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

    <DOC>

                                                           Calendar No. 335
    118th CONGRESS
      2d 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

                               February 29, 2024

                  Reported by Ms. Cantwell, with an amendment
     [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
                                   in italic]

    _______________________________________________________________________

                                     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,

    <DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA
    Reauthorization Act of 2023''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
    is as follows:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
    <DELETED>Sec. 2. Definitions.
                        <DELETED>TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

    <DELETED>Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise
                                compatibility planning and programs.
    <DELETED>Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
    <DELETED>Sec. 103. FAA operations.
    <DELETED>Sec. 104. Extension of expiring authorities.
    <DELETED>Sec. 105. Authority to subpoena physical evidence.
    <DELETED>Sec. 106. Research, engineering, and development.
    <DELETED>Sec. 107. Effective date.
               <DELETED>TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATION

                       <DELETED>Subtitle A--Organization

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

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

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

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

                 <DELETED>Subtitle A--Civil Aviation Workforce

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

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

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

                   <DELETED>Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

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

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

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

                 <DELETED>Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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

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

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

    <DELETED>Sec. 1001. Noise mitigation.
                    <DELETED>TITLE XI--TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS

    <DELETED>Sec. 1101. Technical corrections.

    <DELETED>SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    In this Act:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise specified,
            the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the
            Federal Aviation Administration.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller
            General'' means the Comptroller General of the United
            States.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal
            Aviation Administration.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Secretary.--Unless otherwise specified, the
            term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
            Transportation.</DELETED>

                   <DELETED>TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 101. AIRPORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND NOISE
                  COMPATIBILITY PLANNING AND PROGRAMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Authorization.--Section 48103(a) of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (6) and
    inserting the following: ``</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year
            2024;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year
            2025;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year
            2026;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(5) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year
            2028.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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,''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 103. FAA OPERATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) $12,740,000,000 for fiscal year
                    2024;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) $13,033,000,000 for fiscal year
                    2025;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year
                    2026;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) $13,900,000,000 for fiscal year
                    2027; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(E) $14,400,000,000 for fiscal year
                    2028.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 105. AUTHORITY TO SUBPOENA PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 106. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 107. EFFECTIVE DATE.</DELETED>

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

          <DELETED>TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATION</DELETED>

                  <DELETED>Subtitle A--Organization</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 201. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Completion and Sunset.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Office; advisory committee.--The NextGen
            Office and the NextGen Advisory Committee shall terminate on
            December 31, 2025.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) an explanation as to why the program
                    deployment was delayed or not completed by such
                    deadline;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) a detailed schedule of actions
                    necessary to complete the program, including updated
                    milestones and deadlines.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Independent Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--The report developed under
            paragraph (1) shall include the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Evaluation of the promised operational
                    benefits at the time of initiation and the realized
                    benefits upon completion of the NextGen
                    project.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Identification of any challenges that
                    impacted the implementation of the NextGen
                    project.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) Assessment of national airspace system
                    user engagement in the NextGen project priorities and
                    implementation.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 202. AIRSPACE INNOVATION OFFICE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Establishment.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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'').</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Assistant administrator.--The Office shall be
            led by the Assistant Administrator.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Duties.--The Office shall be responsible for--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the research and development, systems
                    engineering, enterprise architecture, and portfolio
                    management for the continuous modernization of the
                    national airspace system; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) developing an integrated plan for the
                    future state of the national airspace system and
                    overseeing the deployment of the system.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) an estimate of FAA resource
                    requirements by user group, including expectations
                    concerning the growth of new entrants and potential new
                    users.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) A roadmap for creating and implementing the
            integrated plan, including--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the annual anticipated cost of
                    carrying out such activities; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the technical milestones that will be
                    used to evaluate the activities.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) The management of the enterprise architecture
            framework for the introduction of these operational
            improvements and to inform FAA financial decision-
            making.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Considerations.--In developing and carrying out the
    integrated plan, the Office shall consider--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the results and recommendations of the
            independent report on implementation of the NextGen project
            under section 201(b);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the status of the transition to, and
            deployment of, trajectory-based operations within the national
            airspace system; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out the
    integrated plan, the Office shall consult with representatives from--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the National Aeronautics and Space
            Administration;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) airlines;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) business aviation;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) general aviation;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) aviation labor groups;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) aviation research and development
            entities;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) aircraft and avionics manufacturers;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (8) air traffic control suppliers;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (9) commercial space industry;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (10) commercial and recreational drone industry;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (11) any other entities the Office deems
            necessary.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Plan Deadline; Briefings.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) assesses the business case for the integrated
            plan;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) provides any recommendations for improving the
            integrated plan; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) includes any other information that the
            Inspector General determines appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 203. COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVING ASIAS
                  ANALYTICS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) ASIAS Analytics.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the evaluation
            required by paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) prioritize production-ready
                    configurable solutions over custom development to
                    support FAA critical aviation safety programs;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) outlines the FAA's plan to use rapidly
            deployable commercial solutions to assist the FAA in meeting
            such milestones.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 204. AUTHORITY TO USE ELECTRONIC SERVICE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 46103 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) in subparagraph (B), by
                            striking ``or'' after the semicolon;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) in subparagraph (C), by
                            striking the period at the end and inserting a
                            semicolon; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) by adding at the end the
                            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) by electronic or facsimile
                    transmission to the person to be served or the
                    designated agent of the person; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(E) as designated by regulation or
                    guidance published in the Federal Register.'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) The date of service made by an electronic or
            facsimile method is--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the date an electronic or facsimile
                    transmission is sent; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.''.</DELETED>

                <DELETED>Subtitle B--Regulatory Reform</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 211. SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH DIGITIZATION OF FAA
                  SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Administrator shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) initiate the digitization of such
            processes.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the digitization
    required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the
    digitization of any process allows for--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) an applicant to track their application
            throughout the period of submission and review of such
            application; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 212. REPORT ELIMINATION OR MODIFICATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Reports Modified.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Report on the airport improvement program.--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Conforming amendments.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) Section 47131 of title 49,
                            United States Code, is amended in the section
                            heading by striking ``Annual'' and inserting
                            ``Biennial''.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``47131. Biennial report.''.
            <DELETED>    (2) National aviation research plan.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Reports Eliminated.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Report on helicopter air ambulance
            operations.--Section 44731 of title 49, United States Code, is
            amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in subsection (d)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) in the subsection heading, by
                            striking ``Report to Congress'' and inserting
                            ``Briefing'';</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) in the second sentence by
                            striking ``report'' and inserting ``briefing'';
                            and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subsection (e)(2), by striking
                    ``the report'' and inserting ``the
                    briefing''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 213. INTERNAL REGULATORY PROCESS REVIEW.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Other Members; Consultation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Consultation.--The review team may, as
            appropriate, consult with industry stakeholders.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Contents of Review.--In conducting the review required
    under subsection (a), the review team shall do the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) With respect to each office within the FAA
            that reviews regulatory materials, assess--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the timeline assigned to each such
                    office to complete the review of regulatory
                    materials;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the actual time spent for such
                    review;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) opportunities to reduce the actual
                    time for such review; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) whether clear roles, responsibilities,
                    requirements, and expectations are clearly defined for
                    each office required to review the regulatory
                    materials.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Deadlines.--The requirements of this section shall be
    subject to the following deadlines:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 214. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL
                  EXCLUSIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Not later than 2 year after the date of enactment of this
    section, the Secretary shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

               <DELETED>TITLE III--SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 301. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE STATE OF TYPE
                  CERTIFICATION PROCESSES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Elements.--The review and study under subsection (a)
    shall provide analyses, assessments, and recommendations that address
    the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) How the FAA could develop a risk-based model
            for type certification that improves the safety of
            aircraft.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 302. REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL VALIDATION PROGRAM
                  PERFORMANCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents.--The evaluation under subsection (a) shall
    consider, at minimum, the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) The effectiveness of FAA training for
            employees and of outreach conducted to improve and enforce
            validation processes.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 303. HIGH RISK FLIGHT TESTING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--In developing, amending, revising, or
    modifying regulations, advisory circulars, guidance, or policy under
    subsection (a), the Administrator shall do the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 304. RECORDING DEVICES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
    section:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44745. Cockpit recording device</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the
    term `applicable aircraft' means an aircraft that is--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) operated under part 121 or 135 of title 14,
            Code of Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit
            voice recorder or a flight data recorder.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44745. Recording devices.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 305. HELICOPTER SAFETY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Considerations.--In reviewing and assessing the safety
    requirements under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) any applicable safety recommendations of the
            National Transportation Safety Board; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the operational requirements and safety
            considerations for operations under parts 121 and 135 of title
            14, Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the findings and recommendations included in
            the Committee's report; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement
            such recommendations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 306. REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF HUMAN READINESS LEVELS
                  INTO AGENCY GUIDANCE MATERIAL.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Proper attention to human factors during the
            development of technological systems is a significant factor in
            minimizing or preventing human error.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 307. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) compliance by operators with the requirements
            of section 121.703 of title 14, Code of Federal
            Regulations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) compliance by approval or certificate holders
            with the requirements of section 183.63 of title 14, Code of
            Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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):</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) FAA Order 8900.1A, Flight Standards
                    Information Management System (issued October 27,
                    2022);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) FAA Order 8120.23A, Certificate
                    Management of Production Approval Holders (issued March
                    6, 2017); and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) FAA Order 8110.107A, Monitor Safety/
                    Analyze Data (issued October 1, 2012).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--The briefings required by subsection
    (a) shall include the following with respect to the preceding
    year:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Identification of categories of service
            difficulties reported, as determined by the Administrator,
            including repetitive service difficulties reported.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) The causes of the service difficulties, as
            determined by the Administrator.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Actions taken by, or required by, the
            Administrator to address the identified causes of service
            difficulties.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 308. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.''</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 309. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION
                  NUMBERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 310. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
    section:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44114. Reregistration of aircraft</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) the Administrator has not rejected such
            reregistration application.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of
    such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
    44113 the following:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44114. Reregistration of aircraft.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 311. FAA OVERSIGHT OF REPAIR STATIONS LOCATED OUTSIDE THE
                  UNITED STATES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 44733 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in the section heading by striking
            ``Inspection'' and inserting ``Oversight'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (e)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the first sentence--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) by inserting ``, without prior
                            notice to such repair stations,'' after
                            ``annually''; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by inserting ``and the
                            applicable laws of the country in which a
                            repair station is located'' after
                            ``international agreements''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection
            (i); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by inserting after subsection (f) the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(g) Data Analysis.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Information required.--A report under
            paragraph (1) shall contain the following
            information:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) The location where any heavy
                    maintenance work on aircraft (including on-wing
                    aircraft engines) was performed outside the United
                    States.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) A description of the work performed
                    at each such location.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) The date of completion of the work
                    performed at each such location.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) requires corrective action
                            after the aircraft is approved for return to
                            service; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) results from the work
                            performed on such aircraft.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Analysis.--The Administrator of the Federal
            Aviation Administration shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) require appropriate actions in
                    response.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(h) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others
    Working on U.S. Registered Aircraft.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definition of Covered Repair Station.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 44733(i) of title 49,
            United States Code (as redesignated by subsection (a)(3)), is
            amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
                    through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4),
                    respectively; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as
                    so redesignated, the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) Covered repair station.--The term `covered
            repair station' means a facility that--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) is located outside the United
                    States;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) is certificated under part 145 of
                    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) performs heavy maintenance work on
                    aircraft (including on-wing aircraft engines) operated
                    under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
                    Regulations.''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the
                                United States.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 312. ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING AND BACKGROUND
                  CHECKS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) exclusively for the purpose of conducting a
            safety inspection;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) directly related to aviation safety standards,
            certification, and oversight; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) vital to the national interests of the United
            States.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Definition of Covered Repair Station.--For purposes of
    this section, the term ``covered repair station'' means a facility
    that--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) is located outside the United
            States;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) is certificated under part 145 of title 14,
            Code of Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft
            (including on-wing aircraft engines), operated under part 121
            of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 313. CONTINUOUS AIRCRAFT TRACKING AND TRANSMISSION FOR
                  HIGH ALTITUDE BALLOONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of
            members appointed by the Administrator, including the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Representatives of industry.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Aviation safety experts with specific
                    knowledge of high altitude balloon
                    operations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Representatives of the Department of
                    Defense.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Representatives of Federal agencies
                    that conduct high altitude balloon
                    operations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Any necessary updates to the
                    requirements for unmanned free balloons under subpart D
                    of part 101 of title 14, Code of Federal
                    Regulations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Any necessary updates to other FAA
                    regulations or requirements deemed appropriate and
                    necessary by the Administrator to--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) ensure any high altitude
                            balloon has a continuous aircraft tracking and
                            transmission system</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) maintain airspace
                            safety.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
            ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science,
                    and Transportation of the Senate;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the Committee on Appropriations of the
                    Senate;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the Committee on Transportation and
                    Infrastructure of the House of Representatives;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the
                    House of Representatives.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 314. INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Plan.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop
            and implement a plan to enhance United States' leadership in
            aviation safety and policy.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents of plan.--The plan required under
            paragraph (1) shall include, at minimum, the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Measures to advance international
                    cooperation related to--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) approval of new safety-
                            enhancing technologies and aeronautical
                            products;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) development of regulatory
                            policy and plans related to advanced air
                            mobility concepts;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) innovation in the general
                            aviation sector;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) further integration of
                            uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air
                            mobility aircraft and operators; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) development of international
                            standards and best practices for enhancing
                            aviation safety consistent with United States
                            policy and objectives.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Initiatives to attain greater
                    expertise among employees of the FAA on issues related
                    to dispute resolution, intellectual property, and
                    export control laws.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) Measures to facilitate and expand the
                    FAA's international programs, training, and technical
                    assistance to foreign civil aviation authorities in
                    order to--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) strengthen aviation safety
                            oversight;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) meet the United Nations
                            International Civil Aviation Organization
                            standards; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) further United States policy
                            and objectives.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Submission to Congress.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) promotion of aviation safety and other
            relevant aviation standards;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) providing support for expedited acceptance of
            FAA design and production approvals by other civil aviation
            authorities;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) facilitation of adoption of United States
            approaches on standards and recommended practices at the
            International Civil Aviation Organization; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) providing support for technical assistance and
            training by the FAA.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 315. AIR TOUR AND SPORT PARACHUTING SAFETY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Other Safety Requirements for Commercial Operators.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Safety reforms.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Authority to conduct nonstop
                    commercial air tours.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) conducts all
                                    commercial air tours under the
                                    applicable provisions of part 121 or
                                    part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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--
                            </DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) has not been issued
                                    such part 119 certificate or received a
                                    denial of the application submitted
                                    under subclause (I).</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) Other terms.--The
                            Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) specific terrain, weather, and
                            infrastructure challenges relevant in the local
                            operating environment that increase the risk of
                            such accidents;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) pilot decision-making
                            relevant to the avoidance of instrument
                            meteorological conditions while operating under
                            visual flight rules;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) use of terrain awareness
                            displays;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) spatial disorientation risk
                            factors and countermeasures; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) strategies for maintaining
                            control, including the use of automated
                            systems.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Aviation rulemaking committee.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) In general.--The Administrator, shall
                    convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and
                    develop findings and recommendations to inform--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) requiring all commercial air
                            tour operators to implement a flight data
                            monitoring program, such as a Flight
                            Operational Quality Assurance
                            Program;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) establishing methods to
                            provide effective terrain awareness and
                            warning; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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--
                            </DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (I) includes both visual
                                    and aural alerts;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) is driven by an
                                    algorithm designed to eliminate
                                    nuisance alerts; and</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (III) is operational
                                    during all flight operations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking
                    committee shall consist of members appointed by the
                    Administrator, including--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) representatives of industry,
                            including manufacturers of aircraft and
                            aircraft technologies;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) representatives of aviation
                            operator organizations; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Duties.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) Considerations.--In carrying
                            out its duties under clause (i), the
                            Administrator shall direct the aviation
                            rulemaking committee to consider--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (I) recommendations of the
                                    National Transportation Safety
                                    Board;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) recommendations of
                                    previous aviation rulemaking committees
                                    that reviewed flight data monitoring
                                    program requirements on part 135
                                    commercial operators;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (V) appropriate use of
                                    data for modifying behavior to prevent
                                    accidents;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (VI) the need to
                                    accommodate technological advancements
                                    in flight data recording
                                    technology;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (VII) data gathered from
                                    aviation safety reporting
                                    programs;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (VIII) appropriate methods
                                    to provide effective terrain awareness
                                    and warning system (TAWS) protections
                                    while mitigating nuisance alerts for
                                    aircraft;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (IX) the need to
                                    accommodate the diversity of
                                    airworthiness standards under part 27
                                    and part 29 of title 14, Code of
                                    Federal Regulations;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (X) the need to
                                    accommodate diversity of operations and
                                    mission sets;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (XI) benefits of third-
                                    party data analysis for large and small
                                    operations;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (XII) accommodations
                                    necessary for small businesses;
                                    and</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (XIII) other issues as
                                    necessary.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Reports and regulations.--The
                    Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Expedited Process for Obtaining Operating
    Certificates.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) how considerations under paragraph (2)
                    will be incorporated into procedures implemented under
                    paragraph (1); and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) any additional resources required to
                    implement procedures under paragraph (1).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) includes--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) data on certification
                            approvals and denials; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) data on duration of key
                            phases of the certification process;
                            and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) identifies certification policies in
                    need of reform or repeal.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Safety Requirements for Sport Parachute Operations.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Aviation rulemaking committee.--The
            Administrator, shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee
            to review and develop findings and recommendations to inform--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee
            under paragraph (1) shall consist of members appointed by the
            Administrator, including--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) representatives of industry, including
                    manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft
                    technologies;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) representatives of parachute operator
                    organizations; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Duties.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Considerations.--In carrying out its
                    duties under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall
                    direct the aviation rulemaking committee to consider--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) recommendations of previous
                            aviation rulemaking committees that considered
                            similar issues;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) recommendations from
                            industry safety organizations, including, but
                            not limited to, the United States Parachute
                            Association;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) appropriate use of data for
                            modifying behavior to prevent
                            accidents;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) data gathered from aviation
                            safety reporting programs;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (vi) the need to accommodate
                            diversity of operations and mission
                            sets;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (vii) accommodations necessary for
                            small businesses; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (viii) other issues as
                            necessary.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Reports and regulations.--The Administrator
            shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the
            meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United
            States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term
            ``commercial air tour operator'' means any person who conducts
            a commercial air tour.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 316. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
    by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(g) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by
    Foreign Countries.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) Assessment.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) from which a foreign air
                            carrier serves the United States;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) from which a foreign air
                            carrier seeks to serve the United
                            States;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iii) whose air carriers code-
                            share with a United States air carrier;
                            or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iv) as the Administrator
                            considers appropriate.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) Requirements.--In conducting an
                    assessment under subparagraph (A), the Administrator
                    shall--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) consult with the appropriate
                            authorities of the government of the foreign
                            country concerned;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) Non-compliance findings.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) for foreign countries determined to
                    be compliant in ICAO standards, state that no further
                    action is needed; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Failure to maintain and carry out
            standards.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) notify the appropriate
                            authorities of the government of the foreign
                            country consistent with paragraph
                            (2);</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iii) transmit the identity of
                            the foreign country to the Secretary of State
                            to inform the relevant travel advisories;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) Immediate exercise of authority.--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 317. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 318. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST VOLUNTARY ADS-B.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--The report developed under subsection
    (a) shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) address strengths and weaknesses of the such
            equipment, standards and systems, including with respect to
            costs;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 319. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING
                  ELIGIBILITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Forestry and Fire Protection Flight Time Logging.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Retroactive application.--Paragraph (1) shall
            be applied as if enacted on October 8, 2018.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 320. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 321. AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND SHARING
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) describes the phased approach the FAA is
            following to construct the ASIAS system;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) describes the efforts of the FAA to secure
            increased safety data from--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) commercial air carriers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) general aviation operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) helicopter operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) unmanned aircraft system operators;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) other aircraft operators;
                    and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 322. CONSISTENT AND TIMELY PILOT CHECKS FOR AIR
                  CARRIERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Membership.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--The working group required by
            this section shall include--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as
                    check pilots (as described in section 91.1089 of title
                    14, Code of Federal Regulations);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) representatives of air carriers
                    operating under such part 135; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) industry associations representing
                    such air carriers.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the membership of the existing working
                    group includes the members required under paragraph
                    (1); or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the members required under paragraph
                    (1) are added to the membership of the existing working
                    group.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Duties.--The working group shall review, evaluate, and
    make recommendations on the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Methods for approving check pilots for air
            carriers operating under such part 135.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Actions required to ensure such air carriers
            are authorized an adequate number of check pilots to enable
            timely occurrence of pilot checks.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Differences in qualification standards applied
            to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) employees of the FAA who serve as
                    check pilots; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) check pilots of an authorized air
                    carrier.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Methods to improve the training and
            qualification of check pilots.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Prior recommendations made by FAA advisory
            committees or working groups regarding check pilot
            functions.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) Petitions for rulemaking submitted to the FAA
            regarding check pilot functions.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 323. ENHANCING PROCESSES FOR AUTHORIZING AIRCRAFT FOR
                  SERVICE IN COMMUTER AND ON DEMAND OPERATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) methodologies for air carriers and operators
            to document and attest to aircraft conformity in accordance
            with the requirements of part 135;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) changes to FAA policy and documentation
            necessary to implement the recommendations of the Working
            Group.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definition of Part 135.--In this section the term
    ``part 135'' means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
    Regulations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 324. TOWER MARKING COMPLIANCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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)).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--The briefing required by subsection (a)
    shall include the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 325. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL
                  PENALTIES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 46301(d) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (4), by striking subparagraph (A)
            and inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the amount in controversy is more
                    than--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 326. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM
                  VIOLATIONS.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 327. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 106(g)(1)(D) of title
    49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``44514,''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 328. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 40104(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) a foreign government would benefit
                    from technical assistance pursuant to this subsection
                    to strengthen aviation safety, efficiency, and
                    security; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the engagement is to provide
                    inherently governmental technical assistance and
                    training.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Definition.--In this subsection, the term
            `inherently governmental technical assistance and training'
            means technical assistance and training that--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) relies upon or incorporates Federal
                    Aviation Administration-specific program, system,
                    policy, or procedural matters;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) must be accomplished using agency
                    expertise and authority; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) relates to--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) international aviation
                            safety assessment technical reviews and
                            technical assistance;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) aerodrome safety and
                            certification;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iii) aviation system
                            certification activities based on Federal
                            Aviation Administration regulations and
                            requirements;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iv) cybersecurity efforts to
                            protect United States aviation ecosystem
                            components and facilities;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(v) operation and maintenance of
                            air navigation system equipment, procedures,
                            and personnel; or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(vi) related training and
                            exercises in support of aviation safety,
                            efficiency, and security.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 329. RESTORATION OF AUTHORITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by inserting after section 40118 the
    following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 40119. Security and research and development
                  activities</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Disclosure.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) be an unwarranted invasion of
                    personal privacy;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) reveal a trade secret or privileged
                    or confidential commercial or financial information;
                    or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) be detrimental to transportation
                    safety.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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)--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) to conceal a violation of law,
                    inefficiency, or administrative error;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) to prevent embarrassment to a
                    person, organization, or agency;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) to restrain competition;
                    or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Conforming Amendments.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``40119. Security and research and development activities.''.
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 330. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the study conducted
    under subsection (a) shall include:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Determining the current state of ground source
            data coverage at airports in the United States.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Understanding the technology requirements for
            monitoring ground movements at airports through sensors,
            receivers, or other technologies.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Conducting data collection through a pilot
            program and developing ground-based tarmac delay
            statistics.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Performing an evaluation and feasibility
            analysis of potential system-level tarmac operations monitoring
            solutions.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--The pilot program established
            under paragraph (1) shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) include up to 6 airports that the
                    Director determines reflect a diversity of factors
                    including, geography, size, and air traffic;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) terminate not more than 3 years after
                    the date of enactment of this section; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) be subject to any guidelines issued by
                    the Director.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 331. GAO REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION
                  AVIONICS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents of the Review.--The review required by
    subsection (a) shall assess--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) how roles and responsibilities for aircraft
            and ground systems cybersecurity are differentiated and
            enforced between the Transportation Security Agency and the
            FAA;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) how aircraft and ground systems cybersecurity
            vulnerabilities are being identified and prioritized for
            mitigation, particularly considering the commercial technology
            ecosystem; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the appropriate committees of
            Congress;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the Committee on Homeland Security of the
            House of Representatives; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the Committee on Homeland Security and
            Government Affairs of the Senate.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 332. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 506(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (42
    U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
            striking ``consider, where appropriate, revising'' and
            inserting ``revise, where appropriate, existing'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after
            the semicolon;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at
            the end and inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 333. MAINTENANCE DATA AVAILABILITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall assign to the
    Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee the task of--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) developing and submitting to the Administrator
            recommendations for guidance or regulatory changes to--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) clarify the obligations of design
                    approval holders to develop and make ICA
                    available;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) create methods to identify and provide
                    access to ICA; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) create mechanisms to accept
                    complaints, resolve disputes, and enforce
                    obligations.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 334. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS
                  COMPLIANCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) for each such airworthiness directive--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the methods by which the noncompliance
                    was discovered and brought to the attention of the
                    FAA;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the date of approval of the relevant
                    type design and the date of issuance of the
                    airworthiness directive;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) any corrective action mandated to
                    address the identified unsafe condition;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) the total cost of compliance estimated
                    in the final rule adopting the airworthiness
                    directive.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the results of the study conducted under
            subsection (a);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the union representative comments solicited
            under subsection (b); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) any other recommendations for legislative or
            administrative action determined appropriate by the
            Administrator.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 335. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Internal Regulatory Review Team.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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'').</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Review.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Requirements.--In conducting the
                    review, the team shall--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) assess the safety
                            implications for any products imported into the
                            United States that do not comply with the FAA's
                            firewall requirements; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) consult with industry
                            stakeholders to the maximum extent
                            practicable.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Duties of the Administrator.--The Administrator
    shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 336. CABIN AIR SAFETY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) The study by the Airliner Cabin Environmental
            Research Center of Excellence on bleed air required by
            subsection (c) of such section.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) A standardized FAA form and system for
            reporting incidents involving smoke or fume events onboard
            aircraft.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 337. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 338. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT
                  LIMITATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Provisions Described.--The provisions described in
    this subsection are the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) A 30-day limit on foreign aircraft interchange
            agreements.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) A minimum break between foreign aircraft
            interchange renewals of 90 days.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) A limit of no more than 1 foreign aircraft
            interchange agreement between 2 airlines.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) A limit of no more than 2 foreign aircraft on
            the interchange agreement.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 339. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the noise standards described in part 36 of
            such title 14 shall not apply to such an operation.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Firefighters.--The term ``firefighters'' means
            a trained fire suppression professional the transport of whom
            is necessary to accomplish a wildfire suppression
            operation.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 340. STUDY ON IMPACTS OF TEMPERATURE IN AIRCRAFT
                  CABINS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Reports.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 341. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
                  REQUIREMENT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 342. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) consider multiple methods of expressing breast
            milk that could be used by crewmembers, including the use of
            wearable lactation technology; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Crewmember.--The term ``crewmember'' has the
            meaning given such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of
            Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Part 121.--The term ``Part 121'' means part
            121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 343. REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE
                  AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
                  ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Oversight of Organization Designation Authorization
    Unit Members.--Section 44741 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (f)(2), in the matter preceding
            subparagraph (A), by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and
            inserting ``September 30, 2028''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (j), by striking ``2023'' and
            inserting ``2028''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (h) Oversight of FAA Compliance Program.--Section 122 of
    division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 is amended--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (c)(4), by striking ``October 1,
            2023'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (d), by striking ``2023'' and
            inserting ``2028''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>

