[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3590-H3643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1230
                    FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018


                             General Leave

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on H.R. 4.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yoder). Pursuant to House Resolution 839 
and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the 
bill, H.R. 4.
  The Chair appoints the gentleman from New York (Mr. Donovan) to 
preside over the Committee of the Whole.

                              {time}  1232


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 4) to reauthorize programs of the Federal Aviation 
Administration, and for other purposes, with Mr. Donovan in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the 
first time.
  General debate shall not exceed 1 hour equally divided and controlled 
by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure.
  The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) and the gentleman from 
Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, in calling up H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018, this bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by every chair and 
ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
  This bill is critical to our economy, to millions of Americans who 
work in aviation, and to hundreds of millions of Americans who use the 
system every year. H.R. 4 authorizes FAA programs through FY 2023.
  This is a long-term bill, something that is overdue. Too often, our 
aviation programs face short-term extensions, CRs, and threats of 
government shutdowns. We are now operating on the fifth extension from 
the last long-term FAA law, which was signed on February 14, 2012.
  Before the bill was signed into law, Congress passed 23 short-term 
extensions. This is an incredible amount of uncertainty for programs 
that rely on long-term stability. That uncertainty was one of the 
reasons I initially pushed for air traffic control reform, to separate 
the modernization of our system from the unreliable Federal budget 
process.

[[Page H3591]]

  In that regard, this bill only maintains the status quo. I still 
strongly believe Congress must soon pass real air traffic control 
reform for the U.S. to finally develop the most modern, advanced 
aviation system in the world, and right now, we cannot claim that. The 
more we delay, the more we risk losing our position in the world as a 
leader in aviation.
  So, while H.R. 4 does not contain all the reforms our system needs, 
it does contain other important reforms that must be implemented. For 
example, this bill cuts red tape in the certification process so our 
manufacturers can get products to market on time, stay competitive, and 
continue providing millions of American jobs.
  It streamlines the regulatory process to encourage innovation and new 
technologies, like unmanned aircraft systems.
  It provides critical funding for the AIP program and airport 
infrastructure across America.
  It strengthens protections for passengers, and it addresses safety 
issues that have arisen in recent years.
  The bill contains many good provisions, and I plan to offer a 
manager's amendment that provides additional improvements. That 
includes an additional safety provision in light of the April 17 
Southwest flight 1380 engine failure.
  I want to commend pilot Tammie Jo Shults for her absolute heroic 
performance after a catastrophic engine failure at over 30,000 feet. 
This was a prolonged emergency--not over in just a minute or two. For 
the next 15 to 20 minutes, with a hole in the cabin and believing that 
a passenger may have been completely sucked out, she calmly and 
expertly guided the plane to an emergency landing.
  Tragically, one person died in the incident, but 148 people are alive 
today because of Captain Shults and her crew. She prevented what could 
have been a large tragedy. In my opinion, this is one of the most 
heroic performances by a pilot and crew in recent memory.
  Strengthening our aviation system is only one of the reasons we need 
to pass today's legislation. H.R. 4 also includes the Disaster Recovery 
Reform Act, a measure that passed the House in December with 
overwhelming support, but it was not taken up in the Senate.
  These provisions strengthen FAA's focus on predisaster mitigation, 
preparing our communities to better withstand the next hurricane, 
wildfire, flood, or other disasters. Building better and building 
smarter will save lives and lower the growing cost of disaster 
recovery. Investing more in mitigating disasters before they strike 
makes common sense.
  This bill is a result of the hard work of the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, the bill sponsors, and many others. I want to 
thank Ranking Member DeFazio, Chairman LoBiondo, Ranking Member Larsen, 
Chairman Barletta, Ranking Member Titus, and the many other Members who 
worked on this legislation. I look forward to a good debate today and 
to moving this bill to the Senate.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, April 17, 2018.
     Hon. Kevin Brady,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On April 13, 2018, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure introduced H.R. 4, the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018. The bill was referred primarily 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with 
     an additional referral to the Committee on Ways and Means.
       I ask that you allow the Committee on Ways and Means to be 
     discharged from further consideration of the bill so that it 
     may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. This discharge in no 
     way affects your jurisdiction over the subject matter of the 
     bill, and it will not serve as precedent for future 
     referrals. In addition, should a conference on the bill be 
     necessary, I would support your request to have the Committee 
     on Ways and Means represented on the conference committee. 
     Finally, I would be pleased to include this letter and any 
     response in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration, to memorialize our understanding.
       Thank you for your consideration of my request.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                      Committee on Ways and Means,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                                   April 17, 2018.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Shuster: I am writing with respect to H.R. 4, 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, on which the Committee 
     on Ways and Means was granted a referral.
       As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions 
     in H.R. 4 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Ways and Means, I agree to waive formal 
     consideration of this bill so that it may move expeditiously 
     to the floor. The Committee on Ways and Means takes this 
     action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any 
     jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately 
     consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation 
     moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues 
     that fall within our jurisdiction. The Committee also 
     reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate 
     number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving 
     this or similar legislation, and requests your support for 
     such request.
       Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter 
     confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of 
     our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the 
     Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 4.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Kevin Brady,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2018.
     Hon. Jeb Hensarling,
     Chairman, Committee on Financial Services,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On April 13, 2018, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure introduced H.R. 4, the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018. The bill was referred primarily 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with 
     an additional referral to the Committee on Financial 
     Services.
       I ask that you allow the Committee on Financial Services to 
     be discharged from further consideration of the bill so that 
     it may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. This discharge in 
     no way affects your jurisdiction over the subject matter of 
     the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for future 
     referrals. In addition, should a conference on the bill be 
     necessary, I would support your request to have the Committee 
     on Financial Services represented on the conference 
     committee. Finally, I would be pleased to include this letter 
     and any response in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration, to memorialize our understanding.
       Thank you for your consideration of my request.
           Sincerely,-
                                                     Bill Shuster,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2018.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Shuster: Thank you for writing regarding H.R. 
     4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
       As a result of your having consulted with the Committee on 
     Financial Services concerning provisions in the bill that 
     fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo action 
     on the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House 
     Floor. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action 
     with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing 
     consideration of H.R. 4 at this time, we do not waive any 
     jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or 
     similar legislation, and that our Committee will be 
     appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar 
     legislation moves forward. I appreciate your support for 
     Committee on Financial Services representation on a related 
     conference committee, should one be necessary.
       Thank you in advance for a response to this letter 
     confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 4. I also 
     appreciate your willingness to insert a copy of our exchange 
     of letters on this matter in the Congressional Record during 
     floor consideration.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jeb Hensarling,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 17, 2018.
     Hon. Rob Bishop,
     Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On April 13, 2018, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure introduced H.R. 4, the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018. The bill was referred primarily 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with 
     an additional referral to the Committee on Natural Resources.

[[Page H3592]]

       I ask that you allow the Committee on Natural Resources to 
     be discharged from further consideration of the bill so that 
     it may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. This discharge in 
     no way affects your jurisdiction over the subject matter of 
     the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for future 
     referrals. In addition, should a conference on the bill be 
     necessary, I would support your request to have the Committee 
     on Natural Resources represented on the conference committee. 
     Finally, I would be pleased to include this letter and any 
     response in the Congressional Record during floor 
     consideration, to memorialize our understanding.
       Thank you for your consideration of my request.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                               Committee on Natural Resources,

                                   Washington, DC, April 18, 2018.
     Hon. Bud Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I have received your letter regarding 
     H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which was 
     additionally referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
       In the interest of permitting you to proceed expeditiously 
     to floor consideration of this very important bill, I will 
     agree to discharge the Natural Resources Committee from 
     further consideration of the bill. I do so with the 
     understanding that the Natural Resources Committee does not 
     waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matter 
     contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X 
     jurisdiction. I also appreciate your support to name members 
     of the Natural Resources Committee to any conference 
     committee to consider such provisions and for inserting our 
     exchange of letters on H.R. 4 into the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the measure on the House floor.
       Thank you once again for the very cooperative spirit in 
     which you and your staff have worked regarding this matter 
     and many others between our respective committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Rob Bishop,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of 
           Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 19, 2018.
     Hon. Lamar Smith,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: On April 13, 2018, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure introduced H.R. 4, the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018. The bill was referred primarily 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, with 
     an additional referral to the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology.
       I ask that you allow the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology to be discharged from further consideration of the 
     bill so that it may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. This 
     discharge in no way affects your jurisdiction over the 
     subject matter of the bill, and it will not serve as 
     precedent for future referrals. In addition, should a 
     conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your 
     request to have the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology represented on the conference committee. Finally, 
     I would be pleased to include this letter and any response in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to 
     memorialize our understanding.
       Thank you for your consideration of my request.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Shuster,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                   Washington, DC, April 19, 2018.
     Hon. Bill Shuster,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 4, the 
     ``FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.''
       H.R. 4 contains provisions within the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. As a result of 
     your having consulted with the Committee and in order to 
     expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the 
     bill. This is being done on the basis of our mutual 
     understanding that doing so will in no way diminish or alter 
     the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or 
     to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters 
     contained in the bill or similar legislation.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding, and request that you include a copy of 
     this letter and your response in the Congressional Record 
     during floor consideration of this bill. Thank you in advance 
     for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Lamar Smith,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4, the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018.
  I am pleased to be here today with the chairman of the full 
committee, Mr. Shuster; the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr. LoBiondo; 
and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen), the ranking member.
  This bill also includes important provisions of the Disaster Recovery 
Reform Act, something that previously passed the House and somehow 
escaped the attention of the Senate. We are sending it to them again in 
the hope they might notice if it is part of this package.
  Last week was tragic: the first death on a U.S.-flagged passenger 
aircraft since 2009, and that just followed an alarming news story by 
``60 Minutes'' a few days before about an FAA oversight of a low-cost 
carrier.
  As a result, Ranking Member Larsen and I have sent a letter to the 
Secretary of Transportation demanding information on the oversight of 
the industry. We want to make sure that the FAA is being the watchdog 
that they need to be.
  It was many years ago, after the horrible ValuJet tragedy, the 
committee had already rejected my amendment to say to strip away the 
promotional duty of the FAA. Then, after the horrible ValuJet crash, 
when it turned out it was an incompetent subcontractor to a maintenance 
station, a totally preventable accident, they suddenly decided to 
change their mind and decided to include my amendment and remove the 
promotional authority.
  The FAA's principal duty is to protect the safety of the flying 
public, so we have got to be sure they are doing everything needed to 
do that.
  There is an important provision in the bill, long overdue, to give 
flight attendants a 10-hour minimum rest. Think of the schedule now--8 
hours: Oh, well, the plane landed. You have got to get off the plane. 
You have got to get out of the airport. You have got to get in a cab or 
a van. You have got to go to the hotel. You get to return, reverse all 
that around, and do that.
  How much sleep are you going to get?
  So, finally, we are going to get the 10-hour requirement--again, long 
overdue. Flight attendants are critical safety personnel on the 
airplane. They cannot be fatigued, just like a pilot can't be fatigued.
  I have another concern that we are using computer simulations to meet 
the FAA standard for evacuation of a plane mandated in 90 seconds. As 
they jam more and more and more seats into these planes, I wonder if we 
have reached a point where we can no longer meet that standard, and we 
are going to have that. We are going to have the inspector general look 
at that topic and see whether or not we need to revisit it.
  You know, it is critical that we be able to get people off as quickly 
as possible. The U.K. Civil Aviation Authority led this many years ago 
after the Manchester accident, with the spacing for the over-wing exit, 
something that took me 7 years to get done here. But they have also 
dropped in more strictures on hand baggage and other things and made 
that part of the briefing, which we don't get because we don't want to 
scare people. Well, we need to be letting people know that they can't 
take stuff with them if they have to evacuate quickly.
  The FAA certification process, we have known for years, it needs 
reform, and this bill answers that call. It mandates a top-to-bottom 
reform of the process by which the FAA certifies new airplane engine 
and component designs. This will help our manufacturers become much 
more competitive in the world market and introduce their products more 
quickly to stay ahead of the market, but they will still be certified 
safe.
  The bill also contains the text of the Flags of Convenience Don't Fly 
Here Act. There are some who would turn the airline industry into the 
cruise line industry, where planes would be crewed by the cheapest 
labor you can find somewhere in the world. It is being done already 
with contract crews out of Asia for a so-called European airline, 
Norwegian Air, and they are circumventing the process that the EU is 
bound to under our Open Skies Agreement.
  The bill, unfortunately, lets stand something that Congress adopted 
in 2012, over my objections, which is to

[[Page H3593]]

say we cannot have a higher standard than the International Civil 
Aviation Authority on lithium batteries.
  Lithium batteries are incredibly, incredibly dangerous on aircraft. 
We have already lost two 747s, and I will discuss this more when we get 
to my amendment.
  It is time to remove the prohibition and let the FAA regulate as they 
see fit regarding lithium batteries and not bind ourselves to an 
international group that is captive of other special interests. Just 
eight lithium batteries can take down an aircraft in a thermal runaway. 
So that, we will discuss later.
  This bill also, unfortunately, does not increase the cap on passenger 
facility charge. I would observe, flying a lot, that there are more and 
more and more tarmac delays because: I am sorry, your gate is occupied. 
Oh, the alley to the gate is full of planes. Oh, this, that.
  A lot of airports are bonded out. We haven't allowed them, since 
2000, to increase the passenger facility charge, and so we are going to 
continue to have those delays. Until they can build larger terminals 
and they can build more gates, that is going to continue.
  We are also putting in some new mandates on the airports, which I 
support in this bill, having to do with pets and changing rooms and 
those sorts of things; but, again, we are not allowing them to get any 
increase in revenues to meet these new Federal mandates. I haven't 
given that up, but, obviously, we are not going to get it in this bill.
  You know, NextGen will be all for naught. NextGen is progressing 
well, despite what some say, but if we don't have enough terminals and 
gates at those terminals, as the former Administrator Randy Babbitt 
said:

       We can land them with closer spacing, we can do everything 
     in the world, but at the end of the day at La Guardia Airport 
     when it is a one-runway operation, you can still only land 
     them once every 54 seconds.

  There are physical limits on the ground all around the country. Even 
if we enhance air traffic movement, avoiding weather and all that, we 
are going to be constrained at the airports unless the airports have 
what they need to make these investments.
  There are a number of amendments that will improve safety and 
efficiency, and I look forward to discussing those here on the floor.

                              {time}  1245

  There is one amendment which is cropping up in this bill that relates 
to trucking. The gentleman from California (Mr. Denham) will offer it. 
It has been offered before in the House. It has never gone anywhere in 
the Senate. I predict the same thing will happen here.
  The bottom line is there is an issue from a court case that could be 
solved with a rifle shot, so to speak, regarding interstate commerce. 
Instead, despite what the proponents have told Representative Denham 
and others, this language would preempt every single State wage and 
hour law that pertains to trucking in the United States of America. The 
only strictures would be the Federal hours of service and the Federal 
minimum wage. The rest would be wiped out by this amendment because of 
the unfortunate language. There is a real underlying problem, and it 
could be solved much more discretely.
  But beyond that, this is a great bill.
  I again thank the chairmen of the full committee and subcommittee, 
the ranking member, and other members of the committee.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, it is my great privilege to yield 3 
minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the former chair of 
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
  (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the chairman, Mr. 
Shuster, and the ranking member, Mr. DeFazio, for bringing a bipartisan 
bill to the floor.
  This is a piece of legislation that is long overdue. I think we have 
had--how many extensions?--five extensions. This bill is needed for air 
traffic.
  As everybody knows in this room, if you take Alaska, which is 2\1/2\ 
times the size of Texas, we don't have any roads; we have air travel. 
Everybody travels in Alaska, probably more than you travel in your car, 
by airplane. So this bill handles a lot of the problems in Alaska that 
we have been addressing through the FAA, which plays a major role.
  Number one is Essential Air Service. Many people don't understand the 
history of Essential Air Service.
  When we deregulated the airlines, Alaska was left out. Senator 
Stevens and I kept regulated airlines for 2 extra years until we got 
the commitment from Essential Air Service so we can serve our 
communities, and this committee has always seen to it that that did 
occur.
  Now, it has been used in other rural areas of America. I understand 
that need.
  There will be an amendment to do away with Essential Air Service. I 
hope all of you will vote against that. It is crucially important to my 
State.
  We have another small issue that has come up--and I want to thank the 
chairman again--which is lithium batteries. These were talked about, 
and it was just talked about by the ranking member.
  In my State, again, we don't have highways, we can't truck things, so 
an air carrier that has no passengers can transport lithium batteries. 
They were not allowed to do that under the toxic transportation clause 
in our law that says they can't do it.
  I will tell you, again, that it takes care of the Alaskan Part 121 
pilots, who are subject to burdensome Terminal Aerodrome Forecasting 
regulations. This will allow pilots to use area forecasting for 
weather, et cetera, for flying our airplanes.
  This is a good bill. I am really proud of what Congressman Shuster 
has been able to do. I believe this will be Congressman LoBiondo's last 
bill working on something of this significance for the United States of 
America.
  We do have a great air system. I will say that it has worked, it is 
working, and I am quite proud of the people who work for the airlines.
  I will only make one suggestion in closing, Mr. Chairman. I am a 
little concerned about some of the airlines making the spaces a little 
bit narrower, less legroom.
  I think, frankly, when you have less legroom, you have safety 
problems. I say that because it is awful hard, in a 3-year-old seat, to 
get people out from the window if there is an accident when they are 
all jammed together. So I am just respectfully suggesting the airlines 
don't take away any more space; in fact, give some of it back.
  Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill. I urge my colleagues to support 
it, vote for it, and let's get this bipartisan piece of legislation 
passed.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018.
  I am pleased that Congress is here today to consider a long-term bill 
to reauthorize the FAA. This moment has been a long time in coming. 
Congress has not enacted a long-term FAA bill since 2012, and it is 
currently running on its fifth extension since that time.
  We are here to consider a comprehensive, bipartisan piece of 
legislation that provides long-term, predictable funding for the FAA, 
improves aviation safety, addresses workforce needs, and advances vital 
research in the aviation field.
  Whether large or small, airports across the United States play an 
important role in communities by connecting people, goods, services, 
and creating jobs. In Washington State, my constituents rely on 
airports of all sizes. In my hometown of Arlington, general aviation at 
Arlington Municipal Airport is vital, and the annual EAA fly-in brings 
in people from all across the country.
  Bellingham International Airport in northwest Washington is a 
developing airport, which requires further investments in terminal and 
operations infrastructure to help keep pace with passenger demands.
  Paine Field Airport in Snohomish County is a growing hub in the 
Pacific Northwest, with the construction of a new terminal and expanded 
air service expected later this year.
  Each of these airports plays a different, yet important, role in 
serving the local community and the national aviation network.

[[Page H3594]]

  The bill reflects Congress' consensus to reform FAA's aircraft 
certification processes, improve aviation safety, provide additional 
protections for U.S. passengers, and help to better prepare the 
aviation workforce and further the safe integration of unmanned 
aircraft systems into the national airspace.
  One of the most important things this bill does is to make FAA's 
certification process more streamlined, consistent, and efficient, 
while maintaining the highest level of safety.
  The U.S. aviation industry is an economic powerhouse. It is 
particularly important to my home State of Washington. In our State, 
general aviation, alone, contributes an estimated $3.6 billion to the 
economy and more than 30,000 jobs a year.
  Without question, predictable and timely certification of aircraft 
and aircraft components is critical for domestic manufacturers to get 
their products to market. These reforms are desperately needed to allow 
U.S. aviation manufacturers like my constituents in Everett, who are, 
as well, smaller contractors, to compete globally.
  This bill ensures that FAA's product certification remains the gold 
standard abroad, as well, so that U.S. manufacturers remain 
competitive.
  As passenger growth continues, Congress must ensure airports have the 
right tools in place to safely accommodate this new demand.
  The bill makes a host of improvements to make our skies safer, 
including:
  Ensuring the FAA safety workforce is utilized efficiently and 
receives enhanced training;
  Strengthening the FAA's current voluntary safety reporting program 
for pilots so that critical safety enhancements are not needlessly 
delayed;
  Making progress toward NextGen implementation through engagement with 
local communities and airports in the process;
  Improving the Federal Contract Tower Program to allow airports to 
make investments in their critical infrastructure; and
  Ensuring flight attendants have sufficient rest between duty periods.
  It also includes numerous provisions that enhance the air travel 
experience for more than 900 million passengers who fly each year, 
including:
  A prohibition on airlines involuntarily bumping passengers after they 
have boarded;
  A prohibition on the use of cell phones for voice communications 
during flight; and
  A requirement for airlines to create a one-page document outlining 
the rights of passengers, which will bring much-needed transparency to 
this industry.
  One of my top priorities is to ensure working families in the Pacific 
Northwest get a better deal, which means expanding opportunities, 
creating more jobs, and making sure that the next generation of workers 
have the tools necessary to succeed.
  This bipartisan bill that my colleagues and I have agreed to will 
protect and create American jobs through airport construction and 
aerospace manufacturing, ultimately boosting the Nation's economy. As 
an example, the Port of Skagit is focused on expanding the Skagit 
Regional Airport and is working to build a new hangar and longer 
taxiing runways. These improvements are not only for safety, but will 
create well-paying jobs in construction.
  Further, the Career Connect Washington initiative aims to connect 
more than 100,000 students, over the next 5 years, with career-focused 
learning opportunities, building a bridge from school into high-demand 
and good-paying jobs. Across my district, nearly 900 young adults 
participating in this initiative have connected to apprenticeships, job 
shadows, or other structured work-based activity.
  This bill builds on these efforts to better prepare students for the 
aviation workforce by:
  Encouraging schools, industry, and other stakeholders to address the 
skills gap in the aviation maintenance field; and
  Requiring a GAO study of best practices to incentivize, recruit, and 
retain new aviation workers.
  I am pleased that the bill includes my proposal to create a Youth 
Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force. This task force will 
work with aviation trade schools and community colleges, airline 
carriers and industry, labor unions, and other relevant stakeholders to 
develop recommendations to encourage high school students to enroll in 
aviation manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering apprenticeships.
  This legislation includes a title on unmanned aircraft systems, or 
drones, which are flourishing in the skies at a pace we did not imagine 
just a few years ago. Provisions in the current bill will help the 
commercial drone industry safely thrive, while also addressing the many 
issues these new users present as they become integrated into U.S. 
airspace.
  Finally, this bill enacts a multiyear reauthorization, Mr. Chairman, 
of aviation taxes and FAA expenditure authority. This will provide the 
stable, predictable funding needed to carry out its safety mission and 
ensure the FAA remains the world leader in aviation research and 
development.
  While these are all positive areas to address, I understand that some 
amendments on slot exemptions and slot swaps have been made in order 
that would have regional consequences. I oppose these efforts and 
believe it would be better to have a more substantive discussion to 
address these issues in the committee.
  Mr. Chairman, we have the biggest, most complex, and busiest aviation 
system in the world. We are years past due in enacting a long-term FAA 
reauthorization that will allow the U.S. to remain the gold standard in 
aviation. I am pleased to cosponsor this bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, it is my great pleasure and honor to yield 
5 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo), my friend 
and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, who has been a tireless advocate for 
aviation safety efficiency, but who has also been a great partner on 
the committee to me and to the other members of the committee.

  Also, I want to mention that--and I think this is accurate--he is the 
only Member of Congress who has a CDL, commercial driver's license, so 
he is in a very unique position to not only know and advocate for 
aviation, but also, on the ground, he knows how commerce moves.
  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Shuster for yielding.
  I rise in very strong support of H.R. 4, the reauthorization bill.
  The Subcommittee on Aviation began the reauthorization process over 3 
years ago, a very long process. In that time, we have held a series of 
roundtables and hearings on the state of the FAA's certification and 
safety processes, regulatory efforts, airport grant programs, customer 
service, and the air traffic control system.
  The subcommittee also had more than 200 stakeholder meetings in order 
to gather feedback and hear from various constituencies to understand 
what would work in the real world--not what 535 Members of Congress may 
think, but to get input from the people who have to make it work every 
day.
  I want to thank those who came to the table willing to share their 
thoughts and to work together with us.
  With the passage of H.R. 4, we will be taking an important step 
toward ensuring the FAA and our aviation industry does not suffer 
through another long series of extensions.
  Unfortunately, it seems like just about every year Congress is voting 
to keep the government open, while the FAA and nearly 4,000 of the 
FAA's incredible employees, who are my constituents working at the 
Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, which is at the Atlantic City 
Airport, are forced to make preparations in case they have to shut 
down.
  Now, just so everybody understands, when we do an extension, we 
generally don't act on it until the last minute. These dedicated 
employees, these engineers in these laboratories that only exist at 
this Tech Center, are forced to stop their work and prepare for a 
shutdown. This costs a tremendous amount of dollars each time we do 
this. Hopefully, with the passage of this bill, we will be able to 
avoid that.
  H.R. 4 also provides the long-term authorization of the FAA, which 
will allow us to avoid the shutdowns and these threats of shutdowns. 
This means that important safety projects will be

[[Page H3595]]

able to move forward without the inefficient starts and stops and they 
come without any hesitation, as we have seen in the past.
  Most importantly, FAA employees, including, again, dedicated 
employees of my Tech Center--now, just keep in mind, this is the 
premier facility in the Nation for safety, security, research, and 
development. As I mentioned before, these laboratories don't exist 
anywhere else. Many of these engineers' expertise doesn't exist 
anywhere else. This will enable them to help keep the United States 
premier in the world.
  Mr. Larsen referenced our position in the world. We don't want that 
challenged. We want this bill to be able to allow us as an economic 
driver. When you start looking at the numbers of what aviation means to 
the economy of the United States, you get an understanding of how 
critically important this is.

                              {time}  1300

  We have worked closely with a number of constituency groups, and I 
think we have included their provisions in this bill.
  I want to point out that some of these battles take a while. And very 
diligently and very forcefully, the flight attendants have made their 
case for the 10-hour rest period. As mentioned by Mr. DeFazio, this is 
something that we don't want flight attendants being fatigued no more 
than we want pilots being fatigued.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster for including this in the bill.
  Mr. Chair, as we move forward, I want to particularly thank Rick 
Larsen, who has been a great partner. For those who may not be aware, 
Rick and I have been together first through the Coast Guard and 
Maritime Subcommittee and now through the Aviation Subcommittee. I 
think the relationship that we have and what we have been able to do is 
a model that can and should be worked for the rest of Congress. It is 
one that I cherish and value. And, Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Larsen again 
very much.
  Mr. Chair, I also want to thank Peter DeFazio for being a good 
partner and thank Bill Shuster for helping me become Aviation chair 6 
years ago, putting his faith in me. I think we have had a great 
partnership. Mr. Shuster has been a great leader in the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure. I value our relationship. I value 
our work together.
  Mr. Chair, I urge everyone to support this bill. I think it is going 
to move America forward.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster and 
Ranking Member DeFazio, as well as Chairman LoBiondo, for their work on 
this bill.
  I know Mr. LoBiondo is leaving Congress this year, and we may get a 
better Democrat or a better Republican in that seat, but we will not 
get a better Representative for this Congress in that seat than Frank 
LoBiondo.
  Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. 
Titus).
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding.
  Mr. Chair, I come to the floor as a cosponsor of H.R. 4. It is 
legislation that is long overdue in addressing the immediate and long-
term needs of the FAA and our aviation industry. It includes a number 
of priorities that I fought for which are critical to my State of 
Nevada.
  First, the legislation extends the authorization of the Nevada UAS 
test range to ensure completion of its critical work in coordination 
with the FAA and NASA on low-altitude air traffic management systems, 
commonly referred to as UTM.
  It also includes my amendment with Congressman Webster from Florida 
to ensure that the Nation's largest airports, including McCarran in Las 
Vegas, participate in a streamlined approval process for passenger 
facility charge projects so we can modernize our crumbling airport 
infrastructure.
  In addition, it includes, as you have heard, a number of critical 
provisions that enhance safety, protect consumers, and keep our 
aerospace industry number one in the world.
  As the new ranking member of the Economic Development, Public 
Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, I am also pleased 
that the language of the Disaster Recovery and Reform Act are included 
in this bill.
  Last year's back-to-back-to-back massive hurricanes, followed by 
mudslides and devastating wildfires, demonstrate the growing challenges 
we face as we continue to grapple with global climate change. Lives 
were lost, individuals and animals were injured, and property damages 
were just outstanding. Many are still trying to get their lives back to 
normal. So it would be irresponsible and unacceptable for us to follow 
the Flat Earth Society's notion that this doesn't really exist. It 
indeed is a threat to our health and safety.
  The act takes concrete steps towards making our communities safer. An 
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For every $1 you spend on 
premitigation, you save $6 in future disaster costs.
  The DRRA addresses this by providing stable funding for the Emergency 
Management Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program and also additional funding 
for wildfire suppression.
  In addition, it requires that communities build back to the latest 
model building codes. Since the Federal Government is paying for a 
minimum of 75 percent of major disaster costs, it is necessary for us 
to protect our investment by requiring stronger, smarter, and more 
resilient rebuilding.
  Mr. Chair, I hope that the bill moves forward without any poison 
pills, because we need this legislation. It is a good bill, and I 
support it.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Barletta), the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4, the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018, which includes provisions of my bill, the 
Disaster Recovery Reform Act.
  Unfortunately, this is the second time my bill has been considered on 
the House floor, because our colleagues on the other side of the 
Capitol refuse to take up these critical reforms.
  I find the failure to move in the Senate puzzling, especially given 
that many of those individuals represent States struggling to recover 
from recent disasters. In fact, in 2017, 8 percent of the United States 
population was affected by at least one disaster. This statistic 
highlights the importance of investing in mitigation infrastructure 
before tragedy strikes, which is exactly what my bill would do.
  Studies have repeatedly shown that for every $1 invested upfront, we 
can save $4 to $8 in avoidant recovery costs.
  My bill would allow us to realize those savings by transforming how 
we approach disaster spending. It would provide FEMA with the tools to 
help our communities plan for, mitigate against, respond to, and 
recover from disasters. Both Republicans and Democrats in this Chamber 
already recognize the critical need for these reforms.

  The Disaster Recovery Reform Act passed out of the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee by voice vote, and in December passed on the 
House floor.
  It is my hope that, this time, our colleagues in the Senate would 
stop playing politics with peoples' lives and will act quickly to send 
this bill to the President's desk.
  I know just how important disaster assistance is, because in 2011, my 
own district was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Irene and 
Tropical Storm Lee. I visited with families and employers affected by 
this tragedy, and it made be realize we need to do something to help 
communities build better and smarter before disaster strikes. My bill 
will do just that.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Shuster and my House colleagues for their 
continued commitment to making resiliency a priority.
  Mr. Chair, I also thank the chairman for including language I offered 
with my friend from Missouri (Mr. Graves) in a manager's amendment. Our 
amendment would create a new grant program for airport infrastructure 
investment. I believe it is critical we invest in our airports, which 
are some of the largest economic drivers in the country.
  We have an obligation to ensure that this entire system, including 
everything from large hubs to regional airports, is maintained and 
improved to better serve the American people.
  While I was disappointed that our original committee-adopted 
amendment to increase funding levels for the

[[Page H3596]]

Airport Improvement Program was not included in the final bill, I am 
hopeful that this grant will give airports a new infrastructure tool in 
their toolbox.
  Mr. Chair, I urge passage of H.R. 4.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time each 
side has remaining?
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Palmer). The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 
15\1/2\ minutes. The gentleman from Washington has 14 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Esty).
  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my 
bipartisan amendment to H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, 
which would address the underrepresentation of women in aviation 
careers.
  Women make up 50 percent of the national workforce, but are 
significantly underrepresented in the aviation industry, making up only 
2 percent of airline mechanics, 18 percent of flight dispatchers, and 6 
percent of pilots.
  To address these shortfalls, I introduced the Promoting Women in the 
Aviation Workforce Act with my colleagues, Congresswomen Walorski, 
Walters, and Bustos, and our bill was recently reported unanimously out 
of committee.
  This bipartisan amendment will incorporate our bill into this 
legislation, directing the FAA to create and facilitate an advisory 
board to develop strategies that the administration can take to help 
more women pursue and succeed in aviation careers.
  We need only look to the extraordinary skill of Southwest pilot and 
Navy fighter pilot veteran Tammie Jo Shults, who just, 1 week ago, 
heroically saved the lives of 143 passengers and her crew on Southwest 
flight 1380, or Ronnie Bradley from my district. Here is Ronnie at age 
19, who signed up in 1942 to become one of the first female marines. 
She served as an airline mechanic; now still only 2 percent. We 
celebrated her life at 95 2 weeks ago in my district.
  We need more Tammie Jos and more Ronnies.
  Mr. Chair, I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation.
  I commend as well the excellent legislation updating our FEMA rules 
for disaster resiliency and relief.
  Mr. Chair, I urge support of this legislation and urge the Senate to 
adopt it quickly.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology 
Committee.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania, the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee, Mr. Shuster, for yielding me time.
  Mr. Chairman, I support the FAA Leadership in Groundbreaking High-
Tech Research and Development Act, or FLIGHT R&D Act, incorporated in 
H.R. 4 as Title VII of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
  Title VII's FLIGHT R&D Act will ensure America remains a world leader 
in aviation innovation. By making prioritized and strategic investments 
today, our Nation will continue to push the boundaries of aerospace 
technology, maintain a safe and secure aviation transportation system, 
and foster a healthy and growing aviation economy.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Science Committee member Steve Knight for 
introducing this important legislation and Chairman Shuster for 
including it in his bill.
  The safety of the flying public is of paramount importance. That is 
why Title VII's FLIGHT R&D Act prioritizes research and development to 
improve aviation safety.
  Title VII authorizes increased funding for aviation safety research 
and development. Improving aviation safety is the fundamental mission 
of the FAA's research and development agenda.
  Title VII establishes an FAA associate administrator for research and 
development to manage and oversee all FAA research and development 
programs and activities. These will include the R&D provisions in this 
bill regarding unmanned aircraft systems, cybersecurity, the national 
aerospace system, aviation fuel, air traffic surveillance, remote and 
computer piloting, and spectrum use.
  In closing, Mr. Chairman, I strongly support Title VII, the FLIGHT 
R&D Act, and urge my colleagues to support this fiscally responsible, 
commonsense initiative to ensure that America remains at the forefront 
of civil aviation, innovation, and safety.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Washington, D.C. (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I 
thank him for his very special efforts for this reauthorization.
  Perhaps our entire committee and subcommittee are due some self-
congratulations for reaching a bipartisan agreement for a long-term 
reauthorization for the FAA, but the lion's share of the appreciation 
belongs to Chairman Shuster. I thank the chairman for his leadership, 
especially as he is retiring from the House, and I am grateful for the 
considerable efforts of Ranking Member DeFazio.
  Mr. Chair, there was only one major disagreement, and that was, of 
course, on privatization of air traffic control operations.
  This bill includes many areas that demonstrate the importance of 
bipartisanship. It is almost impossible to help Democrats and not 
Republicans, and vice versa, when it comes to matters affecting 
aviation.
  I appreciate my own amendments in the bill addressing airplane noise, 
many of them embedded in the bill. And I am sure, given the complaints 
throughout the country, that my noise provisions, too, are bipartisan.
  Mr. Chair, I ask that the House oppose the Cuellar amendment. This is 
a special destinations amendment for San Diego and San Antonio mainly 
to benefit the House Members from those districts so they can fly into 
Reagan National Airport nonstop rather than Dulles, which is nearby, 
and Baltimore-Washington, which is also very close to the District of 
Columbia.

                              {time}  1315

  The Congress has spent billions of dollars to expand Dulles, which is 
still very underutilized because it is a little further from D.C. than 
Reagan.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. I yield the gentlewoman from the District 
of Columbia an additional 30 seconds.
  Ms. NORTON. The limit on slots to Reagan helps relieve enormous 
congestion there and ensures safety of one of the Nation's most crowded 
and critical airfields.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Graves), chairman of the Highways and Transit 
Subcommittee of the full Committee of Transportation and 
Infrastructure, and the bleating voice on general aviation in Congress.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I proudly rise today to support 
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. There are a lot of important 
policies in this bill that I worked on, but the main thing I am glad to 
see included is that we accomplished this bill as a long-term bill, a 
5-year authorization.
  Passing long-term bills is something that the chairman has remained 
committed to during his leadership on the committee and is a policy I 
strongly support. Unfortunately, we don't see enough of that in 
Congress that much anymore.
  One of the big highlights of the bill is the long-overdue reforms to 
the FAA certification process, and the committee has developed 
bipartisan reforms that are going to streamline the FAA certification.
  Mr. Chairman, I had previously worked on the precursor reforms to 
this process with the passage of the bill, the Small Airplane 
Revitalization Act, back in 2013, and I look forward to seeing the 
benefits of these reforms be applied more broadly to the aviation 
manufacturing community as certification reform provisions contained in 
the FAA bill go into effect.
  Additionally, there are a lot of policies that we worked on, that I 
worked on, in the underlying bill. And just to run through those 
quickly: expansion of the State block grant authority from 10 to 20 
States; allowing greater testing of replacement fuels for AvGas; 
restoring the ``all makes and models'' certificate to experimental 
category

[[Page H3597]]

aircraft; extending aircraft registration from 3 to 10 years, which I 
might point out, it currently takes the FAA at least a month to process 
paperwork to register or re-register an aircraft.
  We also asked the FAA to resolve disputes between approved airshows 
and major sporting events that require flight restrictions.
  We also worked on an important policy to prevent the local and State 
governments from targeting certain industries for discriminatory taxes, 
like the rental car industry.
  And finally, we correct a poorly written guidance document which 
hurts folks who are pursuing aircraft construction projects. FAA wanted 
to restrict aircraft construction projects from individuals' hangars 
unless it was in the final stages by claiming it was not the 
``aeronautical use'' of a hangar, which makes absolutely no sense and, 
clearly, this decision was not made with the understanding of how these 
projects work. This needs to be corrected.
  In closing, Mr. Chairman, I have been a pilot, a professional pilot 
for virtually my entire life, and I have been interacting with people 
in the aviation community for more than two decades now. I understand 
the issues that face the industry.
  When we talk about FAA reauthorization, I think about ensuring all 
those who rely on our aviation system can continue flying safely, 
securely, and freely. America has always been a leader and pioneer when 
it comes to aviation since the days of the Wright Brothers, and I want 
to ensure that continues. To do so, we have to continue to look for 
opportunities to incorporate technology into our infrastructure 
network.
  I look forward to further advancing these goals in other areas of 
transportation as the committee works on an infrastructure bill later 
this year.
  Mr. Chairman, I strongly support this bill, and I urge my colleagues 
to do the same.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Eshoo).
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, first, I want to acknowledge the hard work 
that my colleagues Congresswoman Speier and Congressman Panetta have 
done, along with myself, to address airplane noise in our Bay Area 
congressional districts.
  I am pleased to support Mr. Panetta's amendment to H.R. 4, which 
requires the FAA to consider alternative metrics to the current average 
day-night sound level standard, including actual noise sampling. This 
will ensure that the FAA has an accurate measure of the noise in 
communities surrounding airports and allow them to take steps to 
mitigate it.

  Since the FAA implemented NextGen in 2015, my Silicon Valley district 
constituents have been consistently subjected to a higher volume of 
noise complaints impacting their lives daily. I have never experienced 
anything like this in 25 years of representation. It is unprecedented. 
There is a 1,000 percent increase in noise complaints.
  So this amendment is an important first step, and it is a first step 
in alleviating the constant noise, consistent noise over our 
congressional districts, and I am committed to working with the FAA and 
the many engaged, really, hundreds and hundreds of engaged constituents 
in my district until this issue is resolved.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Knight).
  Mr. KNIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018.
  Chairman Shuster and his staff should be recognized for their 
tireless work to bring all stakeholders together to modernize our 
aerospace system, streamline the process for bringing new aircraft 
technology to market, and lay the groundwork for safely integrating 
unmanned aircraft systems into the 21st century commerce.
  This bill is important for the continued growth of the U.S. aircraft 
industry and for all passengers of today and the future, and for the 
continued legacy of aviation innovation in southern California. Their 
safety is underwritten in several portions of the bill, including 
several drawn from the FLIGHT R&D Act, a bill I introduced last year to 
prioritize research and development on several critical civil airspace 
challenges.
  As reflected in this bill, the FAA must develop a streamlined, risk-
based process for certifying the operation of new UASs.
  The FAA has a key role in working with private sector partners to 
tackle sense-and-avoid technology challenge and enable safe testing of 
beyond-line-of-sight operations. Putting appropriate resources behind 
these technology priorities will ensure American innovations have the 
space to test, develop, and safely integrate UAS technology before 
foreign competitors capture these emerging industries.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. SHUSTER. I yield the gentleman from California an additional 15 
seconds.
  Mr. KNIGHT. Mr. Chairman, this is a fiscally responsible bill, and 
was drafted to ensure taxpayer resources are wisely and efficiently 
used to meet public objectives for safety and economic growth and a 
better way to move around the country. I urge my colleagues to support 
this bill.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Gibbs).
  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, this bill does a number of important things 
for our aviation industry, for safety, and for the traveling public, 
including providing stable funding and a clear regulatory framework. In 
my home State of Ohio, all these are critically important.
  The partnership between the Federal Government and the airports is 
strengthened in this legislation. Stable funding for the Airport 
Improvement Program ensures that airports can continue to evolve, grow, 
and plan thoughtfully for the long term.
  Ohio's airports provide nearly $14 billion of economic activity for 
the State. They support 75,000 direct and indirect jobs; they are 
partners with our Reserve and Guard military wings; and they are the 
front door to interstate and international commerce for our 
communities.
  Ohio's airports employ long-term planning, using a variety of funding 
mechanisms to maximize the value of investments in facilities and 
infrastructure. This bill advances and supports that growth. I am 
pleased to see long-term certainty for the aviation industry through a 
5-year reauthorization, and I encourage my colleagues to support this 
bill and pass H.R. 4.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Denham), the chairman of the Railroads, Pipelines, 
and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.
  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act builds on 
important emergency management reforms that the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee produced in the Sandy Recovery Improvement 
Act.
  Representing a neighboring district to the California wildfires last 
year, I have seen firsthand how these reforms streamline disaster 
assistance to survivors. California was able to utilize those reforms 
like alternative procedures for debris removal, updated individual 
assistance, declaration factors, changes to the Hazard Mitigation Grant 
Program, and many others.
  But there is still work to be done, and Congress recognized that by 
passing legislation that I authored in the SMART Rebuilding Act, to 
provide Federal cost share incentives to States. These measures 
encourage mitigation by establishing a National Public Infrastructure 
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund, and allow implementation of design codes 
as an eligible cost for FEMA's Public Assistance Program.
  I want to clarify that the nationally recognizable design codes in 
this legislation are intended to include State and local participation 
and recognize the unique threats that our diverse country faces.
  Another area which can be improved in California is the issue of 
inverse condemnation. This is a dangerous precedent which is 
threatening the ability of public and private utilities to survive in 
California. Every dollar invested in mitigation results in $4 in cost 
savings.
  I support H.R. 4 and urge its passage.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.

[[Page H3598]]

  

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I just have one more speaker, and then I 
am ready to close.
  I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey).
  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Chairman, for 7 years, I have been working to provide 
American companies with the capability to conduct commercial space 
support activities. American companies would like to utilize space 
support vehicles to train crews and space flight participants for the 
rigors of space flight and research.
  Last year, our office worked with the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee to draft language to address this issue. At 
the time, we agreed on language that the committee included in the 
manager's amendment to an older version of the FAA reauthorization. 
Since that time, a whole lot has changed in the commercial space 
industry.
  Recently, I worked with the industry, in coordination with the FAA, 
to create a legislative solution to allow these companies to operate. 
My bill, H.R. 5346, was favorably supported from the Science, Space, 
and Technology Committee a month ago, and has the support of industry 
and the FAA.
  We owe it to our Nation's commercial space industry to get this 
language right. I am sure you will agree with me that we cannot support 
the passage of outdated or problematic language, and I hope you will 
commit to working with me, going forward, to provide the industry with 
an effective legislative solution.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. POSEY. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, this is an issue that I know the gentleman 
from Florida cares deeply about and has been a champion for his 
constituents in the commercial space industry. I do commit to the 
gentleman to work with him as we move to advance this bill forward.
  Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close if the gentleman from Oregon is. 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I encourage all Members to support this 
positive reauthorization of the FAA. I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the amendment 
offered by my friend Mr. Cuellar and our colleagues from Texas.
  This amendment amends the Slot and Perimeter rules at Washington 
National Airport.
  It provides a special carve out for airports in two cities.
  It upends the current regime which was carefully crafted by Congress 
to maintain operational stability between the three DC-area airports--
National, Dulles, and BWI.
  As a longtime representative of the area around Dulles and as someone 
who fought for an extension of Metro to Dulles, I have to admit I am 
offended by this effort which would do harm to commercial domestic 
passenger volume at Dulles--Northern Virginia's premier international 
airport.
  Since Congress amended the Slot rule in 2000, passenger traffic at 
National has increased by 50 percent and traffic at Dulles has declined 
by 9 percent.
  I ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment and refrain from 
inflicting harm on the area economies of their colleagues' districts.
  The Acting CHAIR. All time for general debate has expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be considered for amendment 
under the 5-minute rule and shall be considered as read.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                 H.R. 4

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Effective date.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

                  Subtitle A--Funding of FAA Programs

Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise compatibility 
              planning and programs.
Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
Sec. 103. FAA operations.
Sec. 104. Adjustment to AIP program funding.
Sec. 105. Funding for aviation programs.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

Sec. 111. Passenger facility charge modernization.
Sec. 112. Pilot program for passenger facility charge authorizations.

         Subtitle C--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

Sec. 121. Clarification of airport obligation to provide FAA airport 
              space.
Sec. 122. Mothers' rooms at airports.
Sec. 123. Extension of competitive access reports.
Sec. 124. Grant assurances.
Sec. 125. Government share of project costs.
Sec. 126. Updated veterans' preference.
Sec. 127. Special rule.
Sec. 128. Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.
Sec. 129. Nondiscrimination.
Sec. 130. State block grant program expansion.
Sec. 131. Midway Island Airport.
Sec. 132. Property conveyance releases.
Sec. 133. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 134. Contract tower program.
Sec. 135. Airport access roads in remote locations.
Sec. 136. Buy America requirements.

