[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 19, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3707-H3823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT


                             General Leave

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous materials on H.R. 3935.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 597 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. 3935.
  The Chair appoints the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino) to 
preside over the Committee of the Whole.

                              {time}  1238


                     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. 3935) to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and 
improve the Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation 
programs, and for other purposes, with Mr. Garbarino 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 be confined to the bill and shall not exceed 1 
hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority 
member on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure or their 
respective designees.
  The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Larsen) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Chair, H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in 
American Aviation Act, is a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal 
Aviation Administration and the Nation's aviation safety and 
infrastructure program for the next 5 years.
  I thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member 
Rick Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, and Aviation 
Subcommittee Ranking Member   Steve Cohen for working with me to 
develop and introduce this legislation.
  For over a century, the United States has led the world in aviation 
safety and innovation. Unfortunately, our gold standard status is being 
threatened by increasing global competition, by rapid developments in 
technology, a shortage of aviation professionals, and the 
inefficiencies and lack of leadership in the FAA.
  H.R. 3935 is critical to keeping America a global leader in aviation. 
It is vital to our economy, to millions of American jobs, and to the 
850 million passengers that depend on our National Airspace System 
every single year.
  If Congress fails to act on a new long-term aviation measure by 
September 30, when the current FAA law expires, key aviation programs 
will cease to function.
  H.R. 3935 provides the necessary long-term certainty that is demanded 
by both the civil aviation system and the aviation community to 
guarantee its safety and prosperity for decades to come.
  This bill not only improves FAA's efficiency through reasonable 
organizational changes but makes the agency more agile while 
simultaneously prioritizing safety each step of the way.
  The FAA is simply too slow in everything it does, from rulemaking to 
aircraft registrations and from certifications to just simple 
paperwork.
  This bill ensures robust investment in infrastructure for airports of 
all sizes, including the thousands of smaller and general aviation 
airports that make up the bulk of our aviation system.
  I am proud to say our bill includes the first ever General Aviation 
title in the FAA reauthorization bill. GA is the foundation to our 
civil aviation system. It is where many of our pilots, mechanics, and 
other aviation professionals begin their careers, gaining valuable 
experience along their journey in the aviation industry.
  This bill recognizes the importance of GA and protects the freedom to 
fly for every American.
  As previously mentioned, growing shortages across the aerospace 
workforce are a true threat to the future of American aviation.
  H.R. 3935 addresses workforce challenges head-on by removing barriers 
to entry for individuals and veterans interested in pursuing careers in 
aviation, such as through the CAREER Program.
  Bottom line, our bill encourages growth in the aviation workforce 
through meaningful reforms, the most meaningful in decades.
  What is more, H.R. 3935 maintains American leadership when it comes 
to the development and integration of new and emerging technologies 
into the airspace, such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility.
  Specifically, this bill requires the FAA to stop endless testing and 
pilot programs that go nowhere to integrate innovation, such as drones 
and AAM into the National Airspace System.
  As air travel recovers from the COVID pandemic, renewed growth in air 
travel has come with some difficulties, obviously, for the traveling 
public. Our bipartisan bill includes an entire title dedicated to 
improving the flying experience for the traveling public, an issue that 
each of our offices hear about from constituents probably on a daily 
basis.
  Finally, and most importantly, the bill recognizes that while our 
aviation system is safe, we must continue to raise the bar for safety. 
As such, this

[[Page H3708]]

bill includes a number of safety-focused provisions to ensure that 
America continues to be the world's gold standard in aviation safety.
  One of the most important safety features of this bill is a title for 
5-year reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety Board, the 
NTSB. It is this independent Federal agency that investigates all civil 
aviation accidents and transportation accidents throughout this sector.
  I believe the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
Aviation Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation this 
body is going to consider in the 118th Congress.
  This bill is vital to America's airport infrastructure, to our 
economy, and to the future of American leadership in aviation.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                     Washington, DC, July 6, 2023.
     Hon. Sam Graves,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 3935, the 
     ``Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation 
     Act,'' which was introduced on June 9, 2023.
       H.R. 3935 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 to 
     expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the 
     bill. This is done based on our mutual understanding that 
     doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of 
     the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology nor is it a 
     waiver of any future jurisdictional claim over subject matter 
     contained in this bill or in similar legislation.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming 
     this understanding and would request that you include a copy 
     of this letter and your response in the committee report and 
     in the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of 
     this bill. Finally, I ask that you support the appointment of 
     Science Committee conferees during any House-Senate 
     conference convened on this legislation. Thank you in advance 
     for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Frank D. Lucas,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                                     Washington, DC, July 7, 2023.
     Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Lucas: I write to you concerning H.R. 3935, 
     the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
     Aviation Act, which was introduced on June 9, 2023, and 
     solely referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure.
       I appreciate you agreeing to withdraw your request for a 
     sequential referral of H.R. 3935, so that the bill may be 
     considered expeditiously. I acknowledge that forgoing your 
     referral claim now does not waive the right to jurisdictional 
     claims in the future on subject matter contained in this bill 
     or similar legislation. Further, I will appropriately consult 
     and involve the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
     as the bill moves forward on issues that fall within your 
     Rule X jurisdiction. 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 will include a copy of our letter exchange in 
     the Committee Report and the Congressional Record when the 
     bill is considered on the House floor.
       Thank you again for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,

                                                   Sam Graves,

                                            Chairman, Committee on
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and 
           Infrastructure,
                                     Washington, DC, July 7, 2023.
     Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
     Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Lucas: I write to you concerning H.R. 3559, 
     the FAA Research and Development Act of 2023. The bill was 
     referred primarily to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology, with an additional referral to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure. Specifically, provisions 
     of H.R. 3559 fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
       I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this 
     legislation before the House of Representatives in an 
     expeditious manner, and accordingly, the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo action on the 
     bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual 
     understanding that doing so will not prejudice the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure with respect to the 
     appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the subject matter contained within the bill or 
     similar legislation that falls under the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure's Rule X jurisdiction. 
     Further, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I 
     appreciate your agreement to support my request to have the 
     Committee represented on the conference committee.
       Finally, I would ask that a copy of this letter and your 
     response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest in the 
     bill be included in the Committee Report and Congressional 
     Record during consideration of H.R. 3559 on the House floor.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Sam Graves,
                                            Chairman, Committee on
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                    Washington, DC, July 10, 2023.
     Hon. Sam Graves,
     Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
         House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 
     3559. the ``FAA Research and Development Act of 2023,'' which 
     was referred initially to the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology and sequentially to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure.
       I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this 
     bill. I recognize that the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure has a valid jurisdictional interest in certain 
     provisions of H.R. 3559, and that the Committee's 
     jurisdiction should not be adversely affected by your 
     decision to forego formal consideration of H.R. 3559. As you 
     have requested, I will support your request for an 
     appropriate appointment of outside conferees from your 
     committee in the event of a House-Senate conference on this 
     or similar legislation should such a conference be convened.
       Finally, I will include a copy of your letter and this 
     response in the Committee Report and in the Congressional 
     Record during the floor consideration of this bill. Thank you 
     again for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Frank D. Lucas,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and 
Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, introduced by T&I Committee 
Chair Graves, Aviation Subcommittee Chair Graves, Ranking Member Cohen, 
and myself.
  I extend my thanks to the chairman of the full committee, Sam Graves 
of Missouri, and the Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves of Louisiana, for 
their commitment to a bipartisan effort done in good faith to get this 
bill done that protects the flying public and secures the future of the 
U.S. aviation system.
  In my home State of Washington, the aviation sector is a powerful 
economic engine that creates good-paying jobs and supports local 
communities in the Pacific Northwest.
  This bill delivers for my constituents as well as for all Americans 
across the country. It advances American leadership in aviation safety 
and innovation, strengthens and diversifies our aviation workforce, 
expands consumer protections and accessibility, and fosters 
environmental sustainability in aviation.

                              {time}  1245

  Although the U.S. aviation system is the safest in the world, the 
last few years have shown there is still work to do. The rise in runway 
near misses at some U.S. airports expose a vulnerability for the flying 
public. This reauthorization will help prevent these events by 
expanding ground surveillance and detection capabilities to all large 
and medium hub U.S. airports.
  Further, unruly passengers continue to pose a threat to flight crews 
and other frontline workers. This bill better protects workers by 
creating a task force on preventing assaults against airline personnel 
and enforcing a requirement that airlines establish employee assault 
and response plans.
  Recent flight cancellations and delays have shaken the confidence of 
passengers in the U.S. aviation system. To get us back on the right 
course, this reauthorization requires airlines to create resiliency 
plans to address mass flight disruptions. It also takes steps to make 
passengers whole by requiring airlines to develop policies to cover 
food and hotel expenses due to flight disruptions.

[[Page H3709]]

  The bill also supports the administration's push for family seating 
by requiring airlines to establish policies allowing passengers to sit 
next to their young children if adjacent seats are available.
  For too long, passengers with disabilities have experienced 
inexcusable barriers in air travel from challenges with boarding the 
aircraft and inaccessible onboard lavatories, to damaged and mishandled 
wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  This bill paves the way for safer and more dignified air travel for 
this particular community by directing the DOT to create a roadmap for 
airlines to reduce damage to mobility aids and to improve training for 
airline personnel and contractors on assisting passengers with 
disabilities.
  Climate change is a growing threat to millions of Americans and the 
infrastructure we rely on. This bill makes groundbreaking investments 
in sustainability, increasing Federal funding for the Airport 
Improvement Program from $3.35 billion to $4 billion and dedicating a 
minimum of $150 million to airport environmental and noise programs.
  It also allows U.S. airports to use these funds for alternative fuel 
infrastructure and environmental resiliency projects and works to 
mitigate the impacts of aviation noise on local communities.
  It directs the FAA to review and revise Federal aviation noise 
standards and to seek feedback from neighboring communities as well. 
Furthermore, the bill requires the FAA to take certain actions to 
reduce undesirable aircraft noise when implementing or revising a 
flight procedure. These actions build the foundation for a cleaner 
future for our aviation ecosystem.
  To secure American leadership in aerospace innovation, we must 
provide a clear and predictable framework for emerging industries to 
scale safely while ensuring the needs of communities are addressed.
  From drones to electric or hydrogen-powered aircraft, advanced 
aviation technologies have clear economic and societal benefits.
  In Washington State, drones will soon be used to deliver critical 
medical supplies in the Tacoma area, helping to reduce barriers to care 
for patients. This reauthorization also requires the FAA to issue 
proposed rules for drones to safely scale in this country, providing 
regulatory certainty to a growing sector, ensuring their safe 
integration into our skies, and creating U.S. jobs.
  It will also help State, local, and Tribal governments acquire drones 
for infrastructure inspection and repair to help workers do their jobs 
more safely. It also extends a program that I championed to fund State 
and community efforts to plan for a future with advanced air mobility 
operations and infrastructure.
  Our talented and dedicated U.S. workforce is the backbone of American 
aviation and makes the Nation's leadership in aviation safety and 
innovation possible.
  This reauthorization is a jobs bill. It helps build the economy from 
the middle out and bottom up and diversifies the aviation workforce, 
recognizing how critical that effort is to our Nation's long-term 
economic success.
  It makes robust investments in the FAA's aviation workforce 
development program to upskill the next generation of pilots, 
maintenance technicians, manufacturing workers, and other critical 
professions.
  This will help local businesses, like Aviation Technical Services in 
Everett, Washington, to expand their apprenticeship and training 
programs and compete in the rapidly evolving global aviation sector.
  The bill also creates the Willa Brown Aviation Education Program and 
establishes a National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace to 
support and promote aviation workforce development opportunities for 
everyone.
  Crucially, it requires the FAA to hire the maximum number of air 
traffic controllers, as well as to adopt the most appropriate 
controller staffing model to meet growing airspace needs.
  I will spend my final bit of comments on the Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprise program. This bill also reaffirms and strengthens the U.S. 
Department of Transportation's DBE program. As we increase investment 
under this bill and dedicate Federal dollars to airport projects, it is 
imperative that we ensure the process of awarding Federal 
transportation contract dollars allows for full participation on a 
level playing field by minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
  The committee has accumulated evidence attesting to systemic 
discrimination that women and minorities face in attempts to establish, 
grow, and operate construction businesses, including those seeking 
contracts for airport construction projects and airport concessions 
across the country.
  This evidence includes testimony at a hearing titled: ``Driving 
Equity: The U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprise Program'' held on September 23, 2020, since the passage 
of the last bill.

  We have received and reviewed disparity studies, testimony, and other 
evidence, including statistical analyses containing numerous disparity 
studies conducted since 2018, the Department of Justice ``Report on 
Lawful Uses of Race or Sex in Federal Contracting Programs,'' and the 
DOT's own report on DBE goal attainment. These studies and reports 
continue to demonstrate that race- and gender-neutral efforts alone are 
insufficient to address the problem.
  The evidence demonstrates that discrimination across the U.S. poses 
an injurious and enduring barrier to full and fair participation in 
airport-related businesses of women businessowners and minority 
businessowners and has negatively affected firm formation, development 
and success in many aspects of airport-related businesses in public and 
private markets.
  The evidence provides a clear picture of the inequality caused by 
this discrimination that continues to plague our Nation and a strong 
basis that there is a compelling need for the continuation of the 
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program to address race and gender 
discrimination in airport-related businesses.
  Mr. Chair, I include in the Record 65 studies and reports spanning 
communities in 25 States showing significant disparity between the use 
of DBE and non-DBE subcontractors. The full text of each report is held 
on file electronically with the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure.

                            [July 19, 2023]

       Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record evidence received by 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the 
     compelling need for the continuation of the Disadvantaged 
     Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
       This statistical evidence includes 64 disparity studies 
     conducted in 25 states since 2018, showing significant 
     disparities between the use of DBE and non-DBE subcontractors 
     in publicly financed, airport-related construction and 
     concession contracting and in publicly financed, non-airport 
     construction contracting that involves many of the same types 
     of subcontracting opportunities available on airport 
     projects.
       The submission also includes reports prepared for and by 
     the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department 
     of Commerce, including a report analyzing over 200 disparity 
     studies produced by state and local government agencies 
     between 2010 and 2021 and other evidence related to 
     disparities faced by minority business enterprises in public 
     and private contracting markets; and DOJ's 2022 survey of 
     evidence documenting the compelling interest to remedy the 
     effects of discrimination in government contracting.
       This evidence demonstrates a strong basis that there is a 
     compelling need for the continuation of the Disadvantaged 
     Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged 
     Business Enterprise programs to address race and gender 
     discrimination in airport-related business.
       The full text of each study and report is held on file 
     electronically with the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure.


                                 Alaska

       Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Study, Alaska Department 
     of Transportation and Public Facilities, Final Report and 
     Final Appendices, Prepared by MGT Consulting Group (2020).


                                Arizona

       Arizona Department of Transportation 2020 Disparity Study, 
     Final Report, Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC 
     (2020).


                               California

       2022 Caltrans FTA Disparity Study, California Department of 
     Transportation, Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2022).
       Availability and Disparity Study Report 2021, California 
     Department of Transportation, Prepared by BBC Research & 
     Consulting (2021).
       North County Transit District 2022 Disparity Study Final 
     Report, Prepared by Keen Independent Research (2022).

[[Page H3710]]

       2020 Disparity Study, City of San Diego, Prepared by BBC 
     Research & Consulting (2020).


                                Colorado

       2020 State of Colorado Disparity Study, Final Report, 
     Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC (2020).
       2018 Disparity Study, City and County of Denver, Final 
     Report, Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2018).


                                Delaware

       2022 Disparity Study, State of Delaware, Prepared by MGT 
     Consulting (2022).
       New Castle County, DE 2022 Public Works Procurement 
     Disparity Study Final Report, Prepared by Keen Independent 
     Research LLC (2022).


                                Florida

       City of St. Petersburg Disparity Study Final Report, 
     Prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. (2021).
       2019 Disparity Study, City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and 
     Blueprint, Prepared by MGT Consulting Group (2019).


                                 Hawaii

       Hawaii Department of Transportation 2019 Availability and 
     Disparity Study, Final Availability and Disparity Study 
     Report, Prepared by Keen Independent Research (2019).


                                Illinois

       City of Chicago Disparity Study for Construction Contracts 
     2021, Prepared by Colette Holt & Associates (2021).
       Chicago Transit Authority Disparity Study 2019, Prepared by 
     Colette Holt & Associates (2019).


                                Indiana

       2019 Disparity Study, City of Indianapolis and Marion 
     County, Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2019).
       City of South Bend Disparity Study, Prepared by Colette 
     Holt & Associates (2019).
       2020 Disparity Study, State of Indiana Final Report, 
     Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2020).


                                Kentucky

       2022 Disparity Study, Lexington-Fayette Urban County 
     Government Final Report, Prepared by BBC Research & 
     Consulting (2022).
       Louisville & Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District 
     Disparity Study, Final Report, Prepared by Mason Tillman 
     Associates, Ltd. (2018).


                               Louisiana

       City of Alexandria LA Disparity Study, Final Report, 
     Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC (2022).
       City of Baton Rouge, Parish of East Baton Rouge Disparity 
     Study, Final Report, Prepared by Keen Independent Research 
     LLC (2019).
       2018 City of New Orleans Disparity Study, Final Report, 
     Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC (2018).
       Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton 
     Rouge Disparity Study, Final Report, Prepared by Keen 
     Independent Research LLC (2019).


                                Maryland

       City of Frederick Disparity Study Report, Prepared by 
     Griffin & Strong P.C. (2021).
       Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Disparity Study: Volume I 
     and Volume II, Prepared for the Maryland Department of 
     Transportation by NERA Economic Consulting (2018).
       Baltimore County Disparity Study, Final Report, Prepared by 
     Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd (2021).
       Charles County, MD 2021 Disparity Study, Prepared by 
     Griffin & Strong P.C. (2021).
       City of Baltimore 2022 Disparity Study, Final Report and 
     Appendices, Prepared by MGT Consulting Group (2022).


                             Massachusetts

       2020 Disparity Study, City of Boston, Prepared by BBC 
     Research & Consulting (2020).


                                Missouri

       Missouri Department of Transportation 2019 DBE Availability 
     Study Final Report, Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC 
     (2019).
       2019 City of Kansas City Construction Workforce Disparity 
     Study, Prepared by Keen Independent Research LLC (2019).


                                Montana

       2022 Montana Department of Transportation Disparity Study, 
     Final Report, BBC Research & Consulting (2022).


                                New York

       City of New York Disparity Study, Prepared by MGT 
     Consulting Group (2018).


                             North Carolina

       2018 Disparity Study, City of Asheville, North Carolina, 
     Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2018).
       Greensboro, North Carolina Disparity Study Final Report, 
     Prepared by Griffin & Strong P.C. (2018).
       State of North Carolina, Department of Administration 
     Disparity Study Report Volume 1 (State Agencies), Prepared by 
     Griffin & Strong P.C. (2020).
       State of North Carolina, Department of Administration 
     Disparity Study Report Volume 2 (Community Colleges & 
     Universities), Prepared by Griffin & Strong P.C. (2021).


                                  Ohio

       City of Columbus Disparity Study Final Report, Prepared by 
     Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. (2019).
       2022 Disparity Study, Hamilton County Final Report, 
     Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2022).
       Cuyahoga County, Ohio Disparity Study Report, Prepared by 
     Griffin & Strong P.C. (2020).


                                 Oregon

       Department of Aviation, Oregon Statewide DBE Disparity 
     Study, Prepared by Keen Independent Research (2021).
       The Port of Portland Small Business Program Disparity Study 
     2018, Prepared by Colette Holt & Associates (2018).
       Oregon Department of Transportation 2019 DBE Disparity 
     Study Update, Final Report, Prepared by Keen Independent 
     Research LLC (2019).


                              Pennsylvania

       Annual Disparity Study Fiscal Year 2019, Prepared by City 
     of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity (2019).
       2018 Disparity Study, Pennsylvania Department of 
     Transportation, Prepared by BBC Research & Consulting (2018).
       Annual Disparity Study Fiscal Year 2018, Prepared by City 
     of Philadelphia Office of Economic Opportunity (2018).
       2018 Disparity Study, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
     Department of General Services, Prepared by BBC Research & 
     Consulting (2018).


                              Rhode Island

       Disparity Study, Final Report, State of Rhode Island, 
     Prepared by Mason Tillman Associates, Ltd. (2021).


                               Tennessee

       Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Disparity Study 
     2022, Prepared by Colette Holt & Associates (2022).
       Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Disparity Study 
     Final Report, Prepared by Griffin & Strong P.C. (2020)
       City of Chattanooga, Tennessee 2019 Disparity Study, Final 
     Report, Prepared by Griffin & Strong P.C. (2019).
       Metro Nashville Tennessee Disparity Study Final Report, 
     Prepared by Griffin & Strong P.C. (2018)


                                 Texas

       City of Austin Disparity Study Report 2022, Prepared by 
     Colette Holt & Associates (2022).
       Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Disparity Study 
     2019, Prepared by Colette Holt & Associates (2019).
       City of Fort Worth, Texas Disparity Study, Prepared by CH 
     Advisors Inc. (2020).
       Texas Department of Transportation Disparity Study 2019, 
     Prepared by Colette Holt & Associates (2019).
       Availability and Disparity Study, City of Dallas, Texas, 
     Prepared by MGT Consulting Group (2020).


                                Virginia

       2020 Disparity Study, Commonwealth of Virginia, Prepared by 
     BBC Research & Consulting (2020).
       2018 Disparity Study, City of Virginia Beach, Prepared by 
     BBC Research & Consulting (2018).


                               Washington

       Port of Seattle Disparity Study 2019, Prepared by Colette 
     Holt & Associates (2019).
       Washington State Airports Disparity Study 2019, Prepared by 
     Colette Holt & Associates (2019).
       City of Tacoma, Disparity Study, Final Report, Prepared by 
     Griffin & Strong P.C. (2018).
       State of Washington Disparity Study 2019, Prepared by 
     Colette Holt & Associates (2019).


                               Nationwide

       The Compelling Interest to Remedy the Effects of 
     Discrimination in Federal Contracting: A Survey of Recent 
     Evidence, U.S. Department of Justice (2022). [See also FR 
     Doc. 2022-01478]
       Jon Wainwright, Report of Defendant's Expert, submitted in 
     Ultima Services Corp. v. Dept. of Agriculture, Case No. 2:20-
     CV-00041.
       Update to the Assessment of Contracting Outcomes for Small 
     Disadvantaged Businesses, Prepared by the Minority Business 
     Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce (2022).

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership 
in American Aviation Act is a long-term, comprehensive, and bipartisan 
reauthorization that cements a safer, cleaner, greener, more innovative 
and accessible future for the U.S. aviation system.
  I will end my opening comments by again thanking Chair Sam Graves and 
Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves for making sure that they are reaching 
out to the Democratic side of the aisle to ensure that we could have a 
bipartisan and collaborative bill put together. I thank Subcommittee 
Ranking Member Cohen for his leadership as ranking member of the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, and for all of the staff for their hard work, 
as well.
  Particularly, I thank the minority staff of the Subcommittee on 
Aviation: staff director, Brian Bell; professional staff, Alex Menardy; 
counsel, Adam Weiss; and our FAA detailee, Liz Forro, for the hard work 
and the countless hours they have spent crafting this legislation with 
their majority counterparts.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman

[[Page H3711]]

from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), the chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation.
  Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Chairman, this legislation reflects the 
input of Members of Congress, of the flying public, and stakeholders to 
the tune of over 2,000 unique submissions that we processed, that we 
put together. Ultimately, it yields a bill that is in excess of 840 
pages.
  This legislation is the result of hundreds of meetings and dozens of 
hearings dating back years. Most importantly, Mr. Chairman, this 
legislation passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee with unanimous bipartisan support.
  This legislation takes important steps in ensuring that we have 
continuity and consistency within the FAA. It makes fundamental 
organizational changes, taking a 1970s organization and updating it for 
today. It establishes a deputy administrator for safety and operations, 
and an assistant administrator for rulemaking and regulatory 
improvement. It establishes an Office of Innovation, an FAA ombudsman, 
and many other important changes in the organizational structure of 
this antiquated and slow-moving agency.
  Mr. Chairman, this legislation is focused on the passenger 
experience. You can imagine these families traveling and going to 
satellite parking lots, taking shuttles to airports, trying to check in 
bags, trying to go through security, dealing with concessionaires at 
the airport, getting on the airplane, and on the back side, effectively 
doing it all over again at your destination airport.
  We have to have someone who looks at this entire process to ensure 
that it is consistent, that it is complementary, that it is 
streamlined. This bill does just that: improving upon that passenger 
experience; ensuring that we are deploying the best technology, the 
most updated technology, as quickly as possible; pulling back the veil 
on air traffic control and other operations that often result in a 
negative or adverse passenger experience.
  Mr. Chairman, this legislation addresses many of the very concerns 
that we hear from the flying public. We have areas where we have 
shortages in personnel on the government side or on the private sector 
side, as the ranking member noted.
  We ensure that we incentivize new entrants into this growing 
workforce, to make sure that we have the pilots, the air traffic 
controllers, the A&P mechanics, those that are operating new entrants 
into the market, to ensure that that customer experience is positive.
  Mr. Chairman, this legislation also takes significant advances in an 
area I care a lot about--new entrants into the market. The FAA was 
really established or set up for a scenario when we had a few airplanes 
per week that were coming off assembly lines. Now, we are facing a 
scenario where you are going to have thousands and thousands of 
unmanned systems that are coming out on a weekly basis. We have to make 
sure that our regulatory and our statutory environment is one that 
actually facilitates these new entrants in the market.
  Title 7 facilitates these new technologies, everything from allowing 
for drones to be used for delivery, making decisions on beyond visual 
line-of-sight, ensuring that we are operating a risk-based framework 
for safety.
  It codifies the part 107 waiver process to ensure that we are 
standardizing the waiver process and provides transparency. It ensures 
the designation of critical infrastructure related to drones--something 
that should have been done, I want to remind my FAA friends, in 2016--
and establishes a mandate for that action.
  It helps to streamline the environmental process. It clarifies and 
eliminates burdensome rules regarding the delivery of certain products. 
It allows for unmanned systems to be used for wildfires, and it 
includes the DIIG Act for infrastructure inspections.
  In the advanced air mobility space, it creates certainty for eVTOL, 
electric vertical takeoff and landing equipment. It ensures that the 
process, the notice of the proposed rulemaking that is going through, 
is completed and provides certainty moving forward.
  Mr. Chairman, I am not going to go through everything in this 841-
page bill, but I do want to make note that the leader of this bill, the 
leader of this committee, Sam Graves, is the most knowledgeable 
aviation expert that has ever led this committee. His hand was involved 
in every page of this legislation. We would not have this great bill 
without his leadership, without the leadership of our ranking member, 
Rick Larsen, who represents a large manufacturing and innovation 
community, and our ranking member,   Steve Cohen, who represents one of 
the largest cargo logistics hubs in the world.
  I have flown before, so I thank all of the leaders of the committee. 
I also want to give a shout-out to all the staff. I will go through and 
name them in a little while.
  Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this bill.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, firstly, I would like to go ahead and extend to 
all the leadership that produced this bill my thanks: Chairman Sam 
Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves, 
our self-professed passenger.
  This is an outstanding, bipartisan bill. It is what the American 
public wants, what it needs, and we need to pass this.
  If the House Committee on Transportation was a microcosm of Congress, 
we would have the highest ratings Congress has ever seen. We worked 
together on this bill.
  As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I appreciate 
the opportunity to work with this leadership team and the whole 
committee and the staff to produce this bipartisan bill, which we hope 
we can pass by the September deadline.
  The legislation is vital in the continuity of the U.S. aviation 
industry. It helps ensure aviation safety, infrastructure, and 
workforce development programs remain top priorities at such a critical 
juncture.
  Our Nation is bound together by aviation, business and passenger, as 
well. This legislation addresses several key priorities of mine: 
improving airport infrastructure investments; enhancing aviation 
safety; protecting consumers, especially those with disabilities; 
addressing environmental resiliency; ensuring the safe operation and 
integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility 
aircraft; and improving the development of the U.S. aviation workforce, 
especially in minority communities.

                              {time}  1300

  I am especially pleased to see several of my amendments included 
herein. There is language to assist airports that faced financial 
adversity due to reclassification from small to medium hubs, including 
the Memphis International Airport.
  There are provisions from the Safe Aviation Flight Enhancement Act 
that was introduced with my friend from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett) to 
address flight data recovery for aircraft used in extended overwater 
operations and cockpit voice recorders.
  There is language developed with Senator Blumenthal directing the FAA 
to complete its rulemaking on a minimum seat size, as mandated by our 
SEAT Act from the 2018 FAA reauthorization law.
  There is language developed with Senator Lujan regarding aircraft 
cabin temperature standards.
  There are provisions from the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin 
Act that was introduced with Senator Duckworth to improve Federal 
evacuation standards.
  The Mobility Aids on Board Improve Lives and Empower All Act that I 
introduced with Representative Stauber and Senators Duckworth and Thune 
would improve air travel for passengers with disabilities, notably 
passengers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
  The Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation 
Consumers Act that I introduced with Representative Fitzpatrick and 
Senators Duckworth and Fischer is on disabilities, as well.
  As you can see, I work with folks from both sides of the aisle and 
both Houses. That is what we needed to do, and that is why this bill is 
good and why it is going to pass.
  Mr. Chair, the bill also addresses consumer concerns relating to 
reimbursements when there are significant

[[Page H3712]]

delays or canceled flights, family seating, and airport infrastructure 
resiliency as well as airline operational resiliency plans.
  All of the above are steps in the right direction to not only protect 
and accommodate passengers with equity in mind but also to ensure the 
longevity of the U.S. aviation industry.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the 
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), the chairman of the Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee.
  Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Graves and Ranking Member Larsen 
for putting together a solid bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Federal 
Aviation Administration.
  I am here to discuss how this legislation addresses FAA's research, 
development, and engineering activities that are within the 
jurisdiction of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
  Our role in the FAA reauthorization is to inform the process by 
crafting legislation that supports R&D to advance American aviation. 
Our goal with the bill was to support smart, strategic work to promote 
innovation and keep America the global leader in aviation. That 
leadership is critical to our national security and our international 
competitiveness.
  For our economy to thrive, we need the ability to transport people 
and goods quickly, safely, and efficiently. Staying competitive means 
staying at the leading edge of aviation innovation.
  With that in mind, last month, the Science, Space, and Technology 
Committee unanimously passed H.R. 3559, the FAA Research and 
Development Act of 2023. That bill, which has been incorporated into 
the legislation before us today, is the product of months of work 
within regular order.
  We gathered extensive feedback and held a legislative hearing to give 
our members a chance to directly question stakeholders, industry, and 
FAA representatives on how best to support innovation and modernization 
in American aviation.
  The result is comprehensive legislation that quite literally supports 
aviation from the ground up, from the durability of our runways to how 
we monitor traffic over oceans and remote areas. It accelerates the 
development of advanced materials for aerospace vehicle construction 
and supports research into how more accurately to predict the weather 
to reduce delays and increase safety.
  Importantly, it ensures that safety continues to be the primary focus 
of FAA research and development by requiring a report on whether at 
least 70 percent of FAA R&D funds are going toward improved safety.
  In short, we have put together a solid framework to support FAA's 
research work, one that is appropriately tailored to FAA's jurisdiction 
and strengths.
  With this legislation, we are ensuring that America remains the 
global leader in aviation for years to come.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren for working with me in 
good faith to develop the R&D portion of this legislation. I thank 
Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen for incorporating our work 
into this package.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and 
co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, I 
support the FAA reauthorization bill that passed unanimously out of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee just weeks ago. It includes 
provisions that will benefit all the airports in Nevada's First 
District, and it will remove regulatory hurdles for drones so they can 
be used commercially, for search and rescue, and for fire detection and 
suppression.
  Furthermore, my district, which is one of the world's top travel 
destinations, welcomes visitors from all backgrounds and abilities. I 
am proud to say that this bill includes provisions from the Air Carrier 
Access Amendments Act. This was an act previously introduced by my good 
friend, former Representative Jim Langevin. It will protect the rights 
of disabled passengers by establishing aircraft accessibility standards 
and setting a timeline for DOT to investigate and respond to 
disability-related complaints.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation 
Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen, and Chairman Graves for their hard 
work and cooperation on this bill, as well as Chairman Van Drew, the 
Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the airlines for their collaboration 
on the disability provisions.

  Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this bill.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito).
  Mr. D'ESPOSITO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of the 
bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization plan that is 
currently being advanced through this House.
  This sweeping package, outlined in H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and 
Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, will ensure the FAA has the 
tools necessary to safeguard air travel throughout the United States 
and support our Nation's extensive air-based logistics networks.
  As a New Yorker, I understand the importance of the FAA to our 
State's vast network of airports and how intertwined our economic 
success is to the free flow of goods via air travel. That is why, as a 
member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I 
have been working tirelessly to ensure my Long Island neighbors saw 
palpable benefits in the FAA reauthorization package and that the plan 
protected local jobs on Long Island.
  Chief among my priorities that is included in the present plan is 
preserving scores of air traffic controller jobs at the FAA's N90 
TRACON facility located within my congressional district. I am proud 
that these good-paying, union jobs will be preserved on Long Island and 
will not be moved to other States, as was previously planned.
  Not only are we preserving jobs, but this bipartisan plan includes 
provisions I have been advocating for that support the aviation 
workforce. This legislation includes important language from the 
Aviation Workforce Development Act, of which I am a cosponsor, as well 
as a provision for air traffic controller mandatory staffing targets. 
Providing the tools and manpower to our air traffic controllers to help 
them do their jobs will prevent flight delays and enhance the 
reliability of air travel within the United States.
  This bill also includes noise abatement strategies for communities 
near airports, a request of mine and the constituents who I represent.
  The team that has been working on this crucial legislation has made 
security of air travel a priority and included several provisions under 
that front. Two that I have personally been advocating for include 
``Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and surface safety 
risks,'' as well as provisions that support the implementation of 
secondary cockpit barriers to protect pilots.
  Mr. Chair, the list goes on. I am proud that included in this package 
is the language from a bill I introduced to promote domestic drone 
production here in the United States. This is a key legislative 
priority of mine that will create American manufacturing jobs and 
decouple the drone industry from our adversaries like China.
  In addition to all of these great inclusions in the bill is a 
sweeping set of proposals intended to support the passenger experience, 
improve airport infrastructure across the country, and address 
environmental concerns, including implementing noise abatement 
strategies for communities near airports.
  The FAA reauthorization plan is a win for the United States of 
America, a win for Americans, a win for New Yorkers, and a win for 
those who call Long Island home. It is also a win for those who rely on 
air travel throughout this country.
  Mr. Chair, I am proud of this plan, and I urge all of my colleagues 
to unite behind it.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stanton).
  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Chairman, Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen 
are a great model of bipartisanship that we can learn a lot from in 
this institution. I thank them for their

[[Page H3713]]

leadership in crafting a strong, bipartisan FAA bill.
  Air travel can be stressful, but for those with disabilities, it can 
be a nightmare. It is the only mode of public transportation that 
requires one to surrender their mobility devices before boarding and to 
place their trust in others to get safely to their seats.
  This bill takes meaningful steps--many I was proud to help lead on--
to improve the flying experience for passengers with disabilities, 
including our disabled veterans.
  It directs the Department of Transportation to gather data on 
disability-related complaints and make meaningful improvements based on 
that data.
  It improves training for employees that assist passengers with 
boarding and deplaning, as well as those who handle mobility devices.
  It requires airlines to issue refunds to those who are unable to 
travel when their wheelchair cannot be physically accommodated.
  Finally, it includes my amendment to make sure passengers traveling 
with a personal care attendant are not charged extra for seating 
accommodations.
  Mr. Chair, we still have a long way to go before air travel is fully 
accessible, but the steps we have taken in this bill are commonsense, 
necessary fixes that make significant progress.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro).
  Mr. MOLINARO. Mr. Chairman, I extend my thanks and appreciation to 
Chairman Sam Graves, the Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves, 
and Ranking Member Larsen for bringing together, through hearings, 
countless meetings, and 2 days of markup, a tremendous bipartisan piece 
of legislation meant to improve American aviation and grow American 
jobs.
  I am grateful that there are nine of my legislative priorities found 
within the bill, and I will identify just a couple.

  The Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act, which I was 
proud to lead, ensures those with disabilities who need special 
accommodations will receive them. Too often, those with disabilities 
and their special accommodations are ignored. This bill will ensure 
that right is protected.
  Another bill that is included is the Future of Aviation Act, which 
allows public airports that receive AIP funds to use those moneys on 
infrastructure for the use of advanced air mobility, including eVTOLs, 
electric aircraft charging, and further building out airport 
infrastructure.
  The future of aviation is upon us, and aviation, as we know, is 
quickly evolving. Having overseen one of New York's busiest general 
airports and now representing several regional airports within my 
district, advanced air mobility will help reconnect rural communities, 
reinvigorate tourism, improve ease of movement from rural to urban 
areas, and enhance quicker transportation of goods and people.
  Lastly, I will mention the AIR Act. This bill raises the grant 
funding for workforce development programs for pilots, aircraft 
mechanics, and more. This reauthorization bill includes $45 million a 
year for these grants, a major increase to the current funding level, 
and will ensure the next generation of workers in the aviation industry 
are well prepared.
  Mr. Chair, for this and many other reasons, I urge my colleagues to 
support this bill. It is a great example of the bipartisan work that 
can be achieved here, and I am grateful to Chairman Graves for his 
leadership.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez).
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Larsen and 
Chairman Graves for their leadership on this bill.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise today to discuss the Securing Growth and Robust 
Leadership in American Aviation Act and the positive impact it will 
have on air transportation for both consumers and workers in the 
aviation industry.
  Over the past few months, I have worked alongside my colleagues on 
the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to develop a strong, 
bipartisan bill that delivers for all Americans. That is exactly what 
this legislation does.
  Under this bill, airlines will be required to develop policies to 
reimburse consumers for hotel and meal costs when a flight is canceled 
or significantly delayed.
  Passengers living with disabilities will be treated with the dignity 
they deserve, thanks to the Department of Transportation's creation of 
a roadmap to better accommodate wheelchairs onboard planes and to 
reduce damage to mobility aids.
  Future airline pilots, technical workers, and airline manufacturing 
workers will come from communities that have been historically 
underrepresented in the aviation industry, with $9 million in funding 
for recruitment and retainment efforts for these good-paying, highly 
skilled jobs.

                              {time}  1315

  Families will have an easier flying experience with airlines being 
required to allow parents to sit next to their young children.
  I am also pleased that important provisions of my bill, the Airline 
Employee Assault Prevention Act, were included in this FAA 
reauthorization, ensuring a continued focus on protecting airline 
workers from assault and harassment.
  This legislation reflects the voices of our residents who have long 
been burdened with flight delays, with unjust treatment of passengers 
with disabilities, and with conditions that have made flying more 
challenging for families.
  Mr. Chair, I proudly support this bill, I look forward to voting for 
it on the floor, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in doing 
so.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman).
  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Graves for his 
leadership. This is not an easy bill that is done every day, and it is 
something that is essential to the safety and security of our country 
as well as the advancement of all the good economic policies that we 
have.
  Mr. Chairman, as one of the only two commercial pilots in Congress 
with three-plus decades in the air, I understand very personally the 
importance of having a strong FAA reauthorization bill.
  While this bill makes critical investments that benefit the flying 
public and aviators alike, I have significant concerns about several 
amendments made in order by the Rules Committee, especially one aimed 
squarely at Michigan's First District and other rural areas that 
eliminate the Essential Air Service, and I implore all Members to 
oppose McClintock amendment No. 62.
  However, what was left out of the bill is far more concerning than 
what was put into it.
  My amendment, which has broad bipartisan support, would simply allow 
for a debate and vote on a critically important topic regarding 
unproductive pilot retirement age changes in the underlying bill.
  However, the powers that be pulled out all the stops to silence 
dissent and shield the American public from a debate they know they 
can't win.
  For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I will be voting ``no'' on H.R. 
3935.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Auchincloss).
  Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chair, I extend my appreciation to Chairman 
Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Graves, 
and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Cohen for their work in 
crafting a robust bipartisan bill in committee. I am pleased that my 
language supporting airports' efforts to better manage their curb 
spaces was included in the bill.
  Curb management practices such as remote enforcement using sensors 
and cameras can reduce traffic at pickup and drop-off areas and improve 
travelers' airport experiences.
  Currently, though, curb management is in a regulatory gray area 
leading to uncertainty for airports and vendors that are trying to 
reduce traffic, unsafe vehicular maneuvers as the flying public arrives 
at their terminals, and stress for all involved.

[[Page H3714]]

  My provision would provide clarity and flexibility for airports' 
landside operations by making clear that there is no Federal regulation 
preventing airports from managing their curbs. This language would not 
impact any State or local restrictions, nor would it require airports 
to do anything at all. It simply creates legal clarity.
  In addition to helping large and medium-size airports improve safety, 
passenger experience, and queuing times in increasingly crowded and 
multi-modal drop-off and pickup areas, cutting-edge curbside management 
can serve as a demonstration project to adjacent cities and towns that 
are wrestling with how to unlock better curbside use for delivery, 
micromobility, rideshare, parking, and outdoor dining and recreation.
  Again, I thank the chairman and ranking member for their work 
including this provision.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).
  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding me some 
time to speak on this very good piece of legislation.
  Mr. Chair, as a member of the Science Committee, the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee, and the Aviation Subcommittee since I got 
here in January, we have spent countless hours visiting with 
stakeholders, manufacturers, and visiting airports to get a good feel 
and learn more about this. I must say that I probably still don't know 
one-tenth of what the chairman, the ranking member, or Chairman Lucas 
knows about this subject.
  Mr. Chair, since the Wright brothers took their first flight, America 
has been the world's pioneer in the skies. That is why I rise in strong 
support of the FAA reauthorization bill that is before us today because 
it will build on that legacy.
  Today, we will vote to provide much-needed long-term stability to our 
Nation's aviation system and ensure that our skies remain the safest in 
the world.
  With this legislation, we will improve efficiency at the FAA and 
invest in our critical infrastructure, including regional and local 
airports. We will pave the way for new technologies and ensure that the 
FAA is ready to certify innovations like hypersonic aircraft. We will 
also strengthen our general aviation community, which is a key part of 
our Nation's economy and identity, and we will take steps to grow our 
aviation workforce and ensure our airlines can meet the needs of the 
traveling public and improve the passenger experience.
  Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen 
for their leadership. I also thank their incredible staffs, and I urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Hoyle.)
  Ms. HOYLE of Oregon. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the 
bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill.
  This legislation includes the bipartisan AIR PUMP Act, which I 
introduced earlier this year alongside Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.
  Our legislation would require the FAA to issue guidance to air 
carriers on providing protections for flight crews to pump breast milk 
during noncritical phases of flights.
  All workers deserve the right to pump breast milk in the workplace, 
including flight attendants and pilots. Currently, they are the only 
workers who do not have this protection.
  Flight crew workers should be able to have reasonable break times to 
pump. They should also have a designated place that is shielded from 
view and free from interference. This bill also ensures that the FAA's 
pumping guidance will not incur significant costs for air carriers. It 
helps increase the diversity of the workforce and ensures working 
mothers have needed flexibility.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank T&I Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick 
Larsen for their support of the AIR PUMP Act and their bipartisan 
approach to the FAA reauthorization bill.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Sykes).
  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the 
Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, more 
commonly known as the FAA authorization.
  My home State of Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation, and H.R. 3935 will 
ensure Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be a pioneer in 
the aviation and aerospace industry.
  H.R. 3935 invests billions into airports large and small, including 
Akron-Canton Airport in my district and the Kent State University 
Airport in my district, to keep our skies safe and to make our aviation 
infrastructure cleaner and greener.
  Notably, this bill includes important provisions that I supported for 
advancement of a remote tower program in Ohio. The remote tower program 
will improve traffic control for aircraft that utilize smaller 
airports, generating economic development and safer air spaces.
  Not only that, but the Ohio remote tower program will also support 
the research and development of Advanced Air Mobility applications, 
cutting-edge technology which has the potential to change how people 
travel from small communities, how healthcare services can be delivered 
to critical areas of need, and to offer a more sustainable mode of 
transportation.
  Finally, this legislation supports the hiring of 15 additional rail 
investigators. That is important to northeast Ohio. As we all know, the 
train derailment in East Palestine has devastated our community, but 
train derailments have devastated communities across the country. This 
amendment allows for more timely and more thoughtful accident reports 
being reported to Congress so that we can act accordingly.
  H.R. 3935 improves the health, safety, and well-being standards of 
aviation, both on the ground and in the air. The bill also protects 
consumer rights and improves accessibility so all people in Ohio's 13th 
District can travel with safety and dignity.
  Once again, Mr. Chair, I am proud to support this legislation.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten).
  Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Chairman, it is exciting to play a role in crafting 
legislation as impactful as reauthorizing the FAA, especially as a 
freshman legislator. I came to Congress to deliver for the people of 
west Michigan, and this robust bipartisan bill will do just that.
  Two specific provisions in this bill will be especially beneficial 
for my district. Michigan's Third District includes the Gerald R. Ford 
International Airport, the second busiest airport in the State and one 
of the busiest airports in the entire country.
  The airport's aging air traffic control tower is preventing needed 
expansion. It is the oldest tower among any of the top 75 largest 
airports and does not meet the security requirements or operational 
necessities found in more modern towers.
  This bill includes provisions which direct FAA to specifically 
consider old towers at airports like GRR when selecting projects for 
replacement and increasing transparency around the process the FAA uses 
when deciding which towers need to be upgraded. These policies will 
help GRR forge a path forward to ensure the airport can meet the needs 
of the region.

  Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for working 
with me to include these critical priorities for my district and other 
similarly situated airports around the country, and I urge the passage 
of this bill.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Chair.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Sorensen).
  Mr. SORENSEN. Mr. Chair, our regional airports are vital for 
connecting Americans and strengthening local economies. I represent a 
district with four such airports, including the fastest growing air 
cargo airport in the Nation. I am thrilled that this year's FAA 
reauthorization provides resources for small and large airports alike.
  Unfortunately, this bill is not perfect. It includes a shortsighted 
provision to raise the pilot retirement age. It also doesn't go far 
enough to support our aerospace workers.

[[Page H3715]]

  This year, the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee heard from Collins 
Aerospace located in my hometown of Rockford, Illinois. They emphasized 
the importance of R&D funding right at home, but because of R&D 
disinvestment, many companies are looking to European countries for R&D 
opportunities.
  When American companies go overseas to do their research, it means 
jobs and talent go away. Our best and brightest in Illinois are ready 
to bring humans to new heights. We in Congress must provide them with 
the flexibility and resources to succeed.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. DeSaulnier).
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I will also thank and say how grateful I am for the leadership of 
Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen on this comprehensive and 
thoughtful bipartisan reauthorization.
  Many of the priorities that I have authored made it into the bill, 
including several provisions from my Safe Landings Act, like 
identifying the need for airport surface surveillance and safety 
systems and requiring data analysis of safety incidents.
  I am also very appreciative that the amendment I spent a lot of time 
on will be considered. I worked with pilots and other safety experts, 
including a constituent and good friend, Captain ``Sully'' 
Sullenberger, the skilled pilot who safely navigated the landing on the 
Hudson River and a long-time advocate and expert for aviation safety 
who helped me with this amendment and strongly supports the proposal. 
This amendment creates a Task Force on Human Factors in Aviation 
Safety.
  We know as technology changes--and the near miss that got me involved 
in more of the aviation issues at SFO some years ago where we came 
within 59 feet of having the largest aviation disaster in American 
history--we are making sure that we are training the pilots in a way 
that keeps them consistent with technology, and the great research on 
neuroscience and human factors that is getting better all the time, 
that we are using that to make sure that humans are integrated with the 
latest technology.
  The NTSB identified that human factors, specifically pilot fatigue, 
have played roles in that 2017 incident and many near misses, so it is 
important that this work gets done.
  The aviation safety system will continue to be safe and amongst the 
safest in the world if we continue to make sure that it is updated and 
doesn't rest on its well-deserved laurels in the past.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. LaLota). The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 30 
seconds to the gentleman from California.
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, these decisions in this reauthorization 
will help provide that, and I thank the leadership for the extended 
time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman very much for 
yielding time. Let me first say that the administration 
enthusiastically supports the work of Chairman Graves and Ranking 
Member Larsen for the great work that they have done.
  This is good for America. This is good for Houston, Texas, and it is 
good for Texas. I have two airports in the region, including Hobby 
International Airport and Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Ellington 
Field that see some commercial flights.
  It is good that we will get between $3.35 billion and $4 billion to 
help in the airport funding program of which I saw about 40 to 80 
million come to our Bush Intercontinental Airport in the last couple of 
weeks.
  It is important to have the flexibility to deal with environmental 
issues, and, of course, it is extremely important to have a $45 million 
training program for a pipeline for pilots, aviation maintenance, and 
aviation manufacturing. Why? Because schools like Texas Southern 
University that uniquely has one of the only HBCUs training of pilots 
program will be able to do more and fill that pipeline with pilots.
  In addition, we respond to the assaults that have been occurring 
against employees and crew, and respond by an employee assault 
prevention response plan, which is extremely important.
  We did this during 9/11, but now we are looking at more secondary 
cockpit barriers that will be more important. As well, we want to make 
sure that we have a task force of air carriers.
  This bill is for airlines and airports, but it is for the traveling 
public, as well. It deals with air law enforcement, aviation labor 
unions, and others to be able to work together.
  I am excited about the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory 
Committee to encourage more young women to become pilots, as we need 
more pilots every single day.
  The matter that I worked on as a member of the Committee on Homeland 
Security, finally we set standards for foreign aircraft repair 
stations, so that when our American airlines are overseas, they are 
subject to the same standards of American repair stations. We were very 
concerned about that after 9/11.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds 
to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, let me dwell on an amendment that I 
offered to get through the backlog of pilots that are now well after 
they have been off for some medical reason and the backlog of getting 
them back into the stream of flying is taking long. We need to look at 
that because these are perfectly able pilots, but they are still on 
medical leave.
  I also want to ensure that we have mental health relief for our 
pilots, like 29-year-old Chris Daniel, who was doing well, but after 
the pandemic began experiencing depression. Chris' doctor suggested 
treatment for his depression, but as a pilot, he was too afraid to go.
  Mr. Chair, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 3935, the 
Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in America Aviation Act of 2023.
  The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act 
helps maintain America's gold standard in safety, fosters innovation, 
strengthens and diversifies the U.S. aviation workforce, and invests in 
resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
  This is an important bill that I offered an amendment to help improve 
through the Rules Committee, the Jackson Lee Amendment.
  While the Rules Committee did not make my amendment in order, it is 
important to highlight what it would have done and what is still needed 
to assist and strengthen aviation in our country.
  In particular, the Jackson Lee Amendment would do the following:
  Implement the creation of the Aviation Medical Innovation and 
Modernization Working Group and a report on recommendations from the 
Working Group on the evaluation of the conditions an Aviation Medical 
Examiner can issue. Improve and reform to the Special Issuance process, 
including whether, after initial medical certification by the FAA, 
renewals can be based on a medical evaluation and treatment plan by a 
pilot's treating medical specialist with concurrence from the pilot's 
Aviation Medical Examiner, in addition to other measures that will help 
ease the process and remove the backlog for when pilots return from 
medical leave.
  It would pilot a mental health task group to develop and provide 
recommendations related to supporting the mental health of aircraft 
pilots.
  Finally, my amendment requests a report that would provide 
recommendations for best practices in detecting, assessing, and 
reporting mental health conditions and treatment options as part of 
pilot aeromedical assessments.
  The Jackson Lee Amendment would have strengthened this legislation by 
keeping the health and safety of airline pilots at the forefront.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, let's help our pilots be strong medically 
and mentally, and let's make this the best aviation system in the 
world.
  Mr. Chair, I include in the Record an article from Scientific 
American.

               [From Scientific American, Nov. 22, 2022]

  We Need To Change the System That Keeps Pilots From Seeking Mental 
                              Health Care

                        (By William R. Hoffman)

       By 29 years old, Chris Daniel felt he had it all: a wife, 
     two beautiful children and fulfillment of his lifelong dream 
     of becoming a U.S. airline captain. But in the spring of 
     2022, after years of flying, Chris knew something was not 
     right. Shadows from his past

[[Page H3716]]

     were reemerging, strained by post-COVID travel demand and 
     long, taxing weeks on the road. Years earlier, Chris's 
     physician had suggested that his low mood and trouble 
     sleeping might be symptoms of mild depression. But like many 
     pilots, he balked at the idea. If a doctor diagnosed 
     depression or if he sought help, Chris assumed he would never 
     be able to fly again. Seeking help seemed unthinkable because 
     losing flying was akin to losing everything; being a pilot 
     was who he was.
       Chris's story is not unusual. While mental health symptoms 
     are common in airline pilots, getting help can affect their 
     ability to work in a big way. Airline pilots are required to 
     meet certain medical standards in order to maintain an active 
     flying status, and disclosing a new symptom or condition to 
     the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) puts them at risk 
     of losing, usually temporarily, their ability to work and 
     fly. This is particularly true for mental health symptoms. 
     The FAA bars pilots from the cockpit if they report seeking 
     regular talk therapy for even mild anxiety or depression; 
     this may last for months and sometimes even years based on 
     the assumption they pose an unacceptable risk to safety. In 
     fact, pilots find themselves among only a handful of 
     professions that require disclosure of any encounter with the 
     health care system, including mental health visits.
       While it makes sense to ground a pilot in distress, the 
     current system often fails to recognize the dynamic and often 
     situational nature of mental health symptoms and often drives 
     pilots from seeking care. Time off the job can have negative 
     repercussions such as loss of pay and need for recurrent 
     training, and the expenses of additional medical evaluations 
     required by the FAA often fall onto the pilot. All of these 
     together result in a population of pilots working the fleet 
     who are suffering in silence and fearful to get the help they 
     need. We must rethink the system that drives pilots from 
     attending to their mental health and change what seeking 
     mental health care services means in aviation.
       Data my group and others have gathered are beginning to 
     reveal the scope of this problem. Our findings demand 
     attention. In our recent study of more than 3,500 U.S. 
     pilots, 56 percent reported behavior that we classify as 
     avoiding health care (for example, getting health care 
     outside the traditional system to avoid its documentation) 
     specifically because they feared the loss of their clearance 
     to fly. Interestingly, 26 percent of pilots reported that 
     they had withheld information during their FAA health 
     checkups for the same reason: the fear of losing their 
     medical clearance. This is sometimes called ``losing their 
     wings.''
       In a sister study, more than half of pilots in our sample 
     had something they felt needed to get checked out--maybe it 
     was mental health related, perhaps a knee injury, or even 
     just a rash--but waited or decided against it because they 
     worried about their career. While our studies focused on 
     overall health care, we suspect this finding also applies to 
     mental health.
       Many pilots have reasonably good access to health care. 
     This includes health insurance, paid time off and sometimes 
     other union protections. Instead, these data suggest a 
     barrier exists because pilots are asked to weigh the benefits 
     of seeking help against the professional costs that they 
     alone bear. How bad does mild anxiety need to become to 
     warrant a prolonged absence from work? For most pilots, 
     very bad.
       The growing demand for pilots in our travel-hungry, COVID-
     endemic world is likely to make this problem more 
     complicated. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects 
     18,100 new pilot jobs each year for the next decade, 
     precipitated by the continued growth of air travel. As 
     compensation has soared in 2022, more is being asked of 
     pilots, including longer and more frequent trips to keep pace 
     with passenger demand, This is in the context of other 
     airline professions--such as maintenance and administrative 
     staff--facing major personnel shortages, placing further 
     strain on a system already operating at its limits. Higher 
     demand on pilots can lead to additional time away from family 
     and friends, leading to an even greater need for mental 
     health care services. Simply put, pilots' need for mental 
     health care is likely to only grow in the coming years.
       While on the surface it might seem that increasing the pool 
     of pilots would ease the situation, more pilots won't fix the 
     existing challenges in the system. Flight training programs 
     are expanding, and some airlines are taking the unprecedented 
     step of establishing their own training programs. But, while 
     class sizes are growing, they are being filled by a younger 
     and more diverse generation of student pilots who may not be 
     as willing as their predecessors to quietly suffer. In fact, 
     emerging data suggest the willingness of current pilots (who 
     are still largely in the 40-to-60 age range) to avoid health 
     care for job security may not be as true for the next 
     generation.
       ``Younger pilots are different from past generations and 
     are more willing to identify as needing help when it comes to 
     their mental health,'' John Dulski, 21, an aviation student 
     at the University of North Dakota and advocate for aviation 
     mental health reform, told me during a recent phone call. 
     ``Many are more willing to choose to get care at the risk of 
     stepping away from flying.'' The answers to why such a 
     phenomenon is occurring remains an open question that our 
     research group is trying to understand. Could it be related 
     to social media lowering the stigma of mental health or the 
     influences of growing up through the pandemic? We hope future 
     research will reveal the answer.
       A new generation of Gen Z airline pilots more open to 
     stepping away from flying to seek mental health care services 
     may only further strain the shortage of pilots. But more 
     importantly, it should call for industry to rethink what it 
     means for an airline pilot to be mentally fit and what 
     services they should be able to receive while still working 
     the fleet. We can all agree that safety in aviation should be 
     the foundation for meaningful change. Certainly, a pilot with 
     a severe mental health condition shouldn't be flying. But the 
     opportunity lies for pilots with mild symptoms. These are 
     high performing professionals who are perhaps facing one of 
     life's usual stressors--a divorce, a family death or even 
     just the chronic stress of the job. How might we rethink a 
     system that enables this group to seek mental health care 
     services in hopes of sidestepping a diagnosis that could go 
     on to fully pull them from flying?
       One answer is clear. The FAA should change policy to permit 
     pilots with mild symptoms to seek professional regular, and 
     if needed prolonged, talk therapy without loss of their 
     medical certification. Such a change would have major 
     benefits for people on both sides of the flight deck door, 
     including treatment to prevent symptom worsening, and regular 
     pilot assessment by a professional mental health provider. 
     Recognizing that mental health is on a dynamic spectrum and 
     that many pilots could benefit from talking to a professional 
     mental health provider at some point in their career has the 
     potential to keep pilots flying healthy while also increasing 
     safety in the system. Pilot unions and airlines should fuel 
     this movement by raising awareness about the problem their 
     pilots face and by lobbying for an alliance of stakeholder to 
     determine how best to safely enact this change. While credit 
     is due to the FAA for recently making several positive policy 
     changes related to mental health, there is still work to do 
     and time is of the essence.
       Chris Daniel never did get help for his mental health 
     symptoms, and despite an excellent flying record, he died of 
     suicide in June 2022. While we believe suicide is relatively 
     rare among pilots, this extreme outcome is in part why we 
     must create positive change. With the use of appropriate 
     supervision and reevaluation, aviation's safety culture 
     should shift to thinking of mental health care services as a 
     marker for wellness and prevention instead of risk and 
     disease. This change would not only benefit pilots, but also 
     the 2 million U.S. passengers who trust the aviation system 
     every day.


                            IF YOU NEED HELP

       If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts 
     of suicide, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & 
     Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Chat.
       The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and 
     do not reflect the official policy or position of Brooke Army 
     Medical Center, the Department of Defense or any agencies 
     under the U.S. government.
       This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views 
     expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those 
     of Scientific American.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of 
my time for the purpose of closing.
  Mr. Chair, I will conclude by saying that we encourage Members to 
support this. This is a bipartisan bill negotiated in good faith. It is 
a very substantial bill, and I think it is a product that we can 
certainly be proud of to move forward on.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. Chairman, it has been made clear through debate that H.R. 3935 is 
a must-pass bill that provides a path for America's future success, 
growth, and leadership in civil aviation.
  This strong bipartisan, forward-looking legislation is going to 
improve efficiency and operations at the FAA. It is going to strengthen 
America's foundational general aviation sector, and it is going to grow 
the aviation workforce.
  It is going to invest in airport infrastructure across the country. 
It is going to encourage domestic innovation in aviation, enhance the 
passenger experience, and uphold America's gold standard in aviation 
safety.
  Before I yield back, Mr. Chair, I would like to recognize the work of 
staff on both sides of the aisle in the development of this 
legislation. I appreciate the many long days, weeks, and weekends, for 
that matter, that staff, including the folks in the legislative 
counsel's office, have put into this effort. I think it shows in the 
quality of the legislation that we have before us.

[[Page H3717]]

  On the Republican Subcommittee on Aviation, I thank staff director 
Hunter Presti, Laney Copeland, Julie Devine, Andrew Giacini, 
Christopher Senn, and Will Moore.
  On the Republican full committee staff, I thank staff director Jack 
Ruddy, Michael Falencki, Corey Cooke, Meghan Holland, Abby Wenk, Leslie 
Parker, Chris Divine, Tyler Micheletti, Wills MacKay, Payton Palazzolo, 
Justin Harclerode, Jake Murphy, and Kerry Goldberg.
  I also thank Maggie Aryea of subcommittee chairman Garret Graves' 
staff.
  On the Democratic staff, I thank committee staff director Kathy 
Dedrick, Helena Zyblikewycz--I am sorry; I apologize--Stanton Johnson, 
aviation staff director Brian Bell, Alexandra Menardy, Adam Weiss, and 
again, all the staff who worked on this complex and critical 
legislation.
  Mr. Chair, I urge support of the Securing Growth and Robust 
Leadership in the American Aviation Act, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Chair, I commend Chairman Graves and Ranking Member 
Larson for their hard work to bring this bipartisan FAA Reauthorization 
bill to the House floor.
  I am very pleased that this bill includes some of my top priorities:
  1. Implementation of my 2018 provisions requiring Secondary Cockpit 
Barriers in Section 522 of the bill. This language will be made even 
stronger with the passage of the Fitzpatrick/Carson amendment to speed 
up the process and finally get these safety devices on all passenger 
aircraft.
  2. Including my bipartisan bill, the National Center for the 
Advancement of Aviation in Sections 303, 264 and 308.
  3. Improving minority and disadvantage business participation in all 
FAA programs, in Sections 426 and 302.
  I'm also appreciative of Chairman Graves' willingness to work with me 
to improve Section 813 of the bill which changes the current rules 
addressing Temporary Flight Restrictions. We had a lengthy colloquy 
during our markup about unintended consequences of Section 813. I 
remain concerned about the provisions in Section 813, which appear to 
change current law and weaken Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). 
This is especially important to my district in Indianapolis, which has 
benefited from the safety of Temporary Flight Restrictions to protect 
NFL and NCAA Division 1 games, plus major Motor Speedway events like 
the Indy 500 over the last 20 years.
  Since the 9/11 terrorists attacks, FAA imposed TFRs over stadiums and 
other locations. Subsequently, FAA began to issue some waivers, but 
Congress imposed a statutory restrictions to maintain the safety of 
major events, especially sporting events with high-capacity stadiums. 
In this year's bill, we must make sure the language in Section 813 does 
not have unintended consequences of undermining the safety at large 
public gatherings, like major sporting events. This includes strong 
collaboration with law enforcement and public safety officials to 
resolve any conflicts with competing events that may require Temporary 
Flight Restrictions.
  I believe we can further improve the language and utilize a simpler 
collaboration model that will be effective and timely.
  I would like to include in the Record the following letter from a 
coalition of sports organizations and the Statement of Administration 
Policy which details concerns with the underlying language. I look 
forward to continuing to work with Chairman Graves and Ranking Member 
Larson to improve this language.

                   Statement of Administration Policy


 H.R. 3935--securing growth and robust leadership in american aviation 
                                  act

       The Administration supports enactment of a Federal Aviation 
     Administration
       (FAA) reauthorization bill and applauds the bipartisan work 
     of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The 
     Administration is focused on ensuring that the aviation 
     sector works well for the American people, and reauthorizing 
     the FAA in a timely manner will help achieve that goal. H.R. 
     3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
     Aviation Act, would enhance aviation safety; invest in, and 
     improve on-the-job safety for, our aviation workforce; 
     integrate into the national airspace system new entrants such 
     as Advanced Air Mobility and Commercial Space operators; 
     strengthen passenger rights; and improve our aviation 
     infrastructure.
       The Administration looks forward to working with the 
     Congress to address the Administration's concerns with this 
     legislation, a number of which are outlined below.
       Protection of Aviation Consumer Rights and Promotion of 
     Competition. The Administration is strongly committed to 
     protecting the rights of aviation consumers and promoting 
     competition in the aviation industry. The Administration 
     opposes provisions in the bill that would reverse important 
     gains made by this Administration to combat junk fees in the 
     airline industry and would eliminate longstanding consumer 
     protections. The Administration believes that the disclosure 
     requirements currently in place for passenger tickets are 
     necessary to help consumers comparison shop for a ticket. The 
     Administration encourages the Congress to include the 
     Administration's proposals to expand consumer protections by 
     banning family seating junk fees, requiring up-front 
     disclosure of add-on fees, and requiring automatic refunds 
     and additional compensation for controllable flight 
     cancellations and delays. The Administration further supports 
     opening up airport gate access and preventing anticompetitive 
     practices that block new entrants.
       International Commitments. While the Administration 
     appreciates the language aimed at ensuring continued U.S. 
     implementation of Open Skies agreements while promoting labor 
     standards for U.S.-based aviation sector workers, the 
     Administration also urges the Congress to add provisions to 
     implement U.S. international commitments and ensure our 
     aviation partners follow suit. The bill should be amended to 
     include provisions for U.S. implementation of global 
     marketbased measures of the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization, and to establish U.S. leadership relating to 
     the understanding and mitigation of the non-Greenhouse Gas 
     climate impacts of aviation.
       Agency Restructuring. While the Administration supports the 
     goal of improving the efficiency of the organizational 
     structure of the FAA, it does not support the proposed 
     changes in FAA rulemaking review and the weakening of the 
     Administrator's ability and authority to determine the 
     appropriate size and allocation of the air traffic controller 
     workforce. The Administration also has concerns with 
     provisions that would make fundamental changes to the 
     agency's structure, eroding the discretion of the 
     Administrator to manage the agency in the most efficient 
     manner.
       Implementation Timelines and Program Changes. The 
     legislation includes multiple rulemakings, reviews, reports, 
     and other requirements with aggressive timelines, along with 
     the creation of numerous programs that are not conditioned on 
     the availability of appropriations. The Administration is 
     also concerned that proposed major structural changes to 
     airport infrastructure programs are untested, and may be 
     difficult to implement depending on the level of resources 
     made available. The bill would also reduce the amount of 
     competitive airport grant funding, which would reduce the F 
     AA's ability to address important safety and capacity issues.
       Standards for Airport Service Workers. The Administration 
     urges the Congress to include provisions that will improve 
     job quality for, and therefore aid in the recruitment and 
     retention of, those who clean planes, handle baggage, assist 
     passengers who use wheelchairs, and provide other services 
     critical to safe, stable, and timely operations for aviation 
     customers.
       Age Standards for Pilots. The bill includes a provision 
     that would raise the retirement age for pilots in commercial 
     operations. Making this change without doing research and 
     establishing any necessary policies would be outside the 
     international standard.
       Maintaining Safe and Secure Airspace During Major Sports 
     Events. While the Administration supports the goal of 
     providing accessibility to and public use of the national 
     airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the 
     bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending 
     major spotting events if the effectiveness of safety and 
     security buffers currently provided by temporary flight 
     restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the 
     proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the 
     Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative 
     methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather 
     than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity 
     to events attended by millions of Americans each year.
                                  ____

                                                    July 18, 2023.
       Dear Members of Congress: We write to urge you to oppose 
     the weakening of a law that protects the millions of sports 
     fans and spectators who attend professional and collegiate 
     sporting events each year. The current statutory ban on 
     aircraft including unmanned aircraft systems (``UAS'') or 
     drones--flying over large stadium sporting events throughout 
     the country provides necessary safety and security 
     protections against real and potential threats.
       We are deeply concerned about section 813 of the House 
     version of the Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'') 
     Reauthorization Act. If adopted, the language would establish 
     a broad and complex waiver program that would permit 
     countless aircraft to fly near and over stadiums during 
     games, putting millions of fans at risk, and unnecessarily 
     so. Congress wisely eliminated a similar waiver program back 
     in 2003, after discovering troubling and persistent failures, 
     gaps, and vulnerabilities in the process for conducting 
     background checks and issuing waivers.
       The FAA first established flight restrictions over large 
     stadium sporting events immediately following the terrorist 
     attacks of September 11, 2001, in response to concerns about 
     terrorists using aircraft as weapons. Congress subsequently 
     twice codified and strengthened these restrictions, 
     providing specific criteria for aircraft operations 
     permitted within the flight restricted area. Section 813 
     would effectively eliminate the specific criteria and 
     replace it with an openended waiver program.

