator.--Not later than 180 days 
                after the date of enactment of this section, the 
                National Academies shall submit to the Administrator a 
                report on the results of the study required by 
                paragraph (1), together with recommendations determined 
                appropriate by the National Academies.
                    (B) To congress.--Not later than 180 days after the 
                date on which the National Academies submits the report 
                under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall submit 
                to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
                describing--
                            (i) the results of the study required by 
                        paragraph (1);
                            (ii) the report submitted by the National 
                        Academies, including the recommendations of the 
                        National Academies; and
                            (iii) the Administrator's implementation 
                        action required by subsection (a).
    (c) Revisions to the Controller Workforce Plan.--Section 44506(e) 
of title 49, United States Code is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by inserting ``Collaborative Resource Workgroup 
                (CRWG)'' before ``staffing standards''; and
                    (B) by striking ``the number of air traffic 
                controllers needed'' and inserting ``the number of 
                fully certified air traffic controllers needed'';
            (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
        (3) and (4), respectively; and
            (3) by adding after paragraph (1) the following new 
        paragraph:
            ``(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the 
        Federal Aviation Administration--
                    ``(A) the current certified professional controller 
                staffing levels;
                    ``(B) the Collaborative Resource Workgroup (CRWG) 
                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;''.
    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (c) shall 
take effect and apply to any reports submitted pursuant to section 
44506(e) of title 49, United States Code, for each Controller Workforce 
Plan submitted after September 30, 2024.

SEC. 522. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Inspector General of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate an audit of any FAA workforce plans 
related to aviation safety completed during the past 5 fiscal years.
    (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 timeframe specified in subsection (a);
            (2) review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical and senior 
        positions, including the average vacancy period of such 
        positions during the latest fiscal year;
            (3) review whether existing FAA workforce development 
        programs are producing intended results, such as increased 
        recruitment and retention of agency personnel; and
            (4) evaluate the extent to which the FAA leverages its 
        direct hire authority to recruit subject matter experts and 
        other technical personnel to fill key senior and technical 
        positions.
    (c) Report and Recommendations.--
            (1) Inspector general report.--Not later than 1 year after 
        the date of enactment of this section, the Inspector General 
        shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate 
        committees of Congress a report on the results of the audit 
        conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations 
        for such legislative and administrative action as the Inspector 
        General determines appropriate.
            (2) Congressional briefing.--Not later than 90 days after 
        receiving the report under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
        shall provide a briefing to appropriate committees of Congress 
        on--
                    (A) the Administrator's response to the 
                recommendations of the Inspector General contained in 
                such report; and
                    (B) any plans of the Administrator for the 
                implementation of such recommendations.

SEC. 523. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 40122 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(k) Direct Hire Authority.--The Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall utilize existing direct hire authority to 
expedite the hiring process and hire individuals on a non-competitive 
basis for safety critical and safety technical positions related to 
aircraft certification and aviation safety more broadly to maintain the 
gold standard of aviation safety and, as necessary, fulfill any gaps 
identified in workforce reviews at the Federal Aviation 
Administration.''.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
status of--
            (1) utilization of the direct hire authority described 
        subsection (k) of such section 40122, as added subsection (a); 
        and
            (2) the number of employees hired under such authority, the 
        relevant line of business to which such employees were hired, 
        and the occupation type of the positions filled.

SEC. 524. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than October 1, 2024, the Administrator 
shall review and revise as necessary the staffing model for aviation 
safety inspectors.
    (b) Requirements.--
            (1) Consideration of prior studies and reports.--In 
        revising the model, the Administrator shall take into 
        consideration the recommendations outlined in the following:
                    (A) The 2006 report released by the National 
                Research Council entitled ``Staffing Standards for 
                Aviation Safety Inspectors''.
                    (B) The 2007 study released by the National Academy 
                of Sciences entitled ``Staffing Standards for Aviation 
                Safety Inspectors''.
                    (C) The 2013 report released by Grant Thornton LLP, 
                entitled ``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 entitled 
                ``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) Service and office staffing level.--The model will 
        project staffing at the service and office level and require 
        managers to use the model as part of the resource assessment 
        for aviation safety inspector resources.
            (3) Attrition.--The aviation safety inspector staffing 
        model will take into consideration forecasted attrition.
            (4) Consultation.--In revising the model, 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. 525. SAFETY CRITICAL STAFFING.

    (a) Implementation of Staffing Standards for Safety Inspectors.--
Upon completion of the revised staffing model for aviation safety 
inspectors under section 524, 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 such model determines 
are required to meet the responsibilities of the Flight Standards 
Service and Aircraft Certification Service, including increasing the 
number of safety critical positions in the Flight Standards Service and 
Aircraft Certification Service per fiscal year as appropriate, provided 
that such staffing increases shall be measured relative to the number 
of persons serving in safety critical positions as of September 30, 
2023. Any increase in safety critical staffing pursuant to this 
subsection shall be subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (b) Safety Critical Positions Defined.--In this section, the term 
``safety critical positions'' means--
            (1) aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety specialists 
        (1801 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 series), safety technical specialists, and operational 
        support positions in the Aircraft Certification Service.

SEC. 526. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.

    (a) In General.--Section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(C) Installation.--The Administrator shall 
                expedite the installation of at a minimum 15 instrument 
                landing systems (referred to in this subparagraph as 
                `ILS') in the national airspace system by January 1, 
                2025, by utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle 
                and the Federal Aviation Administration workforce.''.
    (b) Expedited Installation of ILS Equipment.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall initiate 
        action to utilize the existing instrument landing systems 
        (referred to in this subsection as ``ILS'') contract vehicle 
        and FAA employees in facilitating the expedited installation of 
        ILS equipment into the national airspace system. In carrying 
        out this subsection, the Administrator shall--
                    (A) incorporate lessons learned from the 
                installations under section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, 
                United States Code;
                    (B) record metrics of cost and time savings of 
                expedited installations; and
                    (C) consider opportunities to further develop ILS 
                technical expertise among the FAA workforce.
            (2) Considerations.--During the implementation planning to 
        carry out this subsection and subparagraph (C) of section 
        44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code, as added by 
        subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the cost-
        benefit analysis of utilizing the existing ILS contract 
        vehicle, the FAA workforce, or both, to accelerate the 
        installation and deployment of procured equipment.
            (3) Report to congress.--Not later than June 30, 2025, the 
        Administrator shall report to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress on the ILS installation results, near-term ILS 
        installations planned, and shall outline the FAA's approach 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. 527. AVIATION CERTIFICATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) Program.--
            (1) Establishment.--
                    (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date of enactment of this section, the Administrator 
                shall establish within the FAA a program to be known as 
                the ``Aviation Certification Professional Fellowship 
                Program'' (in this section referred to as the 
                ``Program'') to facilitate the assignment of 
                individuals from a private-sector organization to the 
                FAA to serve on a temporary basis in positions relating 
                to aircraft certification.
                    (B) Appointments.--In appointing individuals under 
                the Program, the Administrator shall enter into 
                agreements with private-sector organizations employing 
                such individuals and selected individuals to 
                participate in the Program pursuant to terms and 
                conditions of service determined appropriate by the 
                Administrator.
                    (C) Actions subject to availability of funds.--Any 
                action taken by the Administrator under this section 
                shall be subject to the availability of appropriations 
                authorized under subsection (e).
            (2) Responsibilities.--
                    (A) Guidelines.--The Administrator shall establish 
                guidelines related to the activities and 
                responsibilities of the fellowships under subsection 
                (b).
                    (B) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall 
                prescribe the qualifications required for designation 
                of certification professional fellowships under 
                subsection (b).
                    (C) Authority.--In order to carry out the 
                provisions of this section, the Administrator may--
                            (i) appoint, assign the duties of, and 
                        transfer such personnel as may be necessary;
                            (ii) make appointments with respect to 
                        temporary and intermittent services;
                            (iii) enter into contracts, cooperative 
                        agreements, and other transactions without 
                        regard to section 6101 of title 41, United 
                        States Code;
                            (iv) accept funds from other Federal 
                        departments and agencies to pay for, and add 
                        to, activities authorized by this section; and
                            (v) promulgate such rules and regulations 
                        as may be necessary and appropriate.
    (b) Special Rules for Fellowships.--Under the Program, the 
Administrator shall do the following:
            (1) Appoint highly qualified, experienced professionals to 
        advisory positions related to certification that require 
        specialized, unique, or extensive skills in occupations within 
        the FAA, and allow such professionals to occupy specialty or 
        hard-to-fill positions that require specialized knowledge of 
        aircraft design, manufacturing, safety, and certification 
        processes.
            (2) Allow appointed individuals to be utilized across the 
        aircraft certification spectrum as appropriate.
            (3) Open the fellowships to citizens and nationals of the 
        United States.
            (4) Limit the term of appointment to up to 1 year with an 
        option to extend for up to an additional year (with no 
        appointment exceeded a total of 2 years).
            (5) Reserve the right to terminate individuals 
        participating in the fellowship for any violation of the terms 
        and conditions of service established by the Administrator.
            (6) Make clear that any responsibilities of individuals 
        participating in the fellowship program constitute acting in an 
        advisory role for aircraft certification and are subject to 
        conflict-of-interest conditions and FAA supervision and 
        control.
    (c) Rules for Pay and Benefits for Individuals Employed by Private-
sector Organizations.--An individual employed by a private-sector 
organization who is participating in the Program at the FAA shall 
continue to receive pay and benefits from such private-sector 
organizations and shall not receive pay or benefits from the FAA for 
the duration of the individual's participation in the Program.
    (d) Conflicts of Interest.--The Administrator shall implement 
policies to identify, mitigate, and manage any perceived or actual 
conflict of interest as a condition of an individual's participation in 
the Program. Such policies shall include the following:
            (1) A prohibition on an individual participating in the 
        Program from being assigned to a position that has decision-
        making authority or influence over an application or project 
        submitted to the FAA by the private-sector organization 
        employing such individual.
            (2) A requirement that an individual participating in the 
        Program who has access to proprietary or non-public information 
        at the FAA must sign a non-disclosure agreement prohibiting the 
        sharing of such information that is of commercial value with 
        the private-sector organization employing such individual or 
        with other individuals (whether or not employed by such 
        private-sector organization) or organizations, during the 
        period of the individual's participation in the Program and 
        after the individual's participation in the Program has 
        concluded.
            (3) A prohibition on an individual participating in the 
        Program from improperly using pre-decisional or draft FAA 
        information that such individual may be privy to or aware of 
        during, or as a result of, the individual's participation in 
        the Program for the benefit of the private-sector organization 
        employing such individual,
            (4) Appropriate post-service limitations for individuals 
        participating in the Program.
            (5) Other elements determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 
Amounts appropriated under the preceding sentence shall remain 
available until expended.
    (f) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as a delegation of authority by the Administrator to 
individuals participating in the Program.
    (g) Program Review and Report.--
            (1) Review.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
        (in this subsection referred to as the ``Comptroller General'') 
        shall conduct a comprehensive review of the Program, including 
        the impact of the Program on the FAA's aircraft certification 
        processes and the presence of any conflicts of interest under 
        the Program.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit 
        to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing 
        the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1), 
        together with recommendations for such legislation and 
        administrative action as the Comptroller General determines 
        appropriate.
    (h) Sunset.--The Program shall terminate on the date that is 5 
years after the date of enactment of this section.
    (i) Certified Professional Defined.--In this section, the term 
``certification professional'' means an individual with expertise and 
background in a line or field that is concerned with, or likely to 
improve, the safety certification of aircraft and other airborne 
objects and systems, including the following:
            (1) Aerospace engineering.
            (2) Aerospace physiology.
            (3) Aeronautical engineering.
            (4) Airworthiness engineering.
            (5) Electrical engineering.
            (6) Human factors engineering.
            (7) Software engineering.
            (8) Systems engineering.

SEC. 528. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER TRAINING 
              PROGRAMS.

    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
            (2) by inserting after subsection (d), the following new 
        subsection:
    ``(e) Air Traffic Controller Training Programs.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall coordinate 
        with air traffic control contractors to create air traffic 
        controller training programs and shall incorporate the use of 
        such programs into new contracts or the exercise of future 
        options entered into under the Contract Tower Program and the 
        Cost-share Program. Such programs shall allow air traffic 
        control contractors to--
                    ``(A) provide initial training to candidates who do 
                not have a Control Tower Operator certificate or 
                Federal Aviation Administration tower credential; and
                    ``(B) provide training to controllers who have 
                completed an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training 
                Initiative (AT-CTI) program from an accredited school 
                that has a demonstrated successful curriculum.
            ``(2) Authority.--An air traffic control contractor shall 
        be permitted to train controllers under programs established 
        under paragraph (1) notwithstanding section 65.39(a) of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of 
        enactment of this subsection).
            ``(3) 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 conducting initial testing of, and issuing initial 
        certifications to, air traffic controllers.
            ``(4) Program review.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                incorporation of training programs operated by air 
                traffic control contractors under the Contract Tower 
                Program and the Cost-share Program, the Secretary shall 
                conduct a review of such training programs and issue 
                relevant findings. In conducting the review, the 
                Secretary shall identify the degree to which such 
                programs improve workforce development at air traffic 
                control tower facilities staffed through the Contract 
                Tower Program or the Cost-share Program, air traffic 
                control towers staffed by the Federal Aviation 
                Administration, and any related impact such training 
                may have on air traffic controller staffing more 
                broadly.
                    ``(B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
                on which the Secretary initiates the review required by 
                subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit a report 
                to the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
                results of the review, along with such recommendations 
                as the Secretary determines appropriate.
            ``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection, the term 
        `demonstrated successful curriculum' means an AT-CTI program 
        curriculum with a demonstrated record of graduated students 
        that have enrolled at the FAA Academy and subsequently 
        completed Certified Tower Operator certificates at an 80 
        percent success rate for a consecutive period of 5 years.
            ``(6) Sunset.--The provisions of this subsection shall 
        terminate on September 30, 2028.''; and
            (3) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), 
        by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
                    ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation of the Senate; and
                    ``(B) the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.''.

SEC. 529. REVIEW OF FAA AND INDUSTRY COOPERATIVE FAMILIARIZATION 
              PROGRAMS.

    (a) Review.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall complete a review of options for 
employees of the FAA whose responsibilities directly relate to 
certification, to gain or enhance technical expertise, knowledge, 
skills, and abilities, including subject matter relating to innovative 
and complex aviation technologies, through cooperative training and 
visitation with aerospace companies.
    (b) Conflicts of Interest.--In conducting the review in subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall ensure that such options for FAA employees 
would occur on a short-term basis and avoid both conflicts of interest 
and the appearance of such conflicts pursuant to chapter 131 of title 
5, United States Code, chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, 
subchapter B of chapter XVI of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, 
sections 2635.101 and 2635.502 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, 
and any other regulations as deemed appropriate by the Administrator. 
The Administrator shall also identify any conflicts with FAA policies 
relating to FAA employee interactions with industry and determine 
appropriate obligations of such employees upon returning to the FAA 
after engaging in relevant cooperative training and visitation.
    (c) Considerations.--As part of the review required by subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall consider the following, provided that such 
actions satisfy conflicts of interest requirements referred to in 
subsection (b):
            (1) Expanding existing familiarization programs.
            (2) Leveraging cooperative training programs to support 
        credentialing and recurrent training activities for FAA 
        employees.
            (3) Evaluating the options described in subsection (a) 
        based on the level of experience of participating FAA employees 
        and intended benefits related to such participation.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 90 days after completing the review 
required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit a report to 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the review and 
relevant recommendations.

SEC. 530. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION TRAINING.

    (a) Access.--The Administrator shall make 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, by carrying out the following:
            (1) Cloud-based visual database and software system.--Not 
        later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this 
        section, the Administrator shall develop and implement a cloud-
        based visual database and software system that is compatible 
        with existing and future TSS that includes, at a minimum--
                    (A) every ATCT's unique runway layout, approach 
                paths, and lines of sight; and
                    (B) specifications that meet all applicable data 
                security requirements.
            (2) Upgrading tss.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall upgrade 
        existing, permanent TSS so that the TSS is capable of, at a 
        minimum--
                    (A) securely and quickly downloading data from the 
                cloud-based visual database and software system 
                implemented under paragraph (1);
                    (B) running scenarios for each ATCT involving 
                differing levels of air traffic volume; and
                    (C) running scenarios for each ATCT involving 
                varying complexities of air traffic (including, but not 
                limited to, aircraft emergencies, rapidly changing 
                weather, issuance of safety alerts, and recovering from 
                unforeseen events or losses of separation).
            (3) Mobile tss.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
        enactment of this section, 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 functions described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and 
        (C) of paragraph (2).
    (b) Collaboration.--In carrying out the activities under subsection 
(a), the Administrator may collaborate with the exclusive bargaining 
representative of air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 
of title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 531. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INSTRUCTOR PIPELINE.

    (a) In General.--No later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall initiate a study examining the 
pipeline of air traffic controller instructors and the projected number 
of instructors needed to maintain the safety of the national airspace 
system over the 5-fiscal year period beginning with fiscal year 2024.
    (b) Contents.--The study required by subsection (a) shall include 
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 Training (CPC-Its).
            (2) Whether involving further retired Certified 
        Professional Controllers (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 
        certified professional controllers.
            (4) The effect on the ability of active Certified 
        Professional Controllers (CPCs) to carry out on-the-job duties, 
        other than instruction, and any related efficiencies if more 
        retired Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) were 
        instructors.
            (5) The known vulnerabilities, as categorized by FAA Air 
        Traffic Organization regions, where requiring Certified 
        Professional Controllers (CPCs) to provide instruction and 
        training to Certified Professional Controllers in Training 
        (CPC-Its) 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 by subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
results on the study and any actions that may be taken based on such 
results.