        Subtitle D--Airport Noise and Environmental Streamlining

Sec. 151. Recycling plans for airports.
Sec. 152. Pilot program sunset.
Sec. 153. Extension of grant authority for compatible land use planning 
              and projects by State and local governments.
Sec. 154. Updating airport noise exposure maps.
Sec. 155. Stage 3 aircraft study.
Sec. 156. Addressing community noise concerns.
Sec. 157. Study on potential health impacts of overflight noise.
Sec. 158. Environmental mitigation pilot program.
Sec. 159. Aircraft noise exposure.
Sec. 160. Community involvement in FAA NextGen projects located in 
              metroplexes.
Sec. 161. Critical habitat on or near airport property.
Sec. 162. Clarification of reimbursable allowed costs of FAA memoranda 
              of agreement.

               TITLE II--FAA SAFETY CERTIFICATION REFORM

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.

               Subtitle B--Aircraft Certification Reform

Sec. 211. Aircraft certification performance objectives and metrics.
Sec. 212. Organization designation authorizations.
Sec. 213. ODA review.
Sec. 214. Type certification resolution process.
Sec. 215. Review of certification process for small general aviation 
              airplanes.

                  Subtitle C--Flight Standards Reform

Sec. 231. Flight standards performance objectives and metrics.
Sec. 232. FAA task force on flight standards reform.
Sec. 233. Centralized safety guidance database.
Sec. 234. Regulatory Consistency Communications Board.

                      Subtitle D--Safety Workforce

Sec. 241. Safety workforce training strategy.
Sec. 242. Workforce review.

                   Subtitle E--International Aviation

Sec. 251. Promotion of United States aerospace standards, products, and 
              services abroad.
Sec. 252. Bilateral exchanges of safety oversight responsibilities.
Sec. 253. FAA leadership abroad.
Sec. 254. Registration, certification, and related fees.

                           TITLE III--SAFETY

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 301. FAA technical training.
Sec. 302. Safety critical staffing.
Sec. 303. International efforts regarding tracking of civil aircraft.
Sec. 304. Aircraft data access and retrieval systems.
Sec. 305. Advanced cockpit displays.
Sec. 306. Marking of towers.
Sec. 307. Cabin evacuation.
Sec. 308. ODA staffing and oversight.
Sec. 309. Funding for additional safety needs.
Sec. 310. Funding for additional FAA licensing needs.
Sec. 311. Emergency medical equipment on passenger aircraft.
Sec. 312. HIMS program.
Sec. 313. Acceptance of voluntarily provided safety information.
Sec. 314. Flight attendant duty period limitations and rest 
              requirements.
Sec. 315. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 316. Aviation maintenance industry technical workforce.
Sec. 317. Critical airfield markings.
Sec. 318. Regulatory Reform.

                 Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 331. Definitions.
Sec. 332. Codification of existing law; additional provisions.
Sec. 333. Unmanned aircraft test ranges.
Sec. 334. Sense of Congress regarding unmanned aircraft safety.

[[Page H3599]]

Sec. 335. UAS privacy review.
Sec. 336. Public UAS operations by Tribal governments.
Sec. 337. Evaluation of aircraft registration for small unmanned 
              aircraft.
Sec. 338. Study on roles of governments relating to low-altitude 
              operation of small unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 339. Study on financing of unmanned aircraft services.
Sec. 340. Update of FAA comprehensive plan.
Sec. 341. Cooperation related to certain counter-UAS technology.

                   TITLE IV--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

           Subtitle A--Airline Customer Service Improvements

Sec. 401. Reliable air service in American Samoa.
Sec. 402. Cell phone voice communication ban.
Sec. 403. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
Sec. 404. Improved notification of insecticide use.
Sec. 405. Advertisements and disclosure of fees for passenger air 
              transportation.
Sec. 406. Involuntarily bumping passengers after aircraft boarded.
Sec. 407. Availability of consumer rights information.
Sec. 408. Consumer complaints hotline.
Sec. 409. Widespread disruptions.
Sec. 410. Involuntarily denied boarding compensation.
Sec. 411. Consumer information on actual flight times.
Sec. 412. Advisory committee for transparency in air ambulance 
              industry.
Sec. 413. Air ambulance complaints.
Sec. 414. Passenger rights.

            Subtitle B--Aviation Consumers With Disabilities

Sec. 441. Select subcommittee.
Sec. 442. Aviation consumers with disabilities study.
Sec. 443. Feasibility study on in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems.
Sec. 444. Access advisory committee recommendations.

                Subtitle C--Small Community Air Service

Sec. 451. Essential air service authorization.
Sec. 452. Extension of final order establishing mileage adjustment 
              eligibility.
Sec. 453. Study on essential air service reform.
Sec. 454. Small community air service.
Sec. 455. Air transportation to noneligible places.

                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 501. Review of FAA strategic cybersecurity plan.
Sec. 502. Consolidation and realignment of FAA services and facilities.
Sec. 503. FAA review and reform.
Sec. 504. Aviation fuel.
Sec. 505. Right to privacy when using air traffic control system.
Sec. 506. Air shows.
Sec. 507. Part 91 review, reform, and streamlining.
Sec. 508. Aircraft registration.
Sec. 509. Air transportation of lithium cells and batteries.
Sec. 510. Remote tower pilot program for rural and small communities.
Sec. 511. Ensuring FAA readiness to provide seamless oceanic 
              operations.
Sec. 512. Sense of Congress regarding women in aviation.
Sec. 513. Obstruction evaluation aeronautical studies.
Sec. 514. Aircraft leasing.
Sec. 515. Report on obsolete test equipment.
Sec. 516. Pilots sharing flight expenses with passengers.
Sec. 517. Aviation rulemaking committee for part 135 pilot rest and 
              duty rules.
Sec. 518. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Sec. 519. Terminal Aerodrome Forecast.
Sec. 520. Federal Aviation Administration employees stationed on Guam.
Sec. 521. Technical corrections.
Sec. 522. Application of veterans' preference to Federal Aviation 
              Administration personnel management system.
Sec. 523. Public aircraft eligible for logging flight times.
Sec. 524. Federal Aviation Administration workforce review.
Sec. 525. State taxation.
Sec. 526. Aviation and aerospace workforce of the future.
Sec. 527. Future aviation and aerospace workforce study.
Sec. 528. FAA leadership on civil supersonic aircraft.
Sec. 529. Oklahoma registry office.
Sec. 530. Foreign air transportation under United States-European Union 
              Air Transport Agreement.
Sec. 531. Training on human trafficking for certain staff.
Sec. 532. Part 107 implementation improvements.
Sec. 533. Part 107 transparency and technology improvements.
Sec. 534. Prohibitions against smoking on passenger flights.
Sec. 535. Consumer protection requirements relating to large ticket 
              agents.
Sec. 536. FAA data transparency.
Sec. 537. Agency procurement reporting requirements.
Sec. 538. Zero-emission vehicles and technology.
Sec. 539. Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plans.
Sec. 540. Study on training of customer-facing air carrier employees.
Sec. 541. Minimum dimensions for passenger seats.
Sec. 542. Study of ground transportation options.

                 TITLE VI--DISASTER RECOVERY REFORM ACT

Sec. 601. Applicability.
Sec. 602. State defined.
Sec. 603. Wildfire prevention.
Sec. 604. Additional activities.
Sec. 605. Eligibility for code implementation and enforcement.
Sec. 606. Program improvements.
Sec. 607. Prioritization of facilities.
Sec. 608. Guidance on evacuation routes.
Sec. 609. Duplication of benefits.
Sec. 610. State administration of assistance for direct temporary 
              housing and permanent housing construction.
Sec. 611. Assistance to individuals and households.
Sec. 612. Multifamily lease and repair assistance.
Sec. 613. Private nonprofit facility.
Sec. 614. Management costs.
Sec. 615. Flexibility.
Sec. 616. Additional disaster assistance.
Sec. 617. National veterinary emergency teams.
Sec. 618. Dispute resolution pilot program.
Sec. 619. Unified Federal environmental and historic preservation 
              review.
Sec. 620. Closeout incentives.
Sec. 621. Performance of services.
Sec. 622. Study to streamline and consolidate information collection.
Sec. 623. Agency accountability.
Sec. 624. Audit of contracts.
Sec. 625. Inspector general audit of FEMA contracts for tarps and 
              plastic sheeting.
Sec. 626. Relief organizations.
Sec. 627. Guidance on inundated and submerged roads.
Sec. 628. Authorities.
Sec. 629. Recoupment of certain assistance prohibited.
Sec. 630.  Statute of limitations.
Sec. 631. Technical assistance and recommendations.
Sec. 632.  Guidance on hazard mitigation assistance.
Sec. 633.  Local impact.
Sec. 634. Additional hazard mitigation activities.
Sec. 635. National public infrastructure predisaster hazard mitigation.
Sec. 636. Additional mitigation activities.

                       TITLE VII--FLIGHT R&D ACT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Definitions.
Sec. 703. Authorization of appropriations.

         Subtitle B--FAA Research and Development Organization

Sec. 711. Associate Administrator for Research and Development.
Sec. 712. Research advisory committee.

                 Subtitle C--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 721. Unmanned aircraft systems research and development roadmap.
Sec. 722. Probabilistic metrics for exemptions.
Sec. 723. Probabilistic assessment of risks.
Sec. 724. Unmanned aerial vehicle-manned aircraft collision research.
Sec. 725. Special rule for research and development.
Sec. 726. Beyond line-of-sight research and development.

                       Subtitle D--Cybersecurity

Sec. 731. Cyber Testbed.
Sec. 732. Cabin communications, entertainment, and information 
              technology systems cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Sec. 733. Cybersecurity threat modeling.
Sec. 734. National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity 
              standards.
Sec. 735. Cybersecurity research coordination.
Sec. 736. Cybersecurity research and development program.

          Subtitle E--FAA Research and Development Activities

Sec. 741. Research plan for the certification of new technologies into 
              the national airspace system.
Sec. 742. Aviation fuel research, development, and usage.
Sec. 743. Air traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote 
              locations.
Sec. 744. Single-piloted commercial cargo aircraft.
Sec. 745. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.

                TITLE VIII--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 801. Expenditure authority from Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
Sec. 802. Extension of taxes funding Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

     SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, this Act and the 
     amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

[[Page H3600]]

  


                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

                  Subtitle A--Funding of FAA Programs

     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 ``section 47504(c)'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     the following: ``section 47504(c)--
       ``(1) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
       ``(2) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
       ``(3) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
       ``(4) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(5) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(6) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.
       (b) Obligation Authority.--Section 47104(c) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) by striking ``2018,'' and inserting ``2023,''.

     SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations From Airport and Airway 
     Trust Fund.--Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) $2,920,000,000 for fiscal year 2018.
       ``(2) $2,984,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.
       ``(3) $3,049,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.
       ``(4) $3,118,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.
       ``(5) $3,190,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
       ``(6) $3,263,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.
       (b) Set Asides.--Section 48101(d) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting ``, carried out using 
     amounts appropriated under subsection (a),'' after ``air 
     traffic control modernization project''.

     SEC. 103. FAA OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through 
     (F) and inserting the following:
       ``(A) $10,231,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;
       ``(B) $10,434,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;
       ``(C) $10,639,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
       ``(D) $10,861,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
       ``(E) $11,095,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
       ``(F) $11,329,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.
       (b) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal 
     years 2012 through 2018,'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2018 
     through 2023,''.

     SEC. 104. ADJUSTMENT TO AIP PROGRAM FUNDING.

       Section 48112 of title 49, United States Code, and the item 
     relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 481 of 
     such title, are repealed.

     SEC. 105. FUNDING FOR AVIATION PROGRAMS.

       Section 48114(a)(1)(A)(ii) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``in fiscal year 2014 and each fiscal 
     year thereafter'' and inserting ``in fiscal years 2014 
     through 2018''.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

     SEC. 111. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE MODERNIZATION.

       Section 40117(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or $3'' and inserting 
     ``$3, $4, or $4.50'';
       (2) by repealing paragraph (4);
       (3) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) by striking ``specified in paragraphs (1) and (4)'' and 
     inserting ``specified in paragraph (1)''; and
       (B) by striking ``imposed under paragraph (1) or (4)'' and 
     inserting ``imposed under paragraph (1)''; and
       (4) in paragraph (7)(A)--
       (A) by striking ``specified in paragraphs (1), (4), and 
     (6)'' and inserting ``specified in paragraphs (1) and (6)''; 
     and
       (B) by striking ``imposed under paragraph (1) or (4)'' and 
     inserting ``imposed under paragraph (1)''.

     SEC. 112. PILOT PROGRAM FOR PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE 
                   AUTHORIZATIONS.

       Section 40117(l) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading by striking  ``at Nonhub 
     Airports''; and
       (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``nonhub''.

         Subtitle C--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

     SEC. 121. CLARIFICATION OF AIRPORT OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE FAA 
                   AIRPORT SPACE.

       Section 44502 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Airport Space.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not 
     require an airport owner, operator, or sponsor (as defined in 
     section 47102) to provide building construction, maintenance, 
     utilities, administrative support, or space on airport 
     property to the Federal Aviation Administration without 
     adequate compensation.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) does not apply in any case 
     in which an airport owner, operator, or sponsor--
       ``(A) provides land or buildings without compensation to 
     the Federal Aviation Administration for facilities used to 
     carry out activities related to air traffic control or 
     navigation pursuant to a grant assurance; or
       ``(B) provides goods or services to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration without compensation or at below-market rates 
     pursuant to a negotiated agreement between the owner, 
     operator, or sponsor and the Administrator.''.

     SEC. 122. MOTHERS' ROOMS AT AIRPORTS.

       (a) Lactation Area Defined.--Section 47102 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(29) `lactation area' means a room or other location in a 
     commercial service airport that--
       ``(A) provides a location for members of the public to 
     express breast milk that is shielded from view and free from 
     intrusion from the public;
       ``(B) has a door that can be locked;
       ``(C) includes a place to sit, a table or other flat 
     surface, and an electrical outlet;
       ``(D) is readily accessible to and usable by individuals 
     with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs; 
     and
       ``(E) is not located in a restroom.''.
       (b) Project Grant Written Assurances for Large and Medium 
     Hub Airports.--
       (1) In general.--Section 47107(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (20) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (21) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(22) with respect to a medium or large hub airport, the 
     airport owner or operator will maintain a lactation area in 
     each passenger terminal building of the airport in the 
     sterile area (as defined in section 1540.5 of title 49, Code 
     of Federal Regulations) of the building.''.
       (2) Applicability.--
       (A) In general.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
     apply to a project grant application submitted for a fiscal 
     year beginning on or after the date that is 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act.
       (B) Special rule.--The requirement in the amendment made by 
     paragraph (1) that a lactation area be located in the sterile 
     area of a passenger terminal building shall not apply with 
     respect to a project grant application for a period of time, 
     determined by the Secretary of Transportation, if the 
     Secretary determines that construction or maintenance 
     activities make it impracticable or unsafe for the lactation 
     area to be located in the sterile area of the building.
       (c) Terminal Development Costs.--Section 47119(a) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(3) Lactation areas.--In addition to the projects 
     described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may approve a 
     project for terminal development for the construction or 
     installation of a lactation area at a commercial service 
     airport.''.
       (d) Pre-Existing Facilities.--On application by an airport 
     sponsor, the Secretary may determine that a lactation area in 
     existence on the date of enactment of this Act complies with 
     the requirement of section 47107(a)(22) of title 49, United 
     States Code, as added by this section, notwithstanding the 
     absence of one of the facilities or characteristics referred 
     to in the definition of the term ``lactation area'' in 
     section 47102 of such title, as added by this section.

     SEC. 123. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORTS.

       Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 124. GRANT ASSURANCES.

       (a) Construction of Recreational Aircraft.--Section 47107 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(u) Construction of Recreational Aircraft.--
       ``(1) In general.--The construction of a covered aircraft 
     shall be treated as an aeronautical activity for purposes 
     of--
       ``(A) determining an airport's compliance with a grant 
     assurance made under this section or any other provision of 
     law; and
       ``(B) the receipt of Federal financial assistance for 
     airport development.
       ``(2) Covered aircraft defined.--In this subsection, the 
     term `covered aircraft' means an aircraft--
       ``(A) used or intended to be used exclusively for 
     recreational purposes; and
       ``(B) constructed or under construction by a private 
     individual at a general aviation airport.''.
       (b) Community Use of Airport Land.--Section 47107 of title 
     49, United States Code, as amended by this section, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(13), and 
     subject to paragraph (2), the sponsor of a public-use airport 
     shall not be considered to be in violation of this subtitle, 
     or to be found in violation of a grant assurance made under 
     this section, or under any other provision of law, as a 
     condition for the receipt of Federal financial assistance for 
     airport development, solely because the sponsor has entered 
     into an agreement, including a revised agreement, with a 
     local government providing for the use of airport property 
     for an interim compatible recreational purpose at below fair 
     market value.
       ``(2) Restrictions.--This subsection shall apply only--
       ``(A) to an agreement regarding airport property that was 
     initially entered into before the publication of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration's Policy and Procedures Concerning 
     the Use of Airport Revenue, dated February 16, 1999;
       ``(B) if the agreement between the sponsor and the local 
     government is subordinate to any existing or future 
     agreements between the sponsor and the Secretary, including 
     agreements related to a grant assurance under this section;
       ``(C) to airport property that was acquired under a Federal 
     airport development grant program;

[[Page H3601]]

       ``(D) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
     statement to the Administrator that the property made 
     available for a recreational purpose will not be needed for 
     any aeronautical purpose during the next 10 years;
       ``(E) if the agreement includes a term of not more than 2 
     years to prepare the airport property for the interim 
     compatible recreational purpose and not more than 10 years of 
     use for that purpose;
       ``(F) if the recreational purpose will not impact the 
     aeronautical use of the airport;
       ``(G) if the airport sponsor provides a certification that 
     the sponsor is not responsible for preparation, start-up, 
     operations, maintenance, or any other costs associated with 
     the recreational purpose; and
       ``(H) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
     Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 47502.
       ``(3) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     may be construed as permitting a diversion of airport revenue 
     for the capital or operating costs associated with the 
     community use of airport land.''.

     SEC. 125. GOVERNMENT SHARE OF PROJECT COSTS.

       Section 47109(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``primary airport having 
     at least .25 percent of the total number of passenger 
     boardings each year at all commercial service airports;'' and 
     inserting ``medium or large hub airport;''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
       ``(5) 95 percent for a project that--
       ``(A) the Administrator determines is a successive phase of 
     a multi-phase construction project for which the sponsor 
     received a grant in fiscal year 2011; and
       ``(B) for which the United States Government's share of 
     allowable project costs could otherwise be 90 percent under 
     paragraph (2) or (3).''.

     SEC. 126. UPDATED VETERANS' PREFERENCE.

       Section 47112(c)(1)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``or Operation New Dawn for more'' and 
     inserting ``Operation New Dawn, Operation Inherent Resolve, 
     Operation Freedom's Sentinel, or any successor contingency 
     operation to such operations for more''; and
       (2) by striking ``or Operation New Dawn (whichever is 
     later)'' and inserting ``Operation New Dawn, Operation 
     Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, or any 
     successor contingency operation to such operations (whichever 
     is later)''.

     SEC. 127. SPECIAL RULE.

       Section 47114(d)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) During fiscal years 2018 through 2020--
       ``(i) an airport that accrued apportionment funds under 
     subparagraph (A) in fiscal year 2013 that is listed as having 
     an unclassified status under the most recent national plan of 
     integrated airport systems shall continue to accrue 
     apportionment funds under subparagraph (A) at the same amount 
     the airport accrued apportionment funds in fiscal year 2013, 
     subject to the conditions of this paragraph;
       ``(ii) notwithstanding the period of availability as 
     described in section 47117(b), an amount apportioned to an 
     airport under clause (i) shall be available to the airport 
     only during the fiscal year in which the amount is 
     apportioned; and
       ``(iii) notwithstanding the waiver permitted under section 
     47117(c)(2), an airport receiving apportionment funds under 
     clause (i) may not waive its claim to any part of the 
     apportioned funds in order to make the funds available for a 
     grant for another public-use airport.
       ``(D) An airport that re-establishes its classified status 
     shall be eligible to accrue apportionment funds pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A) so long as such airport retains its 
     classified status.''.

     SEC. 128. MARSHALL ISLANDS, MICRONESIA, AND PALAU.

       Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (i);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (i); and
       (3) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     ``fiscal years 2012 through 2018'' and inserting ``fiscal 
     years 2018 through 2023''.

     SEC. 129. NONDISCRIMINATION.

       Section 47123 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``The Secretary of Transportation'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Indian Employment.--
       ``(1) Tribal sponsor preference.--Consistent with section 
     703(i) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-
     2(i)), nothing in this section shall preclude the 
     preferential employment of Indians living on or near a 
     reservation on a project or contract at--
       ``(A) an airport sponsored by an Indian tribal government; 
     or
       ``(B) an airport located on an Indian reservation.
       ``(2) State preference.--A State may implement a preference 
     for employment of Indians on a project carried out under this 
     subchapter near an Indian reservation.
       ``(3) Implementation.--The Secretary shall cooperate with 
     Indian tribal governments and the States to implement this 
     subsection.
       ``(4) Indian tribal government defined.--In this section, 
     the term `Indian tribal government' has the same meaning 
     given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5122).''.

     SEC. 130. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM EXPANSION.

       Section 47128(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``not more than 9 qualified States for 
     fiscal years 2000 and 2001 and 10 qualified States for each 
     fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting ``not more than 20 
     qualified States for each fiscal year''.

     SEC. 131. MIDWAY ISLAND AIRPORT.

       Section 186(d) of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation 
     Reauthorization Act (117 Stat. 2518) is amended in the first 
     sentence by striking ``fiscal years 2012 through 2018'' and 
     inserting ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023''.

     SEC. 132. PROPERTY CONVEYANCE RELEASES.

       Section 817(a) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``or section 23'' and inserting ``, section 
     23''; and
       (2) by inserting ``, or section 47125 of title 49, United 
     States Code'' before the period at the end.

     SEC. 133. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) While significant progress has occurred due to the 
     establishment of the airport disadvantaged business 
     enterprise program (49 U.S.C. 47107(e) and 47113), 
     discrimination and related barriers continue to pose 
     significant obstacles for minority- and women-owned 
     businesses seeking to do business in airport-related markets 
     across the Nation. These continuing barriers merit the 
     continuation of the airport disadvantaged business enterprise 
     program.
       (2) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and 
     documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous 
     sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, 
     scientific reports, reports issued by public and private 
     agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by 
     organizations and individuals, and discrimination lawsuits. 
     This testimony and documentation shows that race- and gender-
     neutral efforts alone are insufficient to address the 
     problem.
       (3) This testimony and documentation demonstrates that 
     discrimination across the Nation poses a barrier to full and 
     fair participation in airport-related businesses of women 
     business owners and minority business owners in the racial 
     groups detailed in parts 23 and 26 of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, and has impacted firm development and 
     many aspects of airport-related business in the public and 
     private markets.
       (4) This testimony and documentation provides a strong 
     basis that there is a compelling need for the continuation of 
     the airport disadvantaged business enterprise program and the 
     airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise program 
     to address race and gender discrimination in airport-related 
     business.

     SEC. 134. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.

       (a) Air Traffic Control Contract Program.--
       (1) Special rule.--Section 47124(b)(1)(B) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``exceeds the 
     benefit for a period of 18 months after such determination is 
     made'' and inserting the following: ``exceeds the benefit--
       ``(i) for the 1-year period after such determination is 
     made; or
       ``(ii) if an appeal of such determination is requested, for 
     the 1-year period described in subsection (d)(4)(D)''.
       (2) Funding of cost-share program.--Section 47124(b)(3)(E) 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(E) Funding.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to section 
     106(k)(1) may be used to carry out this paragraph.''.
       (3) Construction of air traffic control towers.--
       (A) Grants.--Section 47124(b)(4)(A) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended in each of clauses (i)(III) and 
     (ii)(III) by inserting ``, including remote air traffic 
     control tower equipment certified by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration'' after ``1996''.
       (B) Eligibility.--Section 47124(b)(4)(B)(i)(I) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``pilot''.
       (C) Limitation on federal share.--Section 47124(b)(4) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     subparagraph (C).
       (4) Benefit-to-cost calculation for program applicants.--
     Section 47124(b)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) Benefit-to-cost calculation.--Not later than 90 days 
     after receiving an application to the Contract Tower Program, 
     the Secretary shall calculate a benefit-to-cost ratio (as 
     described in subsection (d)) for the applicable air traffic 
     control tower for purposes of selecting towers for 
     participation in the Contract Tower Program.''.
       (b) Criteria To Evaluate Participants.--Section 47124 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(d) Criteria To Evaluate Participants.--
       ``(1) Timing of evaluations.--
       ``(A) Towers participating in cost-share program.--In the 
     case of an air traffic control tower that is operated under 
     the program established under subsection (b)(3), the

[[Page H3602]]

     Secretary shall annually calculate a benefit-to-cost ratio 
     with respect to the tower.
       ``(B) Towers participating in contract tower program.--In 
     the case of an air traffic control tower that is operated 
     under the program established under subsection (a) and 
     continued under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall not 
     calculate a benefit-to-cost ratio after the date of enactment 
     of this subsection with respect to the tower unless the 
     Secretary determines that the annual aircraft traffic at the 
     airport where the tower is located has decreased--
       ``(i) by more than 25 percent from the previous year; or
       ``(ii) by more than 55 percent cumulatively in the 
     preceding 3-year period.
       ``(2) Costs to be considered.--In establishing a benefit-
     to-cost ratio under this section with respect to an air 
     traffic control tower, the Secretary shall consider only the 
     following costs:
       ``(A) The Federal Aviation Administration's actual cost of 
     wages and benefits of personnel working at the tower.
       ``(B) The Federal Aviation Administration's actual 
     telecommunications costs directly associated with the tower.
       ``(C) The Federal Aviation Administration's costs of 
     purchasing and installing any air traffic control equipment 
     that would not have been purchased or installed except as a 
     result of the operation of the tower.
       ``(D) The Federal Aviation Administration's actual travel 
     costs associated with maintaining air traffic control 
     equipment that is owned by the Administration and would not 
     be maintained except as a result of the operation of the 
     tower.
       ``(E) Other actual costs of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration directly associated with the tower that would 
     not be incurred except as a result of the operation of the 
     tower (excluding costs for non-contract tower related 
     personnel and equipment, even if the personnel or equipment 
     are located in the contract tower building).
       ``(3) Other criteria to be considered.--In establishing a 
     benefit-to-cost ratio under this section with respect to an 
     air traffic control tower, the Secretary shall add a 10 
     percentage point margin of error to the benefit-to-cost ratio 
     determination to acknowledge and account for the direct and 
     indirect economic and other benefits that are not included in 
     the criteria the Secretary used in calculating that ratio.
       ``(4) Review of cost-benefit determinations.--In issuing a 
     benefit-to-cost ratio determination under this section with 
     respect to an air traffic control tower located at an 
     airport, the Secretary shall implement the following 
     procedures:
       ``(A) The Secretary shall provide the airport (or the State 
     or local government having jurisdiction over the airport) at 
     least 90 days following the date of receipt of the 
     determination to submit to the Secretary a request for an 
     appeal of the determination, together with updated or 
     additional data in support of the appeal.
       ``(B) Upon receipt of a request for an appeal submitted 
     pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) transmit to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration any updated or additional data submitted in 
     support of the appeal; and
       ``(ii) provide the Administrator not more than 90 days to 
     review the data and provide a response to the Secretary based 
     on the review.
       ``(C) After receiving a response from the Administrator 
     pursuant to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) provide the airport, State, or local government that 
     requested the appeal at least 30 days to review the response; 
     and
       ``(ii) withhold from taking further action in connection 
     with the appeal during that 30-day period.
       ``(D) If, after completion of the appeal procedures with 
     respect to the determination, the Secretary requires the 
     tower to transition into the program established under 
     subsection (b)(3), the Secretary shall not require a cost-
     share payment from the airport, State, or local government 
     for 1 year following the last day of the 30-day period 
     described in subparagraph (C).''.

     SEC. 135. AIRPORT ACCESS ROADS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.

       Notwithstanding section 47102 of title 49, United States 
     Code, for fiscal years 2018 through 2021, the definition of 
     the term ``terminal development'' under that section includes 
     the development of an airport access road that--
       (1) is located in a noncontiguous State;
       (2) is not more than 3 miles in length;
       (3) connects to the nearest public roadways of not more 
     than the 2 closest census designated places; and
       (4) is constructed for the purpose of connecting the census 
     designated places with a planned or newly constructed 
     airport.

     SEC. 136. BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Notice of Waivers.--If the Secretary of Transportation 
     determines that it is necessary to waive the application of 
     section 50101(a) of title 49, United States Code, based on a 
     finding under section 50101(b) of that title, the Secretary, 
     at least 10 days before the date on which the waiver takes 
     effect, shall--
       (1) make publicly available, in an easily identifiable 
     location on the website of the Department of Transportation, 
     a detailed written justification of the waiver determination; 
     and
       (2) provide an informal public notice and comment 
     opportunity on the waiver determination.
       (b) Annual Report.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on waivers issued under section 50101 of 
     title 49, United States Code, during the fiscal year.

        Subtitle D--Airport Noise and Environmental Streamlining

     SEC. 151. RECYCLING PLANS FOR AIRPORTS.

       Section 47106(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``that includes the project'' before ``, 
     the master plan''.

     SEC. 152. PILOT PROGRAM SUNSET.

       (a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is repealed.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 47140a of title 49, 
     United States Code, is redesignated as section 47140.
       (c) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the items relating to sections 47140 and 
     47140a; and
       (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 47139 
     the following:

``47140. Increasing the energy efficiency of airport power sources.''.

     SEC. 153. EXTENSION OF GRANT AUTHORITY FOR COMPATIBLE LAND 
                   USE PLANNING AND PROJECTS BY STATE AND LOCAL 
                   GOVERNMENTS.

       Section 47141(f) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 154. UPDATING AIRPORT NOISE EXPOSURE MAPS.

       Section 47503(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Revised Maps.--
       ``(1) In general.--An airport operator that submitted a 
     noise exposure map under subsection (a) shall submit a 
     revised map to the Secretary if, in an area surrounding an 
     airport, a change in the operation of the airport would 
     establish a substantial new noncompatible use, or would 
     significantly reduce noise over existing noncompatible uses, 
     that is not reflected in either the existing conditions map 
     or forecast map currently on file with the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       ``(2) Timing.--A submission under paragraph (1) shall be 
     required only if the relevant change in the operation of the 
     airport occurs during--
       ``(A) the forecast period of the applicable noise exposure 
     map submitted by an airport operator under subsection (a); or
       ``(B) the implementation period of the airport operator's 
     noise compatibility program.''.

     SEC. 155. STAGE 3 AIRCRAFT STUDY.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a review of the potential benefits, 
     costs, and other impacts that would result from a phaseout of 
     covered stage 3 aircraft.
       (b) Contents.--The review shall include--
       (1) a determination of the number, types, frequency of 
     operations, and owners and operators of covered stage 3 
     aircraft;
       (2) an analysis of the potential benefits, costs, and other 
     impacts to air carriers, general aviation operators, 
     airports, communities surrounding airports, and the general 
     public associated with phasing out or reducing the operations 
     of covered stage 3 aircraft, assuming such a phaseout or 
     reduction is put into effect over a reasonable period of 
     time;
       (3) a determination of lessons learned from the phaseout of 
     stage 2 aircraft that might be applicable to a phaseout or 
     reduction in the operations of covered stage 3 aircraft, 
     including comparisons between the benefits, costs, and other 
     impacts associated with the phaseout of stage 2 aircraft and 
     the potential benefits, costs, and other impacts determined 
     under paragraph (2);
       (4) a determination of the costs and logistical challenges 
     associated with recertifying stage 3 aircraft capable of 
     meeting stage 4 noise levels; and
       (5) a determination of stakeholder views on the feasibility 
     and desirability of phasing out covered stage 3 aircraft, 
     including the views of--
       (A) air carriers;
       (B) airports;
       (C) communities surrounding airports;
       (D) aircraft and avionics manufacturers;
       (E) operators of covered stage 3 aircraft other than air 
     carriers; and
       (F) such other stakeholders and aviation experts as the 
     Comptroller General considers appropriate.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review.
       (d) Covered Stage 3 Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered stage 3 aircraft'' means a civil subsonic jet 
     aircraft that is not capable of meeting the stage 4 noise 
     levels in part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 156. ADDRESSING COMMUNITY NOISE CONCERNS.

       When proposing a new area navigation departure procedure, 
     or amending an existing procedure that would direct aircraft 
     between

[[Page H3603]]

     the surface and 6,000 feet above ground level over noise 
     sensitive areas, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall consider the feasibility of dispersal 
     headings or other lateral track variations to address 
     community noise concerns, if--
       (1) the affected airport operator, in consultation with the 
     affected community, submits a request to the Administrator 
     for such a consideration;
       (2) the airport operator's request would not, in the 
     judgment of the Administrator, conflict with the safe and 
     efficient operation of the national airspace system; and
       (3) the effect of a modified departure procedure would not 
     significantly increase noise over noise sensitive areas, as 
     determined by the Administrator.

     SEC. 157. STUDY ON POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF OVERFLIGHT 
                   NOISE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall enter into an agreement with an 
     eligible institution of higher education to conduct a study 
     on the health impacts of noise from aircraft flights on 
     residents exposed to a range of noise levels from such 
     flights.
       (b) Scope of Study.--The study shall--
       (1) include an examination of the incremental health 
     impacts attributable to noise exposure that result from 
     aircraft flights, including sleep disturbance and elevated 
     blood pressure;
       (2) be focused on residents in the metropolitan area of--
       (A) Boston;
       (B) Chicago;
       (C) the District of Columbia;
       (D) New York;
       (E) the Northern California Metroplex;
       (F) Phoenix;
       (G) the Southern California Metroplex; or
       (H) such other area as may be identified by the 
     Administrator;
       (3) consider, in particular, the incremental health impacts 
     on residents living partly or wholly underneath flight paths 
     most frequently used by aircraft flying at an altitude lower 
     than 10,000 feet, including during takeoff or landing; and
       (4) include an assessment of the relationship between a 
     perceived increase in aircraft noise, including as a result 
     of a change in flight paths that increases the visibility of 
     aircraft from a certain location, and an actual increase in 
     aircraft noise, particularly in areas with high or variable 
     levels of nonaircraft-related ambient noise.
       (c) Eligibility.--An institution of higher education is 
     eligible to conduct the study if the institution--
       (1) has--
       (A) a school of public health that has participated in the 
     Center of Excellence for Aircraft Noise and Aviation 
     Emissions Mitigation of the Federal Aviation Administration; 
     or
       (B) a center for environmental health that receives funding 
     from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
       (2) is located in one of the areas identified in subsection 
     (b);
       (3) applies to the Administrator in a timely fashion;
       (4) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Administrator 
     that the institution is qualified to conduct the study;
       (5) agrees to submit to the Administrator, not later than 3 
     years after entering into an agreement under subsection (a), 
     the results of the study, including any source materials 
     used; and
       (6) meets such other requirements as the Administrator 
     determines necessary.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the Administrator 
     receives the results of the study, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     containing the results.

     SEC. 158. ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     carry out a pilot program involving not more than 6 projects 
     at public-use airports in accordance with this section.
       (b) Grants.--In carrying out the program, the Secretary may 
     make grants to sponsors of public-use airports from funds 
     apportioned under section 47117(e)(1)(A) of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (c) Use of Funds.--Amounts from a grant received by the 
     sponsor of a public-use airport under the program shall be 
     used for environmental mitigation projects that will 
     measurably reduce or mitigate aviation impacts on noise, air 
     quality, or water quality at the airport or within 5 miles of 
     the airport.
       (d) Eligibility.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, an environmental 
     mitigation project approved under this section shall be 
     treated as eligible for assistance under that chapter.
       (e) Selection Criteria.--In selecting from among applicants 
     for participation in the program, the Secretary may give 
     priority consideration to projects that--
       (1) will achieve the greatest reductions in aircraft noise, 
     airport emissions, or airport water quality impacts either on 
     an absolute basis or on a per dollar of funds expended basis; 
     and
       (2) will be implemented by an eligible consortium.
       (f) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project carried out under the program shall be 50 percent.
       (g) Maximum Amount.--Not more than $2,500,000 may be made 
     available by the Secretary in grants under the program for 
     any single project.
       (h) Identifying Best Practices.--The Secretary may 
     establish and publish information identifying best practices 
     for reducing or mitigating aviation impacts on noise, air 
     quality, and water quality at airports or in the vicinity of 
     airports based on the projects carried out under the program.
       (i) Sunset.--The program shall terminate 5 years after the 
     Secretary makes the first grant under the program.
       (j) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Eligible consortium.--The term ``eligible consortium'' 
     means a consortium that is comprised of 2 or more of the 
     following entities:
       (A) Businesses incorporated in the United States.
       (B) Public or private educational or research organizations 
     located in the United States.
       (C) Entities of State or local governments in the United 
     States.
       (D) Federal laboratories.
       (2) Environmental mitigation project.--The term 
     ``environmental mitigation project'' means a project that--
       (A) introduces new environmental mitigation techniques or 
     technologies that have been proven in laboratory 
     demonstrations;
       (B) proposes methods for efficient adaptation or 
     integration of new concepts into airport operations; and
       (C) will demonstrate whether new techniques or technologies 
     for environmental mitigation are--
       (i) practical to implement at or near multiple public-use 
     airports; and
       (ii) capable of reducing noise, airport emissions, or water 
     quality impacts in measurably significant amounts.

     SEC. 159. AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE.

       (a) Review.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall conduct a review of the relationship 
     between aircraft noise exposure and its effects on 
     communities around airports.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress a report containing the results of the review.
       (2) Preliminary recommendations.--The report shall contain 
     such preliminary recommendations as the Administrator 
     determines appropriate for revising the land use 
     compatibility guidelines in part 150 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, based on the results of the review and 
     in coordination with other agencies.

     SEC. 160. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN FAA NEXTGEN PROJECTS 
                   LOCATED IN METROPLEXES.

       (a) Community Involvement Policy.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration shall complete a review 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration's community 
     involvement practices for Next Generation Air Transportation 
     System (NextGen) projects located in metroplexes identified 
     by the Administration. The review shall include, at a 
     minimum, a determination of how and when to engage airports 
     and communities in performance-based navigation proposals.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after completion of the 
     review, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on--
       (1) how the Administration will improve community 
     involvement practices for NextGen projects located in 
     metroplexes;
       (2) how and when the Administration will engage airports 
     and communities in performance-based navigation proposals; 
     and
       (3) lessons learned from NextGen projects and pilot 
     programs and how those lessons learned are being integrated 
     into community involvement practices for future NextGen 
     projects located in metroplexes.

     SEC. 161. CRITICAL HABITAT ON OR NEAR AIRPORT PROPERTY.

       (a) Federal Agency Requirements.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation, to the maximum extent practicable, shall work 
     with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies to ensure that 
     designations of critical habitat, as that term is defined in 
     section 3 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
     1532), on or near airport property do not--
       (1) result in conflicting statutory, regulatory, or Federal 
     grant assurance requirements for airports or aircraft 
     operators;
       (2) interfere with the safe operation of aircraft; or
       (3) occur on airport-owned lands that have become 
     attractive habitat for a threatened or endangered species 
     because such lands--
       (A) have been prepared for future development;
       (B) have been designated as noise buffer land; or
       (C) are held by the airport to prevent encroachment of uses 
     that are incompatible with airport operations.
       (b) State Requirements.--In a State where a State agency is 
     authorized to designate land on or near airport property for 
     the conservation of a threatened or endangered species in the 
     State, the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     shall work

[[Page H3604]]

     with the State in the same manner as the Secretary works with 
     the heads of Federal agencies under subsection (a).

     SEC. 162. CLARIFICATION OF REIMBURSABLE ALLOWED COSTS OF FAA 
                   MEMORANDA OF AGREEMENT.

       Section 47504(c)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (E) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) to an airport operator of a congested airport (as 
     defined in section 47175) and a unit of local government 
     referred to in paragraph (1)(B) to carry out a project to 
     mitigate noise, if the project--
       ``(i) consists of--
       ``(I) replacement windows, doors, and the installation of 
     through-the-wall air-conditioning units; or
       ``(II) a contribution of the equivalent costs to be used 
     for reconstruction, if reconstruction is the preferred local 
     solution;
       ``(ii) is located at a school near the airport; and
       ``(iii) is included in a memorandum of agreement entered 
     into before September 30, 2002, even if the airport has not 
     met the requirements of part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and only if the financial limitations of the 
     memorandum are applied.''.

               TITLE II--FAA SAFETY CERTIFICATION REFORM

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title, the following definitions apply:
       (1) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (2) Safety oversight and certification advisory 
     committee.--The term ``Safety Oversight and Certification 
     Advisory Committee'' means the Safety Oversight and 
     Certification Advisory Committee established under section 
     202.
       (3) Systems safety approach.--The term ``systems safety 
     approach'' means the application of specialized technical and 
     managerial skills to the systematic, forward-looking 
     identification and control of hazards throughout the 
     lifecycle of a project, program, or activity.

     SEC. 202. SAFETY OVERSIGHT AND CERTIFICATION ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
     Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
     Committee'').
       (b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide advice to 
     the Secretary on policy-level issues facing the aviation 
     community that are related to FAA certification and safety 
     oversight programs and activities, including, at a minimum, 
     the following:
       (1) Aircraft and flight standards certification processes, 
     including efforts to streamline those processes.
       (2) Implementation and oversight of safety management 
     systems.
       (3) Risk-based oversight efforts.
       (4) Utilization of delegation and designation authorities.
       (5) Regulatory interpretation standardization efforts.
       (6) Training programs.
       (7) Expediting the rulemaking process and giving priority 
     to rules related to safety.
       (c) Functions.--The Advisory Committee shall carry out the 
     following functions (as the functions relate to FAA 
     certification and safety oversight programs and activities):
       (1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and 
     transparent manner.
       (2) Consult with, and ensure participation by--
       (A) the private sector, including representatives of--
       (i) general aviation;
       (ii) commercial aviation;
       (iii) aviation labor;
       (iv) aviation maintenance;
       (v) aviation, aerospace, and avionics manufacturing;
       (vi) unmanned aircraft systems operators and manufacturers; 
     and
       (vii) the commercial space transportation industry;
       (B) members of the public; and
       (C) other interested parties.
       (3) Establish consensus national goals, strategic 
     objectives, and priorities for the most efficient, 
     streamlined, and cost-effective certification and oversight 
     processes in order to maintain the safety of the aviation 
     system and, at the same time, allow the FAA to meet future 
     needs and ensure that aviation stakeholders remain 
     competitive in the global marketplace.
       (4) Provide policy guidance for the FAA's certification and 
     safety oversight efforts.
       (5) Provide ongoing policy reviews of the FAA's 
     certification and safety oversight efforts.
       (6) Make appropriate legislative, regulatory, and guidance 
     recommendations for the air transportation system and the 
     aviation safety regulatory environment.
       (7) Establish performance objectives for the FAA and 
     industry.
       (8) Establish performance metrics and goals for the FAA and 
     the regulated aviation industry to be tracked and reviewed as 
     streamlining and certification reform and regulation 
     standardization efforts progress.
       (9) Provide a venue for tracking progress toward national 
     goals and sustaining joint commitments.
       (10) Develop recruiting, hiring, training, and continuing 
     education objectives for FAA aviation safety engineers and 
     aviation safety inspectors.
       (11) Provide advice and recommendations to the FAA on how 
     to prioritize safety rulemaking projects.
       (12) Improve the development of FAA regulations by 
     providing information, advice, and recommendations related to 
     aviation issues.
       (13) Facilitate the validation of United States products 
     abroad.
       (d) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed 
     of the following members:
       (A) The Administrator of the FAA (or the Administrator's 
     designee).
       (B) Individuals appointed by the Secretary to represent the 
     following interests:
       (i) Aircraft and engine manufacturers.
       (ii) Avionics and equipment manufacturers.
       (iii) Labor organizations, including collective bargaining 
     representatives of FAA aviation safety inspectors and 
     aviation safety engineers.
       (iv) General aviation operators.
       (v) Air carriers.
       (vi) Business aviation operators.
       (vii) Unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers and 
     operators.
       (viii) Aviation safety management expertise.
       (ix) Aviation maintenance.
       (2) Nonvoting members.--
       (A) In general.--In addition to the members appointed under 
     paragraph (1), the Advisory Committee shall be composed of 
     nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from among 
     individuals representing FAA safety oversight program 
     offices.
       (B) Duties.--The nonvoting members shall--
       (i) take part in deliberations of the Advisory Committee; 
     and
       (ii) provide input with respect to any final reports or 
     recommendations of the Advisory Committee.
       (C) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not represent 
     any stakeholder interest other than FAA safety oversight 
     program offices.
       (3) Terms.--Each member and nonvoting member of the 
     Advisory Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be 
     appointed for a term of 2 years.
       (4) Committee characteristics.--The Advisory Committee 
     shall have the following characteristics:
       (A) An executive-level membership, with members who can 
     represent and enter into commitments for their organizations.
       (B) The ability to obtain necessary information from 
     experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.
       (C) A membership size that enables the Committee to have 
     substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a 
     timely manner.
       (D) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in 
     certification and risked-based safety oversight processes, 
     operations, policy, technology, labor relations, training, 
     and finance.
       (5) Limitation on statutory construction.--Public Law 104-
     65 (2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) may not be construed to prohibit 
     or otherwise limit the appointment of any individual as a 
     member of the Advisory Committee.
       (e) Chairperson.--
       (1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee 
     shall be appointed by the Secretary from among those members 
     of the Advisory Committee that are executive-level members of 
     the aviation industry.
       (2) Term.--Each member appointed under paragraph (1) shall 
     serve a term of 1 year as Chairperson.
       (f) Meetings.--
       (1) Frequency.--The Advisory Committee shall meet at least 
     twice each year at the call of the Chairperson.
       (2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Advisory 
     Committee shall be open to the public.
       (g) Special Committees.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Advisory Committee may establish 
     special committees composed of private sector 
     representatives, members of the public, labor 
     representatives, and other interested parties in complying 
     with consultation and participation requirements under this 
     section.
       (2) Rulemaking advice.--A special committee established by 
     the Advisory Committee may--
       (A) provide rulemaking advice and recommendations to the 
     Administrator with respect to aviation-related issues;
       (B) afford the FAA additional opportunities to obtain 
     firsthand information and insight from those parties that are 
     most affected by existing and proposed regulations; and
       (C) expedite the development, revision, or elimination of 
     rules without circumventing public rulemaking processes and 
     procedures.
       (3) Applicable law.--Public Law 92-463 shall not apply to a 
     special committee established by the Advisory Committee.
       (h) Sunset.--The Advisory Committee shall terminate on the 
     last day of the 6-year period beginning on the date of the 
     initial appointment of the members of the Advisory Committee.
       (i) Termination of Air Traffic Procedures Advisory 
     Committee.--The Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee 
     established by the FAA shall terminate on the

[[Page H3605]]

     date of the initial appointment of the members of the 
     Advisory Committee.