     <DELETED>TITLE IV--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 401. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY TASK FORCE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Membership.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed
            of, at a minimum, representatives from--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the FAA;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) trade associations representing
                    avionics manufacturers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) trade associations representing air
                    carriers</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) trade associations representing
                    business or general aviation operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) labor organizations representing air
                    traffic controllers; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) any other interested parties that the
                    Administrator determines may provide expertise and
                    assist the Task Force to fulfill its
                    obligations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Appointment.--The Administrator shall appoint
            each member of the Task Force.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Task Force shall
            be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
            made.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Duties.--The Task Force shall --</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) leverage current metrics used by the FAA to
            quantify the benefits of NextGen technology and
            investments;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) reduction and cumulative savings of
                    track miles and time savings;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) reduction and cumulative savings of
                    emissions and fuel burn;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) reduction of aircraft operation time;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) any other metrics that the
                    Administrator determines may provide quantifiable
                    benefits for operators in the national airspace system;
                    and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) validate current and establish metrics for the
            FAA to track and assess fleet equipage across operators in the
            national airspace system including--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) quantified costs and benefits for an
                    operator to properly equip with baseline NextGen
                    avionics equipment over the aircraft's lifecycle;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits
                    associated with rates of mixed equipage across
                    operators.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the metrics recommended and established by the
            Task Force on a quarterly and annual basis depending on the
            metric; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (g) Sunset.--The Task Force shall terminate on the date on
    which the Administrator receives the report required under subsection
    (d).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 402. USE OF ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE IN OCEANIC
                  AIRSPACE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop a plan to--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) adopt reduced separation standards in
                    oceanic airspace;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) implement procedures that will permit
                    user preferred routes to increase fuel efficiency and
                    reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) utilize Automatic Dependent Surveillance-
            Broadcast (ADS-B) relay service within United States airspace
            or international airspace delegated to the United States for--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) positive air traffic control,
                    including separation of aircraft by implementing the
                    ICAO Advanced Surveillance-Enhanced Procedural
                    Separation standard;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) air traffic flow management;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) search and rescue;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) accident investigation; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) data analytics.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 403. GPS MONITORING PILOT PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Evaluation of Technologies.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Location of Evaluation Sites.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--The pilot program shall be
            conducted at each of the following types of airports:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) A primary airport in Class B
                    airspace.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) A primary airport in Class C
                    airspace.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) A primary airport in Class D
                    airspace.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) An airport in Class E
                    airspace.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) A Joint-Use Airport.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 404. RUNWAY SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) status of implementing new surface
            surveillance systems at additional airports; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) justification for delaying or not implementing
            additional surface surveillance systems at airports identified
            by the Administrator under subsection (b)(2).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 405. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Considerations.--In establishing the pilot
            program under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider
            the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) The extent to which developed FPO
                    capabilities may achieve environmental benefits and
                    time savings.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Any other information the
                    Administrator deems appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Maximum amount.--A grant awarded under the
            program shall not exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic
            flow management technology provider.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 406. STARS REMOTE SURVEILLANCE DISPLAYS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Certification.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Installation and Maintenance.--Not later than December
    31, 2025, the Administrator shall allow airports to--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) procure, install, and maintain a Standard
            Terminal Automation Replacement System or any equivalent system
            through the FAA; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation
            Replacement System or any equivalent system and installation
            and maintenance services directly from an OEM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 407. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Scope of Audit.--The audit required by subsection
    (a)--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) shall be conducted by an independent third-
            party contractor or a Federally funded research and development
            center (FFRDC) selected by the Administrator;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) shall include an assessment of whether a
            legacy system is outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable,
            as defined in subsection (f); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) with respect to any legacy systems identified
            in the audit as outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable,
            shall include--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) an analysis of the operational risks
                    associated with using such legacy systems;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) recommendations for replacement or
                    enhancement of such legacy systems; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) an analysis of any potential impact on
                    aviation safety and efficiency.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Deadline.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the audit
    required by subsection (a) shall be completed.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) an inventory of the legacy systems in
            use;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) an assessment of the operational condition of
            the legacy systems in use; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Collaboration With Industry on Plan to Accelerate
    Drawdown, Replacement, or Enhancement of Legacy Systems.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (f) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 408. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
                  SERVICES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Requirements.--The analysis and implementation
    procedures required under subsection (b) shall include, at a minimum,
    the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Network and protocol testing and integration
            with satellite service providers.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Operational testing with aircraft to identify
            and resolve performance issues.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Training of radio operators on new operation
            procedures and protocols.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) A phased implementation plan for incorporating
            SatVoice services into the AMCS program.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) The estimated cost of the implementation
            procedures for relevant stakeholders.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 409. LOW ALTITUDE ROUTES FOR VERTICAL FLIGHT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Low-altitude Rotorcraft Instrument Flight Routes.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
            date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall
            initiate a rulemaking process to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) incorporate instrument flight rules
                    rotorcraft operations into the low-altitude performance
                    based navigation procedure infrastructure;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking
            process under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult
            with--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport,
                    rotorcraft manufacturer, rotorcraft operator, general
                    aviation operator, commercial air carrier, and
                    performance based navigation technology manufacturer
                    sectors;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the United States Helicopter Safety
                    Team; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) other stakeholders determined
                    appropriate by the Administrator.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 410. ADS-B OUT EQUIPAGE STUDY; VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE LINK
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study and Briefing on ADS-B Out Equipage.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date
            of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall initiate
            a study to determine--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the costs and benefits of equipage;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the cost and benefits of any
                    accommodation made for aircraft with inoperable ADS-B
                    out equipment.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) enable the real-time digital exchange of key
            information between nearby aircraft; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) are not reliant on ground infrastructure or
            air-to-ground communication links.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 411. EXTENSION OF ENHANCED AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES PILOT
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 547 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
    U.S.C. 40103 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Definitions.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``September 30,
            2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 412. NEXTGEN EQUIPAGE PLAN.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Plan.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The plan required under
            paragraph(1) shall, at a minimum, evaluate and consider
            recommendations to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) provide for further implementation and
                    deployment of NextGen operational improvements to
                    incentivize universal equipage across the active fleet
                    for commercial and regional aircraft;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) identify any remaining barriers for
                    operators to properly equip with certain NextGen
                    avionics, including any methods to address such
                    barriers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) provide for the use of the best
                    methods to highlight and enhance the benefits
                    realizable by operators equipping with certain NextGen
                    avionics; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) contain any equipage guidelines and
                    regulations the Administrator deems necessary and
                    appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Consultation.--In developing the plan under
            paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with
            representatives from--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) trade associations representing air
                    carriers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) trade associations representing
                    avionics manufacturers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) labor organizations representing air
                    traffic controllers; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) any other representatives the
                    Administrator determines appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 413. PERFORMANCE BASED NAVIGATION REPORT AND UTILIZATION
                  PLAN.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Report on Performance Based Navigation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The report shall include, at a
            minimum, a detailed implementation plan with respect to the
            recommendations made by--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the NAC Subcommittee Update on
                    Opportunities dated June 2020;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the Barriers to Established on
                    Required Navigation Performance Procedures dated
                    November 2019; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018,
                    Section 547 Enhanced Air Traffic Services, NAC Task 20-
                    3 Report dated March 2021.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 414. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT
                  STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
    do the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Evaluate the potential efficiencies that may
            result from a reorganization.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Identify whether certain areas prone to
            congestion or staff shortages would benefit from enhanced
            flexibilities.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Recommend opportunities for integration of
            separate facilities to create a more collaborative and
            efficient traffic control environment.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Report and Briefing.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

                 <DELETED>TITLE V--AVIATION WORKFORCE</DELETED>

            <DELETED>Subtitle A--Civil Aviation Workforce</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 501. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization
    Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and''
                    at the end;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the
                    period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                    paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2023''
                    each place it appears and inserting ``2028'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as
                    paragraph (3);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the
                    following new paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Additional funding.--In addition to amounts
            available for grants pursuant to paragraph (1), there is
            authorized to be appropriated--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2024 through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(1);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2024 through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(2); and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                    2024 through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(3).''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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))'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                    paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) a State or local governmental
                    entity.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Eligible Projects.--For purposes of a program
    established under subsection (a), an eligible project is a project--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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));</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) to support the professional development of
            teachers and other educators implementing a program described
            in paragraph (1);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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));</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) primary, secondary, and post-
                    secondary school students; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) communities underrepresented in the
                    applicable industry;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(6) to support educational opportunities in both
            urban and rural areas;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) in subsection (e)</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) by inserting ``aviation
                            manufacturers,'' after ``repair stations,''
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by striking ``and'' at the
                            end;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the
                    period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                    paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) by adding at the end the following new
            subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(f) Consultation With the Secretary of Education.--The
    Secretary may consult with the Secretary of Education in--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) developing the design of the grant
            application under this section;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) reviewing and selecting applications for
            grants for eligible projects under this section; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) establishing considerations regarding
            program quality and measurement of student
            outcomes.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (4) of section 48105
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and
    inserting ``2028''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) National Strategic Plan for Aviation Workforce
    Development.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) any situation or condition that
                    warrants special attention by the Federal
                    Government.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--The national strategic plan
            established under paragraph (1) shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) include recommendations for
                    legislation, regulations, and budget proposals to carry
                    out such national strategic plan.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 502. WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Establishment.--There is established within the
    Department of Transportation the Women in Aviation Advisory Committee
    (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'').</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Membership.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Composition.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) Passenger and cargo air
                            carriers operating under part 121 of title 14,
                            Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) Aircraft manufacturers and
                            aerospace companies.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) Nonprofit organizations
                            within the aviation industry, including at
                            least 1 State aviation agency.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) Airport operators and
                            employees.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) Aviation business
                            associations.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (vi) Engineering business
                            associations.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (vii) United States Air Force
                            Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (viii) Institutions of higher
                            education and aviation trade schools.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ix) The Department of
                            Labor.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (x) The Department of
                            Education.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (xii) The FAA.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Date.--The appointments described in
                    subparagraph (A) shall be made not later than 9 months
                    after the date of enactment of this section.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Subcommittees.--The Committee may establish
            subcommittees as the Committee determines
            appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Chair; subcommittee chairs.--The Committee--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) shall select a Chair from among the
                    members of the Committee; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) may select subcommittee chairs from
                    among the members of the Committee, as the Committee
                    determines appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Term of service.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) In general.--Each member of the
                    Committee shall serve until the termination date
                    described in subsection (e).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Successors.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall
            furnish the Committee logistical and administrative support to
            enable the Committee to perform its duties.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Compensation.--Each member of the Committee
            shall serve without compensation.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Duties.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Advisory role.--The Committee--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) shall not duplicate the objectives of
                    the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking
                    Committee.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Reports.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) which such recommendations the Secretary is
            not able to implement (including any recommendations for
            legislation) and a rationale for that determination.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Sunset.--The Committee shall terminate on September
    30, 2028.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 503. STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION MAINTENANCE TRAINING
                  PROGRAMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) entering airframe and powerplant
                    mechanic programs; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) accessing pathways to mechanic
                    certification.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The study required under paragraph
            (1) shall assess the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) The number of high school aviation
                    maintenance programs in the United States and the
                    typical career outcomes for graduates of such
                    programs.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) The extent to which high school
                    aviation maintenance programs offer curricula that
                    align with FAA mechanic airman certification
                    standards.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Any barriers to entry associated
                    with--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) developing and attaining the
                            knowledge and experience requirements described
                            in section 65.75 and section 147.31 of such
                            title 14; or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) access to the mechanic
                            certification process.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) Any barriers to accessing the general
                    knowledge test described in section 65.71(a)(3) of such
                    title 14.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (I) Whether regulatory changes could
                    reduce any barriers described in this
                    paragraph.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 504. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS
                  RULE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) create a military mechanic written competency
            test; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Aeronautical Knowledge Subject Areas.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the services made available by the JSAMTCC;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the military mechanic written competency test
            established under subsection (a).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) The individual presents documentary evidence
            of experience in accordance with the requirements under section
            65.77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 505. PROHIBITION OF REMOTE DISPATCHING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Amendments to Prohibition.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 44711(a) of title 49,
            United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (9), by striking ``or''
                    after the semicolon;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as
                    paragraph (11); and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the
                    following new paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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)).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44746. Aircraft dispatching</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each
    dispatch center and flight following center of the air carrier--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) has the necessary equipment, in good repair,
            to maintain proper operational control of each flight of the
            air carrier at all times; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Prohibition.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44746. Aircraft dispatching.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 506. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN
                  STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress
    that:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 507. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 44918(a) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and unruly
            passenger behavior'' before the period at the end;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and
                    activities and determine the seriousness of any
                    occurrence.'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``,
                    including training to defend against the use of edged
                    or contact weapons'' before the period at the
                    end;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by striking subparagraph (H) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(H) De-escalation training based on
                    recommendations issued by the Air Carrier Training
                    Aviation Rulemaking Committee.'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) and
                    (J) as subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) by inserting after subparagraph (H)
                    the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an
                    active attacker.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the training provided under this
                    subsection and for recurrent training; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the individuals or entities
                    providing such training.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) in paragraph (6)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the first sentence--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) by inserting ``and the Federal
                            Air Marshal Service'' after ``consultation with
                            the Administrator'';</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by striking ``and
                            periodically shall'' and inserting ``and shall
                            periodically''; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) by inserting ``based on
                            changes in the potential or actual threat
                            conditions'' before the period at the end;
                            and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in the second sentence, by inserting
                    ``, including self-defense training expertise and
                    experience'' before the period at the end;
                    and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 508. IMPROVING APRON SAFETY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study and Report on Engine Ingestion Zone and Jet
    Blast Zone Accidents.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a
            study on ways to minimize or eliminate engine ingestion zone
            and jet blast zone accidents, including through--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) incorporating markings on aircraft to
                    indicate the engine inlet danger zone, using hazard
                    warning stripes, decals, or other measures;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) improving aircraft engine design to
                    prevent or minimize engine ingestion, such as the use
                    of stationary inlet guide vanes or engine
                    guarding;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) improving communication devices and
                    requirements for operable radios and
                    headsets.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Improved Training.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the specific dangers and consequences
                    of entering engine ingestion or jet blast
                    zones;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) proper protocols to avoid entering an
                    engine ingestion or jet blast zone; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 509. AVIATION MEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION
                  WORKING GROUP.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Membership.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Number.--The members of the Working Group
            shall not exceed 20 individuals.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Composition.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) aerospace medicine;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) psychological
                            medicine;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) neurological
                            medicine;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) cardiovascular medicine;
                            or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) internal medicine.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Use of subgroups.--The Working Group
                    Administrator may use subgroups to develop the
                    recommendations under subsection (c).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Recommendations.--The Working Group shall develop a
    report that includes recommendations with respect to the following
    areas:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Evaluation of the conditions an Aviation
            Medical Examiner can issue (CACI).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Development of an online medical portal
            administered by the FAA that--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) adheres to cybersecurity protections
                    and protocols;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) authorizes Aviation Medical Examiners,
                    pilots, or their designee, to securely share medical
                    records;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) provides timely updates for a pilot's
                    medical application and improves return to flying
                    timelines;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) provides pilots with the ability to
                    submit additional information requested from the
                    FAA;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) includes the method to contact the
                    reviewing office; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) such other requirements as the Working
                    Group may recommend.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) The use of technologies to address forms of
            red-green color blindness for pilots.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Improvements to Attention-Deficit
            Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder
            protocols.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Improvements to neurology protocols,
            specifically, stroke, head injury, and known loss of
            consciousness.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which
    the Working Group is established--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the Administrator shall submit such report and
            recommendations to the appropriate committees of
            Congress.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (f) Exemption From the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
    Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the
    Working Group.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (g) Sunset.--The Working Group shall terminate on the date
    on which the Working Group submits the report required by subsection
    (d).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 510. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Duties.--In carrying out its activities, the Working
    Group shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) ensure that testing remains correlated and
            corresponds to current regulations, procedures, equipment,
            aviation infrastructure, and safety trends;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) ensure other tasks carried out by the Working
            Group are addressed and completed in a timely and efficient
            manner.</DELETED>

                  <DELETED>Subtitle B--FAA Workforce</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 521. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFFING STANDARDS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) National Academy of Sciences Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The study required by paragraph (1)
            shall include the following elements:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) An evaluation of--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) air traffic in the airspace of
                            each air traffic control facility operated by
                            the FAA;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) air traffic controller
                            position utilization;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) attrition rates at each air
                            traffic control facility operated by the FAA;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) For each air traffic control facility
                    operated by the FAA, a description of--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) the current CPC staffing
                            levels;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the operational staffing
                            targets for CPCs;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) the anticipated CPC
                            attrition for each of the next 3 years;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) the number of CPC
                            trainees.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) Recommendations for further action by
                    the Administrator, as appropriate, to--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) address operational staffing
                            requirements to meet facility operational,
                            statutory, and contractual requirements;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Consultation.--In conducting the study
            required by paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult
            with--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Federal Government and industry
                    representatives;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the exclusive bargaining
                    representative of air traffic control specialists of
                    the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United
                    States Code; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) other parties determined appropriate
                    by the National Academies.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Reports.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) the results of the study
                            required by paragraph (1);</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the report submitted by the
                            National Academies, including the
                            recommendations of the National Academies;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) the Administrator's
                            implementation action required by subsection
                            (a).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Revisions to the Controller Workforce Plan.--Section
    44506(e) of title 49, United States Code is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by inserting ``Collaborative Resource
                    Workgroup (CRWG)'' before ``staffing standards'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking ``the number of air
                    traffic controllers needed'' and inserting ``the number
                    of fully certified air traffic controllers
                    needed'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
            paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by adding after paragraph (1) the following
            new paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) for each air traffic control facility
            operated by the Federal Aviation Administration--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the current certified professional
                    controller staffing levels;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the Collaborative Resource Workgroup
                    (CRWG) operational staffing targets for certified
                    professional controllers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) the anticipated certified
                    professional controller attrition for each of the next
                    3 years; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) the number of certified professional
                    controller trainees;''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 522. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit under subsection
    (a), the Inspector General shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) identify whether any safety-critical positions
            have not been reviewed within the timeframe specified in
            subsection (a);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical
            and senior positions, including the average vacancy period of
            such positions during the latest fiscal year;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) review whether existing FAA workforce
            development programs are producing intended results, such as
            increased recruitment and retention of agency personnel;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Report and Recommendations.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the Administrator's response to the
                    recommendations of the Inspector General contained in
                    such report; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) any plans of the Administrator for the
                    implementation of such recommendations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 523. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 40122 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) utilization of the direct hire authority
            described subsection (k) of such section 40122, as added
            subsection (a); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 524. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY
                  INSPECTORS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Not later than October 1, 2024, the
    Administrator shall review and revise as necessary the staffing model
    for aviation safety inspectors.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Consideration of prior studies and reports.--
            In revising the model, the Administrator shall take into
            consideration the recommendations outlined in the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) The 2006 report released by the
                    National Research Council entitled ``Staffing Standards
                    for Aviation Safety Inspectors''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) The 2007 study released by the
                    National Academy of Sciences entitled ``Staffing
                    Standards for Aviation Safety Inspectors''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Attrition.--The aviation safety inspector
            staffing model will take into consideration forecasted
            attrition.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 525. SAFETY CRITICAL STAFFING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Safety Critical Positions Defined.--In this section,
    the term ``safety critical positions'' means--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety
            specialists (1801 series), aviation safety technicians, and
            operations support positions in the Flight Standards Service;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 526. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Expedited Installation of ILS Equipment.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) incorporate lessons learned from the
                    installations under section 44502(a)(4) of title 49,
                    United States Code;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) record metrics of cost and time
                    savings of expedited installations; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) consider opportunities to further
                    develop ILS technical expertise among the FAA
                    workforce.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 527. AVIATION CERTIFICATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Program.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Establishment.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Responsibilities.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Guidelines.--The Administrator shall
                    establish guidelines related to the activities and
                    responsibilities of the fellowships under subsection
                    (b).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Qualifications.--The Administrator
                    shall prescribe the qualifications required for
                    designation of certification professional fellowships
                    under subsection (b).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Authority.--In order to carry out the
                    provisions of this section, the Administrator may--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) appoint, assign the duties of,
                            and transfer such personnel as may be
                            necessary;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) make appointments with
                            respect to temporary and intermittent
                            services;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) enter into contracts,
                            cooperative agreements, and other transactions
                            without regard to section 6101 of title 41,
                            United States Code;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) accept funds from other
                            Federal departments and agencies to pay for,
                            and add to, activities authorized by this
                            section; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) promulgate such rules and
                            regulations as may be necessary and
                            appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Special Rules for Fellowships.--Under the Program, the
    Administrator shall do the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Allow appointed individuals to be utilized
            across the aircraft certification spectrum as
            appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Open the fellowships to citizens and nationals
            of the United States.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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,</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Appropriate post-service limitations for
            individuals participating in the Program.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Other elements determined appropriate by the
            Administrator.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (g) Program Review and Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (h) Sunset.--The Program shall terminate on the date that
    is 5 years after the date of enactment of this section.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Aerospace engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Aerospace physiology.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Aeronautical engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Airworthiness engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Electrical engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Human factors engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) Software engineering.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (8) Systems engineering.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 528. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER
                  TRAINING PROGRAMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection
            (f);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by inserting after subsection (d), the
            following new subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(e) Air Traffic Controller Training Programs.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) provide initial training to
                    candidates who do not have a Control Tower Operator
                    certificate or Federal Aviation Administration tower
                    credential; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Program review.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(6) Sunset.--The provisions of this subsection
            shall terminate on September 30, 2028.''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by
            paragraph (1)), by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Appropriate committees of congress.--The
            term `appropriate committees of Congress' means--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science,
                    and Transportation of the Senate; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the Committee on Transportation and
                    Infrastructure of the House of
                    Representatives.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 529. REVIEW OF FAA AND INDUSTRY COOPERATIVE
                  FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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):</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Expanding existing familiarization
            programs.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Leveraging cooperative training programs to
            support credentialing and recurrent training activities for FAA
            employees.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 530. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION
                  TRAINING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) every ATCT's unique runway layout,
                    approach paths, and lines of sight; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) specifications that meet all
                    applicable data security requirements.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) securely and quickly downloading data
                    from the cloud-based visual database and software
                    system implemented under paragraph (1);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) running scenarios for each ATCT
                    involving differing levels of air traffic volume;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 531. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INSTRUCTOR
                  PIPELINE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents.--The study required by subsection (a) shall
    include the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Recommendations on how and where to utilize
            retired certified professional controllers.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 532. ENSURING HIRING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS
                  IS BASED ON ASSESSMENT OF JOB-RELEVANT
                  APTITUDES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) The Administrator shall assess whether any
            other revisions to the AT-SA are necessary to enhance the air
            traffic control specialist workforce pipeline.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 533. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY AND FACILITY
                  EXPANSION PLAN.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Plan.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) establish a second FAA Academy in an
                    area described in paragraph (2).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Area described.--An area described in this
            paragraph is a metropolitan statistical area in which each of
            the following is located:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) At least 2 large hub
                    airports.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) An FAA Flight Standards District
                    Office</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) An FAA Certificate Management
                    Office.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) An FAA regional
                    headquarters.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Considerations.--In developing the plan under
            paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the resources needed to support an
                    increase in the total number of developmental air
                    traffic controllers enrolled at the FAA
                    Academies;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the resources needed to lessen FAA
                    Academy attrition per fiscal year;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the equipment needed to support
                    expanded instruction, including air traffic control
                    simulation systems, virtual reality, and other virtual
                    training platforms;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) the use of existing FAA-owned
                    facilities and classroom space and identifying
                    potential opportunities for new construction;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) the costs of--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) expanding FAA capacity (as
                            described in paragraph (1)(A)); and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) establishing a second FAA
                            Academy (as described in paragraph
                            (1)(B));</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (I) other logistical and financial
                    considerations as determined by appropriate the
                    Administrator.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