SEC. 532. 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 section, 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:
            (1) The Administrator shall 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 
        pipeline.
            (2) The Administrator shall assess the assumptions and 
        methodologies used to develop the AT-SA, the job-relevant 
        aptitudes measured, and the scoring process for the assessment.
            (3) The Administrator shall assess whether any other 
        revisions to the AT-SA are necessary to enhance the air traffic 
        control specialist workforce pipeline.
    (b) DOT Inspector General Report.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date on which the Administrator completes 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 reviewed 
AT-SA and any applicable revisions, a description of any associated 
actions taken by the Administrator, and any recommended actions to be 
taken to address the results of the report.

SEC. 533. 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 section, the Administrator shall initiate the 
        development of a plan to--
                    (A) 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; and
                    (B) establish a second FAA Academy in an area 
                described in paragraph (2).
            (2) Area described.--An area described in this paragraph is 
        a metropolitan statistical area in which each of the following 
        is located:
                    (A) At least 2 large hub airports.
                    (B) An FAA Flight Standards District Office
                    (C) An FAA Certificate Management Office.
                    (D) An FAA regional headquarters.
            (3) 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 Academies;
                    (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, and whether field training can be 
                administered more flexibly, such as at other FAA 
                locations across the country;
                    (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 virtual 
                education platforms, including the number of on-the-job 
                instructors needed to educate and train additional 
                developmental air traffic controllers;
                    (F) the use of existing FAA-owned facilities and 
                classroom space and identifying potential opportunities 
                for new construction;
                    (G) the costs of--
                            (i) expanding FAA capacity (as described in 
                        paragraph (1)(A)); and
                            (ii) establishing a second FAA Academy (as 
                        described in paragraph (1)(B));
                    (H) 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
                    (I) other logistical and financial considerations 
                as determined by appropriate the Administrator.
    (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of 
this section, 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.

                 TITLE VI--MODERNIZING AIRPORT SYSTEMS

SEC. 601. AIP ELIGIBILITY AMENDMENTS.

    Section 47102(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (B)--
                    (A) in clause (ix), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (B) in clause (x), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(xi) a medium intensity approach lighting 
                        system with runway alignment indicator 
                        lights.'';
            (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (Q) and (R) as 
        subparagraphs (S) and (T), respectively;
            (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (M) through (P) as 
        subparagraphs (N) through (Q), respectively;
            (4) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following:
                    ``(M) constructing or acquiring airport-owned 
                infrastructure or equipment, notwithstanding revenue 
                producing capability, as defined in subsection (24), 
                required for the on-airport distribution or storage of 
                unleaded aviation gas for use by piston-driven 
                aircraft, including on-airport construction or 
                expansion of pipelines, storage tanks, low-emission 
                fuel systems, and airport-owned and operated fuel 
                trucks providing exclusively unleaded aviation fuels, 
                unless the Secretary determines that an alternative 
                fuel may be safely used for a limited time.'';
            (5) by inserting after subparagraph (Q) (as redesignated by 
        paragraph (3)), the following:
                    ``(R) acquiring or installing new renewable energy 
                generation infrastructure (such as solar, geothermal, 
                or wind) that provide power for on-airport uses and 
                energy storage systems, and necessary substation 
                upgrades to support such infrastructure.''; and
            (6) by inserting after subparagraph (T) (as redesignated by 
        paragraph (2)), the following:
                    ``(U) initial acquisition (and excluding subsequent 
                upgrades) of an advanced digital construction 
                management system (meaning a computer platform that 
                uses digital technology throughout the life cycle of a 
                capital infrastructure project, including through 
                project phases such as design and construction, when 
                that system is acquired to carry out a project approved 
                by the Secretary under this subchapter.
                    ``(V) reconstructing or rehabilitating an existing 
                crosswind runway provided the sponsor includes 
                reconstruction or rehabilitation of the runway in the 
                sponsor's most recent approved airport layout plan.''.

SEC. 602. REVISED MINIMUM APPORTIONMENTS.

    Section 47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
                    ``(K) Minimum apportionment for commercial service 
                airports with more than 4,000 passenger boardings in a 
                calendar year.--Not less than $400,000 may be 
                apportioned under subparagraph (A) for each fiscal year 
                to each sponsor of a commercial service airport that 
                had fewer than 8,000 passenger boardings, but at least 
                4,000 passenger boardings, during the prior calendar 
                year.''.

SEC. 603. APPORTIONMENTS FOR TRANSITIONING AIRPORTS.

    Section 47114(f)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Beginning with the 
        fiscal year'' and inserting ``For 3 fiscal years''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``fiscal year 2004'' 
        and inserting ``fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 2024''.

SEC. 604. UPDATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF PROJECT COSTS.

    (a) In General.--Section 47109 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Increased Government Share.--In any State containing 
unappropriated and unreserved public lands and nontaxable Indian lands 
(individual and tribal) of more than 5 percent of the total area of all 
lands in the State, the Government's share of allowable project costs 
provided in subsection (a) shall be--
            ``(1) unchanged for a project at a large hub airport in the 
        State; or
            ``(2) 95 percent for a project at any other airport in the 
        State.'';
            (2) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating 
        subsections (d) through (f) as (c) through (e), respectively;
            (3) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by striking 
        paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
            ``(1) is not a medium or large hub airport; and''; and
            (4) by inserting after subsection (e), as so redesignated, 
        the following:
    ``(f) Special Rule for Fiscal Years 2024 Through 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 2024 through 2026 is 95 percent.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2023.

SEC. 605. PRIMARY AIRPORT DESIGNATION.

    Section 47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
section 602, is amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(L) Public airports with military use.--
                Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public 
                airport shall be considered a nonhub primary airport in 
                fiscal year 2024 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.''.

SEC. 606. 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), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (3) by inserting after paragraph (5), the following:
            ``(6) not more than $20,00,000 of the amount that may be 
        distributed for the fiscal year from the discretionary fund 
        established under section 47115 of this title, 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 sponsor's documented commitment 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 in the next published report under section 
        47103.''.
    (b) Limitation.--Section 47119(f) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$30,000,000''.

SEC. 607. ALTERNATIVE-DELIVERY AND ADVANCE-CONSTRUCTION METHODS PILOT 
              PROGRAM.

    Section 47142 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Pilot Program.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
        establish a pilot program under which not less than 5 airport 
        sponsors shall be authorized through the application process 
        under subsection (a) to award a design-build contract for a 
        project that uses alternative-delivery and advance-construction 
        methods, for purposes of evaluating the extent to which such 
        methods expedite project delivery and reduce construction 
        costs.
            ``(2) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
        which the pilot program ends, the Administrator shall submit to 
        Congress a report on the results of the pilot program, together 
        with recommendations for such legislative or administrative 
        action as the Administrator determines appropriate.''.

SEC. 608. INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY.

    (a) 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 to carry out up to 5 building construction 
projects at airports in the United States with a grant awarded under 
section 47104 of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Application.--
            (1) 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 
        chapter 471 of such title 49.
            (2) 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--
                    (A) the Secretary approves the application using 
                criteria established by the Secretary;
                    (B) the integrated project delivery contract is in 
                a form that is approved by the Secretary;
                    (C) 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;
                    (D) the Secretary is satisfied that the use of an 
                integrated project delivery contract will be cost 
                effective and expedite the project;
                    (E) the Secretary is satisfied that there will be 
                no conflict of interest; and
                    (F) 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.
    (c) Reimbursement of Costs.--Reimbursement of costs shall be based 
on transparent cost accounting, also known as open book cost 
accounting. 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--
            (1) the project funding is approved by the Secretary in 
        advance;
            (2) the project is carried out in accordance with all 
        administrative and statutory requirements under chapter 471 of 
        such title 49; and
            (3) the project is carried out under such chapter after a 
        grant agreement has been executed.
    (d) Integrated Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this section, 
the term ``integrated project delivery contract'' means a single 
contract for the delivery of a whole project that--
            (1) includes, at a minimum, the owner, builder, and 
        architect-engineer as parties that are subject to the terms of 
        the contract;
            (2) aligns the interests of all the parties to the contract 
        with respect to the project costs and project outcomes; and
            (3) includes processes to ensure transparency and 
        collaboration among all parties to the contract relating to 
        project costs and project outcomes.
    (e) Expiration of Authority.--The authority of the Secretary to 
award grants under the pilot program under this section shall expire on 
September 30, 2028.

SEC. 609. 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.--Prior to approving an 
        application submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary may 
        require a benefit-cost analysis. To facilitate the approval 
        process, if a benefit-cost analysis is required, the Secretary 
        shall issue a preliminary and conditional finding, which 
        shall--
                    ``(A) be issued within 60 days of the sponsor's 
                submission of all information required by the 
                Secretary;
                    ``(B) be based upon a collaborative review process 
                that includes the sponsor or sponsor's representative;
                    ``(C) not constitute the issuance of a Federal 
                grant or obligation to issue a grant under this chapter 
                or other authority; and
                    ``(D) 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. 610. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 47144 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 recipient 
                        airport's disability advisory committee (if 
                        applicable), the protection and advocacy system 
                        for individuals with disabilities in the 
                        applicable State, a center for independent 
                        living, or a similar nonprofit organization 
                        focused on ensuring individuals with 
                        disabilities are able to live and participate 
                        in their communities; or
                            ``(ii) coordination by the recipient's 
                        disability advisory committee with a protection 
                        and advocacy system, center for independent 
                        living, or similar nonprofit 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--
            ``(1) may use a grant under this section to upgrade a 
        commercial service airport that is accessible to and usable by 
        individuals with disabilities consistent with the current (as 
        of the date of the upgrade) standards and regulations described 
        in subsection (a); and
            ``(2) may use the grant to upgrade a commercial service 
        airport that is not accessible and usable as described in 
        paragraph (1), even if the related service, program, or 
        activity, when viewed in its entirely, 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 customer 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, as defined 
        in subsection (h);
            ``(4) make improvements in personnel, infrastructure, and 
        technology that can assist passenger self-identification 
        regarding disability and needing assistance; and
            ``(5) address equity of service to all passengers 
        regardless of income, age, race, or ability, taking into 
        account historical and current service gaps for low-income 
        passengers, older individuals, passengers from communities of 
        color, and passengers with disabilities.
    ``(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 sponsor's disability advisory committee) and a protection 
        and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the 
        applicable State, a center for independent living, or a similar 
        nonprofit organization focused on ensuring individuals with 
        disabilities are able to live and participate in their 
        communities; 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 the 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 such 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 2024 through 2028, $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 shall 
be used by the Secretary to carry out this section for each such fiscal 
year.''.
    (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. 611. GENERAL AVIATION PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, as amended by section 610(a), is amended by inserting 
after section 47145, the following
``Sec. 47146. General aviation public-private partnership program
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
a program that meets the requirements under this section for improving 
facilities at--
            ``(1) general aviation airports; and
            ``(2) privately owned airports used or intended to be used 
        for public purposes that do not have scheduled air service.
    ``(b) Application Required.--The operator or sponsor of an airport, 
or the community in which an airport is located, seeking, on behalf of 
the airport, to participate in the program established under subsection 
(a), shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form, at such 
time, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
including--
            ``(1) an assessment of the needs of the airport for 
        additional or improved hangars, airport businesses, or other 
        facilities;
            ``(2) the ability of the airport to leverage private sector 
        investments on the airport or develop public-private 
        partnerships to build or improve facilities at the airport; and
            ``(3) if the application is submitted by a community, 
        evidence that the airport supports the application.
    ``(c) Limitation.--
            ``(1) State limit.--Not more than 4 airports in the same 
        State may be selected in any fiscal year to participate in the 
        program established under subsection (a).
            ``(2) Dollar amount limit.--Not more than $500,000 shall be 
        made available for any airport in any fiscal year under the 
        program established under subsection (a).
            ``(3) Cost share requirement.--The Federal cost share for 
        this program shall be no more than 50 percent.
    ``(d) Priorities.--In selecting airports for participation in the 
program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give 
priority to airports at which--
            ``(1) the operator or sponsor of the airport, or the 
        community in which the airport is located--
                    ``(A) will provide a portion of the cost of the 
                project for which assistance is sought under the 
                program from local sources;
                    ``(B) will employ best business practices in 
                developing or implementing a public-private 
                partnership; or
                    ``(C) has established, or will establish, a public-
                private partnership to build or improve facilities at 
                the airport; or
            ``(2) the assistance will be used in a timely fashion.
    ``(e) Types of Assistance.--The Secretary may use amounts made 
available under this section--
            ``(1) to provide assistance to market an airport to private 
        entities or individuals in order to leverage private sector 
        investments or develop public-private partnerships for the 
        purposes of building or improving hangars, businesses, or other 
        facilities at the airport;
            ``(2) to fund studies that consider what measures an 
        airport should take to attract private sector investment at the 
        airport; or
            ``(3) to participate in a partnership described in 
        paragraph (1) or an investment described in paragraph (2).
    ``(f) Authority to Make Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into 
agreements with airports and entities entering into partnerships with 
airports under this section to provide assistance under this section.
    ``(g) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
chapter, for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, $5,000,000 of the 
amounts that would otherwise be used to make grants from the 
discretionary fund under section 47115 for each such fiscal year shall 
be used by the Secretary to carry out this section for each such fiscal 
year.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of such 
title, as amended by section 610(b), is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 47145 the following:

``47146. General aviation public-private partnership program.''.

SEC. 612. RUNWAY REHABILITATION.

    The Administrator shall--
            (1) not restrict funding to resurface the full length of an 
        existing runway within the State of Alaska based solely on 
        reduced current or forecast aeronautical activity levels or 
        critical design type standards;
            (2) within 60 days review requests for runway 
        rehabilitation or reconstruction projects at airports on a 
        case-by-case basis; and
            (3) not reject requests for projects with critical 
        community needs, such as projects in rural communities and 
        villages off the road system, or economic development projects 
        to expand a runway to meet new demands.

SEC. 613. 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 
``through 2023'' and inserting ``through 2028''.

SEC. 614. 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 FAA 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 that 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. 615. SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.

    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator shall issue an engineering brief describing the 
acceptable use of durable long-term solar powered taxiway edge lighting 
systems at basic nonprimary airports (as defined in appendix C of the 
2023-2027 National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems published by the 
FAA on September 30, 2022).

SEC. 616. ADDITIONAL GROUND BASED TRANSMITTERS.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator is 
authorized to and shall waive any positive benefit-cost ratio 
requirement for providing additional ground based transmitters for 
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasts (ADS-B) to provide a 
minimum operational network in Alaska along major flight routes.

SEC. 617. AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS.

    Section 533 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44720 
note) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
        (f) and (g), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (c), the following:
    ``(d) Maintenance Improvements.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
        identify and implement reasonable alternative mitigations to 
        improve maintenance of FAA-owned weather observing systems 
        which experience frequent service outages, including associated 
        surface communication outages.
            ``(2) Spare parts availability.--The mitigations identified 
        by the Administrator shall improve spare parts availability, 
        including consideration of storage of more spare parts in the 
        region of the equipment.
            ``(3) Application.--This subsection shall apply only to 
        airports located in non-contiguous States.
    ``(e) Notice of Outages.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, 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.
            ``(2) Application.--This subsection shall apply only to 
        airports located in non-contiguous States.''.

SEC. 618. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.

    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
section 528, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(3), by adding at the end the 
        following:
                    ``(H) Period for completion of an operational 
                readiness inspection.--The Federal Aviation 
                Administration shall provide airport sponsors that show 
                good faith efforts to join the Contract Tower Program 7 
                years to complete an Operational Readiness Inspection 
                after receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio.'';
            (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h);
            (3) by inserting after subsection (e), the following:
    ``(f) Improving Situational Awareness.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal 
        Aviation Administration shall allow air traffic controllers at 
        Federal Contract Towers to use technology to improve 
        situational awareness including, but not limited to, using 
        Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) radar 
        displays, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), 
        Flight Data Input/Output (FDIOs), and Automatic Terminal 
        Information System (ATIS).
            ``(2) Requirements.--To help facilitate the integration of 
        the equipment described in paragraph (1), the Administrator 
        shall--
                    ``(A) establish a set of standards that ensures 
                safety for use of the equipment described in paragraph 
                (1) for the purpose of increased situational awareness;
                    ``(B) identify multiple approved vendors for such 
                equipment if practicable; and
                    ``(C) partner with contract tower providers to 
                define an appropriate initial training program to 
                ensure that any tower radar displays, ADS-B displays, 
                or other equipment are correctly integrated into 
                Federal Contract Tower operations.
    ``(g) Liability Insurance.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall consult with 
        industry experts, including air traffic control contractors and 
        aviation insurance professionals, to determine adequate limits 
        of liability for the Contract Tower Program, including during 
        the period described in paragraph (2) with respect to the 
        determination of adequate excess liability insurance under 
        paragraph (2)(B).
            ``(2) Interim steps.--During the period that begins on the 
        date of enactment of this subsection and ends on the date the 
        Secretary submits the report required by paragraph (3), the 
        Secretary shall require air traffic control contractors to have 
        adequate excess liability insurance (as determined by the 
        Secretary in consultation with industry experts under paragraph 
        (1)) to ensure resilience should a major accident occur.
            ``(3) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
        enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit a 
        report to the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
        findings, conclusions, and actions taken and planned to be 
        taken to carry out this subsection.
            ``(4) Appropriate committees of congress.--For purpose of 
        this subsection, the term `appropriate committees of Congress' 
        (as defined in subsection (f)(3)) includes the Committee on 
        Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on 
        Appropriations of the House of Representatives.''.

SEC. 619. REMOTE TOWERS.

    (a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by sections 528 and 618, is amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (g) (as added by section 
        725), 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 structured 
        program and publish milestones to achieve system design 
        approval for a remote tower system.
            ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the 
        Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) rely on support from the Airports Office 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; and
                    ``(B) not later than September 30, 2024, expand 
                validation and certification of system design approval 
                for a digital or remote tower system to three locations 
                outside of the William J. Hughes Technical Center, as 
                specified in section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
                of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note).''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 47124(b) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3)(B)(ii), by inserting ``or a remote 
        airport traffic control tower that has received System Design 
        Approval (SDA) from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after 
        `` an operating air traffic control tower''; and
            (2) in each of clauses (i)(III) and (ii)(III) of paragraph 
        (4)(A), by inserting ``or remote air traffic control tower 
        equipment that has received System Design Approval (SDA) from 
        the Federal Aviation Administration'' after ``certified by the 
        Federal Aviation Administration''.