               Subtitle B--Aircraft Certification Reform

     SEC. 211. AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES AND 
                   METRICS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
     which the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
     Committee is established under section 202, the Administrator 
     of the FAA shall establish performance objectives and apply 
     and track metrics for the FAA and the aviation industry 
     relating to aircraft certification in accordance with this 
     section.
       (b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall carry out this 
     section in collaboration with the Safety Oversight and 
     Certification Advisory Committee.
       (c) Performance Objectives.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall establish performance objectives 
     for the FAA and the aviation industry to ensure that, with 
     respect to aircraft certification, progress is made toward, 
     at a minimum--
       (1) eliminating certification delays and improving cycle 
     times;
       (2) increasing accountability for both FAA and industry 
     entities;
       (3) achieving full utilization of FAA delegation and 
     designation authorities;
       (4) fully implementing risk management principles and a 
     systems safety approach;
       (5) reducing duplication of effort;
       (6) increasing transparency;
       (7) establishing and providing training, including 
     recurrent training, in auditing and a systems safety approach 
     to certification oversight;
       (8) improving the process for approving or accepting 
     certification actions between the FAA and bilateral partners;
       (9) maintaining and improving safety;
       (10) streamlining the hiring process for--
       (A) qualified systems safety engineers to support FAA 
     efforts to implement a systems safety approach; and
       (B) qualified systems engineers to guide the engineering of 
     complex systems within the FAA; and
       (11) maintaining the leadership of the United States in 
     international aviation and aerospace.
       (d) Performance Metrics.--In carrying out subsection (a), 
     the Administrator shall apply and track performance metrics 
     for the FAA and the regulated aviation industry established 
     by the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.
       (e) Data Generation.--
       (1) Baselines.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
     Committee establishes initial performance metrics for the FAA 
     and the regulated aviation industry under section 202, the 
     Administrator shall generate initial data with respect to 
     each of the metrics applied and tracked under this section.
       (2) Measuring progress toward goals.--The Administrator 
     shall use the metrics applied and tracked under this section 
     to generate data on an ongoing basis and to measure progress 
     toward the achievement of national goals established by the 
     Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.
       (f) Publication.--The Administrator shall make data 
     generated using the metrics applied and tracked under this 
     section available to the public in a searchable, sortable, 
     and downloadable format through the internet website of the 
     FAA and other appropriate methods and shall ensure that the 
     data is made available in a manner that--
       (1) does not provide identifying information regarding an 
     individual or entity; and
       (2) protects proprietary information.

     SEC. 212. ORGANIZATION DESIGNATION AUTHORIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44736. Organization designation authorizations

       ``(a) Delegations of Functions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), 
     when overseeing an ODA holder, the Administrator of the FAA 
     shall--
       ``(A) require, based on an application submitted by the ODA 
     holder and approved by the Administrator (or the 
     Administrator's designee), a procedures manual that addresses 
     all procedures and limitations regarding the functions to be 
     performed by the ODA holder;
       ``(B) delegate fully to the ODA holder each of the 
     functions to be performed as specified in the procedures 
     manual, unless the Administrator determines, after the date 
     of the delegation and as a result of an inspection or other 
     investigation, that the public interest and safety of air 
     commerce requires a limitation with respect to 1 or more of 
     the functions; and
       ``(C) conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting 
     the ODA holder's delegated functions and taking action based 
     on validated inspection findings.
       ``(2) Duties of oda holders.--An ODA holder shall--
       ``(A) perform each function delegated to the ODA holder in 
     accordance with the approved procedures manual for the 
     delegation;
       ``(B) make the procedures manual available to each member 
     of the appropriate ODA unit; and
       ``(C) cooperate fully with oversight activities conducted 
     by the Administrator in connection with the delegation.
       ``(3) Existing oda holders.--With regard to an ODA holder 
     operating under a procedures manual approved by the 
     Administrator before the date of enactment of this section, 
     the Administrator shall--
       ``(A) at the request of the ODA holder and in an 
     expeditious manner, approve revisions to the ODA holder's 
     procedures manual;
       ``(B) delegate fully to the ODA holder each of the 
     functions to be performed as specified in the procedures 
     manual, unless the Administrator determines, after the date 
     of the delegation and as a result of an inspection or other 
     investigation, that the public interest and safety of air 
     commerce requires a limitation with respect to one or more of 
     the functions; and
       ``(C) conduct regular oversight activities by inspecting 
     the ODA holder delegated functions and taking action based on 
     validated inspection findings.
       ``(b) ODA Office.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the FAA 
     shall identify, within the FAA Office of Aviation Safety, a 
     centralized policy office to be known as the Organization 
     Designation Authorization Office or the ODA Office.
       ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the ODA Office shall be to 
     oversee and ensure the consistency of the FAA's audit 
     functions under the ODA program across the FAA.
       ``(3) Functions.--The ODA Office shall--
       ``(A) improve performance and ensure full utilization of 
     the authorities delegated under the ODA program;
       ``(B) create a more consistent approach to audit 
     priorities, procedures, and training under the ODA program;
       ``(C) review, in a timely fashion, a random sample of 
     limitations on delegated authorities under the ODA program to 
     determine if the limitations are appropriate;
       ``(D) ensure national consistency in the interpretation and 
     application of the requirements of the ODA program, including 
     any limitations, and in the performance of the ODA program; 
     and
       ``(E) at the request of an ODA holder, review and approve 
     new limitations to ODA functions.
       ``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) FAA.--The term `FAA' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       ``(2) ODA holder.--The term `ODA holder' means an entity 
     authorized to perform functions pursuant to a delegation made 
     by the Administrator of the FAA under section 44702(d).
       ``(3) ODA unit.--The term ``ODA unit'' means a group of 2 
     or more individuals who perform, under the supervision of an 
     ODA holder, authorized functions under an ODA.
       ``(4) Organization.--The term ``organization'' means a 
     firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint-
     stock association, or governmental entity.
       ``(5) Organization designation authorization; oda.--The 
     term `Organization Designation Authorization' or `ODA' means 
     an authorization by the FAA under section 44702(d) for an 
     organization comprised of 1 or more ODA units to perform 
     approved functions on behalf of the FAA.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``44736. Organization designation authorizations.''.

     SEC. 213. ODA REVIEW.

       (a) Establishment of Expert Review Panel.--
       (1) Expert panel.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the FAA shall 
     convene a multidisciplinary expert review panel (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Panel'').
       (2) Composition of panel.--
       (A) Appointment of members.--The Panel shall be composed of 
     not more than 20 members appointed by the Administrator.
       (B) Qualifications.--The members appointed to the Panel 
     shall--
       (i) each have a minimum of 5 years of experience in 
     processes and procedures under the ODA program; and
       (ii) represent, at a minimum, ODA holders, aviation 
     manufacturers, safety experts, and FAA labor organizations, 
     including labor representatives of FAA aviation safety 
     inspectors and aviation safety engineers.
       (b) Survey.--The Panel shall conduct a survey of ODA 
     holders and ODA program applicants to document and assess FAA 
     certification and oversight activities, including use of the 
     ODA program and the timeliness and efficiency of the 
     certification process.
       (c) Assessment and Recommendations.--The Panel shall assess 
     and make recommendations concerning--
       (1) the FAA's processes and procedures under the ODA 
     program and whether the processes and procedures function as 
     intended;
       (2) the best practices of and lessons learned by ODA 
     holders and individuals who provide oversight of ODA holders;
       (3) performance incentive policies related to the ODA 
     program for FAA personnel;
       (4) training activities related to the ODA program for FAA 
     personnel and ODA holders;
       (5) the impact, if any, that oversight of the ODA program 
     has on FAA resources and the FAA's ability to process 
     applications for certifications outside of the ODA program; 
     and
       (6) the results of the survey conducted under subsection 
     (b).

[[Page H3606]]

       (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date the 
     Panel is convened under subsection (a), the Panel shall 
     submit to the Administrator, the Safety Oversight and 
     Certification Advisory Committee, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the findings and 
     recommendations of the Panel.
       (e) Definitions.--The definitions contained in section 
     44736 of title 49, United States Code, as added by this Act, 
     apply to this section.
       (f) Applicable Law.--Public Law 92-463 shall not apply to 
     the Panel.
       (g) Sunset.--The Panel shall terminate on the date of 
     submission of the report under subsection (d), or on the date 
     that is 1 year after the Panel is convened under subsection 
     (a), whichever occurs first.

     SEC. 214. TYPE CERTIFICATION RESOLUTION PROCESS.

       (a) In General.--Section 44704(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Type certification resolution process.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 15 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall 
     establish an effective, timely, and milestone-based issue 
     resolution process for type certification activities under 
     this subsection.
       ``(B) Process requirements.--The resolution process shall 
     provide for--
       ``(i) resolution of technical issues at pre-established 
     stages of the certification process, as agreed to by the 
     Administrator and the type certificate applicant;
       ``(ii) automatic elevation to appropriate management 
     personnel of the Federal Aviation Administration and the type 
     certificate applicant of any major certification process 
     milestone that is not completed or resolved within a specific 
     period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type 
     certificate applicant; and
       ``(iii) resolution of a major certification process 
     milestone elevated pursuant to clause (ii) within a specific 
     period of time agreed to by the Administrator and the type 
     certificate applicant.
       ``(C) Major certification process milestone defined.--In 
     this paragraph, the term `major certification process 
     milestone' means a milestone related to a type certification 
     basis, type certification plan, type inspection 
     authorization, issue paper, or other major type certification 
     activity agreed to by the Administrator and the type 
     certificate applicant.''.
       (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 44704 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended in the section heading by striking 
     ``airworthiness certificates,,'' and inserting 
     ``airworthiness certificates,''.

     SEC. 215. REVIEW OF CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR SMALL GENERAL 
                   AVIATION AIRPLANES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate a review of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration's implementation of the final 
     rule titled ``Revision of Airworthiness Standards for Normal, 
     Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes'' (81 
     Fed. Reg. 96572).
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the review, the 
     Inspector General shall assess--
       (1) how the rule puts into practice the Administration's 
     efforts to implement performance and risk-based safety 
     standards;
       (2) whether the Administration's implementation of the rule 
     has improved safety and reduced the regulatory cost burden 
     for the Administration and the aviation industry; and
       (3) if there are lessons learned from, and best practices 
     developed as a result of, the rule that could be applied to 
     airworthiness standards for other categories of aircraft.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     initiation of the review, the Inspector General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review, including findings and 
     recommendations.

                  Subtitle C--Flight Standards Reform

     SEC. 231. FLIGHT STANDARDS PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES AND 
                   METRICS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
     which the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
     Committee is established under section 202, the Administrator 
     of the FAA shall establish performance objectives and apply 
     and track metrics for the FAA and the aviation industry 
     relating to flight standards activities in accordance with 
     this section.
       (b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall carry out this 
     section in collaboration with the Safety Oversight and 
     Certification Advisory Committee.
       (c) Performance Objectives.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall establish performance objectives 
     for the FAA and the aviation industry to ensure that, with 
     respect to flight standards activities, progress is made 
     toward, at a minimum--
       (1) eliminating delays with respect to such activities;
       (2) increasing accountability for both FAA and industry 
     entities;
       (3) achieving full utilization of FAA delegation and 
     designation authorities;
       (4) fully implementing risk management principles and a 
     systems safety approach;
       (5) reducing duplication of effort;
       (6) eliminating inconsistent regulatory interpretations and 
     inconsistent enforcement activities;
       (7) improving and providing greater opportunities for 
     training, including recurrent training, in auditing and a 
     systems safety approach to oversight;
       (8) developing and allowing utilization of a single master 
     source for guidance;
       (9) providing and utilizing a streamlined appeal process 
     for the resolution of regulatory interpretation questions;
       (10) maintaining and improving safety; and
       (11) increasing transparency.
       (d) Metrics.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall apply and track performance metrics for 
     the FAA and the regulated aviation industry established by 
     the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.
       (e) Data Generation.--
       (1) Baselines.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
     Committee establishes initial performance metrics for the FAA 
     and the regulated aviation industry under section 202, the 
     Administrator shall generate initial data with respect to 
     each of the metrics applied and tracked under this section.
       (2) Measuring progress toward goals.--The Administrator 
     shall use the metrics applied and tracked under this section 
     to generate data on an ongoing basis and to measure progress 
     toward the achievement of national goals established by the 
     Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee.
       (f) Publication.--The Administrator shall make data 
     generated using the metrics applied and tracked under this 
     section available to the public in a searchable, sortable, 
     and downloadable format through the internet website of the 
     FAA and other appropriate methods and shall ensure that the 
     data is made available in a manner that--
       (1) does not provide identifying information regarding an 
     individual or entity; and
       (2) protects proprietary information.

     SEC. 232. FAA TASK FORCE ON FLIGHT STANDARDS REFORM.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the FAA shall 
     establish the FAA Task Force on Flight Standards Reform (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) Appointment.--The membership of the Task Force shall be 
     appointed by the Administrator.
       (2) Number.--The Task Force shall be composed of not more 
     than 20 members.
       (3) Representation requirements.--The membership of the 
     Task Force shall include representatives, with knowledge of 
     flight standards regulatory processes and requirements, of--
       (A) air carriers;
       (B) general aviation;
       (C) business aviation;
       (D) repair stations;
       (E) unmanned aircraft systems operators;
       (F) flight schools;
       (G) labor unions, including those representing FAA aviation 
     safety inspectors; and
       (H) aviation safety experts.
       (c) Duties.--The duties of the Task Force shall include, at 
     a minimum, identifying best practices and providing 
     recommendations, for current and anticipated budgetary 
     environments, with respect to--
       (1) simplifying and streamlining flight standards 
     regulatory processes;
       (2) reorganizing Flight Standards Services to establish an 
     entity organized by function rather than geographic region, 
     if appropriate;
       (3) FAA aviation safety inspector training opportunities;
       (4) FAA aviation safety inspector standards and 
     performance; and
       (5) achieving, across the FAA, consistent--
       (A) regulatory interpretations; and
       (B) application of oversight activities.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Task Force shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report detailing--
       (1) the best practices identified and recommendations 
     provided by the Task Force under subsection (c); and
       (2) any recommendations of the Task Force for additional 
     regulatory action or cost-effective legislative action.
       (e) Applicable Law.--Public Law 92-463 shall not apply to 
     the Task Force.
       (f) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate on the 
     earlier of--
       (1) the date on which the Task Force submits the report 
     required under subsection (d); or
       (2) the date that is 18 months after the date on which the 
     Task Force is established under subsection (a).

     SEC. 233. CENTRALIZED SAFETY GUIDANCE DATABASE.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the FAA shall 
     establish a centralized safety guidance database that will--
       (1) encompass all of the regulatory guidance documents of 
     the FAA Office of Aviation Safety;

[[Page H3607]]

       (2) contain, for each such guidance document, a link to the 
     Code of Federal Regulations provision to which the document 
     relates; and
       (3) be publicly available in a manner that--
       (A) does not provide identifying information regarding an 
     individual or entity; and
       (B) protects proprietary information.
       (b) Data Entry Timing.--
       (1) Existing documents.--Not later than 14 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin 
     entering into the database established under subsection (a) 
     all of the regulatory guidance documents of the Office of 
     Aviation Safety that are in effect and were issued before the 
     date on which the Administrator begins such entry process.
       (2) New documents and changes.--On and after the date on 
     which the Administrator begins the document entry process 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that all 
     new regulatory guidance documents of the Office of Aviation 
     Safety and any changes to existing documents are included in 
     the database established under subsection (a).
       (c) Consultation Requirement.--In establishing the database 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult and 
     collaborate with appropriate stakeholders, including labor 
     organizations (including those representing aviation workers 
     and FAA aviation safety inspectors) and industry 
     stakeholders.
       (d) Regulatory Guidance Documents Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``regulatory guidance documents'' means all 
     forms of written information issued by the FAA that an 
     individual or entity may use to interpret or apply FAA 
     regulations and requirements, including information an 
     individual or entity may use to determine acceptable means of 
     compliance with such regulations and requirements.

     SEC. 234. REGULATORY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATIONS BOARD.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the FAA shall 
     establish a Regulatory Consistency Communications Board (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Board'').
       (b) Consultation Requirement.--In establishing the Board, 
     the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with 
     appropriate stakeholders, including FAA labor organizations 
     (including labor organizations representing FAA aviation 
     safety inspectors) and industry stakeholders.
       (c) Membership.--The Board shall be composed of FAA 
     representatives, appointed by the Administrator, from--
       (1) the Flight Standards Service;
       (2) the Aircraft Certification Service; and
       (3) the Office of the Chief Counsel.
       (d) Functions.--The Board shall carry out the following 
     functions:
       (1) Establish, at a minimum, processes by which--
       (A) FAA personnel and regulated entities may submit 
     anonymous regulatory interpretation questions without fear of 
     retaliation; and
       (B) FAA personnel may submit written questions, and receive 
     written responses, as to whether a previous approval or 
     regulatory interpretation issued by FAA personnel in another 
     office or region is correct or incorrect.
       (2) Meet on a regular basis to discuss and resolve 
     questions submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) and the 
     appropriate application of regulations and policy with 
     respect to each question.
       (3) Provide to an individual or entity that submitted a 
     question pursuant to paragraph (1) a timely response to the 
     question.
       (4) Establish a process to make resolutions of common 
     regulatory interpretation questions publicly available to FAA 
     personnel and regulated entities without providing any 
     identifying data of the individuals or entities that 
     submitted the questions and in a manner that protects any 
     proprietary information.
       (5) Ensure the incorporation of resolutions of questions 
     submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) into regulatory guidance 
     documents.
       (e) Performance Metrics, Timelines, and Goals.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date on which the Safety Oversight 
     and Certification Advisory Committee establishes performance 
     metrics for the FAA and the regulated aviation industry under 
     section 202, the Administrator, in collaboration with the 
     Advisory Committee, shall--
       (1) establish performance metrics, timelines, and goals to 
     measure the progress of the Board in resolving regulatory 
     interpretation questions submitted pursuant to subsection 
     (d)(1); and
       (2) implement a process for tracking the progress of the 
     Board in meeting the metrics, timelines, and goals 
     established under paragraph (1).

                      Subtitle D--Safety Workforce

     SEC. 241. SAFETY WORKFORCE TRAINING STRATEGY.

       (a) Safety Workforce Training Strategy.--Not later than 60 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the FAA shall establish a safety workforce 
     training strategy that--
       (1) allows employees participating in organization 
     management teams or conducting ODA program audits to 
     complete, in a timely fashion, appropriate training, 
     including recurrent training, in auditing and a systems 
     safety approach to oversight;
       (2) seeks knowledge-sharing opportunities between the FAA 
     and the aviation industry regarding new equipment and 
     systems, best practices, and other areas of interest;
       (3) functions within the current and anticipated budgetary 
     environments; and
       (4) includes milestones and metrics for meeting the 
     requirements of paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     establishment of the strategy required under subsection (a), 
     the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the implementation 
     of the strategy and progress in meeting any milestones and 
     metrics included in the strategy.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) ODA; oda holder.--The terms ``ODA'' and ``ODA holder'' 
     have the meanings given those terms in section 44736 of title 
     49, United States Code, as added by this Act.
       (2) Organization management team.--The term ``organization 
     management team'' means a team consisting of FAA aviation 
     safety engineers, flight test pilots, and aviation safety 
     inspectors overseeing an ODA holder and its certification 
     activity.

     SEC. 242. WORKFORCE REVIEW.

       (a) Workforce Review.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall conduct a review to assess the workforce 
     and training needs of the FAA Office of Aviation Safety in 
     the anticipated budgetary environment.
       (b) Contents.--The review required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       (1) a review of current aviation safety inspector and 
     aviation safety engineer hiring, training, and recurrent 
     training requirements;
       (2) an analysis of the skills and qualifications required 
     of aviation safety inspectors and aviation safety engineers 
     for successful performance in the current and future 
     projected aviation safety regulatory environment, including 
     the need for a systems engineering discipline within the FAA 
     to guide the engineering of complex systems, with an emphasis 
     on auditing designated authorities;
       (3) a review of current performance incentive policies of 
     the FAA, as applied to the Office of Aviation Safety, 
     including awards for performance;
       (4) an analysis of ways the FAA can work with industry and 
     labor, including labor groups representing FAA aviation 
     safety inspectors and aviation safety engineers, to establish 
     knowledge-sharing opportunities between the FAA and the 
     aviation industry regarding new equipment and systems, best 
     practices, and other areas of interest; and
       (5) recommendations on the most effective qualifications, 
     training programs (including e-learning training), and 
     performance incentive approaches to address the needs of the 
     future projected aviation safety regulatory system in the 
     anticipated budgetary environment.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review required under subsection (a).

                   Subtitle E--International Aviation

     SEC. 251. PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES AEROSPACE STANDARDS, 
                   PRODUCTS, AND SERVICES ABROAD.

       Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Promotion of United States Aerospace Standards, 
     Products, and Services Abroad.--The Administrator shall take 
     appropriate actions to--
       ``(1) promote United States aerospace safety standards 
     abroad;
       ``(2) facilitate and vigorously defend approvals of United 
     States aerospace products and services abroad;
       ``(3) with respect to bilateral partners, utilize bilateral 
     safety agreements and other mechanisms to improve validation 
     of United States type certificated aeronautical products and 
     appliances and enhance mutual acceptance in order to 
     eliminate redundancies and unnecessary costs; and
       ``(4) with respect to foreign safety authorities, 
     streamline validation and coordination processes.''.

     SEC. 252. BILATERAL EXCHANGES OF SAFETY OVERSIGHT 
                   RESPONSIBILITIES.

       Section 44701(e) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Foreign airworthiness directives.--
       ``(A) Acceptance.--The Administrator may accept an 
     airworthiness directive issued by an aeronautical safety 
     authority of a foreign country, and leverage that authority's 
     regulatory process, if--
       ``(i) the country is the state of design for the product 
     that is the subject of the airworthiness directive;
       ``(ii) the United States has a bilateral safety agreement 
     relating to aircraft certification with the country;
       ``(iii) as part of the bilateral safety agreement with the 
     country, the Administrator has determined that such 
     aeronautical safety authority has a certification system 
     relating to safety that produces a level of safety equivalent 
     to the level produced by the

[[Page H3608]]

     system of the Federal Aviation Administration;
       ``(iv) the aeronautical safety authority of the country 
     utilizes an open and transparent notice and comment process 
     in the issuance of airworthiness directives; and
       ``(v) the airworthiness directive is necessary to provide 
     for the safe operation of the aircraft subject to the 
     directive.
       ``(B) Alternative approval process.--Notwithstanding 
     subparagraph (A), the Administrator may issue a Federal 
     Aviation Administration airworthiness directive instead of 
     accepting an airworthiness directive otherwise eligible for 
     acceptance under such subparagraph, if the Administrator 
     determines that such issuance is necessary for safety or 
     operational reasons due to the complexity or unique features 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness 
     directive or the United States aviation system.
       ``(C) Alternative means of compliance.--The Administrator 
     may--
       ``(i) accept an alternative means of compliance, with 
     respect to an airworthiness directive accepted under 
     subparagraph (A), that was approved by the aeronautical 
     safety authority of the foreign country that issued the 
     airworthiness directive; or
       ``(ii) notwithstanding subparagraph (A), and at the request 
     of any person affected by an airworthiness directive accepted 
     under such subparagraph, approve an alternative means of 
     compliance with respect to the airworthiness directive.
       ``(D) Limitation.--The Administrator may not accept an 
     airworthiness directive issued by an aeronautical safety 
     authority of a foreign country if the airworthiness directive 
     addresses matters other than those involving the safe 
     operation of an aircraft.''.

     SEC. 253. FAA LEADERSHIP ABROAD.

       (a) In General.--To promote United States aerospace safety 
     standards, reduce redundant regulatory activity, and 
     facilitate acceptance of FAA design and production approvals 
     abroad, the Administrator of the FAA shall--
       (1) attain greater expertise in issues related to dispute 
     resolution, intellectual property, and export control laws to 
     better support FAA certification and other aerospace 
     regulatory activities abroad;
       (2) work with United States companies to more accurately 
     track the amount of time it takes foreign authorities, 
     including bilateral partners, to validate United States type 
     certificated aeronautical products;
       (3) provide assistance to United States companies that have 
     experienced significantly long foreign validation wait times;
       (4) work with foreign authorities, including bilateral 
     partners, to collect and analyze data to determine the 
     timeliness of the acceptance and validation of FAA design and 
     production approvals by foreign authorities and the 
     acceptance and validation of foreign-certified products by 
     the FAA;
       (5) establish appropriate benchmarks and metrics to measure 
     the success of bilateral aviation safety agreements and to 
     reduce the validation time for United States type 
     certificated aeronautical products abroad; and
       (6) work with foreign authorities, including bilateral 
     partners, to improve the timeliness of the acceptance and 
     validation of FAA design and production approvals by foreign 
     authorities and the acceptance and validation of foreign-
     certified products by the FAA.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the FAA shall 
     submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     that--
       (1) describes the FAA's strategic plan for international 
     engagement;
       (2) describes the structure and responsibilities of all FAA 
     offices that have international responsibilities, including 
     the Aircraft Certification Office, and all the activities 
     conducted by those offices related to certification and 
     production;
       (3) describes current and forecasted staffing and travel 
     needs for the FAA's international engagement activities, 
     including the needs of the Aircraft Certification Office in 
     the current and forecasted budgetary environment;
       (4) provides recommendations, if appropriate, to improve 
     the existing structure and personnel and travel policies 
     supporting the FAA's international engagement activities, 
     including the activities of the Aviation Certification 
     Office, to better support the growth of United States 
     aerospace exports; and
       (5) identifies cost-effective policy initiatives, 
     regulatory initiatives, or legislative initiatives needed to 
     improve and enhance the timely acceptance of United States 
     aerospace products abroad.
       (c) International Travel.--The Administrator of the FAA, or 
     the Administrator's designee, may authorize international 
     travel for any FAA employee, without the approval of any 
     other person or entity, if the Administrator determines that 
     the travel is necessary--
       (1) to promote United States aerospace safety standards; or
       (2) to support expedited acceptance of FAA design and 
     production approvals.

     SEC. 254. REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, AND RELATED FEES.

       Section 45305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``Subject to subsection 
     (b)'' and inserting ``Subject to subsection (c)'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections 
     (c) and (d), respectively; and
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Certification Services.--Subject to subsection (c), 
     and notwithstanding section 45301(a), the Administrator may 
     establish and collect a fee from a foreign government or 
     entity for services related to certification, regardless of 
     where the services are provided, if the fee--
       ``(1) is established and collected in a manner consistent 
     with aviation safety agreements; and
       ``(2) does not exceed the estimated costs of the 
     services.''.

                           TITLE III--SAFETY

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 301. FAA TECHNICAL TRAINING.

       (a) E-Learning Training Pilot Program.--Not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in 
     collaboration with the exclusive bargaining representatives 
     of covered FAA personnel, shall establish an e-learning 
     training pilot program in accordance with the requirements of 
     this section.
       (b) Curriculum.--The pilot program shall--
       (1) include a recurrent training curriculum for covered FAA 
     personnel to ensure that the personnel receive instruction on 
     the latest aviation technologies, processes, and procedures;
       (2) focus on providing specialized technical training for 
     covered FAA personnel, as determined necessary by the 
     Administrator;
       (3) include training courses on applicable regulations of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration; and
       (4) consider the efficacy of instructor-led online 
     training.
       (c) Pilot Program Termination.--The pilot program shall 
     terminate 1 year after the date of establishment of the pilot 
     program.
       (d) E-Learning Training Program.--Upon termination of the 
     pilot program, the Administrator shall establish an e-
     learning training program that incorporates lessons learned 
     for covered FAA personnel as a result of the pilot program.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Covered faa personnel.--The term ``covered FAA 
     personnel'' means airway transportation systems specialists 
     and aviation safety inspectors of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (2) E-learning training.--The term ``e-learning training'' 
     means learning utilizing electronic technologies to access 
     educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom.

     SEC. 302. SAFETY CRITICAL STAFFING.

       (a) Update of FAA's Safety Critical Staffing Model.--Not 
     later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall update the safety critical staffing model of the 
     Administration to determine the number of aviation safety 
     inspectors that will be needed to fulfill the safety 
     oversight mission of the Administration.
       (b) Audit by DOT Inspector General.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the Administrator has updated the safety critical 
     staffing model under subsection (a), the Inspector General of 
     the Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of 
     the staffing model.
       (2) Contents.--The audit shall include, at a minimum--
       (A) a review of the assumptions and methodologies used in 
     devising and implementing the staffing model to assess the 
     adequacy of the staffing model in predicting the number of 
     aviation safety inspectors needed--
       (i) to properly fulfill the mission of the Administration; 
     and
       (ii) to meet the future growth of the aviation industry; 
     and
       (B) a determination on whether the staffing model takes 
     into account the Administration's authority to fully utilize 
     designees.
       (3) Report on audit.--
       (A) Report to secretary.--Not later than 30 days after the 
     date of completion of the audit, the Inspector General shall 
     submit to the Secretary a report on the results of the audit.
       (B) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of receipt of the report, the Secretary shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a copy of the 
     report, together with, if appropriate, a description of any 
     actions taken or to be taken to address the results of the 
     audit.

     SEC. 303. INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS REGARDING TRACKING OF CIVIL 
                   AIRCRAFT.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall exercise leadership on creating a global approach to 
     improving aircraft tracking by working with--
       (1) foreign counterparts of the Administrator in the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization and its subsidiary 
     organizations;
       (2) other international organizations and fora; and
       (3) the private sector.

     SEC. 304. AIRCRAFT DATA ACCESS AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS.

       (a) Assessment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall initiate an assessment of

[[Page H3609]]

     aircraft data access and retrieval systems for part 121 air 
     carrier aircraft that are used in extended overwater 
     operations to--
       (1) determine if the systems provide improved access and 
     retrieval of aircraft data and cockpit voice recordings in 
     the event of an aircraft accident; and
       (2) assess the cost effectiveness of each system assessed.
       (b) Systems To Be Examined.--The systems to be examined 
     under this section shall include, at a minimum--
       (1) automatic deployable flight recorders;
       (2) emergency locator transmitters; and
       (3) satellite-based solutions.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     initiation of the assessment, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the assessment.
       (d) Part 121 Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``part 121 air carrier'' means an air carrier that holds 
     a certificate issued under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 305. ADVANCED COCKPIT DISPLAYS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall initiate a review of heads-up 
     display systems, heads-down display systems employing 
     synthetic vision systems, and enhanced vision systems (in 
     this section referred to as ``HUD systems'', ``SVS'', and 
     ``EVS'', respectively).
       (b) Contents.--The review shall--
       (1) evaluate the impacts of single- and dual-installed HUD 
     systems, SVS, and EVS on the safety and efficiency of 
     aircraft operations within the national airspace system; and
       (2) review a sufficient quantity of commercial aviation 
     accidents or incidents in order to evaluate if HUD systems, 
     SVS, and EVS would have produced a better outcome in that 
     accident or incident.
       (c) Consultation.--In conducting the review, the 
     Administrator shall consult with aviation manufacturers, 
     representatives of pilot groups, aviation safety 
     organizations, and any government agencies the Administrator 
     considers appropriate.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the 
     results of the review, the actions the Administrator plans to 
     take with respect to the systems reviewed, and the associated 
     timeline for such actions.

     SEC. 306. MARKING OF TOWERS.

       Section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act 
     of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (a) through (c) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(a) Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided by paragraph (2), not 
     later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 or the availability of the 
     database developed by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration pursuant to subsection (c), whichever 
     is later, all covered towers shall be either--
       ``(A) clearly marked consistent with applicable guidance in 
     the advisory circular of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     issued December 4, 2015 (AC 70/7460-IL); or
       ``(B) included in the database described in subsection (c).
       ``(2) Meteorological evaluation tower.--A covered tower 
     that is a meteorological evaluation tower shall be subject to 
     the requirements of paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B).'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively;
       (3) in subsection (b)(1)(A) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in clause (i)(I) by striking ``self-standing or'' and 
     inserting ``a meteorological evaluation tower or tower''; and
       (B) in clause (ii)--
       (i) in subclause (IV) by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (ii) in subclause (V) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(VI) is located within the right-of-way of a rail 
     carrier, including within the boundaries of a rail yard, and 
     is used for a railroad purpose;
       ``(VII) is determined by the Administrator to pose no 
     hazard to air navigation; or
       ``(VIII) has already mitigated any hazard to aviation 
     safety in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration 
     guidance or as otherwise approved by the Administrator.''; 
     and

       (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) develop a database that contains the location and 
     height of each covered tower that, pursuant to subsection 
     (a), the owner or operator of such tower elects not to mark, 
     except that meteorological evaluation towers shall be marked 
     and contained in the database;'';
       (B) in paragraph (3) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in paragraph (4) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) ensure that the tower information in the database is 
     de-identified and that the information only includes the 
     location and height of covered towers; and
       ``(6) make the database available for use not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
     Act of 2018.''.

     SEC. 307. CABIN EVACUATION.

       (a) Review.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall review--
       (1) evacuation certification of transport-category aircraft 
     used in air transportation, with regard to--
       (A) emergency conditions, including impacts into water;
       (B) crew procedures used for evacuations under actual 
     emergency conditions; and
       (C) any relevant changes to passenger demographics and 
     legal requirements (including the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990) that affect emergency evacuations; and
       (2) recent accidents and incidents where passengers 
     evacuated such aircraft.
       (b) Consultation; Review of Data.--In conducting the 
     review, the Administrator shall--
       (1) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board, 
     transport-category aircraft manufacturers, air carriers, and 
     other relevant experts and Federal agencies, including groups 
     representing passengers, airline crewmembers, maintenance 
     employees, and emergency responders; and
       (2) review relevant data with respect to evacuation 
     certification of transport-category aircraft.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review and related recommendations, if any, 
     including any recommendations for revisions to the 
     assumptions and methods used for assessing evacuation 
     certification of transport-category aircraft.

     SEC. 308. ODA STAFFING AND OVERSIGHT.

       (a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the Administration's 
     progress with respect to--
       (1) determining what additional model inputs and labor 
     distribution codes are needed to identify ODA oversight 
     staffing needs;
       (2) developing and implementing system-based evaluation 
     criteria and risk-based tools to aid ODA team members in 
     targeting their oversight activities;
       (3) developing agreements and processes for sharing 
     resources to ensure adequate oversight of ODA personnel 
     performing certification and inspection work at supplier and 
     company facilities; and
       (4) ensuring full utilization of ODA authority.
       (b) ODA Defined.--In this section, the term ``ODA'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 44736 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as added by this Act.

     SEC. 309. FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY NEEDS.

       Section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Funding for Additional Safety Needs.--
       ``(1) Acceptance of applicant-provided funds.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator 
     may accept funds from an applicant for a certificate under 
     this section to hire additional staff or obtain the services 
     of consultants and experts to facilitate the timely 
     processing, review, and issuance of certificates under this 
     section.
       ``(2) Rules of construction.--
       ``(A) In general.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
     as permitting the Administrator to grant priority or afford 
     any preference to an applicant providing funds under 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Policies and procedures.--The Administrator shall 
     implement such policies and procedures as may be required to 
     ensure that the acceptance of funds under paragraph (1) does 
     not prejudice the Administrator in the issuance of any 
     certificate to an applicant.
       ``(3) Receipts credited as offsetting collections.--
     Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, any funds accepted 
     under this subsection--
       ``(A) shall be credited as offsetting collections to the 
     account that finances the activities and services for which 
     the funds are accepted;
       ``(B) shall be available for expenditure only to pay the 
     costs of activities and services for which the funds are 
     accepted; and
       ``(C) shall remain available until expended.''.

     SEC. 310. FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL FAA LICENSING NEEDS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 509 of title 51, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 50924. Funding to facilitate FAA licensing

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary of Transportation may accept funds from a 
     person applying for a license or permit under

[[Page H3610]]

     this chapter to hire additional staff or obtain the services 
     of consultants and experts--
       ``(1) to facilitate the timely processing, review, and 
     issuance of licenses or permits issued under this chapter;
       ``(2) to conduct environmental activities, studies, or 
     reviews associated with such licenses or permits; or
       ``(3) to conduct additional activities associated with or 
     necessitated by such licenses or permits, including pre-
     application consultation, hazard area determination, or on-
     site inspection.
       ``(b) Rules of Construction.--
       ``(1) In general.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
     as permitting the Secretary to grant priority or afford any 
     preference to an applicant providing funds under subsection 
     (a).
       ``(2) Policies and procedures.--The Secretary shall 
     implement such policies and procedures as may be required to 
     ensure that the acceptance of funds under subsection (a) does 
     not prejudice the Secretary in the issuance of any license or 
     permit to an applicant.
       ``(c) Receipts Credited as Offsetting Collections.--
     Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, any funds accepted 
     under this section--
       ``(1) shall be credited as offsetting collections to the 
     account that finances the activities and services for which 
     the funds are accepted;
       ``(2) shall be available for expenditure only to pay the 
     costs of activities and services for which the funds are 
     accepted; and
       ``(3) shall remain available until expended.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 509 of 
     title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``50924. Funding to facilitate FAA licensing.''.

     SEC. 311. EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON PASSENGER AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall evaluate and revise, as 
     appropriate, regulations in part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, regarding emergency medical equipment, 
     including the contents of first-aid kits, applicable to all 
     certificate holders operating passenger aircraft under that 
     part.
       (b) Consideration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall consider whether the minimum contents of 
     approved emergency medical kits, including approved first-aid 
     kits, include appropriate medications and equipment to meet 
     the emergency medical needs of children.

     SEC. 312. HIMS PROGRAM.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall conduct a human intervention motivation study (HIMS) 
     program for flight crewmembers employed by commercial air 
     carriers operating in United States airspace.

     SEC. 313. ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTARILY PROVIDED SAFETY 
                   INFORMATION.

       (a) In General.--There shall be a presumption that an 
     individual's voluntary disclosure of an operational or 
     maintenance issue related to aviation safety under an 
     aviation safety action program meets the criteria for 
     acceptance as a valid disclosure under such program.
       (b) Disclaimer Required.--Any dissemination of a disclosure 
     that was submitted and accepted under an aviation safety 
     action program pursuant to the presumption under subsection 
     (a), but that has not undergone review by an event review 
     committee, shall be accompanied by a disclaimer stating that 
     the disclosure--
       (1) has not been reviewed by an event review committee 
     tasked with reviewing such disclosures; and
       (2) may subsequently be determined to be ineligible for 
     inclusion in the aviation safety action program.
       (c) Rejection of Disclosure.--A disclosure described under 
     subsection (a) shall be rejected from an aviation safety 
     action program if, after a review of the disclosure, an event 
     review committee tasked with reviewing such disclosures 
     determines that the disclosure fails to meet the criteria for 
     acceptance under such program.
       (d) Aviation Safety Action Program Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``aviation safety action program'' means a 
     program established in accordance with Federal Aviation 
     Administration Advisory Circular 120-66B, issued November 15, 
     2002 (including any similar successor advisory circular), to 
     allow an individual to voluntarily disclose operational or 
     maintenance issues related to aviation safety.

     SEC. 314. FLIGHT ATTENDANT DUTY PERIOD LIMITATIONS AND REST 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Modification of Final Rule.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     modify the final rule of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     published in the Federal Register on August 19, 1994 (59 Fed. 
     Reg. 42974; relating to flight attendant duty period 
     limitations and rest requirements) in accordance with the 
     requirements of this subsection.
       (2) Contents.--The final rule, as modified under paragraph 
     (1), shall ensure that--
       (A) a flight attendant scheduled to a duty period of 14 
     hours or less is given a scheduled rest period of at least 10 
     consecutive hours; and
       (B) the rest period is not reduced under any circumstances.
       (b) Fatigue Risk Management Plan.--
       (1) Submission of plan by part 121 air carriers.--Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each 
     air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations (in this section referred to as a ``part 
     121 air carrier''), shall submit to the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration for review and acceptance a 
     fatigue risk management plan for the carrier's flight 
     attendants.
       (2) Contents of plan.--A fatigue risk management plan 
     submitted by a part 121 air carrier under paragraph (1) shall 
     include the following:
       (A) Current flight time and duty period limitations.
       (B) A rest scheme consistent with such limitations that 
     enables the management of flight attendant fatigue, including 
     annual training to increase awareness of--
       (i) fatigue;
       (ii) the effects of fatigue on flight attendants; and
       (iii) fatigue countermeasures.
       (C) Development and use of a methodology that continually 
     assesses the effectiveness of implementation of the plan, 
     including the ability of the plan--
       (i) to improve alertness; and
       (ii) to mitigate performance errors.
       (3) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review and 
     accept or reject each fatigue risk management plan submitted 
     under this subsection. If the Administrator rejects a plan, 
     the Administrator shall provide suggested modifications for 
     resubmission of the plan.
       (4) Plan updates.--
       (A) In general.--A part 121 air carrier shall update its 
     fatigue risk management plan under paragraph (1) every 2 
     years and submit the update to the Administrator for review 
     and acceptance.
       (B) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     submission of a plan update under subparagraph (A), the 
     Administrator shall review and accept or reject the update. 
     If the Administrator rejects an update, the Administrator 
     shall provide suggested modifications for resubmission of the 
     update.
       (5) Compliance.--A part 121 air carrier shall comply with 
     the fatigue risk management plan of the air carrier that is 
     accepted by the Administrator under this subsection.
       (6) Civil penalties.--A violation of this subsection by a 
     part 121 air carrier shall be treated as a violation of 
     chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, for purposes of 
     the application of civil penalties under chapter 463 of that 
     title.

     SEC. 315. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue an order requiring the installation of a 
     secondary cockpit barrier on each aircraft that is 
     manufactured for delivery to a passenger air carrier in the 
     United States operating under the provisions of part 121 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 316. AVIATION MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY TECHNICAL WORKFORCE.

       (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a study on technical workers in the aviation 
     maintenance industry.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study, the Comptroller 
     General shall--
       (1) analyze the current Standard Occupational 
     Classification system with regard to the aviation profession, 
     particularly technical workers in the aviation maintenance 
     industry;
       (2) analyze how changes to the Federal employment 
     classification of aviation maintenance industry workers might 
     affect government data on unemployment rates and wages;
       (3) analyze how changes to the Federal employment 
     classification of aviation maintenance industry workers might 
     affect projections for future aviation maintenance industry 
     workforce needs and project technical worker shortfalls;
       (4) analyze the impact of Federal regulation, including 
     Federal Aviation Administration oversight of certification, 
     testing, and education programs, on employment of technical 
     workers in the aviation maintenance industry;
       (5) develop recommendations on how Federal Aviation 
     Administration regulations and policies could be improved to 
     address aviation maintenance industry needs for technical 
     workers; and
       (6) develop recommendations for better coordinating actions 
     by government, educational institutions, and businesses to 
     support workforce growth in the aviation maintenance 
     industry.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the study.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Aviation maintenance industry.--The term ``aviation 
     maintenance industry'' means repair stations certificated 
     under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Technical worker.--The term ``technical worker'' means 
     an individual authorized under part 43 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal

[[Page H3611]]

     Regulations, to maintain, rebuild, alter, or perform 
     preventive maintenance on an aircraft, airframe, aircraft 
     engine, propeller, appliance, or component part or employed 
     by an entity so authorized to perform such a function.

     SEC. 317. CRITICAL AIRFIELD MARKINGS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue a request for proposal for a study that 
     includes--
       (1) an independent, third party study to assess the 
     durability of Type III and Type I glass beads applied to 
     critical markings over a 2-year period at not fewer than 2 
     primary airports in varying weather conditions to measure the 
     retroreflectivity levels of such markings on a quarterly 
     basis; and
       (2) a study at 2 other airports carried out by applying 
     Type III beads on half of the centerline and Type I beads to 
     the other half and providing for assessments from pilots 
     through surveys administered by a third party as to the 
     visibility and performance of the Type III glass beads as 
     compared to the Type I glass beads over a 1-year period.

     SEC. 318. REGULATORY REFORM.

       Section 106(p)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``or aerospace'' after ``aviation''.

                 Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

     SEC. 331. DEFINITIONS.

       Except as otherwise provided, the definitions contained in 
     section 45501 of title 49, United States Code (as added by 
     this Act), shall apply to this subtitle.

     SEC. 332. CODIFICATION OF EXISTING LAW; ADDITIONAL 
                   PROVISIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle VII of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 453 the 
     following:

                ``CHAPTER 455--UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

``Sec.
``45501. Definitions.
``45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into national 
              airspace system.
``45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft systems.
``45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems.
``45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft systems.
``45506. Certification of new air navigation facilities for unmanned 
              aircraft and other aircraft.
``45507. Special rules for certain UTM and low-altitude CNS.
``45508. Operation of small unmanned aircraft.
``45509. Special rules for model aircraft.
``45510. Carriage of property for compensation or hire.
``45511. Micro UAS operations.