            <DELETED>TITLE VI--MODERNIZING AIRPORT SYSTEMS</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 601. AIP ELIGIBILITY AMENDMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47102(3) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subparagraph (B)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in clause (ix), by striking ``and''
                    after the semicolon;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in clause (x), by striking the period
                    and inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(xi) a medium intensity approach
                            lighting system with runway alignment indicator
                            lights.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by redesignating subparagraphs (Q) and (R) as
            subparagraphs (S) and (T), respectively;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by redesignating subparagraphs (M) through (P)
            as subparagraphs (N) through (Q), respectively;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by inserting after subparagraph (L) the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) by inserting after subparagraph (Q) (as
            redesignated by paragraph (3)), the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) by inserting after subparagraph (T) (as
            redesignated by paragraph (2)), the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 602. REVISED MINIMUM APPORTIONMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 603. APPORTIONMENTS FOR TRANSITIONING AIRPORTS.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 604. UPDATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF PROJECT
                  COSTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 47109 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) unchanged for a project at a large hub
            airport in the State; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) 95 percent for a project at any other
            airport in the State.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating
            subsections (d) through (f) as (c) through (e),
            respectively;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by
            striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) is not a medium or large hub airport; and'';
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by inserting after subsection (e), as so
            redesignated, the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
    shall take effect on October 1, 2023.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 605. PRIMARY AIRPORT DESIGNATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, as
    amended by section 602, is amended by adding at the end the
    following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) designated as a primary
                            airport in fiscal year 2017; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) in use by an air reserve
                            station in the calendar year used to calculate
                            apportionments to airport sponsors in a fiscal
                            year.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 606. DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT
                  COSTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Terminal Projects at Transitioning Airports.--Section
    47119(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' after the
            semicolon;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at
            the end and inserting ``; or''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by inserting after paragraph (5), the
            following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Limitation.--Section 47119(f) of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting
    ``$30,000,000''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 607. ALTERNATIVE-DELIVERY AND ADVANCE-CONSTRUCTION
                  METHODS PILOT PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47142 of title 49, United States Code, is amended
    by adding at the end the following new subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 608. INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Application.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the Secretary approves the application
                    using criteria established by the Secretary;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the integrated project delivery
                    contract is in a form that is approved by the
                    Secretary;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the Secretary is satisfied that the
                    use of an integrated project delivery contract will be
                    cost effective and expedite the project;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) the Secretary is satisfied that there
                    will be no conflict of interest; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the project funding is approved by the
            Secretary in advance;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the project is carried out in accordance with
            all administrative and statutory requirements under chapter 471
            of such title 49; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the project is carried out under such chapter
            after a grant agreement has been executed.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) includes, at a minimum, the owner, builder,
            and architect-engineer as parties that are subject to the terms
            of the contract;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) aligns the interests of all the parties to the
            contract with respect to the project costs and project
            outcomes; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) includes processes to ensure transparency and
            collaboration among all parties to the contract relating to
            project costs and project outcomes.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 609. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47134(b) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) be issued within 60 days of the
                    sponsor's submission of all information required by the
                    Secretary;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) be based upon a collaborative review
                    process that includes the sponsor or sponsor's
                    representative;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) not constitute the issuance of a
                    Federal grant or obligation to issue a grant under this
                    chapter or other authority; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 610. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49,
    United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 47144 the
    following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 47145. Pilot program for airport
                  accessibility</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Use of Funds.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a
            sponsor shall use a grant awarded under this section--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) to develop or modify a plan (as
                    described in subsection (e)) for a project that
                    increases accessibility for individuals with
                    disabilities, including--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) coordination by the
                            recipient's disability advisory committee with
                            a protection and advocacy system, center for
                            independent living, or similar nonprofit
                            organization; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) to carry out any other project that
                    meets or exceeds the standards and regulations
                    described in subsection (a).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Eligibility.--A sponsor--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Selection Criteria.--In making grants to sponsors
    under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to sponsors that
    are proposing--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) to meet or exceed the Airports Council
            International accreditation under the Accessibility Enhancement
            Accreditation, through the incorporation of universal design
            principles.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) enhance the customer experience and maximize
            accessibility of commercial service airports, airport
            terminals, or airport facilities for individuals with
            disabilities, including by--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) upgrading bathrooms, counters, or
                    pumping rooms;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) increasing audio and visual
                    accessibility on information boards, security gates, or
                    paging systems;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) updating airport terminals to
                    increase the availability of accessible seating and
                    power outlets for durable medical equipment (such as
                    powered wheelchairs);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) updating airport websites and other
                    information communication technology to be accessible
                    for individuals with disabilities; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(E) increasing the number of elevators,
                    including elevators that move power wheelchairs to an
                    aircraft;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) improve the operations of, provide
            efficiencies of service to, and enhance the use of commercial
            service airports for individuals with disabilities;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) establish a disability advisory committee,
            as defined in subsection (h);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) make improvements in personnel,
            infrastructure, and technology that can assist passenger self-
            identification regarding disability and needing assistance;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(f) Coordination With Disability Advocacy Entities.--In
    administering grants under this section, the Secretary shall
    encourage--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 611. GENERAL AVIATION PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 47146. General aviation public-private partnership
                  program</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall
    establish a program that meets the requirements under this section for
    improving facilities at--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) general aviation airports; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) privately owned airports used or intended to
            be used for public purposes that do not have scheduled air
            service.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) an assessment of the needs of the airport
            for additional or improved hangars, airport businesses, or
            other facilities;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) if the application is submitted by a
            community, evidence that the airport supports the
            application.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Limitation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Cost share requirement.--The Federal cost
            share for this program shall be no more than 50
            percent.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Priorities.--In selecting airports for participation
    in the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
    give priority to airports at which--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) the operator or sponsor of the airport, or
            the community in which the airport is located--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) will provide a portion of the cost
                    of the project for which assistance is sought under the
                    program from local sources;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) will employ best business practices
                    in developing or implementing a public-private
                    partnership; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) has established, or will establish,
                    a public-private partnership to build or improve
                    facilities at the airport; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) the assistance will be used in a timely
            fashion.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(e) Types of Assistance.--The Secretary may use amounts
    made available under this section--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) to fund studies that consider what measures
            an airport should take to attract private sector investment at
            the airport; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) to participate in a partnership described in
            paragraph (1) or an investment described in paragraph
            (2).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``47146. General aviation public-private partnership
                                program.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 612. RUNWAY REHABILITATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    The Administrator shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) within 60 days review requests for runway
            rehabilitation or reconstruction projects at airports on a
            case-by-case basis; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 613. EXTENSION OF PROVISION RELATING TO AIRPORT ACCESS
                  ROADS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 614. PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO FAA MULTIMODAL
                  PROJECTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the FAA; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) subject to subsection (b), the component of
            the project relating to transit, highway, or rail,
            respectively.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 615. SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING
                  SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 616. ADDITIONAL GROUND BASED TRANSMITTERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 617. AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE
                  IMPROVEMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 533 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
    U.S.C. 44720 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as
            subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by inserting after subsection (c), the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Maintenance Improvements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Application.--This subsection shall apply
            only to airports located in non-contiguous States.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(e) Notice of Outages.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Application.--This subsection shall apply
            only to airports located in non-contiguous States.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 618. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, as amended
    by section 528, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (b)(3), by adding at the end the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection
            (h);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by inserting after subsection (e), the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(f) Improving Situational Awareness.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Requirements.--To help facilitate the
            integration of the equipment described in paragraph (1), the
            Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) identify multiple approved vendors
                    for such equipment if practicable; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(g) Liability Insurance.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 619. REMOTE TOWERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States
    Code, as amended by sections 528 and 618, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection
            (i); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by inserting after subsection (g) (as added by
            section 725), the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out subparagraph
            (A), the Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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).''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 47124(b) of title 49,
    United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 620. GRANT ASSURANCES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47107(a) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon
            and inserting ``, such that there are no unsafe practices or
            conditions as determined by the Secretary;'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in paragraph (20), by striking ``and'' after
            the semicolon;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in paragraph (21), by striking the period at
            the end and inserting a semicolon; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) by inserting after paragraph (21), the
            following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) be made in an open and conspicuous
                    manner;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) be made available at the point of
                    purchase, in print, and on the internet; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) December 31, 2030; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 621. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR GRANT ASSURANCES
                  VIOLATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by inserting after paragraph (7), the
            following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(8) Failure to operate and maintain airports and
            facilities suitably.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 622. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in paragraph (1)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by striking ``subsection (a)(13)'' and
                    inserting ``subsections (a)(13), (b), and
                    (c)'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking ``the sponsor has
                    entered'' and inserting ``the sponsor has--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) entered'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by striking ``market value.'' and
                    inserting ``market value; or''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in paragraph (2)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking ``This subsection shall
                    apply only--'' and inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) Agreements.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall
                    apply only--''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) Restrictions.--Paragraph (1)(B)
                    shall apply only--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) to airport property that was
                            purchased using funds from a Federal grant for
                            acquiring land issued prior to December 30,
                            1987;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) to airport property that
                            has been continuously used for recreational or
                            public park uses since January 1,
                            1995;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iv) if the recreational and
                            public park use will not impact the
                            aeronautical use of the airport;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(vi) if the recreational purpose
                            is consistent with Federal land use
                            compatibility criteria under section
                            47502;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(viii) if the airport sponsor
                            will--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose
            defined.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 623. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Quitclaim deed.--The term ``Quitclaim Deed''
            means the Quitclaim Deed between the United States and the
            State of Arizona, dated July 11, 1949.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Release of Any and All Interest in Buckeye 940.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 624. CLARIFYING AIRPORT REVENUE USE OF LOCAL GENERAL
                  SALES TAXES.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 625. AIP HANDBOOK REVIEW.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Snow Removal Equipment Building (SREB) size
            and configuration.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Expansion of lease areas.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Shared governmental use of airport equipment
            in remote locations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Ensuring the resurfacing or reconstruction of
            legacy runways to support--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) aircraft necessary to support critical
                    health needs of a community;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) remote fuel deliveries; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) firefighting response.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) The use of runway end identifier lights at
            locations throughout the State.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Updates to AIP Handbook.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 626. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) The one-time initial acquisition by an
            eligible airport of fluorine-free firefighting alternatives
            for--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) twice the quantity carried onboard
                    each required truck available in the fire station for
                    the eligible airport</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Any equipment or components thereof necessary
            to facilitate the transition to an acceptable fluorine-free
            agent.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Replacement of aircraft rescue and
            firefighting (ARFF) equipment as determined by the Secretary as
            necessary to be replaced.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Distribution of Funds.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Grants to replace arff vehicles.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Amount.--No grant made to an eligible
                    airport under subparagraph (A) shall exceed
                    $2,000,000.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Remainder.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the total amount of
                            nationwide firefighting foam concentrate, in
                            gallons.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) the amount of such remaining
                            funds; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the ratio of the amount
                            determined under subparagraph (A)(i) for such
                            eligible airport to the amount determined under
                            subparagraph (A)(ii).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Program Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Government share.--The Government's share of
            allowable costs under the PFAS replacement program shall be 100
            percent.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--There is authorized to be
            appropriated not more than $350,000,000 to carry out the PFAS
            replacement program.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--Amounts appropriated to carry
            out the PFAS replacement program shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) remain available for expenditure for a
                    period of 5 fiscal years; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) be available in addition to any other
                    funding available for similar purposes under any other
                    Federal, State, local, or Tribal program.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Eligible airport.--The term ``eligible
            airport'' means an airport holding an Airport Operating
            Certificate issued under part 139.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Part 139.--The term ``part 139'' means part
            139 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) PFAS replacement program.--The term ``PFAS
            replacement program'' means the program established under
            subsection (a).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 627. PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE NATIONAL TRANSITION PLAN
                  RELATED TO A FLUORINE-FREE FIREFIGHTING FOAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Required Information.--Each progress report required
    by subsection (a) shall include the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA
            with respect to providing part 139 airports with--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) guidance from the Environmental
                    Protection Agency on acceptable environmental limits
                    relating to such fluorine-free firefighting
                    foam;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) guidance from the Department of
                    Defense on that department's transition to a fluorine-
                    free firefighting foam;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Such other information as the Administrator
            determines appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``part 139
    airport'' means an airport certified under part 139 of title 14, Code
    of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 628. REVIEW OF AIRPORT LAYOUT PLANS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization
    Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) [Reserved].''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) [Reserved].''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Airport Layout Plan Approval Authority.--Section 47107
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)(16)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking
                    ``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``subsection (x)'';
                    and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by adding at the end the following new
            subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(x) Scope of the Secretary's Airport Layout Plan Review
    and Approval Authority.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) materially impact the safe and
                    efficient operation of aircraft at, to, or from the
                    airport;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) adversely affect the safety of
                    people or property on the ground as a result of
                    aircraft operations; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) adversely affect the value of prior
                    Federal investments to a significant extent.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Notice.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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).''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 629. NEPA PURPOSE AND NEED STATEMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the submission of the airport sponsor's
            appropriately completed proposed purpose and need description;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) any appropriately completed proposed revision
            to a development project that affects the purpose and need
            description previously prepared or accepted by the
            FAA.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 630. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE STREAMLINING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 40117 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``The
                    Secretary'' and inserting ``Except as set forth in the
                    streamlining process described in subsection (l), the
                    Secretary'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking paragraph (4);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5)
                    through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (6),
                    respectively;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1)
                            and (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1)
                            or (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
                            and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) in paragraph (6)(A), as so
                    redesignated--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1),
                            (4), and (6)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1)
                            and (5)''; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1)
                            or (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph
                            (1)'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (e)(1)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``,
                    or a passenger facility charge imposition is authorized
                    under subsection (l)'' after ``of this section'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
                    ``reasonable'' after ``subject to''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (l)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the subsection heading, by striking
                    ``Pilot Program for Passenger Facility Charge
                    Authorizations'' and inserting ``Passenger Facility
                    Charge Streamlining'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking paragraph (1) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by striking paragraph (4) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Acknowledgment of receipt and indication of
            objection.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) Allowed objection.--The Secretary
                    may only object to the imposition of a passenger
                    facility charge under this subsection for a project
                    that--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) establishes significant
                            policy precedent;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) raises significant legal
                            issues;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(v) includes multimodal
                            components.'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by striking paragraph (6);
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) by redesignating paragraph (7) as
                    paragraph (6).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 631. USE OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGES FOR NOISE
                  BARRIERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 632. AUTOMATED WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEMS
                  POLICY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 633. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT
                  IMPLEMENTATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Administrative Funds.--With respect to administrative
    funds made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) administrative funds distributed under
            subsection (b) shall be used by such States to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 634. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 635. COASTAL AIRPORTS RESILIENCY STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 636. SURVEY OF POWER DISTRIBUTION CAPACITY.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 637. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Secretary shall report to the appropriate committees
    of Congress--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 638. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Existing FAA policy and guidance that govern
            the siting of new airports or the transition of general
            aviation airports to commercial service.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 639. STUDY ON AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-POWERED TRACK
                  SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study to
    develop a standard for autonomous and electric-powered track systems
    that--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) are located underneath the pavement at an
            airport; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) allow a transport category aircraft to taxi
            without the use of the main engines of the aircraft.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 640. SPECIAL RULE FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN
                  UNCLASSIFIED AIRPORTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Request for Reclassification.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Required information.--In submitting a request
            under paragraph (1), the privately owned reliever airport shall
            include the following information:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) A report that--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) identifies the role of the
                            airport to the aviation system; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Eligibility Review.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Public sponsor.--In performing the eligibility
            review under paragraph (1), the Secretary--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) may not require the airport to obtain
                    a public sponsor.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Reclassification by the Secretary.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) The request includes the required
                    information under subsection (a)(2).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) The privately owned reliever airport,
                    to the satisfaction of the Secretary passes the
                    eligibility review performed under subsection
                    (b).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Corrective action plan.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) resolves any shortcomings
                            identified in such eligibility review;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) proves that any necessary
                            corrective action has been completed by the
                            airport.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately
    owned reliever airport under this section shall take effect not later
    than--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) fiscal year 2025 for any request granted under
            subsection (c)(1); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) fiscal year 2026 for any request granted after
            the submission of a corrective action plan under subsection
            (c)(2).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 641. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PILOT
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 47147. General aviation program runway extension pilot
                  program.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) expand access to such airports for larger
            aircraft; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) support the development and economic
            viability of such airports.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Grants.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) a direct aircraft operational
                    impediment to airport economic viability, job creation
                    or retention, or local economic development;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) not located within 20 miles of
                    another National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems
                    airport with comparable runway length.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) any benefit-cost analysis required under
            section 47115(d) of title 49, United States Code; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) information regarding the level of applicant
            interest in grants for increasing runway length;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(f) Funding.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``47147. General aviation airport runway extension pilot
                                program.''.

             <DELETED>TITLE VII--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS</DELETED>

              <DELETED>Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 701. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER
                  PROTECTION.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 702. UNREALISTIC OR DECEPTIVE SCHEDULING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 41712 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
    subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee
    Recommendations.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 703. REFUNDS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by inserting after section 42304 the
    following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed
                  or changed flights</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) fly on the significantly delayed or changed
            flight or accept rebooking on an alternative flight;
            or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) accept any voucher, credit, or other form of
            compensation offered by the air carrier or foreign air carrier
            pursuant to subsection (c).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Timing of Refund.--Any refund required under
    subsection (a) shall be issued by the air carrier or foreign air
    carrier--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) the terms of the offer; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) the passenger's right to a full refund under
            this section.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more
            hours after the original scheduled arrival time; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or
            more hours after the original scheduled arrival time.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42306. Refund portal</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Covered Entity Defined.--In this subsection, the
    term `covered entity' means--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or
                                changed flights.
    <DELETED>``42306. Refund Portal.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 704. AIRLINE PASSENGER RIGHTS TRANSPARENCY ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Air travel is an essential part of modern
            life, and passengers have certain rights and protections under
            the law.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Passengers are often not aware of such rights
            and protections under the law.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Transparency Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Consumer complaints.--Section 42302 of title
            49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
            following new subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Know your rights posters.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42307. Know your rights posters</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) flight delays and cancellations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) refunds;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) bumping of passengers from flights and the
            oversale of flights; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Location.--Such posters shall be displayed in
    conspicuous locations throughout the airport, including ticket
    counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``42307. Know your rights posters.''.
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 705. DISCLOSURE OF ANCILLARY FEES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Flexibility.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) presented to the consumer in a
                    reasonable and transparent manner prior to booking;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) displayed in a format that assists the
                    consumer in making more informed decisions.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Critical ancillary fees defined.--For purposes
            of paragraph (1), the term ``critical ancillary fees'' means--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) fees for--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) the first and second checked
                            bag of an airline passenger;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) one carry-on bag of an
                            airline passenger;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) changing or canceling a
                            reservation; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) adjacent seating when
                            traveling with a child that is 13 years of age
                            or younger; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 706. ACCESS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL
                  TRAVELERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Not all customers of air carriers are able to
            easily use online and chat resources.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Transparency Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat
            or monitored text messaging number.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42308. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or
                  monitored text messaging number</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) Requirement.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Rulemaking Authority.--The Secretary shall
    promulgate such rules as may be necessary to carry out this
    section.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 707. FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS AND VOUCHERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42309. Frequent flyer programs</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Expiration of Benefits.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``42309. Frequent flyer programs.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 708. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Dashboards.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 42310. DOT airline customer service
                  dashboards</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Bureau of Transportation Statistics.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Air Travel Consumer Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier
    shall provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary
    requires to carry out this section.''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``42310. DOT airline customer service dashboards.''.

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

    <DELETED>    Section 106(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
    by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 710. ENHANCING CHILD SAFETY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 711. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION
                  PROVISIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA
            Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 note prec.) is
            amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by transferring such section to appear
                    after section 41726 of title 49, United States
                    Code;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by redesignating such section as
                    section 41727 of such title 49; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by amending the section heading of
                    such section to read as follows:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 41727. Passenger Rights''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 434 of the FAA
            Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by transferring such section to appear
                    after section 41727 of title 49, United States Code, as
                    transferred and redesignated by subsection
                    (a)(1);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by redesignating such section 434 as
                    section 41728 of such title 49; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by amending the section heading of
                    such section 41728 to read as follows:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of
                  rights''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41728 of title
            49, United States Code, as transferred and redesignated by
            paragraph (1), is amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``the
                    section 41705'' and inserting ``section
                    41705'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) in subsection (f), by striking
                    ``ensure employees'' and inserting ``ensure that
                    employees''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of
    title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
    following:</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 712. GAO STUDY ON COMPETITION AND CONSOLIDATION IN THE
                  AIR CARRIER INDUSTRY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the history of mergers in the United States
            air carrier industry, including whether any claimed
            efficiencies have been realized;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the effect of consolidation in the United
            States air carrier industry, if any, on consumers;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the effect of consolidation in the United
            States air carrier industry, if any, on air transportation
            service in small and rural markets; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) the current state of competition in the United
            States air carrier industry as of the date of enactment of this
            section.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--As part of the study required
            by paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall assess the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) How the FAA oversees air carriers'
                    operational resilience to storms and natural disasters,
                    as well as changing conditions.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Briefing and Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 714. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
    shall apply to violations occurring on or after the date of
    enactment.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Conforming Regulations.--The Secretary shall revise
    such regulations as necessary to conform to the amendment made by
    subsection (a).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 715. FAMILY SEATING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Young Child.--In this section, the term ``young
    child'' means an individual who has not attained 14 years of
    age.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 716. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF AVIATION CONSUMER
                  PROTECTION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (e)(1)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph
                    (A), by striking ``7'' and inserting ``8'';
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(j) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) to assist, educate, and protect
                    passengers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) to promulgate, as appropriate,
                    aviation consumer protection and civil rights
                    regulations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Leadership.--The Office shall be headed by
            the Assistant Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection
            (referred to in this subsection as the `Assistant
            Secretary').</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) aviation consumer protection;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the duties and activities of the
                    Office described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
                    paragraph (1).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) analyzes trends in aviation consumer
                    protection, civil rights, and licensing;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) identifies major challenges facing
                    passengers; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) addresses any other relevant issues,
                    as the Assistant Secretary determines to be
                    appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

                  <DELETED>Subtitle B--Accessibility</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 731. EXTENSION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE AIR
                  TRAVEL NEEDS OF PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 732. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT
                  EVACUATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Requirements.--The study required by
                    paragraph (1) shall include--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) a prospective risk analysis,
                            as well as an evaluation of relevant past
                            incidents with respect to evacuation safety and
                            evacuation standards;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) the research proposed in
                            National Transportation Safety Board Safety
                            Recommendation A-18-009; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) any other analysis determined
                            appropriate by the Administrator.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Considerations.--In conducting the
                    study under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall
                    assess the following:</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) The ability of passengers of
                            different ages (including infants, children,
                            and senior citizens) to safely and efficiently
                            evacuate a transport category
                            airplane.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) The ability of passengers of
                            different heights and weights to safely and
                            efficiently evacuate a transport category
                            airplane.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) The ability of passengers
                            with disabilities to safety and efficiently
                            evacuate a transport category
                            airplane.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) The ability of passengers who
                            do not speak English to safely and efficiently
                            evacuate a transport category
                            airplane.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (xiii) Any other factor determined
                            appropriate by the Administrator.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Evacuation
    Standards.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of
            members appointed by the Administrator, including the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Representatives of industry.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Representatives of aviation labor
                    organizations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Aviation safety experts with specific
                    knowledge of the evacuation standards and requirements
                    under such parts 25 and 121.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Representatives of the disability
                    community with specific knowledge of accessibility
                    standards regarding evacuations in emergency
                    circumstances.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Representatives of the senior citizen
                    community.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) Representatives of
                    pediatricians.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) The recommendations made by any prior
                    Aviation Rulemaking Committee regarding the evacuation
                    standards described in such parts 25 and 121.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Scientific data derived from the study
                    under subsection (a).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Any data gathered from aviation safety
                    reporting programs.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) The cost-benefit analysis and risk
                    analysis of any recommended standards.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Any other item determined appropriate
                    by the Committee.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the findings of the study conducted under
            subsection (a);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the recommendations of the Committee under
            subsection (b); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement
            such recommendations.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 733. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS
                  WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under
    subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or
    contractors--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) How to safely use the aisle chair, or
                    other boarding device, including the use of all straps,
                    brakes, and other safety features.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) How to effectively communicate with,
                    and take instruction from, the passenger.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 734. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND
                  SCOOTERS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Rulemaking.--The Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking
    to develop minimum training standards related to stowage of wheelchairs
    and scooters on aircraft.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under
    subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or
    contractors--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) How to properly review any wheelchair
                    or scooter information provided by the passenger or the
                    assistive device manufacturer.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) whether air carriers and foreign air carriers
            should require personnel or contractors to use specialized
            equipment in loading and unloading wheelchairs and
            scooters.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 735. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER ALL
                  ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Publication of Information Related to Powered
    Wheelchairs.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) determine whether there are issues with
            respect to such frequency and type of mishandling;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) review and report any claims for which an air
            carrier has conclusive evidence of fraud.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Feasibility of In-cabin Wheelchair Restraint
    Systems.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) sponsor studies that assess issues and
                    considerations, including those set forth in Special
                    Report 341, such as--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the feasibility of
                            implementing seating arrangements that would
                            accommodate passengers in wheelchairs in the
                            main cabin in flight.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the cost of such seating arrangements,
                    equipment, and installation;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the demand for such seating
                    arrangements;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the impact of such seating
                    arrangements on passenger seating and safety on
                    aircraft;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the impact of such seating
                    arrangements on the cost of operations and airfare;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) any other information determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 736. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR
                  AVIATION CONSUMERS ACT OF 2023.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Report.--Each annual report submitted under subsection
    (a) shall include, but not be limited to, the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) The nature of such complaints, such as
            reported issues with--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) an air carrier, including an air
                    carrier's staff training or lack thereof;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) mishandling of passengers with a
                    disability or their accessibility equipment;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the condition or lack of accessibility
                    equipment or materials;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) the accessibility of in-flight
                    services, including accessing and utilizing on-board
                    lavatories, for passengers with a disability;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) difficulties experienced by passengers
                    with a disability in communicating with an air carrier
                    or staff of an air carrier;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) difficulties experienced by passengers
                    with a disability in being moved, handled, or having
                    their schedule changed without consent;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) issues experienced by passengers with
                    a disability traveling with a service animal;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (H) such other issues as the Secretary
                    deems appropriate.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) An overview of the review process for such
            complaints received during such period.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) The median length of time for how quickly
            review such complaints were initiated.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) The median length of time for how quickly such
            complaints were resolved or otherwise addressed.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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'')--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the number of such complaints for
                    which a formal enforcement order was issued;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the number of such complaints for
                    which a formal enforcement order was not
                    issued.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) How many aviation consumer complaints related
            to passengers with a disability were referred to the Department
            of Justice for an enforcement action under--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
                    of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of
                    1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) any other provision of law.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Definitions.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 737. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definition of Organ.--For purposes of this section,
    the term ``organ''--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) has the meaning given such term in section
            121.2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) includes organ-related tissue.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 738. ACCESS AND DIGNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL
                  ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the
    ``Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act of 2023''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the
            meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United
            States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air
            carrier'' has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of
            title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Service animal.--The term ``service animal''
            has the meaning given that term in section 382.3 of title 14,
            Code of Federal Regulations.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Seating Accommodations for Qualified Individuals With
    Disabilities.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--In carrying out any rulemaking
            under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) The scope and anticipated number of
                    qualified individuals with a disability who--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) may need to be seated with a
                            companion to receive assistance during a
                            flight; or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) should be afforded bulkhead
                            seats or other seating
                            considerations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) The types of disabilities that may
                    need seating accommodations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Whether such qualified individuals
                    with a disability are unable to obtain, or have
                    difficulty obtaining, such a seat.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Any notification given to qualified
                    individuals with a disability regarding available
                    seating accommodations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) Any method that is adequate to
                    identify fraudulent claims for seating
                    accommodations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) Any other information determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Known Service Animal User Travel Pilot Program.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Pilot program.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Establishment.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) Requirements.--The pilot
                            program established under clause (i) shall--
                            </DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (I) be optional;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) provide to applicants
                                    assistance, including over-the-phone
                                    assistance, throughout the application
                                    process for the program;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (IV) exempt participants
                                    of the pilot program from any
                                    documentation requirements under part
                                    382 of title 14, Code of Federal
                                    Regulations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Consultation.--In establishing the
                    pilot program under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
                    shall consult with--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) disability advocacy entities,
                            including nonprofit organizations focused on
                            ensuring that individuals with disabilities are
                            able to live and participate in their
                            communities;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) air carriers and foreign air
                            carriers;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iv) other relevant departments or
                            agencies of the Federal Government;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (v) other entities determined to
                            be appropriate by the Secretary.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Eligibility.--To be eligible to
                    participate in the pilot program under this paragraph,
                    an individual shall--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) be a qualified individual with
                            a disability;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) require the use of a service
                            animal because of a disability; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) submit an application to the
                            Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
                            containing such information as the Secretary
                            may require.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) Clarification.--The Secretary may
                    award a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative
                    agreement in order to carry out this
                    paragraph.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) Nominal fee.--The Secretary may
                    require an applicant to pay a nominal fee (not to
                    exceed $25) to participate in the pilot
                    program.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) Reports to congress.--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) Sunset.--The pilot program shall
                    terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of
                    enactment of this section.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) accredited programs that train service
                    animals; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) authorized registrars that evaluate
                    service animals.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) during the reporting period, how many
                    requests to board an aircraft with a service animal
                    were made; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the number and percentage of such
                    requests, categorized by type of request, that were
                    reported by air carriers or foreign air carriers as--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) granted;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) denied; or</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) fraudulent.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Training.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Requirements.--The guidance issued
                    under paragraph (1) shall--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) take into account respectful
                            engagement with and assistance for individuals
                            with a wide range of visible and non-visible
                            disabilities;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) provide information on--
                            </DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (I) service animal
                                    behavior and whether the service animal
                                    is appropriately harnessed, leashed, or
                                    otherwise tethered; and</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) outline the rights and
                            responsibilities of the handler of the service
                            animal.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 739. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS
                  ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Applications and Information Communication
    Technologies.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Considerations.--In any rulemaking under this
            subsection, the Secretary--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) shall consider--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) the standards described in
                            section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
                            (29 U.S.C. 794d); and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the regulations implementing
                            that Act as set forth in part 1194 of title 36,
                            Code of Federal Regulations; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) may consider--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the technical capabilities of
                            the information communication
                            technology.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Audit.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Initial audit.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) The accessibility of any
                            customer-focused website or application of an
                            air carrier, foreign air carrier, or
                            airport.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) The accessibility of the
                            information communication technology an air
                            carrier, foreign air carrier, or airport uses
                            to--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (I) notify any individual
                                    with a disability of changes to flight
                                    information (such as delays, gate
                                    changes, or boarding announcements);
                                    or</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    (II) provide services to
                                    such individual, such as checking in,
                                    printing a boarding pass, or printing a
                                    luggage tag.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) a notice of the
                            audit;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) the potential civil
                            penalties that may be assessed for
                            noncompliance with such standards.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Clarification.--The Secretary may--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) award a grant or enter into a contract
                    or cooperative agreement in order to carry out the
                    audits required under paragraph (1); and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Subsequent audits.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) The number of air carriers, foreign air
            carriers, and airports audited during the reporting
            period.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) The number of violations per type of operator
            (air carrier, foreign air carrier, and airport) during the
            reporting period.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Recommendations for such legislation and
            administrative action as the Secretary determines
            appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the
            meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United
            States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Airport.--The term ``airport'' has the meaning
            given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
            Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air
            carrier'' has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of
            title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Information communication technology.--The
            term ``information communication technology''--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (8) Large hub airport.--The term ``large hub
            airport'' has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of
            title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (9) Medium hub airport.--The term ``medium hub
            airport'' has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of
            title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 740. STORE ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN CABIN ACT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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 .</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Increased Civil Penalties.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 46301(a)(7) of title 49,
            United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
                    ``to harm''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subparagraph (A)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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)''.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

             <DELETED>Subtitle C--Air Service Development</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 741. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Definitions.--Section 41731 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) Eligible Place Defined.--In this subchapter, the
    term `eligible place' means a place in the United States that--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) had an average of 10 enplanements per
            service day or more, as determined by the Secretary, during the
            most recent fiscal year;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) during the most recent fiscal year had an
            average subsidy per passenger, as determined by the Secretary,
            of--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) less than $500 for locations that
                    are less than 175 driving miles from the nearest large
                    or medium hub airport; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) less than $1,000 for all locations,
                    regardless of driving distance to a hub; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) is a community that, at any time during the
            period between September 30, 2010, and September 30, 2011,
            inclusive--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) received essential air service for
                    which compensation was provided to an air carrier under
                    this subchapter; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection
            (a)(1) of this section'' and inserting ``subsection
            (a)'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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)'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) in subsection (d), by striking ``Subsection
            (a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``Subsection (a)(2)'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection
            (a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(2)''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Improvements to Basic Essential Air Service.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 41732 of title 49, United
            States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in subsection (b)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) in paragraph (2), by striking
                            ``and at prices'' and all that follows through
                            the period; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) by striking paragraphs (3)
                            through (6).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Level of Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41733
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (c)(1)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and
                    inserting the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) the contractual, marketing
                    arrangements, code-share, or interline arrangements the
                    applicant has made with a larger air carrier serving
                    the hub airport;'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and
                    redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as
                    subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) in subparagraph (D), as so
                    redesignated, by striking ``and'' after the
                    semicolon;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) in subparagraph (E), as so
                    redesignated, by striking the period at the end and
                    inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(F) service provided in aircraft with at
                    least 2 engines and using 2 pilots.''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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)''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Ending, Suspending, and Reducing Basic Essential Air
    Service.--Section 41734 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by striking ``An air carrier'' and
                    inserting ``Subject to subsection (d), an air
                    carrier''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by striking ``90'' and inserting
                    ``180'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Continuation of Compensation After Notice Period.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) may pay an additional amount that
                    represents a reasonable return on investment;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) in subsection (f), by inserting ``air'' after
            ``find another''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (g) Compensation Guidelines, Limitations, and Claims.--
    Section 41737(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary
            may''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking paragraph (2).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (i) Essential Air Service Authorization.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) In general.--Section 41742(a) of title 49,
            United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking
                    ``$50,000,000'' and inserting
                    ``$154,400,000'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) by striking paragraph (3).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by
            paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2023.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (k) Community and Regional Choice Programs.--Section 41745
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraph
            (E) and redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph
            (E);</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c);
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g)
            as subsections (b) through (e), respectively.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 742. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
                  GRANTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 41743 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``10-
                    year'' and inserting ``5-year''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in paragraph (5)(E), by inserting ``or
                    substantially reduced (as measured by enplanements,
                    capacity (seats), schedule, connections, or routes)''
                    after ``terminated'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (d)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and''
                    after the semicolon;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the
                    period and inserting ``; and''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) to provide assistance to an airport where
            air service has been terminated or substantially
            reduced.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (e)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or
                    the community's current air service needs'' after ``the
                    project'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) in subsection (g)(4), by striking ``and the
            creation of aviation development zones''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) by striking subsections (f) and (h) and
            redesignating subsection (g) (as amended by paragraph (4)) as
            subsection (f).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 743. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR
                  SERVICE PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