[[Page H3718]]

       The long-standing, congressionally mandated flight 
     restriction enhances the safety and security of large stadium 
     events, while minimizing the disrnption to the National 
     Airspace System (``NAS''). Specifically, airspace over large 
     stadiums--with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more 
     and where a NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division 1 football games or 
     major motor speedway events, such as NASCAR and INDYCAR 
     races, are taking place--is closed to all aircraft from one 
     hour before until one hour after a major sporting event. The 
     flight restrictions extend to three nautical miles from the 
     center of the stadium and from the surface to 3,000 feet 
     above the stadium. The flight restrictions do not apply to 
     authorized aircraft, such as Department of Defense, law 
     enforcement or air ambulance flight operations, or those in 
     contact with air traffic control for take offs and landings 
     at nearby airports, among others.
       Having devoted substantial resources to secure our stadiums 
     on the ground, we regard the stadium flight restriction as 
     essential to safeguarding the airspace overhead. Moreover, 
     given the proliferation of UAS in our NAS, as well as the 
     continuing need to remain vigilant to other current and 
     emerging risks, the stadium flight restriction is as vital 
     now as ever to our national security and public safety. We 
     believe section 813 complicates the airspace over stadiums, 
     compromises public safety and security, and courts potential 
     disaster.
       We, therefore, urge you to uphold current law and maintain 
     existing flight restrictions that protect the safety and 
     security of millions of fans who attend large stadium 
     sporting events every year.
           Sincerely,
     Cathy Lanier,
       Chief Security Officer, National Football League.
     David Thomas,
       Vice President, Security and Ballpark Operations Major 
     League Baseball.
     Bill Rhodes,
       Managing Director, Security, National Association for Stock 
     Car Auto Racing.
     Dan Gavitt,
       Senior Vice President, National Collegiate Athletic 
     Association.
  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.
  In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by 
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, printed in the 
bill, an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text 
of Rules Committee Print 118-11, shall be considered as adopted. The 
bill, as amended, shall be considered as an original bill for purpose 
of further amendment under the 5-minute rule and shall be considered as 
read.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3935

       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 ``Securing 
     Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS AND FAA ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

                       Subtitle A--Authorizations

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

                 Subtitle B--FAA Organizational Reform

Sec. 121. FAA leadership.
Sec. 122. FAA management board.
Sec. 123. Prohibition on conflicting pecuniary interests.
Sec. 124. Authority of Secretary and Administrator.
Sec. 125. Review of FAA rulemaking processes.
Sec. 126. Office of Innovation.
Sec. 127. Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security 
              Campus.
Sec. 128. Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.
Sec. 129. Office of NextGen sunset.
Sec. 130. FAA Ombudsman.
Sec. 131. Project dashboards and feedback portal.
Sec. 132. Sense of Congress on FAA engagement during rulemaking 
              activities.
Sec. 133. Civil Aeromedical Institute.
Sec. 134. Management advisory council.
Sec. 135. Aviation noise officer.
Sec. 136. Chief Operating Officer.
Sec. 137. Report on unfunded capital investment needs of air traffic 
              control system.
Sec. 138. Chief Technology Officer.
Sec. 139. Definition of air traffic control system.
Sec. 140. Peer review of Office of Whistleblower Protection and 
              Aviation Safety Investigations.
Sec. 141. Cybersecurity lead.
Sec. 142. Reducing FAA waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary 
              responsibilities.

                       TITLE II--GENERAL AVIATION

         Subtitle A--Expanding Pilot Privileges and Protections

Sec. 201. Reexamination of pilots or certificate holders.
Sec. 202. GAO review of Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Sec. 203. Expansion of BasicMed.
Sec. 204. Data privacy.
Sec. 205. Prohibition on using ADS-B data to initiate an investigation.
Sec. 206. Prohibition on N-Number profiteering.
Sec. 207. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers.
Sec. 208. Timely resolution of investigations.
Sec. 209. Expansion of volunteer pilot organization definition.
Sec. 210. Charitable flight fuel reimbursement exemptions.
Sec. 211. GAO report on charitable flights.
Sec. 212. All makes and models authorization.
Sec. 213. Response to letter of investigation.

                  Subtitle B--General Aviation Safety

Sec. 221. ADS-B safety enhancement incentive program.
Sec. 222. GAO report on ADS-B technology.
Sec. 223. Protecting general aviation airports from FAA closure.
Sec. 224. Ensuring safe landings during off-airport operations.
Sec. 225. Airport diagram terminology.
Sec. 226. Alternative ADS-B technologies for use in certain small 
              aircraft.
Sec. 227. Airshow safety team.
Sec. 228. Tower marking notice of proposed rulemaking.

                   Subtitle C--Improving FAA Services

Sec. 241. Aircraft registration validity during renewal.
Sec. 242. Temporary airman certificates.
Sec. 243. Flight instruction or testing.
Sec. 244. Letter of deviation authority.
Sec. 245. National coordination and oversight of designated pilot 
              examiners.
Sec. 246. BasicMed for examiners administering tests or proficiency 
              checks.
Sec. 247. Designee locator tool improvements.
Sec. 248. Deadline to eliminate aircraft registration backlog.
Sec. 249. Part 135 air carrier certificate backlog.
Sec. 250. Logging flight time accrued in certain public aircraft.
Sec. 251. Flight instructor certificates.
Sec. 252. Consistency of policy application in flight standards and 
              aircraft certification.
Sec. 253. Application of policies, orders, and guidance.
Sec. 254. Expansion of the regulatory consistency communications board.
Sec. 255. Exemption of fees for air traffic services.
Sec. 256. Modernization of special airworthiness certification 
              rulemaking deadline.
Sec. 257. Termination of designees.
Sec. 258. Part 135 check airmen reforms.

                      Subtitle D--Other Provisions

Sec. 261. Required consultation with National Parks Overflights 
              Advisory Group.
Sec. 262. Supplemental oxygen regulatory reform.
Sec. 263. Exclusion of gyroplanes from fuel system requirements.
Sec. 264. Airshow venue information, awareness, training, and education 
              program.
Sec. 265. Low altitude rotorcraft and powered-lift operations.
Sec. 266. BasicMed in North America.
Sec. 267. Eliminate aviation gasoline lead emissions.

                     TITLE III--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

                  Subtitle A--Growing the Talent Pool

Sec. 301. Extension of aviation workforce development programs.
Sec. 302. Improving aviation workforce development programs.
Sec. 303. National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace.
Sec. 304. Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment 
              Readiness Program.
Sec. 305. Repeal of duplicative or obsolete workforce programs.
Sec. 306. Civil airmen statistics.
Sec. 307. Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 308. Establishing a comprehensive web-based aviation resource 
              center.
Sec. 309. Direct hire authority from UAS Collegiate Training 
              Initiative.

     Subtitle B--Improving Training and Rebuilding Talent Pipelines

Sec. 311. Joint aviation employment training working group.
Sec. 312. Airman knowledge testing working group.
Sec. 313. Airman Certification System Working Group and timely 
              publication of standards.
Sec. 314. Air traffic control workforce staffing.
Sec. 315. Aviation safety workforce assessment.
Sec. 316. Military aviation maintenance.

            Subtitle C--Engaging and Retaining the Workforce

Sec. 321. Airman's medical bill of rights.
Sec. 322. Improved designee misconduct reporting process.
Sec. 323. Report on safe uniform options for certain aviation 
              employees.
Sec. 324. Extension of Samya Rose Stumo national air grant fellowship 
              program.

[[Page H3719]]

Sec. 325. Promotion of civil aeronautics and safety of air commerce.
Sec. 326. Educational and professional development.
Sec. 327. Human factors professionals.
Sec. 328. Aeromedical innovation and modernization working group.
Sec. 329. Frontline manager workload study.
Sec. 330. Age standards for pilots.

                    TITLE IV--AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

Sec. 401. AIP definitions.
Sec. 402. Revenue diversion penalty enhancement.
Sec. 403. Extension of competitive access report requirement.
Sec. 404. Renewal of certain leases.
Sec. 405. Community use of airport land.
Sec. 406. Price adjustment provisions.
Sec. 407. Allowable project costs and letters of intent.
Sec. 408. Small airport letters of intent.
Sec. 409. Prohibition on use of AIP funds to procure certain passenger 
              boarding bridges.
Sec. 410. Fuel infrastructure.
Sec. 411. Apportionments.
Sec. 412. PFC turnback reduction.
Sec. 413. Transfer of AIP supplemental funds to formula program.
Sec. 414. Small airport fund.
Sec. 415. Revision of discretionary categories.
Sec. 416. Terminal development.
Sec. 417. State block grant program.
Sec. 418. Innovative financing techniques.
Sec. 419. Long-term management plans.
Sec. 420. Alternative project delivery.
Sec. 421. Nonmovement area surveillance surface display systems pilot 
              program.
Sec. 422. Repeal of obsolete criminal provisions.
Sec. 423. Limitation on certain rolling stock procurements.
Sec. 424. Regulatory application.
Sec. 425. National priority system formulas.
Sec. 426. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 427. Airport access roads in remote locations.
Sec. 428. Limited regulation of nonfederally sponsored property.
Sec. 429. Motorcoach enplanement pilot program.
Sec. 430. Populous counties without airports.
Sec. 431. Continued availability of aviation gasoline.
Sec. 432. AIP handbook update.
Sec. 433. GAO audit of airport financial reporting program.
Sec. 434. GAO review of nonaeronautical revenue streams at airports.
Sec. 435. Maintaining safe fire and rescue staffing levels.
Sec. 436. GAO study of onsite airport generation.
Sec. 437. Transportation demand management at airports.
Sec. 438. Coastal airports assessment.
Sec. 439. Airport investment partnership program.
Sec. 440. GAO study on per-trip airport fees for TNC consumers.
Sec. 441. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified 
              airports.
Sec. 442. Permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems.
Sec. 443. Secondary runways.
Sec. 444. Increasing the energy efficiency of airports and meeting 
              current and future electrical power demands.
Sec. 445. Electric aircraft infrastructure pilot program.
Sec. 446. Curb management practices.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

Sec. 461. PFC application approvals.
Sec. 462. PFC authorization pilot program implementation.

     Subtitle C--Noise and Environmental Programs and Streamlining

Sec. 471. Streamlining consultation process.
Sec. 472. Repeal of burdensome emissions credit requirements.
Sec. 473. Expedited environmental review and One Federal Decision.
Sec. 474. Subchapter III definitions.
Sec. 475. Pilot program extension.
Sec. 476. Part 150 noise standards update.
Sec. 477. Reducing community aircraft noise exposure.
Sec. 478. Categorical exclusions.
Sec. 479. Critical habitat on or near airport property.
Sec. 480. Updating presumed to conform limits.
Sec. 481. Recommendations on reducing rotorcraft noise in District of 
              Columbia.
Sec. 482. UFP study.
Sec. 483. Aviation and airport community engagement.
Sec. 484. Community Collaboration Program.
Sec. 485. Third party study on aviation noise metrics.
Sec. 486. Information sharing requirement.

                        TITLE V--AVIATION SAFETY

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 501. Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and 
              surface safety risks.
Sec. 502. Global aviation safety.
Sec. 503. Availability of personnel for inspections, site visits, and 
              training.
Sec. 504. Helicopter air ambulance operations.
Sec. 505. Global aircraft maintenance safety improvements.
Sec. 506. ODA best practice sharing.
Sec. 507. Training of organization delegation authority unit members.
Sec. 508. Clarification on safety management system information 
              disclosure.
Sec. 509. Extension of Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
              Accountability Act reporting requirements.
Sec. 510. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
Sec. 511. Continued oversight of FAA compliance program.
Sec. 512. Scalability of safety management systems.
Sec. 513. Finalize safety management system rulemaking.
Sec. 514. Improvements to aviation safety information analysis and 
              sharing.
Sec. 515. Improvement of certification processes.
Sec. 516. Instructions for continued airworthiness aviation rulemaking 
              committee.
Sec. 517. Clarity for supplemental type certificate requirements.
Sec. 518. Use of advanced tools in certifying aerospace products.
Sec. 519. Transport airplane and propulsion certification 
              modernization.
Sec. 520. Engine fire protection standards.
Sec. 521. Risk model for production facility inspections.
Sec. 522. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 523. Review of FAA use of aviation safety data.
Sec. 524. Part 135 duty and rest.
Sec. 525. Cockpit voice and video recorders.
Sec. 526. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.
Sec. 527. Emergency medical equipment on passenger aircraft.
Sec. 528. Navigation aids study.
Sec. 529. Remote towers.
Sec. 530. Weather reporting systems study.
Sec. 531. GAO study on expansion of the FAA weather camera program.
Sec. 532. Audit on aviation safety in era of wireless connectivity.
Sec. 533. Ramp worker safety call to action.
Sec. 534. Safety data analysis for aircraft without transponders.
Sec. 535. Crash-resistant fuel systems in rotorcraft.
Sec. 536. Reducing turbulence on part 121 aircraft operations.
Sec. 537. Study on radiation exposure.
Sec. 538. Deterring crewmember interference.
Sec. 539. Cabin temperature standards.
Sec. 540. Cabin air quality.
Sec. 541. Evacuation standards for transport category airplanes.
Sec. 542. Lithium-ion powered wheelchairs.
Sec. 543. National simulator program policies and guidance.
Sec. 544. GAO study on FAA National Simulator Program.
Sec. 545. GAO study on FAA alignment with best available technologies 
              and standards.
Sec. 546. Advanced simulation training.
Sec. 547. Incremental safety improvement.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

Sec. 571. Findings.
Sec. 572. Aerospace product safety.
Sec. 573. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, policy, and 
              guidance.
Sec. 574. Civil aviation cybersecurity rulemaking committee.

                     TITLE VI--AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 601. Definitions.
Sec. 602. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges.
Sec. 603. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.
Sec. 604. Public safety use of tethered UAS.
Sec. 605. Special authority for unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 606. Recreational operations of drone systems.
Sec. 607. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and 
              enforcement.
Sec. 608. Applications for designation.
Sec. 609. Beyond visual line of sight rulemaking.
Sec. 610. UAS traffic management.
Sec. 611. Radar data pilot program.
Sec. 612. Electronic conspicuity study.
Sec. 613. Remote identification alternative means of compliance.
Sec. 614. Part 107 waiver improvements.
Sec. 615. Acceptable levels of risk and risk assessment methodology.
Sec. 616. Environmental review.
Sec. 617. Carriage of hazardous materials.
Sec. 618. Unmanned aircraft system use in wildfire response.
Sec. 619. Pilot program for UAS inspections of FAA infrastructure.
Sec. 620. Drone infrastructure inspection grant program.
Sec. 621. Drone education and workforce training grant program.
Sec. 622. Drone workforce training program study.
Sec. 623. UAS Integration Office.
Sec. 624. Termination of Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 625. Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee.
Sec. 626. NextGen Advisory Committee membership expansion.
Sec. 627. Temporary flight restriction integrity.
Sec. 628. Interagency coordination.
Sec. 629. Review of regulations to enable unescorted UAS operations.
Sec. 630. UAS operations over high seas.
Sec. 631. Beyond BEYOND.
Sec. 632. UAS integration strategy.
Sec. 633. Authorization of appropriations for Know Before You Fly 
              campaign.
Sec. 634. Public aircraft definition.

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 651. Definition.
Sec. 652. Powered-lift aircraft rulemakings.
Sec. 653. Powered-lift aircraft entry into service.

[[Page H3720]]

Sec. 654. Sense of Congress on preparation for entry into service of 
              powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 655. Infrastructure supporting vertical flight.
Sec. 656. Charting of aviation infrastructure.
Sec. 657. Advanced air mobility working group.
Sec. 658. Advanced air mobility infrastructure pilot program extension.

                      Subtitle C--Other Provisions

Sec. 681. Report on national spaceports policy.
Sec. 682. Intermodal transportation infrastructure improvement pilot 
              program.
Sec. 683. Airspace access for high-speed aircraft.
Sec. 684. ICAO activities on new technologies.
Sec. 685. AIP eligibility for certain spaceport infrastructure.
Sec. 686. Commercial space launch and reentry statistics.
Sec. 687. Report on certain infrastructure needs.
Sec. 688. Airspace integration for space launch and reentry.

              TITLE VII--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 701. Advertisements and solicitations for passenger air 
              transportation.
Sec. 702. Modernization of consumer complaint submissions.
Sec. 703. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
Sec. 704. Extension of aviation consumer protection advisory committee.
Sec. 705. Removal of outdated references to passengers with 
              disabilities.
Sec. 706. Extension of aviation consumer advocate reporting 
              requirement.
Sec. 707. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.
Sec. 708. Passenger experience advisory committee.
Sec. 709. Streamlining of offline ticket disclosures.
Sec. 710. Ticket agent refund obligations.
Sec. 711. Updating passenger information requirement regulations.
Sec. 712. Mobility aids on board improve lives and empower all.
Sec. 713. Prioritizing accountability and accessibility for aviation 
              consumers.
Sec. 714. Aircraft accessibility.
Sec. 715. Accessibility of websites, software applications, and kiosks 
              for individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 716. Review of methods to report flight delay and cancellation 
              statistics.
Sec. 717. Reimbursement for incurred costs.
Sec. 718. Airline operational resiliency plans.
Sec. 719. Family seating.
Sec. 720. Seat dimensions.
Sec. 721. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use 
              wheelchairs.
Sec. 722. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters.
Sec. 723. Investigation of complaints.
Sec. 724. Standards.

                        Subtitle B--Air Traffic

Sec. 741. Transfers of air traffic systems acquired with AIP.
Sec. 742. NextGen programs.
Sec. 743. Airspace access.
Sec. 744. Airspace transition completion.
Sec. 745. FAA contract towers.
Sec. 746. FAA contract tower workforce audit.
Sec. 747. Aviation infrastructure sustainment.
Sec. 748. Air traffic control tower safety.
Sec. 749. Air traffic services data reports.
Sec. 750. Consideration of small hub control towers.
Sec. 751. Air traffic control tower replacement process report.
Sec. 752. FAA contract tower pilot program.

                Subtitle C--Small Community Air Service

Sec. 771. Essential air service reforms.
Sec. 772. Essential air service authorization.
Sec. 773. Small community air service development program reform and 
              authorization.
Sec. 774. GAO study on increased costs of essential air service.

                       TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 801. Digitalization of FAA processes.
Sec. 802. FAA telework.
Sec. 803. Review of office space.
Sec. 804. Aircraft weight reduction task force.
Sec. 805. Audit of technical writing resources and capabilities.
Sec. 806. FAA participation in industry standards organizations.
Sec. 807. Sense of Congress on use of voluntary consensus standards.
Sec. 808. Required designation.
Sec. 809. Sensitive security information.
Sec. 810. Preserving open skies while ensuring fair skies.
Sec. 811. Commercial preference.
Sec. 812. Consideration of third-party services.
Sec. 813. Certificates of authorization or waiver.
Sec. 814. Wing-in-ground-effect craft.
Sec. 815. Quasquicentennial of aviation.
Sec. 816. Federal contract tower wage determinations and positions.
Sec. 817. Internal process improvements review.
Sec. 818. Acceptance of digital driver's license and identification 
              cards.
Sec. 819. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions.
Sec. 820. Federal Aviation Administration information technology system 
              integrity.
Sec. 821. Briefing on radio communications coverage around mountainous 
              terrain.
Sec. 822. Study on congested airspace.
Sec. 823. Administrative services franchise fund.
Sec. 824. Use of biographical assessments.
Sec. 825. Whistleblower protection enforcement.
Sec. 826. Final rulemaking on certain manufacturing standards.
Sec. 827. Remote dispatch.
Sec. 828. Employee assault prevention and response plans amendment.
Sec. 829. Crew member self-defense training.
Sec. 830. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies on air carriers 
              and foreign air carriers.
Sec. 831. Interference with security screening personnel.
Sec. 832. Mechanisms to reduce helicopter noise.
Sec. 833. Technical corrections.
Sec. 834. Transportation of organs.
Sec. 835. Report on application approval timing.
Sec. 836. Study on air cargo operations.
Sec. 837. Next generation radio altimeters.
Sec. 838. Sense of Congress regarding safety and security of aviation 
              infrastructure.
Sec. 839. Restricted category aircraft maintenance and operations.
Sec. 840. Report on telework.
Sec. 841. Crewmember pumping guidance.
Sec. 842. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 843. Federal Aviation Administration Academy and facility 
              expansion plan.

 TITLE IX--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2023

Sec. 901. Short title.
Sec. 902. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 903. Clarification of treatment of territories.
Sec. 904. Additional workforce training.
Sec. 905. Acquiring mission-essential knowledge and skills.
Sec. 906. Overtime annual report termination.
Sec. 907. Strategic workforce plan.
Sec. 908. Travel budgets.
Sec. 909. Retention of records.
Sec. 910. Nondisclosure of interview recordings.
Sec. 911. Closed unacceptable recommendations.
Sec. 912. Establishment of Office of Oversight, Accountability, and 
              Quality Assurance.
Sec. 913. Miscellaneous investigative authorities.
Sec. 914. Public availability of accident reports.
Sec. 915. Ensuring accountability for timeliness of reports.
Sec. 916. Ensuring access to data.
Sec. 917. Public availability of safety recommendations.
Sec. 918. Improving delivery of family assistance.
Sec. 919. Updating civil penalty authority.
Sec. 920. Electronic availability of public docket records.
Sec. 921. Drug-free workplace.
Sec. 922. Accessibility in workplace.
Sec. 923. Most Wanted List.
Sec. 924. Technical corrections.

                  TITLE X--FREEDOM TO FLY ACT OF 2023

Sec. 1001. Short title.
Sec. 1002. Prohibition on implementation of vaccination mandate.
Sec. 1003. Prohibition on vaccination requirements for FAA contractors.
Sec. 1004. Prohibition on vaccine mandate for FAA employees.
Sec. 1005. Prohibition on vaccine mandate for passengers of air 
              carriers.
Sec. 1006. Prohibition on implementation of a mask mandate.
Sec. 1007. Prohibition on mask mandates for FAA contractors.
Sec. 1008. Prohibition on mask mandate for FAA employees.
Sec. 1009. Prohibition on mask mandate for passengers of air carriers.
Sec. 1010. Definitions.

                 TITLE XI--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 1101. Short title.
Sec. 1102. Definitions.

              Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

Sec. 1111. Authorization of appropriations.

         Subtitle B--FAA Research and Development Organization

Sec. 1121. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and 
              development.

          Subtitle C--FAA Research and Development Activities

Sec. 1131. Aviation fuel research, development, and usage.
Sec. 1132. Continuous lower energy, emission, and noise (CLEEN).
Sec. 1133. Strategy on hydrogen aviation research and development.
Sec. 1134. Report on future electric grid resiliency.
Sec. 1135. Air traffic surveillance over oceans and other remote 
              locations.
Sec. 1136. Utilization of space-based assets to improve air traffic 
              control and aviation safety.
Sec. 1137. Aviation weather technology review.
Sec. 1138. Air traffic surface operations safety.
Sec. 1139. Airport and airfield pavement technology research program.
Sec. 1140. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine 
              learning technologies.
Sec. 1141. Research plan for commercial supersonic research.
Sec. 1142. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.
Sec. 1143. Aviation structures, materials, and advanced manufacturing 
              research and development.
Sec. 1144. Research plan on the remote tower program.
Sec. 1145. Air traffic control training.

[[Page H3721]]

Sec. 1146. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives.
Sec. 1147. Rule of construction regarding collaborations.
Sec. 1148. Turbulence research and development.
Sec. 1149. Research, development, and demonstration programs.
Sec. 1150. Limitation.

                 TITLE XII--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 1201. Airport and airway trust fund expenditure authority.
Sec. 1202. Extension of taxes funding airport and airway trust fund.
Sec. 1203. Designation of certain airports as ports of entry.

         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS AND FAA ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

                       Subtitle A--Authorizations

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

       (a) Authorization.--Section 48103(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (5) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (6) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
       ``(8) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(9) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(10) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       ``(11) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
       (b) Obligation Authority.--Section 47104(c) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

       Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5);
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (1); and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) $3,375,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
       ``(3) $3,425,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       ``(4) $3,475,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
       ``(5) $3,475,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
       ``(6) $3,475,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

     SEC. 103. OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E);
       (2) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon;
       (3) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (A); 
     and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) $12,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
       ``(C) $13,035,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(D) $13,334,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(E) $13,640,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       ``(F) $13,954,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
       (b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 106(k)(2)(D) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking clauses (i) through (v);
       (2) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (i); and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(ii) $46,815,000 for fiscal year 2024.
       ``(iii) $52,985,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       ``(iv) $59,044,000 for fiscal year 2026.
       ``(v) $65,225,000 for fiscal year 2027.
       ``(vi) $71,529,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
       (c) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding'';
       (2) by striking ``in each of fiscal years 2018 through 
     2023,''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Prioritization.--In reducing non-safety-related 
     activities of the Administration under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall prioritize such reductions from amounts other 
     than amounts authorized under this subsection, section 48101, 
     or section 48103.
       ``(C) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be effective 
     after September 30, 2028.''.

     SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF MISCELLANEOUS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 
     47115(i) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and inserting 
     ``fiscal years 2023 through 2028''.
       (b) Weather Reporting Programs.--Section 48105 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(5) $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
     2026.
       ``(6) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 
     2028.''.
       (c) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 
     100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-
     176) is amended by striking ``for fiscal years 2018 through 
     2023'' and inserting ``for fiscal years 2023 through 2028''.
       (d) Extension of the Safety Oversight and Certification 
     Advisory Committee.--Section 202(h) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended 
     by striking ``shall terminate'' and all that follows through 
     the period at the end and inserting ``shall terminate on 
     October 1, 2028.''.

                 Subtitle B--FAA Organizational Reform

     SEC. 121. FAA LEADERSHIP.

       Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``The Federal'' and 
     inserting ``In General.--The Federal''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Administration Leadership.--
       ``(1) Administrator.--
       ``(A) In general.--The head of the Administration is the 
     Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by 
     and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       ``(B) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall--
       ``(i) be a citizen of the United States;
       ``(ii) not be an active duty or retired member of an Armed 
     Force; and
       ``(iii) have experience in organizational management and a 
     field directly related to aviation.
       ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as 
     Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness of 
     such individual to carry out efficiently the duties and 
     powers of the office.
       ``(D) Term of office.--The Term of office for any 
     individual appointed as Administrator shall be 5 years.
       ``(E) Reporting chain.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (f) or in other provisions of law, the Administrator reports 
     directly to the Secretary of Transportation.
       ``(2) Deputy administrator for programs and management.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administration has a Deputy 
     Administrator for Programs and Management, who shall be a 
     political appointee of the President.
       ``(B) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator for 
     Programs and Management shall--
       ``(i) be a citizen of the United States; and
       ``(ii) have experience in management and a field directly 
     related to aviation.
       ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as Deputy 
     Administrator for Programs and Management, the President 
     shall consider the fitness of the individual to carry out 
     efficiently the duties and powers of the office, including 
     the duty to act for the Administrator under the circumstances 
     described in subparagraph (F).
       ``(D) Reporting chain.--The Deputy Administrator for 
     Programs and Management reports directly to the 
     Administrator.
       ``(E) Duties.--The Deputy Administrator for Programs and 
     Management shall--
       ``(i) manage the Assistant Administrators and Chief Counsel 
     established under subsection (d), except the Assistant 
     Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement; and
       ``(ii) carry out duties and powers prescribed by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(F) Succession plan.--The Deputy Administrator for 
     Programs and Management acts for the Administrator when the 
     Administrator is absent or unable to serve, or when the 
     office of the Administrator is vacant.
       ``(G) Compensation.--
       ``(i) Annual rate of basic pay.--The annual rate of basic 
     pay of the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management 
     shall be set by the Secretary but shall not exceed the annual 
     rate of basic pay payable to the Administrator.
       ``(ii) Exception.--A retired regular officer of an Armed 
     Force serving as the Deputy Administrator for Programs and 
     Management is entitled to hold a rank and grade not lower 
     than that held when appointed as the Deputy Administrator for 
     Programs and Management and may elect to receive--

       ``(I) the pay provided for the Deputy Administrator for 
     Programs and Management under clause (i); or
       ``(II) the pay and allowances or the retired pay of the 
     military grade held.

       ``(iii) Reimbursement of expenses.--If the Deputy 
     Administrator for Programs and Management elects to receive 
     compensation described in clause (ii)(II), the Administration 
     shall reimburse the appropriate military department from 
     funds available for the expenses of the Administration.
       ``(3) Deputy administrator for safety and operations.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administration has a Deputy 
     Administrator for Safety and Operations, who--
       ``(i) shall be appointed by the Administrator; and
       ``(ii) shall not be a political appointee.
       ``(B) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator for Safety 
     and Operations shall--
       ``(i) be a citizen of the United States; and
       ``(ii) have experience in organizational management and a 
     field directly related to aviation.
       ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as Deputy 
     Administrator for Safety and Operations, the Administrator 
     shall consider the fitness of the individual to carry out 
     efficiently the duties and powers of the office, including 
     the duty to act for the Administrator under the circumstances 
     described in subparagraph (F).
       ``(D) Reporting chain.--The Deputy Administrator for Safety 
     and Operations reports to the Administrator.
       ``(E) Duties.--The Deputy Administrator for Safety and 
     Operations shall--
       ``(i) manage the Associate Administrators and Chief 
     Operating Officer established under subsection (c) and the 
     Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement established under subsection (d);
       ``(ii) develop and maintain a long-term strategic plan of 
     the Administration; and
       ``(iii) carry out other duties and powers prescribed by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(F) Succession plan.--The Deputy Administrator for Safety 
     and Operations acts

[[Page H3722]]

     for the Administrator when the Administrator and the Deputy 
     Administrator for Programs and Management are absent or 
     unable to serve, or when the office of the Administrator and 
     the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Programs and 
     Management are vacant.
       ``(G) Compensation.--The annual rate of basic pay of the 
     Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations shall be set 
     by the Administrator but shall not exceed the annual rate of 
     basic pay payable to the Administrator.
       ``(4) Leadership of the administration defined.--In this 
     section, the term `leadership of the Administration' means--
       ``(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1);
       ``(B) the Deputy Administrator for Programs and Management 
     under paragraph (2); and
       ``(C) the Deputy Administrator for Safety and Operations 
     under paragraph (3).''.

     SEC. 122. FAA MANAGEMENT BOARD.

       (a) FAA Management Board.--Section 106 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Associate Administrators.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration has Associate 
     Administrators, as determined necessary by the Administrator, 
     including--
       ``(A) appointed by the Administrator, an Associate 
     Administrator for Aviation Safety, an Associate Administrator 
     for Security and Hazardous Materials Safety, a Chief 
     Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Control System;
       ``(B) appointed by the President, an Associate 
     Administrator for Airports; and
       ``(C) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is 
     explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to 
     the Administrator, an Associate Administrator for Commercial 
     Space Transportation who shall be appointed by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--Associate Administrators shall be 
     citizens of the United States.
       ``(3) Duties.--The Associate Administrators shall carry out 
     duties and powers of their office described in this section 
     and those prescribed by the Administrator.
       ``(d) Chief Counsel; Assistant Administrators.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration has Assistant 
     Administrators and a Chief Counsel.
       ``(A) Chief counsel.--The Chief Counsel shall be appointed 
     by the President and shall--
       ``(i) advise the Administrator on legal matters relating to 
     the responsibilities, functions, and management of the 
     Administration;
       ``(ii) at the request of the Administrator, provide 
     guidance, counsel, and advice regarding, but shall not have 
     final decision-making authority with regards to, the 
     activities of the Administrator, including--

       ``(I) rulemaking activities;
       ``(II) policy and guidance document production;
       ``(III) exemption and waiver decisions; and
       ``(IV) certification and approval determinations;

       ``(iii) represent the Administration before the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, Department of Transportation law 
     judges, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal 
     courts of the United States, and other bodies and courts, as 
     appropriate;
       ``(iv) pursue enforcement actions on behalf of the 
     Administrator; and
       ``(v) perform other functions as determined by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(B) Assistant administrator for rulemaking and regulatory 
     improvement.--The Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and 
     Regulatory Improvement shall be appointed by the 
     Administrator and shall--
       ``(i) be responsible for developing and managing the 
     execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that 
     meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by--

       ``(I) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are necessary 
     to improve safety;
       ``(II) establishing the regulatory agenda of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(III) coordinating with offices of the Administration, 
     the Department, and other Federal entities as appropriate to 
     improve timely feedback generation and approvals when 
     required by law;

       ``(ii) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting 
     internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory 
     activities of the Administration outside the Office of the 
     Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement;
       ``(iii) on an ongoing basis--

       ``(I) review the Administration's regulations in effect to 
     improve safety;
       ``(II) reduce undue regulatory burden;
       ``(III) replace prescriptive regulations with performance-
     based regulations, as appropriate;
       ``(IV) prevent duplicative regulations; and
       ``(V) increase regulatory clarity and transparency whenever 
     possible;

       ``(iv) make recommendations for the Administrator's review 
     under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);
       ``(v) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for 
     rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of 
     part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide 
     an initial response to a petitioner not later than 30 days 
     after the receipt of such a petition--

       ``(I) acknowledging receipt of such petition;
       ``(II) confirming completeness of such petition;
       ``(III) providing an initial indication of the complexity 
     of the request and how such complexity may impact the 
     timeline for adjudication; and
       ``(IV) requesting any additional information, as 
     appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of the 
     petition;

       ``(vi) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the 
     Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to 
     determine if it would be more efficient and in the public's 
     interest to amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers 
     and exemptions; and
       ``(vii) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more 
     efficient or in the public's best interest under clause (vi).
       ``(C) Appointment.--Additional Assistant Administrators, as 
     determined necessary by the Administrator, may be appointed 
     by the Administrator.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--The Assistant Administrators shall 
     be a citizen of the United States.
       ``(3) Duties.--The Assistant Administrators shall carry out 
     duties and powers of their office described in this section 
     and those prescribed by the Administrator.
       ``(4) Management board of the administration.--In this 
     section, the term `Management Board of the Administration' 
     means--
       ``(A) the Associate Administrators and Chief Operating 
     Officer established under subsection (c); and
       ``(B) the Assistant Administrators and Chief Counsel 
     established under subsection (d).''.
       (b) Systemically Addressing Need for Exemptions and 
     Waivers.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for 
     Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the methodology developed 
     pursuant to section 106(d)(B)(vi) of title 49, United States 
     Code (as added by this section).