SEC. 620. GRANT ASSURANCES.

    Section 47107(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon and 
        inserting ``, such that there are no unsafe practices or 
        conditions as determined by the Secretary;'';
            (2) in paragraph (20), by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (3) in paragraph (21), by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting a semicolon; and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (21), the following:
            ``(22) the airport owner or operator will require a fixed 
        based operator, which operates at the airport and also operates 
        facilities at 3 or more additional public-use airports where 
        fuel, parking, and other related services are offered to 
        general aviation aircraft, will publicly disclose on a 
        continuous basis all its prices and fees for the use of its 
        services, products, and facilities at the airport and that the 
        disclosure will--
                    ``(A) be made in an open and conspicuous manner;
                    ``(B) be made available at the point of purchase, 
                in print, and on the internet; and
                    ``(C) include all retail, discounted, or other such 
                prices and fees charged and whether such prices and 
                fees are accepted as payment in full for the products, 
                services, and facilities furnished to airport users;
            ``(23) the airport owner or operator will not impose 
        unreasonable fees for transient aircraft parking that exceed 
        the airport's cost to operate and maintain the area where such 
        transient aircraft may park; and
            ``(24) the airport owner or operator will continue to make 
        available to general aviation aircraft all types of fuel, which 
        were available to such aircraft at that airport at any time 
        during calendar year 2022, until the earlier of--
                    ``(A) December 31, 2030; or
                    ``(B) the date on which a replacement for 100 
                octane Low Lead aviation gas for use by piston-driven 
                aircraft is widely available for use, as determined by 
                the Secretary.''.

SEC. 621. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR GRANT ASSURANCES VIOLATIONS.

    Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``section 47107(a)(7) 
        (including any assurance made under such section), section 
        47107(a)(24) (including any assurance made under such 
        section),'' after ``chapter 451,''; and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (7), the following:
            ``(8) Failure to operate and maintain airports and 
        facilities suitably.--
                    ``(A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the maximum 
                civil penalty for a violation of section 47107(a)(7) 
                (including any assurance made under such section) 
                committed by a person, including if the person is an 
                individual or small business concern, shall be $25,000.
                    ``(B) In determining the amount of a civil penalty 
                under paragraph (1) related to a violation of section 
                47107(a)(7) (including any assurance made under such 
                section), the Secretary of Transportation shall take 
                into account any mitigating circumstances at the 
                airport and facilities on or connected with the 
                airport.
            ``(9) Failure to continue offering aviation fuel.--
        Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the maximum civil penalty for a 
        violation of section 47107(a)(24) (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. 622. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.

    Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``subsection (a)(13)'' and 
                inserting ``subsections (a)(13), (b), and (c)'';
                    (B) by striking ``the sponsor has entered'' and 
                inserting ``the sponsor has--
                    ``(A) entered'';
                    (C) by striking ``market value.'' and inserting 
                ``market value; or''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(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) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (H) 
                as clauses (i) through (viii), respectively, and moving 
                the left margins of each such clause 2 ems to the 
                right;
                    (B) by striking ``This subsection shall apply 
                only--'' and inserting the following:
                    ``(A) Agreements.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall apply 
                only--''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(B) Restrictions.--Paragraph (1)(B) shall apply 
                only--
                            ``(i) to airport property that was 
                        purchased using funds from a Federal grant for 
                        acquiring land issued prior to December 30, 
                        1987;
                            ``(ii) to airport property that has been 
                        continuously used for recreational or public 
                        park uses since January 1, 1995;
                            ``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided 
                        a written statement to the Administrator that 
                        the property to be permanently restricted for 
                        recreational and 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 in the future;
                            ``(iv) if the recreational and public park 
                        use will not impact the aeronautical use of the 
                        airport;
                            ``(v) if the airport sponsor provides a 
                        certification that the sponsor is not 
                        responsible for operations, maintenance, or any 
                        other costs associated with the recreational or 
                        public park use;
                            ``(vi) if the recreational purpose is 
                        consistent with Federal land use compatibility 
                        criteria under section 47502;
                            ``(vii) if the airport sponsor has 
                        continuously leased the property since January 
                        1, 1995, to a local government entity to 
                        operate and maintain the property at no cost to 
                        the airport sponsor; and
                            ``(viii) if the airport sponsor will--
                                    ``(I) continue to lease the 
                                property to a local government 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 
                                the criteria of section 47502.''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In this subsection, the terms 
                `aeronautical use' and `aeronautical purpose' 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) Inclusion of services located on an 
                airport.--Such terms include services located on an 
                airport that are directly and substantially related to 
                the movement of passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo.
                    ``(C) Exclusions.--Such terms shall 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 on an airport, such 
                as flight kitchens and airline reservation centers.''.

SEC. 623. 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 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) 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.
    (c) 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.

SEC. 624. CLARIFYING AIRPORT REVENUE USE OF LOCAL GENERAL SALES TAXES.

    (a) Written Assurances on Revenue Use.--Section 47107(b) of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) This subsection does not apply to local general sales 
        taxes as provided in section 47133(b)(4).''.
    (b) Restriction on Use of Revenues.--Section 47133(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) Local general sales taxes.--Subsection (a) shall not 
        apply to revenues from generally applicable sales taxes imposed 
        by a local government provided--
                    ``(A) the local government had a generally 
                applicable sales tax that did not exclude aviation fuel 
                in effect prior to December 9, 2014;
                    ``(B) the local government is not a sponsor of a 
                public airport; and
                    ``(C) a large hub airport, which had more than 
                35,000,000 enplanements in calendar year 2021, is 
                located within the jurisdiction of the local 
                government.''.

SEC. 625. AIP HANDBOOK REVIEW.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Associate Administrator for Airports of 
the FAA, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall identify 
reasonable exceptions to the AIP Handbook to be implemented by the FAA 
to meet unique regional circumstances and advance the safety needs of 
airports in Alaska, including with respect to the following:
            (1) Snow Removal Equipment Building (SREB) size and 
        configuration.
            (2) Expansion of lease areas.
            (3) Shared governmental use of airport equipment 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 locations 
        throughout the State.
    (b) Updates to AIP Handbook.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
        which the Associate Administrator for Airports of the FAA 
        identifies reasonable exceptions under subsection (a), the 
        Administrator shall update the AIP Handbook to incorporate such 
        exceptions to meet the unique circumstances and safety needs of 
        airports in Alaska.
            (2) Consultation.--The Administrator shall consult with the 
        Regional Administrator of the FAA Alaskan Region prior to 
        issuing the update to the AIP Handbook required by this 
        section.

SEC. 626. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.

    (a) PFAS Replacement Program for Airports.--Not later than 90 days 
after the date on which the Department of Defense approves a fluorine-
free firefighting agent to the Qualified Products' List for products 
meeting Military Specification MIL-PRE-32725, dated January 12, 2023, 
the Secretary shall establish a PFAS replacement program, in 
consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency, and subject to terms, conditions, and assurances acceptable to 
the Secretary, to reimburse eligible airports for the reasonable and 
appropriate costs associated with any of the following:
            (1) The one-time initial acquisition by an eligible airport 
        of fluorine-free firefighting alternatives for--
                    (A) the capacity of all required aircraft rescue 
                and firefighting (ARFF) 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 per- or polyfluoroalkyl products, 
        including fluorinated aqueous film-forming agents, to the 
        extent such disposal is necessary to facilitate the transition 
        to an acceptable fluorine-free agent, including, but not 
        limited to, aqueous film-forming agents currently in fire-
        fighting equipment, vehicles, and wastewater generated during 
        the cleaning of fire-fighting equipment and vehicles.
            (3) Cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or 
        components thereof, to the extent such cleaning or disposal is 
        necessary to facilitate the transition to an acceptable 
        fluorine-free agent.
            (4) Any equipment or components thereof necessary to 
        facilitate the transition to an acceptable fluorine-free agent.
            (5) Replacement of aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) 
        equipment as determined by the Secretary as necessary to be 
        replaced.
    (b) Distribution of Funds.--
            (1) Grants to replace arff vehicles.--
                    (A) In general.--The Secretary shall reserve up to 
                $30,000,000 of the amounts appropriated to carry out 
                the PFAS replacement program 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 foam, to replace 
                aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles.
                    (B) Amount.--No grant made to an eligible airport 
                under subparagraph (A) shall exceed $2,000,000.
            (2) Remainder.--
                    (A) Determination of need.--With respect to the 
                amount of firefighting foam concentrate required for 
                foam production commensurate with applicable aircraft 
                rescue and firefighting (ARFF) equipment required in 
                accordance with the most recent FAA-approved Airport 
                Certification Manual, the Secretary shall determine--
                            (i) the total amount of such concentrate 
                        required for all of the Federally required 
                        aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) 
                        vehicles that meet index requirements under 
                        part 139 of each eligible airport, in gallons; 
                        and
                            (ii) the total amount of nationwide 
                        firefighting foam concentrate, in gallons.
                    (B) Determination of grant amounts.--From the 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the PFAS replacement 
                program that remain after the application of paragraph 
                (1), the Secretary shall make a grant to each eligible 
                airport of the amount equal to the product of--
                            (i) the amount of such remaining funds; 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 fluorine-free 
        foams.
            (2) Compliance with applicable law.--All actions related to 
        the acquisition, disposal, and transition to fluorine-free 
        foams, including the cleaning and disposal of equipment, shall 
        be conducted in full compliance with all applicable Federal 
        laws in effect at the time of obligation in order to be 
        eligible for reimbursement under the PFAS replacement program.
            (3) Government share.--The Government's 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 appropriated 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. 627. 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 section, 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 AC No: 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 required by 
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 
                such fluorine-free firefighting foam;
                    (B) guidance from the Department of Defense on that 
                department's transition 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 part 139 airport implementation 
                plans for obtaining approved military specification 
                products and firefighting personnel training.
            (2) A comprehensive list of the amount of rolling stock of 
        firefighting foam at each part 139 airport as of the date of 
        the submission of the progress report 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 it relates to the use of fluorine-free 
        firefighting foam at such airports.
            (4) Such other information as the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
    (c) Progress Report Termination Date.--For purposes of subsection 
(a), 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) Definition.--In this section, the term ``part 139 airport'' 
means an airport certified under part 139 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations.

SEC. 628. 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 new subsection:
    ``(x) Scope of the Secretary's Airport Layout Plan Review and 
Approval Authority.--
            ``(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 only review and approve or disapprove those 
        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.--If only a 
        portion of a project proposed by an airport owner or operator 
        is subject to the Secretary's review and approval 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 Secretary's review and approval 
                authority, as described in this subsection.
                    ``(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 Secretary's 
                review and approval authority under subsection 
                (a)(16)(B).''.

SEC. 629. NEPA PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENTS.

    (a) In General.--To the extent that the FAA is the lead Federal 
agency for preparation of an environmental impact statement or an 
environmental assessment under provisions of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) where an action or approval 
from more than one Federal agency is required, the FAA shall develop 
its draft purpose and need statement for the project not later than 45 
days after--
            (1) the submission of the airport sponsor's appropriately 
        completed proposed purpose and need description; and
            (2) any appropriately completed proposed revision to a 
        development project that affects the purpose and need 
        description previously prepared or accepted by the FAA.
    (b) Assistance.--The Administrator 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 one Federal agency.

SEC. 630. 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), by striking ``The Secretary'' 
                and inserting ``Except as set forth in the streamlining 
                process described in subsection (l), the Secretary'';
                    (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.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
        regulations to streamline the process for authorizing eligible 
        agencies for airports to impose passenger facility charges. An 
        eligible agency may impose a passenger facility charge 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 30 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, provided that 
                the Federal financial assistance and passenger facility 
                charge collection (including interest and other returns 
                on the revenue) does 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 of title 49, 
                        United States Code; or
                            ``(v) includes multimodal components.'';
                    (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 section, the Administrator shall commence a 
rulemaking to implement the amendments made by subsection (a).
    (c) Interim Guidance.--The interim guidance established in FAA 
Memorandum ``PFC 73-20. Streamlined Procedures for Passenger Facility 
Charge (PFC) Authorizations at Small-, Medium-, and Large-Hub 
Airports.'' (issued January 22, 2020), as modified by subsection (a), 
shall remain in effect until the effective date of the final rule 
promulgated under subsection (b).

SEC. 631. USE OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGES FOR NOISE BARRIERS.

    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.''.

SEC. 632. AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEMS POLICY.

    Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator shall establish a process to collaborate with the 
Director of the National Weather Service to expedite the Automated 
Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and the Service Life Extension Program 
(SLEP) and ensure adequate spare parts and personnel are available for 
timely response to outages.

SEC. 633. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT IMPLEMENTATION.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall distribute 
administrative funding to assist States participating in the State 
block grant program in accordance with 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).
    (b) Funding Source.--Administrative funds to States under this 
section shall be distributed from the funds made available in the 
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 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.
    (c) Administrative Funds.--With respect to administrative funds 
made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026--
            (1) the amount of administrative funds available for 
        distribution under subsection (b) 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; 135 
        Stat. 1416) to non-primary airports participating in the 
        State's block grant program each fiscal year of the Airport 
        Infrastructure Grant program;
            (2) administrative funds distributed under subsection (b) 
        shall be used by such States to--
                    (A) administer and oversee, as outlined in the 
                Memorandum of Agreement or current agreements between 
                the FAA and the State, all airport grant program funds 
                provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs 
                Act to non-primary airports participating in the 
                State's block grant program, whether through direct 
                allocation or through competitive selection; and
                    (B) carry out the public purposes of supporting 
                eligible and justified airport development and 
                infrastructure projects as provided in the 
                Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; and
            (3) except as provided in subsection (d), 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 provides airport 
        grant program funds.
    (d) Initial Distribution.--With respect to administrative funds 
made available for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, funds available as of 
the date of enactment of this section shall be distributed to such 
States through a cooperative agreement executed between the State and 
the FAA not later than 30 days after such date of enactment.

SEC. 634. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.

    Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, 
the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on the FAA's progress 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. 635. COASTAL AIRPORTS RESILIENCY STUDY.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall work with the Administrator of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United 
States Army Corps of Engineers to identify best practices for, and 
study the feasibility of, improving resiliency of airports in coastal 
or flood-prone areas.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report 
describing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), 
together with such recommendations for legislation or administrative 
action as the Administrator determines appropriate.

SEC. 636. SURVEY OF POWER DISTRIBUTION CAPACITY.

    Section 47140(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``power distribution capacity and location,'' after ``back-up 
power,''.

SEC. 637. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.

    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
section, the Secretary shall report to the appropriate committees of 
Congress--
            (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, but not limited to, 
        New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and New 
        York/Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); and
            (2) any additional legal authority the Secretary and the 
        Administrator require in order to make additional slots at JFK 
        and runway timings at EWR available to lower cost passenger air 
        carriers.

SEC. 638. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, 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 section) 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 section.
            (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 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this section, 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 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall 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. 639. STUDY ON AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-POWERED TRACK SYSTEMS.

    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study to develop a 
standard for autonomous and 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) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report detailing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such 
legislation and administrative action as the Administrator determines 
appropriate.

SEC. 640. 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 defined in section 47102 
        of title 49, United States Code) that is identified as 
        unclassified in the National Plan of Integrated Airport 
        Systems, 2023-2027 (as published under section 47103 of title 
        49, United States Code) may submit to the Secretary a request 
        to reclassify the airport according to the criteria used to 
        classify a public airport.
            (2) Required information.--In submitting a request under 
        paragraph (1), the 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 airport's safety, security, capacity, access, compliance 
        with Federal grant assurances, and protection of natural 
        resources 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 transferring 
                the airport to a public sponsor; and
                    (B) may not require the airport to obtain a public 
                sponsor.
    (c) Reclassification by the 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 passes the eligibility 
                review performed under subsection (b).
            (2) Corrective action plan.--
                    (A) In general.--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--
                            (i) resolves any shortcomings identified in 
                        such eligibility review; and
                            (ii) proves that any necessary corrective 
                        action has been completed by the airport.
                    (B) Evaluation.--Not later than 60 days after 
                receiving a corrective action plan under subparagraph 
                (A), the Secretary shall grant the reclassification 
                request of any privately owned reliever airport if such 
                airport submit such corrective action plan to the 
                satisfaction of the Secretary.
    (d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately owned 
reliever airport under this section shall take effect not later than--
            (1) fiscal year 2025 for any request granted under 
        subsection (c)(1); and
            (2) fiscal year 2026 for any request granted after the 
        submission of a corrective action plan under subsection (c)(2).

SEC. 641. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, as amended by section 611(a), is amended by adding at the 
end the following new section:
``Sec. 47147. General aviation program runway extension pilot program.
    ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish a pilot program to provide grants to general aviation 
airports to increase usable the 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 to a sufficient length 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) of title 49, United States Code; 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).
    ``(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 this 
        Act, based on data provided by the airport sponsor to the 
        Secretary not later than 6 months prior to the due date of such 
        report to Congress; and
            ``(3) a description, provided by the airport sponsor to the 
        Secretary not later than 6 months prior to the due date of such 
        report to Congress, of the economic development opportunities 
        supported by increasing the runway length at general aviation 
        airports.
    ``(f) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 2024 through 
        2028, the Secretary may use funds made available under section 
        48103 to carry out this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 
471 of such title, as amended by section 611(b), is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 47146 the following:

``47147. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.''.

                  TITLE VII--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

SEC. 701. 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 
``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
    (b) Additional Members.--Section 411(b) of the FAA Modernization 
and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting a semicolon; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) foreign air carriers; and
            ``(6) nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in 
        disability and accessibility matters.''.

SEC. 702. UNREALISTIC OR DECEPTIVE SCHEDULING.