                  <DELETED>TITLE VIII--NEW ENTRANTS</DELETED>

            <DELETED>Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 801. OFFICE OF ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND
                  INNOVATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
    adding at the end the following new subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(u) Office of the Associate Administrator for Advanced
    Aviation Technology and Innovation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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').</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Associate administrator.--The Office shall
            be headed by an Associate Administrator, who shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) be appointed by the Administrator;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) report directly to the
                    Administrator.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office are
            to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) serve as an entry point for
                    stakeholders to share information with the Federal
                    Aviation Administration on advanced aviation
                    technologies;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) examine the potential impact of
                    advanced aviation technologies on the national airspace
                    system, and methods to safely integrate into the
                    national airspace system;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) lead cross-U.S. government
                    collaborative efforts to develop integrated approaches
                    for the acceleration and deployment of Advanced
                    Technologies;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(E) provide leadership with regard to
                    internal collaboration, industry engagement, and
                    collaboration with international partners;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(F) lead cross-FAA integration,
                    planning, coordination, and collaboration in support of
                    the integration of advanced aviation technologies
                    ;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(G) support the development of safety
                    cases for advanced aviation technologies in
                    coordination with the operational approval office;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Duties.--The Associate Administrator shall--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) establish, manage, and oversee the
                    Office of Advanced Aviation Technology and
                    Innovation;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(F) coordinate and review, as
                    appropriate, applications for waivers, exemptions and
                    other operational authorizations;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(J) serve as the designated Federal
                    officer to the Advanced Aviation Technology and
                    Innovation Steering Committee; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(K) serve as the Federal Aviation
                    Administration lead for the Drone Safety
                    Team.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) rulemakings, major guidance
                    documents, and other agency pilot programs or
                    initiatives supporting the comprehensive strategy and
                    action plan;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) implementing recommendations from
                    the Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation
                    Steering Committee; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) engagement with international
                    aviation regulators to develop global standards for
                    advanced aviation technologies.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(7) Definitions.--In this subsection:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 802. ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STEERING
                  COMMITTEE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Chair.--The Associate Administrator for Advanced
    Aviation Technology and Innovation shall serve as the Chair of the
    Steering Committee.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Aircraft Certification Service.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Flight Standards Service.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Air Traffic Organization.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Office of Accident Investigation and
            Prevention.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) Office of Aerospace Medicine.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) Office of Airports.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) Office of Commercial Space.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (8) Office of Finance and Management.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (9) Office of NextGen or any successor
            office.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (10) Office of the Chief Counsel.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (11) Office of Rulemaking.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (12) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and
            Environment.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 803. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT OPERATIONS FOR UNMANNED
                  AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for
                  unmanned aircraft systems</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Consultation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Final Rule.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Requirements.--The final rule described in
            paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, do the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) shall not require type or
                            production certification;</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) shall, at least, govern
                            airworthiness of any unmanned aircraft system
                            that--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(I) is not--</DELETED>
                                            <DELETED>    ``(aa) a small
                                            unmanned aircraft system;
                                            and</DELETED>
                                            <DELETED>    ``(bb) appropriate
                                            for the process described in
                                            subparagraph (C), as determined
                                            by the Administrator;</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(II) has a maximum gross
                                    weight of not more than 1,320 lbs;
                                    and</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(III) has a maximum
                                    speed of 100 miles per hour;
                                    and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(iii) may require unmanned
                            aircraft systems subject to the certificate to
                            operate in the national airspace system at
                            altitudes below at least--</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(I) 400 feet above
                                    ground level; or</DELETED>
                                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(F) Establish operating rules for--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) the operation of the
                            unmanned aircraft systems described in
                            subparagraphs (C), (D), or (E); and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 804. EXTENDING SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED
                  AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) to enable--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) extended visual line of sight
                    operations that rely on visual observers to keep the
                    aircraft or airspace within view; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Clarification of Status of Previously Issued
    Rulemakings and Exemptions.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this
            section shall be construed to interfere with the Secretary's--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) authority to rescind or amend the
                    granting of an exemption for reasons such as unsafe
                    conditions or operator oversight; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 805. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE
                  CERTIFICATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Suspension of Noise Certification Requirement Pending
    Standards Development.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 806. UTM IMPLEMENTATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Certification.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) UTM.--The term ``UTM'' has the meaning given
            that term in section 44801 of title 49, United States
            Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) UAS.--The term ``UAS'' has the meaning given
            the term ``unmanned aircraft system'' in section 44801 of title
            49, United States Code.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 807. OPERATIONS OVER THE HIGH SEAS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 808. EXTENSION OF THE BEYOND PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44812. BEYOND program</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44812. BEYOND program.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 809. EXTENSION OF THE KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY
                  CAMPAIGN.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 810. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DATA EXCHANGE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Means and service fees for the data to be
            shared consistent with industry standard geospatial
            formats.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Coordination.--In developing the plan under subsection
    (a), the Administrator shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 811. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM DETECTION AND MITIGATION
                  ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44813. Unmanned aircraft system detection and
                  mitigation enforcement</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) Prohibition.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Termination.--The prohibition under
            paragraph (1) shall not apply on or after September 30,
            2028.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Rule of Construction.--The term `person' as used in
    this section does not include--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) the Federal Government or any bureau,
            department, instrumentality, or other agency of the Federal
            Government; or</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44813. Unmanned aircraft system detection and mitigation
                                enforcement.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 812. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Section 44809 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6)
            and inserting the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (c)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in paragraph (1) by striking
                    ``organization conducting a sanctioned event'' and
                    inserting ``organization sponsoring
                    operations'';</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as
                    paragraph (3);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) in paragraph (3) (as so
                    redesignated)--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) in the paragraph heading by
                            striking ``weighing more than 55 pounds'' and
                            inserting ``weighing 55 pounds or
                            greater'';</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) in the matter preceding
                            subparagraph (A), by striking ``weighing more
                            than 55 pounds'' and inserting ``weighing 55
                            pounds or greater''; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (iii) in subparagraph (B), by
                            inserting ``or (2)'' after ``paragraph (1)'';
                            and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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--
                    </DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) up to 400 feet above ground
                            level, without prior authorization from the
                            Administrator; and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) above 400 feet above ground
                            level, with prior authorization from the
                            Administrator; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) in subsection (d) by striking the subsection
            heading and all that follows through ``Nothing in this
            subsection'' and inserting the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this
    subsection'';</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to
            the operational parameters'' and inserting ``the operational
            limitations''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) in subsection (h)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
                    through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (7),
                    respectively; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as
                    so redesignated) the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the
            Federal Aviation Administration;''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and
                    (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) operated by an elementary school or
            secondary school for educational or research purposes;'';
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) in subsection (d)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) by adding at the end the
                    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 813. UAS TEST RANGES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by striking section 44803 and inserting the
    following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44803. Unmanned aircraft test ranges</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(a) Test Ranges.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) enable a broad variety of research,
                    development, testing, and evaluation activities at the
                    test ranges; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Designations.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph
                    (B), the designations of test ranges under this section
                    may include the following:</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) Limitation.--Not more than 9 test
                    ranges shall be designated under this section at any
                    given time.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) The applicant shall be an
                    instrumentality of a State, a local, tribal, or
                    territorial government, or other public
                    entity.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) The applicant shall not have been
                    selected previously by the Administrator to sponsor or
                    host a test range covered by this section.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(E) The applicant shall meet any other
                    requirements established by the Administrator in a
                    competitive selection process.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Airspace Requirements.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) accommodating hazardous research,
                    development, testing, and evaluation activities to
                    inform the safe integration of unmanned aircraft
                    systems into the national airspace system; or</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) other activities authorized by the
                    Administrator pursuant to subsection (f).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Inactive restricted area.--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(c) Program Requirements.--In carrying out the program
    under subsection (a), the Administrator--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) may develop operational standards and air
            traffic requirements for flight operations at test
            ranges;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the
            resources of, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
            and the Department of Defense, as appropriate;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft
            operations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) developing and enforcing geographic
                    and altitude limitations;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) providing for alerts by the
                    manufacturer regarding any hazards or limitations on
                    flight, including prohibition on flight as
                    necessary;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) developing sense and avoid
                    capabilities;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) developing technology to support
                    communications, navigation, and surveillance;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(F) improving privacy protections
                    through the use of advances in unmanned aircraft
                    systems;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(e) Responsibilities of Test Range Sponsors.--The
    sponsor of each test range designated by the Administrator under
    subsection (a) shall do the following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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)).</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) Maintain operational control for all testing
            activities conducted at its respective test range.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) Ensure all activities remain within the
            geographical boundaries and altitude limitations established
            for any restricted area covering the test range.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(4) Ensure any activity conducted at the
            designated test range is not conducted in a careless or
            reckless manner.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(6) Exercise direct oversight of all operations
            conducted at the test range.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(8) Protect proprietary technology, sensitive
            data, or sensitive research of any civil or private entity when
            using the test range.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(10) Make all original records available for
            inspection upon request by the Administrator.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(j) Termination.--The program under this section shall
    terminate on September 30, 2028.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 814. AUTHORITY REGARDING PROTECTION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES
                  AND ASSETS FROM UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 815. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION AND
                  ENFORCEMENT.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 816. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS
                  MATERIALS BY COMMERCIAL PACKAGE DELIVERY UNMANNED
                  AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Requirement.--In implementing the authority in
    subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the safety of the public and users of the
            national airspace system;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) efficiencies of allowing the safe
            transportation of hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft
            systems; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Hazardous materials.--The term ``hazardous
            materials'' has the meaning given that term in section 5102 of
            title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned
            aircraft system'' has the meaning given such term in section
            44801 of title 49, United States Code.</DELETED>

              <DELETED>Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 821. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA LEADERSHIP.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    It is the sense of Congress that--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the United States should take actions to
            position itself as a global leader in advanced air mobility;
            and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) as such a global leader, the FAA should--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) prioritize its work on the type
                    certification of aircraft;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) work with global partners to promote
                    acceptance of advanced air mobility products;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) leverage the existing aviation system
                    to the greatest extent possible to support advanced air
                    mobility operations.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 822. AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE ON CERTIFICATION OF
                  POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Considerations.--In submitting the report
            under paragraph (1), the Committee shall consider the
            following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) Broad, outcome-driven safety
                    objectives that will spur innovation and technology
                    adoption and promote the development of performance-
                    based regulations.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) Lessons and insights learned from
                    previously published FAA special conditions and other
                    Federal Register notices of airworthiness certification
                    criteria for powered-lift aircraft.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--In considering the environmental impacts
    of a proposed vertiport project on an existing airport, the
    Administrator shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 824. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP
                  AMENDMENTS.</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 825. RULES FOR OPERATION OF POWERED-LIFT
                  AIRCRAFT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 826. INTERNATIONAL COORDINATION ON POWERED-LIFT
                  AIRCRAFT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Powered-lift Aircraft Plan.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Requirements.--The plan developed under
            paragraph (1) shall include the following:</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) A description of methods to facilitate
                    the efficient, global acceptance of the FAA approach to
                    certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and
                    articles.</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) Any other information determined
                    appropriated by the Administrator.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 827. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY PROPULSION SYSTEMS AVIATION
                  RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) electric engines and propellers;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion
            systems;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) hydrogen fuel cells; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) hydrogen combustion engines or propulsion
            systems.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Considerations.--In providing the findings and
    recommendations under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider the
    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that
            will spur innovation and technology adoption, and promote the
            development of performance-based regulations.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

      <DELETED>TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATIVE AVIATION
                             TECHNOLOGIES</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 901. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
                  ENHANCEMENTS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
            following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 902. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
                  SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``SEC. 44814. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
                  SYSTEMS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall carry out the
    following responsibilities:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44814. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft
                                Systems.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 903. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``SEC. 44815. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) online and in-person standards, education,
            and testing to certify first responders' use of unmanned
            aircraft systems for public safety and disaster
            operations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) uniform communications standards,
            operational standards, and reporting standards for civilian,
            military, and international allies and partners; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(3) any other services determined appropriate by
            the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
            Administration.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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:</DELETED>

    <DELETED>``44815. ASSUREd Safe Credentialing Authority.''.

    <DELETED>SEC. 904. FAA AND NASA ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES PILOT
                  PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Pilot Program.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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'').</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Considerations.--In developing the program,
            the Administrator shall consider--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) existing mechanisms of collaboration
                    between FAA and NASA relating to aeronautics programs,
                    advisory committees, and work groups;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) how temporary appointments under the
                    program may be best used to enhance the technical
                    capacity of the FAA and technical partnerships between
                    agencies.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Temporary Appointment of NASA Personnel.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Program Review and Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 905. ADVANCING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CIVIL SUPERSONIC
                  AIRCRAFT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 181 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
    U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``regulations,
            and standards'' and inserting ``regulations, standards, and
            recommended practices''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by adding at the end the following new
            subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(g) Additional Reports.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) the progress of the actions
                    described in subsection (d)(1);</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) any other information determined
                    appropriate by the Administrator.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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).''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 906. CLEEN ENGINE AND AIRFRAME TECHNOLOGY
                  PARTNERSHIP.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    Section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsonic''
            after ``fuels for civil''; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 907. HYPERSONIC FLIGHT TESTING.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the
    Administrator shall consider--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the provisions of parts 91.817 and 91.818 of
            title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) applications for special flight authorizations
            for flights operating with speeds in excess of Mach 5, as
            described in such part 91.818;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the environmental impacts of developmental and
            airworthiness testing operations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) whether to require applicants to include
            specification of proposed flight areas;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) the authorization of flights to and from
            spaceports and airports in Class D airspace within 10 nautical
            miles of oceanic coastline;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (6) developing the vertical limits at or above the
            altitude necessary for safe hypersonic operations;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (7) proponent-provided data regarding the design
            and operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data
            regarding sonic boom overpressure; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (8) the safety of the uninvolved public.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 908. HYPERSONIC PATHWAY TO INTEGRATION STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Study.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph
            (1) shall include, at a minimum--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) an initial assessment of cross-agency
                    equities related to hypersonic aircraft technologies
                    and flight;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the development of a framework and
                    timeline to establish the appropriate regulatory
                    requirements for conducting hypersonic aircraft
                    flights;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) a survey of global hypersonic
                    aircraft-related regulatory and testing developments or
                    activities.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
            paragraph (1), the Administrator may consider--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) opportunities for--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (i) demonstrating United States
                            global leadership in aeronautics, including
                            hypersonic aircraft and related technologies;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) strengthening global
                            harmonization in aeronautics; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) the development of international
                    policies, regulations, and standards relating to the
                    certification and safe operation of hypersonic
                    aircraft.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) Consultation.--In conducting the study under
            paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with
            representatives from Federal agencies, industry, and other
            stakeholders, including--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) the National Aeronautics and Space
                    Administration;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) the Department of Defense;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) aircraft manufacturers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) institutions of higher education;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) any other stakeholders the
                    Administrator determines appropriate.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 909. OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE CLASS
                  E AIRSPACE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) show compliance with airworthiness
            requirements;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) do not cause a measurable sonic boom
            overpressure to reach the surface; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) have ordinary instrument flight rules
            clearances necessary to operate in controlled
            airspace.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 910. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS
                  STUDY.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a)
    shall address--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the technical capacity and competencies needed
            for the FAA to certify aircraft systems specific to electric
            aircraft;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the data development and collection required
            to develop standards specific to electric aircraft;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the regulatory standards and guidance material
            needed to facilitate the safe operation of electric aircraft,
            including--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) fire protection;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) high voltage electromagnetic
                    environments;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) engine and human machine
                    interfaces;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) reliability of high voltage components
                    and insulation;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) lithium batteries for propulsion
                    use;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) operating and pilot qualifications;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) airspace integration;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) the airport infrastructure requirements to
            support electric aircraft operations, including an assessment
            of--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) existing capabilities of airport
                    infrastructure as of the date of enactment of this
                    section;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) aircraft operations
                    specifications;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) projected operations demand by
                    carriers and other operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) potential modifications to existing
                    airport infrastructure;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) additional investments in new
                    infrastructure and systems required to meet operations
                    demand; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) management of infrastructure relating
                    to hazardous materials used in hybrid and electric
                    propulsion; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) varying types of electric aircraft, including
            advanced air mobility aircraft and small or regional passenger
            or cargo aircraft.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
    subsection (a), the Comptroller General may consider the
    following:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) The potential for improvements to air service
            connectivity for communities through the deployment of electric
            aircraft operations, including by--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) establishing routes to small and rural
                    communities; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) introducing alternative modes of
                    transportation for multimodal operations within
                    communities.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Impacts to airport-adjacent communities,
            including implications due to changes in airspace utilization
            and land use compatibility.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (e) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) Electric aircraft.--The term ``electric
            aircraft'' means an aircraft with a fully electric or hybrid
            electric driven propulsion system used for flight.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 911. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 912. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) research concrete and asphalt pavement
            technologies that extend the life of airfield
            pavements;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) develop sustainability and resiliency
            guidelines to improve long-term pavement performance;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) develop and conduct training with respect to
            such airfield pavement technologies;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (4) provide for demonstration projects of such
            airfield pavement technologies; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) promote the latest airfield pavement
            technologies to aid the development of safer, more cost
            effective, and more resilient and sustainable airfield
            pavements.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 913. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN
                  MODIFICATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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''.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 914. FAA AND NASA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION
                  REVIEW.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Review.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) Contents.--In carrying out the review under
            paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) assess--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    (ii) the extent to which other
                            Federal agencies, industry partners, and
                            research organizations are involved in such
                            programs and projects; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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).</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 915. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FAA'S AERONAUTICAL
                  INFORMATION SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the Aeronautical Information Management
            Modernization (AIMM), including the FAA's Notice to Air
            Missions (NOTAM) system;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and
            Sharing (ASIAS) system; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the Service Difficulty Reporting System
            (SDRS).</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Review and Report.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 916. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS AND
                  ENVIRONMENT.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) In General.--Chapter 445 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
    section:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>``Sec. 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels
                  and Environment</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) focus on research to--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) assist in informing the safe use of
                    alternative aviation fuels in commercial aircraft that
                    also apply electrified aircraft propulsion
                    systems;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(C) reduce community exposure to
                    civilian aircraft noise and pollutant
                    emissions;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) inform decision making to support
                    United States leadership on international aviation
                    environmental issues, including the development of
                    domestic and international standards; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(2) examine the use of novel technologies and
            other forms of innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel
            burn in commercial aircraft.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(d) Participation.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(1) Participation of educational and research
            institutions.--In carrying out the responsibilities described
            in subsection (b), the Center shall include, as appropriate,
            participation by--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(A) higher education and research
                    institutions that--</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(i) have existing facilities for
                            research, development, and testing;
                            and</DELETED>
                            <DELETED>    ``(ii) leverage private sector
                            partnerships;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(B) other Federal agencies;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(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</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    ``(D) consortia with experience in
                    innovative technologies to reduce noise, emissions, and
                    fuel burn in commercial aircraft.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of
    such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
    44519 the following:</DELETED>

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

    <DELETED>SEC. 917. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint the
    members of the Advisory Committee, which shall be comprised of--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) at least 1 representative of each of--
            </DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) engine manufacturers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (B) air carriers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (C) airport owners or operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (D) aircraft manufacturers;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (E) advanced air mobility manufacturers or
                    operators;</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (F) institutions of higher education;
                    and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (G) the National Aeronautics and Space
                    Administration; and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) representatives of airport-adjacent
            communities from geographically diverse regions.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Advisory Committee shall
    include--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) the evaluation of existing research on
            aircraft noise impacts and annoyance;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) the assessment of alternative noise metrics
            that could be used to supplement or replace the existing Day
            Night Level (DNL) standard;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (3) the evaluation of the current 65-decibel
            exposure threshold, including the impact to land use
            compatibility around airports if such threshold was
            lowered;</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (5) other duties determined appropriate by the
            Administrator.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Reports.--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>

                   <DELETED>TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 1001. NOISE MITIGATION.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (a) Requirements for Landing and Departing Aircraft.--
    </DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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 4337'45.3" N,
            11624'49.3" 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.</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (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.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Exception.--This regulation shall not apply during a
    bono fide safety emergency applicable to a single flight.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Enforcement.--A violation of this section shall be a
    misdemeanor and violators shall be liable for civil damages.</DELETED>

               <DELETED>TITLE XI--TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS</DELETED>

    <DELETED>SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.</DELETED>

    <DELETED>    (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)''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (b) Civil Penalty.--Section 44704(f) of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and inserting
    ``subsection (d)(3)''.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (c) Sunset of Rule.--Section 44729 of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) by striking subsection (d); and</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by redesignating subsections (e) through (h)
            as (d) through (g), respectively.</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    (d) Public Disclosure of Information.--Section 44735 of
    title 49, United States Code, is amended--</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (1) in subsection (a)--</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
                    by inserting ``, nor by any agency receiving
                    information from the Administrator,'' after ``Federal
                    Aviation Administration''; and</DELETED>
                    <DELETED>    (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</DELETED>
            <DELETED>    (2) by adding at the end the following new
            subsection:</DELETED>
    <DELETED>    ``(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.''.</DELETED>

    SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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

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

                            TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

    Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise compatibility
                                planning and programs.
    Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
    Sec. 103. FAA operations.
    Sec. 104. Extension of expiring authorities.
    Sec. 105. Research, engineering, and development.
    Sec. 106. Prevention of duplicate obligation authority.

                    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 reregistration.
    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.
    Sec. 344. Report on the compliance of foreign regulators with Bilateral
                                Aviation Safety Agreements.
    Sec. 345. Study on FAA use of mandatory Equal Access to Justice Act
                                waivers.
    Sec. 346. Sense of Congress regarding mandated contents of onboard
                                emergency medical kits.
    Sec. 347. Passenger aircraft first aid and emergency medical kit
                                equipment and training.
    Sec. 348. Runway traffic alerting technology.
    Sec. 349. Runway landing safety technology.
    Sec. 350. Hawaii Air Noise and Safety Task Force.
    Sec. 351. Improved safety in rural areas.
    Sec. 352. Alaska aviation safety initiative.
    Sec. 353. Reducing turbulence on part 121 aircraft operations.
    Sec. 354. Enhanced qualification program for restricted airline
                                transport pilot certificate.
    Sec. 355. Reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board.

               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.
    Sec. 415. Update of FAA standards to allow distribution and use of
                                certain restricted routes and terminal
                                procedures.
    Sec. 416. Protection of safe and efficient use of airspace at airports.
    Sec. 417. ASOS/AWOS service report dashboard.
    Sec. 418. Upgrading and replacing aging air traffic systems.
    Sec. 419. Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area.

                          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.
    Sec. 511. Airport service workforce analysis.

                           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. Contract Tower Program air traffic controller training
                                programs.
    Sec. 528. Review of FAA and industry cooperative familiarization
                                programs.
    Sec. 529. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training.
    Sec. 530. Air Traffic Controller Instructor Pipeline.
    Sec. 531. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based
                                on assessment of job-relevant aptitudes.
    Sec. 532. Federal Aviation Administration academy and facility
                                expansion plan.
    Sec. 533. Pilot program to provide veterans with pilot training
                                services.
    Sec. 534. Biennial reports to Congress on designated pilot examiners.
    Sec. 535. GAO study and report on the extent and effects of the
                                commercial aviation pilot shortage on
                                regional/commuter carriers.
    Sec. 536. Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Internship Program.
    Sec. 537. FAA Educational Partnership Initiative.

                      Subtitle C--Flight Education Access

    Sec. 541. Short title.
    Sec. 542. Increase in Federal student loan limits for students in
                                flight education and training programs.
    Sec. 543. GAO report.
    Sec. 544. Rule of construction.
    Sec. 545. Authorization of appropriations.

                     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. 618A. Contract tower program safety enhancements.
    Sec. 619. Remote towers.
    Sec. 620. Grant assurances.
    Sec. 620A. GAO study on fee transparency by fixed based operators.
    Sec. 620B. Aviation fuel in Alaska.
    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. Electric aircraft infrastructure.
    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.
    Sec. 642. Applicability of screening requirements.
    Sec. 643. Additional permitted uses of passenger facility charge
                                revenue.
    Sec. 644. Airport infrastructure resilience pilot program.
    Sec. 645. Prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds
                                to certain entities that have violated
                                intellectual property rights of United
                                States entities.
    Sec. 646. Ensuring that certain projects related to natural hazards and
                                emergency management are eligible for
                                funding under the Federal Aviation
                                Administration's airport improvement
                                program.
    Sec. 647. Visual weather observation systems.
    Sec. 648. Transfers of air traffic systems acquired with AIP funding.
    Sec. 649. Consideration of small hub control towers.
    Sec. 650. Codification of FAA notice of policy relating to addressing
                                disputed changes of sponsorship at
                                Federally obligated, publicly owned
                                airports.
    Sec. 651. Eligible revenue-producing facilities at rural public-use
                                general aviation airports.
    Sec. 652. Increasing the energy efficiency of airport power sources.

                      TITLE VII--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

                       Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

    Sec. 701. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
    Sec. 702. Refunds.
    Sec. 703. Airline passenger rights transparency act.
    Sec. 704. Disclosure of ancillary fees.
    Sec. 705. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers.
    Sec. 706. Frequent flyer programs and vouchers.
    Sec. 707. Airline customer service dashboards.
    Sec. 708. Annual briefings on disruptions of passenger air
                                transportation and periods of mass
                                cancellations of scheduled flights.
    Sec. 709. Enhancing child safety.
    Sec. 710. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
    Sec. 711. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier
                                industry.
    Sec. 712. 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. 713. Increase in civil penalties.
    Sec. 714. Family seating.
    Sec. 715. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
    Sec. 716. Extension of aviation consumer advocate reporting
                                requirement.
    Sec. 717. Additional within and beyond perimeter slot exemptions at
                                Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

                           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.
    Sec. 736. Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation
                                Consumers.
    Sec. 737. Access and Dignity for All People who Travel.
    Sec. 738. Equal Accessibility to Passenger Portals.
    Sec. 739. Store On-board Wheelchairs in Cabin.
    Sec. 740. Standards.
    Sec. 741. Investigation of complaints.

                      Subtitle C--Air Service Development

    Sec. 751. Essential air service.
    Sec. 752. Small community air service development grants.
    Sec. 753. GAO study and report on the alternate Essential Air Service
                                program.
    Sec. 754. Essential air service in parts of Alaska.
    Sec. 755. Essential air service community petition for review.

                            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. Third party service approvals.
    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.
    Sec. 817. Stop Illicit Drones.
    Sec. 818. Drone infrastructure inspection grants.
    Sec. 819. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.
    Sec. 820. Remote identification alternative means of compliance.
    Sec. 821. Prohibition on operation, procurement, or contracting action
                                of foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems.
    Sec. 822. FAA comprehensive plan on UAS automation.
    Sec. 823. Sense of Congress.
    Sec. 824. Comprehensive unmanned aircraft system integration strategy.
    Sec. 825. Establishment of Associate Administrator of UAS Integration.
    Sec. 826. Use of modeling and simulation tools in unmanned aircraft
                                test ranges; program extension.

                       Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

    Sec. 831. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership.
    Sec. 832. Aviation Rulemaking Committee on certification of powered-
                                lift aircraft.
    Sec. 833. Application of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
                                categorical exclusions for vertiport
                                projects.
    Sec. 834. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments.
    Sec. 835. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft.
    Sec. 836. International coordination on powered-lift aircraft.
    Sec. 837. 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 and Supersonic 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.
    Sec. 918. Next generation radio altimeters.
    Sec. 919. Hydrogen aviation strategy.
    Sec. 920. Aviation fuel systems.

                             TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS

    Sec. 1001. Authorization for carriage reimbursement.
    Sec. 1002. Clarifying minimum altitudes for go-arounds, inspection
                                passes, practice approaches, and instrument
                                approaches.
    Sec. 1003. Let Me Travel America.
    Sec. 1004. Transportation of organs, bone marrow, and human cells,
                                tissues, or cellular or tissue-based
                                products (HCT/Ps).

                        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 (7) 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 ``March 8, 2024,'' and inserting ``2028''.
        (c) Extension of Special Rule for Apportionments.--Section
    47114(c)(1)(J) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking
    ``March 8, 2024,'' and inserting ``September 30, 2024''.

    SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

        Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
    striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:
                ``(1) $3,575,000,000 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 (G) 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 ``through 2023'' and all
    that follows through ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting ``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 ``March 8, 2024''
    and inserting ``September 30, 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 ``March 8, 2024'' 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 ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting
    ``September 30, 2028''.
        (d) Authority to Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of title 49,
    United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 8, 2024'' and
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
        (e) Competitive Access Reporting Requirement.--Section 47107(r)(3)
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 9,
    2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
        (f) Non-Movement Area Surveillance Pilot Program.--Section 47143(c)
    of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``March 9,
    2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.

    SEC. 105. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT.

        Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (15), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
                (2) by striking paragraph (16) and inserting 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. 106. PREVENTION OF DUPLICATE OBLIGATION AUTHORITY.

        The amounts available for obligation for fiscal year 2024 under the
    amendments made by sections 101(a), 102, 103(a), 105, 501(b), 751(i),
    and 752(3) shall be reduced by the amounts obligated for fiscal year
    2024 under the amendments made by section 2201 of the Continuing
    Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (Public Law 118-15)
    and section 101 of the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2023, Part
    II (Public Law 118-34) before the date of enactment of this Act.

                    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 needed 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'') comprised 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
            rulemaking 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 years 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) Develop criteria and procedures whereby an Organization
            Designation Authorization Holder (as defined in section
            44736(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code) may provide an ODA
            Unit recommendation 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) 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 the 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) Flight Data Recovery From Overwater Operations.--Chapter 447 of
    title 49, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), is further
    amended by adding at the end the following new section:
    ``Sec. 44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations
        ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to require that,
    not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this section, all
    applicable aircraft are--
                ``(1) fitted with a means, in the event of an accident, to
            recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that does
            not require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit voice
            recorder or flight data recorder;
                ``(2) equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast
            sufficient information to a ground station to establish the
            location where an applicable aircraft terminates flight as the
            result of such an event; and
                ``(3) equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater
            locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that
            can be detected by appropriate equipment.
        ``(b) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term
    `applicable aircraft' means an aircraft manufactured on or after
    January 1, 2027, that is--
                ``(1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal
            Regulations;
                ``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice
            recorder and a flight data recorder; and
                ``(3) used in extended overwater operations.''.
        (c) 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.
    ``44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.''.

    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 as 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 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 REREGISTRATION.

        (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) require corrective action after the
                            aircraft is approved for return to service; and
                                ``(ii) result 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
            that is accessible to air traffic controllers and ensures the
            safe integration of high altitude balloons into the national
            airspace system.
                (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members
            appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
                        (A) Representatives of industry.
                        (B) Aviation safety experts, including experts with
                    specific knowledge--
                                (i) of high altitude balloon operations; or
                                (ii) FAA tracking and surveillance systems.
                        (C) Non-governmental researchers and educators.
                        (D) Representatives of the Department of Defense.
                        (E) Representatives of Federal agencies that
                    conduct high altitude balloon operations.
                (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
            enactment of this 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 all high altitude balloons (including public
                    aircraft operations) 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;
                                (iii) determine criteria and provide
                            approval guidance for new equipment that
                            provides continuous aircraft tracking and
                            transmission for high altitude balloons and
                            meets the performance requirements described
                            under such section 91.225, including portable,
                            battery-powered Automatic Dependent
                            Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipage;
                            and
                                (iv) maintain airspace safety.
                (4) Use of prior work.--In developing the report under
            paragraph (3), the Committee may make full use of any research,
            comments, data, findings, or recommendations made by any prior
            Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
                (5) New technologies and solutions.--Nothing in this
            subsection shall require the Committee to develop
            recommendations requiring equipage of high altitude balloons
            with an ADS-B or an air traffic control transponder
            transmission system, or preclude the Committee from making
            recommendations for the adoption of new systems or solutions
            that may require that a high altitude balloon be equipped with
            a system that can transmit, at a minimum, the altitude,
            location, and identity of the high altitude balloon.
        (b) Rulemaking and Other Requirements.--Not later than 18 months
    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 identify opportunities to align
            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 or in subsection (e) of section 91.1 of such title 14.
        (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 18,000 feet above mean 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 each commercial air tour
                    operator to ensure that the doors of the airplane or
                    helicopter, rotorcraft, or other aircraft used for such
                    tour remain closed during the period of the tour in
                    which the airplane or helicopter is moving on the
                    surface or is airborne and provide an exception for a
                    parachuting flight and operations under section
                    119.1(e)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
                    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 the 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 the 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 with ICAO standards, state that no further
                    action is needed; and
                        ``(B) for foreign countries determined to be non-
                    compliant with 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 from 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 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) Scale of Program Requirements.--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 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 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 2024;
                                ``(ii) $50,000 if the violation was
                            committed by an individual or small business
                            concern before the date of enactment of the FAA
                            Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                                ``(iii) $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
                            2024;
                                ``(iv) $250,000 if the violation was
                            committed by an individual on or after the date
                            of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of
                            2024; 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 2024;'';
                (2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
                ``(8) The maximum civil penalty the Administrator of the
            Transportation Security Administration, Administrator of the
            Federal Aviation Administration, or Board may impose under this
            subsection is--
                        ``(A) $400,000 if the violation was committed by a
                    person other than an individual or small business
                    concern before the date of enactment of the FAA
                    Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                        ``(B) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an
                    individual or small business concern before the date of
                    enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
                        ``(C) $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 2024;
                        ``(D) $250,000 if the violation was committed by an
                    individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA
                    Reauthorization Act of 2024; 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 2024.'';
                    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 safety, security, and efficiency.
        ``(b) Disclosure.--
                ``(1) Regulations prohibiting disclosure.--Notwithstanding
            the establishment of the 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) Transfer 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 amendments.--Section 44912(d)(2)(A)(iii) of title
            49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``safety'' and
            inserting ``security''.