     SEC. 123. PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTING PECUNIARY INTERESTS.

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

     SEC. 124. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.

       (a) In General.--Section 106(f) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
       (B) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting ``In exercising 
     duties, powers, and authorities that are assigned to the 
     Secretary or the Administrator under this title, neither''; 
     and
       (C) by striking ``a committee, board, or organization 
     established by executive order.'' and inserting the 
     following: ``a committee, board, council, or organization 
     that is--
       ``(A) established by executive order; or
       ``(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to review the 
     exercise of such duties, powers, and authorities by the 
     Secretary or the Administrator.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``the acquisition'' 
     and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting 
     ``the acquisition, establishment, improvement, operation, 
     maintenance, security (including cybersecurity), and disposal 
     of property, facilities, services, and equipment of the 
     Administration, including all elements of the air traffic 
     control system owned by the Administration;'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking ``paragraph (3)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (4)'';
       (C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``civil aviation, any 
     matter for which the Administrator is the final authority 
     under subparagraph (A), any duty carried out by the 
     Administrator pursuant to paragraph (3), or the provisions of 
     this title, or'' after ``with respect to''; and
       (D) in subparagraph (D)--
       (i) by inserting ``(formally or informally)'' after 
     ``required''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or any other Federal agency'' after 
     ``Department of Transportation'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``In the performance'' and inserting ``(i) 
     Issuance of regulations.--In the performance'';

[[Page H3723]]

       (ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall act'' and 
     inserting ``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The Administrator 
     shall act'';
       (iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall issue'' and 
     inserting ``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The Administrator 
     shall issue''; and
       (iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and inserting ``(iv) 
     Reporting requirement.--On February 1''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Approval of secretary of transportation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administrator may not issue, unless 
     the Secretary of Transportation approves the issuance of the 
     regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or final 
     regulation that--

       ``(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by State, 
     local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the 
     private sector, of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually 
     for inflation beginning with the year following the date of 
     enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in 
     American Aviation Act) in any year; or
       ``(II) is significant.

       ``(ii) Significant defined.--For purposes of this 
     paragraph, a regulation is significant if the Administrator, 
     in consultation with the Secretary (as appropriate), 
     determines that the regulation--

       ``(I) will have an annual effect on the economy of 
     $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation 
     beginning with the year following the date of enactment of 
     the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
     Aviation Act);
       ``(II) raises novel or serious legal or policy issues that 
     will substantially and materially affect other transportation 
     modes; or
       ``(III) adversely affect, in a substantial and material 
     way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, 
     competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, 
     or a State, local, or Tribal government or communities.

       ``(iii) Emergency regulation.--In an emergency, the 
     Administrator may issue a final regulation described in 
     clause (i) without prior approval of the Secretary. If the 
     Secretary objects to such regulation in writing within 5 days 
     (excluding Saturday, Sundays, and legal public holidays) of 
     the issuance, the Administrator shall immediately rescind 
     such regulation.
       ``(iv) Other regulations.--The Secretary may not require 
     that the Administrator submit a proposed or final regulation 
     to the Secretary for approval, nor may the Administrator 
     submit a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary for 
     approval, if the regulation--

       ``(I) does not require the Secretary's approval under 
     clause (i) (excluding a regulation issued pursuant to clause 
     (iii)); or
       ``(II) is a routine or frequent action or a procedural 
     action.

       ``(v) Timeline.--The Administrator shall submit a copy of 
     any proposed or final regulation requiring approval by the 
     Secretary under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall either 
     approve the regulation or return the regulation to the 
     Administrator with comments within 30 days after receiving 
     the regulation. If the Secretary fails to approve or return 
     the regulation with comments to the Administrator within 30 
     days, the regulation shall be deemed to have been approved by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(C) Periodic review.--
       ``(i) In general.--In addition to the review requirements 
     established under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall review any 
     significant regulation issued 3 years after the effective 
     date of the regulation.
       ``(ii) Discretional review.--The Administrator may review 
     any regulation that has been in effect for more than 3 years.
       ``(iii) Substance of review.--In performing a review under 
     clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine if--

       ``(I) the cost assumptions were accurate;
       ``(II) the intended benefit of the regulation is being 
     realized;
       ``(III) the need remains to continue such regulation as in 
     effect; and
       ``(IV) the Administrator recommends updates to such 
     regulation based on the review criteria specified in section 
     5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

       ``(iv) Review management.--Any periodic review of a 
     regulation under this subparagraph shall be managed by the 
     Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement, who may task an advisory committee or the 
     Management Advisory Council established under subsection (p) 
     to assist in performing the review.'';
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively; and
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Duties and powers of the administrator.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall carry out--
       ``(i) the duties and powers of the Secretary under this 
     subsection related to aviation safety (except those related 
     to transportation, packaging, marking, or description of 
     hazardous material) and stated in--

       ``(I) subsections (c) and (d) of section 1132;
       ``(II) sections 40101(c), 40103(b), 40106(a), 40108, 
     40109(b), 40113(a), 40113(c), 40113(d), 40113(e), 40114(a), 
     and 40117;
       ``(III) chapter 443;
       ``(IV) chapter 445, except sections 44502(a)(3), 44503, and 
     44509;
       ``(V) chapter 447, except sections 44721(b), and 44723;
       ``(VI) chapter 448;
       ``(VII) chapter 451;
       ``(VIII) chapter 453;
       ``(IX) section 46104;
       ``(X) subsections (d) and (h)(2) of section 46301, section 
     46303(c), sections 46304 through 46308, section 46310, 
     section 46311, and sections 46313 through 46320;
       ``(XI) chapter 465;
       ``(XII) chapter 471;
       ``(XIII) chapter 475; and
       ``(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51; and

       ``(ii) such additional duties and powers as may be 
     prescribed by the Secretary.
       ``(B) Applicability.--Section 40101(d) applies to the 
     duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Transfer.--Any of the duties and powers specified in 
     subparagraph (A) may only be transferred to another part of 
     the Department if specifically provided by law or in a 
     reorganization plan submitted under chapter 9 of title 5.
       ``(D) Administrative finality.--A decision of the 
     Administrator in carrying out the duties or powers specified 
     in subparagraph (A) is administratively final.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (h) of section 106 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
       (c) Preservation of Existing Authority.--Nothing in this 
     section or the amendments made by this section shall be 
     construed to restrict any authority vested in the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration by 
     statute or by delegation that was in effect on the day before 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 125. REVIEW OF FAA RULEMAKING PROCESSES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall enter into appropriate 
     arrangements with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration to evaluate and make recommendations to 
     improve the Administration's rulemaking processes.
       (b) Content of Review.--In completing the evaluation under 
     subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration 
     shall--
       (1) review Administration and Department of Transportation 
     policies and procedures for drafting, coordinating, 
     reviewing, editing, and approving rulemaking documents;
       (2) review part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and section 106 of title 49, United States 
     Code--
       (A) as such section was in effect the day before the date 
     of enactment of this Act; and
       (B) as amended by this Act; and
       (3) include in the review--
       (A) advanced notices of proposed rulemakings;
       (B) notices of proposed rulemakings;
       (C) supplemental proposed rulemakings;
       (D) interim final rules; and
       (E) final rules, including direct final rules.
       (c) Method of Review.--As part of the evaluation under this 
     section, the National Academy of Public Administration shall 
     analyze the scoping, drafting, analysis, and approval 
     processes, including examining incidents in which a rule was 
     referred back to a program office for revision, and the 
     timeline associated with each review and step for--
       (1) at least 7 rules completed by the Administration since 
     2012, including--
       (A) at least 2 rules that leveraged the work of an aviation 
     rulemaking committee;
       (B) at least 2 rules considered significant as defined in 
     section 106(f)(3)(B)(ii) (as amended by this Act); and
       (C) at least 1 rule promulgated through rules considered 
     routine and frequent in the Department's Regulatory Agenda; 
     and
       (2) at least 2 rulemaking processes where a notice of 
     proposed rulemaking has not been followed by a final rule for 
     more than 3 years.
       (d) Report.--The National Academy of Public Administration 
     shall provide to the Administrator, Secretary of 
     Transportation, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
     report containing the results of the evaluation required 
     under subsection (a). The contents of the report shall--
       (1) identify procedural or resource constraints;
       (2) identify inefficiencies in the process, including any 
     causes of delays;
       (3) provide recommendations for expediting rulemakings, 
     including--
       (A) ways to improve the efficiency of the scoping process 
     for rulemaking;
       (B) the use of new routine and frequent rulemakings to 
     allow for the expediting of activities that may be routinely 
     needed or updated;
       (C) the use of rules of applicability to provide for the 
     expediting of activities that may be routinely needed or 
     updated;
       (D) the use of frameworks or shell rules to improve the 
     efficiency of drafting;
       (E) the use of aviation rulemaking committees; and
       (F) internal process improvements; and
       (4) not review the policy merits of the reviewed 
     rulemakings, except to the extent that there are conclusions 
     that can be drawn from the processes used to develop such 
     rules.
       (e) Access to Documents.--The Administration and Department 
     shall provide the National Academy of Public Administration 
     access, as appropriate, to--

[[Page H3724]]

       (1) the electronic management software the Administration 
     uses to track internal processing of draft documents;
       (2) appropriately redacted communications between offices 
     and personnel that were used to coordinate work outside of 
     the electronic software; and
       (3) such other documents and records, including 
     predecisional documents and records, that will assist the 
     National Academy of Public Administration in completing the 
     evaluation required under subsection (a).

     SEC. 126. OFFICE OF INNOVATION.

       Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(g) Office of Innovation.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is established within the Federal 
     Aviation Administration an Office of Innovation (in this 
     subsection referred to as the `Office') comprised of 
     employees of the Administration who shall--
       ``(A) have a diverse set of expertise;
       ``(B) assist the leadership of the Administration and the 
     Management Board of the Administration with--
       ``(i) scoping complex regulatory issues and drafting 
     documents on topics that span multiple offices or lines of 
     business of the Administration;
       ``(ii) evaluating internal processes; and
       ``(iii) positioning the Administration to support aerospace 
     innovation; and
       ``(C) receive taskings from the leadership of the 
     Administration and the Management Board of the 
     Administration, as determined necessary by such individuals, 
     and work collaboratively with relevant program offices of the 
     Administration, as necessary, to respond to such taskings.
       ``(2) Appointment of members.--
       ``(A) Appointments.--The Administrator shall appoint a 
     maximum of 15 employees to serve a 2-year term as a member of 
     the Office of Innovation with at least 1 employee appointed 
     from each of the following:
       ``(i) Office of Aviation Safety.
       ``(ii) The Air Traffic Organization.
       ``(iii) Office of Airports.
       ``(iv) Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.
       ``(v) When authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is 
     explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to 
     the Administrator, the Office of Commercial Space 
     Transportation.
       ``(vi) Office of the Chief Counsel.
       ``(vii) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and 
     Environment.
       ``(B) Consultation.--The Office may consult, as necessary, 
     with other personnel of the Administration.
       ``(3) Selection of members.--An employee appointed under 
     paragraph (2)--
       ``(A) may be appointed from nominations made by Associate 
     Administrators, Assistant Administrators, and the Chief 
     Counsel of the Administration;
       ``(B) shall not be a senior executive of the 
     Administration;
       ``(C) shall have been an employee of the Administration for 
     at least 2 years; and
       ``(D) shall have expertise in the authorities and duties of 
     the respective office of the employee.
       ``(4) Innovation office lead.--The Administrator shall 
     appoint a lead of the Office who shall report to the 
     leadership of the Administration and who--
       ``(A) may have a set term, as determined by the 
     Administrator;
       ``(B) shall manage the personnel and activities of such 
     Office; and
       ``(C) may be a detailed employee of any office of the 
     Administration, notwithstanding the numerical limits placed 
     on appointments in paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(5) Status.--An appointment of an employee to the Office 
     established under this subsection shall not impact the status 
     or position of such employee in the respective office of such 
     employee and such employee shall be considered a detailed 
     employee to the Office of Innovation.
       ``(6) Resources.--The Administrator shall provide resources 
     and staff, as necessary, to the Office to support the 
     activities of the Office described in paragraph (1), not to 
     exceed more than 6 full-time equivalent positions, including 
     any necessary project managers.''.

     SEC. 127. FRANK A. LOBIONDO NATIONAL AEROSPACE SAFETY AND 
                   SECURITY CAMPUS.

       (a) In General.--The campus and grounds of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration Technical Center located at the 
     Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, 
     New Jersey, shall be known and designated as the ``Frank A. 
     LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus''.
       (b) Reference.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     campus and grounds at the Federal Aviation Administration 
     Technical Center referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     deemed to be a reference to the ``Frank A. LoBiondo National 
     Aerospace Safety and Security Campus''.

     SEC. 128. TECHNICAL CENTER FOR ADVANCED AEROSPACE.

       (a) In General.--Section 106 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by inserting after subsection (g) 
     (as added by section 126) the following:
       ``(h) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is established within the 
     Administration a technology center located at the Frank A. 
     LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus to 
     support the advancement of aerospace safety and innovation 
     which shall be known as the `William J. Hughes Technical 
     Center for Advanced Aerospace' (in this subsection referred 
     to as the `Technical Center') that shall be used by the 
     Administrator and, as permitted by the Administrator, other 
     governmental entities, academia, and the aerospace industry.
       ``(2) Management.--The activities of the Technical Center 
     shall be managed by a Director.
       ``(3) Activities.--The activities of the Technical Center 
     shall include--
       ``(A) developing and stimulating technology partnerships 
     with and between industry, academia, and other government 
     agencies and supporting such partnerships by--
       ``(i) liaising between external persons and offices of the 
     Administration interested in such work;
       ``(ii) providing technical expertise and input, as 
     appropriate; and
       ``(iii) providing access to the properties, facilities, and 
     systems of the Technical Center through appropriate 
     agreements;
       ``(B) managing technology demonstration grants awarded by 
     the Administrator;
       ``(C) identifying software, systems, services, and 
     technologies that could improve aviation safety and the 
     operations and management of the air traffic control system 
     and working with relevant offices of the Administration to 
     consider the use and integration of such software, systems, 
     services, and technologies, as appropriate;
       ``(D) supporting the work of any collocated facilities and 
     tenants of such facilities, and to the extent feasible, enter 
     into agreements as necessary to utilize the facilities, 
     systems, and technologies of such collocated facilities and 
     tenants;
       ``(E) managing the facilities of the Technical Center and 
     the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security 
     Campus; and
       ``(F) carrying out any other duties as determined 
     appropriate by the Administrator.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 44507 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute'' and all 
     that follows through ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
     established'' and inserting ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
     established''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).

     SEC. 129. OFFICE OF NEXTGEN SUNSET.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall terminate the Office of 
     NextGen.
       (b) Closure Process.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall transfer duties, authorities, activities, 
     personnel, and assets managed by the Office of NextGen to 
     other officials of the Administration, as appropriate, 
     including--
       (1) transferring such duties, authorities, activities, 
     personnel, and assets to--
       (A) the Director of the William J. Hughes Technical Center 
     for Advanced Aerospace established under subsection 106(h) of 
     title 49, United States Code;
       (B) the Assistant Administrator for Finance and Management;
       (C) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic Control 
     System; and
       (D) other officials of the Administration, as determined by 
     the Administrator; and
       (2) transferring management of the NextGen Advisory 
     Committee to the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic 
     Control System.

     SEC. 130. FAA OMBUDSMAN.

       Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by striking subsection (i) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i)  FAA Ombudsman.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Federal Aviation Administration an Ombudsman who shall 
     coordinate or facilitate the adjudication of covered 
     submissions.
       ``(2) Ombudsman.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the 
     Administrator and report to the Assistant Administrator for 
     Government and Industry Affairs.
       ``(B) Term.--The Ombudsman shall be appointed for a term of 
     5 years.
       ``(3) Duties.--The duties of the Ombudsman shall be as 
     follows:
       ``(A) Work with the relevant offices within the 
     Administration to--
       ``(i) with respect to a covered submission, resolve, 
     provide a status update, or provide clarity on the status of 
     such submissions;
       ``(ii) bring to the attention of the relevant office of the 
     Administration concerns, as necessary, regarding 
     Administration processes or considerations discovered while 
     coordinating an activity related to a covered submission 
     under this subsection; and
       ``(iii) address any gaps and communication lapses in 
     Administration coordination processes.
       ``(B) Determine if, based on a coordinated activity carried 
     out under this subsection, reconsideration with respect to 
     covered submissions or administrative actions are necessary 
     and report to the Administrator or the relevant office within 
     the Administration with recommendations relating to such 
     reconsideration.
       ``(C) Determine if trends materialize that could warrant 
     process, procedural, or resource changes and report 
     recommendations regarding such changes to the Administrator

[[Page H3725]]

     and relevant offices within the Administration.
       ``(D) Ensure that reporting, processing, or dispute 
     resolution mechanisms within the Administration are 
     transparent and accessible to the public, and facilitate the 
     use of such reporting, processing, or dispute resolution 
     mechanisms, when appropriate.
       ``(E) Perform other duties as prescribed by the Assistant 
     Administrator.
       ``(4) Discretion on coordination and review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Ombudsman shall determine whether to 
     coordinate a review of a covered submission in order to 
     provide a response, coordinate the reconsideration of an 
     administrative action, or take no additional action. In 
     making a determination under this subparagraph, the Ombudsman 
     shall consider--
       ``(i) whether there are reporting, processing, or dispute 
     resolution mechanisms that have not been exhausted or that 
     may be more appropriate for dealing with, investigating, and 
     responding to such covered submission;
       ``(ii) whether the subject or outcome of a covered 
     submission is alleged to be--

       ``(I) contrary to law or regulation;
       ``(II) arbitrary and capricious; or
       ``(III) performed in an unreasonably inefficient or 
     untimely manner; and

       ``(iii) such other factors as the Ombudsman considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(B) Exception.--With regard to a covered submission 
     concerning an activity relating to an alleged violation of an 
     order, a regulation, or any other provision of Federal law by 
     the Administration or whistleblower retaliation, the 
     Ombudsman shall refer such covered submission to the 
     appropriate Federal entity to adjudicate or investigate the 
     subject of such submission.
       ``(C) Cooperation.--The Administrator shall ensure that the 
     officers and employees of the Administration fully cooperate 
     with the activities of the Ombudsman and provide such 
     information, documents, or materials as may be requested by 
     the Ombudsman.
       ``(5) Response requirement.--The Ombudsman shall ensure 
     that the Administration provides an initial response to or 
     status update on covered submissions within 10 business days 
     of the Ombudsman receiving such submission.
       ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Administrative action.--The term `administrative 
     action' means--
       ``(i) an action taken by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration to issue, deny, modify, or revoke a 
     certificate, registration, approval, waiver, license, 
     exemption, determination, interpretation, or any other 
     authorizing action; or
       ``(ii) the lack of any action (or activity related to an 
     action) described in clause (i) necessary to be taken by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(B) Covered submission.--The term `covered submission' 
     means an inquiry or objection relating to--
       ``(i) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance 
     certification;
       ``(ii) an airman or pilot certificate, including scheduling 
     an associated appointment with Administration personnel or 
     designees;
       ``(iii) a medical certificate;
       ``(iv) an operator certificate;
       ``(v) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51 is 
     explicitly delegated by the Secretary of Transportation to 
     the Administrator, a license or permit issued under chapter 
     509 of title 51;
       ``(vi) an aircraft registration;
       ``(vii) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;
       ``(viii) a legal interpretation;
       ``(ix) an outstanding determination;
       ``(x) an application of agency guidance; and
       ``(xi) any certificate not otherwise described in this 
     subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447.''.

     SEC. 131. PROJECT DASHBOARDS AND FEEDBACK PORTAL.

       (a) In General.--The Ombudsman of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall, in reviewing Administration processes, 
     receiving, reviewing, and responding to covered submissions, 
     and through general due diligence, determine whether a 
     publicly facing dashboard that provides applicants with the 
     status of an application before the agency would be--
       (1) beneficial to applicants;
       (2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and 
     update; or
       (3) duplicative with other efforts within the 
     Administration to streamline and digitize paperwork and 
     certification processes to provide an applicant with a 
     greater awareness of the status of an application before the 
     Administration.
       (b) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Ombudsman shall provide a 
     recommendation to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration regarding the need or benefits of a dashboard 
     or other means by which to track an application status.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after receiving 
     recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on--
       (1) any recommendation received from the Ombudsman; and
       (2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response 
     to such recommendation.
       (d) FAA Feedback Portal.--
       (1) In general.--The Ombudsman shall, through interacting 
     with the public and general due diligence, determine whether 
     a publicly facing portal on the website through which the 
     public may provide feedback to the Administrator about 
     experiences they have working with personnel of the 
     Administration would be beneficial.
       (2) Requirements.--The Ombudsman shall ensure any portal 
     established under this subsection asks questions that seek to 
     gauge any shortcomings the Administration has in fulfilling 
     its mission or areas where the Administration is succeeding 
     in meetings its mission.
       (e) Covered Submission.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered submission'' has the meaning given the term in 
     subsection 106(i) of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 132. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA ENGAGEMENT DURING 
                   RULEMAKING ACTIVITIES.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration should engage with aviation stakeholder groups 
     and the public during pre-drafting stages of rulemaking 
     activities and use, to the greatest extent practicable, 
     properly docketed ex-parte discussions during rulemaking 
     activities in order to--
       (A) inform the work of the Administrator;
       (B) assist the Administrator in developing the scope of a 
     rule; and
       (C) reduce the timeline for issuance of proposed and final 
     rules; and
       (2) when it would reduce the time required for the 
     Administrator to adjudicate public comments, the 
     Administrator should publicly provide information describing 
     the rationale behind a regulatory decision included in 
     proposed regulations in order to better allow for the public 
     to provide clear and informed comments on such regulations.

     SEC. 133. CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INSTITUTE.

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

     SEC. 134. MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended--
       (1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) as 
     paragraph (7) of subsection (r); and
       (2) by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:
       ``(p) Management Advisory Council.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an 
     advisory council which shall be known as the Federal 
     Aerospace Management Advisory Council (in this subsection 
     referred to as the `Council').
       ``(2) Membership.--The Council shall consist of 13 members, 
     who shall consist of--
       ``(A) a designee of the Secretary of Transportation;
       ``(B) a designee of the Secretary of Defense;
       ``(C) 5 members representing aerospace and technology 
     interests, appointed by the Administrator;
       ``(D) 5 members representing aerospace and technology 
     interests, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
       ``(E) 1 member, appointed by the Secretary of 
     Transportation, who is the head of a union representing air 
     traffic control system employees.
       ``(3) Qualifications.--No officer or employee of the United 
     States Government may be appointed to the Council under 
     subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2).
       ``(4) Functions.--
       ``(A) In general.--
       ``(i) Advise; counsel.--The Council shall provide advice 
     and counsel to the Administrator on issues which affect or 
     are affected by the activities of the Administrator.
       ``(ii) Resource.--The Council shall function as an 
     oversight resource for management, policy, spending, and 
     regulatory matters under the jurisdiction of the 
     Administrator.
       ``(iii) Submissions to administration.--With respect to 
     Administration management, policy, spending, funding, data 
     management and analysis, safety initiatives, international 
     agreements, activities of the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization, and regulatory matters affecting the aerospace 
     industry and the national airspace system, the Council may--

       ``(I) regardless of whether solicited by the Administrator, 
     submit comments, recommended modifications, proposals, and 
     supporting or dissenting views to the Administrator; and
       ``(II) request the Administrator include in any submission 
     to Congress, the Secretary, or the general public, and in any 
     submission for publication in the Federal Register, a 
     description of the comments, recommended modifications, and 
     dissenting or supporting views received from the Council 
     under subclause (I).

       ``(iv) Reasoning.--Together with a Council submission that 
     is published or described under clause (iii)(II), the 
     Administrator shall provide the reasons for any differences 
     between the views of the Council and the views or actions of 
     the Administrator.
       ``(v) Cost-benefit analysis.--The Council shall review the 
     rulemaking cost-benefit analysis process and develop 
     recommendations to improve the analysis and ensure that the 
     public interest is fully protected.
       ``(vi) Process review.--The Council shall review the 
     process through which the Administration determines to use 
     advisory circulars, service bulletins, and other externally 
     facing guidance and regulatory material.
       ``(B) Meetings.--The Council shall meet on a regular and 
     periodic basis or at the call of the chair or of the 
     Administrator.

[[Page H3726]]

       ``(C) Access to documents and staff.--The Administration 
     may give the Council appropriate access to relevant documents 
     and personnel of the Administration, and the Administrator 
     shall make available, consistent with the authority to 
     withhold commercial and other proprietary information under 
     section 552 of title 5 (commonly known as the `Freedom of 
     Information Act'), cost data associated with the acquisition 
     and operation of air traffic service systems.
       ``(D) Disclosure of commercial or proprietary data.--Any 
     member of the Council who receives commercial or other 
     proprietary data as provided for in this paragraph from the 
     Administrator shall be subject to the provisions of section 
     1905 of title 18, pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of 
     such information.
       ``(5) Application of chapter 10 of title 5.--Chapter 10 of 
     title 5 does not apply to--
       ``(A) the Council;
       ``(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the 
     Administrator shall designate; or
       ``(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the Secretary 
     shall designate.
       ``(6) Administrative matters.--
       ``(A) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed under 
     paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
       ``(B) Term for air traffic control representative.--The 
     member appointed under paragraph (2)(D) shall be appointed 
     for a term of 3 years, except that the term of such 
     individual shall end whenever the individual no longer meets 
     the requirements of paragraph (2)(D).
       ``(C) Vacancy.--Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment, except that 
     any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
     expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was 
     appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
       ``(D) Continuation in office.--A member of the Council 
     whose term expires shall continue to serve until the date on 
     which the member's successor takes office.
       ``(E) Removal.--Any member of the Council appointed under 
     paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by whomever makes the 
     appointment.
       ``(F) Chair; vice chair.--The Council shall elect a chair 
     and a vice chair from among the members appointed under 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each of whom 
     shall serve for a term of 1 year. The vice chair shall 
     perform the duties of the chair in the absence of the chair.
       ``(G) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the Council 
     shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence expenses when away from the usual place of 
     residence of the member, in accordance with section 5703 of 
     title 5.
       ``(H) Detail of personnel from the administration.--The 
     Administrator shall make available to the Council such staff, 
     information, and administrative services and assistance as 
     may reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry out 
     its responsibilities under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 135. AVIATION NOISE OFFICER.

       (a) In General.--Section 106 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by striking subsection (q) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(q) Aviation Noise Officer.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration has an Aviation Noise 
     Officer, who shall be appointed by the Administrator.
       ``(2) Regional officers.--The Aviation Noise Officer shall 
     designate, within each region of the Administration, a 
     Regional Aviation Noise Officer.
       ``(3) Duties.--The Aviation Noise Officer, in coordination 
     with the Regional Aviation Noise Officers, shall--
       ``(A) serve as a liaison with the public, including 
     community groups, on issues regarding aircraft noise;
       ``(B) make recommendations to the Administrator to address 
     concerns raised by the public in decision making processes; 
     and
       ``(C) be consulted when the Administration proposes changes 
     in aircraft routes so as to minimize any increases in 
     aircraft noise over populated areas.
       ``(4) Number of full-time equivalent employees.--The 
     appointment of an Aviation Noise Officer under this 
     subsection shall not result in an increase in the number of 
     full-time equivalent employees in the Administration.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 180 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 106 note) and the 
     items relating to such section in the table of contents 
     contained in section 1(b) of that Act, are repealed.

     SEC. 136. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

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

     SEC. 137. REPORT ON UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEEDS OF AIR 
                   TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

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

       ``(I) additional resources had been available for the 
     budget to fund the program, activity, or mission requirement; 
     or
       ``(II) the program, activity, or mission requirement has 
     emerged since the budget was formulated.''.

     SEC. 138. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.

       Section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``There shall be'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``The Chief Technology Officer shall be appointed by the 
     Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control system 
     with the consent of the Administrator.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``management'' and 
     inserting ``management, systems management,'';
       (C) by striking subparagraph (D);
       (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as 
     subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively; and
       (E) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
     redesignated, the following:

[[Page H3727]]

       ``(A) Establishment.--There shall be a Chief Technology 
     Officer for the air traffic control system that shall report 
     directly to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic 
     control system.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``program''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``aircraft operators'' 
     and inserting ``the Administration, aircraft operators, or 
     other private providers of information and services related 
     to air traffic management''; and
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``The Chief Technology 
     Officer shall be subject to the postemployment provisions of 
     section 207 of title 18 as if the position of Chief 
     Technology Officer were described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) 
     of that title.'';
       (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
     and
       (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) Post-employment.--The Chief Technology Officer shall 
     be subject to the postemployment provisions of section 207 of 
     title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology Officer were 
     described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of such title.''.

     SEC. 139. DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

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

     SEC. 140. PEER REVIEW OF OFFICE OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION 
                   AND AVIATION SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS.

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

     SEC. 141. CYBERSECURITY LEAD.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall designate an executive of the 
     Administration to serve as the lead for the cybersecurity of 
     Administration systems and hardware (hereinafter referred to 
     as the ``Cybersecurity Lead'').
       (b) Duties.--The Cybersecurity Lead shall carry out duties 
     and powers prescribed by the Administrator, including the 
     management of activities required under subtitle B of title 
     VI of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
     Aviation Act.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 and 3 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Cybersecurity Lead shall 
     provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the implementation of subtitle B of title VI of the 
     Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation 
     Act.

     SEC. 142. REDUCING FAA WASTE, INEFFICIENCY, AND UNNECESSARY 
                   RESPONSIBILITIES.

       (a) Annual Report on Aviation Activities.--Section 308 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).
       (b) Annual Report on the Purchase of Foreign Manufactured 
     Articles.--Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking paragraph (5).
       (c) Annual Report on Assistance to Foreign Aviation 
     Authorities.--Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (4); and
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
       (d) AIP Annual Report.--Section 47131 of title 49, United 
     States Code, and the item relating to such section in the 
     analysis for chapter 471 of such title, are repealed.
       (e) Transfer of Airport Land Use Compliance Report to 
     NPIAS.--Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Non-compliant Airports.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the plan 
     a detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has 
     reason to believe are not in compliance with grant assurances 
     or other requirements with respect to airport lands and shall 
     include--
       ``(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;
       ``(B) the timeline for corrective action with respect to 
     such noncompliance; and
       ``(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends to 
     require to bring the airport sponsor into compliance.
       ``(2) Listing.--The Secretary is not required to conduct an 
     audit or make a final determination before including an 
     airport on the list referred to in paragraph (1).''.
       (f) Notice to Airport Sponsors Regarding Purchase of 
     American Made Equipment and Products.--Section 306 of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (49 
     U.S.C. 50101 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``(a)'' and all that 
     follows through ``It is the sense'' and inserting ``It is the 
     sense''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).
       (g) Obsolete Aviation Security Requirements.--Sections 302, 
     307, 309, and 310 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act 
     of 1996 (Public Law 104-264), and the items relating to such 
     sections in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such 
     Act, are repealed.
       (h) Regulation of Alaska Guide Pilots.--Section 732 of the 
     Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 
     21st Century (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
       (3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Definitions'' and 
     inserting ``Definition of Alaska Guide Pilot''; and
       (B) by striking ``, the following definitions apply'' and 
     all that follows through ``The term `Alaska guide pilot' '' 
     and inserting ``the term `Alaska guide pilot' ''.
       (i) Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy 
     Committee.--Section 710 of the Vision 100-Century of Aviation 
     Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), and the item 
     relating to such section in the table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
       (j) Improved Pilot Licenses and Pilot License Rulemaking.--
       (1) Intelligence reform and terrorism prevention act.--
     Section 4022 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism 
     Prevention Act of 2004 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item 
     relating to such section in the table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
       (2) FAA modernization and reform act of 2012.--Section 321 
     of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 
     44703 note), and the item relating to such section in the 
     table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
       (k) Technical Training and Staffing Study.--Section 605 of 
     the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-
     95) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a);
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``(b) Workload of Systems Specialists.--''; 
     and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
     subsections (a) through (c) (and adjust the margins 
     appropriately); and
       (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
       (l) Ferry Flight Duty Period and Flight Time Rulemakings.--
     Section 345 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
     (49 U.S.C. 44701 note), and the item relating to such section 
     in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are 
     repealed.
       (m) Laser Pointer Incident Reports.--Section 2104 of FAA 
     Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 
     note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``quarterly'' and 
     inserting ``annually''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Report Sunset.--Subsection (a) shall cease to be 
     effective after September 30, 2028.''.
       (n) Cold Weather Projects Briefing.--Section 156 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47112 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b); and
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

                       TITLE II--GENERAL AVIATION

         Subtitle A--Expanding Pilot Privileges and Protections

     SEC. 201. REEXAMINATION OF PILOTS OR CERTIFICATE HOLDERS.