    (a) In General.--Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Unrealistic or Deceptive Scheduling.--It shall be an unfair 
or deceptive practice and an unfair method of competition under 
subsection (a) for any air carrier or foreign air carrier providing 
scheduled passenger air transportation to engage in unrealistic or 
deceptive scheduling of flights, as determined by the Secretary of 
Transportation subject to an investigation and finding, if any, that an 
air carrier or foreign air carrier engaged in the unrealistic or 
deceptive scheduling of flights.''.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the authority of the Secretary under section 
41712(a) of title 49, United States Code, or the ability of the 
Secretary to act pursuant to the authority under section 399.81 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with respect to any activity of 
an air carrier or foreign air carrier that occurred prior to the date 
of enactment of subsection (d) of section 41712 of such title 49, as 
added by subsection (a) of this section.
    (c) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee 
Recommendations.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Secretary shall require the 
        Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee to provide to 
        the Secretary recommendations regarding the types of practices 
        or circumstances that qualify as unrealistic or deceptive 
        scheduling of flights, including whether scheduling flights in 
        light of technological deficiencies or workforce shortcomings 
        that were known to an air carrier or foreign air carrier at the 
        time of such scheduling qualifies as unrealistic or deceptive 
        scheduling.
            (2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the 
        recommendations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
        initiate a rulemaking to implement any such recommendations 
        determined appropriate by the Secretary.

SEC. 703. 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 of the passenger, promptly 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 request for the 
        refund; or
            ``(2) in the case of a ticket purchased with cash or 
        another form of payment, not later than 20 days after the 
        request for the refund.
    ``(c) Alternative to Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
carrier may offer a voucher, credit, or other form of compensation as 
an alternative to providing a refund required by subsection (a) but 
only if the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of--
            ``(1) the terms of the offer; and
            ``(2) the passenger's right to a full refund under this 
        section.
    ``(d) Significantly Delayed or Changed Flight.--In defining 
`significantly delayed or changed flight' for purposes of this section, 
the Secretary shall ensure that such term 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.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation 
shall issue a final rule to apply refund requirements to ticket agents 
in the case of cancelled flights and significantly delayed or changed 
flights.
``Sec. 42306. Refund portal
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than the date that is 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation 
shall require covered entities to prominently display at the top of the 
homepage of the covered entity's public internet website a link that 
passengers eligible for a refund may use to request a refund.
    ``(b) Covered Entity Defined.--In this subsection, the term 
`covered entity' means--
            ``(1) an air carrier or foreign air carrier that provides 
        scheduled passenger air transportation by operating an aircraft 
        that as originally designed has a passenger capacity of 30 or 
        more seats; and
            ``(2) a ticket agent that sells scheduled passenger service 
        on an aircraft that as originally designed has a passenger 
        capacity of 30 or more seats.''.
    (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.
``42306. Refund Portal.''.

SEC. 704. AIRLINE PASSENGER RIGHTS TRANSPARENCY ACT.

    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
            (1) Air travel is an essential part of modern life, and 
        passengers have certain rights and protections under the law.
            (2) Passengers are often not aware of such rights and 
        protections under the law.
            (3) To address this problem, airports, air carriers, and 
        foreign air carriers must provide clear and concise information 
        regarding passenger rights in a manner that is easily 
        accessible and understandable to all passengers.
    (b) Transparency Requirements.--
            (1) Consumer complaints.--Section 42302 of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
        subsection:
    ``(f) Notice to Passengers on Electronic Flight Itinerary Ticket 
Confirmation.--Each air carrier and foreign air carrier shall provide 
on any electronic flight itinerary ticket confirmation issued by the 
carrier a link to the Aviation Consumer Protection website and the Air 
Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form website of the Department of 
Transportation.''.
            (2) Know your rights posters.--
                    (A) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United 
                States Code, as amended by section 703(a), is amended 
                by inserting after section 42306 the following:
``Sec. 42307. Know your rights posters
    ``(a) In General.--Each large hub airport, medium hub airport, and 
small hub airport (as such terms are defined in section 40102) 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.--Such posters shall be displayed in conspicuous 
locations throughout the airport, including ticket counters, security 
checkpoints, and boarding gates.''.
                    (B) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 
                423 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
                section 703(b), is amended by inserting after the item 
                relating to section 42306 the following:

``42307. Know your rights posters.''.
            (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection 
        shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section.

SEC. 705. DISCLOSURE OF ANCILLARY FEES.

    (a) Flexibility.--
            (1) In general.--In determining whether a practice is an 
        unfair or deceptive practice under section 41712 of title 49, 
        United States Code, with respect to the disclosure of ancillary 
        fees, the Secretary, shall provide air carriers, foreign air 
        carriers, and ticket agents with the flexibility to develop the 
        manner in which such information is transmitted to consumers as 
        long as such information (consistent with the objective of 
        assuring that consumers are provided with useable, current, and 
        accurate information on critical ancillary fees in a format 
        that the consumer can easily compare multiple flight options) 
        is--
                    (A) presented to the consumer in a reasonable and 
                transparent manner prior to booking; and
                    (B) displayed in a format that assists the consumer 
                in making more informed decisions.
            (2) Critical ancillary fees defined.--For purposes of 
        paragraph (1), the term ``critical ancillary fees'' means--
                    (A) fees for--
                            (i) the first and second checked bag of an 
                        airline passenger;
                            (ii) one carry-on bag of an airline 
                        passenger;
                            (iii) changing or canceling a reservation; 
                        and
                            (iv) adjacent seating when traveling with a 
                        child that is 13 years of age or younger; and
                    (B) any other fees for ancillary services that are 
                identified by the Secretary in the rule finalizing the 
                proposed rule published by the Secretary on March 3, 
                2023, and titled ``Enhancing Transparency of Airline 
                Ancillary Service Fees'' (88 Fed. Reg. 13389) as being 
                critical to consumers in choosing among air 
                transportation options.
    (b) Ticket Agents.--The Secretary shall not find that a ticket 
agent is out of compliance with a requirement in the final rule 
described in subsection (a)(2)(B) with respect to the disclosure of 
critical ancillary fees if the Secretary determines that such 
noncompliance is due to the failure of an air carrier or foreign air 
carrier to provide the ticket agent with the information required to 
comply with such requirement.

SEC. 706. 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 easily access information 
        about the status of their flight and any alternative flight 
        options.
            (2) During a period of mass cancellations, customers may be 
        unable to easily connect, either in-person or through a toll-
        free customer service phone number, with a customer service 
        representative of an air carrier.
            (3) While many air carriers have robust online and smart 
        phone application chat resources, many customers may not have 
        access to those resources, and customers often have time-
        sensitive questions that cannot be answered through an 
        automated service or website.
            (4) Not all customers of air carriers are able to easily 
        use online and chat resources.
            (5) 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) Consumer complaints.--Section 42302 of title 49, United 
        States Code, as amended by section 704(b), is amended by adding 
        at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g) Notice to Passengers on Electronic Flight Itinerary Ticket 
Confirmation.--Each air carrier and foreign air carrier shall provide 
on any electronic flight itinerary ticket confirmation issued by the 
carrier a link to the Aviation Consumer Protection website and the Air 
Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form website of the Department of 
Transportation.''.
            (2) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or 
        monitored text messaging number.--
                    (A) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United 
                States Code, as amended by section 704(b), is amended 
                by inserting after section 42307 the following:
``Sec. 42308. 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, in addition to maintaining a toll-free customer 
        service telephone line, maintain a live customer chat or 
        monitored text messaging number that enables customers to speak 
        to a live agent directly.
            ``(2) Provision of services.--The services required under 
        subsection (a) shall be provided to customers without charge 
        for the use of such services, and shall be available in real 
        time and on a 24 hour/7 days a week basis.
    ``(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 provides scheduled 
passenger air transportation by operating 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 (b) 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.''.
                    (B) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 
                423 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by 
                section 704(b), is amended by inserting after the item 
                relating to section 42307 the following:

``42308. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored text 
                            messaging number.''.

SEC. 707. FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS AND VOUCHERS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by section 706(b), is amended by inserting after section 42308 
the following new section:
``Sec. 42309. Frequent flyer programs
    ``(a) Reduction in Benefits.--An air carrier may not reduce or 
devalue the benefits, rewards, points, or other accrued value of an 
existing account holder of a frequent flyer program unless the air 
carrier provides such account holder not less than 90 days notice of 
such reduction or devaluation.
    ``(b) Expiration of Benefits.--
            ``(1) Initial notification.--Upon the issuance of any 
        flight voucher or flight credit, an air carrier or ticket 
        agent, where applicable, shall notify the recipient of such 
        voucher or credit of the expiration date of the voucher or 
        credit.
            ``(2) Subsequent notification.--Not less than 30 days 
        before the expiration date of any flight voucher or flight 
        credit issued by an air carrier or ticket agent, the air 
        carrier or ticket agent shall make a reasonable attempt to 
        notify the recipient of such voucher or credit of the 
        expiration date of the voucher or credit.
    ``(c) Definition of Frequent Flyer Program.--In this section, the 
term `frequent flyer program' means a program in which an air carrier 
promises or offers benefits, rewards, points, or other accrued value 
for tickets purchased from the air carrier.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of such 
title, as amended by section 706(b), is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 42308 the following:

``42309. Frequent flyer programs.''.

SEC. 708. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.

    (a) Dashboards.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
        Code, as amended by section 707(a), is amended by inserting 
        after section 42309 the following:
``Sec. 42310. DOT airline customer service dashboards
    ``(a) Requirement to Establish and Maintain Publicly Available 
Dashboards.--The Secretary of Transportation (in this section referred 
to as the `Secretary') 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 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. 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).
            ``(2) 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.
            ``(3) 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.
    ``(b) Bureau of Transportation Statistics.--
            ``(1) ATCSCC delays.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Director of the Bureau of 
        Transportation Statistics shall update the reporting framework 
        of the Bureau to create a new `cause of delay' category that 
        identifies and tracks information on delays and cancellations 
        of air carriers (as defined in section 40102) that are due to 
        instructions from the Federal Aviation Administration Air 
        Traffic Control System Command Center.
            ``(2) Family seating complaints.--Not later than 30 days 
        after the date of enactment of this section, 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.
    ``(c) Air Travel Consumer Report.--
            ``(1) ATCSCC delays.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
        on which the Director of the Bureau of Transportation 
        Statistics updates the reporting framework under subsection 
        (b)(1), the Secretary shall include information on delays and 
        cancellations that are due to instructions from the Federal 
        Aviation Administration 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.--Not later than 30 days 
        after the date on which the Director of the Bureau of 
        Transportation Statistics updates the reporting framework under 
        subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall include information on 
        complaints related to family seating in the Air Travel Consumer 
        Report issued by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection of 
        the Department of Transportation and on the family seating 
        dashboard required by subsection (a)(2).
    ``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier shall 
provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires to 
carry out this section.''.
            (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish each of 
        the online dashboards required by section 42310(a) of title 49, 
        United States Code, not later than 30 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, as amended by section 707(b), is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 42309 the following:

``42310. DOT airline customer service dashboards.''.

SEC. 709. ANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON DISRUPTIONS OF PASSENGER AIR 
              TRANSPORTATION AND PERIODS OF MASS CANCELLATIONS OF 
              SCHEDULED FLIGHTS.

    Section 106(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
            ``(3) Annually, (and more frequently as needed) 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 following:
                    ``(A) The efforts, activities, objectives, and 
                plans of the Administration in continuing to address 
                ongoing concerns about passenger protections during 
                operational meltdowns of air carriers and foreign air 
                carriers.
                    ``(B) The efforts of the Administration to engage 
                with Congress and the public on issues related to 
                operational meltdowns of air carriers and foreign air 
                carriers.''.

SEC. 710. ENHANCING CHILD SAFETY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall issue new or revised guidance 
that provides testing standards to allow for the use of a child 
restraint system on a covered aircraft that meets such testing 
standards, without regard to whether such child restraint system also 
meets the standards set forth in section 571.213 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (b) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
aircraft'' means an aircraft that, as originally designed, has a 
passenger capacity of 30 or more seats.

SEC. 711. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.

    (a) Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
            (1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
        of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 note prec.) 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 49; 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 49; 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'' 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 adding at the end the following:

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

SEC. 712. 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--
            (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 
        section.
    (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 containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such 
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.

SEC. 713. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS OF AIR 
              CARRIERS FOR PREPARING FOR CHANGING WEATHER AND OTHER 
              EVENTS RELATED TO CHANGING CONDITIONS AND NATURAL 
              HAZARDS.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--The Comptroller General shall study and 
        assess the operational preparedness of air carriers for 
        preparing 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 by 
        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 air carriers' operational investments, staffing 
                levels and safety policies, mitigation strategies, and 
                other resiliency planning.
                    (B) How the FAA oversees air carriers' operational 
                resilience to storms and natural disasters, as well as 
                changing conditions.
                    (C) Steps the Federal Government and air carriers 
                can take to improve their operational resilience to 
                storms and natural disasters, as well as changing 
                conditions.
    (b) Briefing and Report.--
            (1) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall brief 
        the appropriate committees of Congress on the study required by 
        subsection (a), together with recommendations for such 
        legislation 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 a report to the appropriate committees of Congress 
        on the study required by subsection (a), together with 
        recommendations for such legislation 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 that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code.

SEC. 714. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.

    (a) In General.--Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
``$25,000'' and inserting ``$50,000''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to violations occurring on or after the date of enactment.
    (c) Conforming Regulations.--The Secretary shall revise such 
regulations as necessary to conform to the amendment made by subsection 
(a).

SEC. 715. FAMILY SEATING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, 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. 716. 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 (referred 
        to in this subsection as the `Office') to administer and 
        enforce the aviation consumer protection and civil rights 
        authorities provided to the Department by statute, including 
        those under section 41712--
                    ``(A) to assist, educate, and protect passengers;
                    ``(B) to monitor compliance with, conduct 
                investigations relating to, and enforce, including by 
                taking appropriate action to address violations of, 
                aviation consumer protection, civil rights, and 
                aviation economic requirements; and
                    ``(C) to promulgate, as appropriate, aviation 
                consumer protection and civil rights regulations.
            ``(2) Leadership.--The Office shall be headed by the 
        Assistant Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection (referred 
        to in this subsection as the `Assistant Secretary').
            ``(3) Transition.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
        of enactment of this subsection, 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 Department shall determine which 
        employees are necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the 
        new Office of Aviation Consumer Protection and those employees 
        shall be transferred from the Office of the General Counsel as 
        appropriate to the newly established Office of Aviation 
        Consumer Protection. To the extent the Office of the General 
        Counsel retains any attorney or hires any new attorney to 
        advise the newly established Office of Aviation Consumer 
        Protection, those attorneys will be located in the remaining 
        offices within the Office of the General Counsel.
            ``(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.''.

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

SEC. 731. EXTENSION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE AIR TRAVEL NEEDS 
              OF PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES.

    Section 439(g) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
41705 note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

SEC. 732. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT EVACUATION.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, 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 by 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 those 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 those who use 
                        wheelchairs or other mobility assistive 
                        devices, to safely to 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 safety 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 (the 
                        number of passengers relative to the number of 
                        seats on board the aircraft) on the ability of 
                        passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
                        transport category airplane.
                            (xi) The impact of service animals on the 
                        ability of passengers (including such service 
                        animals and their handlers) 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 when the Administrator determines 
                        that the new aircraft design is significant.
                            (xiii) Any other factor determined 
                        appropriate by the Administrator.
                    (C) Passengers with disabilities defined.--For 
                purposes of this paragraph, 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 under subsection (a), the Administrator 
        shall establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (in this 
        section referred to as the ``Committee'') to review the 
        findings of the study and 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 the disability community 
                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 
        under subsection (a) and developing recommendations regarding 
        the improvement of the evacuation standards, 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 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 recommendations under subsection (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); and
            (3) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such 
        recommendations.
    (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after submitting the report 
to Congress under subsection (c), the Administrator shall issue a 
notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the recommendations of the 
Committee that the Administrator deems appropriate.

SEC. 733. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO USE 
              WHEELCHAIRS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--The Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to 
develop requirements for minimum training standards for airline 
personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who must 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--
            (1) complete refresher training every 6 months and be 
        recertified yearly on the job by a superior in order to remain 
        qualified for providing aisle chair assistance; and
            (2) be able to successfully demonstrate the each of 
        following skills in hands-on training sessions before being 
        allowed to board or deplane a passenger using an aisle chair or 
        other boarding device:
                    (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.
                    (C) How to effectively communicate with, and take 
                instruction from, the passenger.
    (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 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;
            (3) whether air carriers and foreign air carriers should be 
        required to use their own personnel instead of contractors for 
        boarding passengers with limited or no mobility; and
            (4) whether individuals able to provide boarding and 
        deplaning assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility 
        should receive training 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 section, 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. 734. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND SCOOTERS.

    (a) Rulemaking.--The Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to 
develop minimum training standards related to stowage of wheelchairs 
and scooters on aircraft.
    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or 
contractors--
            (1) complete refresher training every 6 months and be 
        recertified yearly on the job by a superior in order to remain 
        qualified for handling and stowing wheelchairs and scooters; 
        and
            (2) be able to successfully demonstrate the each of 
        following skills in hands-on training sessions before being 
        allowed to handle or stow a wheelchair or scooter:
                    (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 
                assistive device manufacturer.
                    (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.
    (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 wheelchair manufacturers, national 
        disability and disabled veterans organizations representing 
        individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters, and aircraft 
        manufacturers, in administering and auditing training; and
            (2) whether air carriers and foreign air carriers should 
        require personnel or contractors to use specialized equipment 
        in loading and unloading wheelchairs and scooters.
    (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, 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. 735. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER ALL ACT.