    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 continued
            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
    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 operation 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 over 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''.

    SEC. 344. REPORT ON THE COMPLIANCE OF FOREIGN REGULATORS WITH BILATERAL
                  AVIATION SAFETY AGREEMENTS.

        (a) Study.--
                (1) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a study on
            the extent to which foreign regulators are complying with
            Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements, including agreements on
            honoring Federal Aviation Administration certified aircraft,
            parts, and systems.
                (2) Requirements.--The study conducted under paragraph (1)
            shall include--
                        (A) the identification of, and the tracking of
                    concerns related to, foreign regulators that fail to
                    comply with the spirit of Bilateral Aviation Safety
                    Agreements;
                        (B) an analysis of the effect that noncompliance
                    with such Agreements by foreign regulators has on
                    manufacturers and supply chains;
                        (C) a description of the steps the Administrator is
                    taking to enforce such Agreements; and
                        (D) other items determined appropriate by the
                    Administrator.
        (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees
    of Congress a report on the study conducted under subsection (a),
    together with recommendations for such legislation as the Administrator
    determines appropriate.

    SEC. 345. STUDY ON FAA USE OF MANDATORY EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT
                  WAIVERS.

        (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on
    the Administrator's use of waivers of rights that may arise under
    section 504 of title 5, United States Code, or section 2412 of title
    28, United States Code, as a condition for the settlement of any
    proceedings to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate
    or to impose a civil penalty on a flight engineer, mechanic, pilot, or
    repairman (or an individual acting in that capacity). Such study shall
    consider--
                (1) the frequency of the Administrator's use of waivers
            described in this subsection;
                (2) the benefits and consequences of the use of such
            waivers to both the Administrator and the certificate holder;
            and
                (3) the effects of a prohibition on using such waivers.
        (b) Cooperation With Study.--The Administrator shall cooperate with
    the Comptroller General's requests for information to complete the
    study described in subsection (a).
        (c) 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. 346. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING MANDATED CONTENTS OF ONBOARD
                  EMERGENCY MEDICAL KITS.

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

    SEC. 347. PASSENGER AIRCRAFT FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT
                  EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING.

        The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is
    amended by striking section 307 and inserting the following:

    ``SEC. 307. EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON PASSENGER AIRCRAFT.

        ``(a) First Aid and Emergency Medical Kit Equipment and Training.--
    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the `FAA
    Reauthorization Act of 2024', the Administrator shall issue a notice of
    proposed rulemaking regarding first aid and emergency medical kit
    equipment and training required for flight crewmembers as provided in
    part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to all
    certificate holders operating passenger aircraft under that part.
        ``(b) Regular Review.--Not later than 5 years after the issuance of
    the final rule under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the
    Administrator shall evaluate and revise, if appropriate, the first aid
    and emergency medical kit equipment and training required for flight
    crewmembers, as well as any required training for flight crewmembers
    regarding the content, location, and function of such kit.''.

    SEC. 348. RUNWAY TRAFFIC ALERTING TECHNOLOGY.

        (a) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Aviation Rulemaking Committee of the FAA shall review
    and submit recommendations to the Administrator regarding whether
    transport airplanes should be equipped with runway traffic alerting
    technology that reduces the risk of collision on the runway with other
    traffic by providing the flight crew with both aural alerts and text
    alert messages.
        (b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``transport airplane''
    means a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air
    carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated with a passenger
    seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a maximum takeoff weight
    (MTOW) above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such
    an airplane.

    SEC. 349. RUNWAY LANDING SAFETY TECHNOLOGY.

        (a) Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
    of this Act, the Aviation Rulemaking Committee of the FAA shall review
    and submit recommendations to the Administrator regarding whether
    transport airplanes should be equipped with a system that--
                (1) while airborne, provides a clear and timely alert to
            the flight crew if the system-calculated required landing
            distance exceeds the landing distance available; and
                (2) after touch-down, provides a clear and timely alert to
            the flight crew if increased deceleration is required to bring
            the aircraft to a safe stop before the end of the runway.
        (b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``transport airplane''
    means a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air
    carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated with a passenger
    seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a maximum takeoff weight
    (MTOW) above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or combi derivative of such
    an airplane.

    SEC. 350. HAWAII AIR NOISE AND SAFETY TASK FORCE.

        (a) Participation.--The FAA shall participate as a technical
    advisor in the air noise and safety task force established by State
    legislation in the State of Hawaii.
        (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
    first meeting of the task force described in subsection (a), the
    Administrator shall--
                (1) issue an intent to proceed with proposed rulemaking;
                (2) take other action sufficient to carry out feasible,
            consensus recommendations; or
                (3) issue a statement determining that no such rule or
            other action is warranted, including a detailed explanation of
            the rationale for such determination.
        (c) Considerations.--In determining whether to proceed with a
    proposed rulemaking or other action under subsection (b) and, if
    applicable, in developing the proposed rule or carrying out the other
    action, the Administrator shall consider the findings and consensus
    recommendations of the task force described in subsection (a).
        (d) Authorities.--The Administrator, in issuing the rule or
    carrying out the other action described in subsection (b), may take the
    following actions in the State of Hawaii:
                (1) Set minimum altitudes for commercial air tours for the
            purpose of noise reduction, provided that such minimums do not
            negatively impact safety conditions.
                (2) Set time-of-day restrictions on commercial air tours
            for the purpose of reducing noise disruptions, provided that
            such restrictions do not negatively impact safety conditions.
                (3) Set limits on the number of flights in a certain area
            per unit of time.
                (4) Require the use of quiet aircraft technology by
            commercial air tour operators conducting commercial air tours
            in the State of Hawaii.
                (5) Prohibit hovering or circling in certain or all areas
            in the State of Hawaii.
                (6) Prohibit commercial air tours in certain or all areas
            in the State of Hawaii.
                (7) Establish certain required routes for commercial air
            tours in certain or all areas in the State of Hawaii.
                (8) Establish a method for residents of the State of Hawaii
            to publicly report noise disruptions due to commercial air
            tours and for commercial air tour operators to respond to
            complaints.
        (e) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour''
            means a flight conducted for compensation or hire in an
            airplane or helicopter where the purpose of the flight is
            sightseeing.
                (2) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial
            air tour operator'' means any person who conducts a commercial
            air tour.

    SEC. 351. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.

        (a) In General.--Subtitle A of title III of the FAA Reauthorization
    Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended by striking section 322
    and inserting the following:

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

        ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall permit an air carrier
    operating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal
    Regulations, to operate under instrument flight rules (in this section
    referred to as `IFR') to a destination in a noncontiguous State that
    has a published instrument approach, but that does not have a
    Meteorological Aerodrome Report (in this section referred to as
    `METAR'), and then to conduct an instrument approach at that
    destination if--
                ``(1) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by noncertified
            destination weather observations (such as weather cameras and
            other noncertified observations), is available, and, at the
            time of departure, the combination of the Area Forecast and
            noncertified observation indicates that weather is expected to
            be at or above approach minimums upon arrival;
                ``(2) upon arrival and prior to commencing the approach,
            the air carrier has a means to communicate to the pilot of the
            aircraft whether the destination weather observation is either
            at or above minimums for the approach to be flown; and
                ``(3) in the event the destination weather observation is
            below minimums, a suitable alternate airport that has a METAR
            is specified in the IFR flight plan.
        ``(b) Application Template.--
                ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an
            application template with standardized, specific approval
            criteria to enable FAA inspectors to evaluate the application
            of an air carrier objectively.
                ``(2) Requirements.--The template required by paragraph (1)
            shall include an area for an air carrier to describe--
                        ``(A) how any non-certified human observations will
                    be conducted; and
                        ``(B) how such observations will be communicated--
                                ``(i) to air carriers prior to dispatch;
                            and
                                ``(ii) to pilots prior to approach.
                ``(3) Response to application.--
                        ``(A) Timeline.--The Administrator shall ensure--
                                ``(i) that the FAA has the ability to
                            respond to an application of an air carrier not
                            later than 30 days after receipt of such
                            application; and
                                ``(ii) in the event the FAA cannot respond
                            within 30 days, that the FAA informs the air
                            carrier of the expected response time with
                            respect to the application of the air carrier.
                        ``(B) Rejection.--In the event that the FAA rejects
                    an application of an air carrier, the FAA shall inform
                    the air carrier of the specific criteria that were the
                    cause for rejection.''.
        (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
    effect on the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this
    section.

    SEC. 352. ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.

        (a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the
    date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter through
    fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the committees of
    relevant jurisdiction of Congress a report on the FAA Alaska Aviation
    Safety Initiative (in this section referred to as the ``FAASI''),
    including an itemized description of how the FAA budget meets the goals
    of the FAASI.
        (b) GAO Study on Alaska Aviation Safety.--
                (1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study
            to--
                        (A) examine the effectiveness of the FAASI to
                    improve aviation safety, service, and infrastructure;
                    and
                        (B) identify challenges within the FAA to
                    accomplishing safety improvements.
                (2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit
            to the committees of relevant jurisdiction of Congress a report
            on the findings of the study under paragraph (1), together with
            recommendations for such legislative or administrative action
            as the Comptroller General deems appropriate.
        (c) Committees of Relevant Jurisdiction of Congress Definition.--In
    this section, the term ``committees of relevant jurisdiction of
    Congress'' means--
                (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
            of the Senate;
                (2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
                (3) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
            the House of Representatives; and
                (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
            Representatives.

    SEC. 353. REDUCING TURBULENCE ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS.

        Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section,
    the Administrator shall review the recommendations made by the Chair of
    the National Transportation Safety Board to the Administrator contained
    in the safety research report titled ``Preventing Turbulence-Related
    Injuries in Air Carrier Operations Conducted Under Title 14 Code of
    Federal Regulations Part 121'', issued on August 10, 2021 (NTSB/SS-21/
    01) and provide an update to the appropriate committees of Congress if
    there are any actions the Administrator plans to take based on the
    recommendations in the report.

    SEC. 354. ENHANCED QUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR RESTRICTED AIRLINE
                  TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATE.

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

    SEC. 355. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD.

        Section 1118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read
    as follows:
        ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated for the
    purposes of this chapter, $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, and
    $145,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028. Such sums
    shall remain available until expended.''.

               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 to and
                    assist the Task Force in fulfilling 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 navigation service
            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 the date on which the
    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 a 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 timeframe.
                (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 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; and
                        (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 ``March 8, 2024'' 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) include 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 the Administrator determines 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) Examination.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment, the Administrator shall contract with a Federally
            funded research and development center 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.
                (2) Contents.--The examination shall:
                        (A) Evaluate the potential efficiencies that may
                    result from a reorganization.
                        (B) Identify whether certain areas prone to
                    congestion or staff shortages would benefit from
                    enhanced flexibilities.
                        (C) Recommend opportunities for integration of
                    separate facilities to create a more collaborative and
                    efficient traffic control environment.
                (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the
            Federally funded research and development center shall consult
            with representatives of labor organizations representing air
            traffic control system employees of the FAA.
        (b) Reports.--
                (1) To the administrator.--Not later than September 30,
            2025, the Federally funded research and development center
            shall submit to the Administrator a report regarding the
            examination under subsection (a), along with recommendations
            related to consolidation or reorganization of FAA-owned air
            traffic control work facilities and locations.
                (2) To congress.--
                        (A) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after
                    receiving the recommendations under paragraph (1), the
                    Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of
                    Congress.
                        (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 on the results of the study under subsection (a)
                    and any recommendations related to consolidation or
                    reorganization of FAA-owned air traffic control work
                    facilities and locations.

    SEC. 415. UPDATE OF FAA STANDARDS TO ALLOW DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF
                  CERTAIN RESTRICTED ROUTES AND TERMINAL PROCEDURES.

        Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this
    section, the Administrator shall update FAA standards to allow
    distribution and use of the Capstone Restricted Routes and Terminal
    Procedures by modern Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) equipped
    navigation equipment. The updated FAA standards shall provide a means
    for allowing modifications and continued development of new routes and
    procedures proposed by air carriers operating such routes.

    SEC. 416. PROTECTION OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF AIRSPACE AT AIRPORTS.

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

    SEC. 417. ASOS/AWOS SERVICE REPORT DASHBOARD.

        (a) In General.--The applicable Administrators shall work in
    collaboration to collect the real-time service status of all automated
    surface observation systems/automated weather observing systems (in
    this section referred to as ``ASOS/AWOS'').
        (b) Availability of Results.--
                (1) In general.--The applicable Administrators shall make
            available on a publicly available internet website the
            following:
                        (A) The service status of all ASOS/AWOS.
                        (B) Any actions to repair or replace ASOS/AWOS that
                    are out of service due to technical or weather-related
                    events, including an estimated timeline to return the
                    systems to service.
                        (C) A portal on such publicly available internet
                    website for the reporting of ASOS/AWOS outages to be
                    utilized by commercial aviation, airports, and other
                    industry interests as determined by the applicable
                    Administrators.
                (2) Data files.--The Administrators described in subsection
            (a) shall make available the underlying data in paragraph (1)
            for each ASOS/AWOS in a machine-readable format.
        (c) Applicable Administrators.--In this section, the term
    ``applicable Administrators'' means--
                (1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
            Administration; and
                (2) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and
            Atmospheric Administration.

    SEC. 418. UPGRADING AND REPLACING AGING AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS.

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

    SEC. 419. WASHINGTON, D.C. METROPOLITAN AREA SPECIAL FLIGHT RULES AREA.

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

                          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) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
                    through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(1);
                        ``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
                    through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(2); and
                        ``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
                    through 2028 to provide grants under the program
                    established under subsection (a)(3).'';
                        (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''; and
                        (E) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(4) Set aside for technical assistance.--The Secretary,
            in consultation with the Secretary of Education, may set aside
            up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this
            section for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to provide
            technical assistance to accredited institutions of higher
            education and post-secondary vocational institutions applying
            for a project grant under this section.
                ``(5) Consideration for certain applicants.--In reviewing
            and selecting applications for grants under the programs
            established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give
            consideration to applicants that--
                        ``(A) provide an assurance--
                                ``(i) to use grant funds to encourage the
                            participation of populations that are
                            underrepresented in the aviation industry,
                            including women, minorities, and individuals in
                            economically disadvantaged geographic areas and
                            rural communities, including to address the
                            workforce needs of rural and regional airports;
                            or
                                ``(ii) to strengthen aviation programs at a
                            minority-serving institution (as described in
                            section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of
                            1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a))), a public
                            institution of higher education, or a public
                            postsecondary vocational institution.'';
                (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
            high school students and students at institutions of higher
            education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education
            Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) 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) students enrolled at a primary, secondary, or
                    post-secondary school or a minority-serving institution
                    (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education
                    Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)); or
                        ``(B) communities underrepresented in the
                    applicable industry, including women, minorities, and
                    individuals in economically disadvantaged geographic
                    areas and rural communities;
                ``(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.--Section 48105 of title 49, United States
    Code, is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
            ``2028''; and
                (2) by striking paragraph (5).
        (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;
                        (B) include recommendations for how the Federal
                    Government can conduct outreach to historically
                    underserved communities in the development of the
                    aviation talent pipeline as part of the national
                    strategic plan; and
                        (C) 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(b), is amended by adding at the
            end the following new section:
    ``Sec. 44747. 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 44746 the
            following:

    ``44747. 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 2024, the
            Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, in
            consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the
            Aviation Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum
            standards for--
                        ``(A) the training provided under this subsection
                    and 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 third 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 is
                    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 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.

    SEC. 511. AIRPORT SERVICE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.

        Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
    section, the Comptroller General shall complete an analysis of the
    airport service workforce and its impact and importance to the aviation
    economy.

                           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 in
            subsection (k) of such section 40122, as added by 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. 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. 528. 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. 529. 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. 530. 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. 531. 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. 532. 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 appropriate by 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.

    SEC. 533. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE VETERANS WITH PILOT TRAINING
                  SERVICES.

        (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
    of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a
    program to provide assistance in the form of grants to eligible
    entities that provide pilot training activities and related education
    to support a pathway for veterans to become commercial aviators.
        (b) Eligible Entity.--For purposes of this section, the term
    ``eligible entity'' means a pilot school or provisional pilot school
    that--
                (1) holds an Air Agency Certificate under part 141 of title
            14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                (2) has an established employment pathway with at least 1
            air carrier operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code
            of Federal Regulations.
        (c) Priority Application.--In selecting eligible entities to award
    grants to under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to
    eligible entities that meet the following criteria:
                (1) The eligible entity is accredited (as defined in
            section 61.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by an
            accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of Education.
                (2) The eligible entity holds a letter of authorization
            issued in accordance with section 61.169 of title 14, Code of
            Federal Regulations.
        (d) Use of Funds.--Amounts from a grant received by an eligible
    entity under the pilot program shall be used for the following:
                (1) Administrative costs related to implementation of the
            program, not to exceed 10 percent of the amount awarded.
                (2) To provide guidance and pilot training services,
            including tuition and flight training fees for veterans
            enrolled with the eligible entity and any training required to
            reach proficiency, to the veterans enrolled to support them in
            obtaining any of the following pilot certificates and ratings:
                        (A) Private pilot certificate with airplane single-
                    engine or multi-engine ratings.
                        (B) Instrument rating.
                        (C) Commercial pilot certificate with airplane
                    single-engine or multi-engine ratings.
                        (D) Multi-engine rating.
                        (E) Certificated flight instructor single-engine
                    certificate, if applicable to degree sought.
                        (F) Certificated flight instructor multi-engine
                    certificate, if applicable to degree sought.
                        (G) Certificated flight instructor instrument
                    certificate, if applicable to degree sought.
                (3) To provide books, training materials, and equipment to
            support pilot training activities and related education for
            veterans enrolled with the eligible entity.
                (4) To provide periodic reports to the Secretary on use of
            the grant funds, including documentation of training completion
            of the certificates and ratings described in subparagraphs (A)
            through (G) of paragraph (2).
        (e) Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized
    to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024 through
    2028.

    SEC. 534. BIENNIAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINERS.

        Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
    section, and biennially thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to
    the appropriate committees of Congress a report that evaluates the use
    of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title
    14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) for
    testing, including both written and practical tests. Such report shall
    include an analysis of--
                (1) the methodology and rationale by which designated pilot
            examiners are deployed;
                (2) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the average
            time an individual in each region must wait to schedule an
            appointment with a designated pilot examiner;
                (3) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the estimated
            total time individuals in each region were forced to wait to
            schedule an appointment with a designated pilot examiner;
                (4) the primary reasons and best ways to reduce such wait
            times;
                (5) the number of tests conducted by designated pilot
            examiners;
                (6) the number and percentage of available designated pilot
            examiners that perform such tests; and
                (7) the average rate of retests, including of both written
            and practical tests.

    SEC. 535. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE EXTENT AND EFFECTS OF THE
                  COMMERCIAL AVIATION PILOT SHORTAGE ON REGIONAL/COMMUTER
                  CARRIERS.

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

    SEC. 536. MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS (MSI) INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

        (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the
    Administrator shall continue operation of the FAA Minority Serving
    Institutions (MSI) program (in this section referred to as the
    ``Program'') during the period that begins on the date of enactment of
    this section and ends on September 30, 2028. In carrying out the
    Program, the Administrator shall continue to provide internship
    opportunities to eligible students.
        (b) Outreach.--The Administrator shall establish and conduct
    outreach to minority-serving institutions to recruit students for the
    Program.
        (c) Requirements.--The following requirements shall apply to the
    Program:
                (1) Minority-serving institution.--The FAA shall consider
            an institution described in any of paragraphs (1) through (7)
            of section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
            U.S.C. 1067q(a)) as a ``minority-serving institution'' for
            purposes of the Program.
                (2) Eligibility requirements.--The FAA shall not limit
            eligibility--
                        (A) of a student for the Program on the basis of
                    the student's academic major but may allocate
                    internship slots to mission-critical positions if there
                    are demonstrated human capital needs in that area; and
                        (B) to only students currently attending a
                    minority-serving institution if they are deemed
                    otherwise eligible.
                (3) Year-round.--The FAA shall make internship placements
            under the Program available during academic sessions throughout
            the year and may extend an internship placement for a student
            beyond a single academic session.
                (4) Direct hiring authority.--The Administrator shall
            utilize existing direct hiring authority to accelerate the
            hiring of students who have participated in and completed the
            Program and have graduated with an undergraduate or post-
            graduate degree.
                (5) Pay.--All internships under the Program shall be paid
            and the FAA may increase pay for a placement based on the
            location of the internship, the field of study of the intern,
            or whether the student is an undergraduate versus a graduate
            student.
        (d) Annual Reports.--The FAA shall submit an annual report to the
    appropriate committees of Congress on the Program. Each annual report
    shall include the following with respect to the reporting period:
                (1) The total number of applicants.
                (2) The total number of applicants offered an internship
            and the total number of applicants who accept an internship.
                (3) The de-identified data on the race, national origin,
            gender, and State of residence of Program applicants.
                (4) Detailed information on the FAA outreach plan for the
            upcoming year.
                (5) The schools of applicants, of applicants offered an
            internship, and of applicants who accept an internship.
                (6) The location and line of business where each intern is
            placed.
                (7) The conversion rate of interns in the Program who are
            hired as full-time FAA employees.

    SEC. 537. FAA EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE.

        Beginning on and after the date of enactment of this section, the
    Administrator shall continue to operate the Educational Partnership
    Initiative of the FAA through fiscal year 2028.

                      Subtitle C--Flight Education Access

    SEC. 541. SHORT TITLE.

        This subtitle may be cited as the ``Flight Education Access Act''.

    SEC. 542. INCREASE IN FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN LIMITS FOR STUDENTS IN
                  FLIGHT EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

        Section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e)
    is amended--
                (1) in subsection (p)--
                        (A) by striking ``Each institution'' and inserting
                    the following:
                ``(1) In general.--Each institution'';
                        (B) in paragraph (1) (as designated by subparagraph
                    (A)), by inserting before the period at the end the
                    following: ``and, shall, with respect to Federal Direct
                    Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made after the date of
                    enactment of the Flight Education Access Act to an
                    eligible student (as defined in subsection (r)), comply
                    with the requirements of paragraph (2)''; and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(2) Additional disclosures.--At or prior to the
            disbursement of a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
            after the date of enactment of the Flight Education Access Act
            to an eligible student (as defined in subsection (r)), the
            following shall be disclosed:
                        ``(A) The principal amount of the loan, the stated
                    interest rate on the loan, the number of required
                    monthly payments to be made on the loan (which shall be
                    based on a standard repayment plan), and the estimated
                    number of months before the start of the repayment
                    period for the loan (based on the expected date on
                    which the repayment period is to begin or the deferment
                    period is to end, as applicable).
                        ``(B) The estimated balance to be owed by the
                    borrower on such loan (including, if applicable, the
                    estimated amount of interest to be capitalized) as of
                    the scheduled date on which the repayment period is to
                    begin or the deferment period is to end, as applicable,
                    and an estimate of the projected monthly payment.
                        ``(C) An estimate of the aggregate amount the
                    borrower will pay for the loan, including the total
                    amount of monthly payments made over the life of the
                    loan plus the amount of any charges for the loan, such
                    as an origination fee.''; and
                (2) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(r) Increase in Loan Limits for Students in Flight Education and
    Training Programs.--
                ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
            this Act, the loan limits for Federal Direct Unsubsidized
            Stafford Loans made after the date of enactment of the Flight
            Education Access Act with respect to eligible students shall be
            subject to this subsection.
                ``(2) Definitions.--In this section:
                        ``(A) Eligible student.--The term `eligible
                    student' means a student who is enrolled in an eligible
                    undergraduate flight education and training program.
                        ``(B) Eligible undergraduate flight education and
                    training program.--The term `eligible undergraduate
                    flight education and training program' means an
                    undergraduate flight education and training program
                    that offers training for applicants seeking a
                    commercial pilot certificate and--
                                ``(i) during the period beginning on the
                            date of enactment of the Flight Education
                            Access Act and ending on the date on which 3
                            years of data has been collected pursuant to
                            paragraph (3)(C), that meets all the applicable
                            requirements of this Act; and
                                ``(ii) beginning on the date on which 3
                            years of data has been collected pursuant to
                            paragraph (3)(C), that meets all the applicable
                            requirements of this Act and has a completion
                            rate averaged over a 3-year period, as
                            calculated under paragraph (3)(C), that is
                            equal to or greater than 70 percent.
                        ``(C) Undergraduate flight education and training
                    program.--The term `undergraduate flight education and
                    training program'--
                                ``(i) has the meaning given the term by the
                            Secretary, in consultation with the
                            Administrator of the Federal Aviation
                            Administration;
                                ``(ii) shall include a flight education and
                            training program offered by an eligible
                            institution that is accredited by an
                            accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary,
                            that--
                                        ``(I) awards undergraduate
                                    certificates or associate or bachelor
                                    degrees; and
                                        ``(II) provides pilot training in
                                    accordance with part 141 of title 14,
                                    Code of Federal Regulations, or any
                                    successor regulation; and
                                ``(iii) shall not include a flight
                            education and training program certified under
                            part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal
                            Regulations, or any successor regulation.
                ``(3) Loan limits for eligible undergraduate flight
            education and training programs.--
                        ``(A) Limits for eligible students who are
                    dependent students.--
                                ``(i) Annual limits.--The maximum annual
                            amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford
                            Loans an eligible student who is a dependent
                            student may borrow in any academic year (as
                            defined in section 481(a)(2)) or its equivalent
                            shall be--
                                        ``(I) in the case of an eligible
                                    student at an eligible institution who
                                    has not successfully completed the
                                    first year of an eligible undergraduate
                                    flight education and training program--
                                                ``(aa) $13,500, if such
                                            student is enrolled in such a
                                            program whose length is at
                                            least one academic year in
                                            length; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year;
                                        ``(II) in the case of an eligible
                                    student at an eligible institution who
                                    has successfully completed the first
                                    year of an eligible undergraduate
                                    flight education and training program
                                    but has not yet successfully completed
                                    the remainder of such program--
                                                ``(aa) $15,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year;
                                        ``(III) in the case of a student at
                                    an eligible institution who has
                                    successfully completed the first year
                                    and second years of an eligible
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program but has not yet
                                    successfully completed the remainder of
                                    such program--
                                                ``(aa) $16,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year; and
                                        ``(IV) in the case of a student at
                                    an eligible institution who has
                                    successfully completed the first,
                                    second, and third years of an eligible
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program but has not yet
                                    successfully completed the remainder of
                                    such program--
                                                ``(aa) $15,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year.
                                ``(ii) Aggregate limits.--The maximum
                            aggregate amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized
                            Stafford Loans an eligible student who is a
                            dependent student may borrow shall be $65,000.
                        ``(B) Limits for eligible students who are
                    independent students.--
                                ``(i) Annual limits.--The maximum annual
                            amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford
                            Loans an eligible student who is an independent
                            student may borrow in any academic year (as
                            defined in section 481(a)(2)) or its equivalent
                            shall be--
                                        ``(I) in the case of an eligible
                                    student at an eligible institution who
                                    has not successfully completed the
                                    first year of an eligible undergraduate
                                    flight education and training program--
                                                ``(aa) $21,500, if such
                                            student is enrolled in such a
                                            program whose length is at
                                            least one academic year in
                                            length; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year;
                                        ``(II) in the case of an eligible
                                    student at an eligible institution who
                                    has successfully completed the first
                                    year of an eligible undergraduate
                                    flight education and training program
                                    but has not yet successfully completed
                                    the remainder of such program--
                                                ``(aa) $25,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year;
                                        ``(III) in the case of a student at
                                    an eligible institution who has
                                    successfully completed the first year
                                    and second years of an eligible
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program but has not yet
                                    successfully completed the remainder of
                                    such program--
                                                ``(aa) $25,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year; and
                                        ``(IV) in the case of a student at
                                    an eligible institution who has
                                    successfully completed the first,
                                    second, and third years of an eligible
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program but has not yet
                                    successfully completed the remainder of
                                    such program--
                                                ``(aa) $22,500; or
                                                ``(bb) if such student is
                                            enrolled in such a program that
                                            is less than one academic year,
                                            the maximum annual loan amount
                                            that such student may receive
                                            may not exceed the amount that
                                            bears the same ratio to the
                                            amount specified in item (aa)
                                            as the length of such program
                                            measured in semester,
                                            trimester, quarter, or clock
                                            hours bears to one academic
                                            year.
                                ``(ii) Aggregate limits.--The maximum
                            aggregate amount of Federal Direct Unsubsidized
                            Stafford Loans an eligible student who is an
                            independent student may borrow shall be
                            $107,500.
                        ``(C) Data collection on, and calculation of,
                    completion rates.--
                                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            annually calculate the completion rate of each
                            undergraduate flight education and training
                            program at each eligible institution based on
                            the information collected under clause (ii).
                                ``(ii) Collection of information.--The
                            Secretary shall annually collect information,
                            for each academic year, on--
                                        ``(I) the total number of students
                                    enrolled in an undergraduate flight
                                    education and training program at an
                                    eligible institution; and
                                        ``(II) those students who complete
                                    such program--
                                                ``(aa) who earn a private
                                            pilot's certificate for an
                                            airplane category rating with a
                                            single-engine class rating
                                            while enrolled in such program;
                                            or
                                                ``(bb) who at the time of
                                            enrollment, possess such a
                                            certificate.
                                ``(iii) Calculation of completion rate.--To
                            calculate the completion rate described in
                            clause (i), the Secretary shall--
                                        ``(I) consider as having completed,
                                    those students who earn a private
                                    pilot's certificate for an airplane
                                    category rating with a single-engine
                                    class rating, or who at the time of
                                    enrollment possess such a certificate,
                                    and complete the undergraduate flight
                                    education and training program at an
                                    eligible institution--
                                                ``(aa) that predominantly
                                            awards associate degrees,
                                            within 200 percent of the
                                            normal time for completion;
                                                ``(bb) that predominantly
                                            awards bachelor degrees, within
                                            150 percent of the normal time
                                            for completion; and
                                                ``(cc) that predominantly
                                            awards undergraduate
                                            certificates, within 200
                                            percent of the normal time for
                                            completion;
                                        ``(II) consider as not having
                                    completed, those students who earn a
                                    private pilot's certificate for an
                                    airplane category rating with a single-
                                    engine class rating, or who at the time
                                    of enrollment possess such a
                                    certificate, and who transfer out of
                                    the undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program to another program at
                                    the eligible institution that is not an
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program or to a program that
                                    is not an undergraduate flight
                                    education and training program at
                                    another eligible institution; and
                                        ``(III) not include in the
                                    calculation, any student who--
                                                ``(aa) is a foreign
                                            national;
                                                ``(bb) earns a private
                                            pilot's certificate for an
                                            airplane category rating with a
                                            single-engine class rating and
                                            transfers out of the
                                            undergraduate flight education
                                            and training program to another
                                            undergraduate flight education
                                            and training program at a
                                            different eligible institution;
                                            or
                                                ``(cc) is enrolled in an
                                            undergraduate flight education
                                            and training program and never
                                            earns a private pilot's
                                            certificate for an airplane
                                            category rating with a single-
                                            engine class rating.
                        ``(D) Reporting requirements.--
                                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
                            require each undergraduate flight education and
                            training program that enrolls students who
                            receive assistance under this part to provide
                            the data described in this subparagraph that is
                            necessary for the completion of the reporting
                            requirements described in this subparagraph.
                                ``(ii) Form of data collection.--The
                            Secretary shall prescribe the form and format
                            of the data required to be provided under this
                            subparagraph and include, at a minimum, the
                            following data elements:
                                        ``(I) Student data elements
                                    necessary to calculate student
                                    enrollment, persistence, retention,
                                    transfer, and completion rates.
                                        ``(II) Information disaggregated by
                                    gender, race, ethnicity, and
                                    socioeconomic status.
                                ``(iii) Report to congress.--Not later than
                            9 months after the date of enactment of the
                            Flight Education Access Act and biennially
                            thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report
                            to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
                            and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on
                            Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
                            Senate, the Committee on Education and the
                            Workforce of the House of Representatives, and
                            the Committee on Transportation and
                            Infrastructure of the House of Representatives,
                            analyzing and assessing the data collected
                            pursuant to this subparagraph and conforming to
                            the requirements of this subparagraph that
                            shall include the following:
                                        ``(I) An assessment of the
                                    effectiveness of the requirements under
                                    this subsection.
                                        ``(II) Information on enrollment,
                                    persistence, retention, transfer,
                                    completion, utilization of Federal
                                    financial aid, and unmet financial
                                    need, including information on
                                    applicable institutions.
                                        ``(III) Information on the gender,
                                    race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic
                                    status of students enrolled in an
                                    undergraduate flight education and
                                    training program.
                ``(4) Prohibition on mass cancellation of eligible
            undergraduate flight education and training program loans.--The
            Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Attorney
            General may not take any action to cancel or forgive the
            outstanding balances, or portion of balances, on any Federal
            Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or otherwise modify the
            terms or conditions of a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford
            Loan, made to an eligible student, except as authorized by an
            Act of Congress.''.