       The Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

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

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide timely, 
     written notification to an individual subject to a 
     reexamination of an airman certificate issued under chapter 
     447 of title 49, United States Code.
       ``(b) Information Required.--In providing notification 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall inform the 
     individual--
       ``(1) of the nature of the reexamination and the specific 
     activity on which the reexamination is necessitated;

[[Page H3728]]

       ``(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 year from 
     the date of the notice provided by the Administrator, after 
     which, if the reexamination is not conducted, the airman 
     certificate may be suspended or revoked; and
       ``(3) when, as determined by the Administrator, an oral or 
     written response to the notification from the Administrator 
     is not required.
       ``(c) Exception.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
     Administrator from reexamining a certificate holder if the 
     Administrator has reasonable grounds--
       ``(1) to establish that an airman may not be qualified to 
     exercise the privileges of a certificate or rating based upon 
     an act or omission committed by the airman while exercising 
     such privileges or performing ancillary duties associated 
     with the exercise of such privileges; or
       ``(2) to demonstrate that the airman obtained such a 
     certificate or rating through fraudulent means or through an 
     examination that was substantially and inadequate to 
     establish the qualifications of an airman.
       ``(d) Standard of Review.--An order issued by the 
     Administrator to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman 
     certificate after reexamination of the airman is subject to 
     the standard of review provided for under section 2 of this 
     Act.''.

     SEC. 202. GAO REVIEW OF PILOT'S BILL OF RIGHTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General 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 study of the implementation of the Pilot's Bill of 
     Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall review--
       (1) the implementation and application of the Pilot's Bill 
     of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note);
       (2) the application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 
     and the Federal Rules of Evidence to covered proceedings by 
     the National Transportation Safety Board, as required by 
     section 2 of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 
     note);
       (3) the appeal process and the typical length of time 
     associated with a final determination in a covered 
     proceeding; and
       (4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pilot's Bill 
     of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).
       (c) Covered Proceedings.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered proceeding'' means a proceeding conducted under 
     subpart C, D, or F of part 821 of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, relating to denial, amendment, modification, 
     suspension, or revocation of an airman certificate.

     SEC. 203. EXPANSION OF BASICMED.

       (a) In General.--Section 2307 of the FAA Extension, Safety, 
     and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) the individual holds a medical certificate issued by 
     the Federal Aviation Administration or has held such a 
     certificate at any time after July 14, 2006;'';
       (B) in paragraph (7) by inserting ``calendar'' before 
     ``months''; and
       (C) in paragraph (8)(A) by striking ``5'' and inserting 
     ``6'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by inserting ``(or any 
     successor form)'' after ``(3-99)'';
       (3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
       ``(h) Report Required.--Not later than 4 years after the 
     date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust 
     Leadership in American Aviation Act, the Administrator, in 
     coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, 
     shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report that describes the effect of the regulations 
     issued or revised under subsection (a) and includes 
     statistics with respect to changes in small aircraft activity 
     and safety incidents.''; and
       (4) in subsection (j)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``6'' and inserting ``7''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``6,000'' and inserting 
     ``12,500''.
       (b) Rulemaking.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall update regulations in parts 61 and 68 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as necessary, to 
     implement the amendments made by this section.
       (c) Applicability.--Beginning on the date that is 120 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall apply part 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner 
     reflecting the amendments made by this section.

     SEC. 204. DATA PRIVACY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44114. Privacy

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall establish and continuously improve a process by which, 
     upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, the 
     Administrator blocks the registration number and other 
     similar identifiable data or information, except for physical 
     markings required by law, of the aircraft of the owner or 
     operator from any public dissemination or display (except in 
     furnished data or information made available to or from a 
     Government agency pursuant to a government contract, 
     subcontract, or agreement) for the noncommercial flights of 
     the owner or operator.
       ``(b) Withholding Personally Identifiable Information on 
     Aircraft Registry.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this section and notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the Administrator shall establish a 
     procedure by which, upon request of a private aircraft owner 
     or operator, the Administrator shall withhold from public 
     disclosure (except in furnished data or information made 
     available to or from a Government agency pursuant to a 
     government contract, subcontract, or agreement) the 
     personally identifiable information of such individual on the 
     Civil Aviation Registry website.
       ``(c) ICAO Aircraft Identification Code.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     program for aircraft owners and operators to apply for a new 
     ICAO aircraft identification code.
       ``(2) Limitations.--In carrying out the program described 
     in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall require--
       ``(A) each applicant to substantiate the safety or security 
     need in applying for a new ICAO aircraft identification code; 
     and
       ``(B) each approved applicant who obtains a new ICAO 
     aircraft identification code to comply with all applicable 
     aspects of, or related to, part 45 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, including updating an aircraft's 
     registration number and N-Number to reflect such aircraft's 
     new ICAO aircraft identification code.
       ``(d) Decoupling Mode S Codes.--The Administrator shall 
     develop a plan for which the Administrator could allow for a 
     process to disassociate an assigned Mode S code with the 
     number assigned to an aircraft that is registered pursuant to 
     section 44103.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) ADS-B.--The term `ADS-B' means automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast.
       ``(2) ICAO.--The term `ICAO' means the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization.
       ``(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term 
     `personally identifiable information' means--
       ``(A) the mailing address or registration address of an 
     individual;
       ``(B) an electronic address (including an e-mail address) 
     of an individual; or
       ``(C) the telephone number of an individual.''.
       (b) Study on Encrypting ADS-B.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agreement 
     with a qualified organization to conduct a study assessing 
     the technical challenges, impact to international aviation 
     operations, benefits, and costs of encrypting ADS-B signals 
     to provide for a safer and more secure environment for 
     national airspace system users.
       (2) Consultation.--In carrying out the study under 
     paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consult with 
     representatives of--
       (A) air carriers;
       (B) collective bargaining representatives of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration aeronautical information specialists;
       (C) original equipment manufacturers of ADS-B equipment;
       (D) general aviation;
       (E) business aviation; and
       (F) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     aircraft cybersecurity.
       (3) Considerations.--In carrying out the study under 
     paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consider--
       (A) the technical requirements for encrypting ADS-B signals 
     for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies;
       (B) the advantages of encrypting ADS-B signals for both the 
     978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related to 
     cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national 
     airspace system users;
       (C) the disadvantages of encrypting ADS-B signals for both 
     the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related 
     to cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national 
     airspace system users;
       (D) the challenges of encrypting ADS-B signals for both the 
     978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including coordination 
     considerations with the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization and foreign civil aviation authorities;
       (E) potential new aircraft equipage requirements and 
     estimated costs;
       (F) the impact to nongovernmental third-party users of ADS-
     B data;
       (G) the estimated costs to--
       (i) the Federal Aviation Administration;
       (ii) aircraft owners required to equip with ADS-B equipment 
     for aviation operations; and
       (iii) other relevant persons the Administrator determines 
     necessary; and
       (H) the impact to national airspace system operations 
     during implementation and post-implementation.
       (4) Report.--In any agreement entered into under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall ensure that, not later than 1 
     year after the completion of the study required under 
     paragraph (1), the qualified organization that has entered 
     into such agreement shall submit to the Administrator, the 
     Committee on

[[Page H3729]]

     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 described in paragraph (1), including the findings and 
     recommendations related to each item specified under 
     paragraph (3).
       (5) Definition of qualified organization.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``qualified organization'' means an 
     independent nonprofit organization described in section 
     501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt 
     from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

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

     SEC. 205. PROHIBITION ON USING ADS-B DATA TO INITIATE AN 
                   INVESTIGATION.

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

     SEC. 206. PROHIBITION ON N-NUMBER PROFITEERING.

       Section 44103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Prohibition on N-Number Profiteering.--
       ``(1) In general.--No person may reserve an aircraft 
     registration number without certifying that such person 
     intends to use such registration number--
       ``(A) immediately on a specific aircraft; or
       ``(B) for future use on an aircraft owned or controlled, or 
     intended to be owned or controlled, by such person.
       ``(2) Transfers.--A person may transfer a reserved aircraft 
     registration number to another person if--
       ``(A) the transferor certifies that the aircraft 
     registration number is relinquished willingly and at a cost 
     to the transferee that does not otherwise exceed the amount 
     paid by the transferor to reserve such number; and
       ``(B) the transferee--
       ``(i) certifies that the transferor did not impose a dollar 
     cost on the transfer that exceeds the amount provided for in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) complies with the certification requirement under 
     paragraph (1).''.

     SEC. 207. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

       (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 the 
     process for reserving aircraft registration numbers to ensure 
     that such process offers an equal opportunity for members of 
     the general public to obtain specific aircraft registration 
     numbers.
       (b) Assessment.--In conducting the review under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall assess the following:
       (1) Whether the use of readily available software to 
     prevent computer or web-based auto-fill systems from 
     reserving aircraft registration numbers in bulk would improve 
     participation in the reservation process by the general 
     public.
       (2) Whether a limit should be imposed on the number of 
     consecutive years a person may reserve an aircraft 
     registration number.
       (3) The impact of the prohibition imposed by section 
     44103(e) of title 49, United States Code.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the review conducted 
     under subsection (a), including any recommendations of the 
     Administrator to improve equal participation in the process 
     for reserving aircraft registration numbers by the general 
     public.

     SEC. 208. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF INVESTIGATIONS.

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

     SEC. 209. EXPANSION OF VOLUNTEER PILOT ORGANIZATION 
                   DEFINITION.

       Section 821 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
     (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``for the fuel costs associated with'' and 
     inserting ``for the fuel costs and airport fees attributed 
     to''; and
       (B) by striking ``for an individual or organ for medical 
     purposes (and for other associated individuals)'' and 
     inserting ``for the purposes described in subsection 
     (c)(2)''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``charitable medical 
     transportation.'' and inserting the following: ``charitable 
     transportation for the following purposes:
       ``(A) Assisting individuals in accessing medical care or 
     treatment (and for other associated individuals).
       ``(B) Delivering human blood, tissues, or organs.
       ``(C) Aiding disaster relief efforts pursuant to a--
       ``(i) presidential declaration of a major disaster or an 
     emergency under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); or
       ``(ii) declaration of a major disaster or an emergency by a 
     Governor of a State.''.

     SEC. 210. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EXEMPTIONS.

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

     SEC. 211. GAO REPORT ON CHARITABLE FLIGHTS.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller

[[Page H3730]]

     General of the United States shall initiate a review of the 
     following:
       (1) Applicable laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, 
     and guidance pertaining to charitable flights and the 
     operations of such flights, including reimbursement of fuel 
     costs.
       (2) Petitions for exemption from the requirements of 
     section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     for the purpose of allowing a pilot to accept reimbursement 
     for the fuel costs associated with a flight operation to 
     provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of 
     the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
     note), as amended by this Act, including assessment of--
       (A) the conditions and limitations a petitioner must comply 
     with if the exemption is granted and whether such conditions 
     and limitations are--
       (i) applied to petitioners in a consistent manner; and
       (ii) commensurate with the types of flight operations 
     exemption holders propose to conduct under any such 
     exemptions;
       (B) denied petitions for such an exemption and the reasons 
     for the denial of such petitions; and
       (C) the processing time of a petition for such an 
     exemption.
       (3) Charitable flights conducted without an exemption from 
     section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     including an analysis of the certificates, qualifications, 
     and aeronautical experience of the operators of such flights.
       (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the review initiated 
     under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult 
     with charitable organizations, including volunteer pilot 
     organizations, aircraft owners, and pilots who volunteer to 
     provide transportation for or on behalf of a charitable 
     organization, flight safety experts, and employees of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration.
       (c) Recommendations.--As part of the review initiated under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall make 
     recommendations, as determined appropriate, to the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to 
     improve the rules, policies, and guidance pertaining to 
     charitable flight operations.
       (d) Report.--Upon completion of the review initiated under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     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 
     findings of such review and recommendations developed under 
     subsection (c).

     SEC. 212. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Unlimited letter of authorization.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     take such action as may be necessary to allow for the 
     issuance of letters of authorizations to airmen with the 
     authorization for--
       (A) all types and makes of experimental high-performance 
     single engine piston powered aircraft; and
       (B) all types and makes of experimental high-performance 
     multiengine piston powered aircraft.
       (2) Requirements.--An individual who holds a letter of 
     authorization and applies for an authorization described in 
     paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B)--
       (A) shall be given an all-makes and models authorization 
     of--
       (i) experimental single-engine piston powered authorized 
     aircraft; or
       (ii) experimental multiengine piston powered authorized 
     aircraft;
       (B) shall hold the appropriate category and class rating 
     for the authorized aircraft;
       (C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft authorizations in 
     aircraft of the same category and class rating for the 
     authorization sought; and
       (D) may become qualified in additional experimental 
     aircraft by completing aircraft specific training.
       (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to disallow an individual from being given both an 
     authorization described in paragraph (1)(A) and an 
     authorization described in paragraph (1)(B).
       (c) Failure to Comply.--
       (1) In general.--If the Administrator fails to implement 
     subsection (a) within the time period prescribed in such 
     subsection, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the status of the 
     implementation of such subsection on a monthly basis until 
     the implementation is complete.
       (2) No delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the 
     briefing described in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 213. RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION.

        Section 2(b) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 
     44703 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Response to letter of investigation.--If an 
     individual decides to respond to a Letter of Investigation 
     described in paragraph (2)(B) such individual may respond not 
     later than 30 days after receipt of such Letter, including 
     providing written comments on the incident to the 
     investigating office.''.

                  Subtitle B--General Aviation Safety

     SEC. 221. ADS-B SAFETY ENHANCEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a program to provide 
     rebates to owners of covered general aviation aircraft for 
     the purchase of covered ADS-B equipment.
       (b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a rebate under 
     this section, an owner of a covered general aviation aircraft 
     shall submit to the Administrator an application in such 
     form, at such time, and containing such information as the 
     Administrator may require, including proof of successful 
     installation of covered ADS-B equipment.
       (c) Authorized Rebate.--
       (1) Amount.--A rebate approved by the Administrator to be 
     issued to an owner of a covered general aviation aircraft 
     shall be equal to the lesser of--
       (A) the cost of purchasing the covered ADS-B equipment; or
       (B) $2,000.
       (2) Time.--A rebate issued under the program under this 
     section shall be redeemed or presented for payment not later 
     than 180 days after issuance, after which time the rebate 
     shall be deemed void.
       (d) Sunset.--The program established under subsection (a) 
     shall terminate on October 1, 2027.
       (e) Restriction.--The Administrator may not offer rebates 
     for--
       (1) a software upgrade for covered ADS-B equipment;
       (2) covered ADS-B equipment installed prior to the date of 
     enactment of this Act;
       (3) covered general aviation aircraft manufactured after 
     January 1, 2020; or
       (4) covered general aviation aircraft for which the 
     Administrator has previously issued a rebate related to the 
     purchase and installation of covered ADS-B equipment.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) ADS-B.--The term ``ADS-B'' means automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast.
       (2) Covered ads-b equipment.--The term ``covered ADS-B 
     equipment'' means ADS-B equipment that--
       (A) meets the performance requirements described in section 
     91.227 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
     successor regulation); and
       (B) is capable of receiving and displaying ADS-B 
     information from other aircraft.
       (3) Covered general aviation aircraft.--The term ``covered 
     general aviation aircraft'' means a single-engine piston 
     aircraft registered in the United States that is not equipped 
     with covered ADS-B equipment.
       (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of amounts made 
     available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States 
     Code, there is authorized to be expended to carry out this 
     section and pay administrative costs $25,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2024 to remain available until expended.

     SEC. 222. GAO REPORT ON ADS-B TECHNOLOGY.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast equipage and usage rates across the 
     active general aviation fleet in the United States.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study described in 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
       (1) analyze the reasons why aircraft owners choose not to 
     equip or use an aircraft with automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast technology;
       (2) examine and substantiate any benefits and drawbacks of 
     using automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast technology, 
     including safety and operational benefits and drawbacks;
       (3) survey ways to further incentivize aircraft owners to 
     equip and use aircraft with automatic dependent surveillance-
     broadcast technology; and
       (4) examine the benefits, costs, and feasibility of 
     requiring equipage of automatic dependent surveillance-
     broadcast technology on all newly manufactured aircraft other 
     than aircraft issued a special airworthiness certificate.
       (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 
     automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast described in 
     subsection (b) and make recommendations to incentivize 
     equipage and usage rates across the active general aviation 
     fleet in the United States.

     SEC. 223. PROTECTING GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS FROM FAA 
                   CLOSURE.

       (a) Non-surplus Property.--Section 47125 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(c) Waiving Restrictions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary 
     may grant to an airport, city, or county a waiver of any of 
     the terms, conditions, reservations, or restrictions 
     contained in a deed under which the United States conveyed to 
     the airport, city, or county an interest in real property for 
     airport purposes pursuant to section 16 of the Federal 
     Airport Act (60 Stat. 179), section 23 of the Airport and 
     Airway Development Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232), or this 
     section.
       ``(2) Conditions.--Any waiver granted by the Secretary 
     pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following 
     conditions:
       ``(A) The applicable airport, city, county, or other 
     political subdivision shall agree that in conveying any 
     interest in the real property which the United States 
     conveyed to the airport, city, or county, the airport, city, 
     or county will receive consideration for such interest that 
     is equal to its current fair market value.
       ``(B) Any consideration received by the airport, city, or 
     county under subparagraph (A) shall be used exclusively for 
     the development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of a 
     public airport by the airport, city, or county.
       ``(C) Such waiver--
       ``(i) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
     purpose of an airport;
       ``(ii) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
     airport (unless the Secretary determines

[[Page H3731]]

     that the waiver will directly facilitate the construction of 
     a replacement airport); or
       ``(iii) is necessary to protect or advance the civil 
     aviation interests of the United States.
       ``(D) Any other conditions required by the Secretary.
       ``(3) Annual reporting.--The Secretary shall include a list 
     and description of each waiver granted pursuant to paragraph 
     (1) in the report required under section 47131.''.
       (b) Surplus Property.--
       (1) In general.--Section 47151 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (A) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Waiver of Condition.--The Secretary may not waive any 
     condition imposed on an interest in surplus property conveyed 
     under subsection (a) that such interest be used for an 
     aeronautical purpose unless the Secretary provides public 
     notice not less than 30 days before the issuance of such 
     waiver and determines that such waiver--
       ``(1) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
     purpose of an airport;
       ``(2) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
     airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will 
     directly facilitate the construction of a replacement 
     airport); or
       ``(3) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation 
     interests of the United States.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Reversions of Property.--The Secretary shall take all 
     necessary action to revert surplus property conveyed under 
     this subchapter back to the United States if--
       ``(1) the Secretary determines that an instrument conveying 
     an interest in surplus property under this subchapter 
     incorporates a provision providing for the reversion of such 
     property in the event the property is not used for 
     aeronautical purposes;
       ``(2) other efforts by the Secretary to ensure that the 
     property is used by the relevant airport sponsor is used for 
     aeronautical purposes are unsuccessful; and
       ``(3) the Secretary determines that a reversion--
       ``(A) will result in the property being used for 
     aeronautical purposes; or
       ``(B) will not transfer liabilities, including 
     environmental liabilities, greater than the fair market value 
     of the property to the Government.''; and
       (2) Waiving and adding terms.--Section 47153(c) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Restrictions on Waiver.--Notwithstanding subsections 
     (a) and (b), the Secretary may not waive any term under this 
     section that an interest in land be used for an aeronautical 
     purpose unless--
       ``(1) the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 
     days before the issuance of a waiver; and
       ``(2) the Secretary determines that such waiver--
       ``(A) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
     purpose of an airport;
       ``(B) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
     airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will 
     directly facilitate the construction of a replacement 
     airport); or
       ``(C) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation 
     interests of the United States.''.
       (c) Repeals.--
       (1) Airports near closed or realigned bases.--Section 1203 
     of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (49 
     U.S.C. 47101 note), and the item relating to such section in 
     the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are 
     repealed.
       (2) Release from restrictions.--Section 817 of the FAA 
     Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note), 
     and the item relating to such section in the table of 
     contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

     SEC. 224. ENSURING SAFE LANDINGS DURING OFF-AIRPORT 
                   OPERATIONS.

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

     SEC. 225. AIRPORT DIAGRAM TERMINOLOGY.

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

     SEC. 226. ALTERNATIVE ADS-B TECHNOLOGIES FOR USE IN CERTAIN 
                   SMALL AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall publish an approved list of 
     effective alternatives to automatic dependent surveillance-
     broadcast equipment (in this section referred to as 
     ``alternative ADS-B equipment'') for covered aircraft 
     operating outside of Mode C veil airspace so that such 
     aircraft may voluntarily broadcast positioning to other 
     aircraft.
       (b) Review; Approval.--
       (1) Review.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     review available commercial-off-the-shelf alternative ADS-B 
     equipment that are used outside of the United States for 
     purposes of allowing a pilot to voluntarily utilize such 
     equipment while operating outside of Mode C veil airspace and 
     within the national airspace system.
       (2) Approval.--The Administrator shall work with 
     manufacturers of such equipment to expedite technical 
     standard order authorization, or other approvals, required by 
     the Administrator for such equipment for use in covered 
     aircraft.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Alternative ads-b equipment.--The term ``alternative 
     ADS-B equipment'' means a positioning technology that--
       (A) does not otherwise meet the performance requirements 
     prescribed in section 91.227 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations;
       (B) may be affixed to, or portable within, a covered 
     aircraft; and
       (C) can broadcast positioning of a covered aircraft to 
     other aircraft operating outside of Mode C veil airspace.
       (2) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' 
     means--
       (A) a single-engine piston aircraft;
       (B) an ultralight aircraft; or
       (C) an aircraft not equipped with an electrical system.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed by the Administrator to require covered aircraft to 
     install--
       (1) alternative ADS-B equipment; or
       (2) automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast equipment.

     SEC. 227. AIRSHOW SAFETY TEAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall coordinate with the General 
     Aviation Joint Safety Committee to establish an Airshow 
     Safety Team focused on airshow and aerial event safety.
       (b) Objective.--The objective of the Airshow Safety Team 
     described in subsection (a) shall be to--
       (1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Government and 
     industry cooperation, communication, and coordination on 
     airshow and aerial event safety; and
       (2) reduce airshow and aerial event accidents and incidents 
     through non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies.
       (c) Activities.--In carrying out the objectives pursuant to 
     subsection (b), the Airshow Safety Team shall, at a minimum--
       (1) perform an analysis of airshow and aerial event 
     accidents and incidents in conjunction with the Safety 
     Analysis Team;
       (2) publish and update every 2 years after initial 
     publication an Airshow Safety Plan that incorporates 
     consensus based and data driven mitigation measures and non-
     regulatory safety strategies to improve and promote safety of 
     the public, performers, and airport personnel; and
       (3) engage the airshow and aerial event community to--
       (A) communicate non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies 
     identified by the Airshow Safety Plan to mitigate incidents; 
     and
       (B) discuss best practices to uphold and maintain safety at 
     events.
       (d) Membership.--The Administrator may request the Airshow 
     Safety Team be comprised of at least 10 individuals, each of 
     whom shall have knowledge or a background in the planning, 
     execution, operation, or management of an airshow or aerial 
     event.
       (e) Meetings.--The Airshow Safety Team shall meet at least 
     twice a year at the direction of the co-chairs of the General 
     Aviation Joint Safety Committee.
       (f) Construction.--The Administrator shall not initiate a 
     regulatory action based on any--
       (1) discussion or sharing of information and data that 
     occurs as part of an official meeting of the Airshow Safety 
     Team; or
       (2) safety strategies or best practices identified by the 
     Airshow Safety Plan that are not intended to be used by the 
     Administrator for regulatory purposes.

     SEC. 228. TOWER MARKING NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue a notice of proposed 
     rulemaking to implement section 2110 of the FAA Extension, 
     Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note).
       (b) Report.--If the Administrator fails to issue the notice 
     of proposed rulemaking pursuant to subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate an annual report on the status of such rulemaking, 
     including--
       (1) the reasons that the Administrator has failed to issue 
     the rulemaking; and
       (2) a list of fatal aircraft accidents associated with 
     unmarked towers that have occurred over the 5 years previous 
     to the date of submission of the report.

                   Subtitle C--Improving FAA Services

     SEC. 241. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION VALIDITY DURING RENEWAL.

       (a) In General.--Section 44103 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Validity of Aircraft Registration During Renewal.--
       ``(1) In general.--An aircraft may be operated on or after 
     the expiration date found on the certificate of registration 
     issued for such aircraft under this section as if it were not 
     expired if the operator of such aircraft has aboard the 
     aircraft--

[[Page H3732]]

       ``(A) documentation validating that--
       ``(i) an aircraft registration renewal application form (AC 
     Form 8050-1B, or a succeeding form) has been submitted to the 
     Administrator for such aircraft but not yet approved or 
     denied; and
       ``(ii) such aircraft is compliant with maintenance, 
     inspections, and any other requirements for the aircraft's 
     airworthiness certificate issued under section 44704(d); and
       ``(B) the most recent aircraft registration.
       ``(2) Proof of pending renewal application.--The 
     Administrator shall provide an applicant for renewal of 
     registration under this section with documentation described 
     in paragraph (1)(A). Such documentation shall--
       ``(A) be made electronically available to the applicant 
     immediately upon submitting an aircraft registration renewal 
     application to the Civil Aviation Registry for an aircraft;
       ``(B) notify the applicant of the operational allowance 
     described in paragraph (1);
       ``(C) deem an aircraft's airworthiness certificate issued 
     under section 44704(d) as valid provided that the applicant 
     confirms acknowledgment of the requirements of paragraph 
     (1)(A)(ii);
       ``(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged the limitations 
     described in paragraph (3)(A) and (3)(B); and
       ``(E) include identifying information pertaining to such 
     aircraft and to the registered owner.
       ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     shall be construed to permit any person to operate an 
     aircraft--
       ``(A) with an expired registration, except as specifically 
     provided for under this subsection; or
       ``(B) if the Administrator has denied an application to 
     renew the registration of such aircraft.''.
       (b) Rulemaking; Guidance.--Not later than 18 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule, if 
     necessary, and update all applicable guidance and policies to 
     implement the amendment made by this section.

     SEC. 242. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATES.

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

     SEC. 243. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING.

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

     SEC. 244. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY.

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

     SEC. 245. NATIONAL COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF DESIGNATED 
                   PILOT EXAMINERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 16 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a program or office 
     to provide national coordination and oversight of designated 
     pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Responsibilities.--The program or office established 
     under subsection (a) shall be responsible for the following:
       (1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under 
     section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     including the selection, training, duties, and deployment of 
     such examiners.
       (2) Supporting the standardization of policy, guidance, and 
     regulations across the Administration pertaining to the 
     selection, training, duties, and deployment of designated 
     pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, including evaluating the 
     consistency by which such examiners apply Administration 
     policies, orders, and guidance.
       (3) Coordinating placement and deployment of such examiners 
     across regions based on demand for examinations from the 
     pilot community.
       (4) Developing a code of conduct for such examiners.
       (5) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and 
     merit of such examiners.
       (6) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal 
     mentorship program for such examiners.
       (c) Coordination.--In carrying out the responsibilities 
     listed in subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure the 
     program--
       (1) coordinates on an ongoing basis with flight standards 
     district offices, designated pilot examiner managing 
     specialists, and aviation industry stakeholders, including 
     representatives of the general aviation community; and
       (2) considers (or reconsiders) implementing the final 
     recommendations report issued by the Designated Pilot 
     Examiner Reforms Working Group and accepted by the Aviation 
     Rulemaking Advisory Committee on June 17, 2021.
       (d) Briefing.--The Administrator shall brief the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate in each fiscal year beginning 
     after the date of enactment of this Act through fiscal year 
     2028 detailing--
       (1) the methodology by which designated pilot examiners 
     appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, are deployed and any subsequent changes to the 
     methodology to fulfill the demand for examinations;
       (2) a review of the previous fiscal year detailing the 
     average time an individual in each region must wait to 
     schedule an appointment with such an examiner; and
       (3) the turnover rates and resource costs associated with 
     such examiners.

     SEC. 246. BASICMED FOR EXAMINERS ADMINISTERING TESTS OR 
                   PROFICIENCY CHECKS.

       (a) Equivalent Pilot-in-command Medical Requirements.--
     Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical 
     test or proficiency check if such examiner meets the medical 
     qualification requirements under part 68 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, if the operation being conducted is in a 
     covered aircraft, as such term is defined in section 2307(j) 
     of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 
     U.S.C. 44703 note).
       (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule to update 
     part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to 
     implement the requirements under subsection (a), in addition 
     to any related requirements the Administrator finds are in 
     the interest of aviation safety.

     SEC. 247. DESIGNEE LOCATOR TOOL IMPROVEMENTS.

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

     SEC. 248. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION 
                   BACKLOG.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall take such actions as may be necessary to reduce and 
     maintain the aircraft registration and recordation backlog at 
     the Civil Aviation Registry so that, on average, applications 
     are processed not later than 10 business days after receipt.

     SEC. 249. PART 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE BACKLOG.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
     achieve the goal of reducing the backlog of air carrier 
     certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to--
       (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, maintain an average certificate decision time of 
     less than 60 days; and
       (2) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, maintain an average certificate decision time of 
     less than 30 days.

[[Page H3733]]

       (b) Measures.--In meeting the goal under subsection (a), 
     the Administrator may--
       (1) assign, as appropriate, additional personnel or support 
     staff, including on a temporary basis, to review, adjudicate, 
     and approve applications;
       (2) improve and expand promotion of existing applicant 
     resources which could improve the quality of applications 
     submitted to decrease the need for Administration applicant 
     coordination and communications; and
       (3) take into consideration any third-party entity that 
     assisted in the preparation of an application for an air 
     carrier certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       (c) Working Group.--The Administrator shall convene a 
     working group comprised of industry stakeholders and aviation 
     experts to--
       (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, study methods and make recommendations to clarify 
     requirements and standardize the process for conducting and 
     completing aircraft conformity processes for existing air 
     carriers and operators under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, in a timely manner, which shall 
     include--
       (A) developing a plan to honor or expedite the 
     consideration of previously accepted aircraft configuration 
     evaluations when an aircraft moves from one certificate under 
     part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to another 
     such certificate;
       (B) streamlining protocols for operators under such part 
     135 to add an aircraft that was listed on another certificate 
     under such part 135 immediately prior to moving to the new 
     carrier; and
       (C) evaluating non-safety related Federal Aviation 
     Administration policies, guidance, and documentation and 
     identify needed changes to such policies, guidance, and 
     documentation to accomplish subparagraph (B); and
       (2) not later than 2 years after of the date of enactment 
     of this Act--
       (A) study and review methods to modernize and improve the 
     air carrier certification process under part 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (B) recommend long-term solutions for effective management 
     of Administration resources dedicated to approving air 
     carrier certificate applications under such part 135.
       (d) Congressional Briefing.--Beginning 6 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, and not less than every 6 
     months thereafter until the Administrator complies with the 
     requirements under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall 
     provide a briefing to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the status of the backlog of air carrier 
     certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, any measures the Administrator has put 
     in place under subsection (b), and any recommendations 
     received from the review under subsection (c).

     SEC. 250. LOGGING FLIGHT TIME ACCRUED IN CERTAIN PUBLIC 
                   AIRCRAFT.

       (a) Completion of Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule 
     modifying section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to include aircraft under the direct operational 
     control of forestry and fire protection agencies, as required 
     by section 517 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 44703 note).
       (b) Failure to Complete Rulemaking.--If the Administrator 
     fails to issue a final rule pursuant to subsection (a) by the 
     deadline described in such subsection, beginning on the date 
     that is 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act--
       (1) notwithstanding section 61.51(j)(4) of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, a pilot, while engaged on an official 
     flight for a Federal, State, county, or municipal forestry or 
     fire protection agency, may log flight time so long as the 
     time acquired is in an aircraft that--
       (A) is identified as an aircraft under section 61.5(b) of 
     such title; and
       (B) is a public aircraft under the direct operational 
     control of a forestry or fire protection agency; and
       (2) the Administrator may not take an enforcement action 
     against the pilot for logging such flight time as described 
     in paragraph (1).
       (c) Sunset.--Subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on 
     the date on which the final rule required under subsection 
     (a) is effective.

     SEC. 251. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES.

       (a) Completion of Rulemaking.--Not later than 36 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule 
     for the rulemaking activity titled ``Removal of the 
     Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate'', 
     published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal 
     Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL25) to, at a 
     minimum, update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, to--
       (1) remove the expiration date on a flight instructor 
     certificate; and
       (2) replace the requirement that a flight instructor renews 
     their flight instructor certificate with appropriate recent 
     experience requirements for the holder of a flight instructor 
     certificate to exercise the privileges of such certificate.
       (b) Failure to Complete Rulemaking.--If the Administrator 
     fails to issue a final rule pursuant to subsection (a) before 
     the deadline prescribed in that subsection, beginning on the 
     date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act--
       (1) notwithstanding sections 61.19(d) and 61.197 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations, an individual holding a 
     flight instructor certificate that is not expired as of the 
     date that is 36 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act may exercise the privileges of the certificate regardless 
     of whether the certificate subsequently expires, provided 
     that the individual meets eligibility requirements in 
     accordance with section 61.183 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (2) the Administrator--
       (A) shall consider a flight instructor certificate 
     described in paragraph (1) as having no expiration date; and
       (B) may not enforce any regulation attributed to the 
     renewal of a flight instructor certificate of an individual.
       (c) Sunset.--Subsection (b) shall cease to be effective on 
     the effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to 
     subsection (a).