    (a) Publication of Information Related to Powered Wheelchairs.--
            (1) Advisory circular.--Not later than 1 year after the 
        date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue an 
        advisory circular that provides guidance to air carriers and 
        foreign air carriers (as defined in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code) on publishing information related to 
        powered wheelchairs on the website of such carrier, including--
                    (A) information describing the dimensions of the 
                cargo holds of all aircraft types in the air carrier's 
                fleet, including the dimensions of the cargo hold 
                entry; and
                    (B) in the case of a qualified individual with a 
                disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, 
                Code of Federal Regulations) traveling with a 
                wheelchair (including a power wheelchair, manual 
                wheelchair, or scooter) who has purchased a ticket for 
                a flight from the air carrier but who cannot fly on the 
                existing aircraft because the wheelchair of such 
                qualified individual cannot fit in the cargo hold, 
                information regarding the process for such qualified 
                individual to get a refund of any previously paid 
                fares, fees, and taxes applicable to such flight.
            (2) Requirement.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
        of enactment of this section, each air carrier and foreign air 
        carrier shall be required to publish, on a prominent and easily 
        accessible place on the website of the carrier, the information 
        described in the advisory circular issued under paragraph (1).
    (b) Evaluation of Data Regarding Mishandled Wheelchairs.--Not later 
than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall--
            (1) evaluate data (which shall be delineated by type of 
        wheelchair being mishandled, such as power wheelchairs, manual 
        wheelchairs, and scooters, and by type of mishandling, such as 
        damage (including the type of damage, 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, and any other type of damage 
        deemed appropriate by the Secretary), delay, or loss) regarding 
        the frequency of mishandling of wheelchairs (as defined in 
        section 37.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) 
        occurring on aircraft;
            (2) determine whether there are issues with respect to such 
        frequency and type of mishandling; and
            (3) review and report any claims for which an air carrier 
        has conclusive evidence of fraud.
    (c) Report on Mishandled Wheelchairs.--Not later than 6 months 
after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report (which shall be made 
publicly available on the website of the Department of Transportation) 
regarding the results of each such evaluation and determination under 
subsection (b), including how the Secretary plans to address such 
results through consultation with air carriers, wheelchair 
manufacturers, national disability and disabled veterans organizations, 
and other relevant stakeholders.
    (d) Feasibility of In-cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems.--
            (1) Roadmap.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, 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 (RESNA), 
                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 
                Special Report 341; and
                    (B) sponsor studies that assess issues and 
                considerations, including those set forth in 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 (including power 
        wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and scooters) 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), together with any recommendations the 
        Secretary determines appropriate.

SEC. 736. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR AVIATION 
              CONSUMERS ACT OF 2023.

    (a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit a report on aviation consumer complaints related to passengers 
with a disability filed with the Department of Transportation to the 
appropriate committees of Congress, and shall make each annual report 
publicly available.
    (b) Report.--Each annual report submitted under subsection (a) 
shall include, but not be limited to, 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 5 most recent 
        calendar years.
            (2) The nature of such complaints, such as 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;
                    (C) the condition or lack of accessibility 
                equipment or materials;
                    (D) the accessibility of in-flight services, 
                including accessing and utilizing on-board lavatories, 
                for passengers with a disability;
                    (E) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
                disability in communicating with an air carrier or 
                staff of an air carrier;
                    (F) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
                disability in being moved, handled, or having their 
                schedule changed without consent;
                    (G) issues experienced by passengers with a 
                disability traveling with a service animal; and
                    (H) such other issues as the Secretary deems 
                appropriate.
            (3) An overview of the review process for such complaints 
        received during such period.
            (4) The median length of time for how quickly review such 
        complaints were initiated.
            (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, (commonly known as the 
        ``Air Carrier Access Act of 1986'')--
                    (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 Federal Aviation Administration, 
        were referred to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    (c) Definitions.--
            (1) In general.--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 any term defined in such 
        sections that is used in this section.
            (2) Passengers with a disability defined.--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. 737. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.

    (a) Handling of Organs on Aircraft.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator, in 
coordination with relevant Federal agencies and stakeholders, shall 
issue a rulemaking to--
            (1) establish a safe, standardized process for a commercial 
        airline's acceptance, handling, management, and transportation 
        of an organ in the cabin of an aircraft;
            (2) require each commercial airline to establish a protocol 
        to ensure the safe and timely transport of an organ in the 
        cabin of the aircraft, including through any connecting flight; 
        and
            (3) identify metrics regarding the handling of organs by 
        commercial airlines in order to increase transparency and aid 
        the development of best practices and improvement initiatives.
    (b) Definition of Organ.--For purposes of 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 organ-related tissue.

SEC. 738. ACCESS AND DIGNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL ACT.

    (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Access and 
Dignity for All People Who Travel Act of 2023''.
    (b) 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.
    (c) Seating Accommodations for Qualified Individuals With 
Disabilities.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not 
                later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
                section, the Secretary shall issue an advanced notice 
                of proposed rulemaking regarding seating accommodations 
                for any qualified individual with a disability.
                    (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 seating accommodations 
                for any qualified individual with a disability.
                    (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 regarding seating accommodations for 
                any qualified individual with a disability.
            (2) Requirements.--In carrying out any rulemaking under 
        paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following:
                    (A) The scope and anticipated number of qualified 
                individuals with a disability who--
                            (i) may need to be seated with a companion 
                        to receive assistance during a flight; or
                            (ii) should be afforded bulkhead seats or 
                        other seating considerations.
                    (B) The types of disabilities that may need seating 
                accommodations.
                    (C) Whether such qualified individuals with a 
                disability are unable to obtain, or have difficulty 
                obtaining, such a seat.
                    (D) 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.
                    (E) Any notification given to qualified individuals 
                with a disability regarding available seating 
                accommodations.
                    (F) Any method that is adequate to identify 
                fraudulent claims for seating accommodations.
                    (G) Any other information determined appropriate by 
                the Secretary.
    (d) Known Service Animal User Travel Pilot Program.--
            (1) Pilot program.--
                    (A) Establishment.--
                            (i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
                        establish a pilot program to allow approved 
                        program participants as known service animal 
                        users for the purpose 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.
                            (ii) Requirements.--The pilot program 
                        established under clause (i) shall--
                                    (I) be optional;
                                    (II) provide to applicants 
                                assistance, including over-the-phone 
                                assistance, throughout the application 
                                process for the program;
                                    (III) 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; and
                                    (IV) exempt participants of the 
                                pilot program from any documentation 
                                requirements under part 382 of title 
                                14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                    (B) Consultation.--In establishing the pilot 
                program under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
                consult with--
                            (i) disability advocacy entities, including 
                        nonprofit organizations focused on ensuring 
                        that individuals with disabilities are able to 
                        live and participate in their communities;
                            (ii) air carriers and foreign air carriers;
                            (iii) 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;
                            (iv) other relevant departments or agencies 
                        of the Federal Government; and
                            (v) other entities determined to be 
                        appropriate by the Secretary.
                    (C) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in 
                the pilot program under this paragraph, an individual 
                shall--
                            (i) be a qualified individual with a 
                        disability;
                            (ii) require the use of a service animal 
                        because of a disability; and
                            (iii) submit an application to the 
                        Secretary at such time, in such manner, and 
                        containing such information as the Secretary 
                        may require.
                    (D) Clarification.--The Secretary may award a grant 
                or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement in 
                order to carry out this paragraph.
                    (E) Nominal fee.--The Secretary may require an 
                applicant to pay a nominal fee (not to exceed $25) to 
                participate in the pilot program.
                    (F) Reports to congress.--
                            (i) Planning report.--Not later than 1 year 
                        after the date of enactment of this section, 
                        the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
                        committees of Congress a publicly available 
                        report describing the implementation plan for 
                        the pilot program under this paragraph.
                            (ii) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year 
                        after the establishment of the pilot program 
                        under this paragraph, and annually thereafter 
                        until the date described in subparagraph (G), 
                        the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
                        committees of Congress a publicly available 
                        report on the progress of the pilot program.
                            (iii) Final report.--Not later than 5 years 
                        after the date of enactment of this section, 
                        the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
                        committees of Congress a publicly available 
                        final report that includes recommendations for 
                        the establishment and implementation of a 
                        permanent known service animal user travel 
                        program for the Federal Government.
                    (G) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on 
                the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of 
                this section.
            (2) Accredited service animal training programs and 
        authorized registrars.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
        of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish on 
        the website of the Department of Transportation and maintain a 
        list of--
                    (A) accredited programs that train service animals; 
                and
                    (B) authorized registrars that evaluate service 
                animals.
            (3) Report to congress on service animal requests.--Not 
        later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, 
        and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on requests for air 
        travel with service animals, including--
                    (A) during the reporting period, how many requests 
                to board an aircraft with a service animal were made; 
                and
                    (B) the number and percentage of such requests, 
                categorized by type of request, that were reported by 
                air carriers or foreign air carriers as--
                            (i) granted;
                            (ii) denied; or
                            (iii) fraudulent.
            (4) Training.--
                    (A) 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.
                    (B) Requirements.--The guidance issued under 
                paragraph (1) shall--
                            (i) take into account respectful engagement 
                        with and assistance for individuals with a wide 
                        range of visible and non-visible disabilities;
                            (ii) 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
                            (iii) outline the rights and 
                        responsibilities of the handler of the service 
                        animal.

SEC. 739. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS ACT.

    (a) Applications and Information Communication Technologies.--
            (1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notice 
        of proposed rulemaking to ensure that customer-focused 
        websites, applications, and information communication 
        technologies (including those used to notify any individual 
        with a disability of changes to flight information (such as 
        delays, gate changes, or boarding announcements), passenger 
        safety information, or in-flight services and updates) of an 
        air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport are accessible.
            (2) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate a 
        final rule for the purposes described in paragraph (1).
            (3) Considerations.--In any rulemaking under this 
        subsection, the Secretary--
                    (A) shall consider--
                            (i) the standards described in section 508 
                        of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
                        794d); and
                            (ii) the regulations implementing that Act 
                        as set forth in part 1194 of title 36, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations; and
                    (B) may consider--
                            (i) additional standards, including those 
                        provided in the Web Content Accessibility 
                        Guidelines 2.1 Level AA of the Web 
                        Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web 
                        Consortium (or subsequent versions); and
                            (ii) the technical capabilities of the 
                        information communication technology.
            (4) Consultation.--For purposes of this section, the 
        Secretary may consult with the Architectural and Transportation 
        Barriers Compliance Board and any other relevant department or 
        agency to determine appropriate accessibility standards.
            (5) Review.--Not later than 5 years after promulgating the 
        final rule under paragraph (2), and every 5 years thereafter, 
        the Secretary shall review the rules issued under this 
        subsection and update such rules as necessary.
    (b) Audit.--
            (1) Initial audit.--
                    (A) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the 
                date on which the Secretary promulgates the final rule 
                under subsection (a)(2), and subsequently thereafter as 
                described in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall 
                commence an audit of each customer-focused website, 
                application, or information communication technology of 
                an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport for the 
                purpose of informing improvements that ensure any 
                individual with a disability has equal access to 
                travel, in accordance with such final rule. Such audit 
                shall be limited to a review of the following:
                            (i) The accessibility of any customer-
                        focused website or application of an air 
                        carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport.
                            (ii) The accessibility of the information 
                        communication technology an air carrier, 
                        foreign air carrier, or airport uses to--
                                    (I) notify any individual with a 
                                disability of changes to flight 
                                information (such as delays, gate 
                                changes, or boarding announcements); or
                                    (II) provide services to such 
                                individual, such as checking in, 
                                printing a boarding pass, or printing a 
                                luggage tag.
                            (iii) Other relevant information, as 
                        determined by the Secretary in consultation 
                        with stakeholders from the disability 
                        community, air carriers, foreign air carriers, 
                        airports, and other relevant stakeholders.
                    (B) Notice.--Not later than 9 months before 
                commencing any audit under subparagraph (A), the 
                Secretary shall notify any entity being audited and 
                publish in a prominent place on the website of the 
                Department of Transportation and in an accessible 
                manner, information regarding such audit, including--
                            (i) a notice of the audit;
                            (ii) the standards that the customer-
                        focused website, application, or information 
                        communication technology of an air carrier, 
                        foreign air carrier, or airport must meet; and
                            (iii) the potential civil penalties that 
                        may be assessed for noncompliance with such 
                        standards.
            (2) Clarification.--The Secretary may--
                    (A) award a grant or enter into a contract or 
                cooperative agreement in order to carry out the audits 
                required under paragraph (1); and
                    (B) require any air carrier, foreign air carrier, 
                or airport audited under this section to provide to the 
                Secretary such information as the Secretary requires to 
                carry out any such audit.
            (3) Subsequent audits.--
                    (A) Large air carriers, large hub airports, and 
                medium hub airports.--For purposes of paragraph (1), 
                after the initial audit described in such paragraph, 
                the Secretary shall conduct subsequent audits every 3 
                years thereafter with respect to large air carriers, 
                large hub airports, and medium hub airports.
                    (B) Small air carriers.--For purposes of paragraph 
                (1), after the initial audit described in such 
                paragraph, the Secretary shall conduct subsequent 
                audits every 5 years thereafter with respect to small 
                air carriers.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after commencing any audit under 
subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a publicly-available report containing the 
following:
            (1) The number of air carriers, foreign air carriers, and 
        airports audited during the reporting period.
            (2) The number of violations per type of operator (air 
        carrier, foreign air carrier, and airport) during the reporting 
        period.
            (3) An analysis of the number and type of violations (such 
        as lack of captions, audio descriptions, image descriptions), 
        with such types being at the discretion of the Secretary.
            (4) Recommendations for such legislation and administrative 
        action as the Secretary determines appropriate.
    (d) Penalties.--Upon completing an audit conducted under subsection 
(b), the Secretary may assess a civil penalty in accordance with 
section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any air carrier, 
foreign air carrier, or airport that utilizes a customer-focused 
website, application, or information communication technology that is 
not accessible, as determined by the Secretary.
    (e) 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) Airport.--The term ``airport'' has the meaning given 
        that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
            (3) Application.--The term ``application'' means software 
        that is designed to run on a device, including a smartphone, 
        tablet, self-service kiosk, wearable technology item, or laptop 
        or desktop computer, or another device, including a device 
        developed after the date of enactment of this section, and that 
        is designed to perform, or to help the user perform, a specific 
        task.
            (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
        has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.
            (5) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual 
        with a disability'' has the meaning given that term in section 
        382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (6) Information communication technology.--The term 
        ``information communication technology''--
                    (A) means any equipment, system, technology, or 
                process for which the principal function is the 
                creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or 
                transmission of relevant electronic data and 
                information, as well as any associated content; and
                    (B) includes a computer and peripheral equipment, 
                an information kiosk or transaction machine, 
                telecommunications equipment, customer premises 
                equipment, a multifunction office machine, software, a 
                video, or an electronic document.
            (7) Large air carrier.--The term ``large air carrier'' 
        means an air carrier or foreign air carrier operating under 
        part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that 
        operates an aircraft with 125 passenger seats or more.
            (8) Large hub airport.--The term ``large hub airport'' has 
        the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.
            (9) Medium hub airport.--The term ``medium hub airport'' 
        has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.
            (10) Small air carrier.--The term ``small air carrier'' 
        means an air carrier or foreign air carrier operating under 
        part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that 
        operates an aircraft with less than 125 passenger seats.

SEC. 740. STORE ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN CABIN ACT.

    (a) Requirements.--
            (1) In general.--In the case an aircraft that is required 
        to be equipped with an on-board wheelchair in accordance with 
        section 382.65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, an air 
        carrier and a foreign air carrier shall provide in a prominent 
        place on a publicly available internet website of the carrier, 
        and in any place where a passenger can make a reservation, 
        information regarding the rights and responsibilities of both 
        passengers on such aircraft and the air carrier or foreign air 
        carrier, including--
                    (A) 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 such title 14) with an on-board 
                wheelchair unless an exception described in such 
                section 382.65 applies;
                    (B) that a qualified individual with a disability 
                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;
                    (C) 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 such title 14 in order for the individual to be 
                provided with the on-board wheelchair; and
                    (D) if the air carrier or foreign air carrier 
                requires the advance notice described in subparagraph 
                (C), information on how a qualified individual with a 
                disability can make such a request.
            (2) Annual training.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
        carriers shall require that all personnel who regularly 
        interact with the traveling public, including contractors, 
        complete annual training regarding assisting qualified 
        individual with a disability, including regarding the 
        availability of accessible lavatories and on-board wheelchairs 
        and such individual's right to request an on-board wheelchair.
            (3) Public awareness campaign.--The Secretary shall conduct 
        a public awareness campaign on the rights of qualified 
        individuals with a disability, including with respect to 
        accessible lavatories and such individual's right to request an 
        on-board wheelchair in accordance section 382.65 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations .
            (4) Qualified individual with a disability defined.--In 
        this subsection, the term ``qualified individual with a 
        disability'' has the meaning given such term in section 382.3 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (5) 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 under paragraph (1) or (2).
    (b) Increased Civil Penalties.--
            (1) In general.--Section 46301(a)(7) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``to 
                harm''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                            (i) in the heading, by striking ``bodily 
                        harm or damage to wheelchair or other mobility 
                        aid'' and inserting ``damage to wheelchair or 
                        other mobility aid, bodily harm, or failure to 
                        equip aircraft with a wheelchair''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``or injury to a passenger 
                        with a disability'' and inserting ``, injury to 
                        a passenger with a disability, or a failure to 
                        equip an aircraft with an on-board wheelchair 
                        pursuant to section 382.65 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations (or a successor 
                        regulation)''.
            (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
        shall apply to flights occurring on or after the effective date 
        of the revision described in subsection (a).

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

SEC. 741. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE.