    SEC. 543. GAO REPORT.

        Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
    Comptroller General shall--
                (1) examine and review the implementation of this subtitle
            and the amendments made by this subtitle, which review shall
            include--
                        (A) the number of participating institutions
                    offering undergraduate flight education and training
                    programs (as defined in section 455(r) of the Higher
                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(r)), as amended
                    by this subtitle);
                        (B) the number of students enrolled in such
                    undergraduate flight education and training programs,
                    and demographic data regarding such students;
                        (C) the level of such students' participation in
                    the loan program under part D of title IV of the Higher
                    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.),
                    including demographic data as appropriate; and
                        (D) feedback from participating institutions
                    regarding the implementation of this subtitle and the
                    amendments made by this subtitle;
                (2) develop recommendations to the Department of Education
            on any changes that should be made to improve the
            implementation of this subtitle and the amendments made by this
            subtitle; and
                (3) prepare and submit a report on the findings and
            recommendations under paragraphs (1) and (2) to--
                        (A) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
                    Pensions and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
                    Transportation of the Senate; and
                        (B) the Committee on Education and the Workforce
                    and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
                    of the House of Representatives.

    SEC. 544. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

        Nothing in this subtitle, or an amendment made by this subtitle,
    shall be construed to repeal, amend, supersede, or affect any pilot
    training or qualification provision under existing law.

    SEC. 545. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

        There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
    Education, in addition to any amounts otherwise available, to carry out
    the amendments made by this subtitle $3,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2023 through 2033. Such funds shall be available until expended.

                     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 5 fiscal years''; and
                (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``fiscal year 2004''
            and inserting ``fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 2024,
            and shall apply to apportionments determined for that fiscal
            year and for fiscal years thereafter''.

    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 subsections (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
                    each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for purposes of
                    this chapter if such airport was--
                                ``(i) designated as a primary airport in
                            fiscal year 2017; and
                                ``(ii) in use by an air reserve station in
                            the calendar year used to calculate
                            apportionments to airport sponsors in a fiscal
                            year.''.

    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, rehabilitating, 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 forecasted 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
    ``2018'' and all that follows through ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting
    ``2024 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 that
            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 527, 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 is 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. 618A. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.

        (a) Pilot Program for Transitioning to FAA Towers.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a
            pilot program to convert high-activity air traffic control
            towers operating under the Contract Tower Program described in
            section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, to FAA-staffed
            Visual Flight Rules towers (in this section referred to as the
            ``Contract Tower Program'').
                (2) Conversion to faa-staffed vfr towers.--In selecting
            facilities to participate in the pilot program established
            under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall give priority to
            air traffic control towers operating under the Contract Tower
            Program that--
                        (A) either--
                                (i) had over 200,000 annual tower
                            operations in calendar year 2022; or
                                (ii) served a small hub airport with more
                            than 900,000 passenger enplanements in calendar
                            year 2021;
                        (B) are either currently owned by the FAA or are
                    constructed to FAA standards; and
                        (C) operate within complex air space that serves
                    air carrier, general aviation, and military aircraft.
                (3) Tower selection.--The number of facilities selected to
            participate in the pilot program established under paragraph
            (1) shall be determined based on the availability of funds for
            the pilot program.
                (4) Controller retention.--The Administrator shall appoint
            to the position of air traffic controller all air traffic
            controllers currently employed by the Federal contract tower
            operator and assigned to the pilot program air traffic control
            tower, provided such controller--
                        (A) meets the qualifications contained in section
                    44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
                        (B) has all other pre-employment qualifications
                    required by law.
                (5) Safety analysis.--
                        (A) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a
                    safety analysis to determine whether the conversions
                    described in paragraph (1) had any negative impact on
                    the aviation safety of any air traffic control tower.
                        (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 describing the results of the safety analysis
                    under subparagraph (A).
                (6) Funding.--For purposes of carrying out this subsection,
            there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator
            $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until
            fiscal year 2029.
        (b) Air Traffic Controller Staffing Levels at Small and Medium Hub
    Airports.--
                (1) In general.--Section 47124(b)(2) of title 49, United
            States Code, is amended--
                        (A) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting
                    the following:
                        ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may''; and
                        (B) by adding at the end the following:
                        ``(B) Small or medium hub airports.--In the case of
                    a contract to operate an airport traffic control tower
                    at a small or medium hub airport, the contract shall
                    require the Secretary, after coordination with the
                    airport sponsor and the entity, State, or subdivision,
                    to provide funding sufficient for the cost of wages and
                    benefits of at least two air traffic controllers for
                    each tower operating shift.''.
                (2) Application.--The amendments made by paragraph (1)
            shall apply to contracts entered into or renewed by the
            Secretary under the Contract Tower Program on or after the date
            of enactment of this section.
        (c) Air Traffic Controller Compensation.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary and the Secretary of Labor
            shall review and update the wage determinations for controllers
            who work in air traffic control towers that are staffed through
            the Contract Tower Program and shall reassess the basis for air
            traffic controller occupation codes and the need for additional
            occupation codes.
                (2) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary and the Secretary of
            Labor shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of
            Congress that--
                        (A) describes the findings and conclusions of the
                    review and reassessment made under paragraph (1);
                        (B) explains the basis for the wage determination
                    and the justification for the basis; and
                        (C) describes the steps the Department of
                    Transportation and the Department of Labor are taking
                    to ensure air traffic controller wages are keeping up
                    with inflation and are assigned the appropriate
                    occupation codes.
        (d) Priorities for Facility Selection.--Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of
    title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                (1) in clause (vi), by striking ``or mix of aircraft'' and
            inserting ``lack of an existing air traffic control tower, or
            mix of aircraft, including a mix of commercial and significant
            military flight operations''; and
                (2) by adding at the end the following:
                                ``(viii) Air traffic control towers located
                            at airports with projected increases in
                            commercial and military aircraft or flight
                            operations.''.

    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 ``; and''; and
                (4) by inserting after paragraph (21), the following:
                ``(22) the airport owner or operator may not restrict or
            prohibit the sale or self-fueling of any 100-octane low lead
            aviation gasoline for purchase or use by operators of general
            aviation aircraft if such aviation gasoline was available at
            that airport at any time during calendar year 2022, until the
            earlier of--
                        ``(A) December 31, 2030; or
                        ``(B) the date on which the airport or any retail
                    fuel seller at such airport can make available an
                    unleaded aviation gas that--
                                ``(i) has been authorized for use by the
                            Administrator of the Federal Aviation
                            Administration as a replacement for 100-octane
                            low lead aviation gas for use in nearly all
                            spark ignition aircraft and engine models; and
                                ``(ii) meets either an industry consensus
                            standard or other standard that facilitates the
                            safe use, production, and distribution of such
                            unleaded aviation gasoline.''.

    SEC. 620A. GAO STUDY ON FEE TRANSPARENCY BY FIXED BASED OPERATORS.

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

    SEC. 620B. AVIATION FUEL IN ALASKA.

        (a) In General.--The Administrator and the Administrator of the
    Environmental Protection Agency shall not restrict the continued use
    and availability of 100-octane low lead aviation gas in the State of
    Alaska through December 31, 2034.
        (b) GAO Report on Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Gas in the
    State of Alaska.--
                (1) Evaluation.--The Comptroller General of the United
            States shall conduct an evaluation of the following:
                        (A) The aircraft, routes, and supply chains in the
                    State of Alaska utilizing leaded aviation gasoline,
                    including identification of remote and rural
                    communities that rely upon leaded aviation gasoline.
                        (B) The estimated costs and benefits of
                    transitioning aircraft and the supply chain in the
                    State of Alaska to aviation fuel that meets the
                    requirements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of
                    section 47107(a)(22)(B) of title 49, United States
                    Code, as added by section 620, including direct costs
                    of new aircraft and equipment and indirect costs,
                    including transportation from refineries to markets,
                    foreign imports, and changes in leaded aviation
                    gasoline prices as a result of reduced supply.
                        (C) The programs of the Environmental Protection
                    Agency, the FAA, and other government agencies that can
                    be utilized to assist individuals, communities,
                    industries, and the State of Alaska with the costs
                    described in subparagraph (B).
                        (D) A reasonable timeframe to permit any limitation
                    on 100-octane low-lead aviation gasoline in the State
                    of Alaska.
                        (E) Other logistical considerations associated with
                    the transition described in subparagraph (B).
                (2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit
            a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted
            under paragraph (1) to--
                        (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
                    Transportation of the Senate;
                        (B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works
                    of the Senate;
                        (C) the Committee on Transportation and
                    Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
                        (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
                    House of Representatives.

    SEC. 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)(22) (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)(22) (including any assurance made
            under such section) committed by a person, including if the
            person is an individual or a small business concern, shall be
            $5,000 for each day that the person is in violation of that
            section.''.

    SEC. 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 to permit the State of Arizona to deposit all proceeds of the
    disposition of Buckeye 940 in the appropriate fund for the benefit of
    the beneficiaries of the Arizona State Land Trust.
        (b) 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.
                (3) Energy efficient light emitting diode system.--In
            updating the AIP Handbook under this subsection, the
            Administrator shall include updates to reflect the energy
            efficient light emitting diode system as a replacement for any
            existing halogen system.

    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)--
                                (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
                            inserting ``Except as set forth in the
                            streamlining process described in subsection
                            (l), the Secretary''; and
                                (ii) by striking ``$1, $2, or $3'' and
                            inserting ``$1, $2, $3, $4, or $4.50'';
                        (B) by striking paragraph (4);
                        (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as
                    paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
                        (D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
                                (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (4)''
                            and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                                (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)''
                            and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                        (E) in paragraph (6)(A), as so redesignated--
                                (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1), (4), and
                            (6)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (5)'';
                            and
                                (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)''
                            and inserting ``paragraph (1)'';
                (2) in subsection (e)(1)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or a
                    passenger facility charge imposition is authorized
                    under subsection (l)'' after ``of this section''; and
                        (B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
                    ``reasonable'' after ``subject to''; and
                (3) in subsection (l)--
                        (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot
                    Program for Passenger Facility Charge Authorizations''
                    and inserting ``Passenger Facility Charge
                    Streamlining'';
                        (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
                    following:
                ``(1) In general.--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 of $1,
            $2, $3, $4, or $4.50 in accordance with the provisions of this
            subsection instead of using the procedures otherwise provided
            in this section.'';
                        (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the
                    following:
                ``(4) Acknowledgment of receipt and indication of
            objection.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall acknowledge
                    receipt of the notice and indicate any objection to the
                    imposition of a passenger facility charge under this
                    subsection for any project identified in the notice
                    within 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.
        (e) State Block Grant Program Amendment.--Section 47128 of title
    49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(e) Roles and Responsibilities of Participating States.--
                ``(1) Airports.--Unless a State participating in the
            program expressly agrees in a memorandum of agreement, the
            Secretary shall not require the State to manage functions and
            responsibilities for airport actions or projects that do not
            relate to the program.
                ``(2) Program documentation.--Any grant agreement providing
            funds to be administered under the program shall be consistent
            with the most recently executed memorandum of agreement, as may
            be amended, between the State and the Federal Aviation
            Administration. The Federal Aviation Administration shall
            provide parity to participating States and shall only require
            the same type of information and level of detail for any
            program agreements and documentation that the Federal Aviation
            Administration itself would perform with respect to such action
            if the State did not participate in the program.
                ``(3) Responsibilities.--The Federal Aviation
            Administration shall retain responsibility for the following,
            unless expressly agreed to by the State:
                        ``(A) Grant compliance investigations,
                    determinations, and enforcement.
                        ``(B) Obstruction evaluation and airport airspace
                    analysis, determinations, and enforcement off airport
                    property.
                        ``(C) Non-rulemaking analysis, determinations, and
                    enforcement for proposed improvements on airport
                    properties not associated with this subchapter, or off
                    airport property.
                        ``(D) Land use determinations under section 163 of
                    the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
                    254; 132 Stat. 3224), compatibility planning, and
                    airport layout plan review and approval for projects
                    not funded by amounts available under this subchapter.
                        ``(E) Non-aeronautical and special event
                    recommendations and approval.
                        ``(F) Instrument approach procedure evaluations and
                    determinations.
                        ``(G) Environmental review for projects not funded
                    by amounts available under this subchapter.
                        ``(H) Review and approval of land leases, land
                    releases, changes in on-airport land-use designation,
                    and through-the-fence agreements.''.

    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. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE.

        (a) Definitions.--Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--
                (1) in paragraph (3)(Q), as amended by section 601, by
            striking ``improve the reliability and efficiency of the
            airport's power supply'' and inserting ``increase energy
            efficiency of the airport's power supply or meet current and
            future power demand''; and
                (2) in paragraph (5)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' after
                    the semicolon;
                        (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                        (C) by inserting after subparagraph (C), the
                    following:
                        ``(D) assessing current and future electrical power
                    demand.''.
        (b) Meeting Current and Future Electrical Power Demand.--
                (1) In general.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States
            Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``Sec. 47140. Meeting current and future electrical power demand
        ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish
    a program under which the Secretary shall do the following:
                ``(1) Encourage the sponsor of each public-use airport to--
                        ``(A) conduct airport planning that assesses the
                    airport's--
                                ``(i) current and future electrical power
                            demand, including but not limited to--
                                        ``(I) heating and cooling;
                                        ``(II) on-road airport vehicles,
                                    including ground support equipment;
                                        ``(III) gate electrification; and
                                        ``(IV) electric aircraft charging;
                                    and
                                ``(ii) existing electrical infrastructure
                            condition, location, and capacity to meet the
                            current and future electrical power demand as
                            identified in clause (i); and
                        ``(B) conduct on-airport development to increase
                    energy efficiency or meet future electrical power
                    demands as identified in subparagraph (A)(i).
                ``(2) Reimburse the sponsor of each public-use airport that
            conducts an assessment under paragraph (1)(A) for the costs
            incurred in conducting the assessment to the extent those costs
            are not otherwise covered under this subtitle.
        ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants from amounts made
    available under section 48103 to assist sponsors of public-use airports
    with respect to conducting--
                ``(1) an assessment described in subsection (a)(1)(A); and
                ``(2) an airport development project described in
            subsection (a)(1)(B) following the completion of an assessment
            described in subsection (a)(1)(A) or another assessment
            acceptable to the Secretary.''.
                (2) Conforming amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of
            chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
            striking the item relating to section 47140 and inserting the
            following:

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

    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 submits 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 the usable runway length capability at such
    airports in order to--
                ``(1) expand access to such airports for larger aircraft;
            and
                ``(2) support the development and economic viability of
            such airports.
        ``(b) Grants.--
                ``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out the
            pilot program established in subsection (a), the Secretary
            shall make grants to not more than 2 sponsors of general
            aviation airports per fiscal year.
                ``(2) Use of funds.--A sponsor of a general aviation
            airport shall use a grant awarded under this section to plan,
            design, or construct a project to extend an existing primary
            runway by not greater than 1,000 feet 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.--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.''.

    SEC. 642. APPLICABILITY OF SCREENING REQUIREMENTS.

        Section 44901 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
    at the end the following new subsection:
        ``(m) Applicability of Screening Requirements.--
                ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                        ``(A) Administration.--The term `Administration'
                    means the Transportation Security Administration.
                        ``(B) Administrator.--The term `Administrator'
                    means the Administrator of the Transportation Security
                    Administration.
                        ``(C) Applicable federal protective agency.--The
                    term `applicable Federal protective agency' means--
                                ``(i) in the case of a Cabinet Member, the
                            executive agency assigned to provide protection
                            to the Cabinet Member;
                                ``(ii) in the case of a Member of Congress,
                            the United States Capitol Police; and
                                ``(iii) in the case of a Federal judge, the
                            United States Marshals Service.
                        ``(D) Cabinet member.--The term `Cabinet Member'
                    means an individual who is the head (including an
                    acting head) of the Department of Agriculture,
                    Department of Commerce, Department of Defense,
                    Department of Education, Department of Energy,
                    Department of Health and Human Services, Department of
                    Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban
                    Development, Department of the Interior, Department of
                    Justice, Department of Labor, Department of State,
                    Department of Transportation, Department of the
                    Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, or any other
                    individual who occupies a position designated by the
                    President as a Cabinet-level position.
                        ``(E) Commercial service airport.--The term
                    `commercial service airport'--
                                ``(i) has the meaning given that term in
                            section 47102; and
                                ``(ii) includes any airport at which the
                            Administration provides or contracts to provide
                            screening.
                        ``(F) Covered person.--The term `covered person'
                    means a Federal judge, a Member of Congress, or a
                    Cabinet Member who, as determined by an applicable
                    Federal protective agency, currently is or previously
                    has been the subject of a threat, as determined by such
                    applicable Federal protective agency.
                        ``(G) Family members.--The term `family members'
                    means a covered person's spouse and children.
                        ``(H) Federal judge.--The term `Federal judge'
                    means a justice of the United States or a judge of the
                    United States, as those terms are defined in section
                    451 of title 28.
                        ``(I) Member of congress.--The term `Member of
                    Congress' means a member of the Senate or the House of
                    Representatives, a Delegate to Congress, or the
                    Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico.
                        ``(J) Prohibited item.--The term `prohibited item'
                    means an item prohibited under section 1540.111 of
                    title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
                        ``(K) Staff members.--The term `staff members'
                    means up to 2 individuals who work for a covered
                    person.
                        ``(L) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has
                    the meaning given that term in section 1540.5 of title
                    49, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
                    regulation.
                ``(2) Application of passenger and baggage screening
            requirements.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), Members of
            Congress, including the congressional leadership, the heads of
            Federal agencies and commissions, including the Secretary of
            Homeland Security, the Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretaries,
            and the Assistant Secretaries of the Department of Homeland
            Security, the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General,
            the Assistant Attorneys General, and the United States
            Attorneys, and senior members of the Executive Office of the
            President, including the Director of the Office of Management
            and Budget, shall not be exempt from Federal passenger and
            baggage screening requirements at airports.
                ``(3) Safe airport travel specialized screening process.--
                        ``(A) Request.--A covered person who is or will be
                    traveling through a commercial service airport, or the
                    covered person's designee, may request that the
                    applicable Federal protective agency make the
                    notification described in subparagraph (B). If a
                    covered person or the covered person's designee makes a
                    request described in this paragraph, the applicable
                    Federal protective agency shall make the notification
                    described in subparagraph (B) within 48 hours prior to
                    travel or as soon as practicable after the covered
                    person or the covered person's designee makes the
                    request, provided that the requirements of this
                    subsection shall apply regardless of the timing of such
                    notification.
                        ``(B) Notification.--The notification described in
                    this paragraph is a notice to the Administrator that a
                    covered person is or will be traveling through a
                    commercial service airport. If a covered person's
                    family members, staff members, or both will be
                    traveling with the covered person, the notice shall
                    include that information. The Administrator shall
                    notify the appropriate personnel at the commercial
                    service airport. If necessary, the applicable Federal
                    protective agency shall notify personnel at the
                    appropriate air carrier.
                        ``(C) Security escort.--Except as provided in
                    subparagraph (D)(ii), when the Administrator receives a
                    notification described in subparagraph (B), the
                    Administrator shall provide, or shall arrange for the
                    provision of, a security escort at a commercial service
                    airport for a covered person, and if applicable, any
                    family members and staff members of the covered person
                    traveling with the covered person, for the entirety of
                    the time that the covered person and any such family
                    members and staff members are at a commercial service
                    airport. The covered person and any family members and
                    staff traveling with the covered person shall be
                    required to possess acceptable forms of identification
                    for identity verification, and shall refrain from
                    possessing prohibited items in carry-on luggage or in
                    the sterile areas of the airport. The Administrator may
                    require the commercial service airport to provide the
                    security escort required by this paragraph. The escort
                    required by this paragraph shall be an individual
                    authorized by the Administrator to escort an individual
                    eligible for the specialized screening procedures under
                    this subsection.
                        ``(D) Requirements.--
                                ``(i) In general.--The security escort
                            required by subparagraph (C) shall escort the
                            covered person and, if applicable, any family
                            members and staff members of the covered person
                            traveling with the covered person, through a
                            commercial service airport without the
                            imposition of costs or other fees on the
                            covered person, or on any family members and
                            staff members traveling with the covered
                            person. The covered person and, if applicable,
                            any family members and staff members of the
                            covered person traveling with the covered
                            person, shall travel through the commercial
                            service airport with the security escort in
                            accordance with the specialized screening
                            procedures for an individual under protective
                            escort, in effect as of January, 1, 2024, in
                            lieu of the screening procedures described in
                            this section, and the airport security program
                            described under part 1542 of title 49, Code of
                            Federal Regulations.
                                ``(ii) Limited exception.--If a covered
                            person has a security escort that is authorized
                            by the Administrator to escort the covered
                            person and, if applicable, any family members
                            and staff members of the covered person
                            traveling with the covered person, through the
                            commercial service airport with the security
                            escort in accordance with the specialized
                            screening procedures for an individual under
                            protective escort, in effect as of January 1,
                            2024, in lieu of the screening procedures
                            described in this section, and the airport
                            security program described under part 1542 of
                            title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the
                            Administrator shall not be required to provide,
                            or arrange for the provision of, a security
                            escort under subparagraph (C) for the covered
                            person and, if applicable, any family members
                            and staff members of the covered person
                            traveling with the covered person, through the
                            commercial service airport.
                        ``(E) Implementation.--Not later than 60 days after
                    the date of enactment of this subsection, the
                    Administrator shall conduct an assessment on the
                    impacts to the transportation security system,
                    including the staffing and resource needs, and update
                    or issue such guidance or advisory circulars as are
                    necessary to carry out this subsection.
                ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
            authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as
            may be necessary to carry out the provisions of paragraph (3),
            including for reimbursements to owners or operators of
            commercial service airports, local law enforcement, or other
            law enforcement officers for the provision of security escorts.
                ``(5) Briefings.--The Administrator, in coordination with
            the head of each applicable Federal protective agency and the
            Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall
            provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on
            the implementation and ongoing use of the provisions of
            paragraph (3), including staffing and resource needs, and the
            procedures of the Administration for processing individuals
            under protective escort upon the request of any such committee.
                ``(6) Coordination.--The Administrator of the Federal
            Aviation Administration shall coordinate with the Administrator
            and the heads of the applicable Federal protective agencies to
            implement the requirements of this subsection, as appropriate.
                ``(7) Exemption revocation.--If prohibited items are
            discovered on the property of, or on a covered person, or the
            covered person's family members or staff members traveling with
            the covered person, the Administrator may deny the covered
            person and any family members and staff members of the covered
            person traveling with the covered person specialized screening
            under subsection (c).
                ``(8) Additional screening.--A covered person, and the
            covered person's family members and staff members traveling
            with the covered person, may be subject to a random screening
            protocol or be required to undergo screening at a commercial
            service airport if the Federal Security Director designated for
            that airport under section 44933 believes that there is a risk
            to the aviation system associated with the screening exemption
            of such individual.
                ``(9) Certification from covered persons.--A covered person
            shall certify to the Administration or the applicable Federal
            protective agency that the covered person and the family
            members and staff members traveling with the covered person do
            not possess any prohibited items.''.

    SEC. 643. ADDITIONAL PERMITTED USES OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE
                  REVENUE.

        Section 40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by
    section 631, is amended by adding at the end the following new
    subparagraph:
                        ``(I) A project for costs incurred in connection
                    with the relocation of a Federal agency on airport
                    grounds due to a terminal development or renovation
                    project at such airport, but such costs shall be
                    limited to the replacement of existing work space
                    elements (including any associated in-kind facility or
                    equipment within or immediately adjacent to such
                    terminal development or renovation project at such
                    airport) for which development costs are eligible costs
                    under this section.''.

    SEC. 644. AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE PILOT PROGRAM.