     SEC. 252. CONSISTENCY OF POLICY APPLICATION IN FLIGHT 
                   STANDARDS AND AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION.

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

     SEC. 253. APPLICATION OF POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUIDANCE.

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

     SEC. 254. EXPANSION OF THE REGULATORY CONSISTENCY 
                   COMMUNICATIONS BOARD.

       Section 224 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;

[[Page H3734]]

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

     SEC. 255. EXEMPTION OF FEES FOR AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 453 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 45307. Exemption of fees for air traffic services

       ``(a) Requirement to Provide Services and Related 
     Support.--The Administrator shall provide or ensure the 
     provisioning of air traffic services and aviation safety 
     support for large, multiday aviation events, including 
     airshows and fly-ins, where the average daily number of 
     manned operations were 1,000 or greater in at least 1 of the 
     preceding 3 years, without the imposition or collection of 
     any fee, tax, or other charge for that purpose. Amounts for 
     the provision of such services and support shall be derived 
     from amounts appropriated or otherwise available for the 
     Administration.
       ``(b) Determination of Services and Support to Be 
     Provided.--In determining the services and support to be 
     provided for an aviation event for purposes of subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall take into account the following:
       ``(1) The services and support required to meet levels of 
     activity at prior events, if any, similar to the event.
       ``(2) The anticipated need for services and support at the 
     event.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis of chapter 453 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``Sec. 45307. Exemption of fees for air traffic services.''.
       (c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 530 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note), and the item 
     relating to that section in the table of contents in section 
     1(b) of such Act, are repealed.

     SEC. 256. MODERNIZATION OF SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS 
                   CERTIFICATION RULEMAKING DEADLINE.

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

     SEC. 257. TERMINATION OF DESIGNEES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall update the Administration's 
     Designee Management Policy (FAA Order 8000.95B), or any 
     successor order, to ensure due process and increase 
     transparency in Federal Aviation Administration-initiated 
     terminations of designees.
       (b) Updates to the Designee Management Policy.--In updating 
     the Administration's Designee Management Policy under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, 
     provide for the following:
       (1) A process by which a designee--
       (A) is notified of the root causes and reasons for a 
     termination initiated by the Administrator;
       (B) is notified of the change in a delegated authority to 
     ``suspended'' or ``terminated'' during a Federal Aviation 
     Administration-initiated termination;
       (C) is provided a point of contact, who is independent of 
     any investigation or termination action involving the 
     designee, within the Administration, to correspond with for 
     purposes of discussing the termination process and the 
     designee's status, including the handling of correspondence 
     during the investigation process described in paragraph (2), 
     if applicable, and the review panel described in paragraph 
     (3);
       (D) is notified of the results of the investigation 
     described in paragraph (2) in a reasonable and timely manner, 
     which shall include notice of additional action by the 
     Administrator, if required; and
       (E) may respond within 30 calendar days to the 
     Administrator if the Administrator determines that a 
     termination for cause is the appropriate course of action and 
     initiates such action.
       (2) An investigation process to determine the appropriate 
     outcome in situations in which termination is being 
     considered by the Administrator, which shall include the 
     following elements:
       (A) The root causes and reasons for the investigation, 
     including any complaints or allegations.
       (B) Collection of evidence related to the investigation.
       (C) A review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the 
     case.
       (D) A review of the designee's record in the designee 
     management system and any relevant background information in 
     the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration databases to 
     determine if there is a pattern of inappropriate behavior or 
     misconduct.
       (E) A review of the designee's response to the 
     investigation, if provided, to include any documentation 
     provided by the designee.
       (F) A decision on the appropriate course of action based on 
     the results of the investigation.
       (G) Recording the results of the investigation in the 
     Federal Aviation Administration's designee management system.
       (H) A notification to the designee that an investigation 
     has been initiated, but only after it is determined through 
     an established process that such notification would not 
     adversely impact the investigation or safety.
       (3) A review panel to determine whether a termination is 
     appropriate when termination for cause is a possible outcome 
     upon the completion of the investigation described in 
     paragraph (2), of which such review panel shall--
       (A) consider the elements of the investigation process 
     provided for under paragraph (2), including the designee's 
     response to the investigation and any associated documents, 
     if provided; and
       (B) complete the review process within 45 calendar days of 
     the Administrator initiating a for cause termination decision 
     of a designee.
       (c) Subsequent Review for Designated Pilot Examiners.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall set up a process 
     through which a Designated Pilot Examiner terminated for 
     cause may request a subsequent review by the Executive 
     Director of the Flight Standards Service.
       (2) Request.--A Designated Pilot Examiner terminated for 
     cause may request a subsequent review described in paragraph 
     (1) not later than 15 calendar days after termination,
       (3) Review.--The Executive Director shall review all 
     relevant information and facts by which the decision was made 
     to terminate the designee, including the information 
     considered by the review panel, and issue a final 
     determination.
       (4) Timing.--Such final determination shall be issued by 
     the Director not later than 45 calendar days upon receiving 
     the request.
       (d) Limitation on Investigation and Review Panel 
     Participants.--An Administration employee involved in the 
     selection, appointment, or management of a designee the 
     Administrator is investigating or terminating for cause may 
     not be party--
       (1) to an investigation described in subsection (b)(2) of 
     such designee; or
       (2) participating on a review panel described in subsection 
     (b)(3) pertaining to such designee.

     SEC. 258. PART 135 CHECK AIRMEN REFORMS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall assign to the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Committee'') the task of reviewing all regulations and 
     policies related to check airmen for air carrier operations 
     conducted under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (b) Duties.--The Committee shall--
       (1) review the processes and requirements by which 
     authorized check airmen are selected, trained, and approved 
     by the Administrator, and provide recommendations with 
     respect to the regulatory and policy changes necessary to 
     ensure efficient training and utilization of such check 
     airmen;
       (2) review differences in qualification standards between 
     an inspector of the Federal Aviation Administration and an 
     authorized check airmen in evaluating and certifying the 
     knowledge and skills of pilots; and
       (3) make recommendations with respect to the regulatory and 
     policy changes necessary to allow authorized check airmen to 
     perform duties beyond the duties permitted on the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (c) Action Based on Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year 
     after receiving recommendations under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall take such action as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate with respect to such recommendations.
       (d) Definition of Authorized Check Airman.--In this 
     section, the term ``authorized check airman'' means an 
     individual employed by an air carrier that meets the 
     qualifications and training requirements of sections 135.337 
     and 135.339 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and is 
     approved to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of 
     pilots employed by such air carrier.

                      Subtitle D--Other Provisions

     SEC. 261. REQUIRED CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL PARKS 
                   OVERFLIGHTS ADVISORY GROUP.

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

     SEC. 262. SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REGULATORY REFORM.

       (a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 30 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the following 
     regulations shall cease to apply to any aircraft operating 
     below 41,000 feet above mean sea level:
       (1) Paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 135.89(b) of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulations).
       (2) Paragraphs (1)(ii) and (2) of section 91.211(b) of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulations).
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act,

[[Page H3735]]

     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue a final regulation revising the provisions of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, described in 
     paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) to conform to the 
     limitation in applicability pursuant to subsection (a).

     SEC. 263. EXCLUSION OF GYROPLANES FROM FUEL SYSTEM 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

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

     SEC. 264. AIRSHOW VENUE INFORMATION, AWARENESS, TRAINING, AND 
                   EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a program, in 
     cooperation with the National Center for the Advancement of 
     Aerospace, to be known as the ``Airshow Venue Information, 
     Awareness, Training, and Education Program'' (in this section 
     referred to as the ``AVIATE Program'').
       (b) Objective.--The objectives of the AVIATE Program shall 
     be--
       (1) to make information available to general aviation 
     airport managers, local government officials, and other 
     relevant stakeholders about how to host an airshow;
       (2) to provide guidance and resources to help organizers 
     plan and execute airshows and aerial events, including--
       (A) compliance with all applicable regulations;
       (B) providing technical assistance in establishing--
       (i) emergency response plans; and
       (ii) communication plans between relevant event 
     stakeholders, including local enforcement and emergency first 
     responders; and
       (C) ensuring protection of the public, performers, and 
     airport personnel;
       (3) to promote public awareness and engagement with 
     airshows and aerial events, including opportunities for 
     community education, outreach, and involvement; and
       (4) to provide access to tools and resources that enable 
     general aviation airport managers, local government 
     officials, and other relevant stakeholders to understand the 
     impact of airshows and aerial events on local economies and 
     communities.
       (c) Administration.--In carrying out the AVIATE Program, 
     the Administrator shall consult and coordinate, as 
     appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including--
       (1) airshow safety experts;
       (2) general aviation aircraft owners and operators, 
     including experimental aircraft owners and operators;
       (3) general aviation airports, including airport officials;
       (4) air traffic control specialists with knowledge of 
     coordinating airshows and aerial events, including experts 
     from the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic 
     controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code; and
       (5) experts from the exclusive bargaining representative of 
     air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 
     5, United States Code.

     SEC. 265. LOW ALTITUDE ROTORCRAFT AND POWERED-LIFT 
                   OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall, as appropriate, establish or 
     update low altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure 
     safe rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft operations within 
     Class B airspace of the national airspace system.
       (b) Flight Procedures.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall, as appropriate, establish or update 
     approach and departure procedures at public-use airports and 
     heliports within Class B airspace for rotorcraft and powered-
     lift aircraft operations.
       (c) Flight Routes.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall revise part 71 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, as necessary, to establish or update low 
     altitude routes related to Class B airspace operations for 
     rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft.
       (2) Considerations.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall consider the impact of such low altitude 
     flight routes described in paragraph (1) on other airspace 
     users and impacted communities to ensure that such routes are 
     designed to minimize--
       (A) the potential for conflict with existing national 
     airspace system operations;
       (B) the workload of air traffic controllers; and
       (C) negative effects to impacted communities.
       (d) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall develop the procedures and routes 
     required under subsection (b) and (c) in consultation with--
       (1) rotorcraft operators, including air ambulance 
     operators;
       (2) powered-lift operators;
       (3) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
     controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code; and
       (4) any other relevant stakeholders as determined by the 
     Administrator.

     SEC. 266. BASICMED IN NORTH AMERICA.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall seek to facilitate the recognition of medical 
     qualifications under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, with civil aviation authorities in Canada and 
     such other foreign countries that the Administrator 
     determines are appropriate.

     SEC. 267. ELIMINATE AVIATION GASOLINE LEAD EMISSIONS.

       (a) EAGLE Initiative.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall continue to partner with industry and 
     other Federal Government stakeholders in carrying out the 
     Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions Initiative (in 
     this section referred to as the ``EAGLE Initiative'').
       (2) FAA responsibilities.--In collaborating with industry 
     and other Government stakeholders to carry out the EAGLE 
     Initiative, the Administrator shall take such actions as may 
     be necessary under the Administrator's authority to 
     facilitate--
       (A) the safe elimination of the use of leaded aviation 
     gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030 without 
     adversely affecting the piston-engine aircraft fleet;
       (B) the approval of unleaded alternatives to leaded 
     aviation gasoline for use in all piston-engine aircraft types 
     and piston-engine types;
       (C) the implementation of the requirements of section 431 
     as they relate to the continued availability of aviation 
     gasoline;
       (D) efforts to make approved unleaded aviation gasoline 
     widely available at airports; and
       (E) the development and implementation of a transition plan 
     to safely expedite the transition of the piston-engine 
     general aviation aircraft fleet to unleaded fuels by 2030.
       (3) Activities.--In carrying out the Administration's 
     responsibilities pursuant to paragraph (2), the 
     Administrator, at a minimum, shall--
       (A) develop and publish, as soon as practicable, a fleet 
     authorization process for the efficient approval or 
     authorization of unleaded aviation gasolines;
       (B) review, update, and prioritize, as soon as practicable, 
     certification processes and projects for aircraft engines and 
     modifications to such engines to operate with unleaded 
     aviation gasoline;
       (C) evaluate and support programs that accelerate the 
     creation, evaluation, qualification, deployment, and use of 
     unleaded aviation gasolines;
       (D) carry out, in partnership with the general aviation 
     community, an ongoing campaign for training and educating 
     aircraft owners and operators on how to safely transition to 
     unleaded aviation gasoline;
       (E) evaluate aircraft and aircraft engines to ensure that 
     such aircraft and aircraft engines can operate with unleaded 
     aviation gasoline candidates during cold weather conditions; 
     and
       (F) facilitate Government policy, regulatory proposals, and 
     voluntary consensus standards with the objective of achieving 
     the following:
       (i) Establishing a commercially viable supply chain for 
     unleaded aviation gasolines.
       (ii) Facilitating market-based production and distribution 
     of unleaded aviation gasolines.
       (iii) Encouraging procurement of equipment required for the 
     deployment, storage, and dispensing of unleaded aviation 
     gasolines.
       (4) Consultation and coordination with relevant 
     stakeholders.--In carrying out the EAGLE Initiative, the 
     Administrator shall continue to consult and coordinate, as 
     appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including--
       (A) general aviation aircraft engine, aircraft propulsion, 
     and aircraft airframe manufacturers;
       (B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft owners, 
     aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators;
       (C) airports, heliports, and fixed-base operators;
       (D) State, local, and Tribal airport officials or public 
     agencies, with representation from both urban and rural 
     areas;
       (E) representatives of the petroleum industry, including 
     developers, refiners, producers, and distributors of unleaded 
     aviation gasolines; and
       (F) air carriers and commercial operators operating under 
     part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (5) Reports to congress.--
       (A) Initial 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 that--
       (i) contains an updated strategic plan for developing a 
     fleet authorization process for efficient approval and use of 
     unleaded aviation gasolines;
       (ii) describes the structure and involvement of all Federal 
     Aviation Administration offices that have responsibilities 
     described in paragraph (2); and
       (iii) identifies cost-effective policy initiatives, 
     regulatory initiatives, or legislative initiatives needed to 
     improve and enhance the timely transition to unleaded 
     aviation gasoline for the piston-engine aircraft fleet.
       (B) Annual reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     on which the Administrator submits the initial report under 
     subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter, the Administrator 
     shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate an annual report on activities and progress of the 
     EAGLE Initiative.
       (C) Sunset.--Subparagraph (B) shall cease to be effective 
     after December 31, 2030.
       (b) Transition Plan to Unleaded Fuels.--
       (1) In general.--In developing the transition plan under 
     subsection (a)(2)(E), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, 
     assess the following:
       (A) Efforts undertaken by the EAGLE Initiative, including 
     progress towards--
       (i) safely eliminating the use of leaded aviation gasoline 
     by piston-engine aircraft by the

[[Page H3736]]

     end of 2030 without adversely affecting the piston-engine 
     aircraft fleet;
       (ii) approving unleaded alternatives to leaded aviation 
     gasoline for use in all piston-engine aircraft types and 
     piston-engine types; and
       (iii) facilitating efforts to make approved unleaded 
     aviation gasoline widely available at airports.
       (B) The evaluation and development of necessary airport 
     infrastructure, including fuel storage and dispensing 
     facilities, to support the distribution and storage of 
     unleaded aviation gasoline.
       (C) The establishment of best practices for piston-engine 
     aircraft owners and operators, airport managers and 
     personnel, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other 
     appropriate personnel for protecting against exposure to lead 
     containment when--
       (i) conducting fueling operations;
       (ii) disposing of inspected gasoline samples;
       (iii) performing aircraft maintenance; and
       (iii) conducting engine run-ups.
       (D) Efforts to address supply chain and other logistical 
     barriers inhibiting the timely distribution of unleaded 
     aviation gasoline to airports.
       (E) Outreach efforts to educate and update piston-engine 
     aircraft owners and operators, airport operators, and other 
     members of the general aviation community on the potential 
     benefits, availability, and safety of unleaded aviation 
     gasoline.
       (2) Consultation.--In developing such transition plan, the 
     Administrator shall consult, at a minimum, with 
     representatives of entities described in subsection (a)(4).
       (3) Publication; guidance.--Upon completion of developing 
     such transition plan, the Administrator shall--
       (A) make the plan available to the public on an appropriate 
     webpage of the Administration; and
       (B) provide guidance supporting the implementation of the 
     transition plan.
       (4) Coordination with eagle initiative.--In developing such 
     transition plan and associated guidance pertaining to the 
     implementation of such transition plan, the Administrator 
     shall consult and coordinate with individuals carrying out 
     the EAGLE Initiative.
       (5) Mapping unleaded aviation gasoline.--The Administrator 
     shall develop and continuously update websites, brochures, 
     and other communication materials associated with such 
     transition plan to clearly convey the availability of 
     unleaded aviation gasoline at airports.
       (6) Briefing to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     publication of such transition plan, the Administrator shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Technology of the Senate on such transition plan 
     and any efforts or actions pertaining to the implementation 
     of such transition plan.

                     TITLE III--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

                  Subtitle A--Growing the Talent Pool

     SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
                   PROGRAMS.

       Section 625(b)(1) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
     (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ``section 
     48105'' and all that follows through the period at the end 
     and inserting the following: ``section 48105 of title 49, 
     United States Code, not more than--
       ``(A) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
     2026 is authorized to be expended to provide grants under the 
     program established under subsection (a)(1); and
       ``(B) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
     2026 is authorized to provide grants under the program 
     established under subsection (a)(2).
       ``(C) $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
     2026 is authorized to be expended to provide grants under the 
     program established under subsection (a)(3).''.

     SEC. 302. IMPROVING AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Manufacturing Program.--Section 625(a) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
     support the education and recruitment of aviation 
     manufacturing workers and the development of the aviation 
     manufacturing workforce.''.
       (b) Project Grants.--Section 625(b) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``$500,000'' and inserting 
     ``$750,000''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Education projects.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     not less than 20 percent of the amounts authorized to be 
     expended under this subsection shall be used to carry out a 
     grant program which shall be referred to as the `Willa Brown 
     Aviation Education Program' (in this paragraph referred to as 
     the `Program') under which the Secretary shall provide grants 
     for eligible projects described in subsection (d) that are 
     carried out in communities in counties containing at least 1 
     qualified opportunity zone (as such term is defined in 
     section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).''.
       (c) Eligible Applications.--Section 625(c) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended 
     by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(1) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) an air carrier, as defined in section 40102 of title 
     49, United States Code;
       ``(B) an entity that holds management specifications under 
     subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations;
       ``(C) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms 
     are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
       ``(D) a flight school that provides flight training, as 
     defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(E) a labor organization representing professional 
     pilots;
       ``(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.
       ``(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part 21, 121, 
     135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(B) a labor organization representing aviation 
     maintenance workers;
       ``(C) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms 
     are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
       ``(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.
       ``(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) an entity that--
       ``(i) actively designs or manufactures any aircraft, 
     aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, or a component, 
     part, or system thereof, covered under a type or production 
     certificate issued under section 44704; and
       ``(ii) has significant operations in the United States and 
     a majority of the employees of such entity that are engaged 
     in aviation manufacturing or development activities and 
     services are based in the United States;
       ``(B) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms 
     are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
       ``(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(D) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.''.
       (d) Eligible Projects.--Section 625(d) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended 
     by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Aircraft pilot program.--For purposes of the program 
     established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a 
     project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver curriculum that provides high 
     school or secondary school students with meaningful aviation 
     education to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or 
     unmanned aircraft systems operators, including purchasing and 
     operating a computer-based simulator associated with such 
     curriculum;
       ``(B) to support the professional development of teachers 
     using the curriculum described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) to create and deliver curriculum that provides 
     certified flight instructors with the necessary 
     instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better 
     educate student pilots;
       ``(D) to support transition to professional pilot careers, 
     including for members of the Armed Forces; or
       ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
     commercial aviation as a professional pilot, including 
     outreach to primary, secondary, and post-secondary school 
     students.
       ``(2) Aviation maintenance program.--For purposes of the 
     program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible 
     project is a project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver curriculum that provides high 
     school and secondary school students with meaningful aviation 
     maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or 
     aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and 
     operating equipment associated with such curriculum;
       ``(B) to support the professional development of teachers 
     using the curriculum described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) to establish or improve apprenticeship, internship, 
     or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment 
     in the aviation maintenance industry;
       ``(D) to support transition to aviation maintenance 
     careers, including for members of the Armed Forces; or
       ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
     aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to primary, 
     secondary, and post-secondary school students.

[[Page H3737]]

       ``(3) Aviation manufacturing program.--For purposes of the 
     program established under subsection (a)(3), and eligible 
     project is a project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver curriculum that provides high 
     school and secondary school students with meaningful aviation 
     manufacturing education, including teaching the technical 
     skills used in the production of components, parts, or 
     systems thereof for inclusion in an aircraft, aircraft 
     engine, propeller, or appliance;
       ``(B) to support the professional development of teachers 
     using the curriculum described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) to establish apprenticeship, internship, or 
     scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in 
     the aviation manufacturing industry;
       ``(D) to support transition to aviation manufacturing 
     careers, including for members of the Armed Forces; or
       ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
     aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach to 
     primary, secondary, and post-secondary school students.''.
       (e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--Section 625 of 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary 
     shall establish reasonable reporting and monitoring 
     requirements for grant recipients under this section to 
     measure relevant outcomes for the grant programs established 
     under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a).
       ``(g) Notice of Grants.--
       ``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
     public notice of any grant awarded under this section in a 
     timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
       ``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate advance notice of a 
     grant to be made under this section.
       ``(h) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary to issue 
     grants under this section shall terminate on September 30, 
     2026.''.

     SEC. 303. NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AEROSPACE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 120. National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace

       ``(a) Federal Charter and Status.--
       ``(1) In general.--The National Center for the Advancement 
     of Aerospace (in this section referred to as the `Center') is 
     a federally chartered entity which shall be incorporated in 
     the District of Columbia. The Center is a private independent 
     entity, not a department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
     United States Government or a component thereof. Except as 
     provided in subsection (f)(1), an officer or employee of the 
     Center is not an officer or employee of the Federal 
     Government.
       ``(2) Perpetual existence.--Except as otherwise provided, 
     the Center shall have perpetual existence.
       ``(b) Governing Body.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Board of Directors (in this section 
     referred to as the `Board') is the governing body of the 
     Center.
       ``(2) Authority.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Board shall adopt bylaws, policies, 
     and procedures to carry out the purpose of the Center and may 
     take any other action that it considers necessary (in 
     accordance with the duties and powers of the Center) for the 
     management and operation of the Center. The Board is 
     responsible for the general policies and management of the 
     Center and for the control of all funds of the Center.
       ``(B) Powers of board.--The Board shall have the power to 
     do the following:
       ``(i) Adopt and alter a corporate seal.
       ``(ii) Establish and maintain offices to conduct its 
     activities.
       ``(iii) Enter into contracts or agreements as a private 
     entity not subject to the requirements of title 41.
       ``(iv) Acquire, own, lease, encumber, transfer, and dispose 
     of property as necessary and appropriate to carry out the 
     purposes of the Center.
       ``(v) Publish documents and other publications in a 
     publicly accessible manner.
       ``(vi) Incur and pay obligations as a private entity not 
     subject to the requirements of title 31.
       ``(vii) Perform any other act necessary and proper to carry 
     out the purposes of the Center as described in its bylaws or 
     duties outlined in this section.
       ``(3) Membership of the board.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Board shall have 10 Directors as 
     follows:
       ``(i) Ex-officio membership.--The following individuals, or 
     their designees, shall be considered ex-officio members of 
     the Board:

       ``(I) The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       ``(II) The Executive Director, pursuant to paragraph 
     (5)(D).

       ``(ii) Appointments.--

       ``(I) In general.--From among those members of the public 
     who are highly respected and have exert knowledge and 
     experience in the fields of aviation, finance, or academia--

       ``(aa) the Secretary of Transportation shall appoint 5 
     members to the Board;
       ``(bb) the Secretary of Defense shall appoint 1 member to 
     the Board;
       ``(cc) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall appoint 1 
     member to the Board; and
       ``(dd) the Secretary of Education shall appoint 1 member to 
     the Board.

       ``(II) Terms.--

       ``(aa) In general.--The members appointed under subclause 
     (I) shall serve for a term of 3 years and may be reappointed.
       ``(bb) Staggering terms.--The Board shall stagger the 
     duration of the terms of the initial members appointed to 
     promote the stability of the Board.
       ``(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Board shall be filled in 
     the same manner as the initial appointment.
       ``(C) Status.--All Members of the Board shall have equal 
     voting powers, regardless if they are ex-officio members or 
     appointed.
       ``(4) Chair of the board.--The Board shall choose a Chair 
     of the Board from among the members of the Board that are not 
     ex-officio members under paragraph (3)(A)(i).
       ``(5) Administrative matters.--
       ``(A) Meetings.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Board shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair but not less than 2 times each year and may, as 
     appropriate, conduct business by telephone or other 
     electronic means.
       ``(ii) Open.--

       ``(I) In general.--Except as provided in subclause (II), a 
     meeting of the Board shall be open to the public.
       ``(II) Exception.--A meeting, or any portion of a meeting, 
     may be closed if the Board, in public session, votes to close 
     the meeting because the matters to be discussed--

       ``(aa) relate solely to the internal personnel rules, 
     practices, and matters of the Center;
       ``(bb) may result in disclosure of commercial or financial 
     information obtained from a person that is privileged or 
     confidential;
       ``(cc) may disclose information of a personal nature where 
     disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of 
     personal privacy; or
       ``(dd) are matters that are specifically exempted from 
     disclosure by Federal or District of Columbia law.
       ``(iii) Public announcement.--At least 1 week before a 
     meeting of the Board, and as soon as practicable thereafter 
     if there are any changes to the information described in 
     subclauses (I) through (III), the Board shall make a public 
     announcement of the meeting that describes--

       ``(I) the time, place, and subject matter of the meeting;
       ``(II) whether the meeting is to be open or closed to the 
     public; and
       ``(III) the name and appropriate contact information of a 
     person who can respond to requests for information about the 
     meeting.

       ``(iv) Record.--The Board shall keep minutes from each 
     Board meeting. Such minutes shall be made available to the 
     public in an accessible format, except for portions of the 
     meeting that are closed pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II).
       ``(B) Quorum.--A majority of members of the Board shall 
     constitute a quorum.
       ``(C) Code of ethics.--The Board shall adopt a code of 
     ethics for Directors, officers, agents, and employees of the 
     Center to--
       ``(i) prevent inappropriate conflicts of interest and 
     promote good employee conduct; and
       ``(ii) at a minimum, prohibit any member of the Board from 
     participating in any proceeding, application, ruling, or 
     other determination, contract claim, award, controversy, or 
     other matter in which the member, the member's employer or 
     prospective employer, or the member's immediate family member 
     has a direct financial interest.
       ``(D) Executive director.--The Board shall appoint and fix 
     the pay of an Executive Director of the Center (in this 
     section referred to as the `Executive Director') who shall--
       ``(i) serve as an ex officio Member of the Board;
       ``(ii) serve at the pleasure of the Board, under such terms 
     and conditions as the Board shall establish;
       ``(iii) is subject to removal by the Board at the 
     discretion of the Board; and
       ``(iv) be responsible for the daily management and 
     operation of the Center and for carrying out the purposes and 
     duties of the Center.
       ``(E) Appointment of personnel.--The Board shall delegate 
     to the Executive Director the authority to appoint additional 
     personnel as the Board considers appropriate and necessary to 
     carry out the purposes and duties of the Center.
       ``(6) Records.--The Board shall keep correct and complete 
     records of accounts.
       ``(7) Public information.--With the exception of the 
     matters described in subsection (b)(5)(A)(ii)(II), nothing in 
     this section may be construed to withhold disclosure of 
     information or records that are subject to disclosure under 
     section 552 of title 5.
       ``(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the Center is to--
       ``(1) develop a skilled and robust aerospace workforce in 
     the United States;
       ``(2) provide a forum to support collaboration and 
     cooperation between governmental, nongovernmental, and 
     private aerospace sector stakeholders regarding the 
     advancement of the aerospace workforce, including general, 
     business, and commercial aviation, education, labor, 
     manufacturing, international organizations, and commercial 
     space transportation organizations;
       ``(3) serve as a repository for research conducted by 
     institutions of higher education, research institutions, or 
     other stakeholders regarding the aerospace workforce and 
     related technical and skill development.
       ``(4) serve as a centralized resource that provides 
     comprehensive and relevant information sources on the 
     following:
       ``(A) Aviation pathway programs and professional 
     development opportunities.
       ``(B) Aviation apprenticeship, scholarship, and internship 
     programs.
       ``(C) Aviation-related curricula and resources about 
     aviation occupations and career pathways developed for 
     students, teachers, and guidance counselors at all levels of 
     education.
       ``(D) Aviation industry organizations.
       ``(d) Duties.--In order to accomplish the purpose described 
     in subsection (c), the Center shall perform the following 
     duties:

[[Page H3738]]

       ``(1) Improve access to aerospace education and related 
     skills training to help grow the U.S. aerospace workforce, 
     including by--
       ``(A) assessing the state of the aerospace workforce, 
     including challenges and identifying actions to address such 
     challenges;
       ``(B) developing a comprehensive workforce strategy to help 
     coordinate workforce development initiatives;
       ``(C) establishing or supporting apprenticeship, 
     scholarship, internship, and mentorship programs that assist 
     individuals who wish to pursue a career in an aerospace-
     related field;
       ``(D) supporting the development of aerospace education 
     curricula, including syllabi, training materials, and lesson 
     plans, for use by an institution of higher education (as 
     defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as 
     defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as 
     such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)); and
       ``(E) building awareness of youth-oriented aerospace 
     programs and other robust outreach programs, including for 
     primary, secondary, and post-secondary school students.
       ``(F) supporting the professional development of teachers 
     using the curricula, syllabi, training materials, and lesson 
     plans described in subparagraph (D); and
       ``(G) developing an array of educational and informative 
     aviation-related educational activities and materials for 
     students of varying ages and levels of education to use in 
     the classroom and at home.
       ``(2) Support personnel or veterans of the Armed Forces 
     seeking to transition to a career in aerospace through 
     outreach, training, scholarships, apprenticeships, or other 
     means.
       ``(3) Amplify and support the work carried out at the 
     Centers of Excellence and Technical Centers of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration regarding the aerospace workforce, or 
     related technical and skills advancement, including 
     organizing and hosting symposiums, conferences, and other 
     forums as appropriate.
       ``(4) Administer on behalf of the Secretary of the 
     Department of Transportation the Cooperative Aviation 
     Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program 
     established by subsection (a) of 40131.
       ``(e) Duty to Maintain Tax-exempt Status.--The Center shall 
     be operated in a manner and for purposes that qualify the 
     Center for exemption from taxation under the Internal Revenue 
     Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of 
     such Code.
       ``(f) Administrative Matters of Center.--
       ``(1) Detailees.--
       ``(A) In general.--At the request of the Center, the head 
     of any Federal agency or department may, at the discretion of 
     such agency or department, detail to the Center, on a 
     reimbursable basis, an employee of the agency or department.
       ``(B) Civil servant status.--The detail of an employee 
     under subparagraph (A) shall be without interruption or loss 
     of civil service status or privilege.
       ``(2) Names and symbols.--The Center may accept, retain, 
     and use proceeds derived from the Center's use of the 
     exclusive right to use its name and seal, emblems, and badges 
     incorporating such name as lawfully adopted by the Board in 
     furtherance of the purpose and duties of the Center.
       ``(3) Gifts, grants, bequests, and devises.--The Center may 
     accept, retain, use, and dispose of gifts, grants, bequests, 
     or devises of money, services, or property from any public or 
     private source for the purpose of covering the costs incurred 
     by the Center in furtherance of the purpose and duties of the 
     Center.
       ``(4) Voluntary services.--The Center may accept voluntary 
     services from any person that are provided in furtherance of 
     the purpose and duties of the Center.
       ``(g) Restrictions.--
       ``(1) Profit.--The Center may not engage in business 
     activity for profit.
       ``(2) Stocks and dividends.--The Center may not issue any 
     shares of stock or declare or pay any dividends.
       ``(3) Political activities.--The Center shall be 
     nonpolitical and may not provide financial aid or assistance 
     to, or otherwise contribute to or promote the candidacy of, 
     any individual seeking elective public office or political 
     party. The Center may not engage in activities that are, 
     directly, or indirectly, intended to be or likely to be 
     perceived as advocating or influencing the legislative 
     process.
       ``(4) Distribution of income or assets.--The assets of the 
     Center may not inure to the benefit of any member of the 
     Board, or any officer or employee of the Center or be 
     distributed to any person. This paragraph does not prevent 
     the payment of reasonable compensation to any officer, 
     employee, or other person or reimbursement for actual and 
     necessary expenses in amounts approved by the Board.
       ``(5) Loans.--The Center may not make a loan to any member 
     of the Board or any officer or employee of the Center.
       ``(6) No claim of governmental approval or authority.--
     Except as otherwise provided by section 40131, the Center may 
     not claim approval of Congress or of the authority of the 
     United States for any of its activities.
       ``(h) Advisory Committee.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Executive Director shall appoint 
     members to an advisory committee subject to approval by the 
     Board. Members of the Board may not sit on the advisory 
     committee.
       ``(2) Membership.--The advisory committee shall consist of 
     not more than 15 members who represent various aviation 
     industry and labor stakeholders, stakeholder associations, 
     and others as determined appropriate by the Board. The 
     advisory committee shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from 
     among its members by majority vote.
       ``(3) Duties.--The advisory committee shall--
       ``(A) provide recommendations to the Board on an annual 
     basis regarding the priorities for the activities of the 
     Center;
       ``(B) consult with the Board on an ongoing basis regarding 
     the appropriate powers of the Board to accomplish the 
     purposes and duties of the Center; and
       ``(C) provide relevant data and information to the Center 
     in order to carry out the duties set forth in subsection (d).
       ``(4) Meetings.--The provisions for meetings of the Board 
     under subsection (b)(5) shall apply as similarly as is 
     practicable to meetings of the advisory committee.
       ``(i) Working Groups.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Board may establish working groups 
     as determined necessary and appropriate to achieve the 
     purpose of the Center under subsection (c).
       ``(2) Membership.--Any working group established by the 
     Board shall be composed of private sector representatives, 
     stakeholder associations, members of the public, labor 
     representatives, and other relevant parties, as determined 
     appropriate by the Board. Once established, the membership of 
     such working group shall choose a Chair from among the 
     members of the working group by majority vote.
       ``(j) CAREER Council.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2026, 
     the Executive Director, in coordination with the Secretary, 
     shall establish a council (in this section referred to as the 
     `CAREER Council') for the CAREER Program established under 
     section 40131.
       ``(2) Duties.--The CAREER Council shall aid the Secretary 
     and the Center in carrying out the CAREER Program by 
     reviewing grant applications and recommending grant 
     recipients.
       ``(3) Appointment.--The CAREER Council shall be appointed 
     from candidates nominated by national associations 
     representing various sectors of the aviation industry, 
     including--
       ``(A) general aviation;
       ``(B) commercial aviation;
       ``(C) aviation labor, including collective bargaining 
     representatives of Federal Aviation Administration aviation 
     safety inspectors, aviation safety engineers, and air traffic 
     controllers;
       ``(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul; and
       ``(E) unmanned aviation.
       ``(4) Term.--Each council member appointed under paragraph 
     (3) shall serve a term of 4 years.
       ``(k) Annual Report.--The Board shall submit an annual 
     report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate that, at 
     minimum, includes a review and examination of--
       ``(1) the activities performed as set forth in subsection 
     (d) during the prior fiscal year;
       ``(2) the advisory committee described in subsection (h);
       ``(3) the working groups described in subsection (i); and
       ``(4) the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and 
     Employment Readiness Program and related activities 
     established under section 40131, including activities of the 
     CAREER Council established under subsection (j).
       ``(l) Audit by Department of Transportation Inspector 
     General.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which the Center is established under subsection (a), the 
     inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall 
     conduct a review of the Center.
       ``(2) Contents.--The review shall--
       ``(A) include, at a minimum, an evaluation of the efforts 
     taken at the Center to achieve the purpose set forth in 
     subsection (c); and
       ``(B) provide any other information that the inspector 
     general determines is appropriate.
       ``(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 under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress 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.
       ``(m) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to the National Center for the Advancement 
     of Aerospace out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to 
     carry out this section--
       ``(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
       ``(2) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(3) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(4) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       ``(5) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 119 the following:

``120. National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace.''.