     ``Sec. 45501. Definitions

       ``In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Aerial data collection.--The term `aerial data 
     collection' means the gathering of data by a device aboard an 
     unmanned aircraft during flight, including imagery, sensing, 
     and measurement by such device.
       ``(2) Arctic.--The term `Arctic' means the United States 
     zone of the Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Bering Sea north 
     of the Aleutian chain.
       ``(3) Certificate of waiver; certificate of 
     authorization.--The terms `certificate of waiver' and 
     `certificate of authorization' mean a Federal Aviation 
     Administration grant of approval for a specific flight 
     operation.
       ``(4) CNS.--The term `CNS' means a communication, 
     navigation, or surveillance system or service.
       ``(5) Model aircraft.--the term `model aircraft' means an 
     unmanned aircraft that is--
       ``(A) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere;
       ``(B) flown within visual line of sight of the person 
     operating the aircraft; and
       ``(C) flown for hobby or recreational purposes.
       ``(6) Permanent areas.--The term `permanent areas' means 
     areas on land or water that provide for launch, recovery, and 
     operation of small unmanned aircraft.
       ``(7) Public unmanned aircraft system.--The term `public 
     unmanned aircraft system' means an unmanned aircraft system 
     that meets the qualifications and conditions required for 
     operation of a public aircraft (as defined in section 
     40102(a)).
       ``(8) Sense-and-avoid capability.--The term `sense-and-
     avoid capability' means the capability of an unmanned 
     aircraft to remain a safe distance from and to avoid 
     collisions with other airborne aircraft.
       ``(9) Small unmanned aircraft.--The term `small unmanned 
     aircraft' means an unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 
     pounds, including everything that is on board or otherwise 
     attached to the aircraft.
       ``(10) Unmanned aircraft.--The term `unmanned aircraft' 
     means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of 
     direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
       ``(11) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term `unmanned 
     aircraft system' means an unmanned aircraft and associated 
     elements (including communication links and the components 
     that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the 
     pilot in command to operate safely and efficiently in the 
     national airspace system.
       ``(12) UTM.--The term `UTM' means an unmanned aircraft 
     traffic management system or service.

     ``Sec. 45502. Integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems 
       into national airspace system

       ``(a) Required Planning for Integration.--
       ``(1) Comprehensive plan.--Not later than November 10, 
     2012, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with 
     representatives of the aviation industry, Federal agencies 
     that employ unmanned aircraft systems technology in the 
     national airspace system, and the unmanned aircraft systems 
     industry, shall develop a comprehensive plan to safely 
     accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems 
     into the national airspace system.
       ``(2) Contents of plan.--The plan required under paragraph 
     (1) shall contain, at a minimum, recommendations or 
     projections on--
       ``(A) the rulemaking to be conducted under subsection (b), 
     with specific recommendations on how the rulemaking will--
       ``(i) define the acceptable standards for operation and 
     certification of civil unmanned aircraft systems;
       ``(ii) ensure that any civil unmanned aircraft system 
     includes a sense-and-avoid capability; and
       ``(iii) establish standards and requirements for the 
     operator and pilot of a civil unmanned aircraft system, 
     including standards and requirements for registration and 
     licensing;
       ``(B) the best methods to enhance the technologies and 
     subsystems necessary to achieve the safe and routine 
     operation of civil unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
     airspace system;
       ``(C) a phased-in approach to the integration of civil 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system;
       ``(D) a timeline for the phased-in approach described under 
     subparagraph (C);
       ``(E) creation of a safe airspace designation for 
     cooperative manned and unmanned flight operations in the 
     national airspace system;
       ``(F) establishment of a process to develop certification, 
     flight standards, and air traffic requirements for civil 
     unmanned aircraft systems at test ranges where such systems 
     are subject to testing;
       ``(G) the best methods to ensure the safe operation of 
     civil unmanned aircraft systems and public unmanned aircraft 
     systems simultaneously in the national airspace system; and
       ``(H) incorporation of the plan into the annual NextGen 
     Implementation Plan document (or any successor document) of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.
       ``(3) Deadline.--The plan required under paragraph (1) 
     shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as 
     practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.
       ``(4) Report to congress.--Not later than February 14, 
     2013, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a copy of the 
     plan required under paragraph (1).
       ``(5) Roadmap.--Not later than February 14, 2013, the 
     Secretary shall approve and make available in print and on 
     the Administration's internet website a 5-year roadmap for 
     the introduction of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the 
     national airspace system, as coordinated by the Unmanned 
     Aircraft Program Office of the Administration. The Secretary 
     shall update, in coordination with the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and 
     relevant stakeholders, including those in industry and 
     academia, the roadmap annually. The roadmap shall include, at 
     a minimum--
       ``(A) cost estimates, planned schedules, and performance 
     benchmarks, including specific tasks, milestones, and 
     timelines, for unmanned aircraft systems integration into the 
     national airspace system, including an identification of--
       ``(i) the role of the unmanned aircraft systems test ranges 
     established under subsection (c) and the Unmanned Aircraft 
     Systems Center of Excellence;
       ``(ii) performance objectives for unmanned aircraft systems 
     that operate in the national airspace system; and
       ``(iii) research and development priorities for tools that 
     could assist air traffic controllers as unmanned aircraft 
     systems are integrated into the national airspace system, as 
     appropriate;
       ``(B) a description of how the Administration plans to use 
     research and development, including research and development 
     conducted through NASA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic 
     Management initiatives, to accommodate, integrate, and 
     provide for the evolution of unmanned aircraft systems in the 
     national airspace system;
       ``(C) an assessment of critical performance abilities 
     necessary to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the 
     national airspace system, and how these performance abilities 
     can be demonstrated; and
       ``(D) an update on the advancement of technologies needed 
     to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
     airspace system, including decisionmaking by adaptive 
     systems, such as sense-and-avoid capabilities and cyber 
     physical systems security.
       ``(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     on which the plan required under subsection (a)(1) is 
     submitted to Congress under subsection (a)(4), the Secretary 
     shall publish in the Federal Register--

[[Page H3612]]

       ``(1) a final rule on small unmanned aircraft systems that 
     will allow for civil operation of such systems in the 
     national airspace system, to the extent the systems do not 
     meet the requirements for expedited operational authorization 
     under section 45508;
       ``(2) a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the 
     recommendations of the plan required under subsection (a)(1), 
     with the final rule to be published not later than 16 months 
     after the date of publication of the notice; and
       ``(3) an update to the Administration's most recent policy 
     statement on unmanned aircraft systems, contained in Docket 
     No. FAA-2006-25714.
       ``(c) Expanding Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in 
     Arctic.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than August 12, 2012, the 
     Secretary shall develop a plan and initiate a process to work 
     with relevant Federal agencies and national and international 
     communities to designate permanent areas in the Arctic where 
     small unmanned aircraft may operate 24 hours per day for 
     research and commercial purposes. The plan for operations in 
     these permanent areas shall include the development of 
     processes to facilitate the safe operation of unmanned 
     aircraft beyond line of sight. Such areas shall enable over-
     water flights from the surface to at least 2,000 feet in 
     altitude, with ingress and egress routes from selected 
     coastal launch sites.
       ``(2) Agreements.--To implement the plan under paragraph 
     (1), the Secretary may enter into an agreement with relevant 
     national and international communities.
       ``(3) Aircraft approval.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     entry into force of an agreement necessary to effectuate the 
     purposes of this subsection, the Secretary shall work with 
     relevant national and international communities to establish 
     and implement a process, or may apply an applicable process 
     already established, for approving the use of unmanned 
     aircraft in the designated permanent areas in the Arctic 
     without regard to whether an unmanned aircraft is used as a 
     public aircraft, a civil aircraft, or a model aircraft.

     ``Sec. 45503. Risk-based permitting of unmanned aircraft 
       systems

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall establish procedures 
     for issuing permits under this section with respect to 
     certain unmanned aircraft systems and operations thereof.
       ``(b) Permitting Standards.--Upon the submission of an 
     application in accordance with subsection (d), the 
     Administrator shall issue a permit with respect to the 
     proposed operation of an unmanned aircraft system if the 
     Administrator determines that the unmanned aircraft system 
     and the proposed operation achieve a level of safety that is 
     equivalent to--
       ``(1) other unmanned aircraft systems and operations 
     permitted under regulation, exemption, or other authority 
     granted by the Administrator; or
       ``(2) any other aircraft operation approved by the 
     Administrator with similar risk characteristics or profiles.
       ``(c) Safety Criteria for Consideration.--In determining 
     whether a proposed operation meets the standards described in 
     subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider the 
     following safety criteria:
       ``(1) The kinetic energy of the unmanned aircraft system.
       ``(2) The location of the proposed operation, including the 
     proximity to--
       ``(A) structures;
       ``(B) congested areas;
       ``(C) special-use airspace; and
       ``(D) persons on the ground.
       ``(3) The nature of the operation, including any proposed 
     risk mitigation.
       ``(4) Any known hazard of the proposed operation and the 
     severity and likelihood of such hazard.
       ``(5) Any known failure modes of the unmanned aircraft 
     system, failure mode effects and criticality, and any 
     mitigating features or capabilities.
       ``(6) The operational history of relevant technologies, if 
     available.
       ``(7) Any history of civil penalties or certificate actions 
     by the Administrator against the applicant seeking the 
     permit.
       ``(8) Any other safety criteria the Administrator considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Application.--An application under this section shall 
     include evidence that the unmanned aircraft system and the 
     proposed operation thereof meet the standards described in 
     subsection (b) based on the criteria described in subsection 
     (c).
       ``(e) Scope of Permit.--A permit issued under this section 
     shall--
       ``(1) be valid for 5 years;
       ``(2) constitute approval of both the airworthiness of the 
     unmanned aircraft system and the proposed operation of such 
     system;
       ``(3) be renewable for additional 5-year periods; and
       ``(4) contain any terms necessary to ensure aviation 
     safety.
       ``(f) Notice.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     Administrator receives a complete application under 
     subsection (d), the Administrator shall provide the applicant 
     written notice of a decision to approve or disapprove of the 
     application or to request a modification of the application 
     that is necessary for approval of the application.
       ``(g) Permitting Process.--The Administrator shall issue a 
     permit under this section without regard to subsections (b) 
     through (d) of section 553 of title 5 and chapter 35 of title 
     44 if the Administrator determines that the operation 
     permitted will not occur near a congested area.
       ``(h) Exemption From Certain Requirements.--To the extent 
     consistent with aviation safety, the Administrator may exempt 
     applicants under this section from paragraphs (1) through (3) 
     of section 44711(a).
       ``(i) Withdrawal.--The Administrator may, at any time, 
     modify or withdraw a permit issued under this section.
       ``(j) Applicability.--This section shall not apply to small 
     unmanned aircraft systems and operations authorized by the 
     final rule on small unmanned aircraft systems issued pursuant 
     to section 45502(b)(1).
       ``(k) Expedited Review.--The Administrator shall review and 
     act upon applications under this section on an expedited 
     basis for unmanned aircraft systems and operations thereof to 
     be used primarily in, or primarily in direct support of, 
     emergency preparedness, emergency response, or disaster 
     recovery efforts, including efforts in connection with 
     natural disasters and severe weather events.

     ``Sec. 45504. Public unmanned aircraft systems

       ``(a) Guidance.--Not later than November 10, 2012, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall issue guidance regarding 
     the operation of public unmanned aircraft systems to--
       ``(1) expedite the issuance of a certificate of 
     authorization process;
       ``(2) provide for a collaborative process with public 
     agencies to allow for an incremental expansion of access to 
     the national airspace system as technology matures and the 
     necessary safety analysis and data become available, and 
     until standards are completed and technology issues are 
     resolved;
       ``(3) facilitate the capability of public agencies to 
     develop and use test ranges, subject to operating 
     restrictions required by the Federal Aviation Administration, 
     to test and operate unmanned aircraft systems; and
       ``(4) provide guidance on a public entity's responsibility 
     when operating an unmanned aircraft without a civil 
     airworthiness certificate issued by the Administration.
       ``(b) Standards for Operation and Certification.--Not later 
     than December 31, 2015, the Administrator shall develop and 
     implement operational and certification requirements for the 
     operation of public unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
     airspace system.
       ``(c) Agreements With Government Agencies.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than May 14, 2012, the 
     Secretary shall enter into agreements with appropriate 
     government agencies to simplify the process for issuing 
     certificates of waiver or authorization with respect to 
     applications seeking authorization to operate public unmanned 
     aircraft systems in the national airspace system.
       ``(2) Contents.--The agreements shall--
       ``(A) with respect to an application described in paragraph 
     (1)--
       ``(i) provide for an expedited review of the application;
       ``(ii) require a decision by the Administrator on approval 
     or disapproval within 60 business days of the date of 
     submission of the application; and
       ``(iii) allow for an expedited appeal if the application is 
     disapproved;
       ``(B) allow for a one-time approval of similar operations 
     carried out during a fixed period of time; and
       ``(C) allow a government public safety agency to operate 
     unmanned aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds or less, if operated--
       ``(i) within the line of sight of the operator;
       ``(ii) less than 400 feet above the ground;
       ``(iii) during daylight conditions;
       ``(iv) within Class G airspace; and
       ``(v) outside of 5 statute miles from any airport, 
     heliport, seaplane base, spaceport, or other location with 
     aviation activities.

     ``Sec. 45505. Special rules for certain unmanned aircraft 
       systems

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of 
     this subtitle, and not later than August 12, 2012, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain 
     unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national 
     airspace system before completion of the plan and rulemaking 
     required by section 45502 or the guidance required under 
     section 45504.
       ``(b) Assessment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--In making 
     the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     determine, at a minimum--
       ``(1) which types of unmanned aircraft systems, if any, as 
     a result of their size, weight, speed, operational 
     capability, proximity to airports and populated areas, and 
     operation within visual line of sight do not create a hazard 
     to users of the national airspace system or the public or 
     pose a threat to national security; and
       ``(2) whether a certificate of waiver, certificate of 
     authorization, or airworthiness certification under section 
     44704 is required for the operation of unmanned aircraft 
     systems identified under paragraph (1).
       ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary 
     determines under this section that certain unmanned aircraft 
     systems may operate safely in the national airspace system, 
     the Secretary shall establish requirements for the safe 
     operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace 
     system.

[[Page H3613]]

  


     ``Sec. 45506. Certification of new air navigation facilities 
       for unmanned aircraft and other aircraft

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this section, and notwithstanding section 
     2208 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 
     (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall initiate a rulemaking to 
     establish procedures for issuing air navigation facility 
     certificates pursuant to section 44702 to operators of--
       ``(1) UTM for unmanned aircraft operations that occur 
     primarily or exclusively in airspace 400 feet above ground 
     level and below; and
       ``(2) low-altitude CNS for aircraft operations that occur 
     primarily or exclusively in airspace 400 feet above ground 
     level and below.
       ``(b) Minimum Requirements.--In issuing a final rule 
     pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator, at a minimum, 
     shall provide for the following:
       ``(1) Certification standards.--The Administrator shall 
     issue an air navigation facility certificate under the final 
     rule if the Administrator determines that a UTM or low-
     altitude CNS facilitates or improves the safety of unmanned 
     aircraft or other aircraft operations that occur primarily or 
     exclusively in airspace 400 feet above ground level and 
     below, including operations conducted under a waiver issued 
     pursuant to subpart D of part 107 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(2) Criteria for consideration.--In determining whether a 
     UTM or low-altitude CNS meets the standard described in 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, as appropriate, 
     consider--
       ``(A) protection of persons and property on the ground;
       ``(B) remote identification of aircraft;
       ``(C) collision avoidance with respect to obstacles and 
     aircraft;
       ``(D) deconfliction of aircraft trajectories;
       ``(E) safe and reliable interoperability or noninterference 
     with air traffic control and other systems operated in the 
     national airspace system;
       ``(F) detection of noncooperative aircraft;
       ``(G) geographic and local factors;
       ``(H) aircraft equipage; and
       ``(I) qualifications, if any, necessary to operate the UTM 
     or low-altitude CNS.
       ``(3) Application.--An application for an air navigation 
     facility certificate under the final rule shall include 
     evidence that the UTM or low-altitude CNS meets the standard 
     described in paragraph (1) based on the criteria described in 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(4) Scope of certificate.--The Administrator shall ensure 
     that an air navigation facility certificate issued under the 
     final rule--
       ``(A) constitutes approval of the UTM or low-altitude CNS 
     for the duration of the term of the certificate;
       ``(B) constitutes authorization to operate the UTM or low-
     altitude CNS for the duration of the term of the certificate; 
     and
       ``(C) contains such limitations and conditions as may be 
     necessary to ensure aviation safety.
       ``(5) Notice.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     Administrator receives a complete application under the final 
     rule, the Administrator shall provide the applicant with a 
     written approval, disapproval, or request to modify the 
     application.
       ``(6) Low risk areas.--Under the final rule, the 
     Administrator shall establish expedited procedures for 
     approval of UTM or low-altitude CNS operated in--
       ``(A) airspace away from congested areas; or
       ``(B) other airspace above areas in which operations of 
     unmanned aircraft pose very low risk.
       ``(7) Exemption from certain requirements.--To the extent 
     consistent with aviation safety, the Administrator may exempt 
     applicants under the final rule from requirements under 
     sections 44702, 44703, and 44711.
       ``(8) Certificate modifications and revocations.--A 
     certificate issued under the final rule may, at any time, be 
     modified or revoked by the Administrator.
       ``(c) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies, as 
     appropriate.

     ``Sec. 45507. Special rules for certain UTM and low-altitude 
       CNS

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other requirement of 
     this chapter, and not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall determine if certain UTM and low-altitude CNS may 
     operate safely in the national airspace system before 
     completion of the rulemaking required by section 45506.
       ``(b) Assessment of UTM and Low-Altitude CNS.--In making 
     the determination under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     determine, at a minimum, which types of UTM and low-altitude 
     CNS, if any, as a result of their operational capabilities, 
     reliability, intended use, and areas of operation, and the 
     characteristics of the aircraft involved, do not create a 
     hazard to users of the national airspace system or the 
     public.
       ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--If the Secretary 
     determines that certain UTM and low-altitude CNS may operate 
     safely in the national airspace system, the Secretary shall 
     establish requirements for their safe operation in the 
     national airspace system.
       ``(d) Expedited Procedures.--The Secretary shall provide 
     expedited procedures for reviewing and approving UTM or low-
     altitude CNS operated to monitor or control aircraft operated 
     primarily or exclusively in airspace above--
       ``(1) croplands;
       ``(2) areas other than congested areas; and
       ``(3) other areas in which the operation of unmanned 
     aircraft poses very low risk.
       ``(e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall consult with other Federal agencies, as 
     appropriate.

     ``Sec. 45508. Operation of small unmanned aircraft

       ``(a) Exemption and Certificate of Waiver or Authorization 
     for Certain Operations.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a procedure 
     for granting an exemption and issuing a certificate of waiver 
     or authorization for the operation of a small unmanned 
     aircraft system in United States airspace for the purposes 
     described in section 45501(1).
       ``(b) Operation of Exemption and Certificate of Waiver or 
     Authorization.--
       ``(1) Exemption.--An exemption granted under this section 
     shall--
       ``(A) exempt the operator of a small unmanned aircraft from 
     the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that 
     are exempted in Exemption No. 11687, issued on May 26, 2015, 
     Regulatory Docket Number FAA-2015-0117, or in a subsequent 
     exemption; and
       ``(B) contain conditions and limitations described in 
     paragraphs 3 through 31 of such Exemption No. 11687, or 
     conditions and limitations of a subsequent exemption.
       ``(2) Certificate of waiver or authorization.--A 
     certificate of waiver or authorization issued under this 
     section shall allow the operation of small unmanned aircraft 
     according to--
       ``(A) the standard provisions and air traffic control 
     special provisions of the certificate of waiver or 
     authorization FAA Form 7711-1 (7-74); or
       ``(B) the standard and special provisions of a subsequent 
     certificate of waiver or authorization.
       ``(c) Notice to Administrator.--Before operating a small 
     unmanned aircraft pursuant to a certificate of waiver or 
     authorization granted under this section, the operator shall 
     provide written notice to the Administrator, in a form and 
     manner specified by the Administrator, that contains such 
     information and assurances as the Administrator determines 
     necessary in the interest of aviation safety and the 
     efficiency of the national airspace system, including a 
     certification that the operator has read, understands, and 
     will comply with all terms, conditions, and limitations of 
     the certificate of waiver or authorization.
       ``(d) Waiver of Airworthiness Certificate.--Notwithstanding 
     section 44711(a)(1), the holder of a certificate of waiver or 
     authorization granted under this section may operate a small 
     unmanned aircraft under the terms, conditions, and 
     limitations of such certificate without an airworthiness 
     certificate.
       ``(e) Procedure.--The granting of an exemption or the 
     issuance of a certificate of waiver or authorization, or any 
     other action authorized by this section, shall be made 
     without regard to--
       ``(1) section 553 of title 5; or
       ``(2) chapter 35 of title 44.
       ``(f) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section may 
     be construed to--
       ``(1) affect the issuance of a rule by or any other 
     activity of the Secretary of Transportation or the 
     Administrator under any other provision of law; or
       ``(2) invalidate an exemption or certificate of waiver or 
     authorization issued by the Administrator before the date of 
     enactment of this section.
       ``(g) Effective Periods.--An exemption or certificate of 
     waiver or authorization issued under this section, or an 
     amendment of such exemption or certificate, shall cease to be 
     valid on the effective date of a final rule on small unmanned 
     aircraft systems issued under section 45502(b)(1).

     ``Sec. 45509. Special rules for model aircraft

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft 
     systems into Federal Aviation Administration plans and 
     policies, including this subtitle, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any rule 
     or regulation regarding a model aircraft or an aircraft being 
     developed as a model aircraft (other than the registration of 
     certain model aircraft pursuant to section 44103), if--
       ``(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or 
     recreational use;
       ``(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a 
     community-based set of safety guidelines and within the 
     programming of a community-based organization;
       ``(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds 
     unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, 
     inspection, flight test, and operational safety program 
     administered by a community-based organization;
       ``(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not 
     interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft;
       ``(5) the aircraft is not operated over or within the 
     property of a fixed site facility that operates amusement 
     rides available for use by the general public or the property 
     extending 500 lateral feet beyond the perimeter

[[Page H3614]]

     of such facility unless the operation is authorized by the 
     owner of the amusement facility; and
       ``(6) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator 
     of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport 
     air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is 
     located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation 
     (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location 
     within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually 
     agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and 
     the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic 
     facility is located at the airport)).
       ``(b) Commercial Operation for Instructional or Educational 
     Purposes.--A flight of an unmanned aircraft shall be treated 
     as a flight of a model aircraft for purposes of subsection 
     (a) (regardless of any compensation, reimbursement, or other 
     consideration exchanged or incidental economic benefit gained 
     in the course of planning, operating, or supervising the 
     flight), if the flight is--
       ``(1) conducted for instructional or educational purposes; 
     and
       ``(2) operated or supervised by a member of a community-
     based organization recognized pursuant to subsection (e).
       ``(c) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section may 
     be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to 
     pursue enforcement action against persons operating model 
     aircraft who endanger the safety of the national airspace 
     system.
       ``(d) Community-Based Organization Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `community-based organization' means an 
     entity that--
       ``(1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986;
       ``(2) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
       ``(3) the mission of which is demonstrably the furtherance 
     of model aviation;
       ``(4) provides a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for 
     all aspects of model aviation addressing the assembly and 
     operation of model aircraft and that emphasize safe 
     aeromodeling operations within the national airspace system 
     and the protection and safety of individuals and property on 
     the ground;
       ``(5) provides programming and support for any local 
     charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and
       ``(6) provides assistance and support in the development 
     and operation of locally designated model aircraft flying 
     sites.
       ``(e) Recognition of Community-Based Organizations.--Not 
     later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     section, the Administrator shall establish, and make 
     available to the public, a process for recognizing community-
     based organizations that meet the eligibility criteria under 
     subsection (d).

     ``Sec. 45510. Carriage of property for compensation or hire

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall issue a final rule authorizing the carriage of property 
     by operators of small unmanned aircraft systems for 
     compensation or hire within the United States.
       ``(b) Contents.--The final rule required under subsection 
     (a) shall provide for the following:
       ``(1) Small uas air carrier certificate.--The Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration, at the direction of 
     the Secretary, shall establish a small UAS air carrier 
     certificate for persons that undertake directly, or by lease 
     or other arrangement, the operation of small unmanned 
     aircraft systems to carry property in air transportation, 
     including commercial fleet operations with highly automated 
     unmanned aircraft systems. The requirements to obtain a small 
     UAS air carrier certificate shall--
       ``(A) account for the unique characteristics of highly 
     automated small unmanned aircraft systems; and
       ``(B) include only those obligations necessary for the safe 
     operation of small unmanned aircraft systems.
       ``(2) Small uas air carrier certification process.--The 
     Administrator, at the direction of the Secretary, shall 
     establish a process for the issuance of a small UAS air 
     carrier certificate described in paragraph (1) that is 
     streamlined, simple, performance-based, and risk-based. Such 
     certification process shall consider--
       ``(A) safety and the mitigation of operational risks from 
     highly automated small unmanned aircraft systems to the 
     safety of other aircraft, and persons and property on the 
     ground;
       ``(B) the safety and reliability of highly automated small 
     unmanned aircraft system design, including technological 
     capabilities and operational limitations to mitigate such 
     risks; and
       ``(C) the competencies and compliance programs of 
     manufacturers, operators, and companies that both manufacture 
     and operate small unmanned aircraft systems and components.
       ``(3) Small uas air carrier classification.--The Secretary 
     shall develop a classification system for small unmanned 
     aircraft systems air carriers to establish economic authority 
     for the carriage of property by small unmanned aircraft 
     systems for compensation or hire. Such classification shall 
     only require--
       ``(A) registration with the Department of Transportation; 
     and
       ``(B) a valid small UAS air carrier certificate as 
     described in paragraph (1).

     ``Sec. 45511. Micro UAS operations

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall charter an aviation rulemaking 
     advisory committee to develop recommendations for regulations 
     under which any person may operate a micro unmanned aircraft 
     system, the aircraft component of which weighs 4.4 pounds or 
     less, including payload, without the person operating the 
     system being required to pass any airman certification 
     requirement, including any requirements under section 44703, 
     part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any 
     other rule or regulation relating to airman certification.
       ``(b) Considerations.--In developing recommendations for 
     the operation of micro unmanned aircraft systems under 
     subsection (a), the members of the aviation rulemaking 
     advisory committee shall consider rules for operation of such 
     systems--
       ``(1) at an altitude of less than 400 feet above ground 
     level;
       ``(2) with an airspeed of not greater than 40 knots;
       ``(3) within the visual line of sight of the operator;
       ``(4) during the hours between sunrise and sunset;
       ``(5) by an operator who has passed an aeronautical 
     knowledge and safety test administered by the Federal 
     Aviation Administration online specifically for the operation 
     of micro unmanned aircraft systems, with such test being of a 
     length and difficulty that acknowledges the reduced 
     operational complexity and low risk of micro unmanned 
     aircraft systems;
       ``(6) not over unprotected persons uninvolved in its 
     operation; and
       ``(7) at least 5 statute miles from the geographic center 
     of a tower-controlled airport or airport denoted on a current 
     Federal Aviation Administration-published aeronautical chart, 
     except that a micro unmanned aircraft system may be operated 
     closer than 5 statute miles to the airport if the operator--
       ``(A) provides prior notice to the airport operator; and
       ``(B) receives, for a tower-controlled airport, prior 
     approval from the air traffic control facility located at the 
     airport.
       ``(c) Consultation.--
       ``(1) In general.--In developing recommendations for 
     recommended regulations under subsection (a), the aviation 
     rulemaking advisory committee shall consult with--
       ``(A) unmanned aircraft systems stakeholders, including 
     manufacturers of micro unmanned aircraft systems;
       ``(B) community-based aviation organizations;
       ``(C) the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft 
     Systems; and
       ``(D) appropriate Federal agencies.
       ``(2) FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
     App.) shall not apply to an aviation rulemaking advisory 
     committee chartered under this section.
       ``(d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of receipt of the recommendations under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall issue regulations incorporating 
     recommendations of the aviation rulemaking advisory committee 
     that provide for the operation of micro unmanned aircraft 
     systems in the United States--
       ``(1) without an airman certificate; and
       ``(2) without an airworthiness certificate for the 
     associated unmanned aircraft.
       ``(e) Scope of Regulations.--
       ``(1) In general.--In determining whether a person may 
     operate an unmanned aircraft system under 1 or more of the 
     circumstances described under paragraphs (1) through (3) of 
     subsection (b), the Administrator shall use a risk-based 
     approach and consider, at a minimum, the physical and 
     functional characteristics of the unmanned aircraft system.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator may only issue 
     regulations under this section for unmanned aircraft systems 
     that the Administrator determines may be operated safely in 
     the national airspace system pursuant to those regulations.
       ``(f) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section may 
     be construed--
       ``(1) to prohibit a person from operating an unmanned 
     aircraft system under a circumstance described under 
     paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) if--
       ``(A) the circumstance is allowed by regulations issued 
     under this section; and
       ``(B) the person operates the unmanned aircraft system in a 
     manner prescribed by the regulations; or
       ``(2) to limit or affect in any way the Administrator's 
     authority to conduct a rulemaking, make a determination, or 
     carry out any activity related to unmanned aircraft or 
     unmanned aircraft systems under any other provision of 
     law.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Repeals.--
       (A) In general.--Sections 332(a), 332(b), 332(d), 333, 334, 
     and 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
     U.S.C. 40101 note) are repealed.
       (B) Clerical amendment.--The items relating to sections 
     333, 334, and 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) in the table of contents 
     contained in section 1(b) of that Act are repealed.
       (2) Penalties.--Section 46301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--

[[Page H3615]]

       (i) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``chapter 455,'' after 
     ``chapter 451,''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (5)(A)(i) by striking ``or chapter 451,'' 
     and inserting ``chapter 451, chapter 455,'';
       (B) in subsection (d)(2) by inserting ``chapter 455,'' 
     after ``chapter 451,''; and
       (C) in subsection (f)(1)(A)(i) by striking ``or chapter 
     451'' and inserting ``chapter 451, or chapter 455''.
       (3) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for subtitle VII of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to chapter 453 the following:

``455. Unmanned aircraft systems...........................45501''.....

     SEC. 333. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TEST RANGES.

       (a) Extension of Program.--Section 332(c)(1) of the FAA 
     Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) 
     is amended by striking ``September 30, 2019'' and inserting 
     ``the date that is 6 years after the date of enactment of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018''.
       (b) Sense-and-Avoid and Beyond Line of Sight Systems at 
     Test Ranges.--
       (1) In general.--To the extent consistent with aviation 
     safety, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall permit and encourage flights of unmanned 
     aircraft equipped with sense-and-avoid and beyond line of 
     sight systems at the 6 test ranges designated under section 
     332(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
       (2) Waivers.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator may waive the requirements of section 44711 of 
     title 49, United States Code, including related regulations, 
     to the extent consistent with aviation safety.
       (c)  Test Range Defined.--
       (1) In general.--In this section, the term ``test range'' 
     means a defined geographic area where research and 
     development are conducted as authorized by the Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (2) Inclusions.--Such term includes any of the 6 test 
     ranges established by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration under section 332(c) of the FAA 
     Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, as in effect on the day 
     before the date of enactment of this subsection, and any 
     public entity authorized by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration as an unmanned aircraft system flight test 
     center before January 1, 2009.

     SEC. 334. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
                   SAFETY.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the unauthorized operation of unmanned aircraft near 
     airports presents a serious hazard to aviation safety;
       (2) a collision between an unmanned aircraft and a 
     conventional aircraft in flight could jeopardize the safety 
     of persons aboard the aircraft and on the ground;
       (3) Federal aviation regulations, including sections 91.126 
     through 91.131 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     prohibit unauthorized operation of an aircraft in controlled 
     airspace near an airport;
       (4) Federal aviation regulations, including section 91.13 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, prohibit the 
     operation of an aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so 
     as to endanger the life or property of another;
       (5) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration should pursue all available civil and 
     administrative remedies available to the Administrator, 
     including referrals to other government agencies for criminal 
     investigations, with respect to persons who operate unmanned 
     aircraft in an unauthorized manner;
       (6) the Administrator should place particular priority on 
     continuing measures, including partnerships with 
     nongovernmental organizations, to educate the public about 
     the dangers to the public safety of operating unmanned 
     aircraft near airports without the appropriate approvals or 
     authorizations; and
       (7) manufacturers and retail sellers of small unmanned 
     aircraft systems should take steps to educate consumers about 
     the safe and lawful operation of such systems.

     SEC. 335. UAS PRIVACY REVIEW.

       (a) Review.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies, 
     appropriate State and local officials, and subject-matter 
     experts and in consideration of relevant efforts led by the 
     National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
     shall carry out a review to identify any potential reduction 
     of privacy specifically caused by the integration of unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system.
       (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the review, the 
     Secretary shall consult with the National Telecommunications 
     and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce 
     on its ongoing efforts responsive to the Presidential 
     memorandum titled ``Promoting Economic Competitiveness While 
     Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in 
     Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems'' and dated 
     February 15, 2015.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the review required under subsection (a).

     SEC. 336. PUBLIC UAS OPERATIONS BY TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS.

       (a) Public UAS Operations by Tribal Governments.--Section 
     40102(a)(41) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) An unmanned aircraft that is owned and operated by, 
     or exclusively leased for at least 90 continuous days by, an 
     Indian Tribal government, as defined in section 102 of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), except as provided in section 
     40125(b).''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 40125(b) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``or (D)'' and 
     inserting ``(D), or (F)''.

     SEC. 337. EVALUATION OF AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION FOR SMALL 
                   UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Metrics.--Beginning not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall develop and track 
     metrics to assess compliance with and effectiveness of the 
     registration of small unmanned aircraft systems by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to the interim final 
     rule issued on December 16, 2015, entitled ``Registration and 
     Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft'' (80 Fed. 
     Reg. 78593) and any subsequent final rule, including metrics 
     with respect to--
       (1) the levels of compliance with the interim final rule 
     and any subsequent final rule;
       (2) the number of enforcement actions taken by the 
     Administration for violations of or noncompliance with the 
     interim final rule and any subsequent final rule, together 
     with a description of the actions; and
       (3) the effect of the interim final rule and any subsequent 
     final rule on compliance with any fees associated with the 
     use of small unmanned aircraft systems.
       (b) Evaluation.--The Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall evaluate--
       (1) the Administration's progress in developing and 
     tracking the metrics set forth in subsection (a); and
       (2) the reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the 
     Administration's registration program for small unmanned 
     aircraft.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report containing--
       (1) the results of the evaluation required under subsection 
     (b); and
       (2) recommendations to the Administrator and Congress for 
     improvements to the registration process for small unmanned 
     aircraft.

     SEC. 338. STUDY ON ROLES OF GOVERNMENTS RELATING TO LOW-
                   ALTITUDE OPERATION OF SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate a study on--
       (1) the regulation and oversight of the low-altitude 
     operations of small unmanned aircraft and small unmanned 
     aircraft systems; and
       (2) the appropriate roles and responsibilities of Federal, 
     State, local, and Tribal governments in regulating and 
     overseeing the operations of small unmanned aircraft in 
     airspace 400 feet above ground level and below.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the study, the 
     Inspector General shall consider, at a minimum--
       (1) the recommendations of Task Group 1 of the Drone 
     Advisory Committee chartered by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration on August 31, 2016;
       (2) the legal and policy requirements necessary for the 
     safe and financially viable development and growth of the 
     unmanned aircraft industry;
       (3) the interests of Federal, State, local, and Tribal 
     governments affected by low-altitude operations of small 
     unmanned aircraft;
       (4) the existing authorities of Federal, State, local, and 
     Tribal governments to protect the interests referenced in 
     paragraph (3);
       (5) the degree of regulatory consistency required for the 
     safe and financially viable growth and development of the 
     unmanned aircraft industry;
       (6) the degree of local variance possible among regulations 
     consistent with the safe and financially viable growth and 
     development of the unmanned aircraft industry;
       (7) the appropriate roles of State, local, and Tribal 
     governments in regulating the operations of small unmanned 
     aircraft within the lateral boundaries of their jurisdiction 
     in the categories of airspace described in subsection (a)(2);
       (8) the subjects and types of regulatory authority that 
     should remain with the Federal Government;
       (9) the infrastructure requirements necessary for 
     monitoring the low-altitude operations of small unmanned 
     aircraft and enforcing applicable laws;
       (10) the number of small businesses involved in the various 
     sectors of the unmanned aircraft industry and operating as 
     primary users of small unmanned aircraft; and
       (11) any best practices, lessons learned, or policies of 
     jurisdictions outside the United States relating to local or 
     regional regulation and oversight of small unmanned aircraft 
     and other emergent technologies.

[[Page H3616]]

       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after 
     initiating the study, the Inspector General shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the study.

     SEC. 339. STUDY ON FINANCING OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a study on appropriate fee mechanisms 
     to recover the costs of--
       (1) the regulation and safety oversight of unmanned 
     aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems; and
       (2) the provision of air navigation services to unmanned 
     aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the study, the 
     Comptroller General shall consider, at a minimum--
       (1) the recommendations of Task Group 3 of the Drone 
     Advisory Committee chartered by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration on August 31, 2016;
       (2) the total annual costs incurred by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration for the regulation and safety oversight of 
     activities related to unmanned aircraft;
       (3) the annual costs attributable to various types, 
     classes, and categories of unmanned aircraft activities;
       (4) air traffic services provided to unmanned aircraft 
     operating under instrument flight rules, excluding public 
     aircraft;
       (5) the number of full-time Federal Aviation Administration 
     employees dedicated to unmanned aircraft programs;
       (6) the use of privately operated UTM and other privately 
     operated unmanned aircraft systems;
       (7) the projected growth of unmanned aircraft operations 
     for various applications and the estimated need for 
     regulation, oversight, and other services;
       (8) the number of small businesses involved in the various 
     sectors of the unmanned aircraft industry and operating as 
     primary users of unmanned aircraft; and
       (9) any best practices or policies utilized by 
     jurisdictions outside the United States relating to partial 
     or total recovery of regulation and safety oversight costs 
     related to unmanned aircraft and other emergent technologies.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after 
     initiating the study, the Comptroller General shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing 
     recommendations on appropriate fee mechanisms to recover the 
     costs of regulating and providing air navigation services to 
     unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.

     SEC. 340. UPDATE OF FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     update the comprehensive plan developed pursuant to section 
     332 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
     U.S.C. 40101 note) to develop a concept of operations for the 
     integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace 
     system.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the update, the 
     Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
       (1) the potential use of UTM and other technologies to 
     ensure the safe and lawful operation of unmanned aircraft in 
     the national airspace system;
       (2) the appropriate roles, responsibilities, and 
     authorities of government agencies and the private sector in 
     identifying and reporting unlawful or harmful operations and 
     operators of unmanned aircraft;
       (3) the use of models, threat assessments, probabilities, 
     and other methods to distinguish between lawful and unlawful 
     operations of unmanned aircraft; and
       (4) appropriate systems, training, intergovernmental 
     processes, protocols, and procedures to mitigate risks and 
     hazards posed by unlawful or harmful operations of unmanned 
     aircraft systems.
       (c) Consultation.--The Secretary shall carry out the update 
     in consultation with representatives of the aviation 
     industry, Federal agencies that employ unmanned aircraft 
     systems technology in the national airspace system, and the 
     unmanned aircraft systems industry.

     SEC. 341. COOPERATION RELATED TO CERTAIN COUNTER-UAS 
                   TECHNOLOGY.

       In matters relating to the use of systems in the national 
     airspace system intended to mitigate threats posed by errant 
     or hostile unmanned aircraft system operations, the Secretary 
     of Transportation shall consult with the Secretary of Defense 
     to streamline deployment of such systems by drawing upon the 
     expertise and experience of the Department of Defense in 
     acquiring and operating such systems consistent with the safe 
     and efficient operation of the national airspace system.

                   TITLE IV--AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

           Subtitle A--Airline Customer Service Improvements

     SEC. 401. RELIABLE AIR SERVICE IN AMERICAN SAMOA.

       Section 40109(g) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraph (C) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(C) review the exemption at least every 30 days (or, in 
     the case of an exemption that is necessary to provide and 
     sustain air transportation in American Samoa between the 
     islands of Tutuila and Manu'a, at least every 180 days) to 
     ensure that the unusual circumstances that established the 
     need for the exemption still exist.''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Renewal of exemptions.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Secretary may renew an exemption (including renewals) 
     under this subsection for not more than 30 days.
       ``(B) Exception.--The Secretary may renew an exemption 
     (including renewals) under this subsection that is necessary 
     to provide and sustain air transportation in American Samoa 
     between the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a for not more than 
     180 days.
       ``(4) Continuation of exemptions.--An exemption granted by 
     the Secretary under this subsection may continue for not more 
     than 5 days after the unusual circumstances that established 
     the need for the exemption cease.''.

     SEC. 402. CELL PHONE VOICE COMMUNICATION BAN.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 417 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 41725. Prohibition on certain cell phone voice 
       communications

       ``(a) Prohibition.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue regulations--
       ``(1) to prohibit an individual on an aircraft from 
     engaging in voice communications using a mobile 
     communications device during a flight of that aircraft in 
     scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air 
     transportation; and
       ``(2) that exempt from the prohibition described in 
     paragraph (1) any--
       ``(A) member of the flight crew on duty on an aircraft;
       ``(B) flight attendant on duty on an aircraft; and
       ``(C) Federal law enforcement officer acting in an official 
     capacity.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) Flight.--The term `flight' means, with respect to an 
     aircraft, the period beginning when the aircraft takes off 
     and ending when the aircraft lands.
       ``(2) Mobile communications device.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `mobile communications device' 
     means any portable wireless telecommunications equipment 
     utilized for the transmission or reception of voice data.
       ``(B) Limitation.--The term `mobile communications device' 
     does not include a phone installed on an aircraft.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 41724 the following:

``41725. Prohibition on certain cell phone voice communications.''.

     SEC. 403. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER 
                   PROTECTION.

       Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
     (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) independent distributors of travel;'';
       (2) in subsection (g) by striking ``first 2 calendar 
     years'' and inserting ``first 6 calendar years''; and
       (3) in subsection (h) by striking ``2018'' and inserting 
     ``2023''.

     SEC. 404. IMPROVED NOTIFICATION OF INSECTICIDE USE.

       Section 42303(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Required Disclosures.--An air carrier, foreign air 
     carrier, or ticket agent selling, in the United States, a 
     ticket for a flight in foreign air transportation to a 
     country listed on the internet website established under 
     subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) disclose, on its own internet website or through 
     other means, that the destination country may require the air 
     carrier or foreign air carrier to treat an aircraft passenger 
     cabin with insecticides prior to the flight or to apply an 
     aerosol insecticide in an aircraft cabin used for such a 
     flight when the cabin is occupied with passengers; and
       ``(2) refer the purchaser of the ticket to the internet 
     website established under subsection (a) for additional 
     information.''.

     SEC. 405. ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCLOSURE OF FEES FOR PASSENGER 
                   AIR TRANSPORTATION.

       (a) Full Fare Advertising.--
       (1) In general.--Section 41712 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Full Fare Advertising.--
       ``(1) In general.--It shall not be an unfair or deceptive 
     practice under subsection (a) for a covered entity to state 
     in an advertisement or solicitation for passenger air 
     transportation the base airfare for the air transportation if 
     the covered entity clearly and separately discloses--
       ``(A) the government-imposed fees and taxes associated with 
     the air transportation; and
       ``(B) the total cost of the air transportation.
       ``(2) Form of disclosure.--

[[Page H3617]]

       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the 
     information described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) shall 
     be disclosed in the advertisement or solicitation in a manner 
     that clearly presents the information to the consumer.
       ``(B) Internet advertisements and solicitations.--For 
     purposes of paragraph (1), with respect to an advertisement 
     or solicitation for passenger air transportation that appears 
     on an internet website or a mobile application, the 
     information described in paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B) may be 
     disclosed through a link or pop-up, as such terms may be 
     defined by the Secretary, that displays the information in a 
     manner that is easily accessible and viewable by the 
     consumer.
       ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(A) Base airfare.--The term `base airfare' means the cost 
     of passenger air transportation, excluding government-imposed 
     fees and taxes.
       ``(B) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means an 
     air carrier, including an indirect air carrier, foreign air 
     carrier, ticket agent, or other person offering to sell 
     tickets for passenger air transportation or a tour or tour 
     component that must be purchased with air transportation.''.
       (2) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in the 
     amendment made by paragraph (1) may be construed to affect 
     any obligation of a person that sells air transportation to 
     disclose the total cost of the air transportation, including 
     government-imposed fees and taxes, prior to purchase of the 
     air transportation.
       (3) Regulations.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue final regulations to carry out the amendment made by 
     paragraph (1).
       (4) Effective date.--This subsection, and the amendments 
     made by this subsection, shall take effect on the earlier 
     of--
       (A) the effective date of regulations issued under 
     paragraph (3); and
       (B) the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment 
     of this Act.
       (b) Disclosure of Fees.--Section 41712 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by this section, is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Disclosure of Fees.--
       ``(1) In general.--It shall be an unfair or deceptive 
     practice under subsection (a) for any air carrier, foreign 
     air carrier, or ticket agent to fail to include, in an 
     internet fare quotation for a specific itinerary in air 
     transportation selected by a consumer--
       ``(A) a clear and prominent statement that additional fees 
     for checked baggage and carry-on baggage may apply; and
       ``(B) a prominent link that connects directly to a list of 
     all such fees.
       ``(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
     construed to derogate or limit any responsibilities of an air 
     carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent under section 
     399.85 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any 
     successor provision.''.

     SEC. 406. INVOLUNTARILY BUMPING PASSENGERS AFTER AIRCRAFT 
                   BOARDED.

       Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, as amended 
     by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(f) Involuntarily Denied Boarding After Aircraft 
     Boarded.--
       ``(1) In general.--It shall be an unfair or deceptive 
     practice under subsection (a) for an air carrier or foreign 
     air carrier subject to part 250 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to involuntarily deplane a revenue passenger 
     onboard an aircraft, if the revenue passenger--
       ``(A) is traveling on a confirmed reservation; and
       ``(B) checked-in for the relevant flight prior to the 
     check-in deadline.
       ``(2) Savings provision.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
     construed to limit the authority of an air carrier, foreign 
     air carrier, or airman to remove a passenger in accordance 
     with--
       ``(A) section 91.3, 121.533(d), or 121.580 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor provision; or
       ``(B) any other applicable Federal, State, or local law.''.

     SEC. 407. AVAILABILITY OF CONSUMER RIGHTS INFORMATION.

       Section 42302(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``on 
     the'' and inserting ``in a prominent place on the homepage of 
     the primary'';
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in paragraph (3) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) the air carrier's customer service plan.''.

     SEC. 408. CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HOTLINE.

       Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Use of New Technologies.--The Secretary shall 
     periodically evaluate the benefits of using mobile phone 
     applications or other widely used technologies to provide new 
     means for air passengers to communicate complaints in 
     addition to the telephone number established under subsection 
     (a) and shall provide such new means as the Secretary 
     determines appropriate.''.

     SEC. 409. WIDESPREAD DISRUPTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 42304. Widespread disruptions

       ``(a) General Requirements.--In the event of a widespread 
     disruption, a covered air carrier shall immediately publish, 
     via a prominent link on the air carrier's public internet 
     website, a clear statement indicating whether, with respect 
     to a passenger of the air carrier whose travel is interrupted 
     as a result of the widespread disruption, the air carrier 
     will--
       ``(1) provide for hotel accommodations;
       ``(2) arrange for ground transportation;
       ``(3) provide meal vouchers;
       ``(4) arrange for air transportation on another air carrier 
     or foreign air carrier to the passenger's destination; and
       ``(5) provide for sleeping facilities inside the airport 
     terminal.
       ``(b) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) Widespread disruption.--The term `widespread 
     disruption' means, with respect to a covered air carrier, the 
     interruption of all or the overwhelming majority of the air 
     carrier's systemwide flight operations, including flight 
     delays and cancellations, as the result of the failure of 1 
     or more computer systems or computer networks of the air 
     carrier.
       ``(2) Covered air carrier.--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.
       ``(c) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to modify, abridge, or repeal any obligation of an 
     air carrier under section 42301.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``42304. Widespread disruptions.''.

     SEC. 410. INVOLUNTARILY DENIED BOARDING COMPENSATION.

       Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a final rule 
     to revise part 250 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     to clarify that--
       (1) there is not a maximum level of compensation an air 
     carrier or foreign air carrier may pay to a passenger who is 
     involuntarily denied boarding as the result of an oversold 
     flight;
       (2) the compensation levels set forth in that part are the 
     minimum levels of compensation an air carrier or foreign air 
     carrier must pay to a passenger who is involuntarily denied 
     boarding as the result of an oversold flight; and
       (3) an air carrier or foreign air carrier must proactively 
     offer to pay compensation to a passenger who is voluntarily 
     or involuntarily denied boarding on an oversold flight, 
     rather than waiting until the passenger requests the 
     compensation.

     SEC. 411. CONSUMER INFORMATION ON ACTUAL FLIGHT TIMES.

       (a) Study.--The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a 
     study on the feasibility and advisability of modifying 
     regulations contained in section 234.11 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to ensure that--
       (1) a reporting carrier (including its contractors), during 
     the course of a reservation or ticketing discussion or other 
     inquiry, discloses to a consumer upon reasonable request the 
     projected period between the actual wheels-off and wheels-on 
     times for a reportable flight; and
       (2) a reporting carrier displays, on the public internet 
     website of the carrier, information on the actual wheels-off 
     and wheels-on times during the most recent calendar month for 
     a reportable flight.
       (b) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``reporting 
     carrier'' and ``reportable flight'' have the meanings given 
     those terms in section 234.2 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this 
     Act).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the study.

     SEC. 412. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN AIR 
                   AMBULANCE INDUSTRY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish an advisory committee to make recommendations for a 
     rulemaking--
       (1) to require air ambulance operators to clearly disclose 
     charges for air transportation services separately from 
     charges for non-air transportation services within any 
     invoice or bill; and
       (2) to provide other consumer protections for customers of 
     air ambulance operators.
       (b) Composition of the Advisory Committee.--The advisory 
     committee shall be composed of the following members:
       (1) The Secretary of Transportation.
       (2) 1 representative, to be appointed by the Secretary, of 
     each of the following:
       (A) Each relevant Federal agency, as determined by the 
     Secretary.
       (B) Air ambulance operators.
       (C) State insurance regulators.
       (D) Health insurance providers.

[[Page H3618]]

       (E) Consumer groups.
       (c) Recommendations.--The advisory committee shall make 
     recommendations with respect to each of the following:
       (1) Cost-allocation methodologies needed to ensure that 
     charges for air transportation services are separated from 
     charges for non-air transportation services.
       (2) Cost- or price-allocation methodologies to prevent 
     commingling of charges for air transportation services and 
     charges for non-air transportation services in bills and 
     invoices.
       (3) Formats for bills and invoices to ensure that customers 
     and State insurance regulators can clearly distinguish 
     between charges for air transportation services and charges 
     for non-air transportation services.
       (4) Data or industry references related to aircraft 
     operating costs to be used in determining the proper 
     allocation of charges for air transportation services and 
     charges for non-air transportation services.
       (5) Guidance materials to instruct States, political 
     subdivisions of States, and political authorities of 2 or 
     more States on referring to the Secretary allegations of 
     unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of 
     competition by air ambulance operators.
       (6) Protections for customers of air ambulance operators, 
     after consideration of the circumstances in which the 
     services of air ambulance operators are used.
       (7) Protections of proprietary cost data from inappropriate 
     public disclosure.
       (8) Such other matters as the Secretary determines 
     necessary or appropriate.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     first meeting of the advisory committee, the advisory 
     committee shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report containing the 
     recommendations made under subsection (c).
       (e) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     receipt of the report under subsection (d), the Secretary 
     shall consider the recommendations of the advisory committee 
     and issue a final rule--
       (1) to require air ambulance operators to clearly disclose 
     charges for air transportation services separately from 
     charges for non-air transportation services within any 
     invoice or bill; and
       (2) to provide other consumer protections for customers of 
     air ambulance operators.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Air ambulance operator.--The term ``air ambulance 
     operator'' means an air carrier operating pursuant to part 
     135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that provides 
     medical, ambulance, or related services.
       (2) Non-air transportation services.--The term ``non-air 
     transportation services'' means those services provided by 
     air ambulance operators but not other air carriers operating 
     pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (g) Termination.--The advisory committee shall terminate on 
     the date of submission of the report under subsection (d).
       (h) Nature of Air Ambulance Services.--The non-air 
     transportation services of air ambulance operators and prices 
     thereof are neither services nor prices of an air carrier for 
     purposes of section 41713 of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 413. AIR AMBULANCE COMPLAINTS.

       (a) Consumer Complaints.--Section 42302 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``(including 
     transportation by air ambulance)'' after ``air 
     transportation'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``, and an air ambulance operator,'' after 
     ``passenger seats''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or operator'' after ``Internet Web site 
     of the carrier''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``or operator'' after 
     ``mailing address of the air carrier''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Notice to Passengers on Boarding or Billing 
     Documentation.--
       ``(1) Air carriers and foreign air carriers.--An air 
     carrier or foreign air carrier providing scheduled air 
     transportation using any aircraft that as originally designed 
     has a passenger capacity of 30 or more passenger seats shall 
     include the hotline telephone number established under 
     subsection (a) on--
       ``(A) prominently displayed signs of the carrier at the 
     airport ticket counters in the United States where the air 
     carrier operates; and
       ``(B) any electronic confirmation of the purchase of a 
     passenger ticket for air transportation issued by the air 
     carrier.
       ``(2) Air ambulance operators.--An air ambulance operator 
     shall include the hotline telephone number established under 
     subsection (a) on any invoice, bill, or other communication 
     provided to a passenger or customer of the operator.''.
       (b) Unfair and Deceptive Practices and Unfair Methods of 
     Competition.--Section 41712(a) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``air ambulance customer,'' after 
     ``foreign air carrier,'' the first place it appears; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following: ``In this 
     subsection, the term `air carrier' includes an air ambulance 
     operator and the term `air transportation' includes any 
     transportation provided by an air ambulance.''.

     SEC. 414. PASSENGER RIGHTS.

       (a) Guidelines.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     require each air carrier to submit for approval a 1-page 
     document that accurately describes the rights of passengers 
     in air transportation, including guidelines for the 
     following:
       (1) Compensation (regarding rebooking options, refunds, 
     meals, and lodging) for flight delays of various lengths.
       (2) Compensation (regarding rebooking options, refunds, 
     meals, and lodging) for flight cancellations.
       (3) Compensation for mishandled baggage, including delayed, 
     damaged, pilfered, or lost baggage.
       (4) Voluntary relinquishment of a ticketed seat due to 
     overbooking or priority of other passengers.
       (5) Involuntary denial of boarding and forced removal for 
     whatever reason, including for safety and security reasons.
       (b) Approval of Guidelines.--Not later than 90 days after 
     each air carrier submits its guidelines for approval to the 
     Secretary under subsection (a), the air carrier shall make 
     available such 1-page document on its website.

            Subtitle B--Aviation Consumers With Disabilities

     SEC. 441. SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE.

       Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
     (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note), as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections 
     (h) and (i), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
       ``(g) Select Subcommittee for Aviation Consumers With 
     Disabilities.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a select 
     subcommittee of the advisory committee to advise the 
     Secretary and the advisory committee on issues related to the 
     air travel needs of passengers with disabilities.
       ``(2) Duties.--The select subcommittee shall--
       ``(A) identify the disability-related access barriers 
     encountered by passengers with disabilities;
       ``(B) determine the extent to which the programs and 
     activities of the Department of Transportation are addressing 
     the barriers identified under subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) recommend consumer protection improvements related to 
     the air travel experience of passengers with disabilities;
       ``(D) advise the Secretary with regard to the 
     implementation of section 41705 of title 49, United States 
     Code; and
       ``(E) conduct such other activities as the Secretary 
     considers necessary to carry out this subsection.
       ``(3) Membership.--
       ``(A) Composition.--The select subcommittee shall be 
     composed of members appointed by the Secretary, including at 
     least 1 individual representing each of the following:
       ``(i) National disability organizations.
       ``(ii) Air carriers and foreign air carriers with flights 
     in air transportation.
       ``(iii) Airport operators.
       ``(iv) Contractor service providers.
       ``(B) Inclusion.--A member of the select subcommittee may 
     also be a member of the advisory committee.
       ``(4) Reports.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     establishment of the select subcommittee, the select 
     subcommittee shall submit to the advisory committee and the 
     Secretary a report on the air travel needs of passengers with 
     disabilities that includes--
       ``(i) an assessment of existing disability-related access 
     barriers and any emerging disability-related access barriers 
     that will likely be an issue in the next 5 years;
       ``(ii) an evaluation of the extent to which the programs 
     and activities of the Department of Transportation are 
     eliminating disability-related access barriers;
       ``(iii) a description of consumer protection improvements 
     related to the air travel experience of passengers with 
     disabilities; and
       ``(iv) any recommendations for legislation, regulations, or 
     other actions that the select subcommittee considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(B) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date on which the Secretary receives the report under 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 
     copy of the report, including any additional findings or 
     recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate.
       ``(5) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall designate, from 
     among the individuals appointed under paragraph (3), an 
     individual to serve as chairperson of the select 
     subcommittee.
       ``(6) Vacancies and travel expenses.--Subsections (c) and 
     (d) shall apply to the select subcommittee.
       ``(7) Termination.--The select subcommittee established 
     under this subsection shall terminate upon submission of the 
     report required under paragraph (4)(A).''.

     SEC. 442. AVIATION CONSUMERS WITH DISABILITIES STUDY.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study that includes--
       (1) a review of airport accessibility best practices for 
     individuals with disabilities, including best practices that 
     improve infrastructure facilities and communications

[[Page H3619]]

     methods, including those related to wayfinding, amenities, 
     and passenger care;
       (2) a review of air carrier and airport training policies 
     related to section 41705 of title 49, United States Code;
       (3) a review of air carrier training policies related to 
     properly assisting passengers with disabilities; and
       (4) a review of accessibility best practices that exceed 
     those recommended under Public Law 90-480 (popularly known as 
     the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968; 42 U.S.C. 4151 et 
     seq.), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et 
     seq.), the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-435; 
     100 Stat. 1080 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities 
     Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Secretary of Transportation, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the study, including 
     findings and recommendations.

     SEC. 443. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON IN-CABIN WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINT 
                   SYSTEMS.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Architectural and Transportation 
     Barriers Compliance Board, aircraft manufacturers, and air 
     carriers, shall conduct a study to determine--
       (1) the feasibility of in-cabin wheelchair restraint 
     systems; and
       (2) if feasible, the ways in which individuals with 
     significant disabilities using wheelchairs, including power 
     wheelchairs, can be accommodated with in-cabin wheelchair 
     restraint systems.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the initiation of 
     the study under subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the findings of the 
     study.

     SEC. 444. ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue a notice of proposed rulemaking addressing--
       (1) accommodations for air travelers with disabilities with 
     respect to in-flight entertainment;
       (2) accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft; and
       (3) service animals.
       (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking is issued, the 
     Secretary shall publish a final rule based on such notice.

                Subtitle C--Small Community Air Service

     SEC. 451. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.

       Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``$150,000,000 for fiscal year 2011'' and 
     all that follows before ``to carry out'' and inserting 
     ``$153,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, $156,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2019, $159,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, $162,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2021, $165,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, and 
     $168,000,000 for fiscal year 2023''.

     SEC. 452. EXTENSION OF FINAL ORDER ESTABLISHING MILEAGE 
                   ADJUSTMENT ELIGIBILITY.

       Section 409(d) of the Vision 100--Century of Aviation 
     Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 41731 note) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 453. STUDY ON ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORM.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on the effects of section 6 of 
     the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part IV (Public 
     Law 112-27), section 421 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
     Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95), and other relevant Federal 
     laws enacted after 2010, including the amendments made by 
     those laws, on the Essential Air Service program.
       (2) Scope.--In conducting the study under paragraph (1), 
     the Comptroller General shall analyze, at a minimum--
       (A) the impact of each relevant Federal law, including the 
     amendments made by each law, on the Essential Air Service 
     program;
       (B) what actions communities and air carriers have taken to 
     reduce ticket prices or increase enplanements as a result of 
     each law;
       (C) the issuance of waivers by the Secretary under section 
     41731(e) of title 49, United States Code;
       (D) whether budgetary savings resulted from each law; and
       (E) options for further reform of the Essential Air Service 
     program.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 454. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE.

       (a) Eligibility.--Section 41743(c) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Size.--On the date of submission of the relevant 
     application under subsection (b), the airport serving the 
     community or consortium--
       ``(A) is not larger than a small hub airport, as determined 
     using the Department of Transportation's most recently 
     published classification; and
       ``(B) has--
       ``(i) insufficient air carrier service; or
       ``(ii) unreasonably high air fares.'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by striking ``once,'' and inserting ``once in a 10-year 
     period,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``at any time'' after ``different 
     project''; and
       (3) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as 
     subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) the assistance will be used to help restore scheduled 
     passenger air service that has been terminated;''.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 41743(e)(2) 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2018 through 2023 to carry out this section, of 
     which $4,800,000 per fiscal year shall be used to carry out 
     the pilot program established under subsection (i). Such sums 
     shall remain available until expended.''.
       (c) Regional Air Transportation Pilot Program.--Section 
     41743 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(i) Regional Air Transportation Pilot Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a 
     regional air transportation pilot program to provide 
     operating assistance to air carriers in order to provide air 
     service to communities not receiving sufficient air carrier 
     service.
       ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary shall provide grants under the 
     program to encourage and maintain air service at reasonable 
     airfares between communities that have experienced, as 
     determined by the Secretary, significant declines in air 
     service.
       ``(3) Application required.--In order to participate in the 
     program, a State, local government, economic development 
     authority, or other public entity shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application, in a manner that the Secretary 
     prescribes, that contains--
       ``(A) an identification of an air carrier that has provided 
     a written agreement to provide the air service in partnership 
     with the applicant;
       ``(B) assurances that the applicant will provide the non-
     Federal share and that the non-Federal share is not derived 
     from airport revenue;
       ``(C) a proposed route structure serving not more than 8 
     communities; and
       ``(D) a timeline for commencing the air service to the 
     communities within the proposed route structure.
       ``(4) Criteria for participation.--The Secretary may 
     approve up to 3 applications each fiscal year, subject to the 
     availability of funds, if the Secretary determines that--
       ``(A) the proposal of the applicant can reasonably be 
     expected to encourage and improve levels of air service 
     between the relevant communities;
       ``(B) the applicant has adequate financial resources to 
     ensure the commitment to the communities;
       ``(C) the airports serving the communities are nonhub, 
     small hub, or medium hub airports, as determined using the 
     Department of Transportation's most recently published 
     classifications; and
       ``(D) the air carrier commits to serving the communities 
     for at least 2 years.
       ``(5) Priorities.--The Secretary shall prioritize 
     applications that--
       ``(A) would initiate new or reestablish air service in 
     communities where air fares are higher than the average air 
     fares for all communities;
       ``(B) are more likely to result in self-sustaining air 
     service at the end of the program;
       ``(C) request a Federal share lower than 50 percent; and
       ``(D) propose to use grant funds in a timely fashion.
       ``(6) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     operating assistance provided under the program may not 
     exceed 50 percent.
       ``(7) Sunset.--This subsection shall cease to be effective 
     on October 1, 2023.''.

     SEC. 455. AIR TRANSPORTATION TO NONELIGIBLE PLACES.

       (a) Definitions.--Section 41731(a)(1)(A)(ii) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``Wendell H. Ford 
     Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century,'' 
     and inserting ``FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 
     2016 (Public Law 114-190),''.
       (b) Program Sunset.--Section 41736 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Sunset.--
       ``(1) Proposals.--No proposal under subsection (a) may be 
     accepted by the Secretary after the date of enactment of this 
     subsection.
       ``(2) Program.--The Secretary may not provide any 
     compensation under this section after the date that is 2 
     years after the date of enactment of this subsection.''.

[[Page H3620]]

  


                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 501. REVIEW OF FAA STRATEGIC CYBERSECURITY PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall initiate a review of the 
     comprehensive and strategic framework of principles and 
     policies (referred to in this section as the ``framework'') 
     developed pursuant to section 2111 of the FAA Extension, 
     Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note).
       (b) Contents.--In undertaking the review under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) assess the degree to which the framework identifies and 
     addresses known cybersecurity risks associated with the 
     aviation system;
       (2) review existing short- and long-term objectives for 
     addressing cybersecurity risks to the national airspace 
     system; and
       (3) assess the Administration's level of engagement and 
     coordination with aviation stakeholders and other appropriate 
     agencies, organizations, or groups with which the 
     Administration consults to carry out the framework.
       (c) Updates.--Upon completion of the review under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall modify the framework, 
     as appropriate, to address any deficiencies identified by the 
     review.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after 
     initiating the review required by subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on the results of the review, including a 
     description of any modifications made to the framework.

     SEC. 502. CONSOLIDATION AND REALIGNMENT OF FAA SERVICES AND 
                   FACILITIES.

       Section 804(a) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 44501 note) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``The purpose of the 
     report shall be--'' and all that follows through ``(B) to 
     reduce'' and inserting ``The purpose of the report shall be 
     to reduce''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Input.--The report shall be prepared by the 
     Administrator (or the Administrator's designee) with the 
     participation of--
       ``(A) representatives of labor organizations representing 
     air traffic control system employees of the FAA; and
       ``(B) industry stakeholders.''.

     SEC. 503. FAA REVIEW AND REFORM.

       (a) Agency Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a detailed analysis of any 
     actions taken to address the findings and recommendations 
     included in the report required under section 812(d) of the 
     FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 106 
     note), including--
       (1) consolidating, phasing-out, or eliminating duplicative 
     positions, programs, roles, or offices;
       (2) eliminating or streamlining wasteful practices;
       (3) eliminating or phasing-out redundant, obsolete, or 
     unnecessary functions;
       (4) reforming and streamlining inefficient processes so 
     that the activities of the Administration are completed in an 
     expedited and efficient manner; and
       (5) reforming or eliminating ineffectual or outdated 
     policies.
       (b) Additional Review.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     undertake and complete a thorough review of each program, 
     office, and organization within the Administration to 
     identify--
       (1) duplicative positions, programs, roles, or offices;
       (2) wasteful practices;
       (3) redundant, obsolete, or unnecessary functions;
       (4) inefficient processes; and
       (5) ineffectual or outdated policies.
       (c) Actions To Streamline and Reform FAA.--Not later than 
     60 days after the date of completion of the review under 
     subsection (b), the Administrator shall undertake such 
     actions as may be necessary to address the findings of the 
     Administrator under such subsection.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of completion of the review under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on the actions taken by the Administrator 
     pursuant to subsection (c), including any recommendations for 
     legislative or administrative actions.

     SEC. 504. AVIATION FUEL.

       (a) Use of Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.--The Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration shall allow the use of 
     an unleaded aviation gasoline in an aircraft as a replacement 
     for a leaded gasoline if the Administrator--
       (1) determines that an unleaded aviation gasoline qualifies 
     as a replacement for an approved leaded gasoline;
       (2) identifies the aircraft and engines that are eligible 
     to use the qualified replacement unleaded gasoline; and
       (3) adopts a process (other than the traditional means of 
     certification) to allow eligible aircraft and engines to 
     operate using qualified replacement unleaded gasoline in a 
     manner that ensures safety.
       (b) Timing.--The Administrator shall adopt the process 
     described in subsection (a)(3) not later than 180 days after 
     the later of--
       (1) the date of completion of the Piston Aviation Fuels 
     Initiative of the Administration; or
       (2) the date of publication of an American Society for 
     Testing and Materials Production Specification for an 
     unleaded aviation gasoline.
       (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative of the Administration 
     and the American Society for Testing and Materials should 
     work to find an appropriate unleaded aviation gasoline by 
     January 1, 2024.

     SEC. 505. RIGHT TO PRIVACY WHEN USING AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL 
                   SYSTEM.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall, 
     upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, block 
     the registration number of the aircraft of the owner or 
     operator from any public dissemination or display, except in 
     data made available to a Government agency, for the 
     noncommercial flights of the owner or operator.

     SEC. 506. AIR SHOWS.

       On an annual basis, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall work with representatives of 
     Administration-approved air shows, the general aviation 
     community, and stadiums and other large outdoor events and 
     venues to identify and resolve, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, scheduling conflicts between Administration-
     approved air shows and large outdoor events and venues 
     where--
       (1) flight restrictions will be imposed pursuant to section 
     521 of title V of division F of Public Law 108-199 (118 Stat. 
     343); or
       (2) any other restriction will be imposed pursuant to 
     Federal Aviation Administration Flight Data Center Notice to 
     Airmen 4/3621 (or any successor notice to airmen).

     SEC. 507. PART 91 REVIEW, REFORM, AND STREAMLINING.

       (a) Establishment of Task Force.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a task 
     force comprised of representatives of the general aviation 
     industry who regularly perform part 91 operations, labor 
     unions (including those representing FAA aviation safety 
     inspectors and FAA aviation safety engineers), manufacturers, 
     and the Government to--
       (1) conduct an assessment of the FAA oversight and 
     authorization processes and requirements for aircraft under 
     part 91; and
       (2) make recommendations to streamline the applicable 
     authorization and approval processes, improve safety, and 
     reduce regulatory cost burdens and delays for the FAA and 
     aircraft owners and operators who operate pursuant to part 
     91.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the assessment and making 
     recommendations under subsection (a), the task force shall 
     consider--
       (1) process reforms and improvements to allow the FAA to 
     review and approve applications in a fair and timely fashion;
       (2) the appropriateness of requiring an authorization for 
     each experimental aircraft rather than using a broader all 
     makes and models approach;
       (3) ways to improve the timely response to letters of 
     authorization applications for aircraft owners and operators 
     who operate pursuant to part 91, including setting deadlines 
     and granting temporary or automatic authorizations if 
     deadlines are missed by the FAA;
       (4) methods for enhancing the effective use of delegation 
     systems;
       (5) methods for training the FAA's field office employees 
     in risk-based and safety management system oversight; and
       (6) such other matters related to streamlining part 91 
     authorization and approval processes as the task force 
     considers appropriate.
       (c) Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the task force's assessment.
       (2) Contents.--The report shall include an explanation of 
     how the Administrator will--
       (A) implement the recommendations of the task force;
       (B) measure progress in implementing the recommendations; 
     and
       (C) measure the effectiveness of the implemented 
     recommendations.
       (d) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than 18 
     months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall implement the recommendations made under 
     this section.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (2) Part 91.--The term ``part 91'' means part 91 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (f) Applicable Law.--Public Law 92-463 shall not apply to 
     the task force.

[[Page H3621]]

       (g) Sunset.--The task force shall terminate on the day the 
     Administrator submits the report required under subsection 
     (c).

     SEC. 508. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall initiate a rulemaking to increase the duration of 
     aircraft registrations for noncommercial general aviation 
     aircraft to 10 years.

     SEC. 509. AIR TRANSPORTATION OF LITHIUM CELLS AND BATTERIES.

       (a) Cooperative Efforts To Ensure Compliance With Safety 
     Regulations.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     coordination with appropriate Federal agencies, shall carry 
     out cooperative efforts to ensure that shippers who offer 
     lithium ion and lithium metal batteries for air transport to 
     or from the United States comply with U.S. Hazardous 
     Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.
       (2) Cooperative efforts.--The cooperative efforts the 
     Secretary shall carry out pursuant to paragraph (1) include 
     the following:
       (A) Encouraging training programs at locations outside the 
     United States from which substantial cargo shipments of 
     lithium ion or lithium metal batteries originate for 
     manufacturers, freight forwarders, and other shippers and 
     potential shippers of lithium ion and lithium metal 
     batteries.
       (B) Working with Federal, regional, and international 
     transportation agencies to ensure enforcement of U.S. 
     Hazardous Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical 
     Instructions with respect to shippers who offer noncompliant 
     shipments of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries.
       (C) Sharing information, as appropriate, with Federal, 
     regional, and international transportation agencies regarding 
     noncompliant shipments.
       (D) Pursuing a joint effort with the international aviation 
     community to develop a process to obtain assurances that 
     appropriate enforcement actions are taken to reduce the 
     likelihood of noncompliant shipments, especially with respect 
     to jurisdictions in which enforcement activities historically 
     have been limited.
       (E) Providing information in brochures and on the internet 
     in appropriate foreign languages and dialects that describes 
     the actions required to comply with U.S. Hazardous Materials 
     Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.
       (F) Developing joint efforts with the international 
     aviation community to promote a better understanding of the 
     requirements of and methods of compliance with U.S. Hazardous 
     Materials Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions.
       (3) Reporting.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 2 years, 
     the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report on compliance with the policy set forth in 
     subsection (e) and the cooperative efforts carried out, or 
     planned to be carried out, under this subsection.
       (b) Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish, in 
     accordance with the requirements of the Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), a lithium ion and lithium 
     metal battery air safety advisory committee (in this 
     subsection referred to as the ``Committee'').
       (2) Duties.--The Committee shall--
       (A) facilitate communication between manufacturers of 
     lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries, 
     manufacturers of products incorporating both large and small 
     lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, air carriers, and 
     the Federal Government regarding the safe air transportation 
     of lithium ion and lithium metal cells and batteries and the 
     effectiveness and economic and social impacts of the 
     regulation of such transportation;
       (B) provide the Secretary, the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
     Safety Administration with timely information about new 
     lithium ion and lithium metal battery technology and 
     transportation safety practices and methodologies;
       (C) provide a forum for the Secretary to provide 
     information on and to discuss the activities of the 
     Department of Transportation relating to lithium ion and 
     lithium metal battery transportation safety, the policies 
     underlying the activities, and positions to be advocated in 
     international forums;
       (D) provide a forum for the Secretary to provide 
     information and receive advice on--
       (i) activities carried out throughout the world to 
     communicate and enforce relevant United States regulations 
     and the ICAO Technical Instructions; and
       (ii) the effectiveness of the activities;
       (E) provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary 
     with respect to lithium ion and lithium metal battery air 
     transportation safety, including how best to implement 
     activities to increase awareness of relevant requirements and 
     their importance to travelers and shippers; and
       (F) review methods to decrease the risk posed by air 
     shipment of undeclared hazardous materials and efforts to 
     educate those who prepare and offer hazardous materials for 
     shipment via air transport.
       (3) Membership.--The Committee shall be composed of the 
     following members:
       (A) Individuals appointed by the Secretary to represent--
       (i) large volume manufacturers of lithium ion and lithium 
     metal cells and batteries;
       (ii) domestic manufacturers of lithium ion and lithium 
     metal batteries or battery packs;
       (iii) manufacturers of consumer products powered by lithium 
     ion and lithium metal batteries;
       (iv) manufacturers of vehicles powered by lithium ion and 
     lithium metal batteries;
       (v) marketers of products powered by lithium ion and 
     lithium metal batteries;
       (vi) cargo air service providers based in the United 
     States;
       (vii) passenger air service providers based in the United 
     States;
       (viii) pilots and employees of air service providers 
     described in clauses (vi) and (vii);
       (ix) shippers of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries 
     for air transportation;
       (x) manufacturers of battery-powered medical devices or 
     batteries used in medical devices; and
       (xi) employees of the Department of Transportation, 
     including employees of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
     Administration.
       (B) Representatives of such other Government departments 
     and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate.
       (C) Any other individuals the Secretary determines are 
     appropriate to comply with Federal law.
       (4) Report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     establishment of the Committee, the Committee shall submit to 
     the Secretary, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report that--
       (i) describes and evaluates the steps being taken in the 
     private sector and by international regulatory authorities to 
     implement and enforce requirements relating to the safe 
     transportation by air of bulk shipments of lithium ion cells 
     and batteries; and
       (ii) identifies any areas of enforcement or regulatory 
     requirements for which there is consensus that greater 
     attention is needed.
       (B) Independent statements.--Each member of the Committee 
     shall be provided an opportunity to submit an independent 
     statement of views with the report submitted pursuant to 
     subparagraph (A).
       (5) Meetings.--
       (A) In general.--The Committee shall meet at the direction 
     of the Secretary and at least twice a year.
       (B) Preparation for icao meetings.--Notwithstanding 
     subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall convene a meeting of 
     the Committee in connection with and in advance of each 
     meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization, or 
     any of its panels or working groups, addressing the safety of 
     air transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries 
     to brief Committee members on positions to be taken by the 
     United States at such meeting and provide Committee members a 
     meaningful opportunity to comment.
       (6) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate on the date 
     that is 6 years after the date on which the Committee is 
     established.
       (7) Termination of future of aviation advisory committee.--
     The Future of Aviation Advisory Committee shall terminate on 
     the date on which the lithium ion battery air safety advisory 
     committee is established.
       (c) Medical Device Batteries.--
       (1) Limited exceptions to restrictions on air 
     transportation of medical device batteries.--The Secretary 
     shall issue limited exceptions to the restrictions on 
     transportation of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries to 
     allow the shipment on a passenger aircraft of not more than 2 
     replacement batteries specifically used for a medical device 
     if--
       (A) the intended destination of the batteries is not 
     serviced daily by cargo aircraft if a battery is required for 
     medically necessary care; and
       (B) with regard to a shipper of lithium ion or lithium 
     metal batteries for medical devices that cannot comply with a 
     charge limitation in place at the time, each battery is--
       (i) individually packed in an inner packaging that 
     completely encloses the battery;
       (ii) placed in a rigid outer packaging; and
       (iii) protected to prevent a short circuit.
       (2) Medical device defined.--ln this subsection, the term 
     ``medical device'' means an instrument, apparatus, implement, 
     machine, contrivance, implant, or in vitro reagent, including 
     any component, part, or accessory thereof, which is intended 
     for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or 
     in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, 
     in a person.
       (3) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
     construed as expanding or restricting any authority of the 
     Secretary under section 828 of the FAA Modernization and 
     Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).
       (d) Packaging Improvements.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in 
     consultation with interested stakeholders, shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate an evaluation of 
     current practices for the packaging of

[[Page H3622]]

     lithium ion batteries and cells for air transportation, 
     including recommendations, if any, to improve the packaging 
     of such batteries and cells for air transportation in a safe, 
     efficient, and cost-effective manner.
       (e) Department of Transportation Policy on International 
     Representation.--It shall be the policy of the Department of 
     Transportation to support the participation of industry in 
     all panels and working groups of the Dangerous Goods Panel of 
     the International Civil Aviation Organization and any other 
     international test or standard setting organization that 
     considers proposals on the safety or transportation of 
     lithium ion and lithium metal batteries in which the United 
     States participates.
       (f) Harmonization With ICAO Technical Instructions.--
     Pursuant to section 828 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
     Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note), not later than 30 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     conform United States regulations on the air transport of 
     lithium cells and batteries with the lithium cells and 
     batteries requirements in the 2015-2016 edition of the ICAO 
     Technical Instructions (including all addenda), including the 
     revised standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization that became effective on April 1, 2016.
       (g) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) ICAO technical instructions.--The term ``ICAO Technical 
     Instructions'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     828(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
     U.S.C. 44701 note).
       (2) U.S. hazardous materials regulations.--The term ``U.S. 
     Hazardous Materials Regulations'' means the regulations in 
     parts 100 through 177 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (including amendments adopted after the date of 
     enactment of this Act).

     SEC. 510. REMOTE TOWER PILOT PROGRAM FOR RURAL AND SMALL 
                   COMMUNITIES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a pilot program under which, upon approval of an 
     application submitted by an operator of a public-use airport, 
     the Secretary shall install and operate at the airport a 
     remote air traffic control tower in order to assess the 
     operational benefits of remote air traffic control towers.
       (b) Applications.--The operator of an airport seeking to 
     participate in the pilot program shall submit to the 
     Secretary for approval an application that is in such form 
     and contains such information as the Secretary may require.
       (c) Selection Criteria.--
       (1) Selection of airports.--From among the applications 
     submitted under subsection (b), the Secretary, after 
     consultation with representatives of labor organizations 
     representing operators and employees of the air traffic 
     control system, shall select for participation in the pilot 
     program 7 airports as follows:
       (A) 1 nonhub, primary airport.
       (B) 3 nonprimary airports without existing air traffic 
     control towers.
       (C) 2 airports with air traffic control towers 
     participating in a program established under section 47124 of 
     title 49, United States Code.
       (D) 1 airport selected at the discretion of the Secretary.
       (2) Priority selection.--In selecting from among the 
     applications submitted under subsection (b), the Secretary 
     shall give priority to applicants that can best demonstrate 
     the capabilities and potential of remote air traffic control 
     towers, including applicants proposing to operate multiple 
     remote air traffic control towers from a single facility.
       (3) Authority to reallocate airport selection.--If the 
     Secretary receives an insufficient number of applications, 
     the Secretary may reallocate the distribution of airport 
     sites described in paragraph (1).
       (d) Safety Risk Management Panel.--
       (1) Safety risk management panel meeting.--Prior to the 
     operational use of a remote air traffic control tower, the 
     Secretary shall convene a safety risk management panel for 
     the tower to address any safety issues with respect to the 
     tower.
       (2) Safety risk management panel best practices.--The 
     safety risk management panels shall be created and utilized 
     in a manner similar to that of safety risk management panels 
     previously established for remote air traffic control towers, 
     taking into account--
       (A) best practices that have been developed; and
       (B) operational data from remote air traffic control towers 
     located in the United States.
       (e) Airport Improvement Program.--The pilot program shall 
     be eligible for airport improvement funding under chapter 471 
     of title 49, United States Code.
       (f) Possible Expansion of Program.--Not later than 30 days 
     after the date that the first remote air traffic control 
     tower is commissioned, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a repeatable process 
     by which future certified remote air traffic control tower 
     systems may be commissioned at additional airports.
       (g) Definitions.--
       (1) In general.--In this section, the following definitions 
     apply:
       (A) Air navigation facility.--The term ``air navigation 
     facility'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
       (B) Remote air traffic control tower.--The term ``remote 
     air traffic control tower'' means a remotely operated air 
     navigation facility, including all necessary system 
     components, that provides the functions and capabilities of 
     an air traffic control tower.
       (2) Applicability of other definitions.--The terms ``nonhub 
     airport'', ``primary airport'', and ``public-use airport'' 
     have the meanings given such terms in section 47102 of title 
     49, United States Code.
       (h) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date 
     that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 511. ENSURING FAA READINESS TO PROVIDE SEAMLESS OCEANIC 
                   OPERATIONS.

       Not later than September 30, 2018, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall make a final investment decision for the 
     implementation of a reduced oceanic separation capability 
     that, by March 31, 2019, shall be operational and in use 
     providing capabilities at least equivalent to that offered in 
     neighboring airspace, and such service shall be provided in 
     the same manner as terrestrial surveillance is provided.

     SEC. 512. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING WOMEN IN AVIATION.

       It is the sense of Congress that the aviation industry 
     should explore all opportunities, including pilot training, 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, 
     and mentorship programs, to encourage and support female 
     students and aviators to pursue a career in aviation.

     SEC. 513. OBSTRUCTION EVALUATION AERONAUTICAL STUDIES.

       The Secretary of Transportation may implement the policy 
     set forth in the notice of proposed policy titled ``Proposal 
     to Consider the Impact of One Engine Inoperative Procedures 
     in Obstruction Evaluation Aeronautical Studies'' published by 
     the Department of Transportation on April 28, 2014 (79 Fed. 
     Reg. 23300), only if the policy is adopted pursuant to a 
     notice and comment rulemaking and, for purposes of Executive 
     Order 12866 (5 U.S.C. 601 note; relating to regulatory 
     planning and review), is treated as a significant regulatory 
     action within the scope of section 3(f)(1) of such Order.

     SEC. 514. AIRCRAFT LEASING.

       Section 44112(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``on land or water''; and
       (2) by inserting ``operational'' before ``control''.

     SEC. 515. REPORT ON OBSOLETE TEST EQUIPMENT.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the National Test 
     Equipment Program of the Federal Aviation Administration (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Program'').
       (b) Contents.--The report shall include--
       (1) a list of all known outstanding requests for test 
     equipment, cataloged by type and location, under the Program;
       (2) a description of the current method under the Program 
     of ensuring calibrated equipment is in place for utilization;
       (3) a plan by the Administrator for appropriate inventory 
     of such equipment;
       (4) the Administrator's recommendations for increasing 
     multifunctionality in future test equipment and all known and 
     foreseeable manufacturer technological advances; and
       (5) a plan to replace, as appropriate, obsolete test 
     equipment throughout the service areas.

     SEC. 516. PILOTS SHARING FLIGHT EXPENSES WITH PASSENGERS.

       (a) Guidance.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall make publicly available, in a 
     clear and concise format, advisory guidance that describes 
     how a pilot may share flight expenses with passengers in a 
     manner consistent with Federal law, including regulations.
       (2) Examples included.--The guidance shall include examples 
     of--
       (A) flights for which pilots and passengers may share 
     expenses;
       (B) flights for which pilots and passengers may not share 
     expenses;
       (C) the methods of communication that pilots and passengers 
     may use to arrange flights for which expenses are shared; and
       (D) the methods of communication that pilots and passengers 
     may not use to arrange flights for which expenses are shared.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which guidance is made publicly available under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     analyzing Federal policy with respect to pilots sharing 
     flight expenses with passengers.
       (2) Evaluations included.--The report submitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation of--
       (A) the rationale for such Federal policy;
       (B) safety and other concerns related to pilots sharing 
     flight expenses with passengers; and

[[Page H3623]]

       (C) benefits related to pilots sharing flight expenses with 
     passengers.

     SEC. 517. AVIATION RULEMAKING COMMITTEE FOR PART 135 PILOT 
                   REST AND DUTY RULES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall convene an aviation rulemaking 
     committee to review, and develop findings and recommendations 
     regarding, pilot rest and duty rules under part 135 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report based on the findings of the aviation 
     rulemaking committee; and
       (2) not later than 1 year after the date of submission of 
     the report under paragraph (1), issue a notice of proposed 
     rulemaking based on any consensus recommendations reached by 
     the aviation rulemaking committee.
       (c) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee shall 
     consist of members appointed by the Administrator, 
     including--
       (1) representatives of industry;
       (2) representatives of aviation labor organizations, 
     including collective bargaining units representing pilots who 
     are covered by part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and subpart K of part 91 of such title; and
       (3) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     flight crewmember education and training requirements under 
     part 135 of such title.
       (d) Considerations.--The Administrator shall direct the 
     aviation rulemaking committee to consider--
       (1) recommendations of prior part 135 rulemaking 
     committees;
       (2) accommodations necessary for small businesses;
       (3) scientific data derived from aviation-related fatigue 
     and sleep research;
       (4) data gathered from aviation safety reporting programs;
       (5) the need to accommodate the diversity of operations 
     conducted under part 135; and
       (6) other items, as appropriate.

     SEC. 518. METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (in this 
     section referred to as ``MWAA''), which operates Ronald 
     Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International 
     Airport by lease with the Department of Transportation, has 
     routinely performed poorly on audits conducted by the 
     Inspector General of the Department of Transportation;
       (2) the responsible stewardship of taxpayer-owned assets by 
     MWAA is of great concern to Congress;
       (3) a March 20, 2015, audit conducted by the Inspector 
     General titled ``MWAA's Office of Audit Does Not Have an 
     Adequate Quality Assurance and Improvement Program'' (Report 
     No. ZA-2015-035) found that MWAA's quality assurance and 
     improvement program did not conform with the standards of the 
     Institute of Internal Auditors; and
       (4) the Inspector General's audit made 7 recommendations to 
     strengthen MWAA governance, its Office of Audit, and its 
     quality assurance and improvement program.
       (b) Implementing Audit Recommendations.--
       (1) Study.--The Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall conduct a study on MWAA's progress in 
     implementing the recommendations of the audit referred to in 
     subsection (a).
       (2) Report.--The Inspector General shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the study, 
     including the Inspector General's findings, conclusions, and 
     recommendations for strengthening and improving MWAA's Office 
     of Audit.

     SEC. 519. TERMINAL AERODROME FORECAST.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall permit a covered air carrier to operate 
     to or from a location in a noncontiguous State without a 
     Terminal Aerodrome Forecast or Meteorological Aerodrome 
     Report if--
       (1) such location is determined to be under visual 
     meteorological conditions;
       (2) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by other local 
     weather observations or reports, is available; and
       (3) an alternate airport that has an available Terminal 
     Aerodrome Forecast and weather report is specified.
       (b) Procedures.--A covered air carrier shall--
       (1) have approved procedures for dispatch or release and 
     enroute weather evaluation; and
       (2) operate under instrument flight rules enroute to the 
     destination.
       (c) Covered Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered air carrier'' means an air carrier operating in a 
     noncontiguous State under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 520. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES STATIONED 
                   ON GUAM.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and the Secretary of Defense should seek an 
     agreement that would enable Federal Aviation Administration 
     employees stationed on Guam to have access to Department of 
     Defense hospitals, commissaries, and exchanges on Guam;
       (2) access to these facilities is important to ensure the 
     health and well-being of Federal Aviation Administration 
     employees and their families; and
       (3) in exchange for this access, the Federal Aviation 
     Administration should make payments to cover the applicable 
     administrative costs incurred by the Department of Defense in 
     carrying out the agreement.

     SEC. 521. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

       (a) Airport Capacity Enhancement Projects at Congested 
     Airports.--Section 40104(c) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking ``section 47176'' and inserting 
     ``section 47175''.
       (b) Passenger Facility Charges.--Section 40117(a)(5) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``charge 
     or charge'' and inserting ``charge''.
       (c) Overflights of National Parks.--Section 40128(a)(3) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``under 
     part 91 of the title 14,'' and inserting ``under part 91 of 
     title 14,''.
       (d) Plans To Address Needs of Families of Passengers 
     Involved in Foreign Air Carrier Accidents.--Section 
     41313(c)(16) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``An assurance that the foreign air carrier'' and 
     inserting ``An assurance that''.
       (e) Operations of Carriers.--The analysis for chapter 417 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the 
     item relating to section 41718 and inserting the following:

``41718. Special rules for Ronald Reagan Washington National 
              Airport.''.
       (f) Schedules for Certain Transportation of Mail.--Section 
     41902(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``section 41906'' and inserting ``section 41905''.
       (g) Weighing Mail.--Section 41907 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``and -administrative'' 
     and inserting ``and administrative''.
       (h) Structures Interfering With Air Commerce or National 
     Security.--Section 44718(b)(1) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``air navigation facilities and equipment'' and inserting 
     ``air or space navigation facilities and equipment''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in clause (v) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii); and
       (C) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
       ``(vi) the impact on launch and reentry for launch and 
     reentry vehicles arriving or departing from a launch site or 
     reentry site licensed by the Secretary of Transportation; 
     and''.
       (i) Fees Involving Aircraft Not Providing Air 
     Transportation.--Section 45302 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``44703(f)(2)'' each place it 
     appears and inserting ``44703(g)(2)''.
       (j) Chapter 465.--The analysis for chapter 465 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking the following:

``46503. Repealed.''.
       (k) Solicitation and Consideration of Comments.--Section 
     47171(l) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``4371'' and inserting ``4321''.
       (l) Adjustments to Compensation for Significantly Increased 
     Costs.--Section 426 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act 
     of 2012 is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) (49 U.S.C. 41737 note) by striking 
     ``Secretary'' and inserting ``Secretary of Transportation''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (c) (49 U.S.C. 41731 note) by striking 
     ``the Secretary may waive'' and inserting ``the Secretary of 
     Transportation may waive''.
       (m) Aircraft Departure Queue Management Pilot Program.--
     Section 507(a) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended by striking ``section 
     48101(a)'' and inserting ``section 48101(a) of title 49, 
     United States Code,''.

     SEC. 522. APPLICATION OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE TO FEDERAL 
                   AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 
                   SYSTEM.

       Section 40122(g)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``3304(f),'' before ``3308-3320''; and
       (2) by inserting ``3330a, 3330b, 3330c, and 3330d,'' before 
     ``relating''.