    (a) Definitions.--Section 41731 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Eligible Place Defined.--In this subchapter, the term 
`eligible place' means a place in the United States that--
            ``(1) is at least 75 miles from the nearest medium or large 
        hub airport, if within the 48 contiguous states, which shall 
        not be waived;
            ``(2) had an average of 10 enplanements per service day or 
        more, as determined by the Secretary, during the most recent 
        fiscal year;
            ``(3) during the most recent fiscal year had an average 
        subsidy per passenger, as determined by the Secretary, of--
                    ``(A) less than $500 for locations that are less 
                than 175 driving miles from the nearest large or medium 
                hub airport; and
                    ``(B) less than $1,000 for all locations, 
                regardless of driving distance to a hub; and
            ``(4) is a community that, at any time during the period 
        between September 30, 2010, and September 30, 2011, inclusive--
                    ``(A) received essential air service for which 
                compensation was provided to an air carrier under this 
                subchapter; or
                    ``(B) received notice of intent to terminate 
                essential air service and the Secretary required the 
                air carrier to continue to provide such service to the 
                community.'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (a)(1) of 
        this section'' and inserting ``subsection (a)'';
            (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``Subparagraphs (B), 
        (C), and (D) of subsection (a)(1)'' and inserting ``Paragraphs 
        (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a)'';
            (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``Subsection (a)(1)(B)'' 
        and inserting ``Subsection (a)(2)'';
            (5) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
    ``(e) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive, on an annual basis, 
subsection (a)(2) or subsection (a)(3)(A) with respect to a location if 
the location demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the 
reason the location averages fewer than 10 enplanements per day or has 
a subsidy higher than $500 per passenger is due to a temporary decline 
in demand; provided, that the Secretary may not provide more than 2 
consecutive waivers of subsection (a)(2) or subsection (a)(3)(A) to any 
location.''; and
            (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection (a)(1)(B)'' 
        and inserting ``subsection (a)(2)''.
    (b) Improvements to Basic Essential Air Service.--
            (1) In general.--Section 41732 of title 49, United States 
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``hub 
                airport'' and all that follows through ``beyond that 
                airport'' and inserting ``medium or large hub 
                airport''; and
                    (B) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and at 
                        prices'' and all that follows through the 
                        period; and
                            (ii) by striking paragraphs (3) through 
                        (6).
    (c) 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 arrangements, 
                code-share, or interline arrangements the applicant has 
                made with a larger air carrier serving the hub 
                airport;'';
                    (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating 
                subparagraphs (D) through (F) as subparagraphs (C) 
                through (E), respectively;
                    (C) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by 
                striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
                    (D) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by 
                striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; 
                and
                    (E) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(F) service provided in aircraft with at least 2 
                engines and using 2 pilots.''; 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)(3)''.
    (d) 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 ``180'';
            (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 of this title for providing basic essential 
        air service to an eligible place is required to continue to 
        provide service to the place under this section after the 180-
        day notice period under subsection (a) of this section, 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 
                180-day notice was given under subsection (a) of this 
                section;
                    ``(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 impose contract 
        termination penalties or conditions on compensation 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 180-day notice period 
        required by subsection (a), the Secretary may provide the air 
        carrier with compensation after the end of the 180-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 180-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''.
    (e) 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.
    (f) Air Transportation to Noneligible Places.--Section 41736 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.
    (g) 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).
    (h) 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.
    (i) Essential Air Service Authorization.--
            (1) In general.--Section 41742(a) of title 49, United 
        States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$50,000,000'' 
                and inserting ``$154,400,000'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$155,000,000 
                for fiscal year 2018,'' and all that follows through 
                ``2023'' and inserting ``$335,000,000 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''; and
                    (C) by striking paragraph (3).
            (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
        shall take effect on October 1, 2023.
    (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. 742. 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)(E), 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'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the 
                semicolon;
                    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and 
                inserting ``; and''; and
                    (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(4) to provide assistance to an airport where air service 
        has been terminated or substantially reduced.'';
            (3) in subsection (e)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or the 
                community's current air service needs'' after ``the 
                project'';
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$10,000,000 for 
                each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and inserting 
                ``$20,000,000 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. 743. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE 
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall study the effectiveness 
of the Alternate Essential Air Service program (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. The study shall include an assessment of potential changes 
to the Alternate EAS program and the basic Essential Air Service 
programs under section 41731 of title 49, United States Code, wherein 
Governors of Essential Air Service eligible States and Puerto Rico are 
given block grants to distribute Essential Air Service funds to 
Essential Air Service eligible communities in their States and Puerto 
Rico.
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Comptroller General shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the study required by subsection (a), 
together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative 
action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

                        TITLE VIII--NEW ENTRANTS

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

SEC. 801. OFFICE OF ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION.

    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(u) Office of the Associate Administrator for Advanced Aviation 
Technology and Innovation.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Federal 
        Aviation Administration the Office of Advanced Aviation 
        Technology and Innovation (in this subsection referred to as 
        the `Office').
            ``(2) Associate administrator.--The Office shall be headed 
        by an Associate Administrator, who shall--
                    ``(A) be appointed by the Administrator; and
                    ``(B) report directly to the Administrator.
            ``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office are to--
                    ``(A) serve as an entry point for stakeholders to 
                share information with the Federal Aviation 
                Administration on advanced aviation technologies;
                    ``(B) examine the potential impact of advanced 
                aviation technologies on the national airspace system, 
                and methods to safely integrate into the national 
                airspace system;
                    ``(C) work collaboratively with subject matter 
                experts from all lines of business and staff offices to 
                examine advanced aviation technologies and concepts for 
                integration into the national airspace system in an 
                expeditious manner that takes into account acceptable 
                levels of risk;
                    ``(D) lead cross-U.S. government collaborative 
                efforts to develop integrated approaches for the 
                acceleration and deployment of Advanced Technologies;
                    ``(E) provide leadership with regard to internal 
                collaboration, industry engagement, and collaboration 
                with international partners;
                    ``(F) lead cross-FAA integration, planning, 
                coordination, and collaboration in support of the 
                integration of advanced aviation technologies ;
                    ``(G) support the development of safety cases for 
                advanced aviation technologies in coordination with the 
                operational approval office; and
                    ``(H) coordinate and review approval of advanced 
                aviation technologies, including support to and 
                approval of any required rulemakings, exemptions, 
                waivers, or other types of authorizations, as 
                appropriate.
            ``(4) Duties.--The Associate Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) establish, manage, and oversee the Office of 
                Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation;
                    ``(B) develop and maintain a comprehensive strategy 
                and action plan for fully integrating advanced aviation 
                technologies into the national aviation ecosystem and 
                providing full authorization for operations at scale 
                for each of these technologies;
                    ``(C) collaborate with Federal Aviation 
                Administration organizations to identify and develop 
                specific recommendations to address skills gaps in the 
                existing engineer and inspector workforce involved in 
                the certification and operational approval of safety 
                technology;
                    ``(D) coordinate and review, as appropriate, 
                rulemaking activities related to advanced aviation 
                technologies, including by scoping complex regulatory 
                issues, evaluating internal processes, and positioning 
                the Federal Aviation Administration to support 
                aerospace innovation;
                    ``(E) coordinate and review, as appropriate, 
                applications for type, production, or airworthiness 
                certificates, or alternatives to airworthiness 
                certificates, operating and pilot certification, and 
                airspace authorizations, among others, related to 
                advanced aviation technologies;
                    ``(F) coordinate and review, as appropriate, 
                applications for waivers, exemptions and other 
                operational authorizations;
                    ``(G) coordinate and review the implementation of 
                the process required by section 2209 of the FAA 
                Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (as 
                amended) (49 U.S.C. 40101 note);
                    ``(H) coordinate with the Chief Operating Officer 
                of the Air Traffic Organization and other agency 
                leaders to develop policies to address airspace 
                integration issues at all levels of uncontrolled and 
                controlled airspace;
                    ``(I) implement the BEYOND program and the UAS Test 
                Site Program, among others, and develop other pilot 
                programs in partnership with industry stakeholders and 
                State, local, and Tribal Governments to enable highly 
                automated and autonomous operations of Advanced 
                Technologies unmanned aircraft systems, AAM, and other 
                innovative aviation technologies at scale by providing 
                the data necessary to support rulemakings and other 
                approval processes;
                    ``(J) serve as the designated Federal officer to 
                the Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation 
                Steering Committee; and
                    ``(K) serve as the Federal Aviation Administration 
                lead for the Drone Safety Team.
            ``(5) Congressional briefings.--Not later than 60 days 
        after establishing the position in paragraph (1), and on a 
        quarterly basis thereafter, the Administrator shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on the status of--
                    ``(A) implementing the comprehensive strategy and 
                action plan for fully integrating advanced aviation 
                technologies into the national aviation ecosystem and 
                providing full authorization for operations at scale 
                for each of these technologies;
                    ``(B) rulemakings, major guidance documents, and 
                other agency pilot programs or initiatives supporting 
                the comprehensive strategy and action plan;
                    ``(C) implementing recommendations from the 
                Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering 
                Committee; and
                    ``(D) engagement with international aviation 
                regulators to develop global standards for advanced 
                aviation technologies.
            ``(6) UAS integration office.--Not later than 90 days after 
        the date of enactment of this subsection, the functions, duties 
        and responsibilities of the UAS Integration Office shall be 
        incorporated into the Office.
            ``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) AAM.--The term `AAM' has the meaning given 
                the term `advanced air mobility' in section 2(i)(1) of 
                the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
                Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
                    ``(B) Advanced aviation technologies.--The term 
                `advanced aviation technologies' means technologies for 
                which introduction has potential safety implications 
                and shall include unmanned aircraft systems, powered-
                lift aircraft, electric propulsion, and super- and 
                hypersonic aircraft.''.

SEC. 802. ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STEERING 
              COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish an 
Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering Committee (in this 
section referred to as the ``Steering Committee'') to ensure the FAA's 
comprehensive strategy and action plan for fully integrating unmanned 
aircraft systems, AAM, and other innovative aviation technologies into 
the national aviation ecosystem and providing full authorization for 
operations at scale for each of these technologies as reflects the 
equities and interests of all stakeholders within the agency.
    (b) Chair.--The Associate Administrator for Advanced Aviation 
Technology and Innovation shall serve as the Chair of the Steering 
Committee.
    (c) Composition.--In addition to the Chair, the Steering Committee 
shall consist of at least 1 senior leader of each of the following FAA 
offices:
            (1) Aircraft Certification Service.
            (2) Flight Standards Service.
            (3) Air Traffic Organization.
            (4) Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention.
            (5) Office of Aerospace Medicine.
            (6) Office of Airports.
            (7) Office of Commercial Space.
            (8) Office of Finance and Management.
            (9) Office of NextGen or any successor office.
            (10) Office of the Chief Counsel.
            (11) Office of Rulemaking.
            (12) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and 
        Environment.

SEC. 803. 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) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration (in this section referred to as the `Administrator') 
shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing a regulatory 
pathway for certification or approval of unmanned aircraft systems to 
enable commercial beyond visual line of sight (in this section referred 
to as `BVLOS') operations.
    ``(b) Consultation.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in 
        promulgating the rule under subsection (a), the Administrator 
        shall implement the final report and recommendations of the 
        Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee which 
        were submitted to the Administrator on March 10, 2022.
            ``(2) Exception.--If the Administrator determines not to 
        implement 1 or more of the recommendations described in 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a statement of explanation 
        for such determination.
    ``(c) Final Rule.--
            ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall issue a 
        final rule establishing a regulatory pathway for certification 
        or approval of unmanned aircraft systems to enable commercial 
        BVLOS operations.
            ``(2) Requirements.--The final rule described in paragraph 
        (1) shall, at a minimum, do the following:
                    ``(A) Establish an applicable risk assessment 
                methodology for the authorization of BVLOS unmanned 
                aircraft system operations that includes quantified 
                measures of acceptability which sufficiently account 
                for the total air and ground risks associated with such 
                operations and the means for mitigating such risks, 
                taking into account an aircraft's size, weight, speed, 
                kinetic energy, operational capability, proximity to 
                airports and populated areas, operation over people, 
                and operation beyond the visual line of sight, or 
                operation during the day or night, including 
                consideration of unmanned aircraft using an approved or 
                accepted detect and avoid system appropriate for the 
                class and type of airspace in which the operation is 
                being conducted.
                    ``(B) Establish remote pilot certification 
                standards for remote pilots for BVLOS operations, 
                taking into account varying levels of automated control 
                and management of unmanned aircraft system flights.
                    ``(C) Establish an airworthiness process for small 
                unmanned aircraft systems that requires a 
                manufacturer's declaration of compliance to a Federal 
                Aviation Administration accepted means of compliance, 
                which shall not require type or production 
                certification or the issuance of a special 
                airworthiness certificate.
                    ``(D) Establish a special airworthiness certificate 
                to be issued upon a manufacturer's declaration of 
                compliance to a Federal Aviation Administration 
                accepted means of compliance, which--
                            ``(i) shall not require type or production 
                        certification;
                            ``(ii) shall, at least, govern 
                        airworthiness of any unmanned aircraft system 
                        that--
                                    ``(I) is not--
                                            ``(aa) a small unmanned 
                                        aircraft system; and
                                            ``(bb) appropriate for the 
                                        process described in 
                                        subparagraph (C), as determined 
                                        by the Administrator;
                                    ``(II) has a maximum gross weight 
                                of not more than 1,320 lbs; and
                                    ``(III) has a maximum speed of 100 
                                miles per hour; and
                            ``(iii) may require unmanned aircraft 
                        systems subject to the certificate to operate 
                        in the national airspace system at altitudes 
                        below at least--
                                    ``(I) 400 feet above ground level; 
                                or
                                    ``(II) with respect to an unmanned 
                                aircraft system flown within a 400-foot 
                                radius of a structure, 400 feet above 
                                the structure's immediate uppermost 
                                limit.
                    ``(E) Amend the Code of Federal Regulations to 
                establish generally applicable standards for the type 
                certification of unmanned aircraft systems that the 
                Administrator determines pose higher air or ground 
                risks such that those unmanned aircraft systems are not 
                appropriate for approvals under the processes described 
                in subparagraph (C) or (D).
                    ``(F) Establish operating rules for--
                            ``(i) the operation of the unmanned 
                        aircraft systems described in subparagraphs 
                        (C), (D), or (E); and
                            ``(ii) certain unmanned aircraft systems to 
                        enable lower-risk BVLOS operations without 
                        airworthiness requirements in a manner 
                        consistent with the final report and 
                        recommendations of the Beyond Visual Line of 
                        Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee described 
                        in subsection (b)(1).
            ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
        prohibit the use of the manufacturer declarations of compliance 
        required under paragraph (2)(C) for other unmanned aircraft 
        systems.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 44810 the following:

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

SEC. 804. EXTENDING SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
              SYSTEMS.

    (a) Extension.--Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``on the 
date the rules described in section 44811 take effect''.
    (b) Clarification.--Section 44807(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by inserting ``or chapter 447'' after 
``Notwithstanding any other requirement of this chapter''.
    (c) Expedited Exemptions.--In exercising authority under section 
44807 of title 49, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), 
the Administrator shall, taking into account the statutory mandate to 
ensure safe and efficient use of the national airspace system and 
without requiring a rulemaking or imposing the requirements of part 11 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, grant exemptions--
            (1) to enable--
                    (A) low-risk beyond visual line of sight 
                operations, such as certain package delivery operations 
                or shielded operations within 100 feet of the ground or 
                a structure; or
                    (B) extended visual line of sight operations that 
                rely on visual observers to keep the aircraft or 
                airspace within view; or
            (2) that are aligned with FAA exemptions that enable beyond 
        visual line of sight operations with the use of acoustics, 
        ground based radar, and other technological solutions.
    (d) Clarification of Status of Previously Issued Rulemakings and 
Exemptions.--
            (1) Rulemakings.--Any rulemaking published prior to the 
        date of enactment of this section under the authority described 
        in 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 September 30, 2023, shall continue to be in 
        effect until the date that is 3 years after the date of 
        termination described in such exemption.
            (3) Delegation.--The authority granted to the Secretary in 
        such section 44807 may continue to be delegated to the 
        Administrator in whole or in part.
            (4) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
        be construed to interfere with the Secretary's--
                    (A) authority to rescind or amend the granting of 
                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 such section 44807 prior 
                to the date described in subsection (d) of such 
                section.

SEC. 805. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFICATION.

    (a) National Environmental Policy Act Guidance.--Not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator 
shall publish drone-specific environmental review guidance and 
implementation procedures and thereafter revise such guidance as 
appropriate to carry out the requirements of this section.
    (b) Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review.--Not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this section, 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.) (including regulations promulgated to carry out 
that Act) for the commercial drone industry to create an efficient 
process for preparing environmental reviews of reasonably foreseeable 
drone operations across a geographic region, for an individual 
operator's network of drone operations within a defined geographic 
region, and for operations within and over commercial and industrial 
sites closed or restricted to the public.
    (c) Developing One or More Categorical Exclusions.--The 
Administrator shall engage in ongoing consultations with the Council on 
Environmental Quality to identify actions that are appropriate for a 
categorical exclusion and shall incorporate such actions in FAA Order 
1050.1F, as amended or revised, from time to time, as, and when, deemed 
appropriate.
    (d) Suspension of Noise Certification Requirement Pending Standards 
Development.--
            (1) In general.--Upon the date of enactment of this 
        section, and notwithstanding the requirements of section 44715 
        of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator shall waive 
        the determination of compliance with part 36 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations, for drone models seeking type and 
        airworthiness certification, and shall not deny, withhold, or 
        delay such certification due to the absence of a noise 
        certification basis under such part, provided the FAA has 
        developed appropriate noise measurement procedures for such 
        drone models and the FAA has received the noise measurement 
        results based on those procedures from the applicant.
            (2) Duration.--The suspension provided in this subsection 
        shall continue until such time as the Administrator publishes 
        final noise certification standards for drones as amendments to 
        part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or to another 
        part of title 14 of such Code.
            (3) Deadline for noise certification standards.--Based on 
        drone noise data the Administrator has received in the process 
        of reviewing applications for type and airworthiness 
        certification, in conducting environmental assessments of 
        proposed drone operations under section 44807 of title 49, 
        United States Code, and part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, and from other sources, including standards 
        organizations, the Administrator shall propose generally 
        applicable drone noise certification standards, not later than 
        the date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this 
        section, and following notice and comment rulemaking 
        procedures, and shall publish final noise certification 
        standards not later than 24 months after the date on which the 
        period for public comment on such proposed generally applicable 
        noise certification standards ends.
    (e) Drone Defined.-- In this section, the term ``drone'' has the 
meaning given the term ``unmanned aircraft'' in section 44801 of title 
49, United States Code.

SEC. 806. UTM IMPLEMENTATION.