     SEC. 304. COOPERATIVE AVIATION RECRUITMENT, ENRICHMENT, AND 
                   EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 40131. Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, 
       and Employment Readiness Program

       ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2026, 
     the Secretary of Transportation, through the National Center 
     for the Advancement of Aerospace (in this section referred to 
     as the `Center'), shall establish an aviation workforce 
     cooperative development program to be

[[Page H3739]]

     known as the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, 
     and Employment Readiness Program (in this section referred to 
     as the `CAREER Program') to support the education, 
     recruitment, training, and retention of future aviation 
     professionals and the development of a robust United States 
     aviation workforce by--
       ``(1) using relevant workforce forecasts to predict and 
     identify aviation-related workforce challenges; and
       ``(2) funding projects that address such challenges and 
     help to sustain the long-term growth of civil aviation.
       ``(b) Implementation.--
       ``(1) Partnership with ncaa.--In implementing the CAREER 
     Program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
     partner with the CAREER Council established in subsection (j) 
     of section 120.
       ``(2) Nondelegation.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), 
     the Secretary may not delegate any of the authorities or 
     responsibilities under this section to the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.
       ``(3) Support.--To support the administration of the CAREER 
     Program, the Secretary may assign employees of the Department 
     of Transportation, including employees of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, on detail to the Center.
       ``(c) Solicitation, Review, and Evaluation Process.--In 
     carrying out the CAREER Program, the Secretary shall 
     establish a solicitation, review, and evaluation process that 
     ensures funds made available to carry out this section are 
     awarded to eligible entities with proposals that have 
     adequate merit and relevancy to the mission of the program.
       ``(d) Eligible Entities.--An eligible entity under this 
     section is--
       ``(1) an air carrier;
       ``(2) an entity that holds management specifications under 
     subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations;
       ``(3) a holder of a certificate issued under parts 139, 
     145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(4) an institution of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms 
     are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801));
       ``(5) a flight school that provides flight training, as 
     defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(6) an aviation labor organization;
       ``(7) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal government, 
     including a political subdivision thereof;
       ``(8) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(9) an entity that--
       ``(A) actively designs or manufactures any aircraft, 
     aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance, or a component, 
     part, or system thereof, covered under a type or production 
     certificate issued under section 44704; and
       ``(B) has significant operations in the United States and a 
     majority of the employees of such entity that are engaged in 
     aviation manufacturing or development activities and services 
     are based in the United States.
       ``(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary 
     shall establish reasonable reporting and monitoring 
     requirements for grant recipients under this section to 
     measure relevant outcomes of the program maintained pursuant 
     to subsection (a).
       ``(f) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2027, and 
     annually through fiscal year 2028, 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 
     program that includes--
       ``(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this 
     section and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling 
     program expectations;
       ``(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively 
     impact the future supply of individuals in the U.S. aviation 
     workforce, including best practices or programs to 
     incentivize, recruit, and retain individuals in aviation 
     professions; and
       ``(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by 
     governmental entities, educational institutions, and 
     businesses, aviation labor organizations, or other 
     stakeholders to support aviation workforce growth.
       ``(g) Notice of Grants.--
       ``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
     public notice of any grant awarded under the CAREER Program 
     in a timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
       ``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide 
     advance notice of a grant to be made under the CAREER Program 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Of the amounts made 
     available under section 48105, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2027 and 2028 is authorized to be expended to provide 
     grants under the program established under subsection (a).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``40131. Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment 
              Readiness Program.''.

     SEC. 305. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE OR OBSOLETE WORKFORCE 
                   PROGRAMS.

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

     SEC. 306. CIVIL AIRMEN STATISTICS.

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

     SEC. 307. BESSIE COLEMAN WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall establish a Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory 
     Committee (hereinafter referred to as the ``Committee'').
       (b) Purpose.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary and 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration on 
     matters and policies related to the recruitment, retention, 
     employment, education, training, well-being, and treatment of 
     women in the aviation industry and aviation-focused Federal 
     civil service positions.
       (c) Form of Directives.--All activities carried out by the 
     Committee, including special committees, shall be in response 
     to written terms of reference or taskings from the Secretary 
     and may not duplicate the objectives of the Air Carrier 
     Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
       (d) Functions.--In carrying out the directives described in 
     subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as 
     follows:
       (1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and 
     transparent manner by engaging, as prescribed by this 
     section, representatives of the private sector associated 
     with an entity described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
       (2) Make recommendations for strategic objectives, 
     priorities, and policies that would improve the recruitment, 
     retention, and training of women in aviation professions.
       (3) Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to 
     improve the recruitment and retention of women in the 
     Administration.
       (e) Membership.--
       (1) Voting members.--The Advisory Committee shall be 
     composed of the following members:
       (A) The Administrator, or the designee of the 
     Administrator.
       (B) At least 25 individuals, appointed by the Secretary, 
     representing the following:
       (i) Transport aircraft and engine manufacturers.
       (ii) General aviation aircraft and engine manufacturers.
       (iii) Avionics and equipment manufacturers.
       (iv) Public and private aviation labor organizations, 
     including collective bargaining representatives of--

       (I) aviation safety inspectors and safety engineers of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration;
       (II) air traffic controllers;
       (III) certified aircraft maintenance technicians; and
       (IV) commercial airline pilots.

       (v) General aviation operators.
       (vi) Air carriers.
       (vii) Business aviation operators.
       (viii) Unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers and 
     operators.
       (ix) Aviation safety management experts.
       (x) Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul entities.
       (xi) Airport owners and operators.
       (xii) Advanced air mobility manufacturers and operators.
       (xiii) Institutions of higher education (as defined in 
     section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in 
     section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as such terms 
     are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
       (xiv) A flight school that provides flight training, as 
     defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (xv) Aviation maintenance technician schools governed under 
     part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Nonvoting members.--
       (A) In general.--In addition to the members appointed under 
     paragraph (1), the Committee shall be composed of not more 
     than 5 nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from 
     among officers or employees of the FAA.
       (B) Duties.--The nonvoting members may--
       (i) take part in deliberations of the Committee; and
       (ii) provide subject matter expertise with respect to 
     reports and recommendations of the Committee.

[[Page H3740]]

       (C) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not represent 
     any stakeholder interest other than that of the FAA.
       (3) Terms.--Each voting member and nonvoting member of the 
     Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a 
     term of 4 years.
       (4) Committee characteristics.--The Committee shall have 
     the following characteristics:
       (A) The ability to obtain necessary information from 
     additional experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.
       (B) A membership size that enables the Committee to have 
     substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a 
     timely manner.
       (C) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in human 
     resources, human capital management, policy, labor relations, 
     employment training, workforce development, and youth 
     outreach.
       (f) Chairperson.--
       (1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Committee shall be 
     appointed by the Secretary from among the voting members of 
     the Committee under subsection (e)(1)(B).
       (2) Term.--The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
       (g) Meetings.--
       (1) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet at least twice 
     each year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
       (2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Committee shall 
     be open and accessible to the public.
       (h) Special Committees.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Committee may establish special 
     committees composed of private sector representatives, 
     members of the public, labor representatives, and other 
     relevant parties in complying with the consultation and 
     participation requirements under subsection (d).
       (2) Authorities.--A special committee established by the 
     Committee may provide rulemaking advice, recommendations, and 
     additional opportunities to obtain firsthand information to 
     the Committee with respect to issues regarding the 
     advancement of women in aviation.
       (3) Applicable law.--Public Law 92-463 shall not apply to a 
     special committee established by the Committee.
       (i) Personnel Matters.--
       (1) No compensation of members.--
       (A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Committee who 
     is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall 
     serve without compensation.
       (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Committee who is an 
     officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to the compensation received 
     for the services of the member as an officer or employee of 
     the Federal Government.
       (2) Travel expenses.--The members of the Committee shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from their homes or regular places of 
     business in the performance of services for the Committee.
       (j) Reports.--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 upon 
     completion of each tasking summarizing the Committee's--
       (1) findings and associated recommendations to improve the 
     advancement of women in aviation; and
       (2) planned activities of the Committee, as tasked by the 
     Secretary, and proposed terms of work to fulfill each 
     activity.
       (k) Sunset.--The Committee shall terminate on the last day 
     of the 8-year period beginning on the date of the initial 
     appointment of the members of the Committee.
       (l) FAA Defined.--In this section, the term ``FAA'' means 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.

     SEC. 308. ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE WEB-BASED AVIATION 
                   RESOURCE CENTER.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall partner with the National 
     Center for the Advancement of Aerospace (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Center'') to establish a high-quality, 
     web-based resource center that provides stream-lined public 
     access to information sources on the following:
       (1) Aviation pathway programs and professional development 
     opportunities.
       (2) Aviation apprenticeship, scholarship, and internship 
     programs.
       (3) Aviation-related curricula and resources about aviation 
     occupations and career pathways developed for students, 
     teachers, and guidance counselors at all levels of education.
       (4) Aviation industry organizations.
       (b) Leveraging FAA Education, Research, and Partnership 
     Programs.--In carrying out subsection (a)(3), the 
     Administrator and the Executive Director of the Center, in 
     partnership with museums, nonprofit organizations, and 
     commercial entities, shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, leverage field and regional offices of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration, the Mike Monroney 
     Aeronautical Center, the William J. Hughes Technical Center 
     for Advanced Aerospace, Air Transportation Centers of 
     Excellence, and the Aviation and Space Education program of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration to develop an array of 
     educational and informative aviation-related educational 
     activities and materials for students of varying ages and 
     levels of education to use in the classroom, for after-school 
     programs and at home.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Technology of the Senate on--
       (1) the web-based aviation resource center established 
     under subsection (a); and
       (2) the manner in which the education development and 
     engagement activities of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     are organized and funded.

     SEC. 309. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FROM UAS COLLEGIATE TRAINING 
                   INITIATIVE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration may hire individuals from eligible 
     institutions of higher education under the Unmanned Aircraft 
     System Collegiate Training Initiative (in this section 
     referred to as ``UAS CTI''), as established in section 632 of 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), 
     without regard to--
       (1) sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, United States 
     Code;
       (2) part 211 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; or
       (3) subpart A of part 337 of title 5, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (b) Eligibility.--Individuals eligible for employment by 
     the Administrator under subsection (a) shall--
       (1) be in good standing or have graduated in good standing 
     from an institution of higher education with a signed 
     memorandum of understanding under the UAS CTI;
       (2) hold or have completed the majority of a related 
     Bachelors or Associates degree, as described by the 
     eligibility requirements of the UAS CTI;
       (3) have completed all requirements for a related minor, 
     concentration, or certificate, as described by the 
     eligibility requirements of the UAS CTI; or
       (4) meet any other criteria as considered appropriate by 
     the Administrator.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001).
       (2) Good standing.--The term ``good standing'' means in 
     good standing, as determined by the applicable institution of 
     higher education.
       (d) Sunset.--The authority of the Administrator under this 
     section shall terminate on September 30, 2028.

     Subtitle B--Improving Training and Rebuilding Talent Pipelines

     SEC. 311. JOINT AVIATION EMPLOYMENT TRAINING WORKING GROUP.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall establish an interagency working group (in this section 
     referred to as the ``working group'') to advise the Secretary 
     of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense on matters and 
     policies related to the training and certification of a 
     covered aviation professional to improve career transition 
     between the military and civilian workforces.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
       (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2);
       (B) not less than 6 representatives of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, to be appointed by the co-chair described in 
     paragraph (2)(A); and
       (C) not less than 1 representative of each component of the 
     armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 
     10, United States Code), to be appointed by the co-chair 
     described in paragraph (2)(B).
       (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
       (A) a representative of the Department of Transportation, 
     to be appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
       (B) a representative of the Department of Defense, to be 
     appointed by the Secretary of Defense.
       (c) Activities.--The working group shall--
       (1) evaluate and compare all regulatory requirements, 
     guidance, and orders affecting covered aviation professionals 
     and identify challenges that inhibit recruitment, training, 
     and retention within the respective workforces of such 
     professionals; and
       (2) assess appropriate areas for increased interagency 
     information sharing and harmonization across workforces on 
     matters related to certification pathways and certification 
     requirements, including knowledge testing, affecting covered 
     aviation professionals.
       (d) Initial Report to Congress.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the Secretary of Transportation establishes the working 
     group, the working group shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress an initial report on the activities of 
     the working group.
       (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) 
     shall include--
       (A) a detailed description of the findings of the working 
     group pursuant to the activities required under subsection 
     (c); and
       (B) recommendations for regulatory, policy, or legislative 
     action to improve the training and certification of covered 
     aviation professionals across the civilian and military 
     workforces.
       (e) Annual Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     on which the working group submits the initial report under 
     subsection (d), and annually thereafter, the working group 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report--
       (1) describing the continued activities of the working 
     group;
       (2) describing any progress made by the Secretary of 
     Transportation or Secretary of Defense in implementing the 
     recommendations described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and
       (3) containing any other recommendations the working group 
     may have with respect to efforts to improve the employment 
     and training of covered aviation professionals in the 
     civilian and military workforces.
       (f) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on the date 
     that is 4 years after the date

[[Page H3741]]

     on which the working group submits the initial report to 
     Congress pursuant to subsection (d).
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
       (C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       (D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate.
       (2) Covered aviation profession.--The term ``covered 
     aviation professional'' means--
       (A) an airman;
       (B) an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
       (C) an air traffic controller; and
       (D) any other aviation-related professional that has 
     comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and military 
     workforces, as determined jointly by the co-chairs of the 
     working group.

     SEC. 312. AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TESTING WORKING GROUP.

       (a) Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall task the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee to establish a working group to review 
     knowledge testing processes and procedures to improve the 
     facilitation, administration, and accessibility of knowledge 
     tests.
       (b) Activities.--The working group established pursuant to 
     subsection (a) shall--
       (1) assess methods to increase knowledge testing capacity, 
     including through--
       (A) the adoption of alternative proctoring methods; and
       (B) increased utilization of pilot schools that hold a 
     pilot school certificate under part 141 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, and aviation maintenance technician 
     schools governed under part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (2) evaluate the following:
       (A) The management and provision of knowledge tests by 
     testing centers.
       (B) The testing registration process for students.
       (C) Student access to knowledge tests.
       (D) Fees associated with knowledge tests.
       (E) The accuracy of public sample knowledge tests available 
     to students.
       (F) Development and maintenance of knowledge tests and 
     forms.
       (c) Mechanic General Knowledge Test.--In addition to the 
     activities under subsection (b), the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee shall task the working group established 
     pursuant to subsection (a) with assessing opportunities to 
     allow a high school student upon successful completion of an 
     aviation maintenance curriculum to take the general written 
     knowledge portion of the mechanic exam described in section 
     65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at an 
     Administration-approved testing center.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the Aviation 
     Rulemaking Advisory Committee tasks the working group under 
     subsection (a), the working group shall submit to the 
     Administrator a final report making recommendations to 
     improve the facilitation, administration, and accessibility 
     of knowledge tests.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) High school.--The term ``high school'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
       (2) Knowledge test.--The term ``knowledge test'' means a 
     test prescribed under parts 61 and 65 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       (3) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).

     SEC. 313. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION SYSTEM WORKING GROUP AND 
                   TIMELY PUBLICATION OF STANDARDS.

       (a) Working Group.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall task the Airman Certification 
     System Working Group established under the Aviation 
     Rulemaking Advisory Committee of the Administration to review 
     Airman Certification Standards to ensure that airman 
     proficiency and knowledge correlates and corresponds to 
     regulations, procedures, equipment, aviation infrastructure, 
     and safety trends at the time of such review.
       (b) ACS Publication.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall publish on the website 
     of the Administration--
       (1) the process by which the Airman Certification Standards 
     are to be established, updated, and maintained;
       (2) the process by which relevant guidance documents, 
     handbooks, and test materials associated with such standards 
     are to be established, updated, and maintained; and
       (3) any anticipated or required updates to such standards, 
     including providing a date by which such modifications can be 
     expected to be completed and made available to the public.

     SEC. 314. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKFORCE STAFFING.

       (a) Responsibility for Controller Workforce Plan.--
       (1) Air traffic controller staffing initiatives and 
     analysis.--Section 221 of the Vision 100-Century of Aviation 
     Reauthorization Act (49 U.S.C. 44506 note) is amended by 
     striking ``Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration'' and inserting ``Chief Operating Officer of 
     the Air Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration''.
       (2) Staffing report.--Section 44506(e) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended in the matter before paragraph (1) by 
     striking ``Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration'' and inserting ``Chief Operating Officer of 
     the Air Traffic Organization of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration''.
       (b) Maximum Hiring.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027, 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall set as the hiring target for new air traffic 
     controllers (excluding individuals described in section 
     44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code) the maximum 
     number of individuals able to be trained at the Federal 
     Aviation Administration Academy.
       (c) Hiring and Staffing.--The Chief Operating Officer of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration shall revise the air 
     traffic control hiring plans and staffing standards of the 
     Administration to--
       (1) provide that the controller and management workforce is 
     adequately staffed to safely and efficiently manage and 
     oversee the air traffic control system to the satisfaction of 
     the Chief Operating Officer;
       (2) account for the target number of certified professional 
     controllers able to control traffic at each independent 
     facility; and
       (3) avoid any required or requested reduction of national 
     airspace system capacity or aircraft operations as a result 
     of inadequate air traffic control system staffing.
       (d) Interim Adoption of Collaborative Resource Workgroup 
     Models.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (c) and in 
     submitting a Controller Workforce Plan of the Administration 
     published after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chief 
     Operating Officer shall adopt and utilize the staffing models 
     and methodologies developed by the Collaborative Resource 
     Workgroup that were recommended in a report submitted to the 
     Administrator and referenced in the Controller Workforce Plan 
     submitted to Congress on May 5, 2023.
       (2) Sunset.--The requirement under paragraph (1) shall 
     cease to be effective upon the adoption of a staffing model 
     required under subsection (f).
       (e) Assessment.--
       (1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an 
     agreement with the Transportation Research Board to--
       (A) compare the Administration's staffing models and 
     methodologies in determining staffing standards targets with 
     those developed by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup, 
     including--
       (ii) the availability factor multiplier and other formula 
     components; and
       (iii) the independent facility staffing targets of 
     certified professional controllers able to control traffic; 
     and
       (B) assess future needs of the air traffic control system 
     and potential impacts on staffing standards.
       (2) Report.--
       (A) Findings.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Transportation Research Board shall--
       (i) report to the Administrator and Congress on the 
     findings of the review under this subsection; and
       (ii) determine which staffing models and methodologies best 
     accounts for the operational staffing needs of the air 
     traffic control system and provide a justification for such 
     determination.
       (B) Modifications to identified model.--The Transportation 
     Research Board may make recommendations to improve the 
     staffing model described in (2)(A)(ii).
       (3) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment under this 
     subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall consult 
     with--
       (A) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
     controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code;
       (B) Administration officials and executives;
       (C) front line managers of the air traffic control system;
       (D) managers and employees responsible for training air 
     traffic controllers;
       (E) the MITRE Corporation;
       (F) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic 
     Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration; and
       (G) users of the air traffic control system.
       (f) Required Implementation of Identified Staffing Model.--
     The Administrator shall take such action that may be 
     necessary to adopt and utilize the staffing model identified 
     by the Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection 
     (e)(2)(A)(ii), including any recommendations for improving 
     such model.
       (g) Controller Training.--In any Controller Workforce Plan 
     of the Administration published after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, the Chief Operating Officer shall--
       (1) identify all limiting factors on the Administration's 
     ability to hire and train controllers in line with the 
     staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
       (2) describe what actions the Administration will take to 
     rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards targets 
     and identify contributing factors that are outside the 
     control of the Administration.

     SEC. 315. AVIATION SAFETY WORKFORCE ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall assess, on a recurring basis, staffing 
     levels, critical competencies, and skills gaps of safety 
     critical positions in the Flight Standards Service and 
     Aircraft Certification Service and within other offices of 
     the Administration that support such services.
       (b) Considerations.--In completing the assessment described 
     in subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) evaluate the workload at the time of the assessment, 
     historic workload, and estimated future workload of such 
     personnel;

[[Page H3742]]

       (2) conduct a critical competency and skills gap analysis 
     to determine the knowledge and skill sets needed for work at 
     the time of the assessment and anticipated work, with an 
     emphasis on work pertaining to--
       (A) new and novel aircraft propulsion and power methods;
       (B) simplified vehicle operations and human factors; and
       (C) autonomy, machine learning, and artificial 
     intelligence;
       (3) compare the outcome of such analysis described in 
     paragraph (2) to the competency and skills of the workforce 
     at the time of the assessment; and
       (4) review opportunities for employees of the 
     Administration to gain or enhance expertise, knowledge, 
     skills, and abilities through cooperative training with 
     appropriate companies and organizations; and
       (5) develop hiring and recruitment plans to--
       (A) address hard to fill positions; and
       (B) address competency and skill gaps at various levels of 
     experience and management within Flight Standards Service and 
     Aircraft Certification Service.
       (c) Report.--Upon completion of an assessment described in 
     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 detailing the 
     following:
       (1) The methodology and findings of the assessment 
     described in subsection (a), including an analysis of hiring 
     authorities of the Administration at the time of the 
     assessment, including direct hiring authorities, by 
     occupation series for inspector, engineer, and other safety 
     critical positions within Flight Standards Service and 
     Aircraft Certification Service.
       (2) Action based recommendations the Administration can 
     take to improve--
       (A) the Aviation Safety Workforce Plan;
       (B) the skill sets and competencies of inspectors, 
     engineers, and other safety critical positions at the time of 
     the assessment;
       (C) competition with industry and other non-aviation 
     sectors for candidates with identified competencies and 
     technical skill sets; and
       (D) overall hiring and retention of inspectors, engineers, 
     and other critical positions.
       (3) Actions Congress can take to improve the recruitment, 
     hiring, upskilling, and retention of inspectors, engineers, 
     and other safety critical positions in Flight Standards 
     Service and Aircraft Certification Service and within other 
     offices of the Administration that support such services.
       (d) Safety Critical Position Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``safety critical position'' means--
       (1) an aviation safety inspector, an aviation safety 
     specialist (denoted by the Administration as 1801 series), an 
     aviation safety technician, and an operations support 
     position in the Flight Standards Service; and
       (2) a manufacturing safety inspector, a pilots, an 
     engineer, a Chief Scientist Technical Advisor, an aviation 
     safety specialist (denoted by the Administration as 1801 
     series), a safety technical specialist, and an operational 
     support position in the Aircraft Certification Service.

     SEC. 316. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE.

       (a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military 
     Maintenance Technicians.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     interagency working group in section 311 of this Act is 
     convened, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall task such working group with evaluating 
     the appropriateness of revising part 65 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to--
       (1) create a mechanic written competency test for eligible 
     military maintenance technicians;
       (2) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman Certification 
     Standard to qualify eligible military maintenance technicians 
     for a mechanic certificate issued by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration with an airframe rating or a powerplant 
     rating, or both; and
       (3) allow a certificate of eligibility from the Joint 
     Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification 
     Council (in this section referred to as the ``JSAMTCC'') 
     evidencing completion of a training curriculum for any rating 
     sought to serve as a substitute to fulfill the requirement 
     under such part 65 for oral and practical tests administered 
     by a designated mechanic examiner for eligible military 
     maintenance technicians.
       (b) Final Rule.--If the working group finds that revising 
     part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as 
     described in section (a) is appropriate, not later than 1 
     year after the finding, the Administrator shall issue a final 
     rule that revises part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, as described in subsection (a).
       (c) Aeronautical Knowledge Subject Areas.--
       (1) In general.--The military mechanic written competency 
     test and Airman Certification Standard described in 
     subsection (a)(1) and subsection (a)(2), respectively, shall 
     focus on the aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained 
     in the Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant 
     Airman Certificate Standards, as appropriate to the rating 
     sought.
       (2) Identification of subject areas.--The aeronautical 
     knowledge subject areas described in paragraph (1) shall be 
     identified in consultation with industry stakeholders and the 
     Airman Certification System Working Group.
       (d) Expansion of Testing Locations.--The interagency 
     working group described in subsection (a) shall determine 
     whether an expansion of the number of active testing 
     locations operated within military installation testing 
     centers would increase access to testing, as well as how to 
     implement such expansion.
       (e) Outreach and Awareness.--The interagency working group 
     described in subsection (a) shall develop a plan to increase 
     outreach and awareness regarding--
       (1) the services made available by the JSAMTCC; and
       (2) the military mechanic written competency test described 
     in subsection (a), if appropriate.
       (f) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``eligible military maintenance 
     technician'' means an individual who is a current or former 
     military aviation maintenance technician who was honorably 
     discharged or has retired from the armed forces (as such term 
     is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code).

            Subtitle C--Engaging and Retaining the Workforce

     SEC. 321. AIRMAN'S MEDICAL BILL OF RIGHTS.

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

     SEC. 322. IMPROVED DESIGNEE MISCONDUCT REPORTING PROCESS.

       (a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a streamlined process 
     for individuals involved in incidents of alleged misconduct 
     by a designee to report such incidents in a manner that 
     protects the privacy and confidentiality of such individuals.
       (2) Public access to reporting process.--The process for 
     reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made 
     available to the public on the website of the Administration, 
     including--
       (A) the designee locator search webpage; and
       (B) the webpage of the Office of Audit and Evaluation of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (3) Obligation to report criminal charges.--Not later than 
     90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall revise the orders and policies governing 
     the Designee Management System to clarify that designees are 
     obligated to report any arrest, indictment, or conviction for 
     violation of a local, State, or Federal law within a period 
     of time specified by the Administrator.
       (4) Audit of reporting process by inspector general.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on 
     which the Administrator finalizes the update of the reporting 
     process under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of such 
     reporting process.
       (B) Contents.--In conducting the audit of the reporting 
     process described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general 
     shall, at a minimum--
       (i) review the efforts of the Administration to improve the 
     reporting process and solutions developed to respond to and 
     investigate allegations of misconduct;
       (ii) analyze reports of misconduct brought to the 
     Administrator prior to any changes made to

[[Page H3743]]

     the reporting process as a result of the enactment of this 
     Act, including the ultimate outcomes of those reports and 
     whether any reports resulted in the Administrator taking 
     action against the accused designee;
       (iii) determine whether the reporting process results in 
     appropriate action, including reviewing, investigating, and 
     closing out reports; and
       (iv) if applicable, make recommendations to improve the 
     reporting process.
       (C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     initiation of the audit described in subparagraph (A), the 
     inspector general shall submit to the 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 such 
     audit, including findings and recommendations.
       (b) Designee Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``designee'' means an individual who has been designated to 
     act as a representative of the Administrator as--
       (1) an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 
     183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (2) a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of 
     such title); or
       (3) a technical personnel examiner (as described in section 
     183.25 of such title).

     SEC. 323. REPORT ON SAFE UNIFORM OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN AVIATION 
                   EMPLOYEES.

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

     SEC. 324. EXTENSION OF SAMYA ROSE STUMO NATIONAL AIR GRANT 
                   FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

       Section 131(d) of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
     Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by 
     striking ``fiscal years 2021 through 2025'' and inserting 
     ``fiscal years 2023 through 2028''.

     SEC. 325. PROMOTION OF CIVIL AERONAUTICS AND SAFETY OF AIR 
                   COMMERCE.

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

     SEC. 326. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by inserting after subsection (b) (as redesignated by 
     section 325) the following:
       ``(c) Educational and Professional Development.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall support and undertake efforts, including 
     through the National Center for the Advancement of Aerospace, 
     to promote and support the education of current and future 
     aerospace professionals.
       ``(2) Education materials.--Based on the availability of 
     resources, the Administrator shall distribute civil aviation 
     information, and educational materials, and provide expertise 
     to State and local school administrators, college and 
     university officials, and officers of other interested 
     organizations and entities.
       ``(3) Support for professional development and continuing 
     education.--To the extent a nonprofit organization, 
     association, industry group, educational institution, 
     collective bargaining unit, governmental organization, or 
     other entity that organizes or hosts a lecture, conference, 
     convention, meeting, round table, or any other type of 
     program with the purpose of sharing educational information 
     related to aerospace with a broad audience, the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) strongly consider accepting an invitation to attend, 
     present, and contribute to content generation; and
       ``(B) make efforts to share information each year, putting 
     a particular emphasis on reaching audiences consisting of 
     representatives of the Administrator and entities regulated 
     entities by the Administrator.
       ``(4) Content.--In planning for the opportunities under 
     paragraph (3), the Administrator shall maintain presentations 
     and content covering topics of broad relevance, including--
       ``(A) ethical decision-making and the responsibilities of 
     aerospace professionals;
       ``(B) managing a workforce, encouraging proper reporting of 
     prospective safety issues, and educating employees on safety 
     management systems; and
       ``(C) responsibilities as a designee or representative of 
     the Administrator.''.

     SEC. 327. HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONALS.