        (a) Establishment.--
                (1) Establishment.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
                    establish a pilot program to provide competitive grants
                    to eligible airport sponsors for the planning, design,
                    and construction of projects that meet the requirements
                    described in subparagraph (B).
                        (B) Project requirements described.--The
                    requirements described in this subparagraph, with
                    respect to a project, are the following:
                                (i) The project is on airport property or
                            other property owned exclusively by the
                            eligible airport sponsor with good title and
                            without encumbrance, as described on an Airport
                            Layout Plan or included in the airport land
                            inventory in the case of properties remote from
                            the airport.
                                (ii) The project is for the exclusive
                            benefit of and use by the airport.
                                (iii) The project will reduce the
                            vulnerability of airport infrastructure to any
                            of the following:
                                        (I) Long-term risks to the land
                                    surface, subsurface, and atmosphere due
                                    to changing conditions, such as
                                    inundation caused by--
                                                (aa) sea level rise;
                                                (bb) permafrost thaw;
                                                (cc) aridification; or
                                                (dd) higher air
                                            temperatures.
                                        (II) Weather events and natural
                                    disasters, such as severe storms,
                                    flooding, high winds, drought,
                                    wildfire, rockslides, mudslides, and
                                    other slope instabilities, sinkholes,
                                    tsunami, earthquakes, and extreme
                                    weather, including extreme temperature
                                    and precipitation.
                        (C) Eligible airport sponsor.--In this section, the
                    term ``eligible airport sponsor'' means a sponsor of an
                    airport that is included in the national plan of
                    integrated airport systems described in section 47103
                    of title 49, United States Code.
                        (D) Clarification.--Projects funded under the pilot
                    program under this section may be for new projects as
                    well as for making improvements to existing
                    infrastructure and may include the purchasing of
                    monitoring equipment or monitoring services.
                (2) Consultation.--In establishing the pilot program under
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
                        (A) engage in a public comment period; and
                        (B) consult with--
                                (i) the Administrator;
                                (ii) the Administrator of the Federal
                            Emergency Management Agency;
                                (iii) The Administrator of the National
                            Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
                                (iv) the Administrator of the National
                            Aeronautics and Space Administration.
                (3) Requirements.--In awarding grants to eligible airport
            sponsors under the pilot program under this section, the
            Secretary shall only award a grant for a project that meets
            each of the following requirements, as determined by the
            Secretary:
                        (A) The project will reduce airport vulnerability
                    to changing conditions and extreme weather events.
                        (B) The project meets applicable engineering
                    standards, as defined by the Secretary.
                        (C) The anticipated benefits of the project are
                    supported by the best available scientific research and
                    analysis.
                        (D) The project meets other requirements determined
                    appropriate by the Secretary.
                (4) Considerations.--In awarding grants to eligible airport
            sponsors under the pilot program under this section, the
            Secretary shall consider--
                        (A) whether the project includes natural
                    infrastructure, as defined in section 101 of title 23,
                    United States Code; and
                        (B) the potential for the project to mitigate the
                    airport's impact on the environment.
                (5) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
            the pilot program under this section, an eligible airport
            sponsor shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
            time, in such form, and containing such information as the
            Secretary may require. Such information shall include a
            preliminary description of how the proposed project is
            projected to benefit and potentially impact both the airport
            and the surrounding communities with regard to changing
            conditions, weather events, and natural disasters.
                (6) Reports to secretary.--An eligible airport sponsor that
            is awarded a grant under the pilot program under this section
            shall submit to the Secretary periodic reports on the use of
            the funds. Such reports shall be submitted at such time, in
            such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may
            require.
        (b) Distribution to Smaller Airports.--In conducting the pilot
    program under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that not less
    than 25 percent of the funds made available under subsection (f) are
    used to award grants to eligible airport sponsors of small hub
    airports, nonhub airports, airports that are not a primary airport, and
    reliever airports, as such terms are defined in section 47102 of title
    49, United States Code.
        (c) Federal Share.--The United States Government's share of
    allowable project costs for a project carried out with a grant under
    the pilot program shall be the United States Government's share of
    allowable project costs specified under section 47109 of title 49,
    United States Code.
        (d) Requirements.--Projects carried out, in whole or in part, with
    grants under the pilot program under this section shall be subject to
    the requirements under section 47112 of title 49, United States Code.
        (e) Report to Congress.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the
            Secretary first awards a grant under the pilot program under
            this section, and annually thereafter for as long as the
            Secretary is conducting the pilot program under this section,
            the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
            Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Environment
            and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on
            Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
            Representatives a report that evaluates the pilot program
            established under this section. Each such report shall
            include--
                        (A) a description of each project funded under the
                    pilot program, including the vulnerabilities it
                    addresses;
                        (B) a description of the applications under the
                    pilot program;
                        (C) recommendations to improve the administration
                    of the pilot program, including whether consultation
                    with additional or fewer agencies to carry out the
                    pilot program is appropriate and whether additional
                    appropriation levels are appropriate;
                        (D) a description of the period required to
                    disburse grant funds to eligible airport sponsors,
                    including the time needed for Federal coordination; and
                        (E) other items determined appropriate by the
                    Secretary.
                (2) Public availability.--The Secretary shall post each
            report submitted under paragraph (1) on the public internet
            website of the Department of Transportation.
        (f) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
    Secretary $300,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to
    carry out this section. Such sums shall remain available until
    expended.

    SEC. 645. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT FUNDS
                  TO CERTAIN ENTITIES THAT HAVE VIOLATED INTELLECTUAL
                  PROPERTY RIGHTS OF UNITED STATES ENTITIES.

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

    SEC. 646. ENSURING THAT CERTAIN PROJECTS RELATED TO NATURAL HAZARDS AND
                  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING UNDER THE
                  FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT
                  PROGRAM.

        (a) Intermodal Planning.--Section 47101(g) of title 49, United
    States Code, is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by inserting
            ``(including long-term resilience from the impact of natural
            hazards and severe weather events)'' after ``environmental'';
            and
                (2) in paragraph (2)--
                        (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
                    end;
                        (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
                    the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following new
                    subparagraph:
                        ``(E) consider the impact of hazardous weather
                    events on long-term operational resilience.''.
        (b) Definition of Airport Development.--Section 47102(3) of title
    49, United States Code, as amended by section 601, is amended by adding
    at the end the following new subparagraphs:
                        ``(W) improvements, supported by planning or
                    resiliency studies, or planning for improvements, of
                    primary runways, taxiways, and aprons necessary at an
                    airport to increase operational resilience to prepare
                    the airport for resuming or maintaining flight
                    operations in the event of an earthquake, flooding,
                    high water, sea level rise, a hurricane, a tropical
                    storm, a cyclone, storm surge, a tidal wave, a tornado,
                    a tsunami, wind driven water, wildfire, land
                    instability, or a winter storm.
                        ``(X)(i) in the case of an airport that meets each
                    of the requirements described in clause (ii)--
                                ``(I) planning for disaster preparedness
                            associated with maintaining airport operations
                            during a natural disaster;
                                ``(II) acquiring airport communication
                            equipment and fixed emergency generators that
                            are not eligible for funding under programs
                            funded under the Department of Homeland
                            Security; and
                                ``(III) constructing, expanding, or
                            improving airfield infrastructure to include
                            aprons and terminal buildings the Secretary of
                            Transportation determines will facilitate
                            disaster response at the airport.
                        ``(ii) The requirements described in this clause
                    are the following:
                                ``(I) The airport and the facilities and
                            fixed-based operators on, or connected with,
                            the airport are operated and maintained in a
                            manner the Secretary of Transportation
                            considers suitable for disaster relief. An
                            airport shall not be considered as failing to
                            meet the requirement under the preceding
                            sentence if a runway is unusable because the
                            runway is under scheduled maintenance or is in
                            need of necessary repairs.
                                ``(II) The airport has developed an
                            emergency natural disaster management plan in
                            coordination with State and local officials.''.

    SEC. 647. VISUAL WEATHER OBSERVATION SYSTEMS.

        (a) In General.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment
    of this section, the Administrator shall finalize research of VWOS and
    develop standard operation specifications for operator use.
        (b) Deployment.--Not later than 180 days after completing the tasks
    required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall begin deployment of
    VWOS at locations in the non-contiguous States with instrument flight
    rules operations where AWOS or ASOS do not exist.
        (c) Modifications.--Upon the request of an aircraft operator, the
    Administrator shall issue or modify the standard operation
    specifications for VWOS developed under subsection (a) to allow VWOS to
    be used to satisfy the requirements for supplemental noncertified local
    weather observations under section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
    of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44720 note).
        (d) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2028, the Administrator
    shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
    implementation of this section.
        (e) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) ASOS.--The term ``ASOS'' means an Automated Surface
            Observing System.
                (2) AWOS.--The term ``AWOS'' means an Automated Weather
            Observation System.
                (3) VWOS.--The term ``VWOS'' means a Visual Weather
            Observation System.

    SEC. 648. TRANSFERS OF AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ACQUIRED WITH AIP FUNDING.

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

    SEC. 649. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.

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

    SEC. 650. CODIFICATION OF FAA NOTICE OF POLICY RELATING TO ADDRESSING
                  DISPUTED CHANGES OF SPONSORSHIP AT FEDERALLY OBLIGATED,
                  PUBLICLY OWNED AIRPORTS.

        The notice of policy of the FAA entitled ``Notice of Policy on
    Evaluating Disputed Changes of Sponsorship at Federally Obligated
    Airports'' (81 Fed. Reg. 36144 (June 6, 2016)) is enacted into law.

    SEC. 651. ELIGIBLE REVENUE-PRODUCING FACILITIES AT RURAL PUBLIC-USE
                  GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS.

        The Administrator shall not restrict funding for eligible revenue-
    producing facilities at rural public use general aviation airports. Any
    such facilities shall be identified in the airport's master plan.

    SEC. 652. INCREASING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORT POWER SOURCES.

        (a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended--
                (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after the first
            sentence the following new sentence: ``To the maximum extent
            practicable, the Secretary shall provide technical assistance
            to the sponsor of each public-use airport to consider the
            ability of electrochromic glass to maximize energy efficiency
            and peak load savings.''; and
                (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``that will increase
            energy efficiency at the airport'' and inserting ``that will
            maximize increases in energy efficiency and peak load savings
            at the airport''.
        (b) Airport Development Definition.--Section 47102(3)(P) of title
    49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, electrochromic
    glass (as defined in section 1009 of the Energy Policy Act of 2020
    (Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat. 2438)),'' after ``electrical
    generators''.

                      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 ``March
    8, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 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;
                ``(6) nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in
            disability and accessibility matters; and
                ``(7) ticket agents.''.

    SEC. 702. 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--
                ``(1) the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice
            of--
                        ``(A) the terms of the offer; and
                        ``(B) the passenger's right to a full refund under
                    this section; and
                ``(2) the voucher, credit, or other form of compensation
            remains valid and redeemable by the consumer for a period of at
            least 5 years from the date on which the voucher, credit, or
            other form of compensation is issued.
        ``(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. 703. 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.
        ``(c) Accessibility Assistance.--Each large hub airport, medium hub
    airport, and small hub airport (as such terms are defined in section
    40102) with scheduled passenger service shall ensure that passengers
    with a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of
    Federal Regulations) who identify themselves as such are notified of
    the availability of accessibility assistance and shall assist such
    passengers in connecting to the appropriate entities to obtain the same
    information required in this section that is provided to other
    passengers.''.
                        (B) 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. 704. 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 usable, 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. 705. ACCESS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TRAVELERS.

        (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
                (1) In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, it is
            important for customers to be able to easily access information
            about the status of their flight and any alternative flight
            options.
                (2) 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) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or
            monitored text messaging number.--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.''.
                (2) 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. 706. 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. The air carrier or ticket agent, where applicable and
            upon request by an individual who self-identifies as having a
            disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of
            Federal Regulations), shall provide such notification in an
            electronic format that is accessible to the recipient.
                ``(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. 707. 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) Accessibility Requirement.--In developing the dashboards
    required in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in order to ensure the
    dashboards are accessible and contain pertinent information for
    passengers with disabilities, consult with the Air Carrier Access Act
    Advisory Committee, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers
    Compliance Board, and any other relevant department or agency to
    determine appropriate accessibility standards, as well as with
    disability advocacy entities, including nonprofit organizations focused
    on ensuring that individuals with disabilities (as defined in section
    382.3, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) are able to live and
    participate in their communities.
        ``(c) 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.
        ``(d) 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
            (c)(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 (c)(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).
        ``(e) 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. 708. 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. 709. 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. 710. 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. 711. 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. 712. 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. 713. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.

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

    SEC. 714. 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 seat 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. 715. 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;
                    and
                        ``(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.
                ``(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.''.

    SEC. 716. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER ADVOCATE REPORTING
                  REQUIREMENT.

        Section 424(e) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C.
    42302 note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

    SEC. 717. ADDITIONAL WITHIN AND BEYOND PERIMETER SLOT EXEMPTIONS AT
                  RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT.

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

                           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 ``March 8, 2024'' and inserting
    ``September 30, 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 and efficiently evacuate an
                            aircraft;
                                (iv) the research proposed in National
                            Transportation Safety Board Safety
                            Recommendation A-18-009; and
                                (v) any other analysis determined
                            appropriate by the Administrator.
                        (B) Considerations.--In conducting the study under
                    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall assess the
                    following:
                                (i) The ability of passengers of different
                            ages (including infants, children, and senior
                            citizens) to safely and efficiently evacuate a
                            transport category airplane.
                                (ii) The ability of passengers of different
                            heights and weights to safely and efficiently
                            evacuate a transport category airplane.
                                (iii) The ability of passengers with
                            disabilities to 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 onboard 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 each of the
            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 each of the
            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.

        (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, in 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 Sciences, 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.

        (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 of
            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. ACCESS AND DIGNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL.

        (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. 738. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS.

        (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. 739. STORE ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN CABIN.

        (a) Requirements.--
                (1) In general.--In the case of 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
            carrier shall require that all personnel who regularly interact
            with the traveling public, including contractors, complete
            annual training regarding assisting a 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 with 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 that 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).

    SEC. 740. STANDARDS.

        (a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
                (1) Standards.--
                        (A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not
                    later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
                    this section, the Secretary shall issue an advanced
                    notice of proposed rulemaking regarding standards to
                    ensure that the aircraft boarding and deplaning process
                    is accessible, in terms of design for and
                    transportation of, and communication with, individuals
                    with disabilities, including individuals who use
                    wheelchairs.
                        (B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than
                    1 year after the date on which the advanced notice of
                    proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is
                    completed, the Secretary shall issue a notice of
                    proposed rulemaking regarding standards addressed in
                    subparagraph (A).
                        (C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the
                    date on which the notice of proposed rulemaking under
                    subparagraph (B) is completed, the Secretary shall
                    issue a final rule.
                (2) Covered aircraft, equipment, and features.--The
            standards prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at a
            minimum--
                        (A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
                        (B) improved procedures to ensure priority cabin
                    stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to
                    section 382.67 of title 14 of the Code of Federal
                    Regulations; and
                        (C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage
                    to assistive devices.
                (3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking in
            subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the Access
            Board and any other relevant department or agency to determine
            appropriate accessibility standards.
        (b) In-flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year
    after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
    issue a notice of proposed rulemaking in accordance with the November
    22, 2016 Resolution of the U.S. Department of Transportation ACCESS
    Committee's and the consensus recommendation set forth in Term Sheet
    Reflecting Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-Flight
    Entertainment.
        (c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems
    and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
                (1) Timing.--
                        (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
                    completion of the report required by section 735(d)(3),
                    and if that report finds 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, the Secretary shall conduct a
                    negotiated rulemaking on new type certificated aircraft
                    standards for seating arrangements that accommodate
                    passengers with wheelchairs (including power
                    wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and scooters) in the
                    main cabin during flight or an accessible route to a
                    minimum of 2 aircraft passenger seats for passengers to
                    access from their personal assistive devices.
                        (B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking shall
                    include participation of representatives of--
                                (i) air carriers;
                                (ii) aircraft manufacturers;
                                (iii) national disability organizations;
                                (iv) aviation safety experts; and
                                (v) mobility aid manufacturers.
                (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year
            after the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required by
            paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed
            rulemaking regarding the standards in paragraph (1).
                (3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on
            which the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) is
            completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule regarding the
            standards in paragraph (1).
                (4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and
            rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary shall
            consider--
                        (A) a reasonable period for the design,
                    certification, and construction of aircraft that meet
                    the requirements;
                        (B) the safety of all persons on-board the
                    aircraft, including necessary wheelchair standards and
                    wheelchair compliance with FAA crashworthiness and
                    safety performance criteria; and
                        (C) the costs of design, installation, equipage,
                    and aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet
                    equipage and fare impacts.
        (d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The Advisory
    Committee established under section 439(g) of the FAA Reauthorization
    Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) (as amended by section 731) shall
    examine technical solutions and the feasibility of visually and
    tactilely accessible announcements on-board aircraft.
        (e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct consultation with
    the Access Board, prescribe regulations setting forth minimum standards
    under section 41705 of title 49, United States Code (commonly known as
    the ``Air Carrier Access Act''), that ensure all gates (including
    counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks covered under
    such section at airports are accessible to and usable by all
    individuals with disabilities, including through the provision of
    visually and tactilely accessible announcements and full and equal
    access to aural communications.
        (f) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Access board.--The term ``Access Board'' means the
            Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
                (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning
            given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States
            Code.
                (3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual
            with a disability'' has the meaning given that term in section
            382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier''
            has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49,
            United States Code.

    SEC. 741. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.

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

                      Subtitle C--Air Service Development

    SEC. 751. 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)--
                                (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``hub
                            airport'' and all that follows through ``beyond
                            that airport'' and inserting ``medium or large
                            hub airport''; and
                                (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting
                            ``medium or large'' after ``nearest''; 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, 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
                    ``March 8, 2024'' 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. 752. 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 all that
                    follows through ``March 8, 2024'' 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. 753. 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.

    SEC. 754. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE IN PARTS OF ALASKA.

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

    SEC. 755. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE COMMUNITY PETITION FOR REVIEW.

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

                            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 such technologies 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;
                        ``(K) serve as the Federal Aviation Administration
                    lead for the Drone Safety Team; and
                        ``(L) use the Federal Aviation Administration's
                    clearinghouse website for publicly available data
                    (commonly referred to as `Data.FAA.gov') to ensure the
                    establishment and implementation of a secure, single-
                    sign on for all FAA-related services (including pending
                    certifications, applications, IACRA, CAPS, DroneZone,
                    MedXpress, CARES, and any other service deemed
                    appropriate by the Administrator) with multifactor
                    authentication-protected online capability that allows
                    stakeholders with a new or pending certification or
                    approval application to review the status of such
                    application, receive notice of deadlines and major
                    certification milestones, identify the Administration
                    office that is reviewing such application, and submit
                    inquiries or requests for guidance.
                ``(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 4 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 16 months 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 that 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.''.
        (c) Additional Consideration.--In developing the regulations under
    section 44811 of title 49, United States Code, as added by subsection
    (a), the Administrator shall consider any maneuverability or technology
    limitations of certain aircraft, including hot air balloons.

    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 ``March 8, 2024'' 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. THIRD PARTY SERVICE APPROVALS.

        (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, including third
    party service suppliers of UTM, in order to fulfill safety functions
    for Beyond Visual Line of Sight.
        (b) Acceptance of Standards.--In establishing the standard approval
    process required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure
    that, to the maximum extent practicable, industry consensus standards,
    such as ASTM International Standard F3548-21, entitled ``UAS Traffic
    Management (UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability'', are
    included as an acceptable means of compliance for third party services.
        (c) UTM Approval.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after 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 approval 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 approval 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
            safety or efficiency of the national airspace system, 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 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 (Public 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) In Class G airspace, aircraft flying within the
            safety programming of a recognized community-based organization
            can fly from the surface up to controlled airspace. Operators
            shall maintain visual line of sight of the aircraft and comply
            with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions. Flights into
            controlled airspace require specific authorization from the
            Administrator.'';
                (2) in subsection (c)--
                        (A) in paragraph (1)--
                                (i) by striking ``organization conducting a
                            sanctioned event'' and inserting ``organization
                            sponsoring operations''; and
                                (ii) by inserting ``The Administrator shall
                            designate recognized community-based
                            organizations to self-declare FAA-recognized
                            identification areas to sponsored sites that
                            meet criteria developed by the Administrator in
                            coordination with the community-based
                            organization.'' after ``facility.'';
                        (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) from the surface up to controlled
                            airspace without prior authorization from the
                            Administrator; and
                                ``(ii) into controlled airspace with prior
                            authorization from the Administrator.
                        ``(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;
                        (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so
                    redesignated) the following:
                ``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal
            Aviation Administration;'';
                        (C) in paragraph (6), as redesignated by
                    subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the
                    semicolon;
                        (D) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by
                    striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
                        (E) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(8) is a designated Federal Aviation Administration Trust
            Administrator.''.
        (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 2024,
                    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 2024 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 of 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;
                        ``(F) improving privacy protections through the use
                    of advances in unmanned aircraft systems; and
                        ``(G) conducting counter-UAS testing;
                ``(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) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
    appropriated to carry out this section, $14,000,000 for each of fiscal
    years 2024 through 2028.
        ``(k) 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
    ``March 8, 2024'' 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 an air carrier to transport hazardous materials by
    unmanned aircraft systems providing common carriage under part 135 of
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under 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 that the
            carriage of hazardous materials complies with Hazardous
            Materials Regulations, including any changes to the Hazardous
            Materials Regulations adopted pursuant to this section;
                (3) the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous
            materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into
            consideration the risk associated with differing weights,
            quantities, and Packing Group classifications of hazardous
            materials; and
                (4) mitigations to the risk of the hazardous materials
            transported, including operational mitigations and aircraft-
            based mitigations.
        (c) Safety Risk Assessments.--The Secretary shall require unmanned
    aircraft operators to submit a safety risk assessment (SRA) acceptable
    by the Administrator.
        (d) 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 be made concurrently
    with the authority in subsection (a).
        (e) Stakeholder Input on Changes to the Hazardous Materials
    Regulations.--Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this section,
    the Secretary shall hold a public meeting to obtain input on changes
    necessary to implement this section within the Hazardous Materials
    Regulations and to address any identified changes in risk.
        (f) 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.

    SEC. 817. STOP ILLICIT DRONES.

        (a) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Covered foreign country.--The term ``covered foreign
            country'' means any of the following:
                        (A) The People's Republic of China.
                        (B) The Russian Federation.
                        (C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                        (D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
                        (E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                        (F) The Republic of Cuba.
                        (G) Any other country the Administrator deems
                    necessary.
                (2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
            entity'' means an entity that is--
                        (A) included on the Consolidated Screening List
                    maintained by the Under Secretary of Commerce for
                    International Trade;
                        (B) domiciled in a covered foreign country;
                        (C) subject to influence or control by the
                    government of a covered foreign country; or
                        (D) owned by an entity that is described in
                    subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
                (3) Unmanned aircraft system; uas.--The terms ``unmanned
            aircraft system'' and ``UAS'' have the meaning given the term
            ``unmanned aircraft system'' in section 44801 of title 49,
            United States Code.
        (b) Prohibition on Funding for Entities From Covered Foreign
    Countries for Projects Related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
                (1) Aviation research grants program.--Not later than 180
            days after the date of enactment of this section, the
            Administrator shall amend FAA Order 9550.7B, Aviation Research
            Grants Program (dated November 25, 2014), as well as any
            corresponding policy or guidance material, to prohibit--
                        (A) any covered foreign entity from receiving
                    aviation research and development grants for any
                    project related to unmanned aircraft systems; and
                        (B) any entity from using such grants to partner
                    with or otherwise transact business relating to covered
                    unmanned aircraft systems with covered foreign
                    entities.
                (2) Aviation workforce development programs.--Section
            625(c) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101
            note), as amended by section 501 of this Act, is amended--
                        (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding
                    subparagraph (A), by striking ``An application for a
                    grant'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (4), an
                    application for a grant'';
                        (B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding
                    subparagraph (A), by striking ``An application for a
                    grant'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (4), an
                    application for a grant''; and
                        (C) by adding at the end the following new
                    paragraph:
                ``(4) Applications from covered foreign entities.--
                        ``(A) Prohibition.--Beginning on the date of
                    enactment of this paragraph, an application for a grant
                    under the program established under subsection (a)(1)
                    or (a)(2) may not be submitted for an eligible project
                    related to unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in
                    section 44801 of title 49, United States Code) by--
                                ``(i) a covered foreign entity; or
                                ``(ii) an entity that uses or intends to
                            use such grant to benefit a covered foreign
                            entity.
                        ``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph:
                                ``(i) Covered foreign country.--The term
                            `covered foreign country' means any of the
                            following:
                                        ``(I) The People's Republic of
                                    China.
                                        ``(II) The Russian Federation.
                                        ``(III) The Islamic Republic of
                                    Iran.
                                        ``(IV) The Democratic People's
                                    Republic of Korea.
                                        ``(V) The Bolivarian Republic of
                                    Venezuela.
                                        ``(VI) The Republic of Cuba.
                                        ``(VII) Any other country the
                                    Administrator of the Federal Aviation
                                    Administration deems necessary.
                                ``(ii) Covered foreign entity.--The term
                            `covered foreign entity' means an entity that
                            is--
                                        ``(I) included on the Consolidated
                                    Screening List maintained by the Under
                                    Secretary of Commerce for International
                                    Trade;
                                        ``(II) domiciled in a covered
                                    foreign country;
                                        ``(III) subject to influence or
                                    control by the government of a covered
                                    foreign country; or
                                        ``(IV) owned by an entity that is
                                    described in subclause (I), (II), or
                                    (III).''.
                (3) Centers of excellence.--
                        (A) Community and technical college centers of
                    excellence in small unmanned aircraft system technology
                    training.--Section 631 of the FAA Reauthorization Act
                    of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
                                (i) in subsection (a), by striking ``Not
                            later than 180 days'' and inserting ``Subject
                            to subsection (f), not later than 180 days'';
                            and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following new
                            subsection:
        ``(f) Prohibition.--
                ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date of enactment of
            this subsection, the Secretary of Transportation may not
            designate any covered foreign entity as a Center of Excellence
            under subsection (a).
                ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
                        ``(A) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered
                    foreign country' means any of the following:
                                ``(i) The People's Republic of China.
                                ``(ii) The Russian Federation.
                                ``(iii) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                                ``(iv) The Democratic People's Republic of
                            Korea.
                                ``(v) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                                ``(vi) The Republic of Cuba.
                                ``(vii) Any other country the Administrator
                            of the Federal Aviation Administration deems
                            necessary.
                        ``(B) Covered foreign entity.--The term `covered
                    foreign entity' means an entity that is--
                                ``(i) included on the Consolidated
                            Screening List maintained by the Under
                            Secretary of Commerce for International Trade;
                                ``(ii) domiciled in a covered foreign
                            country;
                                ``(iii) subject to influence or control by
                            the government of a covered foreign country; or
                                ``(iv) owned by an entity that is described
                            in clause (i), (ii), or (iii).''.
                        (B) Regional centers of air transportation
                    excellence.--Section 44513 of title 49, United States
                    Code, is amended--
                                (i) in subsection (a), by striking ``The
                            Administrator'' and inserting ``Subject to
                            subsection (i), the Administrator''; and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following new
                            subsection:
        ``(i) Prohibition.--
                ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date of enactment of
            this subsection, the Administrator may not issue a grant under
            subsection (a) to a covered foreign entity to establish or
            operate a regional center of air transportation excellence
            related to unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in section
            44801).
                ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
                        ``(A) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered
                    foreign country' means any of the following:
                                ``(i) The People's Republic of China.
                                ``(ii) The Russian Federation.
                                ``(iii) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                                ``(iv) The Democratic People's Republic of
                            Korea.
                                ``(v) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                                ``(vi) The Republic of Cuba.
                                ``(vii) Any other country the Administrator
                            deems necessary.
                        ``(B) Covered foreign entity.--The term `covered
                    foreign entity' means an entity that is--
                                ``(i) included on the Consolidated
                            Screening List maintained by the Under
                            Secretary of Commerce for International Trade;
                                ``(ii) domiciled in a covered foreign
                            country;
                                ``(iii) subject to influence or control by
                            the government of a covered foreign country; or
                                ``(iv) owned by an entity that is described
                            in clause (i), (ii), or (iii).''.
                (4) Other faa funding.--
                        (A) Facilities, personnel, and research.--
                                (i) In general.--Chapter 445 of title 49,
                            United States Code, is amended by adding at the
                            end the following new section:
    ``Sec. 44520. Prohibition on drone-related funding to covered foreign
                  entities
        ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration may not issue a grant under this chapter to a covered
    foreign entity for any project related to unmanned aircraft systems.
        ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
                ``(1) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered foreign
            country' means any of the following:
                        ``(A) The People's Republic of China.
                        ``(B) The Russian Federation.
                        ``(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                        ``(D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
                        ``(E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                        ``(F) The Republic of Cuba.
                        ``(G) Any other country the Administrator of the
                    Federal Aviation Administration deems necessary.
                ``(2) Covered foreign entity.--The term `covered foreign
            entity' means an entity that is--
                        ``(A) included on the Consolidated Screening List
                    maintained by the Under Secretary of Commerce for
                    International Trade;
                        ``(B) domiciled in a covered foreign country;
                        ``(C) subject to influence or control by the
                    government of a covered foreign country; or
                        ``(D) owned by an entity that is described in
                    subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
                ``(3) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term `unmanned
            aircraft system' has the meaning given that term in section
            44801.
        ``(c) Effective Date.--The prohibition under subsection (a) shall
    apply to any grant awarded by the Administrator on or after the date of
    enactment of this section.''.
                                (ii) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for
                            chapter 445 of such title 49, is amended by
                            inserting after the item relating to section
                            44519 the following:

    ``44520. Prohibition on drone-related funding to covered foreign
                                entities.''.
                        (B) Airport improvement project grant
                    applications.--Section 47105(a) of title 49, United
                    States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
                    following new paragraph:
                ``(4) Prohibition.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation
                    may not award a grant under this subchapter to a
                    covered foreign entity for any project related to
                    unmanned aircraft systems (as defined in section
                    44801).
                        ``(B) Effective date.--The prohibition under
                    subparagraph (A) shall apply to any grant awarded by
                    the Secretary on or after the date of enactment of this
                    paragraph.
                        ``(C) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph:
                                ``(i) Covered foreign country.--The term
                            `covered foreign country' means any of the
                            following:
                                        ``(I) The People's Republic of
                                    China.
                                        ``(II) The Russian Federation.
                                        ``(III) The Islamic Republic of
                                    Iran.
                                        ``(IV) The Democratic People's
                                    Republic of Korea.
                                        ``(V) The Bolivarian Republic of
                                    Venezuela.
                                        ``(VI) The Republic of Cuba.
                                        ``(VII) Any other country the
                                    Administrator of the Federal Aviation
                                    Administration deems necessary.
                                ``(ii) Covered foreign entity.--The term
                            `covered foreign entity' means an entity that
                            is--
                                        ``(I) included on the Consolidated
                                    Screening List maintained by the Under
                                    Secretary of Commerce for International
                                    Trade;
                                        ``(II) domiciled in a covered
                                    foreign country;
                                        ``(III) subject to influence or
                                    control by the government of a covered
                                    foreign country; or
                                        ``(IV) owned by an entity that is
                                    described in subclause (I), (II), or
                                    (III).''.
                        (C) AIP funding eligibility.--Section 44810(e) of
                    title 49, United States Code, is amended--
                                (i) by striking ``Eligibility.--Upon the
                            certification'' and inserting ``Eligibility.--
                ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), upon the
            certification''; and
                                (ii) by adding at the end the following new
                            paragraph:
                ``(2) Prohibition.--
                        ``(A) In general.--The Administrator may not award
                    a grant under paragraph (1) to a covered foreign entity
                    for any project related to unmanned aircraft systems.
                        ``(B) Effective date.--The prohibition under
                    subparagraph (A) shall apply to any grant awarded under
                    paragraph (1) on or after the date of enactment of the
                    Stemming The Operation of Pernicious and Illicit Drones
                    Act.
                        ``(C) Definitions.--For purposes of this
                    subsection:
                                ``(i) Covered foreign country.--The term
                            `covered foreign country' means any of the
                            following:
                                        ``(I) The People's Republic of
                                    China.
                                        ``(II) The Russian Federation.
                                        ``(III) The Islamic Republic of
                                    Iran.
                                        ``(IV) The Democratic People's
                                    Republic of Korea.
                                        ``(V) The Bolivarian Republic of
                                    Venezuela.
                                        ``(VI) The Republic of Cuba.
                                        ``(VII) Any other country the
                                    Administrator deems necessary.
                                ``(ii) Covered foreign entity.--The term
                            `covered foreign entity' means an entity that
                            is--
                                        ``(I) included on the Consolidated
                                    Screening List or Entity List
                                    maintained by the Under Secretary of
                                    Commerce for International Trade;
                                        ``(II) domiciled in a covered
                                    foreign country;
                                        ``(III) subject to influence or
                                    control by the government of a covered
                                    foreign country; or
                                        ``(IV) owned by an entity that is
                                    described in subclause (I), (II), or
                                    (III).''.
        (c) Prohibition on FAA Operation, Procurement, or Contracting
    Action With Respect to Covered Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
                (1) In general.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States
            Code, as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end
            the following new section:
    ``Sec. 44816. Prohibition on operation, procurement, or contracting
                  action with respect to covered unmanned aircraft systems
        ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Administrator
    shall not--
                ``(1) operate a covered unmanned aircraft system; or
                ``(2) enter into, extend, or renew a contract--
                        ``(A) for the procurement of a covered unmanned
                    aircraft system; or
                        ``(B) with an entity that operates (as determined
                    by the Administrator) a covered unmanned aircraft
                    system in the performance of any Federal Aviation
                    Administration contract.
        ``(b) Exemption.--The restrictions under subsection (a) shall not
    apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the
    purpose of--
                ``(1) detection or counter-UAS system surrogate testing and
            training (including at Federal Aviation Administration-approved
            testing sites);
                ``(2) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information
            warfare operations, testing (including at Federal Aviation
            Administration-approved testing sites), analysis, and training;
            or
                ``(3) research to inform unmanned aircraft system data-
            driven policy decisions, safety assessments, procedures,
            rulemaking, and standards to safely integrate emerging entrants
            into the national airspace system (including at Federal
            Aviation Administration-approved testing sites).
        ``(c) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive the restrictions under
    subsection (a) on a case by case basis by certifying, in writing, to
    the Secretary of Homeland Security and the appropriate committees of
    Congress that the operation, procurement, or contracting action is
    required in the public interest.
        ``(d) Replacement of Covered Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--Not later
    than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the
    Administrator shall replace any covered unmanned aircraft system that
    is owned or operated by the Federal Aviation Administration as of the
    date of enactment of this section with an unmanned aircraft system
    manufactured in the United States or an allied country (as that term is
    defined in section 2350f(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code).
        ``(e) Report to Congress.--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 that includes--
                ``(1) a description of the changes the Federal Aviation
            Administration has made to its operation, procurement, and
            contracting processes to ensure that the Administration does
            not acquire any covered unmanned aircraft system;
                ``(2) the number of covered unmanned aircraft systems that
            needed to be replaced in accordance with subsection (d),
            including--
                        ``(A) an explanation of the purposes for which such
                    covered unmanned aircraft systems were used;
                        ``(B) a description of the unmanned aircraft
                    systems that the Administrator will purchase to replace
                    such covered unmanned aircraft systems; and
                        ``(C) the cost to replace the identified unmanned
                    aircraft systems; and
                ``(3) any other information determined appropriate by the
            Administrator.
        ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
                ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
            Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
                ``(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
            `appropriate committees of Congress' means--
                        ``(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
                    Transportation of the Senate;
                        ``(B) the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing
                    and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the
                    Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
                        ``(C) the Committee on Transportation and
                    Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
                        ``(D) the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing
                    and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the
                    Committee on Appropriations of the House of
                    Representatives.
                ``(3) Covered foreign country.--The term `covered foreign
            country' means any of the following:
                        ``(A) The People's Republic of China.
                        ``(B) The Russian Federation.
                        ``(C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
                        ``(D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
                        ``(E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
                        ``(F) The Republic of Cuba.
                        ``(G) Any other country the Administrator deems
                    necessary.
                ``(4) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term `covered
            unmanned aircraft system' means an unmanned aircraft system
            that is--
                        ``(A) included on the Consolidated Screening List
                    maintained by the Under Secretary of Commerce for
                    International Trade;
                        ``(B) produced by an entity domiciled in a covered
                    foreign country; or
                        ``(C) produced by an entity subject to influence or
                    control by the government of a covered foreign
                    country.''.
                (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of
            such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to
            section 44815 the following:

    ``44816. Prohibition on operation, procurement, or contracting action
                                with respect to covered unmanned aircraft
                                systems.''.

    SEC. 818. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANTS.

        (a) Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Program.--
                (1) Authority.--The Secretary shall establish a drone
            infrastructure inspection grant program to make grants to
            governmental entities to facilitate the use of eligible small
            unmanned aircraft systems to increase efficiency, reduce costs,
            improve worker and community safety, reduce carbon emissions,
            or meet other priorities (as determined by the Secretary)
            related to critical infrastructure projects.
                (2) Use of grant amounts.--A governmental entity may use a
            grant provided under this subsection to--
                        (A) purchase or lease eligible small unmanned
                    aircraft systems;
                        (B) support operational capabilities of eligible
                    small unmanned aircraft systems by the governmental
                    entity;
                        (C) contract for services performed with an
                    eligible small unmanned aircraft system in
                    circumstances in which the governmental entity does not
                    have the resources or expertise to safely carry out or
                    assist in carrying out the activities described under
                    paragraph (1); and
                        (D) support the program management capability of
                    the governmental entity to use an eligible small
                    unmanned aircraft system.
                (3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
            this subsection, a governmental entity shall submit an
            application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and
            containing such information as the Secretary may require,
            including an assurance that the governmental entity or its
            contractor will comply with relevant Federal regulations.
                (4) Selection of applicants.--In selecting an applicant for
            a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize
            projects that propose to--
                        (A) carry out a critical infrastructure project in
                    a historically disadvantaged community; or
                        (B) address a safety risk in the inspection,
                    operation, maintenance, repair, modernization, or
                    construction of an element of critical infrastructure.
                (5) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
            construed to interfere with an agreement between a governmental
            entity and a labor union.
                (6) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
            first grant is provided under this subsection, the Secretary
            shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
            that evaluates the program carried out under this subsection,
            including--
                        (A) a description of the number of grants awarded;
                        (B) the amount of each grant;
                        (C) the activities funded under this section; and
                        (D) the effectiveness of such funded activities in
                    meeting the objectives described in paragraph (1).
                (7) Funding.--
                        (A) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost
                    of a project carried out using a grant under this
                    subsection shall not be less than 80 percent of the
                    total project cost.
                        (B) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
                    authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
                    subsection--
                                (i) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
                                (ii) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years
                            2025 through 2028.
        (b) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
            entity'' means an entity--
                        (A) included on the Consolidated Screening List or
                    Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
                        (B) domiciled in the People's Republic of China or
                    the Russian Federation;
                        (C) subject to influence or control by the
                    government of the People's Republic of China or by the
                    Russian Federation; or
                        (D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity
                    described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
                (2) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical
            infrastructure'' has the meaning given such term in section
            1016(e) of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001
            (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
                (3) Critical infrastructure project.--The term ``critical
            infrastructure project'' means a project for the inspection,
            operation, maintenance, repair, modernization, or construction
            of an element of critical infrastructure, including mitigating
            environmental hazards to such infrastructure.
                (4) Educational institution.--The term ``educational
            institution'' means an institution of higher education (as
            defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
            U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized under
            sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49
            U.S.C. 40101 note).
                (5) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element
            of critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure
            facility or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads,
            highways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure,
            communication systems, pipelines, or other related facilities
            or assets, as defined by the Secretary.
                (6) Eligible small unmanned aircraft system.--The term
            ``eligible small unmanned aircraft system'' means a small
            unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a company
            that is domiciled in the United States and is not a covered
            foreign entity.
                (7) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental entity''
            means--
                        (A) a State, the District of Columbia, the
                    Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a territory of the United
                    States, or a political subdivision thereof;
                        (B) a unit of local government;
                        (C) a Tribal Government;
                        (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
                        (E) a combination of the entities described in
                    subparagraphs (A) through (D).
                (8) Small unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft; unmanned
            aircraft system.--The terms ``small unmanned aircraft'',
            ``unmanned aircraft'', and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have
            the meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 49,
            United States Code.

    SEC. 819. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC.

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

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

    SEC. 820. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE.

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

    SEC. 821. PROHIBITION ON OPERATION, PROCUREMENT, OR CONTRACTING ACTION
                  OF FOREIGN-MADE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

        (a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary
    is prohibited from entering into a contract or awarding a grant for the
    operation, procurement, or contracting action with respect to any small
    unmanned aircraft system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered
    foreign entity.
        (b) Exemption.--The restrictions under subsection (a) shall not
    apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the
    purpose of--
                (1) counter-UAS testing, analysis, or training; or
                (2) aviation safety testing.
        (c) Waiver.--The Secretary (or the Secretary's designee) may waive
    any restrictions under subsection (a) on a case by case basis by
    certifying, in writing, not later than 15 days after exercising such
    waiver, to the appropriate committees of Congress that the operation,
    procurement, or contracting action is required in the national interest
    of the United States.
        (d) Replacement of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
                (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
            enactment of this section, the Secretary shall replace any
            unmanned aircraft system that was manufactured or assembled by
            a covered foreign entity and that is owned or operated by the
            Department of Transportation as of the date of enactment of
            this section with an unmanned aircraft system manufactured in
            the United States or an allied country (as that term is defined
            in section 2350f(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code).
                (2) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
            Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
        (e) Definitions.--In this Section:
                (1) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign
            entity'' means an entity that is--
                        (A) included on the Consolidated Screening List or
                    Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
                        (B) doing business as Da Jiang Innovations (also
                    known as ``DJI'') or any successor company;
                        (C) domiciled in the People's Republic of China or
                    the Russian Federation;
                        (D) subject to influence or control by the
                    government of the People's Republic of China or the
                    Russian Federation; or
                        (E) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity
                    described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (D).
                (2) Small unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The
            terms ``small unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft
            system'' have the meaning given such terms in section 44801 of
            title 49, United States Code.

    SEC. 822. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMATION.

        (a) Comprehensive Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a
    comprehensive plan for unmanned aircraft systems automation.
        (b) Comprehensive Plan Contents.--The comprehensive plan
    established under subsection (a) shall--
                (1) identify such FAA processes and regulations that must
            change to accommodate the increasingly automated role of the
            remote pilot of unmanned aircraft systems; and
                (2) include a plan for how the FAA intends to authorize low
            risk automated operations, such as low altitude operations of
            small unmanned aircraft systems in close proximity to the
            ground or structures, to increasingly complex automated
            operations.
        (c) Coordination.--In establishing the comprehensive plan under
    subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
                (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
                (2) the Department of Defense;
                (3) manufacturers of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems;
                (4) operators of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems; and
                (5) other stakeholders at the discretion of the
            Administrator that have studied automation in aviation, the
            human-computer interface, and safety mitigations.
        (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
    this section, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on
    Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Subcommittee on
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of
    the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on
    Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on
    Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of
    the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a
    report on the plan established under subsection (a).
        (e) Small Unmanned Aircraft; Unmanned Aircraft; Unmanned Aircraft
    System.--In this section, the terms ``small unmanned aircraft'',
    ``unmanned aircraft'', and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have the
    meanings given such terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States
    Code.

    SEC. 823. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

        It is the sense of Congress that it is important that the United
    States maintain global leadership in advanced aviation to maintain and
    improve national security, safety, sustainability, and economic
    strength domestically and globally.

    SEC. 824. COMPREHENSIVE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM INTEGRATION STRATEGY.

        (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Administrator shall submit to the
    appropriate committees of Congress a report on its national airspace
    system (NAS) integration strategy for unmanned aircraft systems (as
    defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code), including
    civil unmanned aircraft systems operating in controlled airspace, that
    includes the following:
                (1) The status of the following:
                        (A) Implementation of statutory provisions related
                    to unmanned aircraft system integration in subtitle B
                    of title III of division B of the FAA Reauthorization
                    Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254).
                        (B) Implementation of statutory provisions related
                    to unmanned aircraft system integration in subtitle A
                    of title VIII of this Act.
                        (C) Actions taken by the FAA to implement
                    recommendations related to NAS integration of unmanned
                    aircraft systems, including civil unmanned aircraft
                    systems operating in controlled airspace, included in
                    aviation rulemaking committee reports published since
                    the enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
                    (Public Law 115-254).
                        (D) Any other objectives determined appropriate by
                    the Administrator as part of a NAS integration
                    strategy.
                (2) A description of steps to achieve the strategy as
            outlined in subsection (a), including milestones and
            performance metrics to gauge results.
                (3) The costs of executing the strategy, any resources or
            investments required to execute the strategy, and any
            regulatory or policy changes required to execute the strategy.
                (4) The process for ensuring coordination within the FAA
            and with relevant interagency stakeholders, as well as for
            receiving input from private and public sector unmanned
            aircraft systems stakeholders in the execution of the strategy.
                (5) A description of steps to achieve strategy objectives,
            including milestones and performance metrics to gauge results.
        (b) Congressional Briefings.--Beginning 6 months after the date of
    enactment of this section, and not less than every 12 months
    thereafter, the Administrator shall provide a briefing for the
    appropriate Committees of Congress on--
                (1) the status of implementation of each element specified
            in subsection (a); and
                (2) any additional actions taken by the Administrator to
            integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the NAS.
        (c) Sunset.--Subsection (b) shall not apply after September 30,
    2028.

    SEC. 825. ESTABLISHMENT OF ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR OF UAS INTEGRATION.

        Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section
    801, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
        ``(v) Office of the Associate Administrator of UAS Integration.--
                ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Federal
            Aviation Administration the Office of Associate Administrator
            of UAS Integration (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, in
                    consultation with the Secretary of Transportation; and
                        ``(B) report directly to the Administrator.
                ``(3) Purposes.--The purposes of the Office are to--
                        ``(A) ensure and oversee the safe integration of
                    UASs into the national airspace system;
                        ``(B) encourage and facilitate a commercially
                    viable UAS industry and the leadership of the United
                    States in UAS;
                        ``(C) increase overall safety of the transportation
                    system on a mode-neutral basis;
                        ``(D) promote the global leadership of the United
                    States in advanced aviation;
                        ``(E) manage the UAS Integration Office; and
                        ``(F) ensure the safe coexistence of UASs with
                    manned aircraft operating in the national airspace
                    system.
                ``(4) Duties.--The Associate Administrator shall--
                        ``(A) conduct rulemaking proceedings with respect
                    to UASs;
                        ``(B) review submissions under the processes
                    established in subparagraphs (C) through (E) of section
                    44811(c)(2) and, as appropriate, grant certifications
                    and other operational approvals;
                        ``(C) review, modify, accept, or approve industry-
                    developed standards, means of compliance, and
                    declarations of compliance;
                        ``(D) consult and coordinate with subject matter
                    experts from all relevant lines of business and staff
                    offices in carrying out the duties described in this
                    paragraph in a timely and efficient manner;
                        ``(E) hire full time equivalent employees, as
                    appropriate, to build expertise within the Office in
                    assessing new technologies and novel risk mitigations;
                    and
                        ``(F) engage in any other activities deemed
                    necessary by the Associate Administrator to carry out
                    the purposes described in paragraph (3).
                ``(5) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                        ``(A) Beyond visual line of sight; bvlos.--The
                    terms `beyond visual line of sight' or `BVLOS' mean the
                    operation of a UAS beyond the capability of the
                    flightcrew members to see the UAS with vision unaided
                    by any device other than corrective lenses (such as
                    spectacles or contact lenses).
                        ``(B) UAS.--The term `UAS' has the meaning given
                    the term `unmanned aircraft system' in section
                    44801.''.

    SEC. 826. USE OF MODELING AND SIMULATION TOOLS IN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
                  TEST RANGES; PROGRAM EXTENSION.

        Section 44803(c) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by
    section 813, is amended--
                (1) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
            inserting ``; and''; and
                (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
                ``(8) use modeling and simulation tools to assist in the
            testing, evaluation, verification, and validation of unmanned
            aircraft systems.''.

                       Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

    SEC. 831. 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. 832. 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. 833. 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. 834. 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. 835. 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.
        (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.
        (c) Requirements.--With respect to any aircraft type certificated
    by the Administrator, the procedure established under subsection (b)
    shall provide a practical pathway for pilot qualification and
    operations.

    SEC. 836. 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.

    SEC. 837. 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 year after
            the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator
            shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
            describing--
                        ``(A) the progress of the actions described in
                    subsection (d)(1);
                        ``(B) any planned, proposed, or anticipated action
                    to update or modify existing policies and regulations
                    related to civil supersonic aircraft, including 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 AND SUPERSONIC FLIGHT TESTING.

        (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year (Supersonic) and 2 years
    (Hypersonic) 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 1 (Supersonic Flight) including Mach 5 (Hypersonic) 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 1 (Supersonic)
            or Mach 5 (Hypersonic), 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 supersonic and 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 1 year 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 do not produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures at the
    surface under prevailing atmospheric conditions.
        (b) Consultation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
    enactment of this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the
    Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders, shall assess
    and report on a means for supporting continued compliance with the
    National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). The Administrator shall
    enter into an agreement with an appropriate Federally-funded research
    and development center, or other independent nonprofit organization
    that recommends long term solutions for maintaining NEPA compliance for
    1 or more over-land or near-land hypersonic and supersonic test areas
    that will be established.
        (c) 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
    authorization, provided that such flight operations--
                (1) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
                (2) do not cause a measurable sonic boom overpressure to
            reach the surface;
                (3) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances
            necessary to operate in controlled airspace; and
                (4) comply with applicable environmental requirements.

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

    SEC. 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, as
    amended by section 817, is amended by adding at the end the following
    new section:
    ``Sec. 44521. 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, as amended by section 817, is amended by inserting after the
    item relating to section 44520 the following:

    ``44521. 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.

    SEC. 918. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.

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

    SEC. 919. HYDROGEN AVIATION STRATEGY.

        (a) FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using Hydrogen to
    Propel Commercial Aircraft.--
                (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the
            Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall
            exercise leadership in the creation of Federal and
            international policies, and shall conduct research relating to
            the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen to propel
            commercial aircraft.
                (2) Exercise of leadership.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
            the Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy
            shall--
                        (A) establish positions and goals for the use of
                    hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft;
                        (B) through grant, contract, or interagency
                    agreements, study the contribution the use of hydrogen
                    would have on propelling commercial aircraft, including
                    hydrogen as an input for conventional jet fuel,
                    hydrogen fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion,
                    sustainable aviation fuel, and power to liquids or
                    synthetic fuel, and research ways of accelerating
                    introduction of hydrogen-propelled aircraft;
                        (C) review grant eligibility requirements, loans,
                    loan guarantees, and other policies and requirements of
                    the FAA and the Department of Energy to identify ways
                    to increase the safe and efficient use of hydrogen to
                    propel commercial aircraft;
                        (D) consider the needs of the aerospace industry,
                    aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines,
                    airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other
                    stakeholders when creating policies that enable the
                    safe use of hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft;
                        (E) coordinate with the National Aeronautics and
                    Space Administration, and obtain input from the
                    aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen
                    producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base
                    operators, and other stakeholders regarding--
                                (i) the safe and efficient use of hydrogen
                            to propel commercial aircraft within United
                            States airspace, including--
                                        (I) updating or modifying existing
                                    policies on such use;
                                        (II) assessing barriers to, and
                                    benefits of, the introduction of
                                    aircraft propelled by hydrogen;
                                        (III) the operational differences
                                    between aircraft propelled by hydrogen
                                    and aircraft propelled with other types
                                    of fuels; and
                                        (IV) public, economic, and noise
                                    benefits of the operation of commercial
                                    aircraft propelled by hydrogen and
                                    associated aerospace industry activity;
                                    and
                                (ii) other issues identified by the
                            Secretary, the Administrator, the Secretary of
                            Energy, or the advisory committee established
                            under subparagraph (F) that must be addressed
                            to enable the safe and efficient use of
                            hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft; and
                        (F) establish an advisory committee composed of
                    representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space
                    Administration, the aerospace industry, aviation
                    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport
                    sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders
                    to advise the Secretary, the Administrator, and the
                    Secretary of Energy on the activities carried out under
                    this subsection and subsection (b).
                (3) International leadership.--The Secretary, the
            Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy, in the appropriate
            international forums, shall take actions that--
                        (A) demonstrate global leadership in carrying out
                    the activities required by paragraphs (1) and (2);
                        (B) address the needs of the aerospace industry,
                    aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines,
                    airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other
                    stakeholders identified under paragraph (2);
                        (C) address the needs of fuel cell manufacturers;
                    and
                        (D) advance the United States' competitiveness in
                    hydrogen-propelled aircraft.
                (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 3 years after the
            date of enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting
            primarily through the Administrator, and jointly with the
            Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the appropriate committees
            of Congress a report detailing--
                        (A) the Secretary's, Administrator's, and Secretary
                    of Energy's actions to exercise leadership in the
                    creation of Federal and international policies, and of
                    research conducted, relating to the safe and efficient
                    use of hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft;
                        (B) planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to
                    update or modify existing policies related to the use
                    of hydrogen to propel commercial aircraft, including
                    those identified as a result of consultation with, and
                    feedback from, the aerospace industry, aviation
                    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport
                    sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders
                    identified under paragraph (2); and
                        (C) a timeline for any actions pursuant to
                    subparagraphs (A) and (B) to be taken to update or
                    modify existing policies related to the safe and
                    efficient use of hydrogen to propel commercial
                    aircraft.
        (b) FAA Leadership on the Certification of Hydrogen-propelled
    Commercial Aircraft.--
                (1) In general.--The Administrator shall exercise
            leadership in the creation of Federal regulations, standards,
            and guidance relating to the safe and efficient certification
            of hydrogen-propelled commercial aircraft.
                (2) Exercise of leadership.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
            the Administrator shall--
                        (A) establish a viable path for the certification
                    of hydrogen-propelled aircraft that considers existing
                    frameworks, modifying an existing framework, or
                    developing a new framework as appropriate;
                        (B) review certification regulations, guidance, and
                    other requirements of the FAA to identify ways to
                    safely and efficiently certify hydrogen-propelled
                    commercial aircraft;
                        (C) consider the needs of the aerospace industry,
                    aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines,
                    airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other
                    stakeholders when creating regulations and standards
                    that enable the safe certification and deployment of
                    hydrogen-propelled commercial aircraft in the national
                    airspace system; and
                        (D) obtain the input of the aerospace industry,
                    aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines,
                    airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and other
                    stakeholders regarding--
                                (i) the appropriate regulatory framework
                            and timeline for permitting the safe and
                            efficient deployment and operation of hydrogen-
                            propelled aircraft in the United States,
                            including updating or modifying existing
                            regulations;
                                (ii) how to accelerate the resolution of
                            issues related to data and standards
                            development and related regulations necessary
                            to facilitate the safe and efficient
                            certification of hydrogen-propelled commercial
                            aircraft; and
                                (iii) other issues identified by the
                            Administrator or the advisory committee
                            established under subsection (a)(2)(F) that
                            must be addressed to enable the safe and
                            efficient deployment and operation of hydrogen-
                            propelled commercial aircraft.

    SEC. 920. AVIATION FUEL SYSTEMS.

        (a) Coordination.--The Secretary, in coordination with the
    stakeholders identified in subsection (b), shall study, plan, and make
    recommendations with respect to coordination and implementation issues
    relating to aircraft powered by new aviation fuels or fuel systems,
    including at a minimum, the following:
                (1) Research and technical assistance related to the
            development, certification, operation, and maintenance of
            aircraft powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems, along
            with refueling and charging infrastructure and associated
            technologies critical to their deployment.
                (2) Data sharing with respect to the installation,
            maintenance, and utilization of charging and refueling
            infrastructure at airports.
                (3) Development and deployment of training and
            certification programs for the development, construction, and
            maintenance of aircraft, related fuel systems, and charging and
            refueling infrastructure.
                (4) Any other issues that the Secretary, in consultation
            with the Secretary of Energy, shall deem of interest related to
            the validation and certification of new fuels for use or fuel
            systems in aircraft.
        (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with--
                (1) the Department of Energy;
                (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
                (3) the Department of the Air Force; and
                (4) other Federal agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
        (c) Savings.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
    granting the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority to
    establish alternative fuel emissions standards.

                             TITLE X--MISCELLANEOUS

    SEC. 1001. AUTHORIZATION FOR CARRIAGE REIMBURSEMENT.

        (a) In General.--Beginning on the date of enactment of this
    section, the payment eligibility conditions described in section
    91.321(a) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply to an
    aircraft operator to the extent necessary to allow the operator to
    receive payment for carrying an eligible person (as described in
    subsection (b)) without the operator having to comply with the rules
    described in parts 121, 125, or 135 of such title 14, subject to the
    conditions provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such section
    91.321(a).
        (b) Eligible Person Described.--For purposes of subsection (a), an
    eligible person to be carried on an aircraft used in an operation
    conducted under such subsection is limited to a Member, officer, or
    employee of the Senate or a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner,
    officer, or employee of the House of Representatives, who, pursuant to
    rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate or rule XXIII of the
    Rules of the House of Representatives (as applicable), must pay the
    fair market value of the flight (as described in such rules).
        (c) Rulemaking.--The Administrator shall revise section 91.321 of
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as necessary, consistent with
    this section.

    SEC. 1002. CLARIFYING MINIMUM ALTITUDES FOR GO-AROUNDS, INSPECTION
                  PASSES, PRACTICE APPROACHES, AND INSTRUMENT APPROACHES.

        (a) In General.--The Administrator may revise regulations as
    necessary to allow a properly qualified pilot operating an aircraft to
    conduct, without regard to the minimum altitudes set forth in such
    sections--
                (1) in the case of section 91.119 of title 14, Code of
            Federal Regulations, a go-around, an inspection pass, a
            practice approach, or an instrument approach;
                (2) in the case of section 91.177 of such title 14, an
            instrument approach; and
                (3) in the case of section 91.515 of such title 14, a go-
            around, a practice approach, or an instrument approach.
        (b) Briefing.--If the Administrator does not revise regulations as
    described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide a briefing
    to the appropriate committees of Congress.

    SEC. 1003. LET ME TRAVEL AMERICA.

        (a) In General.--Chapter 805 of title 49, United States Code, is
    amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``Sec. 80505. COVID-19 vaccination status
        ``(a) In General.--An entity described in subsection (b) may not
    deny service to any individual solely based on the vaccination status
    of the individual with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-
    19).
        ``(b) Entity Described.--An entity referred to in subsection (a) is
    a common carrier or any other entity, including a rail carrier (as
    defined in section 10102, including Amtrak), a motor carrier (as
    defined in section 13102), a water carrier (as defined in that
    section), and an air carrier (as defined in section 40102), that--
                ``(1) provides interstate transportation of passengers; and
                ``(2) is subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of
            Transportation or the Surface Transportation Board under this
            title.
        ``(c) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section applies to the
    regulation of intrastate travel, transportation, or movement, including
    the intrastate transportation of passengers.''.
        (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 805 of title 49,
    United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
    section 80504 the following:

    ``80505. COVID-19 vaccination status.''.
        (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or an amendment
    made by this section, shall be construed to permit or otherwise
    authorize Congress or an executive agency to enact or otherwise impose
    a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

    SEC. 1004. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS, BONE MARROW, AND HUMAN CELLS,
                  TISSUES, OR CELLULAR OR TISSUE-BASED PRODUCTS (HCT/PS).

        (a) Handling of Organs, Bone Marrow, and HCT/PS 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, bone marrow, or human cells, tissues, or cellular
            or tissue-based products (in this section referred to as ``HCT/
            Ps'') 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, bone
            marrow, or HCT/Ps in the cabin of the aircraft, including
            through any connecting flight; and
                (3) identify metrics regarding the handling of organs, bone
            marrow, or HCT/Ps by commercial airlines in order to increase
            transparency and aid the development of best practices and
            improvement initiatives.
        (b) Definitions.--In this section:
                (1) Bone marrow.--The term ``bone marrow'' has the meaning
            given such term in section 274e(c)(1) of title 42, Code of
            Federal Regulations.
                (2) Human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based
            products.--The term ``human cells, tissues, or cellular or
            tissue-based products'' has the meaning given such term in
            section 1271.3(d) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations.
                (3) Organ.--The term ``organ''--
                        (A) has the meaning given such term in section
                    121.2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; and
                        (B) includes organ-related tissue.

                        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
            subsections (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.''.
                                                           Calendar No. 335

    118th CONGRESS

      2d Session

                                    S. 1939

    _______________________________________________________________________

                                     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.

    _______________________________________________________________________

                               February 29, 2024

                           Reported with an amendment