    (a) Approval Process.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish 
procedures, which may include a rulemaking, to establish a standard 
approval process for third party service suppliers of UTM in order to 
fulfill safety functions for Beyond Visual Line of Sight.
    (b) ASTM Standard.--- In establishing the standard approval process 
required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that ASTM 
International Standard F3548-21, entitled ``UAS Traffic Management 
(UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability'', and any future 
possible revisions as refined and validated by the Administrator in 
conjunction with stakeholders including the private sector, is included 
as an acceptable means of compliance.
    (c) Certification.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days of the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall initiate a 
        process, which may include a rulemaking, to define and 
        implement criteria and conditions for the certification and 
        oversight of third party service suppliers of UTM that could 
        have a direct or indirect impact on air traffic services in the 
        national airspace system and require FAA oversight.
            (2) Considerations.--In carrying out the certification 
        process described in paragraph (1) the Administrator shall 
        consider the facilitation and streamlining of processes for 
        global recognition and applicability, including through 
        bilateral aviation safety agreements, implementation 
        procedures, and other associated bilateral arrangements.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Third party service supplier.--The term ``third party 
        service supplier'' means an entity other than the UAS operator 
        or the FAA that provides a distributed service that affects the 
        national airspace system safety, including UAS Service 
        Suppliers (USS), Supplemental Data Service Providers (SDSPs), 
        and infrastructure providers such as ground-based surveillance, 
        command-and-control and information exchange to another party.
            (2) UTM.--The term ``UTM'' has the meaning given that term 
        in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.
            (3) UAS.--The term ``UAS'' has the meaning given the term 
        ``unmanned aircraft system'' in section 44801 of title 49, 
        United States Code.

SEC. 807. OPERATIONS OVER THE HIGH SEAS.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, and to the extent permitted by treaty 
obligations of the United States, including the Convention on 
International Civil Aviation, the Administrator shall establish and 
implement an operational approval process to permit small unmanned 
aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United 
States code), and unmanned aircraft systems (as so defined) with a 
special airworthiness certificate, to operate over the high seas within 
flight information regions for which the United States is responsible 
for the operational control.
    (b) Consultation.--In establishing and implementing the approval 
process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with 
appropriate stakeholders outside of the FAA, including industry 
stakeholders.

SEC. 808. EXTENSION OF THE BEYOND PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by section 803(a), is amended by adding at the end the 
following new section:
``Sec. 44812. BEYOND program
    ``During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this 
section and ending on September 30, 2028, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall continue to operate the Federal 
Aviation Administration's BEYOND program (as established on October 26, 
2020) under the same terms and conditions applicable under such program 
as of such date of enactment. A waiver or authority granted under the 
Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Pilot Program established under 
section 351 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 shall continue to 
apply during such period to an entity participating in the BEYOND 
program under such waiver or authority on such date of enactment for so 
long as the entity continues to participate in the BEYOND program.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, as amended by section 803(b), is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 44811 the following:

``44812. BEYOND program.''.

SEC. 809. EXTENSION OF THE KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY CAMPAIGN.

    Section 356 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Pub. Law 115-
254; 132 Stat. 3305) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2024 through 2028''.

SEC. 810. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DATA EXCHANGE.

    (a) Data Exchange Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop and submit 
to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan to make available data 
that is prudent to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system. Such plan shall include the 
following:
            (1) A description of technical efforts to digitize and 
        automate aeronautical information (including through the 
        development and use of an unmanned aircraft systems geospatial 
        information management system) to provide an authoritative 
        source of geospatial information to support the operation of 
        unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system.
            (2) Suggested refinements to standard sets of aeronautical 
        information for current and upcoming unmanned aircraft systems 
        integration efforts to facilitate the exchange of unmanned 
        aircraft systems data that is relevant to the unmanned aircraft 
        systems community.
            (3) An identification of sensitive flight data that may 
        require information security controls or protection to 
        safeguard the operational security of such flight activity with 
        respect to air navigation services that contain information 
        about sensitive national security or law enforcement flights.
            (4) Means and service fees for the data to be shared 
        consistent with industry standard geospatial formats.
    (b) Coordination.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
            (1) solicit from the Secretary of the Interior and other 
        departments or agencies, as deemed necessary by the 
        Administrator, information relevant to the safe operation of 
        unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system; and
            (2) coordinate with unmanned aircraft systems industry and 
        technical groups to identify an efficient and effective format, 
        method, and cadence for providing the required data.

SEC. 811. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DETECTION AND MITIGATION ENFORCEMENT 
              AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by sections 803(a) and 808(a), is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``Sec. 44813. Unmanned aircraft system detection and mitigation 
              enforcement
    ``(a) Prohibition.--
            ``(1) In general.--No person may operate a system or 
        technology to detect, identify, monitor, track, or mitigate an 
        unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system in a manner that 
        adversely impacts or interferes with safe airport operations, 
        navigation, or air traffic services, or the safe and efficient 
        operation of the national airspace system.
            ``(2) Actions by the administrator.--The Administrator of 
        the Federal Aviation Administration may take such action as may 
        be necessary to address the adverse impacts or interference of 
        operations that violate paragraph (1).
            ``(3) Termination.--The prohibition under paragraph (1) 
        shall not apply on or after September 30, 2028.
    ``(b) Penalties.--A person who operates a system or technology in 
violation of subsection (a)(1) is liable to the Federal Government for 
a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per violation.
    ``(c) Rule of Construction.--The term `person' as used in this 
section does not include--
            ``(1) the Federal Government or any bureau, department, 
        instrumentality, or other agency of the Federal Government; or
            ``(2) an officer, employee, or contractor of the Federal 
        Government or any bureau, department, instrumentality, or other 
        agency of the Federal Government if the officer, employee, or 
        contractor is authorized by the Federal Government or any 
        bureau, department, instrumentality, or other agency of the 
        Federal Government to operate a system or technology referred 
        to in subsection (a)(1).
    ``(d) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on any 
enforcement actions taken (including any civil penalties imposed) using 
the authority under this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, as amended by sections 803(b) and 808(b), is 
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 44812 the 
following:

``44813. Unmanned aircraft system detection and mitigation 
                            enforcement.''.

SEC. 812. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--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 subsection (c)(2), 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 chapter, 
        such as special use airspace designations and temporary flight 
        restrictions.'';
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``organization 
                conducting a sanctioned event'' and inserting 
                ``organization sponsoring operations'';
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph 
                (3);
                    (C) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)--
                            (i) in the paragraph heading by striking 
                        ``weighing more than 55 pounds'' and inserting 
                        ``weighing 55 pounds or greater'';
                            (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
                        (A), by striking ``weighing more than 55 
                        pounds'' and inserting ``weighing 55 pounds or 
                        greater''; and
                            (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting 
                        ``or (2)'' after ``paragraph (1)''; and
                    (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) Operations in class g airspace.--Subject to 
        compliance with all airspace and flight restrictions and 
        prohibitions established under this chapter, such as special 
        use airspace designations and temporary flight restrictions--
                    ``(A) persons operating drones under subsection (a) 
                from a fixed site at which the operations are sponsored 
                by a community-based organization 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; and
                    ``(B) persons operating drones under paragraph (3) 
                from a fixed site at which the operations are sponsored 
                by a community-based organization may operate within 
                Class G airspace with prior authorization from the 
                Administrator.'';
            (3) in subsection (d) by striking the subsection heading 
        and all that follows through ``Nothing in this subsection'' and 
        inserting the following:
    ``(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this subsection'';
            (4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to the 
        operational parameters'' and inserting ``the operational 
        limitations''; and
            (5) 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 UAS at Institutions of Higher Education.--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 after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) operated by an elementary school or secondary school 
        for educational or research purposes;''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding 
                subparagraph (A), by inserting ``an elementary school, 
                or a secondary school,'' after ``institution of higher 
                education,''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has 
        the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
            ``(4) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has 
        the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
        and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).''.

SEC. 813. 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 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 
        test ranges to--
                    ``(A) enable a broad variety of research, 
                development, testing, and evaluation activities at the 
                test ranges; and
                    ``(B) not later than 5 years after the date of 
                enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, 
                expand the number of test ranges, to the extent 
                consistent with aviation safety and efficiency, for 
                purposes of the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
                systems into the national airspace system.
            ``(2) Designations.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
                designations of test ranges under this section may 
                include the following:
                            ``(i) The 7 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 pursuant to section 2201(b) of 
                        the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 
                        2016 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), which, except for 
                        the eligibility factors as provided in 
                        paragraph (3) of this section, shall each be 
                        subject to the requirements of this section.
                            ``(ii) Two additional test ranges subject 
                        to the requirements of this section, which may 
                        be established by the Administrator through a 
                        competitive selection process after successful 
                        conversion of test ranges established prior to 
                        the date of enactment of the FAA 
                        Reauthorization Act of 2023 and at least 6 
                        months of data sharing demonstrating safe 
                        operations and improved use of the test range 
                        consistent with any standard established by the 
                        Administrator through the selection process.
                    ``(B) Limitation.--Not more than 9 test ranges 
                shall be designated under this section at any given 
                time.
            ``(3) Eligibility.--An applicant shall be considered 
        eligible for designation as a test range sponsor under 
        paragraph (2)(A)(ii) based on the following criteria:
                    ``(A) The applicant shall be an instrumentality of 
                a State, a local, tribal, or territorial government, or 
                other public entity.
                    ``(B) The applicant shall be approved by the chief 
                executive officer of the State, local, territorial, or 
                tribal government for the applicant's principal place 
                of business, prior to seeking designation by the 
                Administrator.
                    ``(C) The applicant shall not have been selected 
                previously by the Administrator to sponsor or host a 
                test range covered by this section.
                    ``(D) The applicant shall undertake and ensure 
                testing in innovative concepts, technologies, and 
                operations that will offer new safety benefits, 
                including expanding advanced research and developing 
                and retaining an advanced aviation industrial base 
                within the United States.
                    ``(E) The applicant shall meet any other 
                requirements established by the Administrator in a 
                competitive selection process.
    ``(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, pursuant to part 73 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for purposes of--
                    ``(A) accommodating hazardous research, 
                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 and adoption by the 
        Federal Aviation Administration, with respect to any request 
        for the establishment of a restricted area under this 
        subsection.
            ``(3) Inactive restricted area.--
                    ``(A) In general.--In the event a restricted area 
                established under paragraph (1) is not needed to meet 
                the requirements of the using agency (as described in 
                subparagraph (B)), the restricted area shall be 
                inactive and revert to the controlling agency.
                    ``(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 
        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 National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the 
        Department of Defense, as appropriate;
            ``(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 it relates 
        to the continued development of 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 research, 
        development, testing, and evaluation of flight systems to 
        facilitate the Federal Aviation Administration's development of 
        standards for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
        into the national airspace system, which may include solutions 
        for--
                    ``(A) developing and enforcing geographic and 
                altitude limitations;
                    ``(B) providing for alerts by the manufacturer 
                regarding any hazards or limitations on flight, 
                including prohibition on flight as necessary;
                    ``(C) developing sense and avoid capabilities;
                    ``(D) developing technology to support 
                communications, navigation, and surveillance;
                    ``(E) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) 
                operations, nighttime operations, operations over 
                people, operations involving multiple small unmanned 
                aircraft systems, unmanned aircraft systems traffic 
                management, or other critical research priorities; and
                    ``(F) improving privacy protections through the use 
                of advances in unmanned aircraft systems;
            ``(6) shall coordinate periodically with all test range 
        sponsors to ensure the test range sponsors know which data 
        should be collected, how data can be de-identified to flow more 
        readily to the Federal Aviation Administration, what procedures 
        should be followed, and what research would advance efforts to 
        safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
        airspace system; and
            ``(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive Federal 
        funding (including in-kind contributions), other than from the 
        Federal Aviation Administration, from test range participants 
        in furtherance of research, development, and testing 
        objectives.
    ``(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 
do the following:
            ``(1) Provide access to all interested private and public 
        entities seeking to carry out research at the test range, 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 defined in 
        section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)).
            ``(2) Maintain operational control for all testing 
        activities conducted at its respective test range.
            ``(3) Ensure all activities remain within the geographical 
        boundaries and altitude limitations established for any 
        restricted area covering the test range.
            ``(4) Ensure any activity conducted at the designated test 
        range is not conducted in a careless or reckless manner.
            ``(5) Establish safe operating procedures for all operators 
        approved for testing 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.
            ``(6) Exercise direct oversight of all operations conducted 
        at the test range.
            ``(7) Consult with the Administrator on the nature of 
        planned activity at the test range and whether segregation of 
        the airspace is required to contain the activity consistent 
        with aviation safety.
            ``(8) Protect proprietary technology, sensitive data, or 
        sensitive research of any civil or private entity when using 
        the test range.
            ``(9) Maintain detailed records of all ongoing and 
        completed research 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.
            ``(10) Make all original records available for inspection 
        upon request by the Administrator.
            ``(11) Provide recommendations, on a quarterly basis until 
        the program terminates, to the Administrator to further enable 
        public and private research and development operations at the 
        test ranges that contribute to the Federal Aviation 
        Administration's safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
        into the national airspace system.
    ``(f) Testing.--The Administrator may authorize a sponsor of a test 
range designated under subsection (a) to host research, development, 
testing, and evaluation activities other than those directly related to 
the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace 
system, provided that--
            ``(1) the activity is necessary to inform the development 
        of standards or policy for integrating new types of flight 
        systems into the national airspace system; and
            ``(2) the Administrator waives 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), in coordination with the Center of Excellence for Unmanned 
Aircraft Systems, to enter into collaborative research and development 
agreements or to direct research related to unmanned aircraft systems, 
including at any test range designated under subsection (a).
    ``(h) Use of Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
The Administrator, in carrying out research necessary to implement the 
consensus safety standards accepted under section 44805, shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity 
and capabilities of the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems and the test ranges designated under subsection (a).
    ``(i) Clarification.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
authorizing the research, development, testing, evaluation, or any 
other use of a system or technology for the detection or mitigation of 
unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as `counter-UAS') at 
any test range designated under subsection (a).
    ``(j) Termination.--The program under this section shall terminate 
on September 30, 2028.''.
    (b) 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''.

SEC. 814. AUTHORITY REGARDING PROTECTION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES AND 
              ASSETS FROM UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.

    Section 547 of title V of division F of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328) is amended by striking 
``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.

SEC. 815. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION AND 
              ENFORCEMENT.

    Section 44810(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

SEC. 816. 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 the safe transportation of hazardous materials by 
unmanned aircraft systems providing common carriage under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under other authorities, as 
applicable.
    (b) Requirement.--In implementing the authority in 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
            (3) the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous 
        materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into 
        consideration the likelihood, if any, that such operations will 
        carry small quantities of hazardous materials.
    (c) Conformity of Hazardous Materials Regulations.--The Secretary 
shall make such changes as 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 not be required before 
the Secretary exercises the authority provided for in this section.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Hazardous materials.--The term ``hazardous materials'' 
        has the meaning given that term in section 5102 of title 49, 
        United States Code.
            (2) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
        system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of 
        title 49, United States Code.

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

SEC. 821. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA LEADERSHIP.

    It is the sense of Congress that--
            (1) the United States should take actions to position 
        itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility; and
            (2) as such a global leader, the FAA should--
                    (A) prioritize its work on the type certification 
                of aircraft;
                    (B) publish in line with its stated deadlines 
                rulemakings and policy necessary to enable commercial 
                operations, such as the powered-lift Special Federal 
                Aviation Regulation (SFAR);
                    (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.

SEC. 822. AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE ON CERTIFICATION OF POWERED-
              LIFT AIRCRAFT.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which 
the first special class type certificate for powered-lift aircraft is 
issued, 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 the 
creation of a standard certification pathway for the certification of 
powered-lift aircraft.
    (b) Report.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the Committee is established under subsection (a), the 
        Committee shall submit to the Administrator a report detailing 
        the findings and recommendations of the Committee.
            (2) Considerations.--In submitting the report under 
        paragraph (1), the Committee shall consider the following:
                    (A) Broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that 
                will spur innovation and technology adoption and 
                promote the development of performance-based 
                regulations.
                    (B) Lessons and insights learned from previously 
                published FAA special conditions and other Federal 
                Register notices of airworthiness certification 
                criteria for powered-lift aircraft.
    (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report to the Administrator under subsection (b), 
the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to implement the findings 
and recommendations of the Committee, as determined appropriate by the 
Administrator.

SEC. 823. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) 
              CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS FOR VERTIPORT PROJECTS.

    (a) In General.--In considering the environmental impacts of a 
proposed vertiport project on an existing airport, the Administrator 
shall--
            (1) apply an applicable categorical exclusion 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 categorical exclusions for 
        vertiports on an existing 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.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) Advanced air mobility; aam.--The terms ```advanced air 
        mobility''' and ```AAM''' mean a transportation system that 
        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, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
            (2) Vertiport.--The term ``vertiport'' means a designated 
        location used or intended to be used to support advanced air 
        mobility (AAM) operations, including the landing, take-off, 
        loading, taxiing, parking, and storage of aircraft developed 
        for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations.

SEC. 824. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP AMENDMENTS.

    Section 2(f) of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
            (3) 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
            (4) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
        this section, by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting 
        ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.

SEC. 825. RULES FOR OPERATION OF POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.

    (a) Powered-lift Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``powered-lift aircraft'' means a heavier-than-air aircraft capable of 
vertical take-off, vertical landing, and low speed flight that depends 
principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift 
during these flight regimes and on 1 or more nonrotating airfoils for 
lift during horizontal flight. Such term includes, but is not limited 
to, electric aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL).
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than December 31, 2024, the 
Administrator shall finalize a Powered-Lift Special Federal Aviation 
Regulation (SFAR) establishing a procedure for certifying pilots and 
the operation of powered-lift aircraft capable of transporting 
passengers and cargo.

SEC. 826. INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION ON POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.