     SEC. 523. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT ELIGIBLE FOR LOGGING FLIGHT TIMES.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue regulations modifying section 61.51(j)(4) of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, so as to include 
     aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and 
     fire protection agencies as public aircraft eligible for 
     logging flight times.

     SEC. 524. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION WORKFORCE REVIEW.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a review to assess the workforce and 
     training needs of the Federal Aviation Administration (in 
     this section referred to as the ``FAA'') in the anticipated 
     budgetary environment.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the review, the Comptroller 
     General shall--
       (1) identify the long-term workforce and training needs of 
     the FAA workforce;

[[Page H3624]]

       (2) assess the impact of automation, digitalization, and 
     artificial intelligence on the FAA workforce;
       (3) analyze the skills and qualifications required of the 
     FAA workforce for successful performance in the current and 
     future projected aviation environment;
       (4) review current performance incentive policies of the 
     FAA, including awards for performance;
       (5) analyze ways in which the FAA can work with industry 
     and labor, including labor groups representing the FAA 
     workforce, to establish knowledge-sharing opportunities 
     between the FAA and the aviation industry regarding new 
     equipment and systems, best practices, and other areas of 
     interest; and
       (6) develop recommendations on the most effective 
     qualifications, training programs (including e-learning 
     training), and performance incentive approaches to address 
     the needs of the future projected aviation regulatory system 
     in the anticipated budgetary environment.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review.

     SEC. 525. STATE TAXATION.

       Section 40116(d)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) except as otherwise provided under section 47133, 
     levy or collect a tax, fee, or charge, first taking effect 
     after the date of enactment of this clause, upon any business 
     located at a commercial service airport or operating as a 
     permittee of such an airport that is not generally imposed on 
     sales or services by that State, political subdivision, or 
     authority unless wholly utilized for airport or aeronautical 
     purposes.''.

     SEC. 526. AVIATION AND AEROSPACE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) in 2016, United States air carriers carried a record 
     high number of passengers on domestic flights, 719 million 
     passengers;
       (2) the United States aerospace and defense industry 
     employed 1.7 million workers in 2015, or roughly 2 percent of 
     the Nation's total employment base;
       (3) the average salary of an employee in the aerospace and 
     defense industry is 44 percent above the national average;
       (4) in 2015, the aerospace and defense industry contributed 
     nearly $202.4 billion in value added to the United States 
     economy;
       (5) an effective aviation industry relies on individuals 
     with unique skill sets, many of which can be directly 
     obtained through career and technical education 
     opportunities; and
       (6) industry and the Federal Government have taken some 
     actions to attract qualified individuals to careers in 
     aviation and aerospace and to retain qualified individuals in 
     such careers.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) public and private education institutions should make 
     available to students and parents information on approved 
     programs of study and career pathways, including career 
     exploration, work-based learning opportunities, dual and 
     concurrent enrollment opportunities, and guidance and 
     advisement resources;
       (2) public and private education institutions should 
     partner with aviation and aerospace companies to promote 
     career paths available within the industry and share 
     information on the unique benefits and opportunities the 
     career paths offer;
       (3) aviation companies, including air carriers, 
     manufacturers, commercial space companies, unmanned aircraft 
     system companies, and repair stations, should create 
     opportunities, through apprenticeships or other mechanisms, 
     to attract young people to aviation and aerospace careers and 
     to enable individuals to gain the critical skills needed to 
     thrive in such professions; and
       (4) the Federal Government should consider the needs of men 
     and women interested in pursuing careers in the aviation and 
     aerospace industry, the long-term personnel needs of the 
     aviation and aerospace industry, and the role of aviation in 
     the United States economy in the creation and administration 
     of educational and financial aid programs.

     SEC. 527. FUTURE AVIATION AND AEROSPACE WORKFORCE STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study--
       (1) to identify the factors influencing the supply of 
     individuals pursuing a career in the aviation or aerospace 
     industry; and
       (2) to identify best practices or programs to incentivize, 
     recruit, and retain young people in aviation and aerospace 
     professions.
       (b) Consultation.--The Comptroller General shall conduct 
     the study in consultation with--
       (1) appropriate Federal agencies; and
       (2) the aviation and aerospace industry, institutions of 
     higher education, and labor stakeholders.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     on the results of the study and related recommendations.

     SEC. 528. FAA LEADERSHIP ON CIVIL SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall exercise leadership in the creation of 
     Federal and international policies, regulations, and 
     standards relating to the certification and safe and 
     efficient operation of civil supersonic aircraft.
       (b) Exercise of Leadership.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) consider the needs of the aerospace industry and other 
     stakeholders when creating policies, regulations, and 
     standards that enable the safe commercial deployment of civil 
     supersonic aircraft technology and the safe and efficient 
     operation of civil supersonic aircraft; and
       (2) obtain the input of aerospace industry stakeholders 
     regarding--
       (A) the appropriate regulatory framework and timeline for 
     permitting the safe and efficient operation of civil 
     supersonic aircraft within United States airspace, including 
     updating or modifying existing regulations on such operation;
       (B) issues related to standards and regulations for the 
     type certification and safe operation of civil supersonic 
     aircraft, including noise certification, including--
       (i) the operational differences between subsonic aircraft 
     and supersonic aircraft;
       (ii) costs and benefits associated with landing and takeoff 
     noise requirements for civil supersonic aircraft, including 
     impacts on aircraft emissions;
       (iii) public and economic benefits of the operation of 
     civil supersonic aircraft and associated aerospace industry 
     activity; and
       (iv) challenges relating to ensuring that standards and 
     regulations aimed at relieving and protecting the public 
     health and welfare from aircraft noise and sonic booms are 
     economically reasonable, technologically practicable, and 
     appropriate for civil supersonic aircraft; and
       (C) other issues identified by the Administrator or the 
     aerospace industry that must be addressed to enable the safe 
     commercial deployment and safe and efficient operation of 
     civil supersonic aircraft.
       (c) International Leadership.--The Administrator, in the 
     appropriate international forums, shall take actions that--
       (1) demonstrate global leadership under subsection (a);
       (2) address the needs of the aerospace industry identified 
     under subsection (b); and
       (3) protect the public health and welfare.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     detailing--
       (1) the Administrator's actions to exercise leadership in 
     the creation of Federal and international policies, 
     regulations, and standards relating to the certification and 
     safe and efficient operation of civil supersonic aircraft;
       (2) planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to update or 
     modify existing policies and regulations related to civil 
     supersonic aircraft, including those identified as a result 
     of industry consultation and feedback; and
       (3) a timeline for any actions to be taken to update or 
     modify existing policies and regulations related to civil 
     supersonic aircraft.

     SEC. 529. OKLAHOMA REGISTRY OFFICE.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall consider the aircraft registry office in Oklahoma City, 
     Oklahoma, as excepted during a Government shutdown or 
     emergency (as it provides excepted services) to ensure that 
     it remains open during any Government shutdown or emergency.

     SEC. 530. FOREIGN AIR TRANSPORTATION UNDER UNITED STATES-
                   EUROPEAN UNION AIR TRANSPORT AGREEMENT.

       (a) Certain Foreign Air Transportation Permits.--The 
     Secretary of Transportation may not issue a permit under 
     section 41302 of title 49, United States Code, or an 
     exemption under section 40109 of such title, authorizing a 
     person to provide foreign air transportation as a foreign air 
     carrier under the United States-European Union Air Transport 
     Agreement of April 2007 (as amended) in a proceeding in which 
     the applicability of Article 17 bis of such Agreement has 
     been raised by an interested person, unless the Secretary--
       (1) finds that issuing the permit or exemption would be 
     consistent with the intent set forth in Article 17 bis of the 
     Agreement, that opportunities created by the Agreement do not 
     undermine labor standards or the labor-related rights and 
     principles contained in the laws of the respective parties to 
     the Agreement; and
       (2) imposes on the permit or exemption such conditions as 
     may be necessary to ensure that the person complies with the 
     intent of Article 17 bis.
       (b) Public Interest Test.--Section 41302(2) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``under an agreement 
     with the United States Government; or'' and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``the foreign air 
     transportation'' and inserting ``after considering the 
     totality of the circumstances, including the factors set 
     forth

[[Page H3625]]

     in section 40101(a), the foreign air transportation''.
       (c) Public Interest Requirements.--
       (1) Policy.--Section 40101(a) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(17) preventing entry into United States markets by flag 
     of convenience carriers.''.
       (2) International air transportation.--Section 40101(e)(9) 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (E) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) erosion of labor standards associated with flag of 
     convenience carriers.''.
       (3) Flag of convenience carrier defined.--Section 40102(a) 
     of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(48) `flag of convenience carrier' means a foreign air 
     carrier that is established in a country other than the home 
     country of its majority owner or owners in order to avoid 
     regulations of the home country.''.

     SEC. 531. TRAINING ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING FOR CERTAIN STAFF.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44737. Training on human trafficking for certain staff

       ``In addition to other training requirements, each air 
     carrier shall provide training--
       ``(1) to ticket counter agents, gate agents, and other air 
     carrier workers whose jobs require regular interaction with 
     passengers; and
       ``(2) on recognizing and responding to potential human 
     trafficking victims.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

``44737. Training on human trafficking for certain staff.''.

     SEC. 532. PART 107 IMPLEMENTATION IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall publish a direct final rule--
       (1) revising section 107.205 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, by striking the second sentence of subsections 
     (a) and (c); and
       (2) revising section 107.25 of such title by striking ``and 
     is not transporting another person's property for 
     compensation or hire''.
       (b) Determination of Waiver.--In determining whether to 
     grant a waiver under part 107 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to authorize transportation of another's 
     property for compensation or hire beyond the visual line of 
     sight of the remote pilot, from a moving vehicle, or over 
     people, the Administrator shall consider the technological 
     capabilities of the unmanned aircraft system, the 
     qualifications of the remote pilot, and the operational 
     environment.

     SEC. 533. PART 107 TRANSPARENCY AND TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Transparency.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall publish on the Federal Aviation 
     Administration website a representative sample of the safety 
     justifications, offered by applicants for small unmanned 
     aircraft system waivers and airspace authorizations, that 
     have been approved by the Administration for each regulation 
     waived or class of airspace authorized, except that any 
     published justification shall not reveal proprietary or 
     commercially sensitive information.
       (b) Technology Improvements.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     revise the online waiver and certificates of authorization 
     processes--
       (1) to provide real time confirmation that an application 
     filed online has been received by the Administration; and
       (2) to provide an applicant with an opportunity to review 
     the status of the applicant's application.

     SEC. 534. PROHIBITIONS AGAINST SMOKING ON PASSENGER FLIGHTS.

       Section 41706 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Electronic Cigarettes.--
       ``(1) Inclusion.--The use of an electronic cigarette shall 
     be treated as smoking for purposes of this section.
       ``(2) Electronic cigarette defined.--In this section, the 
     term `electronic cigarette' means a device that delivers 
     nicotine to a user of the device in the form of a vapor that 
     is inhaled to simulate the experience of smoking.''.

     SEC. 535. CONSUMER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO LARGE 
                   TICKET AGENTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue a final rule to require large ticket agents to adopt 
     minimum customer service standards.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the final rule shall be to 
     ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, there is a 
     consistent level of consumer protection regardless of where 
     consumers purchase air fares and related air transportation 
     services.
       (c) Standards.--In issuing the final rule, the Secretary 
     shall consider, at a minimum, establishing standards for--
       (1) providing prompt refunds when ticket refunds are due, 
     including fees for optional services that consumers purchased 
     but were not able to use due to a flight cancellation or 
     oversale situation;
       (2) providing an option to hold a reservation at the quoted 
     fare without payment, or to cancel without penalty, for 24 
     hours;
       (3) disclosing cancellation policies, seating 
     configurations, and lavatory availability with respect to 
     flights;
       (4) notifying customers in a timely manner of itinerary 
     changes; and
       (5) responding promptly to customer complaints.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section, the following shall 
     apply:
       (1) Ticket agent.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the term 
     ``ticket agent'' has the meaning given that term in section 
     40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
       (B) Inclusion.--The term ``ticket agent'' includes a person 
     who acts as an intermediary involved in the sale of air 
     transportation directly or indirectly to consumers, including 
     by operating an electronic airline information system, if the 
     person--
       (i) holds the person out as a source of information about, 
     or reservations for, the air transportation industry; and
       (ii) receives compensation in any way related to the sale 
     of air transportation.
       (2) Large ticket agent.--The term ``large ticket agent'' 
     means a ticket agent with annual revenues of $100,000,000 or 
     more.

     SEC. 536. FAA DATA TRANSPARENCY.

       Section 45303 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Data Transparency.--
       ``(1) Air traffic services initial data report.--
       ``(A) Initial report.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer of the Air 
     Traffic Organization shall, based upon the most recently 
     available full fiscal year data, complete the following 
     calculations for each segment of air traffic services users:
       ``(i) The total costs allocable to the use of air traffic 
     services for that segment during such fiscal year.
       ``(ii) The total revenues received from that segment during 
     such fiscal year.
       ``(B) Validation of model.--
       ``(i) Review and determination.--Not later than 3 months 
     after completion of the initial report required under 
     subparagraph (A), the Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall review and determine the validity of the 
     model used by the Administrator and the Chief Operating 
     Officer to complete the calculations required under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(ii) Validation process.--In the event that the Inspector 
     General determines that the model used by the Administrator 
     and the Chief Operating Officer to complete the calculations 
     required by subparagraph (A) is not valid--

       ``(I) the Inspector General shall provide the Administrator 
     and Chief Operating Officer recommendations on how to revise 
     the model;
       ``(II) the Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer 
     shall complete the calculations required by subparagraph (A) 
     utilizing the revised model and resubmit the revised initial 
     report required under subparagraph (A) to the Inspector 
     General; and
       ``(III) not later than 3 months after completion of the 
     revised initial report required under subparagraph (A), the 
     Inspector General shall review and determine the validity of 
     the revised model used by the Administrator and the Chief 
     Operating Officer to complete the calculations required by 
     subparagraph (A).

       ``(iii) Access to data.--The Administrator and the Chief 
     Operating Officer shall provide the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Transportation with unfettered access to all 
     data produced by the cost accounting system operated and 
     maintained pursuant to subsection (e).
       ``(C) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after 
     completion of the review and receiving a determination that 
     the model used is valid under subparagraph (B), the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the 
     Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Ways and 
     Means of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on 
     Appropriations, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a 
     report describing the results of the calculations completed 
     under subparagraph (A).
       ``(D) Publication.--Not later than 60 days after submission 
     of the report required under subparagraph (C), the 
     Administrator and Chief Operating Officer shall publish the 
     initial report, including any revision thereto if required as 
     a result of the validation process for the model.
       ``(2) Air traffic services biennial data reporting.--

[[Page H3626]]

       ``(A) Biennial data reporting.--Not later than March 31, 
     2019, and biennially thereafter for 8 years, the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer shall, using 
     the validated model, complete the following calculations for 
     each segment of air traffic services users for the most 
     recent full fiscal year:
       ``(i) The total costs allocable to the use of the air 
     traffic services for that segment.
       ``(ii) The total revenues received from that segment.
       ``(B) Report to congress.--Not later than 15 days after 
     completing the calculations under subparagraph (A), the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer shall complete 
     and submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure, the Committee on Appropriations, and the 
     Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, 
     and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, 
     the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Finance 
     of the Senate a report containing the results of such 
     calculations.
       ``(C) Publication.--Not later than 60 days after completing 
     the calculations pursuant to subparagraph (A), the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer shall publish 
     the results of such calculations.
       ``(3) Segments of air traffic services users.--
       ``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection, each of 
     the following shall constitute a separate segment of air 
     traffic services users:
       ``(i) Passenger air carriers conducting operations under 
     part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(ii) All-cargo air carriers conducting operations under 
     part 121 of such title.
       ``(iii) Operators covered by part 125 of such title.
       ``(iv) Air carriers and operators of piston-engine aircraft 
     operating under part 135 of such title.
       ``(v) Air carriers and operators of turbine-engine aircraft 
     operating under part 135 of such title.
       ``(vi) Foreign air carriers providing passenger air 
     transportation.
       ``(vii) Foreign air carriers providing all-cargo air 
     transportation.
       ``(viii) Operators of turbine-engine aircraft operating 
     under part 91 of such title, excluding those operating under 
     subpart (K) of such part.
       ``(ix) Operators of piston-engine aircraft operating under 
     part 91 of such title, excluding those operating under 
     subpart (K) of such part.
       ``(x) Operators covered by subpart (K) of part 91 of such 
     title.
       ``(xi) Operators covered by part 133 of such title.
       ``(xii) Operators covered by part 136 of such title.
       ``(xiii) Operators covered by part 137 of such title.
       ``(xiv) Operators of public aircraft that qualify under 
     section 40125.
       ``(xv) Operators of aircraft that neither take off from, 
     nor land in, the United States.
       ``(B) Additional segments.--The Secretary may identify and 
     include additional segments of air traffic users under 
     paragraph (A) as revenue and air traffic services cost data 
     becomes available for that additional segment of air traffic 
     services users.
       ``(4) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
       ``(A) Air traffic services.--The term `air traffic 
     services' means services--
       ``(i) used for the monitoring, directing, control, and 
     guidance of aircraft or flows of aircraft and for the safe 
     conduct of flight, including communications, navigation, and 
     surveillance services and provision of aeronautical 
     information; and
       ``(ii) provided directly, or contracted for, by the Federal 
     Aviation Administration.
       ``(B) Air traffic services user.--The term `air traffic 
     services user' means any individual or entity using air 
     traffic services provided directly, or contracted for, by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration within United States airspace 
     or international airspace delegated to the United States.''.

     SEC. 537. AGENCY PROCUREMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Annual report on the purchase of foreign manufactured 
     articles.--
       ``(A) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the end of the 
     fiscal year, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit a 
     report to Congress on the dollar amount of the acquisitions 
     made by the agency from entities that manufacture the 
     articles, materials, or supplies outside of the United States 
     in such fiscal year.
       ``(B) Contents.--The report required by subparagraph (A) 
     shall separately indicate--
       ``(i) the dollar value of any articles, materials, or 
     supplies purchased that were manufactured outside of the 
     United States; and
       ``(ii) a summary of the total procurement funds spent on 
     goods manufactured in the United States versus funds spent on 
     goods manufactured outside of the United States.
       ``(C) Availability of report.--The Secretary shall make the 
     report under subparagraph (A) publicly available on the 
     agency's website not later than 30 days after submission to 
     Congress.''.

     SEC. 538. ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES AND TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) Passenger Facility Charge Eligibility.--Section 
     40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(H) A project for--
       ``(i) converting or retrofitting vehicles and ground 
     support equipment into eligible zero-emission vehicles and 
     equipment (as defined in section 47102); or
       ``(ii) acquiring, by purchase or lease, eligible zero-
     emission vehicles and equipment (as defined in section 
     47102).''.
       (b) Airport Improvement Program Eligibility.--
       (1) Airport development defined.--Section 47102(3) of title 
     49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(P) converting or retrofitting vehicles and ground 
     support equipment into eligible zero-emission vehicles and 
     equipment or acquiring, by purchase or lease, eligible zero-
     emission vehicles and equipment.
       ``(Q) constructing or modifying airport facilities to 
     install a microgrid in order to provide increased resilience 
     to severe weather, terrorism, and other causes of grid 
     failures.''.
       (2) Additional definitions.--Section 47102 of title 49, 
     United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(30) `eligible zero-emission vehicle and equipment' means 
     a zero-emission vehicle, equipment related to such a vehicle, 
     and ground support equipment that includes zero-emission 
     technology that is--
       ``(A) used exclusively at a commercial service airport; or
       ``(B) used exclusively to transport people or materials to 
     and from a commercial service airport.
       ``(31) `microgrid' means a localized grouping of 
     electricity sources and loads that normally operates 
     connected to and synchronous with the traditional centralized 
     electrical grid, but can disconnect and function autonomously 
     as physical or economic conditions dictate.
       ``(32) `zero-emission vehicle' means a zero-emission 
     vehicle as defined in section 88.102-94 of title 40, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, or a vehicle that produces zero exhaust 
     emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) 
     under any possible operational modes and conditions.''.
       (3) Special apportionment categories.--Section 
     47117(e)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     inserting ``for airport development described in section 
     47102(3)(P),'' after ``under section 47141,''.
       (c) Zero-Emission Program.--Chapter 471 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking section 47136;
       (2) by redesignating section 47136a as section 47136; and
       (3) in section 47136, as so redesignated, by striking 
     subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     establish a pilot program under which the sponsors of not 
     less than 10 public-use airports may use funds made available 
     under this chapter or section 48103 for use at such airports 
     to carry out--
       ``(1) activities associated with the acquisition, by 
     purchase or lease, and operation of zero-emission vehicles, 
     including removable power sources for such vehicles; and
       ``(2) the construction or modification of infrastructure to 
     facilitate the delivery of fuel and services necessary for 
     the use of such vehicles.
       ``(b) Eligibility.--A public-use airport is eligible for 
     participation in the program if the vehicles or ground 
     support equipment are--
       ``(1) used exclusively at the airport; or
       ``(2) used exclusively to transport people or materials to 
     and from the airport.'';
       (4) in section 47136, as so redesignated, by striking 
     subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project carried out under the program shall be the Federal 
     share specified in section 47109.
       ``(e) Technical Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--The sponsor of a public-use airport may 
     use not more than 10 percent of the amounts made available to 
     the sponsor under the program in any fiscal year for--
       ``(A) technical assistance; and
       ``(B) project management support to assist the airport with 
     the solicitation, acquisition, and deployment of zero-
     emission vehicles, related equipment, and supporting 
     infrastructure.
       ``(2) Providers of technical assistance.--To receive the 
     technical assistance or project management support described 
     in paragraph (1), participants in the program may use--
       ``(A) a nonprofit organization selected by the Secretary; 
     or
       ``(B) a university transportation center receiving grants 
     under section 5505 in the region of the airport.'';
       (5) in section 47136, as so redesignated, in subsection (f) 
     by striking ``section 47136'' and inserting ``the inherently 
     low emission airport vehicle pilot program''; and
       (6) in section 47136, as so redesignated, by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(g) Allowable Project Cost.--The allowable project cost 
     for the acquisition of a zero-emission vehicle shall be the 
     total cost of purchasing or leasing the vehicle, including 
     the cost of technical assistance or project management 
     support described in subsection (e).
       ``(h) Flexible Procurement.--A sponsor of a public-use 
     airport may use funds made available under the program to 
     acquire, by

[[Page H3627]]

     purchase or lease, a zero-emission vehicle and a removable 
     power source in separate transactions, including transactions 
     by which the airport purchases the vehicle and leases the 
     removable power source.
       ``(i) Testing Required.--A sponsor of a public-use airport 
     may not use funds made available under the program to acquire 
     a zero-emission vehicle unless that make, model, or type of 
     vehicle has been tested by a Federal vehicle testing facility 
     acceptable to the Secretary.
       ``(j) Removable Power Source Defined.--In this section, the 
     term `removable power source' means a power source that is 
     separately installed in, and removable from, a zero-emission 
     vehicle and may include a battery, a fuel cell, an ultra-
     capacitor, or other advanced power source used in a zero-
     emission vehicle.''.
       (d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the 
     items relating to sections 47136 and 47136a and inserting the 
     following:

``47136. Zero-emission airport vehicles and infrastructure.''.

     SEC. 539. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, each air carrier operating under part 
     121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (in this section 
     referred to as a ``part 121 air carrier''), shall submit to 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for 
     review and acceptance an Employee Assault Prevention and 
     Response Plan related to the customer service agents of the 
     air carrier and that is developed in consultation with the 
     labor union representing such agents.
       (b) Contents of Plan.--An Employee Assault Prevention and 
     Response Plan submitted under subsection (a) shall include 
     the following:
       (1) Reporting protocols for air carrier customer service 
     agents who have been the victim of a verbal or physical 
     assault.
       (2) Protocols for the immediate notification of law 
     enforcement after an incident of verbal or physical assault 
     committed against an air carrier customer service agent.
       (3) Protocols for informing Federal law enforcement with 
     respect to violations of section 46503 of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (4) Protocols for ensuring that a passenger involved in a 
     violent incident with a customer service agent of an air 
     carrier is not allowed to move through airport security or 
     board an aircraft until appropriate law enforcement has had 
     an opportunity to assess the incident and take appropriate 
     action.
       (5) Protocols for air carriers to inform passengers of 
     Federal laws protecting Federal, airport, and air carrier 
     employees who have security duties within an airport.
       (c) Employee Training.--A part 121 air carrier shall 
     conduct initial and recurrent training for all employees, 
     including management, of the air carrier with respect to the 
     plan required under subsection (a), which shall include 
     training on de-escalating hostile situations, written 
     protocols on dealing with hostile situations, and the 
     reporting of relevant incidents.

     SEC. 540. STUDY ON TRAINING OF CUSTOMER-FACING AIR CARRIER 
                   EMPLOYEES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     conduct a study on the training received by customer-facing 
     employees of air carriers.
       (b) Contents.--The study shall include--
       (1) an analysis of the training received by customer-facing 
     employees with respect to the management of disputes on 
     aircraft; and
       (2) an examination of how institutions of higher learning, 
     in coordination with air carriers, customer-facing employees 
     and their representatives, consumer advocacy organizations, 
     and other stakeholders, could--
       (A) review such training and related practices;
       (B) produce recommendations; and
       (C) if determined appropriate, provide supplemental 
     training.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the study.

     SEC. 541. MINIMUM DIMENSIONS FOR PASSENGER SEATS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and after providing notice and an 
     opportunity for comment, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue regulations that 
     establish minimum dimensions for passenger seats on aircraft 
     operated by air carriers in interstate air transportation or 
     intrastate air transportation, including minimums for seat 
     pitch, width, and length, and that are necessary for the 
     safety and health of passengers.
       (b) Definitions.--The definitions contained in section 
     40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, apply to this 
     section.

     SEC. 542. STUDY OF GROUND TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     conduct a study that examines the ground transportation 
     options at the Nation's 10 busiest airports in order to--
       (1) understand the impact of new and emerging 
     transportation options for travelers to get into and out of 
     airports;
       (2) determine whether it is appropriate to use airport 
     improvement funds and revenues from passenger facility 
     charges to address traffic congestion and passenger travel 
     times between urban commercial centers and airports; and
       (3) review guidelines and requirements for airport 
     improvement funds and passenger facility charges to determine 
     under what conditions such funds may be used to address 
     traffic congestion in urban commercial centers for travel to 
     airports.

                 TITLE VI--DISASTER RECOVERY REFORM ACT

     SEC. 601. APPLICABILITY.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, the amendments in 
     this title to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) apply to 
     each major disaster and emergency declared by the President 
     on or after August 1, 2017, under such Act.

     SEC. 602. STATE DEFINED.

       In this title, the term ``State'' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 102(4) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5122(4)).

     SEC. 603. WILDFIRE PREVENTION.

       (a) Mitigation Assistance.--Section 420 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5187) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Hazard Mitigation Assistance.--Whether or not a major 
     disaster is declared, the President may provide hazard 
     mitigation assistance in accordance with section 404 in any 
     area affected by a fire for which assistance was provided 
     under this section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--The Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) 
     is amended--
       (1) in section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) (as amended by 
     section 636(a) of this Act)--
       (A) by inserting before the first period ``, or any area 
     affected by a fire for which assistance was provided under 
     section 420''; and
       (B) in the third sentence by inserting ``or event under 
     section 420'' after ``major disaster'' each place it appears; 
     and
       (2) in section 322(e)(1) (42 U.S.C. 5165(e)(1)), by 
     inserting ``or event under section 420'' after ``major 
     disaster'' each place it appears.
       (c) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Appropriations Committees of the 
     Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing a 
     summary of any projects carried out, and any funding provided 
     to those projects, under subsection (d) of section 420 of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) (as amended by this section).

     SEC. 604. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES.

       Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Use of Assistance.--Recipients of hazard mitigation 
     assistance provided under this section and section 203 may 
     use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the 
     risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any 
     area affected by a wildfire or windstorm, including--
       ``(1) reseeding ground cover with quick-growing or native 
     species;
       ``(2) mulching with straw or chipped wood;
       ``(3) constructing straw, rock, or log dams in small 
     tributaries to prevent flooding;
       ``(4) placing logs and other erosion barriers to catch 
     sediment on hill slopes;
       ``(5) installing debris traps to modify road and trail 
     drainage mechanisms;
       ``(6) modifying or removing culverts to allow drainage to 
     flow freely;
       ``(7) adding drainage dips and constructing emergency 
     spillways to keep roads and bridges from washing out during 
     floods;
       ``(8) planting grass to prevent the spread of noxious 
     weeds;
       ``(9) installing warning signs;
       ``(10) establishing defensible space measures;
       ``(11) reducing hazardous fuels; and
       ``(12) windstorm damage, including replacing or installing 
     electrical transmission or distribution utility pole 
     structures with poles that are resilient to extreme wind and 
     combined ice and wind loadings for the basic wind speeds and 
     ice conditions associated with the relevant location.''.

     SEC. 605. ELIGIBILITY FOR CODE IMPLEMENTATION AND 
                   ENFORCEMENT.

       Section 406(a)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) base and overtime wages for extra hires to facilitate 
     the implementation and enforcement of adopted building codes 
     for a period of not more than 180 days after the major 
     disaster is declared.''.

[[Page H3628]]

  


     SEC. 606. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS.

       (a) Hazard Mitigation.--Section 406(c) of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``90 percent of''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``75 percent of''.
       (b) Participation.--Section 428(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5189f) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(1) In general.--'' before 
     ``Participation in''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) No conditions.--The President may not condition the 
     provision of Federal assistance under this Act on the 
     election by a State, Tribal, or local government, or owner or 
     operator of a private nonprofit facility to participate in 
     the alternative procedures adopted under this section.''.
       (c) Certification.--Section 428(e)(1) of such Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5189f(e)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) once certified by a professionally licensed engineer 
     and accepted by the Administrator, the estimates on which 
     grants made pursuant to this section are based shall be 
     presumed to be reasonable and eligible costs, as long as 
     there is no evidence of fraud.''.

     SEC. 607. PRIORITIZATION OF FACILITIES.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency shall provide guidance and training on an annual basis 
     to State, Tribal, and local governments, first responders, 
     and utility companies on--
       (1) the need to prioritize assistance to hospitals, nursing 
     homes, and other long-term care facilities to ensure that 
     such health care facilities remain functioning or return to 
     functioning as soon as practicable during power outages 
     caused by natural hazards, including severe weather events; 
     and
       (2) how hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care 
     facilities should adequately prepare for power outages during 
     a major disaster or emergency.

     SEC. 608. GUIDANCE ON EVACUATION ROUTES.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Identification.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the 
     Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, shall 
     develop and issue guidance for State, local, and Tribal 
     governments regarding the identification of evacuation 
     routes.
       (2) Guidance.--The Administrator of the Federal Highway 
     Administration, in coordination with the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall revise existing 
     guidance or issue new guidance as appropriate for State, 
     local, and Tribal governments regarding the design, 
     construction, maintenance, and repair of evacuation routes.
       (b) Considerations.--
       (1) Identification.--In developing the guidance under 
     subsection (a)(1), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency shall consider--
       (A) whether evacuation routes have resisted impacts and 
     recovered quickly from disasters, regardless of cause;
       (B) the need to evacuate special needs populations, 
     including--
       (i) individuals with a physical or mental disability;
       (ii) individuals in schools, daycare centers, mobile home 
     parks, prisons, nursing homes and other long-term care 
     facilities, and detention centers;
       (iii) individuals with limited-English proficiency;
       (iv) the elderly; and
       (v) individuals who are tourists, seasonal workers, or 
     homeless;
       (C) the sharing of information and other public 
     communications with evacuees during evacuations;
       (D) the sheltering of evacuees, including the care, 
     protection, and sheltering of animals;
       (E) the return of evacuees to their homes; and
       (F) such other items the Administrator considers 
     appropriate.
       (2) Design, construction, maintenance, and repair.--In 
     revising or issuing guidance under (a)(2), the Administrator 
     of the Federal Highway Administration shall consider--
       (A) methods that assist evacuation routes to--
       (i) withstand likely risks to viability, including 
     flammability and hydrostatic forces;
       (ii) improve durability, strength (including the ability to 
     withstand tensile stresses and compressive stresses), and 
     sustainability; and
       (iii) provide for long-term cost savings;
       (B) the ability of evacuation routes to effectively manage 
     contraflow operations;
       (C) for evacuation routes on public lands, the viewpoints 
     of the applicable Federal land management agency regarding 
     emergency operations, sustainability, and resource 
     protection; and
       (D) such other items the Administrator considers 
     appropriate.

     SEC. 609. DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS.

       (a) In General.--Section 312(b) of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5155(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Waiver of general prohibition.--
       ``(A) In general.--The President may waive the general 
     prohibition provided in subsection (a) upon request of a 
     Governor on behalf of the State or on behalf of a person, 
     business concern, or any other entity suffering losses as a 
     result of a major disaster or emergency, if the President 
     finds such waiver is in the public interest and will not 
     result in waste, fraud, or abuse. In making this decision, 
     the President may consider the following:
       ``(i) The recommendations of the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency made in consultation with 
     the Federal agency or agencies administering the duplicative 
     program.
       ``(ii) If a waiver is granted, the assistance to be funded 
     is cost effective.
       ``(iii) Equity and good conscience.
       ``(iv) Other matters of public policy considered 
     appropriate by the President.
       ``(B) Grant or denial of waiver.--A request under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be granted or denied not later than 45 
     days after submission of such request.
       ``(C) Prohibition on determination that loan is a 
     duplication.--Notwithstanding subsection (c), in carrying out 
     subparagraph (A), the President may not determine that a loan 
     is a duplication of assistance, provided that all Federal 
     assistance is used toward a loss suffered as a result of the 
     major disaster or emergency.''.
       (b) Funding of a Federally Authorized Water Resources 
     Development Project.--
       (1) Eligible activities.--Notwithstanding section 312 of 
     the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) and its implementing 
     regulations, assistance provided pursuant to section 404 of 
     such Act may be used to fund activities authorized for 
     construction within the scope of a federally authorized water 
     resources development project of the Army Corps of Engineers 
     if such activities are also eligible activities under such 
     section.
       (2) Federal funding.--All Federal funding provided under 
     section 404 pursuant to this section shall be applied toward 
     the Federal share of such project.
       (3) Non-federal match.--All non-Federal matching funds 
     required under section 404 pursuant to this section shall be 
     applied toward the non-Federal share of such project.
       (4) Total federal share.--Funding provided under section 
     404 pursuant to this section may not exceed the total Federal 
     share for such project.
       (5) No effect.--Nothing in this section shall--
       (A) affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard 
     mitigation measure under section 404;
       (B) affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard mitigation 
     measure under section 404;
       (C) affect the cost share requirements of a federally 
     authorized water resources development project; and
       (D) affect the responsibilities of a non-Federal interest 
     with respect to the project, including those related to the 
     provision of lands, easements, rights-of-way, dredge material 
     disposal areas, and necessary relocations.
       (c) Applicability.--This section shall apply to each 
     disaster and emergency declared pursuant to the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) after January 1, 2016.

     SEC. 610. STATE ADMINISTRATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR DIRECT 
                   TEMPORARY HOUSING AND PERMANENT HOUSING 
                   CONSTRUCTION.

       Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the paragraph heading and 
     inserting ``State- or tribal-administered assistance and 
     other needs assistance.--'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (A) by striking ``financial''; and
       (B) by striking ``subsection (e)'' and inserting 
     ``subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e) if the President and 
     the State or Tribal government comply, as determined by the 
     Administrator, with paragraph (3)'';
       (3) in paragraph (1)(B)--
       (A) by striking ``financial''; and
       (B) by striking ``subsection (e)'' and inserting 
     ``subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e)''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) In general.--
       ``(A) Application.--A State or Tribal government desiring 
     to provide assistance under subsection (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), or 
     (e) shall submit to the President an application for a grant 
     to provide financial assistance under the program.
       ``(B) Criteria.--The President, in consultation and 
     coordination with State, Tribal, and local governments, shall 
     establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted 
     under subparagraph (A). The criteria shall include, at a 
     minimum--
       ``(i) the demonstrated ability of the State or Tribal 
     government to manage the program under this section;
       ``(ii) there being in effect a plan approved by the 
     President as to how the State or Tribal government will 
     comply with applicable Federal laws and regulations and how 
     the State or Tribal government will provide assistance under 
     its plan;
       ``(iii) a requirement that the State, Tribal, or local 
     government comply with rules and regulations established 
     pursuant to subsection (j); and

[[Page H3629]]

       ``(iv) a requirement that the President, or the designee of 
     the President, comply with subsection (i).
       ``(C) Quality assurance.--Before approving an application 
     submitted under this section, the President, or the designee 
     of the President, shall institute adequate policies, 
     procedures, and internal controls to prevent waste, fraud, 
     abuse, and program mismanagement for this program and for 
     programs under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e). The 
     President shall monitor and conduct quality assurance 
     activities on a State or Tribal government's implementation 
     of programs under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e). If, 
     after approving an application of a State or Tribal 
     government submitted under this section, the President 
     determines that the State or Tribal government is not 
     administering the program established by this section in a 
     manner satisfactory to the President, the President shall 
     withdraw the approval.
       ``(D) Audits.--The Office of the inspector general shall 
     provide for periodic audits of the programs administered by 
     States and Tribal governments under this subsection.
       ``(E) Applicable laws.--All Federal laws applicable to the 
     management, administration, or contracting of the programs by 
     the Federal Emergency Management Agency under this section 
     shall be applicable to the management, administration, or 
     contracting by a non-Federal entity under this section.
       ``(F) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the State 
     or Tribal government's role to provide assistance under this 
     section. The report shall contain an assessment of the 
     effectiveness of the State or Tribal government's role to 
     provide assistance under this section, including--
       ``(i) whether the State or Tribal government's role helped 
     to improve the general speed of disaster recovery;
       ``(ii) whether the State or Tribal government providing 
     assistance under this section had the capacity to administer 
     this section; and
       ``(iii) recommendations for changes to improve the program 
     if the State or Tribal government's role to administer the 
     programs should be continued.
       ``(G) Prohibition.--The President may not condition the 
     provision of Federal assistance under this Act by a State or 
     Tribal government requesting a grant under this section.
       ``(H) Miscellaneous.--
       ``(i) Notice and comment.--The Administrator may waive 
     notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator 
     determines doing so is necessary to expeditiously implement 
     this section, and may carry out this section as a pilot 
     program until such regulations are promulgated.
       ``(ii) Final rule.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue 
     final regulations to implement this subsection as amended by 
     the Disaster Recovery Reform Act.
       ``(iii) Waiver and expiration.--The authority under clause 
     (i) and any pilot program implemented pursuant to such clause 
     shall expire 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     paragraph or upon issuance of final regulations pursuant to 
     clause (ii), whichever occurs sooner.''.

     SEC. 611. ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS.

       Section 408(h) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(h)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, excluding financial 
     assistance to rent alternate housing accommodations under 
     subsection (c)(1)(A)(i) and financial assistance to address 
     other needs under subsection (e)'' after ``disaster'';
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Other needs assistance.--The maximum financial 
     assistance any individual or household may receive under 
     subsection (e) shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in 
     paragraph (1) with respect to a single major disaster.'';
       (4) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''; 
     and
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(4) Exclusion of necessary expenses for individuals with 
     disabilities.--
       ``(A) The maximum amount of assistance established under 
     paragraph (1) shall exclude expenses to repair or replace 
     damaged accessibility-related improvements under paragraphs 
     (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (c) for individuals with 
     disabilities.
       ``(B) The maximum amount of assistance established under 
     paragraph (2) shall exclude expenses to repair or replace 
     accessibility-related personal property under subsection 
     (e)(2) for individuals with disabilities.''.

     SEC. 612. MULTIFAMILY LEASE AND REPAIR ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Lease and Repair of Rental Units for Temporary 
     Housing.--Section 408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II) of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II)) is amended to read as follows:

       ``(II) Improvements or repairs.--Under the terms of any 
     lease agreement for property entered into under this 
     subsection, the value of the improvements or repairs shall be 
     deducted from the value of the lease agreement.''.

       (b) Rental Properties Impacted.--Section 
     408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(aa) enter into lease agreements with owners of 
     multifamily rental property impacted by a major disaster or 
     located in areas covered by a major disaster declaration to 
     house individuals and households eligible for assistance 
     under this section; and''.
       (c) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 2 years after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act, the inspector general 
     of the Department of Homeland Security shall assess the use 
     of the authority provided under section 408(c)(1)(B) of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)), including the adequacy of any 
     benefit-cost analysis done to justify the use of this 
     alternative, and submit a report on the results of that 
     review to the appropriate committees of Congress.

     SEC. 613. PRIVATE NONPROFIT FACILITY.

       Section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) is amended in 
     paragraph (11)(B) by inserting ``food banks,'' after 
     ``shelter workshops,''.

     SEC. 614. MANAGEMENT COSTS.

       Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``any administrative 
     expense, and any other expense not directly chargeable to'' 
     and inserting ``direct administrative cost, and any other 
     administrative expense associated with''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding'';
       (B) by striking ``establish'' and inserting the following: 
     ``implement''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Specific management costs.--The Administrator shall 
     provide the following percentage rates, in addition to the 
     eligible project costs, to cover direct and indirect costs of 
     administering the following programs:
       ``(A) Hazard mitigation.--A grantee under section 404 may 
     be reimbursed not more than 15 percent of the total amount of 
     the grant award under such section of which not more than 10 
     percent may be used by the grantee and 5 percent by the 
     subgrantee for such costs.
       ``(B) Public assistance.--A grantee under sections 403, 
     406, 407, and 502 may be reimbursed not more than 12 percent 
     of the total award amount under such sections, of which not 
     more than 7 percent may be used by the grantee and 5 percent 
     by the subgrantee for such costs.''.

     SEC. 615. FLEXIBILITY.

       (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``covered 
     assistance'' means assistance provided--
       (1) under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and
       (2) in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared 
     by the President under section 401 or 501 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) on or after October 28, 2012.
       (b) Waiver Authority.--Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of 
     title 31, United States Code, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency--
       (1) subject to paragraph (2), may waive a debt owed to the 
     United States related to covered assistance provided to an 
     individual or household if--
       (A) the covered assistance was distributed based on an 
     error by the Federal Emergency Management Agency;
       (B) there was no fault on behalf of the debtor; and
       (C) the collection of the debt would be against equity and 
     good conscience; and
       (2) may not waive a debt under paragraph (1) if the debt 
     involves fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or 
     misrepresentation by the debtor or any party having an 
     interest in the claim.
       (c) Monitoring of Covered Assistance Distributed Based on 
     Error.--
       (1) In general.--The inspector general of the Department of 
     Homeland Security shall monitor the distribution of covered 
     assistance to individuals and households to determine the 
     percentage of such assistance distributed based on an error.
       (2) Removal of waiver authority based on excessive error 
     rate.--If the inspector general determines, with respect to 
     any 12-month period, that the amount of covered assistance 
     distributed based on an error by the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency exceeds 4 percent of the total amount of 
     covered assistance distributed--
       (A) the inspector general shall notify the Administrator 
     and publish the determination in the Federal Register; and
       (B) with respect to any major disaster or emergency 
     declared by the President under section 401 or section 501, 
     respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42

[[Page H3630]]

     U.S.C. 5191) after the date on which the determination is 
     published under subparagraph (A), the authority of the 
     Administrator to waive debt under subsection (b) shall no 
     longer be effective.

     SEC. 616. ADDITIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Disaster Mitigation.--Section 209 of the Public Works 
     and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Disaster Mitigation.--In providing assistance 
     pursuant to subsection (c)(2), if appropriate and as 
     applicable, the Secretary may encourage hazard mitigation in 
     assistance provided pursuant to such subsection.''.
       (b) Emergency Management Assistance Compact Grants.--
     Section 661(d) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management 
     Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 761(d)) is amended by striking 
     ``for fiscal year 2008'' and inserting ``for each of fiscal 
     years 2018 through 2022''.
       (c) Emergency Management Performance Grants Program.--
     Section 662(f) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management 
     Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 762(f)) is amended by striking 
     ``the program'' and all that follows through ``2012'' and 
     inserting ``the program, for each of fiscal years 2018 
     through 2022''.
       (d) Technical Amendment.--Section 403(a)(3) of the Robert 
     T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170b(a)(3)) is amended by striking the second 
     subparagraph (J).

     SEC. 617. NATIONAL VETERINARY EMERGENCY TEAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency may establish one or more national 
     veterinary emergency teams at accredited colleges of 
     veterinary medicine.
       (b) Responsibilities.--A national veterinary emergency team 
     shall--
       (1) deploy with a team of the National Urban Search and 
     Rescue Response System to assist with--
       (A) veterinary care of canine search teams;
       (B) locating and treating companion animals, service 
     animals, livestock, and other animals; and
       (C) surveillance and treatment of zoonotic diseases;
       (2) recruit, train, and certify veterinary professionals, 
     including veterinary students, in accordance with an 
     established set of plans and standard operating guidelines to 
     carry out the duties associated with planning for and 
     responding to emergencies as described in paragraph (1);
       (3) assist State, Tribal, and local governments and 
     nonprofit organizations in developing emergency management 
     and evacuation plans that account for the care and rescue of 
     animals and in improving local readiness for providing 
     veterinary medical response during a disaster; and
       (4) coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security, 
     the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department 
     of Agriculture, State, Tribal, and local governments 
     (including departments of animal and human health), 
     veterinary and health care professionals, and volunteers.

     SEC. 618. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PILOT PROGRAM.

       Section 1105(c) of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 
     2013 (42 U.S.C. 5189a note) is amended by striking ``2015'' 
     and inserting ``2022''.

     SEC. 619. UNIFIED FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND HISTORIC 
                   PRESERVATION REVIEW.