    (a) Powered-lift Aircraft Plan.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop a 
        plan to facilitate the ability of the aerospace industry of the 
        United States to efficiently operate powered-lift aircraft and 
        export powered-lift products and articles in key markets 
        globally.
            (2) Requirements.--The plan developed under paragraph (1) 
        shall include the following:
                    (A) An assessment of existing bilateral aviation 
                safety agreements, implementation procedures, and other 
                associated bilateral arrangements so that current and 
                future powered-lift products and articles can utilize 
                the most appropriate validation mechanisms and 
                procedures for powered-lift aircraft, products, and 
                articles.
                    (B) A description of methods to facilitate the 
                efficient, global acceptance of the FAA approach to 
                certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and 
                articles.
                    (C) Any other information determined appropriated 
                by the Administrator.
    (b) Coordination With Civil Aviation Authorities.--Not later than 
90 days after the plan is developed under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall coordinate with international civil aviation 
authorities in countries that have a bilateral safety agreement and 
implementation procedure with the United States regarding the 
establishment of mutual processes for efficient validation, acceptance, 
and working arrangements of certificates and approvals for powered-lift 
aircraft, products, and articles.
    (c) Establishment of Provisions.--Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish 
the mutual processes described in subsection (b).
    (d) Powered-lift Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``powered-lift aircraft'' means a heavier-than-air aircraft capable of 
vertical take-off, vertical landing, and low speed flight that depends 
principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift 
during these flight regimes and on 1 or more nonrotating airfoils for 
lift during horizontal flight. Such term includes, but is not limited 
to, electric aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL).

SEC. 827. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY PROPULSION SYSTEMS AVIATION RULEMAKING 
              COMMITTEE.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this section, 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 regulations covering, with respect to small and large type 
certificated aircraft, the certification and installation of--
            (1) electric engines and propellers;
            (2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion systems;
            (3) hydrogen fuel cells; and
            (4) hydrogen combustion engines or propulsion systems.
    (b) Considerations.--In providing the findings and recommendations 
under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider the following:
            (1) Broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that will spur 
        innovation and technology adoption, and promote the development 
        of performance-based regulations.
            (2) Lessons and insights learned from previously published 
        FAA special conditions and other Federal Register notices of 
        airworthiness certification criteria for advanced air mobility 
        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 stand alone engine type certificates (including highly 
        integrated systems), and the use of technical standards order 
        authorizations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
Committee is established under subsection (a), the Committee shall 
submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress 
a report containing the findings and recommendations described in 
subsection (a).
    (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 the FAA's 
plans in response to the findings and recommendations contained in the 
report.
    (e) Safety Cooperation.--The Administrator shall lead efforts to 
engage with foreign authorities to further harmonize standards for 
certification and installation of the products described in paragraphs 
(1) through (4) of subsection (a).

TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIVE AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES

SEC. 901. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ENHANCEMENTS.

    Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``under its structure'' 
        and all that follows through the period and inserting ``through 
        September 30, 2028, under its structure as in effect on March 
        1, 2023, which shall focus on applied research and training on 
        the safe use of composites and advanced materials in airframe 
        structures. The Center shall also 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. The Administrator shall award grants to the Center 
        within 90 days from the date the Grants Officer recommends a 
        proposal for award to the Administrator.''; 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 Federal Aviation Administration, 
        the commercial aircraft industry, including manufacturers, 
        commercial air carriers, and suppliers, and other appropriate 
        stakeholders;
            ``(2) establish goals set to advance technology, improve 
        engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education in 
        relevant areas of study, which should include all structural 
        materials, such as carbon fiber polymers and thermoplastic 
        composites, and 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) establish criteria for 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 their 
        personal wheelchairs in flight, that takes into account the 
        modeling, engineering, testing, operating, and training issues 
        significant to all passengers and relevant stakeholders.''.

SEC. 902. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by section 811(a), is amended by inserting after section 44813 
the following new section:

``SEC. 44814. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

    ``(a) In General.--During the period beginning on the date of 
enactment of this section, and ending on September 30, 2028, the 
Administrator shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred to in this section as the `Center') 
under the structure of the Center as in effect on January 1, 2023.
    ``(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 FAA, 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 public institutions of higher education 
and research institutions that provide accredited bachelor's degree 
programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to commercial 
pilot certifications and focus primarily on supporting pilot training 
for women aviators.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, as amended by section 811(b), is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to section 44813 the following:

``44814. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.''.

SEC. 903. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, as 
amended by section 902(a), is amended by inserting after section 44814 
the following new section:

``SEC. 44815. 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 the credentialing authority for the 
Administration's program of record (referred to in this section as 
`ASSUREd Safe') under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft 
Systems at the Mississippi State University.
    ``(b) Purposes.--The ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority 
established under subsection (a) 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 to certify first responders' use of unmanned aircraft 
        systems for public safety and disaster operations;
            ``(2) uniform communications standards, operational 
        standards, and reporting standards for civilian, military, and 
        international allies and partners; and
            ``(3) any other services determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of such 
title, as amended by section 902(b), is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 44814 the following:

``44815. ASSUREd Safe Credentialing Authority.''.

SEC. 904. FAA AND NASA ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) Pilot Program.--
            (1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator, in coordination 
        with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration (in this section referred to as the ``NASA 
        Administrator''), shall establish a pilot program to facilitate 
        the appointment of individuals from NASA to the FAA to serve in 
        temporary technical discipline expert positions relating to 
        advanced aviation technologies (in this section referred to as 
        the ``program'').
            (2) Considerations.--In developing the program, the 
        Administrator shall consider--
                    (A) existing mechanisms of collaboration between 
                FAA and NASA relating to aeronautics programs, advisory 
                committees, and work groups;
                    (B) the degree to which FAA and NASA facilitate 
                partnerships between subject matter experts to support 
                the research and development, testing, and 
                certification of advanced aviation technologies; and
                    (C) how temporary appointments under the program 
                may be best used to enhance the technical capacity of 
                the FAA and technical partnerships between agencies.
    (b) Temporary Appointment of NASA Personnel.--
            (1) Terms and conditions.--The Administrator, in 
        coordination with the NASA Administrator, shall identify 
        qualifying projects or activities at the FAA that would benefit 
        from temporary appointments of highly qualified, experienced 
        professionals under the program to enhance technical capacity, 
        knowledge, skills, and abilities relating to research and 
        development, certification, and the safe deployment of advanced 
        aviation technologies. The Administrator and NASA Administrator 
        shall jointly establish the terms and conditions of service 
        under the program and issue relevant guidelines related to the 
        responsibilities and duration of service of participating NASA 
        personnel. In approving NASA personnel for participation in the 
        program, the NASA Administrator shall certify that the 
        temporary appointment of such personnel shall not have an 
        adverse impact on the post-assignment employment duties of 
        relevant NASA personnel or an undue adverse impact on the 
        mission of the agency.
            (2) Special rules.--The Administrator shall make clear that 
        any responsibilities of NASA personnel participating in the 
        program constitute serving in temporary technical discipline 
        expert positions at the FAA and are subject to FAA conflict-of-
        interest policies and supervision.
            (3) Rules for pay and benefits for nasa personnel.--Any 
        individuals employed by NASA who are participating in the 
        program shall continue to receive pay and benefits from NASA 
        and shall not receive pay or benefits from the FAA for the 
        duration of the program.
    (c) Authority to Transfer and Receive Resources.--In supporting the 
participation of NASA personnel, the Administrator and NASA 
Administrator may authorize the use of NASA technical services, 
equipment, software, and facilities without reimbursement to facilitate 
cooperation between agencies under the program.
    (d) Program Review and Report.--
            (1) Review.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a 
        comprehensive review of the program that includes evaluation of 
        the impact of the program on improving coordination on projects 
        and sharing of technical expertise between agencies relating to 
        advanced aviation technologies.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit 
        to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing 
        the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1), along 
        with recommendations for such future action as the Comptroller 
        General determines appropriate.

SEC. 905. 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 years 
        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 those 
                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 submit to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress an updated report on the 
        progress of the actions described in paragraph (1).''.

SEC. 906. 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 ensure 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 entity's submitted technology 
proposal meets requisite technology readiness levels for entry into the 
agreement as determined by the Administrator.''.

SEC. 907. HYPERSONIC FLIGHT TESTING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall establish procedures for 
permitting manned flights in oceanic airspace and overland flights 
operating with speeds in excess of Mach 5 and above for the purposes of 
developmental and airworthiness testing (including demonstration 
flights 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).
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall consider--
            (1) the provisions of parts 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations;
            (2) applications for special flight authorizations for 
        flights operating with speeds in excess of Mach 5, as described 
        in such part 91.818;
            (3) the environmental impacts of developmental and 
        airworthiness testing operations;
            (4) whether to require applicants to include specification 
        of proposed flight areas;
            (5) the authorization of flights to and from spaceports and 
        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 hypersonic operations;
            (7) proponent-provided data regarding the design and 
        operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data regarding 
        sonic boom overpressure; and
            (8) the safety of the uninvolved public.

SEC. 908. HYPERSONIC PATHWAY TO INTEGRATION STUDY.

    (a) Study.--
            (1) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a study 
        assessing actions necessary to facilitate the safe operation 
        and integration of hypersonic 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 hypersonic aircraft technologies and flight;
                    (B) the identification, development, and collection 
                of data required to develop certification, flight 
                standards, and air traffic requirements for the 
                deployment and integration of hypersonic aircraft;
                    (C) the development of a framework and timeline to 
                establish the appropriate regulatory requirements for 
                conducting hypersonic aircraft flights;
                    (D) strategic plans to improve the FAA's state of 
                preparedness and response capability in advance of 
                receiving applications to conduct hypersonic aircraft 
                flights; and
                    (E) a survey of global hypersonic aircraft-related 
                regulatory and testing developments or activities.
            (3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator may consider--
                    (A) the feedback and technical expertise of the 
                aerospace industry and other stakeholders when creating 
                policies, regulations, and standards that enable the 
                safe operation and integration of hypersonic aircraft 
                into the national airspace system;
                    (B) opportunities for--
                            (i) demonstrating United States global 
                        leadership in aeronautics, including hypersonic 
                        aircraft and related technologies; and
                            (ii) strengthening global harmonization in 
                        aeronautics; and
                    (C) the development of international policies, 
                regulations, and standards relating to the 
                certification and safe operation of hypersonic 
                aircraft.
            (4) Consultation.--In conducting the study under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall consult with representatives from 
        Federal agencies, industry, and other stakeholders, including--
                    (A) the National Aeronautics and Space 
                Administration;
                    (B) the Department of Defense;
                    (C) aircraft manufacturers;
                    (D) institutions of higher education; and
                    (E) any other stakeholders the Administrator 
                determines appropriate.
    (b) Report.--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 results of the study conducted under 
subsection (a), together with recommendations to facilitate the safe 
operation and integration of hypersonic aircraft into the national 
airspace system.
    (c) Definition of Hypersonic.--In this section, the term 
``hypersonic'' means an aircraft or flight operating at speeds in 
excess of Mach 5 and above.

SEC. 909. OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE CLASS E 
              AIRSPACE.

    (a) Consultation.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and 
relevant stakeholders, including industry and academia, shall identify 
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 are inaudible at the surface under prevailing atmospheric 
conditions.
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
Administrator identifies the minimum altitude described in subsection 
(a), 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 subsection (a) without specific 
authorizations, provided that such flight operations--
            (1) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
            (2) do not cause a measurable sonic boom overpressure to 
        reach the surface; and
            (3) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances 
        necessary to operate in controlled airspace.

SEC. 910. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS STUDY.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, 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.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
address--
            (1) the technical capacity and competencies needed for the 
        FAA 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 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) existing capabilities of airport infrastructure 
                as of the date of enactment of this section;
                    (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; and
                    (F) management of infrastructure relating to 
                hazardous materials used in hybrid and electric 
                propulsion; 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 section, the Comptroller General 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 
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. 911. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.

    Section 2306 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 
(P.L. 114-190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking subsection (b) and 
inserting the following:
    ``(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.--
            ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
        Administrator may not discontinue or diminish the contract 
        weather observer program at any airport until September 30, 
        2028.
            ``(2) Availability of new technology.--If the Administrator 
        determines that technology has become available that could 
        provide equal or better service than the contract weather 
        observer program, the Administrator may discontinue or diminish 
        the contract weather observer program at any airport earlier 
        than the date specified in paragraph (1), but only if, not 
        later than 180 days before the date on which the Administrator 
        proposes to discontinue or diminish such program at any 
        airport, the Administrator notifies the appropriate committees 
        of Congress of such proposed action and submits information 
        relating to the determination of the availability of such 
        technology and the reasoning for such proposed action.''.

SEC. 912. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    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. 913. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN MODIFICATION.

    (a) Modification of Submission Deadline.--Section 44501(c)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``the date of 
submission'' and inserting ``the date that is 45 days after the date of 
submission''.
    (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 45 days after the date of submission''.

SEC. 914. FAA AND NASA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION REVIEW.

    (a) Review.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator, in coordination 
        with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
        Administration (in this section referred to as ``NASA'') shall 
        conduct a review of aeronautics research and development 
        coordination between Federal agencies and the extent to which 
        NASA and the FAA can improve collaboration in order to leverage 
        each other's subject matter expertise relating to civil 
        aviation projects.
            (2) Contents.--In carrying out the review under paragraph 
        (1), the Administrator shall--
                    (A) review 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;
                    (B) assess--
                            (i) the current fiscal year, and the 3 most 
                        recent fiscal years, of Federal expenditures 
                        for the FAA and NASA's research and development 
                        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
                    (C) develop recommendations for the improvement of 
                coordination, collaboration, and efficiency of 
                aeronautics research and development programs to reduce 
                overlap between NASA, the FAA, other Federal agencies, 
                academia, research organizations, standards groups, and 
                industry.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the review 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on such review, including the 
recommendations developed under subsection (a)(2)(C).

SEC. 915. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FAA'S AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION 
              SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Administrator, in coordination with the John A. 
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, shall carry out a 
research and development program to assist with the continuous 
modernization of the FAA's aeronautical information systems, including, 
but not limited to--
            (1) the Aeronautical Information Management Modernization 
        (AIMM), including the FAA's Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) 
        system;
            (2) the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
        (ASIAS) system; and
            (3) the Service Difficulty Reporting System (SDRS).
    (b) Review and Report.--
            (1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this section, the Administrator shall 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 FAA's aeronautical information 
        systems. Such review shall identify opportunities for 
        additional coordination between the FAA 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 and the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on the review 
        conducted under paragraph (1), together with such 
        recommendations as the Center determines appropriate.

SEC. 916. 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 new section:
``Sec. 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
              Environment
    ``(a) In General.--During the period beginning on the date of 
enactment of this section and ending on September 30, 2028, the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (in this section 
referred to as the `Administrator') shall continue operation of the 
Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (in this 
section referred to as the `Center') under its structure as in effect 
on January 1, 2023.
    ``(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, 
                alcohols, organic acids, hydrogen, 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; 
                and
            ``(2) examine the use of novel technologies and other forms 
        of innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in 
        commercial aircraft.
    ``(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 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) 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 consider 
        utilizing the existing capacity in aeronautics research at the 
        Langley Research Center, 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 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 44519 the 
following:

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

SEC. 917. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, 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;
                    (F) institutions of higher education; and
                    (G) the National Aeronautics and Space 
                Administration; 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 
        (DNL) standard;
            (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 Administrator's reason for not implementing the recommendation.

                         TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 1001. NOISE MITIGATION.

    (a) Requirements for Landing and Departing Aircraft.--
            (1) Landing aircraft.--All aircraft landing at Boise 
        Airport (BOI) that will be facing west on the runway when 
        landing on runways 10R and 10L shall travel over a circle on 
        the ground (the center of which is located at 4337'45.3" N, 
        11624'49.3" W, and the radius of which is 2 miles) at an 
        altitude of not less than 5,000 feet when passing over such 
        circle. All aircraft approaching from the west shall fly a 
        straight vector from the above described circle to the Boise 
        Airport (BOI) runway on which it is landing.
            (2) Departing aircraft.--All aircraft departing the Boise 
        Airport (BOI) to the west on runways 28R and 28L shall travel 
        over the circle described in paragraph (1) and in such a manner 
        as the aircraft is at least 5,000 feet in altitude as it passes 
        over the circle. All aircraft departing the Boise Airport (BOI) 
        to the west shall fly a straight vector from the Boise Airport 
        (BOI) runway the aircraft is leaving, to the such circle and 
        only after leaving the circle shall the aircraft change 
        vectors.
    (b) Applicability.--Subject to subsection (c), this requirement 
shall apply to and regulate all entities and persons including, but not 
limited to the FAA, FAA Employees and their contractors and agents, all 
branches of the United States Military, air traffic controllers, 
pilots, co-pilots, and all other persons and entities directing or 
controlling any aircraft landing at or departing Boise Airport (BOI) in 
Boise, Idaho. This requirement shall only apply to commercial aviation, 
military aviation, and general aviation aircraft that weigh 12,500 
pounds of maximum takeoff weight or more.
    (c) Exception.--This regulation shall not apply during a bono fide 
safety emergency applicable to a single flight.
    (d) Enforcement.--A violation of this section shall be a 
misdemeanor and violators shall be liable for civil damages.

                    TITLE XI--TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

    (a) 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)''.
    (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 44704(f) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and inserting 
``subsection (d)(3)''.
    (c) Sunset of Rule.--Section 44729 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
            (1) by striking subsection (d); and
            (2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h) as (d) 
        through (g), respectively.
    (d) Public Disclosure of Information.--Section 44735 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)--
                    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by 
                inserting ``, nor by any agency receiving information 
                from the Administrator,'' after ``Federal Aviation 
                Administration''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or for any 
                other purpose regarding the development and 
                implementation of a safety management system acceptable 
                to the Administrator'' before the period at the end; 
                and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(d) Applicability to the National Transportation Safety Board.--
This section shall not be construed to limit the National 
Transportation Safety Board's accident or incident investigation 
authority under chapter 11 of this title, including the requirement to 
not disclose voluntarily provided safety-related information under 
section 1114.''.
                                 <all>