       (a) Review and Analysis.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency shall review the Unified 
     Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation review 
     process established pursuant to section 429 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5189g), and submit a report to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and 
     Governmental Affairs of the Senate that includes the 
     following:
       (1) An analysis of whether and how the unified process has 
     expedited the interagency review process to ensure compliance 
     with the environmental and historic requirements under 
     Federal law relating to disaster recovery projects.
       (2) A survey and analysis of categorical exclusions used by 
     other Federal agencies that may be applicable to any activity 
     related to a Presidentially declared major disaster or 
     emergency under such Act.
       (3) Recommendations on any further actions, including any 
     legislative proposals, needed to expedite and streamline the 
     review process.
       (b) Regulations.--After completing the review, survey, and 
     analyses under subsection (a), but not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, and after providing 
     notice and opportunity for public comment, the Administrator 
     shall issue regulations to implement any regulatory 
     recommendations, including any categorical exclusions 
     identified under subsection (a), to the extent that the 
     categorical exclusions meet the criteria for a categorical 
     exclusion under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and section II of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-
     001-01.

     SEC. 620. CLOSEOUT INCENTIVES.

       (a) Facilitating Closeout.--Section 705 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5205) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Facilitating Closeout.--
       ``(1) Incentives.--The Administrator may develop incentives 
     and penalties that encourage State, Tribal, or local 
     governments to close out expenditures and activities on a 
     timely basis related to disaster or emergency assistance.
       ``(2) Agency requirements.--The Agency shall, consistent 
     with applicable regulations and required procedures, meet its 
     responsibilities to improve closeout practices and reduce the 
     time to close disaster program awards.''.
       (b) Regulations.--The Administrator shall issue regulations 
     to implement this section.

     SEC. 621. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES.

       Section 306 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5149) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency is authorized to appoint temporary personnel, after 
     serving continuously for 3 years, to positions in the Agency 
     in the same manner that competitive service employees with 
     competitive status are considered for transfer, reassignment, 
     or promotion to such positions. An individual appointed under 
     this subsection shall become a career-conditional employee, 
     unless the employee has already completed the service 
     requirements for career tenure.''.

     SEC. 622. STUDY TO STREAMLINE AND CONSOLIDATE INFORMATION 
                   COLLECTION.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency shall--
       (1) in coordination with the Small Business Administration, 
     the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other 
     appropriate agencies, conduct a study and develop a plan, 
     consistent with law, under which the collection of 
     information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees 
     will be modified, streamlined, expedited, efficient, 
     flexible, consolidated, and simplified to be less burdensome, 
     duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees;
       (2) in coordination with the Small Business Administration, 
     the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other 
     appropriate agencies, develop a plan for the regular 
     collection and reporting of information on Federal disaster 
     assistance awarded, including the establishment and 
     maintenance of a website for presenting the information to 
     the public; and
       (3) submit the plans to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate.

     SEC. 623. AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.

       Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 430. AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY.

       ``(a) Public Assistance.--Not later than 5 days after an 
     award of a public assistance grant is made under section 406 
     that is in excess of $1,000,000, the Administrator shall 
     publish on the Agency's website the specifics of each such 
     grant award, including--
       ``(1) identifying the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     Region;
       ``(2) the disaster or emergency declaration number;
       ``(3) the State, county, and applicant name;
       ``(4) if the applicant is a private nonprofit organization;
       ``(5) the damage category code;
       ``(6) the amount of the Federal share obligated; and
       ``(7) the date of the award.
       ``(b) Mission Assignments.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 days after the issuance 
     of a mission assignment or mission assignment task order, the 
     Administrator shall publish on the Agency's website any 
     mission assignment or mission assignment task order to 
     another Federal department or agency regarding a major 
     disaster in excess of $1,000,000, including--
       ``(A) the name of the impacted State or Tribe;
       ``(B) the disaster declaration for such State or Tribe;
       ``(C) the assigned agency;
       ``(D) the assistance requested;
       ``(E) a description of the disaster;
       ``(F) the total cost estimate;
       ``(G) the amount obligated;
       ``(H) the State or Tribal cost share, if applicable;
       ``(I) the authority under which the mission assignment or 
     mission assignment task order was directed; and
       ``(J) if applicable, the date a State or Tribe requested 
     the mission assignment.
       ``(2) Recording changes.--Not later than 10 days after the 
     last day of each month until a mission assignment or mission 
     assignment task order described in paragraph (1) is completed 
     and closed out, the Administrator shall update any changes to 
     the total cost estimate and the amount obligated.
       ``(c) Disaster Relief Monthly Report.--Not later than 10 
     days after the first day of each month, the Administrator 
     shall publish on the Agency's website reports, including a 
     specific description of the methodology and the source data 
     used in developing such reports, including--
       ``(1) an estimate of the amounts for the fiscal year 
     covered by the President's most recent budget pursuant to 
     section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, including--
       ``(A) the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over 
     from the prior fiscal year to the budget year;

[[Page H3631]]

       ``(B) the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over 
     from the budget year to the budget year plus 1;
       ``(C) the amount of obligations for noncatastrophic events 
     for the budget year;
       ``(D) the amount of obligations for the budget year for 
     catastrophic events delineated by event and by State;
       ``(E) the total amount that has been previously obligated 
     or will be required for catastrophic events delineated by 
     event and by State for all prior years, the current fiscal 
     year, the budget year, and each fiscal year thereafter;
       ``(F) the amount of previously obligated funds that will be 
     recovered for the budget year;
       ``(G) the amount that will be required for obligations for 
     emergencies, as described in section 102(1), major disasters, 
     as described in section 102(2), fire management assistance 
     grants, as described in section 420, surge activities, and 
     disaster readiness and support activities; and
       ``(H) the amount required for activities not covered under 
     section 251(b)(2)(D)(iii) of the Balanced Budget and 
     Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 
     901(b)(2)(D)(iii)); and
       ``(2) an estimate or actual amounts, if available, of the 
     following for the current fiscal year shall be submitted not 
     later than the fifth day of each month, published by the 
     Administrator on the Agency's website not later than the 
     fifth day of each month:
       ``(A) A summary of the amount of appropriations made 
     available by source, the transfers executed, the previously 
     allocated funds recovered, and the commitments, allocations, 
     and obligations made.
       ``(B) A table of disaster relief activity delineated by 
     month, including--
       ``(i) the beginning and ending balances;
       ``(ii) the total obligations to include amounts obligated 
     for fire assistance, emergencies, surge, and disaster support 
     activities;
       ``(iii) the obligations for catastrophic events delineated 
     by event and by State; and
       ``(iv) the amount of previously obligated funds that are 
     recovered.
       ``(C) A summary of allocations, obligations, and 
     expenditures for catastrophic events delineated by event.
       ``(D) The cost of the following categories of spending:
       ``(i) Public assistance.
       ``(ii) Individual assistance.
       ``(iii) Mitigation.
       ``(iv) Administrative.
       ``(v) Operations.
       ``(vi) Any other relevant category (including emergency 
     measures and disaster resources) delineated by disaster.
       ``(E) The date on which funds appropriated will be 
     exhausted.
       ``(d) Contracts.--
       ``(1) Information.--Not later than 10 days after the first 
     day of each month, the Administrator shall publish on the 
     Agency's website the specifics of each contract in excess of 
     $1,000,000 that the Agency enters into, including--
       ``(A) the name of the party;
       ``(B) the date the contract was awarded;
       ``(C) the amount and scope of the contract;
       ``(D) if the contract was awarded through competitive 
     bidding process;
       ``(E) if no competitive bidding process was used, the 
     reason why competitive bidding was not used; and
       ``(F) the authority used to bypass the competitive bidding 
     process.
     The information shall be delineated by disaster, if 
     applicable, and specify the damage category code, if 
     applicable.
       ``(2) Report.--Not later than 10 days after the last day of 
     the fiscal year, the Administrator shall provide a report to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress summarizing the 
     following information for the preceding fiscal year:
       ``(A) The number of contracts awarded without competitive 
     bidding.
       ``(B) The reasons why a competitive bidding process was not 
     used.
       ``(C) The total amount of contracts awarded with no 
     competitive bidding.
       ``(D) The damage category codes, if applicable, for 
     contracts awarded without competitive bidding.''.

     SEC. 624. AUDIT OF CONTRACTS.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     shall not reimburse a State, Tribe, or local government or 
     the owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility for any 
     activities made pursuant to a contract entered into after 
     August 1, 2017, that prohibits the Administrator or the 
     Comptroller General of the United States from auditing or 
     otherwise reviewing all aspects relating to the contract.

     SEC. 625. INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT OF FEMA CONTRACTS FOR TARPS 
                   AND PLASTIC SHEETING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Homeland Security shall initiate an audit of 
     the contracts awarded by the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency (in this section referred to as ``FEMA'') for tarps 
     and plastic sheeting for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and 
     the United States Virgin Islands in response to Hurricane 
     Irma and Hurricane Maria.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the audit under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall review--
       (1) the contracting process used by FEMA to evaluate 
     offerors and award the relevant contracts to contractors;
       (2) FEMA's assessment of the past performance of the 
     contractors, including any historical information showing 
     that the contractors had supported large-scale delivery 
     quantities in the past;
       (3) FEMA's assessment of the capacity of the contractors to 
     carry out the relevant contracts, including with respect to 
     inventory, production, and financial capabilities;
       (4) how FEMA ensured that the contractors met the terms of 
     the relevant contracts; and
       (5) whether the failure of the contractors to meet the 
     terms of the relevant contracts and FEMA's subsequent 
     cancellation of the relevant contracts affected the provision 
     of tarps and plastic sheeting to the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     initiation of the audit under subsection (a), the inspector 
     general shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate a report on the results of the audit, including 
     findings and recommendations.

     SEC. 626. RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS.

       Section 309 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5152) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``and other relief or'' 
     and inserting ``long-term recovery groups, domestic hunger 
     relief, and other relief, or''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``and other relief or'' 
     and inserting ``long-term recovery groups, domestic hunger 
     relief, and other relief, or''.

     SEC. 627. GUIDANCE ON INUNDATED AND SUBMERGED ROADS.

       The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal 
     Highway Administration, shall develop and issue guidance for 
     State, local, and Tribal governments regarding repair, 
     restoration, and replacement of inundated and submerged roads 
     damaged or destroyed by a major disaster, and for associated 
     expenses incurred by the Government, with respect to roads 
     eligible for assistance under section 406 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172).

     SEC. 628. AUTHORITIES.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the non-
     federally funded actions of private parties and State, local, 
     or Tribal governments, on State, local, Tribal, and private 
     land, and the effects of those actions, shall not be 
     attributed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's 
     actions under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 
     U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 
     1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.), the Biggert-Waters Flood 
     Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (subtitle A of title II of 
     division F of Public Law 112-141; 126 Stat. 916), and the 
     Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (Public 
     Law 113-89; 128 Stat. 1020) for the purposes of section 7 (16 
     U.S.C. 1536) and section 9 (16 U.S.C. 1538) of the Endangered 
     Species Act. Actions taken under the National Flood Insurance 
     Act of 1968, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, the 
     Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and the 
     Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, that may 
     influence private actions do not create a Federal nexus for 
     the purpose of applying the requirements of section 7 of the 
     Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536).

     SEC. 629. RECOUPMENT OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE PROHIBITED.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 
     31, United States Code, and unless there is evidence of civil 
     or criminal fraud, the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
     may not take any action to recoup covered assistance from the 
     recipient of such assistance if the receipt of such 
     assistance occurred on a date that is more than 3 years 
     before the date on which the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency first provides to the recipient written notification 
     of an intent to recoup.
       (b) Covered Assistance Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered assistance'' means assistance provided--
       (1) under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and
       (2) in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared 
     by the President under section 401 or 501 of such Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) on or after January 1, 2012.

     SEC. 630. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) 
     is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) by striking ``Except'' and inserting ``Notwithstanding 
     section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, and 
     except''; and
       (B) by striking ``report for the disaster or emergency'' 
     and inserting ``report for project completion as certified by 
     the grantee''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``report for the disaster 
     or emergency'' and inserting ``report for project completion 
     as certified by the grantee''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``for project completion 
     as certified by the grantee'' after ``final expenditure 
     report''.
       (b) Applicability.--
       (1) In general.--With respect to disaster or emergency 
     assistance provided to a State or local government on or 
     after January 1, 2004--

[[Page H3632]]

       (A) no administrative action may be taken to recover a 
     payment of such assistance after the date of enactment of 
     this Act if the action is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) 
     of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205(a)(1)), as amended by 
     subsection (a); and
       (B) any administrative action to recover a payment of such 
     assistance that is pending on such date of enactment shall be 
     terminated if the action is prohibited under section 
     705(a)(1) of that Act, as amended by subsection (a).
       (2) Limitation.--This section, including the amendments 
     made by this section, may not be construed to invalidate or 
     otherwise affect any administration action completed before 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 631. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

       (a) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency shall provide technical 
     assistance to a common interest community that provides 
     essential services of a governmental nature on actions that a 
     common interest community may take in order to be eligible to 
     receive reimbursement from a grantee that receives funds from 
     the Agency for certain activities performed after an event 
     that results in a disaster declaration.
       (b) Recommendations.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland 
     Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a legislative 
     proposal on how to provide eligibility for disaster 
     assistance with respect to common areas of condominiums and 
     housing cooperatives.

     SEC. 632. GUIDANCE ON HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency shall issue guidance regarding 
     the acquisition of property for open space as a mitigation 
     measure under section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
     Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) that 
     includes--
       (1) a process by which the State hazard mitigation officer 
     appointed for such an acquisition shall, not later than 60 
     days after the applicant for assistance enters into an 
     agreement with the Administrator regarding the acquisition, 
     provide written notification to each affected unit of local 
     government for such acquisition that includes--
       (A) the location of the acquisition;
       (B) the State-local assistance agreement for the hazard 
     mitigation grant program;
       (C) a description of the acquisition; and
       (D) a copy of the deed restriction; and
       (2) recommendations for entering into and implementing a 
     memorandum of understanding between units of local government 
     and covered entities that includes provisions to allow an 
     affected unit of local government notified under paragraph 
     (1) to--
       (A) use and maintain the open space created by such a 
     project, consistent with section 404 (including related 
     regulations, standards, and guidance) and consistent with all 
     adjoining property, subject to the notification of the 
     adjoining property, so long as the cost of the maintenance is 
     borne by the local government; and
       (B) maintain the open space pursuant to standards exceeding 
     any local government standards defined in the agreement with 
     the Administrator described under paragraph (1).
       (b) Definitions.--In this section the following definitions 
     apply:
       (1) Affected unit of local government.--The term ``affected 
     unit of local government'' means any entity covered by the 
     definition of local government in section 102 of the Robert 
     T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5122), that has jurisdiction over the property subject 
     to the acquisition described in subsection (a).
       (2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means--
       (A) the grantee or subgrantee receiving assistance for an 
     open space project described in subsection (a);
       (B) the State in which such project is located; and
       (C) the applicable Regional Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency.

     SEC. 633. LOCAL IMPACT.

       In making recommendations to the President regarding a 
     major disaster declaration, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency shall give greater weight and 
     consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple 
     disasters. Further, the Administrator shall make 
     corresponding adjustments to the Agency's policies and 
     regulations regarding such consideration. Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of 
     the Senate on the changes made to regulations and policies 
     and the number of declarations that have been declared based 
     on the new criteria.

     SEC. 634. ADDITIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIVITIES.

       Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Use of Assistance.--Recipients of hazard mitigation 
     assistance provided under this section and section 203 may 
     use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the 
     risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any 
     area affected by earthquake hazards, including--
       ``(1) improvements to regional seismic networks in support 
     of building a capability for earthquake early warning;
       ``(2) improvements to geodetic networks in support of 
     building a capability for earthquake early warning; and
       ``(3) improvements to seismometers, Global Positioning 
     System receivers, and associated infrastructure in support of 
     building a capability for earthquake early warning.''.

     SEC. 635. NATIONAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PREDISASTER HAZARD 
                   MITIGATION.

       (a) Predisaster Hazard Mitigation.--Section 203 of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c) by inserting ``Public 
     Infrastructure'' after ``the National'';
       (2) in subsection (e)(1)(B)--
       (A) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (ii);
       (B) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) to establish and carry out enforcement activities to 
     implement the latest published editions of relevant 
     consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that 
     incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish 
     minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and 
     maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may 
     be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purpose of 
     protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the 
     buildings' users against disasters.'';
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``for mitigation 
     activities that are cost effective'' after ``competitive 
     basis''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Redistribution of unobligated amounts.--The President 
     may--
       ``(A) withdraw amounts of financial assistance made 
     available to a State (including amounts made available to 
     local governments of a State) under this subsection that 
     remain unobligated by the end of the third fiscal year after 
     the fiscal year for which the amounts were allocated; and
       ``(B) in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which 
     amounts were withdrawn under subparagraph (A), add the 
     amounts to any other amounts available to be awarded on a 
     competitive basis pursuant to paragraph (1).'';
       (4) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in paragraph (9) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (12); and
       (C) by adding after paragraph (9) the following:
       ``(10) the extent to which the State or local government 
     has facilitated the adoption and enforcement of the latest 
     published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, 
     specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest 
     hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the 
     design, construction, and maintenance of residential 
     structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance 
     under this Act for the purpose of protecting the health, 
     safety, and general welfare of the buildings' users against 
     disasters;
       ``(11) the extent to which the assistance will fund 
     activities that increase the level of resiliency; and'';
       (5) by striking subsection (i) and inserting the following:
       ``(i) National Public Infrastructure Predisaster Mitigation 
     Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--The President may set aside from the 
     Disaster Relief Fund, with respect to each major disaster, an 
     amount equal to 6 percent of the estimated aggregate amount 
     of the grants to be made pursuant to sections 403, 406, 407, 
     408, 410, and 416 for the major disaster in order to provide 
     technical and financial assistance under this section.
       ``(2) Estimated aggregate amount.--Not later than 180 days 
     after each major disaster declaration pursuant to this Act, 
     the estimated aggregate amount of grants for purposes of 
     paragraph (1) shall be determined by the President and such 
     estimated amount need not be reduced, increased, or changed 
     due to variations in estimates.
       ``(3) No reduction in amounts.--The amount set aside 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not reduce the amounts 
     otherwise made available for sections 403, 404, 406, 407, 
     408, 410, and 416 under this Act.''; and
       (6) by striking subsections (j) and (m) and redesignating 
     subsections (k), (l), and (n) as subsections (j), (k), and 
     (l), respectively.
       (b) Applicability.--The amendments made to section 203 of 
     the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) by paragraphs (3) and (5) of 
     subsection (a) shall apply to funds appropriated after the 
     date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 636. ADDITIONAL MITIGATION ACTIVITIES.

       (a) Hazard Mitigation Clarification.--Section 404(a) of the 
     Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) is amended by striking the first 
     sentence and inserting the following: ``The President may 
     contribute up to 75 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation 
     measures which the President has determined are cost 
     effective and which substantially reduce the risk of, or 
     increase resilience to, future damage, hardship, loss, or

[[Page H3633]]

     suffering in any area affected by a major disaster.''.
       (b) Eligible Cost.--Section 406(e)(1)(A) of such Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)(A)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting after 
     ``section,'' the following: ``for disasters declared on or 
     after August 1, 2017, or a disaster in which a cost estimate 
     has not yet been finalized for a project,'';
       (2) in clause (i), by striking ``and'';
       (3) in clause (ii)--
       (A) by striking ``codes, specifications, and standards'' 
     and inserting ``the latest published editions of relevant 
     consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that 
     incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish 
     minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and 
     maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may 
     be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purposes of 
     protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of a 
     facility's users against disasters'';
       (B) by striking ``applicable at the time at which the 
     disaster occurred''; and
       (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) in a manner that allows the facility to meet the 
     definition of resilient developed pursuant to this 
     subsection.''.
       (c) Other Eligible Cost.--Section 406(e)(1) of such Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)) is further amended by inserting at the end 
     the following:
       ``(C) Contributions.--Contributions for the eligible cost 
     made under this section may be provided on an actual cost 
     basis or on cost-estimation procedures.''.
       (d) New Rules.--Section 406(e) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 
     5172(e)) is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(5) New rules.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this paragraph, the President, acting through 
     the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
     shall issue a final rulemaking that defines the terms 
     `resilient' and `resiliency' for purposes of this subsection.
       ``(B) Interim guidance.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall 
     issue interim guidance to implement this subsection. Such 
     interim guidance shall expire 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph or upon issuance of final 
     regulations pursuant to subparagraph (A), whichever occurs 
     first.
       ``(C) Guidance.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the Administrator issues the final rulemaking under 
     this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue any necessary 
     guidance related to the rulemaking.
       ``(D) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall submit 
     to Congress a report summarizing the regulations and guidance 
     issued pursuant to this paragraph.''.
       (e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 205(d)(2) of the 
     Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390) is 
     amended by inserting ``(B)'' after ``except that paragraph 
     (1)''.

                       TITLE VII--FLIGHT R&D ACT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``FAA Leadership in 
     Groundbreaking High-Tech Research and Development Act'' or 
     the ``FLIGHT R&D Act''.

     SEC. 702. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title, the following definitions apply:
       (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (2) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (3) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

     SEC. 703. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorizations.--Section 48102(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the matter before paragraph (1) by striking ``and, 
     for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015, under subsection 
     (g)'';
       (2) at the end of paragraph (9), by striking ``and''; and
       (3) by striking paragraph (10) and inserting the following:
       ``(10) for fiscal year 2018, $181,000,000, including--
       ``(A) $128,500,000 for Safety Research and Development 
     programs, including--
       ``(i) Fire Research and Safety;
       ``(ii) Propulsion and Fuel Systems;
       ``(iii) Advanced Materials/Structural Safety;
       ``(iv) Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety;
       ``(v) Continued Airworthiness;
       ``(vi) Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research;
       ``(vii) Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration Human 
     Factors;
       ``(viii) System Safety Management;
       ``(ix) Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human 
     Factors;
       ``(x) Aeromedical Research;
       ``(xi) Weather Program;
       ``(xii) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research;
       ``(xiii) NextGen-Alternative Fuels for General Aviation;
       ``(xiv) Joint Planning and Development Office;
       ``(xv) Ocean and Other Remote Locations ATS Research 
     Program;
       ``(xvi) Cybersecurity Research Program;
       ``(xvii) Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Program;
       ``(xviii) Single Piloted Commercial Cargo Aircraft Program; 
     and
       ``(xix) UAV-Manned Aircraft Collision Research Program;
       ``(B) $26,000,000 for Economic Competitiveness Research and 
     Development programs, including--
       ``(i) NextGen-Wake Turbulence;
       ``(ii) NextGen-Air Ground Integration Human Factors;
       ``(iii) Next Gen-Weather Technology in the Cockpit; and
       ``(iv) Commercial Space Transportation Safety;
       ``(C) $20,000,000 for Environmental Sustainability Research 
     and Development programs, including--
       ``(i) Environment and Energy; and
       ``(ii) NextGen-Environmental Research-Aircraft 
     Technologies, Fuels and Metrics; and
       ``(D) $6,500,000 for Mission Support programs, including--
       ``(i) System Planning and Resource Management; and
       ``(ii) William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory 
     Facility;
       ``(11) for fiscal year 2019, $186,000,000, including--
       ``(A) $131,000,000 for Safety Research and Development 
     programs, including--
       ``(i) Fire Research and Safety;
       ``(ii) Propulsion and Fuel Systems;
       ``(iii) Advanced Materials/Structural Safety;
       ``(iv) Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety;
       ``(v) Continued Airworthiness;
       ``(vi) Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research;
       ``(vii) Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration Human 
     Factors;
       ``(viii) System Safety Management;
       ``(ix) Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human 
     Factors;
       ``(x) Aeromedical Research;
       ``(xi) Weather Program;
       ``(xii) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research;
       ``(xiii) NextGen-Alternative Fuels for General Aviation;
       ``(xiv) Joint Planning and Development Office;
       ``(xv) Ocean and Other Remote Locations ATS Research 
     Program;
       ``(xvi) Cybersecurity Research Program;
       ``(xvii) Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Program;
       ``(xviii) Single Piloted Commercial Cargo Aircraft Program; 
     and
       ``(xix) UAV-Manned Aircraft Collision Research Program;
       ``(B) $28,000,000 for Economic Competitiveness Research and 
     Development programs, including--
       ``(i) NextGen-Wake Turbulence;
       ``(ii) NextGen-Air Ground Integration Human Factors;
       ``(iii) Next Gen-Weather Technology in the Cockpit; and
       ``(iv) Commercial Space Transportation Safety;
       ``(C) $20,000,000 for Environmental Sustainability Research 
     and Development programs, including--
       ``(i) Environment and Energy; and
       ``(ii) NextGen-Environmental Research-Aircraft 
     Technologies, Fuels and Metrics; and
       ``(D) $7,000,000 for Mission Support programs, including--
       ``(i) System Planning and Resource Management; and
       ``(ii) William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory 
     Facility;
       ``(12) for fiscal year 2020, $190,000,000, including--
       ``(A) $133,500,000 for Safety Research and Development 
     programs, including--
       ``(i) Fire Research and Safety;
       ``(ii) Propulsion and Fuel Systems;
       ``(iii) Advanced Materials/Structural Safety;
       ``(iv) Aircraft Icing/Digital System Safety;
       ``(v) Continued Airworthiness;
       ``(vi) Aircraft Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research;
       ``(vii) Flightdeck/Maintenance/System Integration Human 
     Factors;
       ``(viii) System Safety Management;
       ``(ix) Air Traffic Control/Technical Operations Human 
     Factors;
       ``(x) Aeromedical Research;
       ``(xi) Weather Program;
       ``(xii) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research;
       ``(xiii) NextGen-Alternative Fuels for General Aviation;
       ``(xiv) Joint Planning and Development Office;
       ``(xv) Ocean and Other Remote Locations ATS Research 
     Program;
       ``(xvi) Cybersecurity Research Program;
       ``(xvii) Cybersecurity Threat Modeling Program;
       ``(xviii) Single Piloted Commercial Cargo Aircraft Program; 
     and
       ``(xix) UAV-Manned Aircraft Collision Research Program;
       ``(B) $29,000,000 for Economic Competitiveness Research and 
     Development programs, including--
       ``(i) NextGen-Wake Turbulence;
       ``(ii) NextGen-Air Ground Integration Human Factors;

[[Page H3634]]

       ``(iii) Next Gen-Weather Technology in the Cockpit; and
       ``(iv) Commercial Space Transportation Safety;
       ``(C) $20,000,000 for Environmental Sustainability Research 
     and Development programs, including--
       ``(i) Environment and Energy; and
       ``(ii) NextGen-Environmental Research-Aircraft 
     Technologies, Fuels and Metrics; and
       ``(D) $7,500,000 for Mission Support programs, including--
       ``(i) System Planning and Resource Management; and
       ``(ii) William J. Hughes Technical Center Laboratory 
     Facility;
       ``(13) for fiscal year 2021, $195,000,000;
       ``(14) for fiscal year 2022, $200,000,000; and
       ``(15) for fiscal year 2023, $204,000,000.''.
       (b) Contingency Funding.--Section 48102(b) of title 49, 
     United States, Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph 
     (3) the following:
       ``(4) Notwithstanding subsection (a), no funds are 
     authorized for a fiscal year for Environmental Sustainability 
     Research and Development programs unless the full amount 
     authorized for that fiscal year under subsection (a) for the 
     all of the following programs is appropriated for that fiscal 
     year:
       ``(A) Safety Research and Development programs.
       ``(B) Economic Competitiveness Research and Development 
     programs.
       ``(C) Mission Support programs.''.
       (c) Annual Submission of the National Aviation Research 
     Plan.--Section 48102(g) of title 49, United States, Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(g) Annual Submission of the National Aviation Research 
     Plan.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no funds are 
     authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the 
     Administrator for a fiscal year unless the Secretary has 
     submitted the national aviation research plan to Congress no 
     later than the date of submission of the President's budget 
     request to Congress for that fiscal year, as required under 
     section 44501(c).''.

         Subtitle B--FAA Research and Development Organization

     SEC. 711. ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Appointment.--Not later than 3 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall appoint an 
     Associate Administrator for Research and Development.
       (b) Senior Executive Service.--The Associate Administrator 
     for Research and Development shall be a Senior Executive 
     Service position.
       (c) Responsibilities.--The Associate Administrator for 
     Research and Development shall, at a minimum, be responsible 
     for--
       (1) management and oversight of all the FAA's research and 
     development programs and activities; and
       (2) production of all congressional reports from the FAA 
     relevant to research and development, including the national 
     aviation research plan required under section 44501(c) of 
     title 49, United States Code.
       (d) Dual Appointment.--The Associate Administrator for 
     Research and Development may be a dual-appointment, holding 
     the responsibilities of another Associate Administrator.

     SEC. 712. RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) Advice and Recommendations.--Section 44508(a)(1)(A) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(A) provide advice and recommendations to the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     Congress about needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, 
     and accomplishments of all aviation research and development 
     activities and programs carried out, including those under 
     sections 40119, 44504, 44505, 44507, 44511-44513, and 44912 
     of this title;''.
       (b) Written Reply to Research Advisory Committee.--Section 
     44508 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(f) Written Reply.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving 
     any recommendation from the research advisory committee, the 
     Administrator shall provide a written reply to the research 
     advisory committee that, at a minimum--
       ``(A) clearly states whether the Administrator accepts or 
     rejects the recommendations;
       ``(B) explains the rationale for the Administrator's 
     decision;
       ``(C) sets forth the timeframe in which the Administrator 
     will implement the recommendation; and
       ``(D) describes the steps the Administrator will take to 
     implement the recommendation.
       ``(2) Transparency.--The written reply to the research 
     advisory committee, when transmitted to the research advisory 
     committee, shall be--
       ``(A) made publicly available on the research advisory 
     committee website; and
       ``(B) transmitted to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(3) National aviation research plan.--The national 
     aviation research plan required under section 44501(c) shall 
     include a summary of all research advisory committee 
     recommendations and a description of the status of their 
     implementation.''.

                 Subtitle C--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

     SEC. 721. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                   ROADMAP.

       No funds are authorized to be appropriated for the Office 
     of the Administrator for a fiscal year unless the Secretary 
     has submitted the unmanned aircraft systems roadmap to 
     Congress on an annual basis as required under section 
     45502(a) of title 49, United States Code, (as added by this 
     Act).

     SEC. 722. PROBABILISTIC METRICS FOR EXEMPTIONS.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall commission an 
     independent study to--
       (1) develop parameters to conduct research and development 
     for probabilistic metrics to enable the identification of 
     hazards and the assessment of risks as necessary to make 
     determinations under section 45505(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, (as added by this Act) that certain unmanned 
     aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace 
     system;
       (2) identify additional research needed to more effectively 
     develop and use such metrics and make such determinations; 
     and
       (3) in developing parameters for probabilistic metrics, 
     this study shall take into account the utility of performance 
     standards to make determinations under section 45505(a) of 
     title 49, United States Code, (as added by this Act).
       (b) Consideration of Results.--The Administrator shall 
     consider the results of the study conducted under subsection 
     (a) when making a determination described in subsection 
     (a)(1).
       (c) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a) to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 723. PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT OF RISKS.

       The Administrator shall conduct research and development to 
     enable a probabilistic assessment of risks to inform 
     requirements for standards for operational certification of 
     public unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace.

     SEC. 724. UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE-MANNED AIRCRAFT COLLISION 
                   RESEARCH.

       (a) Research.--The Administrator shall coordinate with NASA 
     to conduct comprehensive testing of unmanned aerial vehicles 
     colliding with a manned aircraft, including--
       (1) collisions between unmanned aerial vehicles of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds, and commercial jet 
     airliners of various sizes, traveling at various speeds;
       (2) collisions between unmanned aerial vehicles of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds, and propeller planes of 
     various sizes, traveling at various speeds;
       (3) collisions between unmanned aerial vehicles of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds, and blimps of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds;
       (4) collisions between unmanned aerial vehicles of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds, and rotorcraft of various 
     sizes, traveling at various speeds; and
       (5) collisions between unmanned aerial vehicles and various 
     parts of the aforementioned aircraft, including--
       (A) windshields;
       (B) noses;
       (C) engines;
       (D) radomes;
       (E) propellers; and
       (F) wings.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report summarizing the costs and results of research under 
     this section to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 725. SPECIAL RULE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Except as necessary to support enforcement action under 
     applicable provisions of law against persons operating 
     unmanned aircraft in a manner that endangers the safety of 
     the national airspace system, notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned 
     aircraft systems into FAA plans and policies, the 
     Administrator may not promulgate any rule or regulation 
     regarding the operation of an unmanned aircraft system--
       (1) that is flown strictly for research and development 
     use;
       (2) that is operated less than 400 feet above the ground 
     and in Class G airspace;
       (3) that is operated in a manner that does not interfere 
     with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and
       (4) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator 
     of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport 
     air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is 
     located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation 
     (unmanned aircraft operators flying from a permanent location 
     within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-
     agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and 
     the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic 
     facility is located at the airport)).

[[Page H3635]]

  


     SEC. 726. BEYOND LINE-OF-SIGHT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) Amendments.--Section 332(c)(2) the FAA Modernization 
     and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Administrator shall'' and inserting 
     ``Administrator'';
       (2) at the beginning of each of subparagraphs (A) through 
     (F), by inserting ``shall'';
       (3) at the end of subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'';
       (4) at the end of subparagraph (F), by striking the period 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
       ``(G) shall allow beyond line-of-sight operation of 
     unmanned aircraft systems to be flown within the boundaries 
     of a test range established under this subsection;
       ``(H) may promulgate regulations governing beyond line-of-
     sight operation of unmanned aircraft systems flown within the 
     boundaries of a test range established under this subsection 
     for the purposes of public safety; and
       ``(I) shall allow NASA to authorize operation of beyond 
     line-of-sight unmanned aircraft systems within the boundaries 
     of any NASA center or facility.''.
       (b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in the amendments made 
     by subsection (a) shall be construed to limit the authority 
     of the Administrator to pursue enforcement action under 
     applicable provisions of law against persons operating 
     unmanned aircraft in a manner that endangers the safety of 
     the national airspace system.

                       Subtitle D--Cybersecurity

     SEC. 731. CYBER TESTBED.

       Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall develop an integrated Cyber 
     Testbed for research, development, evaluation, and validation 
     of air traffic control modernization programs or 
     technologies, before they enter the national airspace system, 
     as being compliant with FAA data security regulations. The 
     Cyber Testbed shall be part of an integrated research and 
     development test environment capable of creating, 
     identifying, defending, and solving cybersecurity-related 
     problems for the national airspace system. This integrated 
     test environment shall incorporate integrated test capacities 
     within the FAA related to the national airspace system and 
     NextGen.

     SEC. 732. CABIN COMMUNICATIONS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND 
                   INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS CYBERSECURITY 
                   VULNERABILITIES.

       (a) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall evaluate and 
     determine the research and development needs associated with 
     cybersecurity vulnerabilities of cabin communications, 
     entertainment, and information technology systems on civil 
     passenger aircraft. This evaluation shall include research 
     and development to address--
       (1) technical risks and vulnerabilities;
       (2) potential impacts on the national airspace and public 
     safety; and
       (3) identification of deficiencies in cabin-based 
     cybersecurity.
       (b) Assessment.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) conduct an assessment of opportunities to cooperate 
     with the private sector in conducting aircraft in-cabin 
     cybersecurity research and development; and
       (2) provide recommendations to improve research and 
     development on cabin-based cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report on the results of activities under this section to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate. This report may contain 
     classified annexes.

     SEC. 733. CYBERSECURITY THREAT MODELING.

       (a) Program.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology to research 
     and develop an internal FAA cybersecurity threat modeling 
     program to detect cybersecurity vulnerabilities, track how 
     those vulnerabilities might be exploited, and assess the 
     magnitude of harm that could be caused by the exploitation of 
     those vulnerabilities.
       (2) Updates.--This program shall be updated regularly, not 
     less than once every 5 years.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and within 7 days of each threat 
     modeling program update under subsection (a)(2), the 
     Administrator shall transmit a report to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate detailing the status, results, 
     and composition of the threat modeling program.

     SEC. 734. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 
                   CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS.

       Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the FAA shall, in consultation with the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology, transmit to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report that includes--
       (1) a cybersecurity standards plan to implement National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology revisions to 
     cybersecurity guidance documents within timeframes set by the 
     Office of Management and Budget; and
       (2) an explanation of why any such recommendations are not 
     incorporated in the plan or are not incorporated within such 
     timeframes.

     SEC. 735. CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH COORDINATION.

       The Administrator shall, where feasible, cooperate on 
     cybersecurity research and development with other 
     international air traffic management organizations, including 
     the European Aviation Safety Agency, the United Kingdom Civil 
     Aviation Authority, Nav Canada, and Airservices Australia.

     SEC. 736. CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the FAA, in consultation with other 
     agencies as appropriate, shall establish a research and 
     development program to improve the cybersecurity of civil 
     aircraft and the national airspace system.
       (b) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the FAA shall develop a plan for the 
     research and development program established under subsection 
     (a) that contains objectives, proposed tasks, milestones, and 
     a 5-year budgetary profile.
       (2) National academies' study.--The Administrator shall--
       (A) enter into an arrangement with the National Academies 
     for a study of the plan developed under paragraph (1); and
       (B) provide the results of that study to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate not later than 18 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

          Subtitle E--FAA Research and Development Activities

     SEC. 741. RESEARCH PLAN FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF NEW 
                   TECHNOLOGIES INTO THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator, in consultation with NASA, shall 
     transmit a comprehensive research plan for the certification 
     of new technologies into the national airspace system to the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate. This plan shall identify 
     research necessary to support the certification and 
     implementation of NextGen, including both ground and air 
     elements, and explain the plan's relationship to other 
     activities and procedures required for certification and 
     implementation of new technologies into the national airspace 
     system. This plan shall be informed by and conform to the 
     recommendations of the National Research Council report 
     titled ``Transformation in the Air--A Review of the FAA 
     Research Plan'', issued on June 8, 2015. This report shall 
     include, at a minimum--
       (1) a description of the strategic and prescriptive value 
     of the research plan;
       (2) an explanation of the expected outcomes from executing 
     the plan;
       (3) an assessment of the FAA's plan to use research and 
     development to improve cybersecurity over the next 5 years, 
     taking into account the cybersecurity research and 
     development plan developed under section 736(b);
       (4) an assessment of the current software assurance 
     practices, and the desired level or attributes to target in 
     the software assurance program;
       (5) cost estimates, planned schedules, and performance 
     benchmarks, including specific tasks, milestones, and 
     timelines and including an identification of cost and 
     schedule reserves, for the certification of new technologies 
     into the national airspace system, including NextGen, 
     Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, Data 
     Communications, National Airspace System Voice System, 
     Collaborative Air Traffic Management Technologies, NextGen 
     Weather, and System Wide Information Management;
       (6) methods for integrating emerging technologies 
     throughout NextGen's development, certification, and 
     implementation process; and
       (7) best practices in research and development used by 
     other organizations, such as NASA, NavCanada, and 
     Eurocontrol.

     SEC. 742. AVIATION FUEL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND USAGE.

       The Administrator may conduct or supervise research, 
     development, and service testing, currently being conducted 
     under the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) unleaded 
     avgas program, that is required to allow the use of an 
     unleaded aviation gasoline in existing aircraft as a 
     replacement for leaded gasoline.

     SEC. 743. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER OCEANS AND OTHER 
                   REMOTE LOCATIONS.

       (a) Establishment of Program.--The Administrator, in 
     consultation with NASA and other relevant agencies, shall 
     establish a research and development program on civilian air 
     traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote locations. 
     Such program shall--
       (1) take into account the need for international 
     interoperability of technologies and air traffic control 
     systems; and

[[Page H3636]]

       (2) recognize that Automatic Dependent Surveillance-
     Broadcast (ADS-B) is an element of the Next Generation Air 
     Transportation System.
       (b) Pilot Program.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     pilot program to test, evaluate, and certify for integration 
     into the national airspace system air traffic surveillance 
     equipment for oceans and other remote locations.
       (c) Partnership With Private Industry.--The Administrator 
     shall partner with private industry on the research, 
     development, testing, and evaluation under this section.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report on activities under this section to the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 744. SINGLE-PILOTED COMMERCIAL CARGO AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Program.--The FAA, in consultation with NASA and other 
     relevant agencies, shall establish a research and development 
     program in support of single-piloted cargo aircraft assisted 
     with remote piloting and computer piloting.
       (b) Review.--The FAA, in consultation with NASA, shall 
     conduct a review of FAA research and development activities 
     in support of single-piloted cargo aircraft assisted with 
     remote piloting and computer piloting.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit a 
     report to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate that describes--
       (1) the program established under subsection (a); and
       (2) the results of the review conducted under subsection 
     (b).

     SEC. 745. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       The Administrator shall develop a program to research the 
     use of spectrum in the civil aviation domain, including 
     aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems. This research shall, 
     at a minimum, address--
       (1) how, operating within an Unmanned Aircraft System 
     Traffic Management system, unmanned aircraft systems can 
     safely use, for control link, tracking, diagnostics, payload 
     communication, collaborative-collision avoidance (e.g. 
     vehicle-to-vehicle communications), and other purposes--
       (A) aviation-protected spectrum;
       (B) commercial communications networks, such as mobile 
     communications networks; and
       (C) any other licensed or unlicensed spectrum;
       (2) how the reallocation of spectrum assigned for use 
     within frequency bands adjacent to those allocated for 
     position, navigation, and timing may impact the safety of 
     civil aviation; and
       (3) measures to protect and mitigate against spectrum 
     interference in frequency bands used by the civil aviation 
     community to ensure public safety.

                TITLE VIII--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

     SEC. 801. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST 
                   FUND.

       (a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``October 1, 2018'' and inserting ``October 1, 2023''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the 
     end and inserting ``or the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2018;''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code 
     is amended by striking ``October 1, 2018'' and inserting 
     ``October 1, 2023''.

     SEC. 802. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST 
                   FUND.

       (a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``September 30, 
     2018'' and inserting ``September 30, 2023''.
       (b) Ticket Taxes.--
       (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2023''.
       (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2023''.
       (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
       (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of such Code is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2021'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2023''.
       (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) 
     of such Code is amended by striking ``October 1, 2018'' and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2023''.
       (3) Exemption from ticket taxes.--Section 4261(j) of such 
     Code is amended by striking ``September 30, 2018'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2023''.

  The Acting CHAIR. No amendment to the bill shall be in order except 
those printed in part A of House Report 115-650 and amendments en bloc 
described in House Resolution 839.
  Each such amendment printed in part A of the report may be offered 
only in the order printed in the report, by a Member designated in the 
report, shall be considered read, shall be debatable for the time 
specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by the 
proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall 
not be subject to a demand for division of the question.

                              {time}  1330


                 Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Shuster

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 
printed in part A of House Report 115-650.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 8, strike lines 19 through 22 and insert the 
     following:

       (b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 48101(c) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Automated 
     Surface Observation System/Automated Weather Observing System 
     Upgrade'' and inserting ``Authorized Expenditures''; and
       (2) by striking ``may be used for the implementation'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     the following: ``may be used for the following:
       ``(1) The implementation and use of upgrades to the current 
     automated surface observation system/automated weather 
     observing system, if the upgrade is successfully 
     demonstrated.
       ``(2) The acquisition and construction of remote air 
     traffic control towers (as defined in section 510 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018).
       ``(3) The remediation and elimination of identified 
     cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the air traffic control 
     system.
       ``(4) The construction of facilities dedicated to improving 
     the cybersecurity of the National Airspace System.
       ``(5) Systems associated with the Data Communications 
     program.
       ``(6) The infrastructure, sustainment, and the elimination 
     of the deferred maintenance backlog of air navigation 
     facilities and other facilities for which the Federal 
     Aviation Administration is responsible.
       ``(7) The modernization and digitization of the Civil 
     Aviation Registry.
       ``(8) The construction of necessary Priority 1 National 
     Airspace System facilities.
       ``(9) Cost-beneficial construction, rehabilitation, or 
     retrofitting programs designed to reduce Federal Aviation 
     Administration facility operating costs.''.

       Page 8, line 13, strike ``$2,920,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,330,000,000''.

       Page 8, line 14, strike ``$2,984,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,398,000,000''.

       Page 8, line 15, strike ``$3,049,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,469,000,000''.

       Page 8, line 16, strike ``$3,118,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,547,000,000''.

       Page 8, line 17, strike ``$3,190,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,624,000,000''.

       Page 8, line 18, strike ``$3,263,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$3,701,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 5, strike ``$10,231,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$10,247,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 6, strike ``$10,434,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$10,486,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 7, strike ``$10,639,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$10,732,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 8, strike ``$10,861,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$11,000,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 10, strike ``$11,095,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$11,269,000,000''.

       Page 9, line 12, strike ``$11,329,000,000'' and insert 
     ``$11,537,000,000''.

       Page 9, after line 13, insert the following:

       (b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 106(k)(2) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(D) Not more than the following amounts for commercial 
     space transportation activities:
       ``(i) $22,587,000 for fiscal year 2018.
       ``(ii) $33,038,000 for fiscal year 2019.
       ``(iii) $43,500,000 for fiscal year 2020.
       ``(iv) $54,970,000 for fiscal year 2021.
       ``(v) $64,449,000 for fiscal year 2022.
       ``(vi) $75,938,000 for fiscal year 2023.''.

       Page 9, line 14, strike ``(b)'' and insert ``(c)''.

       At the end of subtitle C of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 1__. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCRETIONARY FUNDS.

       Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Supplemental Discretionary Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program 
     to provide grants, subject to the conditions of this 
     subsection, for any purpose for which amounts are made 
     available under section 48103 that the Secretary considers 
     most appropriate to carry out this subchapter.
       ``(2) Treatment of grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--A grant made under this subsection shall 
     be treated as having been made pursuant to the Secretary's 
     authority under section 47104(a) and from the Secretary's 
     discretionary fund under subsection (a) of this section.
       ``(B) Exception.--Except as otherwise provided in this 
     subsection, grants made under this subsection shall not be 
     subject to subsection (c), section 47117(e), or any other 
     apportionment formula, special apportionment

[[Page H3637]]

     category, or minimum percentage set forth in this chapter.
       ``(3) Eligibility.--The Secretary may provide grants under 
     this subsection only for projects--
       ``(A) at a nonprimary airport that--
       ``(i) is classified as a regional, local, or basic airport, 
     as determined using the Department of Transportation's most 
     recently published classification; and
       ``(ii) is not located within a Metropolitan Statistical 
     Area (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget);
       ``(B) at a nonhub, small hub, or medium hub airport; or
       ``(C) at an airport receiving an exemption under section 
     47134.
       ``(4) Federal share.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Government's share of allowable project costs under this 
     subsection is 80 percent.
       ``(B) Submission.--In applying for a grant under this 
     subsection, an airport sponsor that proposes a lower 
     Government share of allowable project costs than the share 
     specified in subparagraph (A) shall receive priority 
     commensurate with the reduction in such share. Projects shall 
     receive equal priority consideration if such project--
       ``(i) has a proposed Government cost share of 50 percent or 
     less; or
       ``(ii) is at an airport receiving an exemption under 
     section 47134.
       ``(5) Authorization.--
       ``(A) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Secretary to carry out this subsection the following 
     amounts:
       ``(i) $1,020,000,000 for fiscal year 2019.
       ``(ii) $1,041,000,000 for fiscal year 2020.
       ``(iii) $1,064,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.
       ``(iv) $1,087,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
       ``(v) $1,110,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
       ``(B) Availability.--Sums authorized to be appropriated 
     under subparagraph (A) shall remain available for 2 fiscal 
     years.''.

     SEC. 1__. SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

       Section 47102(3)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``and emergency call boxes,'' and 
     inserting ``emergency call boxes, and counter-UAS systems (as 
     defined in section 40102),''.

       Page 100, strike line 17 and all that follows through page 
     103, line 19.

       At the end of subtitle A of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 3__. FAA AND NTSB REVIEW OF GENERAL AVIATION SAFETY.

       (a) Study Required.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, in coordination with the Chairman of 
     the National Transportation Safety Board, shall initiate a 
     study of general aviation safety.
       (b) Study Contents.--The study required under subsection 
     (a) shall include--
       (1) a review of all general aviation accidents since 2000, 
     including a review of--
       (A) the number of such accidents;
       (B) the number of injuries and fatalities, including with 
     respect to both occupants of aircraft and individuals on the 
     ground, as a result of such accidents;
       (C) the number of such accidents investigated by the 
     National Transportation Safety Board;
       (D) the number of such accidents investigated by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration; and
       (E) a summary of the factual findings and probable cause 
     determinations with respect to such accidents;
       (2) an assessment of the most common probable cause 
     determinations issued for general aviation accidents since 
     2000;
       (3) an assessment of the most common facts analyzed by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration and the National 
     Transportation Safety Board in the course of investigations 
     of general aviation accidents since 2000, including 
     operational details;
       (4) a review of the safety recommendations of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board related to general aviation 
     accidents since 2000;
       (5) an assessment of the responses of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and the general aviation community to the 
     safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety 
     Board related to general aviation accidents since 2000;
       (6) an assessment of the most common general aviation 
     safety issues;
       (7) a review of the total costs to the Federal Government 
     to conduct investigations of general aviation accidents over 
     the last 10 years; and
       (8) other matters the Administrator or the Chairman 
     considers appropriate.
       (c) Recommendations and Actions To Address General Aviation 
     Safety.--Based on the results of the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator, in consultation with the 
     Chairman, shall make such recommendations, including with 
     respect to regulations and enforcement activities, as the 
     Administrator considers necessary to--
       (1) address general aviation safety issues identified under 
     the study;
       (2) protect persons and property on the ground; and
       (3) improve the safety of general aviation operators in the 
     United States.
       (d) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the Administrator shall have the authority to undertake 
     actions to address the recommendations made under subsection 
     (c).
       (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the study required under subsection (a), including the 
     recommendations described in subsection (c).
       (f) General Aviation Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``general aviation'' means aircraft operation for personal, 
     recreational, or other noncommercial purposes.

     SEC. 3__. CALL TO ACTION AIRLINE ENGINE SAFETY REVIEW.

       (a) Call to Action Airline Engine Safety Review.--Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     initiate a Call to Action safety review on airline engine 
     safety in order to bring stakeholders together to share best 
     practices and implement actions to address airline engine 
     safety.
       (b) Contents.--The Call to Action safety review required 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall include--
       (1) a review of Administration regulations, guidance, and 
     directives related to airline engines during design and 
     production, including the oversight of those processes;
       (2) a review of Administration regulations, guidance, and 
     directives related to airline engine operation and 
     maintenance and the oversight of those processes;
       (3) a review of reportable accidents and incidents 
     involving airline engines during calendar years 2014 through 
     2018, including any identified contributing factors to the 
     reportable accident or incident; and
       (4) a process for stakeholders, including inspectors, 
     manufacturers, maintenance providers, airlines, and aviation 
     safety experts, to provide feedback and share best practices.
       (c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the conclusion of the Call to Action safety review 
     pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the review and any recommendations for actions or 
     best practices to improve airline engine safety.

     SEC. 3__. SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44737. Special rule for certain aircraft operations

       ``(a) In General.--The operator of an aircraft with a 
     special airworthiness certificate in the experimental 
     category may--
       ``(1) operate the aircraft for the purpose of conducting a 
     commercial space transportation support flight; and
       ``(2) conduct such flight under such certificate carrying 
     persons or property for compensation or hire notwithstanding 
     any rule or term of a certificate issued by the Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration that would prohibit 
     flight for compensation or hire.
       ``(b) Limited Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply 
     only to a commercial space transportation support flight that 
     satisfies each of the following:
       ``(1) The aircraft conducting the commercial space 
     transportation support flight--
       ``(A) takes flight and lands at a single site that is 
     licensed for operation under chapter 509 of title 51; and
       ``(B) is used only to simulate space flight conditions in 
     support of--
       ``(i) training for potential space flight participants or 
     crew (as those terms are defined in chapter 509 of title 51); 
     or
       ``(ii) the testing of hardware to be used in space flight.
       ``(2) The operator of the commercial space transportation 
     support flight--
       ``(A) informs, in writing, any individual serving as crew 
     of the aircraft that the United States Government has not 
     certified the aircraft as safe for carrying crew or 
     passengers prior to executing any contract or other 
     arrangement to employ that individual (or, in the case of an 
     individual already employed as of the date of enactment of 
     this section, prior to any commercial space transportation 
     support flight in which the individual will participate as 
     crew);
       ``(B) prior to receiving any compensation for carrying any 
     passengers on the aircraft--
       ``(i) informs, in writing, the passengers about the risks 
     of the aircraft and commercial space transportation support 
     flight, including the safety record for the operator's fleet 
     of similar vehicle types and information sufficient to 
     adequately describe the safety record for the vehicle type 
     regardless of operator; and
       ``(ii) informs, in writing, any passenger that the United 
     States Government has not certified the aircraft as safe for 
     carrying crew or passengers;
       ``(C) provides any passenger an opportunity to ask 
     questions orally to acquire a better understanding of the 
     safety record of the aircraft and commercial space 
     transportation support flight; and
       ``(D) obtains written informed consent from any individual 
     serving as crew and all passengers of the commercial space 
     transportation support flight that--
       ``(i) identifies the specific aircraft the consent covers;

[[Page H3638]]

       ``(ii) states that the individual understands the risk and 
     that the presence of the individual on board the aircraft is 
     voluntary; and
       ``(iii) is signed and dated by the individual.
       ``(3) When the aircraft is also a launch vehicle, reentry 
     vehicle, or component of a launch or reentry vehicle, the 
     operator of the aircraft holds a license or permit issued 
     under chapter 509 of title 51 for that vehicle or vehicle 
     component.
       ``(4) Any other requirements that the Administrator may 
     prescribe to permit a commercial space transportation support 
     flight under this section.
       ``(c) Rules of Construction.--
       ``(1) Section 44711(a)(1) shall not apply to a person 
     conducting a commercial space transportation support flight 
     under this section only to the extent that a term of the 
     experimental certificate under which the person is operating 
     the aircraft prohibits the carriage of persons or property 
     for compensation or hire.
       ``(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit 
     the authority of the Administrator to exempt a person from a 
     regulatory prohibition on the carriage of persons or property 
     for compensation or hire subject to terms and conditions 
     other than those described in this section.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

``44737. Special rule for certain aircraft operations.''.
       At the end of subtitle B of title III, add the following:

     SEC. 3__. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(48) `counter-UAS system' means a system or device 
     capable of lawfully and safely disabling, disrupting, or 
     seizing control of an unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft 
     system.
       ``(49) `public unmanned aircraft system' means an unmanned 
     aircraft system that meets the qualifications and conditions 
     required for operation of a public aircraft.
       ``(50) `small unmanned aircraft' means an unmanned aircraft 
     weighing less than 55 pounds, including everything that is on 
     board or otherwise attached to the aircraft.
       ``(51) `unmanned aircraft' means an aircraft that is 
     operated without the possibility of direct human intervention 
     from within or on the aircraft.
       ``(52) `unmanned aircraft system' means an unmanned 
     aircraft and associated elements (including communication 
     links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) 
     that are required for the pilot in command to operate safely 
     and efficiently in the national airspace system.
       ``(53) `UTM' means an unmanned aircraft traffic management 
     system or service.''.

       Page 176, strike line 9 (and redesignate accordingly).

       Page 176, after line 12, insert the following:

       (3) 3 representatives, to be appointed by the Secretary, to 
     represent the various segments of the air ambulance industry.

       At the end of subtitle A of title IV, insert the following:

     SEC. 4__. ENHANCED TRAINING OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS.

       Section 44734(a) of title 49, United States Code, 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 ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct.''.

     SEC. 4__. ADDRESSING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ON FLIGHTS.

       (a) Establishment of Working Group.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall establish a sexual misconduct incident 
     working group composed of aviation industry stakeholders, 
     relevant Federal agencies, national organizations that 
     specialize in providing services to victims of sexual 
     misconduct, labor organizations that represent relevant 
     aviation employees, and State and local law enforcement 
     agencies.
       (b) Purpose of Working Group.--The purpose of the working 
     group shall be to develop best practices for--
       (1) addressing sexual misconduct on flights;
       (2) airline employee training; and
       (3) protocols for law enforcement notification.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the working group shall submit a 
     report describing the best practices developed pursuant to 
     subsection (b) to the Secretary, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (d) Sunset.--The working group established pursuant to 
     subsection (a) shall terminate 60 days after the submission 
     of the report pursuant to subsection (c).

       At the end of subtitle B of title IV, insert the following:

     SEC. 4__. AIRLINE PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES BILL OF 
                   RIGHTS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
     Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``Sec. 42305. Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of 
       Rights

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     develop a document, to be known as the `Airline Passengers 
     With Disabilities Bill of Rights', that describes in plain 
     language--
       ``(1) the basic responsibilities of covered carriers, 
     including their employees and contractors, under section 
     41705; and
       ``(2) the protections of air passengers with disabilities 
     under section 41705.
       ``(b) Content.--In developing the Bill of Rights, the 
     Secretary shall include, at a minimum, plain language 
     descriptions of responsibilities and protections provided in 
     law related to--
       ``(1) the right of passengers with disabilities to be 
     treated with dignity and respect;
       ``(2) the right of passengers with disabilities to receive 
     timely assistance, if requested, from properly trained 
     personnel of covered carriers and their contractors;
       ``(3) the right of passengers with disabilities to travel 
     with and stow wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistive 
     devices, including necessary medications and medical 
     supplies;
       ``(4) the right of passengers with disabilities to receive 
     seating accommodations, if requested, to accommodate a 
     disability;
       ``(5) the right of passengers with disabilities to speak 
     with a complaint resolution officer or to file a complaint 
     with a covered carrier or the Department of Transportation; 
     and
       ``(6) the right of passengers with disabilities to 
     communications in an accessible format as required under 
     Federal regulations.
       ``(c) Rule of Construction.--The development of the Bill of 
     Rights may not be construed as expanding or restricting the 
     rights available to passengers with disabilities on the day 
     before the date of enactment of this section pursuant to any 
     statute or regulation.
       ``(d) Consultations.--In developing the Bill of Rights, the 
     Secretary shall consult with appropriate stakeholders, 
     including disability organizations and covered carriers.
       ``(e) Display.--Each covered carrier shall include the Bill 
     of Rights--
       ``(1) on a publicly available internet website of the 
     covered carrier; and
       ``(2) in any pre-flight notification or communication 
     provided to a passenger who alerts the covered carrier in 
     advance of the need for accommodations relating to a 
     disability.
       ``(f) Training.--Covered carriers shall submit to the 
     Secretary plans to ensure that their employees and 
     contractors receive training on the responsibilities and 
     protections described in the Bill of Rights. The Secretary 
     shall review such plans to ensure the plans address the 
     matters described in subsection (b).
       ``(g) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       ``(1) Bill of rights.--The term `Bill of Rights' means the 
     `Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights' 
     developed under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Covered carrier.--The term `covered carrier' means an 
     air carrier or foreign air carrier, as those terms are 
     defined in section 40102(a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of 
     title 49, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:

``42305. Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights.''.

     SEC. 4__. CIVIL PENALTIES RELATING TO HARM TO PASSENGERS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Penalties Relating to Harm to Passengers With 
     Disabilities.--
       ``(A) Penalty for bodily harm or damage to wheelchair or 
     other mobility aid.--The amount of a civil penalty assessed 
     under this section for a violation of section 41705 may be 
     increased above the otherwise applicable maximum amount under 
     this section to an amount not to exceed 3 times the maximum 
     civil penalty otherwise allowed if the violation involves--
       ``(i) injury to a passenger with a disability; or
       ``(ii) damage to the passenger's wheelchair or other 
     mobility aid.
       ``(B) Separate offences.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a 
     separate violation of section 41705 occurs for each act of 
     discrimination prohibited by that section.''.

     SEC. 4__. HARMONIZATION OF SERVICE ANIMAL STANDARDS.

       (a) Rulemaking.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     conduct a rulemaking proceeding--
       (1) to define the term ``service animal'' for purposes of 
     air transportation; and
       (2) to develop minimum standards for what is required for 
     service and emotional support animals carried in aircraft 
     cabins.
       (b) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
       (1) whether to align the definition of ``service animal'' 
     with the definition of that term in regulations of the 
     Department of Justice implementing the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336);
       (2) reasonable measures to ensure pets are not claimed as 
     service animals, such as--
       (A) whether to require photo identification for a service 
     animal identifying the type of

[[Page H3639]]

     animal, the breed of animal, and the service the animal 
     provides to the passenger;
       (B) whether to require documentation indicating whether or 
     not a service animal was trained by the owner or an approved 
     training organization;
       (C) whether to require, from a licensed physician, 
     documentation indicating the mitigating task or tasks a 
     service animal provides to its owner; and
       (D) whether to allow a passenger to be accompanied by more 
     than 1 service animal;
       (3) reasonable measures to ensure the safety of all 
     passengers, such as--
       (A) whether to require health and vaccination records for a 
     service animal; and
       (B) whether to require third-party proof of behavioral 
     training for a service animal;
       (4) the impact additional requirements on service animals 
     could have on access to air transportation for passengers 
     with disabilities; and
       (5) if impacts on access to air transportation for 
     passengers with disabilities are found, ways to eliminate or 
     mitigate those impacts.
       (c) Final Rule.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     pursuant to the rulemaking conducted under this section.

       Page 188, strike lines 1 through 15.

       Page 188, beginning on line 21, strike ``inserting'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and insert 
     ``inserting `$155,000,000 for fiscal year 2018, $158,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2019, $161,000,000 for fiscal year 2020, 
     $165,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, $168,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2022, and $172,000,000 for fiscal year 2023'.''.

       Page 197, line 3, strike ``Section'' and insert the 
     following:

       (a) Purpose and Input.--Section

       Page 197, after line 17, insert the following:

       (b) Military Operations Exclusion.--Section 804 of the FAA 
     Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44501 note) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Military Operations Exclusion.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may not realign or 
     consolidate a combined TRACON and tower with radar facility 
     of the FAA under this section if, in 2015, the total annual 
     military operations at the facility comprised at least 40 
     percent of the total annual TRACON operations at the 
     facility.
       ``(2) TRACON defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     `TRACON' means terminal radar approach control.''.

       Page 230, strike lines 12 and 13 and insert the following: 
     ``United States Code, is amended by striking `and' and all 
     that follows through `administrative' and inserting `and 
     administrative'.''.

       Page 243, line 20, strike ``(48)'' and insert ``(54)''.

       Page 244, line 6, strike ``44737'' and insert ``44738''.

       Page 244, in the matter following line 18, strike ``44737'' 
     and insert ``44738''.

       At the end of title V, add the following:

     SEC. 5__. FAA EMPLOYEES IN GUAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Defense--
       (1) to allow Federal Aviation Administration employees 
     assigned to Guam, their spouses, and their dependent children 
     access to Department of Defense hospitals located in Guam on 
     a space available basis; and
       (2) to provide for payments by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration to the Department of Defense for the 
     administrative costs associated with--
       (A) enrolling Federal Aviation Administration employees 
     assigned to Guam, their spouses, and their dependent children 
     in any Department of Defense system necessary to allow access 
     pursuant to paragraph (1); and
       (B) billing an insurance company for any medical costs 
     incurred as a result of Federal Aviation Administration 
     employees, their spouses, or their dependent children 
     accessing and receiving medical treatment or services at a 
     Department of Defense hospital located in Guam.
       (b) Funds Subject to Appropriations.--Funds for payments by 
     the Federal Aviation Administration described in subsection 
     (a)(2) are subject to the availability of amounts 
     specifically provided in advance for that purpose in 
     appropriations Acts.

     SEC. 5__. CLARIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVING HISTORY 
                   FLIGHTS.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other law or 
     regulation, in administering sections 61.113(c), 91.9, 
     91.315, 91.319(a)(1), 91.319(a)(2), 119.5(g), and 119.21(a) 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulations), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall allow an aircraft owner or operator to 
     accept monetary or in-kind donations for a flight operated by 
     a living history flight experience provider, if the aircraft 
     owner or operator has--
       (1) volunteered to provide such transportation; and
       (2) notified any individual that will be on the flight, at 
     the time of inquiry about the flight, that the flight 
     operation is for charitable purposes and is not subject to 
     the same requirements as a commercial flight.
       (b) Conditions To Ensure Public Safety.--The Administrator, 
     consistent with current standards of the Administration for 
     such operations, shall impose minimum standards with respect 
     to training and flight hours for operations conducted by an 
     owner or operator of an aircraft providing living history 
     flight experience operations, including mandating that the 
     pilot in command of such aircraft hold a commercial pilot 
     certificate with instrument rating and be current and 
     qualified with respect to all ratings or authorizations 
     applicable to the specific aircraft being flown to ensure the 
     safety of flight operations described in subsection (a).
       (c) Living History Flight Experience Provider Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``living history flight experience 
     provider'' means an aircraft owner, aircraft operator, or 
     organization that provides, arranges, or otherwise fosters 
     living history flight experiences for the purpose of 
     fulfilling its mission.

     SEC. 5__. FAA ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM.

       (a) Chief Technology Officer.--Section 106(s) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(s) Chief Technology Officer.--
       ``(1) In general.--
       ``(A) Appointment.--There shall be a Chief Technology 
     Officer appointed by the Chief Operating Officer, with the 
     approval of the Secretary. The Chief Technology Officer shall 
     report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and shall be 
     subject to the authority of the Chief Operating Officer.
       ``(B) Minimum qualifications.--The Chief Technology Officer 
     shall have--
       ``(i) at least 10 years experience in engineering 
     management or another relevant technical management field; 
     and
       ``(ii) knowledge of or experience in the aviation industry.
       ``(C) Removal.--The Chief Technology Officer shall serve at 
     the pleasure of the Chief Operating Officer.
       ``(D) Restriction.--The Chief Technology Officer may not 
     also be the Deputy Administrator.
       ``(2) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the Chief 
     Technology Officer shall include--
       ``(A) ensuring the proper operation, maintenance, and 
     cybersecurity of technology systems relating to the air 
     traffic control system across all program offices of the 
     Administration;
       ``(B) coordinating the implementation, operation, 
     maintenance, and cybersecurity of technology programs 
     relating to the air traffic control system with the aerospace 
     industry and other Federal agencies;
       ``(C) reviewing and providing advice to the Secretary, the 
     Administrator, and the Chief Operating Officer on the 
     Administration's budget, cost accounting system, and benefit-
     cost analyses with respect to technology programs relating to 
     the air traffic control system;
       ``(D) consulting with the Administrator on the Capital 
     Investment Plan of the Administration prior to its submission 
     to Congress;
       ``(E) developing an annual air traffic control system 
     technology operation and maintenance plan that is consistent 
     with the annual performance targets established under 
     paragraph (4); and
       ``(F) ensuring that the air traffic control system 
     architecture remains, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     flexible enough to incorporate future technological advances 
     developed and directly procured by aircraft operators.
       ``(3) Compensation.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Chief Technology Officer shall be 
     paid at an annual rate of basic pay to be determined by the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer. 
     The annual rate may not exceed the annual compensation paid 
     under section 102 of title 3. The Chief Technology Officer 
     shall be subject to the postemployment provisions of section 
     207 of title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology 
     Officer were described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of that 
     title.
       ``(B) Bonus.--In addition to the annual rate of basic pay 
     authorized by subparagraph (A), the Chief Technology Officer 
     may receive a bonus for any calendar year not to exceed 30 
     percent of the annual rate of basic pay, based upon the 
     Secretary's evaluation of the Chief Technology Officer's 
     performance in relation to the performance targets 
     established under paragraph (4).
       ``(4) Annual performance targets.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator and the Chief 
     Operating Officer, in consultation with the Chief Technology 
     Officer, shall establish measurable annual performance 
     targets for the Chief Technology Officer in key operational 
     areas.
       ``(B) Report.--The Administrator shall transmit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a report describing the 
     annual performance targets established under subparagraph 
     (A).
       ``(5) Annual performance report.--The Chief Technology 
     Officer shall prepare and transmit to the Secretary of 
     Transportation, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate an annual report containing--
       ``(A) detailed descriptions and metrics of how successful 
     the Chief Technology Officer was in meeting the annual 
     performance targets established under paragraph (4); and
       ``(B) other information as may be requested by the 
     Administrator and the Chief Operating Officer.''.

[[Page H3640]]

       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 709(a)(3)(L) of the Vision 100-Century of 
     Aviation Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is 
     amended by striking ``Chief NextGen Officer'' and inserting 
     ``Chief Technology Officer''.
       (2) Section 804(a)(4)(A) of the FAA Modernization and 
     Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44501 note) is amended by 
     striking ``Chief NextGen Officer'' and inserting ``Chief 
     Technology Officer''.

     SEC. 5__. INTRA-AGENCY COORDINATION.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall direct the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the 
     Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Organization to 
     implement policies that--
       (1) designate the Associate Administrator for Commercial 
     Space Transportation as the primary liaison between the 
     commercial space transportation industry and the 
     Administration;
       (2) recognize the necessity of, and set forth processes 
     for, launch license and permit holder coordination with the 
     Air Traffic Organization on matters including--
       (A) the use of air navigation facilities;
       (B) airspace safety; and
       (C) planning of commercial space launch and launch support 
     activities;
       (3) designate a single point of contact within the Air 
     Traffic Organization who is responsible for--
       (A) maintaining letters of agreement between a launch 
     license or permit holder and a Federal Aviation 
     Administration facility;
       (B) making such letters of agreement available to the 
     Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation;
       (C) ensuring that a facility that has entered into such a 
     letter of agreement is aware of and fulfills its 
     responsibilities under the letter; and
       (D) liaising between the Air Traffic Organization and the 
     Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation 
     on any matter relating to such a letter of agreement; and
       (4) require the Associate Administrator for Commercial 
     Space Transportation to facilitate, upon the request of a 
     launch license or permit holder--
       (A) coordination between a launch license and permit holder 
     and the Air Traffic Organization; and
       (B) the negotiation of letters of agreement between a 
     launch license or permit holder and a Federal Aviation 
     Administration facility or the Air Traffic Organization.

     SEC. 5__. FAA CIVIL AVIATION REGISTRY UPGRADE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall complete covered upgrades of 
     the Administration's Civil Aviation Registry (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Registry'').
       (b) Covered Upgrade Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered upgrades'' means--
       (1) the digitization of nondigital Registry information, 
     including paper documents, microfilm images, and photographs, 
     from an analog or nondigital format to a digital format;
       (2) the digitalization of Registry manual and paper-based 
     processes, business operations, and functions by leveraging 
     digital technologies and a broader use of digitized data;
       (3) the implementation of systems allowing a member of the 
     public to submit any information or form to the Registry and 
     conduct any transaction with the Registry by electronic or 
     other remote means; and
       (4) allowing more efficient, broader, and remote access to 
     the Registry.
       (c) Applicability.--The requirements of subsection (a) 
     shall apply to the entire Civil Aviation Registry, including 
     the Aircraft Registration Branch and the Airmen Certification 
     Branch.
       (d) Manual Surcharge.--Chapter 453 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 45306. Manual surcharge

       ``(a) In General.--Not later 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the 
     Administrator shall impose and collect a surcharge on a Civil 
     Aviation Registry transaction that--
       ``(1) is conducted in person at the Civil Aviation 
     Registry;
       ``(2) could be conducted, as determined by the 
     Administrator, with the same or greater level of efficiency 
     by electronic or other remote means; and
       ``(3) is not related to research or other non-commercial 
     activities.
       ``(b) Maximum Surcharge.--A surcharge imposed and collected 
     under subsection (a) shall not exceed twice the maximum fee 
     the Administrator is authorized to charge for the 
     registration of an aircraft, not used to provide air 
     transportation, after the transfer of ownership under section 
     45302(b)(2).
       ``(c) Credit to Account and Availability.--Monies collected 
     from a surcharge imposed under subsection (a) shall be 
     treated as monies collected under section 45302 and subject 
     to the terms and conditions set forth in section 45302(d).''.
       (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after date of enactment 
     of this Act, and annually thereafter until the covered 
     upgrades required under subsection (a) are complete, the 
     Administrator shall submit a report to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate describing--
       (1) the schedule for the covered upgrades to the Registry;
       (2) the office responsible for the implementation of the 
     such covered upgrades;
       (3) the metrics being used to measure progress in 
     implementing the covered upgrades; and
       (4) the status of the covered upgrades as of the date of 
     the report.

     SEC. 5__. REGULATORY STREAMLINING.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue a final regulation revising section 121.333(c)(3) 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to apply only to 
     flight altitudes above flight level 410.

     SEC. 5__. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of the 
     Administrative Services Franchise Fund of the FAA (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Franchise Fund'').
       (b) Considerations.--In conducting the audit pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall--
       (1) review the history, intended purpose, and objectives of 
     the Franchise Fund;
       (2) describe and assess each program, service, or activity 
     that uses the Franchise Fund, including--
       (A) the agencies or government bodies that use each 
     program, service, or activity;
       (B) the number of employees, including full-time 
     equivalents and contractors, associated with each program, 
     service, or activity;
       (C) the costs associated with the employees described in 
     subparagraph (B) and the extent to which such costs are 
     covered by Federal appropriations or Franchise Fund revenue;
       (D) the revenue, expenses, and profits or losses associated 
     with each program, service, or activity;
       (E) overhead rates associated with each program, service, 
     or activity; and
       (F) a breakdown of the revenue collected from services 
     provided to the FAA, Department of Transportation, other 
     Federal entities, and non-Federal entities;
       (3) assess the FAA's governance and oversight of the 
     Franchise Fund and the programs, service, and activities that 
     use the Franchise Fund, including the use of internal and 
     publicly available performance metrics;
       (4) evaluate the current and historical unobligated and 
     unexpended balances of the Franchise Fund; and
       (5) assess the degree to which FAA policies and controls 
     associated with the Franchise Fund conform with generally 
     accepted accounting principles, Federal policies, best 
     practices, or other guidance relating to revolving funds.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     initiation of the audit described in subsection (a), the 
     Inspector General shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the 
     audit, including findings and recommendations.
       (d) Definition.--In this section, the term ``FAA'' means 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.

     SEC. 5__. REPORT ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL MODERNIZATION.

       (a) FAA Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Chief Operating Officer of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report describing the 
     multiyear effort of the Administration to modernize the air 
     transportation system (in this section referred to as the 
     ``modernization effort''), including--
       (1) the number of years that the modernization effort has 
     been underway as of the date of the report;
       (2) the total amount of money expended on the modernization 
     effort as of the date of the report (including a description 
     of how that amount was calculated);
       (3) the net present value of the benefits reported from 
     aircraft operators resulting from the money expended on the 
     modernization effort as of the date of the report;
       (4) a definition for the Next Generation Air Transportation 
     System (in this section referred to as ``NextGen''), 
     including a description of any changes to that definition 
     that occurred between 2003 and the date of the report;
       (5) the net present value of the money expended on NextGen 
     as of the date of the report if such money had been deposited 
     into a Government trust fund instead of being expended on 
     NextGen;
       (6) a description of the benefits promised and benefits 
     delivered with respect to NextGen as of the date of the 
     report;
       (7) any changes to the benefits promised with respect to 
     NextGen between the date on which NextGen began and the date 
     of the report;
       (8) a description of each program or project that comprises 
     NextGen, including--
       (A) when the program or project was initiated;

[[Page H3641]]

       (B) the total budget for the program or project;
       (C) the initial budget for the program or project;
       (D) the acquisition program baseline for the program or 
     project;
       (E) whether the program or project has ever breached the 
     acquisition program baseline and, if so, a description of 
     when, why, and how the breach was resolved;
       (F) whether the program or project has been re-baselined or 
     divided into smaller segments and, if so, a description of 
     when, why, and the impact to the cost of the program or 
     project;
       (G) the initial schedule for the program or project;
       (H) whether the program or project was delayed and, if so, 
     a description of how long, why, and the impact to the cost of 
     the program or project;
       (I) whether the Administration changed any contract term or 
     deliverable for the program or project and, if so, a 
     description of the change, why it happened, and the impact to 
     the cost of the program or project;
       (J) benefits promised with respect to the program or 
     project at initiation;
       (K) benefits delivered with respect to the program or 
     project as of the date of the report;
       (L) whether the program or project was cancelled and, if 
     so, a description of why and when;
       (M) for cancelled programs or projects, whether there were 
     any costs associated with the decision to cancel and, if so, 
     a description of the amount of the costs (including for both 
     the Administration and the private sector);
       (N) the metrics, milestones, and deadlines set for the 
     program or project and how the Administration tracked and 
     ensured compliance with those metrics, milestones, and 
     deadlines;
       (O) how the Administration conducted oversight of the 
     program or project and any related stakeholder collaboration 
     efforts; and
       (P) the status of the program or project as of the date of 
     the report;
       (9) the date upon which, or milestone by which, the 
     Administration anticipates NextGen will be complete; and
       (10) any lessons learned during the NextGen effort, and 
     whether, how, and to what effect those lessons have been 
     applied.
       (b) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 270 days 
     after the date on which the report required under subsection 
     (a) is submitted, the inspector general of the Department of 
     Transportation shall review the report and submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a statement of the inspector 
     general that--
       (1) determines the accuracy of the information reported;
       (2) describes any concerns with the accuracy of the 
     information reported;
       (3) summarizes concerns raised by the inspector general, 
     the Government Accountability Office, and other sources with 
     respect to the Administration's implementation and oversight 
     of NextGen since the date on which NextGen began;
       (4) describes--
       (A) any pertinent recommendations made by the inspector 
     general related to the Administration's implementation and 
     oversight of NextGen since the date on which NextGen began; 
     and
       (B) whether and how the Administration addressed the 
     recommendations; and
       (5) provides any other information that the inspector 
     general determines is appropriate.

     SEC. 5__. AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST.

       Section 211(b) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (49 
     U.S.C. 40101 note) is repealed. The Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall ensure that any 
     regulation issued pursuant to such subsection has no force or 
     effect.

     SEC. 5__. YOUTH ACCESS TO AMERICAN JOBS IN AVIATION TASK 
                   FORCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a Youth Access to 
     American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Task Force'').
       (b) Duties.--Not later than 12 months after its 
     establishment under subsection (a), the Task Force shall 
     develop and submit to the Administrator recommendations and 
     strategies for the Administration to--
       (1) facilitate and encourage high school students in the 
     United States, beginning in their junior year, to enroll in 
     and complete career and technical education courses, 
     including STEM, that would prepare them to enroll in a course 
     of study related to an aviation career at an institution of 
     higher education, including a community college or trade 
     school;
       (2) facilitate and encourage the students described in 
     paragraph (1) to enroll in a course of study related to an 
     aviation career, including aviation manufacturing, 
     engineering and maintenance, at an institution of higher 
     education, including a community college or trade school; and
       (3) identify and develop pathways for students who complete 
     a course of study described in paragraph (2) to secure 
     registered apprenticeships, workforce development programs, 
     or careers in the aviation industry of the United States.
       (c) Considerations.--When developing recommendations and 
     strategies under subsection (b), the Task Force shall--
       (1) identify industry trends that encourage or discourage 
     youth in the United States from pursuing careers in aviation;
       (2) consider how the Administration; air carriers; 
     aircraft, powerplant, and avionics manufacturers; aircraft 
     repair stations; and other aviation stakeholders can 
     coordinate efforts to support youth in pursuing careers in 
     aviation;
       (3) identify methods of enhancing aviation apprenticeships, 
     job skills training, mentorship, education, and outreach 
     programs that are exclusive to youth in the United States; 
     and
       (4) identify potential sources of government and private 
     sector funding, including grants and scholarships, that may 
     be used to carry out the recommendations and strategies 
     described in subsection (b) and to support youth in pursuing 
     careers in aviation.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 30 days after submission of the 
     recommendations and strategies under subsection (b), the Task 
     Force shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure in the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report outlining such recommendations and 
     strategies.
       (e) Composition of Task Force.--The Administrator shall 
     appoint members of the Task Force, including representatives 
     from the following:
       (1) Air carriers.
       (2) Aircraft, powerplant, and avionics manufacturers.
       (3) Aircraft repair stations.
       (4) Local educational agencies or high schools.
       (5) Institutions of higher education, including community 
     colleges and aviation trade schools.
       (6) Such other aviation and educational stakeholders and 
     experts as the Administrator considers appropriate.
       (f) Period of Appointment.--Members shall be appointed to 
     the Task Force for the duration of the existence of the Task 
     Force.
       (g) Compensation.--Task Force members shall serve without 
     compensation.
       (h) Sunset.--The Task Force shall terminate upon the 
     submittal of the report pursuant to subsection (d).
       (i) Definition of STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means--
       (1) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and
       (2) other career and technical education subjects that 
     build on the subjects described in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 5__. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Section 47134 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``Airport 
     investment partnership program'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``, with respect to not 
     more than 10 airports,'';
       (3) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``The Secretary may 
     grant an exemption to a sponsor'' and inserting ``If the 
     Secretary grants an exemption to a sponsor pursuant to 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall grant an exemption to the 
     sponsor'';
       (4) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``The Secretary may 
     grant an exemption to a purchaser or lessee'' and inserting 
     ``If the Secretary grants an exemption to a sponsor pursuant 
     to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall grant an exemption to 
     the corresponding purchaser or lessee'';
       (5) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Program Participation.--
       ``(1) Multiple airports.--The Secretary may consider 
     applications under this section submitted by a public airport 
     sponsor for multiple airports under the control of the 
     sponsor.
       ``(2) Partial privatization.--A purchaser or lessee may be 
     an entity in which a sponsor has an interest.''; and
       (6) by striking subsections (l) and (m) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(l) Predevelopment Limitation.--A grant to an airport 
     sponsor under this subchapter for predevelopment planning 
     costs relating to the preparation of an application or 
     proposed application under this section may not exceed 
     $750,000 per application or proposed application.''.
       (b) Airport Development.--Section 47102(3) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(P) predevelopment planning, including financial, legal, 
     or procurement consulting services, related to an application 
     or proposed application for an exemption under section 
     47134.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 47134 and inserting the following:

``47134. Airport investment partnership program.''.

     SEC. 5__. REVIEW AND REFORM OF FAA PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Establishment of Advisory Panel.--Not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall establish an advisory panel 
     comprising no more than 7 independent, nongovernmental 
     experts in budget, finance, or personnel management to review 
     and evaluate the effectiveness of the FAA's personnel 
     management system and performance management program for 
     employees

[[Page H3642]]

     not covered by collective bargaining agreements.
       (b) Review, Evaluation, and Recommendations.--The advisory 
     panel shall, at a minimum--
       (1) review all appropriate FAA orders, policies, 
     procedures, guidance, and the Human Resources Policy Manual;
       (2) review any applicable reports regarding FAA's personnel 
     management system, including reports of the Department of 
     Transportation Office of Inspector General, Government 
     Accountability Office, and National Academy of Public 
     Administration, and determine the status of recommendations 
     made in those reports;
       (3) review the personnel management system of any other 
     agency or governmental entity with a similar system to the 
     FAA for best practices with regard to personnel management;
       (4) assess the unique personnel authorities granted to the 
     FAA, determine whether the FAA has taken full advantage of 
     those authorities, and identify those authorities the FAA has 
     not fully taken advantage of;
       (5) review and determine the overall effectiveness of the 
     FAA's compensation, bonus pay, performance metrics, and 
     evaluation processes for employees not covered by collective 
     bargaining agreements;
       (6) review whether existing performance metrics and bonus 
     pay practices align with the FAA's mission and significantly 
     improve the FAA's provision of air traffic services, 
     implementation of air traffic control modernization 
     initiatives, and accomplishment of other FAA operational 
     objectives;
       (7) identify the highest, lowest, and average complete 
     compensation for each position of employees not covered by 
     collective bargaining agreements;
       (8) survey interested parties and stakeholders, including 
     representatives of the aviation industry, for their views and 
     recommendations regarding improvements to the FAA's personnel 
     management system and performance management program;
       (9) develop recommendations to address the findings of the 
     work done pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (7), and to 
     address views and recommendations raised by interested 
     parties pursuant to paragraph (8); and
       (10) develop recommendations to improve the FAA's personnel 
     management system and performance management program, 
     including the compensation, bonus pay, performance metrics, 
     and evaluation processes, for employees not covered by 
     collective bargaining agreements.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after initiating the 
     review and evaluation pursuant to subsection (a), the 
     advisory panel shall submit a report on the results of the 
     review and evaluation and its recommendations to the 
     Secretary, the Administrator, the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after 
     submittal of the report pursuant to subsection (c), the 
     Administrator shall transmit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report summarizing the 
     findings of the advisory panel that--
       (1) contains an explanation of how the Administrator will 
     implement the recommendations of the advisory panel and 
     measure the effectiveness of the recommendations; and
       (2) specifies any recommendations that the Administrator 
     will not implement and the reasons for not implementing such 
     recommendations.
       (e) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
     the Administrator has the authority to put in place any 
     recommendations of the advisory panel.
       (f) Sunset.--The advisory panel shall terminate on the date 
     that is 60 days after the transmittal of the report pursuant 
     to subsection (d).
       (g) Definition.--In this section, the term ``FAA'' means 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.

     SEC. 5__. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS.

       Section 2306(b) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security 
     Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by 
     striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.

     SEC. 5__. REGIONS AND CENTERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 44507 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and inserting ``Regions 
     and centers'';
       (2) by striking ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute.--The Civil Aeromedical 
     Institute''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) William J. Hughes Technical Center.--The Secretary of 
     Transportation shall define the roles and responsibilities of 
     the William J. Hughes Technical Center in a manner that is 
     consistent with the defined roles and responsibilities of the 
     Civil Aeromedical Institute under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 44507 and inserting the following:

``44507. Regions and centers.''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 839, the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the manager's 
amendment. A vote for this amendment is a vote for positive change. A 
vote against it would be a real missed opportunity to make the bill 
better.
  This amendment enhances the training of flight attendants so they are 
better equipped to deal with sexual misconduct. It also establishes 
working groups to develop best practices on how to address sexual 
misconduct on flights and improve airline employee training.
  The amendment addresses an issue which is important to the traveling 
public and our constituents, and to each of us, in a thoughtful and 
respectful way.
  The amendment adds to the provisions included in H.R. 4 to improve 
the air travel experience of disabled Americans. It establishes an 
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to clarify the 
rights of passengers with disabilities and the responsibilities of 
airlines and airports.
  The amendment also strengthens the civil penalties for violations 
that involve injury to a passenger with a disability or damage to a 
passenger's wheelchair or other mobility aid.
  Finally, the amendment will make it better for both passengers and 
service animals by harmonizing standards. This will provide much-needed 
clarity in an area where there is real confusion.
  We worked closely with organizations representing persons with 
disabilities, as well as with the airline industry, and I want to thank 
all those who were willing to come to the table to make those 
improvements.
  Last week, we witnessed a tragedy when an engine exploded in midair, 
killing a passenger. A far bigger tragedy was averted thanks again to 
the professionalism of the flight crew and to the pilot, which I talked 
about earlier.
  The same airline experienced a similar incident 2 years ago, and 
while the FAA and industry have begun inspections, we must ensure that 
the airline engine safety is thoroughly assessed, and this amendment 
mandates a call to action to bring relevant people together to examine 
and address any risk associated with airline engines.
  The amendment also requires a deep-dive study of general aviation. 
This sector of aviation has the highest number of accidents, injuries, 
and fatalities.
  While general aviation safety has improved in recent years, in fiscal 
year 2016, there were still 213 fatal accidents and 379 fatalities.
  We must improve the safety of the general aviation community. They 
share the skies with other airspace users and operate above our 
neighborhoods. We can and must do better.
  Again, the amendment also provides for the direction on how the FAA 
should spend the additional general fund, operations, airport 
infrastructure, and F&E money in 2019 and thereafter.
  It also revises the FAA authorization levels to reflect the updated 
CBO baselines for fiscal year 2018.
  In response to the drone sightings around airports, the amendment 
makes counter-drone systems AIP eligible.
  It makes improvement to the Airport Investment Partnership Program so 
that we can leverage private sector money for our airport 
infrastructure needs.
  There are some good government reforms in here. The amendment repeals 
a costly mandate for aircraft avionics that have not yet proven to be 
beneficial. This will relieve a future burden on aircraft operators.
  The amendment would bring certain FAA processes into the digital age 
and review agency practices.
  Some other important changes are:
  The amendment authorizes expenditures for commercial space 
transportation activities of the FAA;
  It also requires better intra-FAA coordination on commercial space 
transportation's use of the national airspace and addresses the 
industry's support aircraft;
  Commercial space transportation operators, like other users of the 
airspace, must coordinate and follow instructions of air traffic 
controllers;
  Air traffic controllers keep us moving safely across this country, 
but they

[[Page H3643]]

also work in far-off places, including Guam. This amendment requires 
the FAA workers to work with the Department of Defense so that these 
folks and their families can get good medical care on the island of 
Guam;
  Finally, the amendment establishes the Youth in Aviation Task Force 
to attract young people to aviation jobs. This is critical to ensure 
that our aviation system prospers in the years ahead.
  Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a good amendment, it has bipartisan 
support and will improve the underlying bill. I urge all Members to 
support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Oregon is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I certainly support the amendment offered 
by the gentleman. He listed a number of provisions. I don't want to be 
repetitive, but I think the call to action regarding uncontained 
airliner engine failures is critical. That is actually the second 
uncontained failure of that engine with Southwest Airlines in 18 
months, which means that somewhere turbine blades are not a life-
limited part. There is something amiss in the manufacturing process, 
and we need to get to the bottom of that.
  We also need to be sure that the proper testing is being done to 
ensure their integrity as the planes continue to fly.
  It also has some language regarding incidents of sexual misconduct on 
flights I support, but I am preparing and will offer a broader stand-
alone provision bill on that subject in the near future.
  It modestly increases funding levels for aviation programs and 
includes a $1 billion annual infusion from the general fund for certain 
AIP projects, principally for small airports in rural communities.

  This falls far short of meeting the needs of all airports and all the 
gates and terminal work we need, as I mentioned earlier in discussing 
the lack of a PFC in this bill.
  Finally, it creates a newly named position in the FAA, that would be 
chief technology officer. Currently, the department administrator acts 
as the chief technology officer. So I am not quite certain what that 
accomplishes, but I will certainly look forward to monitoring that 
position and the progress and reports on NextGen that that person 
produces in the near future.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Graves), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and 
Transit, our general aviation pilot.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his 
work on putting together a long-term bill.
  Mr. Chairman, one of the priorities which was included in the 
manager's amendment is a program to invest in our small airports.
  As part of the increased investment in transportation programs that 
was provided in the fiscal year 2018 omnibus, we provided an additional 
$1 billion to the FAA in discretionary grants to small airports. Now 
airports across the country are going to have the opportunity to 
compete for additional dollars to carry out the larger projects.
  We also have some very important accountability measures. As such, we 
are asking to review all the FAA's efforts to date on NextGen. This is 
pure and simple accountability to ensure our tax dollars are being 
spent to execute the important goals of NextGen.
  Mr. Chairman, I ask all of my colleagues to support the manager's 
amendment, obviously, and the underlying bill. This is a good bill.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Frankel), a member of the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I thank the leadership of this 
committee for their work.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the en bloc amendment, and I wanted 
to specifically mention a provision that is very important to the folks 
who are in Palm Beach County and also Bedminster, New Jersey, which is 
this constituency of Mr. Lance.
  Mr. Chairman, regardless of what your political ideology is, it is 
very important for the President to be safe whenever he travels, and 
this often results in travel restrictions in the locality he visits.
  In terms of my locality, Palm Beach County, Florida, Mr. Trump has 
spent 70 days this year at Mar-a-Lago, dubbed as the winter White 
House. But here is what happens when he visits a small business 
operating airport called Lantana Airport, which is 10 miles from Mar-a-
Lago: It is completely shut down, which means basically there is a lot 
of lost income. It is estimated almost $1 million a year.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman.
  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Chairman, if you translate that out, that 
would be $4 million.
  As I said, the President's safety is paramount, and the impact to the 
local business is a problem. So there is a provision in this amendment 
that requires the FAA to study the economic impact of flight 
restrictions, which I think is a good thing, and to analyze the 
possibilities of some other options.
  Mr. Chairman, again, I do support this amendment.
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster).
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Committee will rise informally.
  The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Gosar) assumed the chair.

                          ____________________