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

     SEC. 328. AEROMEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING 
                   GROUP.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a working group (in 
     this section referred to as the ``working group'') to review 
     the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the 
     Administration and to make recommendations to the 
     Administrator on modernizing such processes, policies, and 
     procedures to ensure timely and efficient certification of 
     airmen.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
       (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
       (B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the 
     Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a 
     background in aerospace medicine, psychology, neurology, 
     cardiology, or internal medicine.
       (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
       (A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration; and
       (B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be 
     selected by members of the working group.
       (3) Preference.--The Administrator, in appointing members 
     pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to--
       (A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in section 
     183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (B) licensed medical physicians;
       (C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate;
       (D) individuals having demonstrated research and expertise 
     in aeromedical research or sciences; and
       (E) representatives of organizations with memberships 
     affected by the medical processes, policies, and procedures 
     of the Administration.
       (c) Activities.--In reviewing the aeromedical decision-
     making processes, policies, and procedures of the 
     Administration in accordance with subsection (a), the working 
     group, at a minimum, shall--
       (1) assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical 
     Examiner may issue a medical certificate directly to an 
     individual;
       (2) determine the appropriateness of expanding the list of 
     such medical conditions;
       (3) assess the special issuance process;
       (4) determine whether the renewal of a special issuance can 
     be based on a medical evaluation and treatment plan by the 
     treating medical specialist of the individual with 
     concurrence from an Aviation Medical Examiner;
       (5) evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms 
     of red-green color blindness;
       (6) determine whether such technologies may be approved for 
     use by airmen;
       (7) review policies and guidance relating to Attention-
     Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit 
     Disorder;
       (8) evaluate whether medications used to treat such 
     disorders may be safely prescribed to an airman;
       (9) review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention 
     Motivation Study of the Federal Aviation Administration;
       (10) review protocols and policies relating to--
       (A) neurological disorders; and
       (B) cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment with 
     medical best practices, latest research;
       (11) review mental health protocols, including mental 
     health conditions such as depression and anxiety;
       (12) evaluate medications approved for treating such mental 
     health conditions;
       (13) assess processes and protocols pertaining to 
     recertification of an airman receiving disability insurance 
     post-recovery from the medical condition, injury, or 
     disability that precludes an airman from exercising the 
     privileges of an airman certificate; and
       (14) assess processes and protocols pertaining to the 
     certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from 
     the Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (d) Pilot Mental Health Task Group.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     working group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the 
     co-chairs of such working groups shall establish a pilot 
     mental health task group (referred to in this subsection as 
     the ``task group'') to develop and provide recommendations 
     related to supporting the mental health of aircraft pilots.
       (2) Composition.--The co-chairs of such working group shall 
     appoint--
       (A) a Chair of the task group; and
       (B) members of the task group from among the members of the 
     working group appointed by the Administrator under subsection 
     (b)(1).
       (3) Duties.--The duties of the task group shall include--
       (A) carrying out the activities described in subsection 
     (c)(11) and subsection (c)(12);
       (B) reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization on pilot mental 
     health; and
       (C) providing recommendations for--
       (i) best practices for detecting, assessing, and reporting 
     mental health conditions and treatment options as part of 
     pilot aeromedical assessments;

[[Page H3744]]

       (ii) improving the training of aviation medical examiners 
     to identify mental health conditions among pilots, including 
     guidance on referrals to a mental health provider or other 
     aeromedical resource;
       (iii) expanding and improving mental health outreach, 
     education, and assistance programs for pilots; and
       (iv) reducing the stigma of assistance for mental health in 
     the aviation industry.
       (4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
     establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit 
     to the Secretary, 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--
       (A) the results of the review and evaluation under 
     paragraph (3)(A); and
       (B) recommendations developed pursuant to paragraph (3)(C).
       (d) Support.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 
     one or more agreements with the National Academies to support 
     the activities of the working group described in subsection 
     (c).
       (e) Findings; Recommendations.--
       (1) Findings.--The working group shall report annually to 
     the Administrator, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on findings resulting from the activities carried out 
     pursuant to subsection (c).
       (2) Recommendations.--Findings reported pursuant to 
     paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by recommendations for 
     regulatory, policy, or legislative action to improve or 
     modernize the medical certification and aeromedical 
     processes, procedures, and policies of the Administration.
       (f) Implementation.--The Administrator shall implement, as 
     appropriate, the recommendations of the working group.
       (g) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on September 
     30, 2028.

     SEC. 329. FRONTLINE MANAGER WORKLOAD STUDY.

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

     SEC. 330. AGE STANDARDS FOR PILOTS.

       Section 44729 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Subject to the limitation in subsection 
     (c), a'' and inserting ``A''; and
       (B) by striking ``65'' and inserting ``67'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1) by striking ``; or'' and inserting 
     ``, unless the operation takes place in airspace where such 
     operations are not permitted; or'';
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating 
     subsections (d) through (h) as subsections (c) through (g), 
     respectively;
       (4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``60'' and inserting ``65'';
       (B) by striking ``the date of enactment of this section,'' 
     and inserting ``the date of enactment of the Securing Growth 
     and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act,'';
       (C) by striking ``section 121.383(c)'' and inserting 
     ``subsections (d) and (e) of section 121.383''; and
       (D) by inserting ``(or any successor regulations)'' after 
     ``Regulations'';
       (5) in subsection (d), as so redesignated--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Retroactivity.--A person who has attained 65 years of 
     age on or before the date of enactment of the Securing Growth 
     and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act may return to 
     service as a pilot for an air carrier engaged in covered 
     operations.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``section, taken in 
     conformance with a regulation issued to carry out this 
     section, or taken prior to the date of enactment of this 
     section in conformance with section 121.383(c) of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect before such date of 
     enactment), may'' and inserting ``section or taken in 
     conformance with a regulation issued to carry out this 
     section, may''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Savings Clause.--An air carrier engaged in covered 
     operations described in subsection (b)(1) on or after the 
     date of enactment of the Securing Growth and Robust 
     Leadership in American Aviation Act may not require employed 
     pilots to serve in such covered operations after attaining 65 
     years of age.''.

                    TITLE IV--AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

     SEC. 401. AIP DEFINITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 47102 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) `air carrier' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 40102.'';
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) a secondary runway at a nonhub airport that is 
     equivalent in size and type to the primary runway of such 
     airport.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(iii) by inserting ``and fuel 
     infrastructure'' after ``surveillance equipment'';
       (C) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``after December 31, 
     1991,'';
       (D) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``if the airport is 
     located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area 
     (as defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)) and if the airport would be able 
     to receive emission credits, as described in section 47139'';
       (E) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``the airport is 
     located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area 
     (as defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)), if the airport would be able to 
     receive appropriate emission credits (as described in section 
     47139), and'';
       (F) in subparagraph (P) by striking ``improve the 
     reliability and efficiency of the airport's power supply'' 
     and inserting ``improve reliability and efficiency of the 
     airport's power supply or meet current and future electrical 
     power demand''; and
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(S) construction or renovation of childcare facilities 
     for the exclusive use of airport employees or other 
     individuals who work on airport property, including for air 
     carriers and airport concessionaires.
       ``(T) advanced digital construction management systems and 
     related technology used in the planning, design and 
     engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance of 
     airport facilities.
       ``(U) an improvement of any runway, taxiway, or apron that 
     would be necessary to sustain commercial service flight 
     operations or permit the resumption of flight operations 
     under visual flight rules following a natural disaster at--
       ``(i) a primary airport; or
       ``(ii) a general aviation airport that is designated as a 
     Federal staging area by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Emergency Management Agency.
       ``(V) any other activity that the Secretary concludes will 
     reasonably improve or contribute to the maintenance of the 
     safety, efficiency, or capacity of the airport.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting after subparagraph (C) 
     the following:
       ``(D) assessing current and future electrical power 
     demand.'';
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), 
     (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), 
     (23), (24), (25), (26), (27), and (28) as paragraphs (10), 
     (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), 
     (21), (22), (23), (24), (25), (26), (27), (28), and (29), 
     respectively;
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
       ``(9) `heliport'--
       ``(A) means an area of land, water, or structure used or 
     intended to be used for the landing or takeoff of aircraft 
     capable of vertical takeoff and landing profiles; and
       ``(B) includes a vertiport.'';
       (6) in paragraph (28) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     ``the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,'';
       (7) in paragraph (29)(B) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     ``described in section 47119(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``for 
     moving passengers and baggage between terminal facilities and 
     between terminal facilities and aircraft''; and
       (8) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(30) `vertiport' means an area of land, water, or 
     structure used or intended to be used for the landing or 
     takeoff of powered-lift aircraft capable of vertical takeoff 
     and landing profiles.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 47127(a) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``air carrier 
     airport'' and inserting ``commercial service airport''.

     SEC. 402. REVENUE DIVERSION PENALTY ENHANCEMENT.

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

     SEC. 403. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORT REQUIREMENT.

       Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 404. RENEWAL OF CERTAIN LEASES.

       Section 47107(t)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--

[[Page H3745]]

       (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``the date of enactment 
     of this subsection'' and inserting ``October 7, 2016''; and
       (2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(D) that--
       ``(i) supports the operation of military aircraft by the 
     Air Force or Air National Guard--

       ``(I) at the airport; or
       ``(II) remotely from the airport; or

       ``(ii) is for the use of nonaeronautical land or facilities 
     of the airport by the National Guard.''.

     SEC. 405. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.

       Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (a)(13), 
     (b), and (c), and subject to paragraph (2), the sponsor of a 
     public-use airport shall not be considered to be in violation 
     of this subtitle, or to be found in violation of a grant 
     assurance made under this section, or under any other 
     provision of law, as a condition for the receipt of Federal 
     financial assistance for airport development, solely because 
     the sponsor has--
       ``(A) entered into an agreement, including a revised 
     agreement, with a local government providing for the use of 
     airport property for an interim compatible recreational 
     purpose at below fair market value; or
       ``(B) permanently restricted the use of airport property to 
     compatible recreational and public park use without paying or 
     otherwise obtaining payment of fair market value for the 
     property.
       ``(2) Restrictions.--
       ``(A) Interim compatible recreational purpose.--Paragraph 
     (1) shall apply, with respect to a sponsor that has taken the 
     action described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, 
     only--
       ``(i) to an agreement regarding airport property that was 
     initially entered into before the publication of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration's Policy and Procedures Concerning 
     the Use of Airport Revenue, dated February 16, 1999;
       ``(ii) if the agreement between the sponsor and the local 
     government is subordinate to any existing or future 
     agreements between the sponsor and the Secretary, including 
     agreements related to a grant assurance under this section;
       ``(iii) to airport property that was acquired under a 
     Federal airport development grant program;
       ``(iv) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
     statement to the Administrator that the property made 
     available for a recreational purpose will not be needed for 
     any aeronautical purpose during the next 10 years;
       ``(v) if the agreement includes a term of not more than 2 
     years to prepare the airport property for the interim 
     compatible recreational purpose and not more than 10 years of 
     use for that purpose;
       ``(vi) if the recreational purpose will not impact the 
     aeronautical use of the airport;
       ``(vii) if the airport sponsor provides a certification 
     that the sponsor is not responsible for preparation, startup, 
     operations, maintenance, or any other costs associated with 
     the recreational purpose; and
       ``(viii) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
     Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 47502.
       ``(B) Permanent recreational use.--Paragraph (1) shall 
     apply, with respect to a sponsor that has taken the action 
     described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, only--
       ``(i) to airport property that was purchased using funds 
     from a Federal grant for acquiring land issued prior to 
     December 30, 1987;
       ``(ii) to airport property that has been continuously used 
     as a recreational and public park since January 1, 1995;
       ``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
     statement to the Administrator that the property to be 
     permanently restricted for recreational and public park use 
     is not needed for any aeronautical use at the time the 
     written statement is provided and is not expected to be 
     needed for any aeronautical use at any time after such 
     statement is provided;
       ``(iv) if the recreational and public park use does not 
     impact the aeronautical use of the airport;
       ``(v) if the airport sponsor provides a certification that 
     the sponsor is not responsible for operations, maintenance, 
     or any other costs associated with the recreational and 
     public park use;
       ``(vi) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
     Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 47502;
       ``(vii) if, in the event the airport sponsor leases the 
     property, the lease will be to a local government entity or 
     nonprofit entity to operate and maintain the property at no 
     cost the airport sponsor; and
       ``(viii) if, in the event the airport sponsor sells the 
     property, the sale will be to a local government entity and 
     subject to a permanent deed restriction ensuring compatible 
     airport use under regulations issued pursuant to section 
     47502.
       ``(3) Revenue from certain sales of airport property.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an airport 
     sponsor selling a portion of airport property as described in 
     paragraph (2)(B)(viii)(II) may--
       ``(A) sell such portion of airport property for less than 
     fair market value; and
       ``(B) subject to the requirements of subsection (b), retain 
     the revenue from the sale of such portion of airport 
     property.
       ``(4) 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. 406. PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.

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

     SEC. 407. ALLOWABLE PROJECT COSTS AND LETTERS OF INTENT.

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

     SEC. 408. SMALL AIRPORT LETTERS OF INTENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 47110 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Small Airport Letters of Intent.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a letter of 
     intent to a sponsor stating an intention to obligate an 
     amount from future budget authority for an airport 
     development project (including costs of formulating the 
     project) at a nonhub airport or an airport that is not a 
     primary airport. The letter shall establish a schedule under 
     which the Secretary will reimburse the sponsor for the 
     Government's share of allowable project costs, as amounts 
     become available, if the sponsor, after the Secretary issues 
     the letter, carries out the project without receiving amounts 
     under this subchapter.
       ``(2) Limitations.--The amount the Secretary intends to 
     obligate in a letter of intent issued under this subsection 
     shall not exceed the larger of--
       ``(A) the Government's share of allowable project costs; or
       ``(B) $10,000,000.
       ``(3) Financing.--Allowable project costs under paragraph 
     (1) may include costs associated with making payments for 
     debt service on indebtedness incurred to carry out the 
     project.
       ``(4) Requirements.--The Secretary shall only issue a 
     letter of intent under paragraph (1) if--
       ``(A) the sponsor notifies the Secretary, before the 
     project begins, of the sponsor's intent to carry out the 
     project and requests a letter of intent; and
       ``(B) the sponsor agrees to comply with all statutory and 
     administrative requirements that would apply to the project 
     if it were carried out with amounts made available under this 
     subchapter.
       ``(5) Assessment.--In reviewing a request for a letter of 
     intent under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider 
     the grant history of an airport, the airport's enplanements 
     or operations, and such other factors as the Secretary 
     determines appropriate.
       ``(6) Prioritization.--In issuing letters of intent under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) prioritize projects that--
       ``(i) cannot reasonably be funded by an airport sponsor 
     using funds apportioned under section 47114(c), 
     47114(d)(2)(A)(i), or 47114(d)(6), including funds 
     apportioned under those sections in multiple fiscal years 
     pursuant to section 47117(b)(1); and
       ``(ii) are necessary to an airport's continued safe 
     operation or development; and
       ``(B) structure the reimbursement schedules under such 
     letters in a manner that minimizes unnecessary or undesirable 
     project segmentation.
       ``(7) Required use.--

[[Page H3746]]

       ``(A) In general.--Beginning in fiscal year 2028, and in 
     each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall ensure that 
     not less than $100,000,000 is committed to be reimbursed in 
     such fiscal year pursuant to letters of intent issued under 
     this subsection.
       ``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirement 
     under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year if the Secretary 
     determines there are insufficient letter of intent requests 
     that meet the requirements of paragraph (4). Upon such 
     waiver, the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the reasons contributing 
     to the need for such waiver and the actions the Secretary 
     intends to take to ensure that there are sufficient letter of 
     intent requests that meet the requirements of paragraph (4) 
     in the fiscal year succeeding the fiscal year for which the 
     Secretary issued such waiver.
       ``(C) Restriction.--The total estimated amount of future 
     Government obligations covered by all outstanding letters of 
     intent under paragraph (1) may not be more than the amount 
     authorized to carry out section 48103 of this title, less an 
     amount reasonably estimated by the Secretary to be needed for 
     grants under section 48103 that are not covered by a letter.
       ``(8) No obligation or commitment.--A letter of intent 
     issued under this subsection is not an obligation of the 
     Government under section 1501 of title 31, and the letter is 
     not deemed to be an administrative commitment for financing. 
     An obligation or administrative commitment may be made only 
     as amounts are provided in authorization and appropriation 
     laws.
       ``(9) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in 
     this section shall be construed to prohibit the obligation of 
     amounts pursuant to a letter of intent under this subsection 
     in the same fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Letters of intent.--Section 47110(e)(7) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``under this 
     section'' and inserting ``under this subsection''.
       (2) Priority for letters of intent.--Section 47115(h) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``prior 
     to fulfilling intentions to obligate under section 47110(i)'' 
     after ``section 47110(e)''.

     SEC. 409. PROHIBITION ON USE OF AIP FUNDS TO PROCURE CERTAIN 
                   PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGES.

       Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Additional Nonallowable Costs.--
       ``(1) In general.--A cost is not an allowable airport 
     development project cost under this chapter if the cost 
     relates to a contract for procurement or installation of a 
     passenger boarding bridge if the contract is with an entity 
     on the list required under paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Required list.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall, based 
     on information provided by the United States Trade 
     Representative and the Attorney General, publish and annually 
     update a list of entities manufacturing airport passenger 
     boarding bridges--
       ``(A) that are owned, directed, or subsidized by the 
     People's Republic of China; and
       ``(B) that--
       ``(i) have been determined by a Federal court to have 
     misappropriated intellectual property or trade secrets from 
     an entity organized under the laws of the United States or 
     any jurisdiction within the United States; or
       ``(ii) own or control, are owned or controlled by, are 
     under common ownership or control with, or are successors to, 
     an entity described in clause (i).''.

     SEC. 410. FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE.

       Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(k) Fuel Infrastructure.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary may decide that covered costs are 
     allowable for an airport development project at a primary or 
     nonprimary airport where such costs are paid for with funds 
     apportioned to the sponsor of such airport under section 
     47114 or provided pursuant to section 47115.
       ``(2) Prioritization.--If the Secretary makes grants from 
     the discretionary fund under section 47115 for covered costs, 
     the Secretary shall prioritize providing such grants to 
     general aviation airports.
       ``(3) Covered costs defined.--In this subsection, the term 
     `covered costs'--
       ``(A) means construction costs related to an airport-
     owned--
       ``(i) aeronautical fueling system for unleaded fuel; and
       ``(ii) fueling systems for type certificated hydrogen-
     powered aircraft; and
       ``(B) may include capital costs for fuel farms and other 
     equipment and infrastructure used for the delivery and 
     storage of fuel.''.

     SEC. 411. APPORTIONMENTS.

       (a) Primary, Commercial Service, and Cargo Airports.--
       (1) Primary and commercial service airports.--Section 
     47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--
       ``(A) Primary airport apportionment.--The Secretary shall 
     apportion to the sponsor of each primary airport for each 
     fiscal year an amount equal to--
       ``(i) $15.60 for each of the first 50,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
       ``(ii) $10.40 for each of the next 50,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
       ``(iii) $5.20 for each of the next 400,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
       ``(iv) $1.30 for each of the next 500,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year; and
       ``(v) $1.00 for each additional passenger boarding at the 
     airport during the prior calendar year.
       ``(B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--Not less than 
     $1,300,000 nor more than $22,000,000 may be apportioned under 
     subparagraph (A) to an airport sponsor for a primary airport 
     for each fiscal year.
       ``(C) New airport.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall apportion in the first fiscal year following 
     the official opening of a new airport with scheduled 
     passenger air transportation an amount equal to $1,300,000 to 
     the sponsor of such airport.
       ``(D) Nonprimary commercial service airport 
     apportionment.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall apportion to each 
     commercial service airport that is not a primary airport an 
     amount equal to--

       ``(I) $60 for each of the first 2,500 passenger boardings 
     at the airport during the prior calendar year; and
       ``(II) $153.33 for each of the next 7,499 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year.

       ``(ii) Applicability.--Paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection 
     (d) shall apply to funds apportioned under this subparagraph.
       ``(E) Special rule for air reserve stations.--
     Notwithstanding section 47102, the Secretary shall consider a 
     public-use airport that is co-located with an air reserve 
     station to be a primary airport for purposes of this chapter.
       ``(F) Special rule for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph or the 
     absence of scheduled passenger service at an airport, the 
     Secretary shall apportion in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to 
     the sponsor of an airport an amount based on the number of 
     passenger boardings at the airport during whichever of the 
     following years that would result in the highest apportioned 
     amount under this paragraph:
       ``(i) Calendar year 2018.
       ``(ii) Calendar year 2019.
       ``(iii) The prior full calendar year prior to the current 
     fiscal year.''.
       (2) Cargo airports.--Section 47114(c)(2) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``3.5'' and inserting ``4''; and
       (ii) by striking ``100,000,000 pounds'' and inserting 
     ``25,000,000 pounds'';
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
       (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
       (b) General Aviation Airports.--Section 47114(d) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Special rule'' and 
     inserting ``Apportionment'';
       (B) by striking ``excluding primary airports but including 
     reliever and nonprimary commercial service airports'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``excluding commercial service 
     airports but including reliever airports'';
       (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``20 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent''; and
       (D) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) An airport that has previously been listed as 
     unclassified under the national plan of integrated airport 
     systems that has reestablished the classified status of such 
     airport as of the date of apportionment shall be eligible to 
     accrue apportionment funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) so 
     long as such airport retains such classified status.'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Airports in alaska, puerto 
     rico, and hawaii'' and inserting ``Airports in Noncontiguous 
     States and Territories'';
       (B) by striking ``An amount apportioned under paragraph (2) 
     or (3)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) Alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii.--An amount 
     apportioned under this subsection''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Other territories.--An amount apportioned under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(i) may be made available by the Secretary 
     for any public-use airport in Guam, American Samoa, the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United 
     States Virgin Islands if the Secretary determines that there 
     are insufficient qualified grant applications for projects at 
     airports that are otherwise eligible for funding under that 
     paragraph. The Secretary shall prioritize the use of such 
     amounts in the territory the amount was originally 
     apportioned in.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``or subsection 
     (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under this subsection'';
       (4) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) by striking ``provision of this subsection'' and 
     inserting ``provision of this section''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under 
     this subsection'';
       (5) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (6) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively.
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 47106(a)(7) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 
     47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)''

     SEC. 412. PFC TURNBACK REDUCTION.

       (a) In General.--Section 47114(f) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--

[[Page H3747]]

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

     SEC. 413. TRANSFER OF AIP SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS TO FORMULA 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraph (B) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(B) Minimum allocation.--Not more than 25 percent of the 
     amounts available under this subsection shall be used to 
     provide grants at nonhub and small hub airports.
       ``(C) Prioritization.--In making grants under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize projects that 
     reduce runway incursions or increase runway or taxiway 
     safety.'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking clause (v) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(v) $1,110,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
       ``(vi) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
       ``(vii) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
       ``(viii) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
       ``(ix) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
       ``(x) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''; and
       (3) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``2 fiscal years'' and 
     inserting ``3 fiscal years''.

     SEC. 414. SMALL AIRPORT FUND.

       Section 47116 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Not more than 25 percent for grants for projects at 
     small hub airports.
       ``(2) Not less than 25 percent for grants to sponsors of 
     public-use airports (except commercial service airports).
       ``(3) Not less than 50 percent for grants to sponsors of 
     commercial service airports that are not larger than a nonhub 
     airport.'';
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
       (3) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(e) General Aviation Hangars and Transient Aprons.--In 
     distributing amounts from the fund described in subsection 
     (a) to sponsors described in subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3)--
       ``(1) 5 percent of each amount shall be used for projects 
     to construct aircraft hangars that are not larger than 5,000 
     square feet; and
       ``(2) 5 percent of each amount shall be used for projects 
     to construct or rehabilitate aprons intended to be used for 
     itinerant general aviation aircraft parking.''.

     SEC. 415. REVISION OF DISCRETIONARY CATEGORIES.

       Section 47117 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``or (3)(A), 
     whichever is applicable''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting 
     ``section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
       (ii) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting 
     ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
     inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(A) 
     of this title'' and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)(i)''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(B) or (C)'' and 
     inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)(ii) or (iii)'' in each 
     place it appears; and
       (ii) by striking ``of this title'';
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``$300,000,000'' and inserting 
     ``$200,000,000'';
       (II) by striking ``for compatible land use planning and 
     projects carried out by State and local governments under 
     section 47141,'';
       (III) by striking ``section 47102(3)(Q)'' and inserting 
     ``subparagraphs (O) through (Q) of section 47102(3)'';
       (IV) by striking ``to comply with the Clean Air Act (42 
     U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)''; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary 
     shall provide not less than two-thirds of amounts under this 
     subparagraph and paragraph (3) for grants to sponsors of 
     small hub, medium hub, and large hub airports.''; and

       (ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
       (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Special rule.--Beginning in fiscal year 2025, if the 
     amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) was not equal to 
     or greater than $150,000,000 in the preceding fiscal year, 
     the Secretary shall issue grants for projects eligible under 
     paragraph (1)(A) from apportionments made under section 47114 
     that are not required during the fiscal year to fund a grant 
     for which such apportionments may be used in an amount that 
     is not less than--
       ``(A) $150,000,000; minus
       ``(B) the amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) in 
     the preceding fiscal year.''; and
       (5) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``Subject to paragraph 
     (2)'' and inserting ``Subject to paragraph (2) and except as 
     provided in section 47116(a)(2)''.

     SEC. 416. TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 47119 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``in a nonrevenue-
     producing public-use area of a commercial service airport'' 
     and all that follows through ``of the Government'' and 
     inserting the following: ``at an airport if the sponsor 
     certifies that the airport, on the date the grant application 
     is submitted to the Secretary, has--
       ``(A) that any necessary airport development project 
     affecting airport safety, security, or capacity will not be 
     deferred if the Secretary approves a terminal development 
     project under this section; and
       ``(B) provided for access by passengers to the area of the 
     airport for boarding or exiting aircraft that are not air 
     carrier aircraft.''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``parking lot if'' and all 
     that follows through ``Secretary's approval'' and inserting 
     ``parking lot'';
       (2) by striking subsections (b), (e) and (f);
       (3) by redesignating subsection (c) and (d) as subsections 
     (b) and (c), respectively; and
       (4) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) any part of amounts apportioned to an airport sponsor 
     under subsection (c) or (d) of section 47114 to pay project 
     costs allowable under subsection (a);
       ``(2) on the approval of the Secretary, any part of amounts 
     that may be distributed for the fiscal year from the 
     discretionary fund established under section 47115 to the 
     sponsor of an airport to pay project costs allowable under 
     subsection (a);
       ``(3) on the approval of the Secretary, any part of amounts 
     that may be distributed for the fiscal year from the small 
     airport fund established under section 47116 to the sponsor 
     of an airport eligible to receive funds under section 47116 
     to pay project costs allowable under subsection (a);''.

     SEC. 417. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

       (a) Offsetting Administrative Expenses Burden on States.--
     Section 47109(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``90 percent'' and inserting ``91 
     percent''.
       (b) Training.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Training for Participating States.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to each 
     State participating in the block grant program under this 
     section training or updated training materials for the 
     administrative responsibilities assumed by the State under 
     such program at no cost to the State.
       ``(2) Timing.--The training or updated training materials 
     provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided at least once 
     during each 2-year period and at any time there is a material 
     change in the program.''.
       (c) Administration.--Section 47128 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(f) Roles and Responsibilities of Participating States.--
       ``(1) Airports.--Unless a State participating in the block 
     grant program under this section expressly agrees in a 
     memorandum of agreement, the Secretary shall not require the 
     State to manage functions and responsibilities for airport 
     actions or projects that do not relate to such program.
       ``(2) Program documentation.--Any grant agreement providing 
     funds to be administered under such program shall be 
     consistent with the most recently executed memorandum of 
     agreement between the State and the Federal Aviation 
     Administration. The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall provide parity to participating States 
     and shall only require the same type of information and level 
     of detail for any program agreements and documentation that 
     the Administrator would perform with respect to such action 
     if the State did not participate in the program.
       ``(3) Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall retain 
     responsibility for the following, unless expressly agreed to 
     by the State:
       ``(A) Grant compliance investigations, determinations, and 
     enforcement.
       ``(B) Obstruction evaluation and airport airspace analysis, 
     determinations, and enforcement off airport property.
       ``(C) Non-rulemaking analysis, determinations, and 
     enforcement for proposed improvements on airport properties 
     not associated with this subchapter, or off airport property.
       ``(D) Land use determinations under section 163 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47107 note), 
     compatibility planning, and airport layout plan review and 
     approval for projects not funded by amounts available under 
     this subchapter.
       ``(E) Nonaeronautical and special event recommendations and 
     approvals.
       ``(F) Instrument approach procedure evaluations and 
     determinations.
       ``(G) Environmental review for projects not funded by 
     amounts available under this subchapter.

[[Page H3748]]

       ``(H) Review and approval of land leases, land releases, 
     changes in on-airport land-use designation, and through-the-
     fence agreements.''.
       (d) Report.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall issue a report on the Office of Airports of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration and the airport improvement program 
     under subchapter I of chapter 471 and chapter 475 of title 
     49, United States Code, and include in such report a 
     description of--
       (1) the responsibilities of States participating in the 
     block grant program under section 47128 of title 49, United 
     States Code; and
       (2) the impact of title VIII of division J of the 
     Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) 
     and other Federal administrative funding sources on the 
     ability of such States to disburse and administer airport 
     improvement program funds.
       (e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     Congress supports the disbursement of a percentage of 
     administrative funds made available under the heading 
     ``Federal Aviation Administration--Airport Infrastructure 
     Grants'' in title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure 
     Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) to non-primary 
     airports participating in the State's block grant program 
     each fiscal year of the Airport Infrastructure Grants 
     program.

     SEC. 418. INNOVATIVE FINANCING TECHNIQUES.

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

     SEC. 419. LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT PLANS.

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

     SEC. 420. ALTERNATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY.

       (a) In General.--Section 47142 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by striking ``Design-build 
     contracting'' and inserting ``Alternative project delivery'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Transportation''; and
       (ii) by striking ``award a design-build'' and inserting 
     ``award a covered project delivery'';
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``design-build'' and 
     inserting ``covered project delivery''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``design-build contract 
     will'' and inserting ``covered project delivery contract is 
     projected to''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Covered Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `covered project delivery contract' means--
       ``(1) an agreement that provides for both design and 
     construction of a project by a contractor; or
       ``(2) a single contract for the delivery of a whole project 
     that--
       ``(A) includes, at a minimum, the sponsor, builder, and 
     architect-engineer as parties that are subject to the terms 
     of the contract;
       ``(B) aligns the interests of all the parties to the 
     contract with respect to the project costs and project 
     outcomes; and
       ``(C) includes processes to ensure transparency and 
     collaboration among all parties to the contract relating to 
     project costs and project outcomes.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 47142 and inserting the following:

``47142. Alternative project delivery.''.

     SEC. 421. NONMOVEMENT AREA SURVEILLANCE SURFACE DISPLAY 
                   SYSTEMS PILOT PROGRAM.

       Section 47143(c) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 422. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.

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

     SEC. 423. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS.

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

     SEC. 424. REGULATORY APPLICATION.

       Section 40113(f) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or in administering the Airport 
     Improvement Program under chapter 471'' after ``Code of 
     Federal Regulations,''; and
       (2) by inserting ``or administrative'' after 
     ``regulatory''.

     SEC. 425. NATIONAL PRIORITY SYSTEM FORMULAS.

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

     SEC. 426. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) While significant progress has occurred due to the 
     establishment of the airport disadvantaged business 
     enterprise program and the airport concessions disadvantaged 
     business enterprise program under sections 47113 and 47107(e) 
     of title 49, United States Code, respectively, discrimination 
     and related barriers continue to pose significant obstacles 
     for minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to do 
     business in airport-related markets across the Nation.
       (2) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and 
     documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous 
     sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, 
     scientific reports, reports issued by public and private 
     agencies, news stories, reports of discrimination by 
     organizations and individuals, and

[[Page H3749]]

     discrimination lawsuits. Such testimony and documentation 
     show that race- and gender-neutral efforts alone are 
     insufficient to address the problem.
       (3) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph 
     (2) demonstrate that race and gender discrimination 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 other aspects of airport-related business in 
     the public and private markets.
       (4) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph 
     (2) provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need 
     for the continuation of the airport disadvantaged business 
     enterprise program and the airport concessions disadvantaged 
     business enterprise program to address race and gender 
     discrimination in airport-related business.
       (b) Supportive Services.--Section 47113 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Supportive Services.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, may, at the request of an airport sponsor, 
     provide assistance under a grant issued under this subchapter 
     to develop, conduct, and administer training programs and 
     assistance programs in connection with any airport 
     improvement project subject to part 26 of title 49, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, for small business concerns referred to 
     in subsection (b) to achieve proficiency to compete, on an 
     equal basis for contracts and subcontracts related to such 
     projects.
       ``(2) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to receive 
     assistance under this section is--
       ``(A) a State;
       ``(B) a political subdivision of a State or local 
     government;
       ``(C) a Tribal government;
       ``(D) an airport sponsor;
       ``(E) a metropolitan planning organization;
       ``(F) a group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) 
     through (E); or
       ``(G) any other organization considered appropriate by the 
     Secretary.''.

     SEC. 427. AIRPORT ACCESS ROADS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.

       Section 162 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 47102 note) is amended in the matter preceding 
     paragraph (1) by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 428. LIMITED REGULATION OF NONFEDERALLY SPONSORED 
                   PROPERTY.

       Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Limited regulation.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (b), the Secretary of Transportation may not require an 
     airport to seek approval for (including in the submission of 
     an airport layout plan), or directly or indirectly regulate 
     (including through any grant assurance)--
       ``(A) the acquisition, use, lease, encumbrance, transfer, 
     or disposal of land (including any portion of such land) by 
     an airport sponsor; or
       ``(B) the construction, development, improvement, use, or 
     removal of any facility (including any portion of such 
     facility) upon such land.
       ``(2) Burden of demonstrating applicability.--The burden of 
     demonstrating the nonapplicability of paragraph (1), or the 
     applicability of an exception under subsection (b), shall be 
     on the Secretary.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``regulation'' and inserting ``law, regulation, or grant 
     assurance''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``aircraft 
     operations'' and inserting ``aircraft operations that occur 
     or are projected to occur at an airport as described in an 
     airport's master plan'';
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``facility'' and inserting 
     ``facility that the Secretary demonstrates was''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3) by striking ``contained'' and 
     inserting ``that the Secretary demonstrates is contained''; 
     and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed--
       ``(1) to affect the applicability of sections 47107(b) or 
     47133 of title 49, United States Code, to revenues generated 
     by the use, lease, encumbrance, transfer, or disposal of land 
     under subsection (a), facilities upon such land, or any 
     portion of such land or facilities; or
       ``(2) to limit the Secretary's authority to approve or 
     regulate airport projects (or portions of airport projects) 
     that are not subject to the provisions of subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 429. MOTORCOACH ENPLANEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

       With respect to fiscal years 2024 through 2028, passengers 
     who board a motorcoach at an airport that is chartered or 
     provided by an air carrier to transport such passengers to 
     another airport at which the passengers board an aircraft in 
     service in air commerce, that entered the sterile area of the 
     airport at which such passengers initially boarded the 
     motorcoach, shall be deemed to be included under the term 
     ``passenger boardings'' in section 47102 of title 49, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 430. POPULOUS COUNTIES WITHOUT AIRPORTS.

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

     SEC. 431. CONTINUED AVAILABILITY OF AVIATION GASOLINE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall ensure that any of such varieties of 
     aviation gasoline as may be necessary to fuel any model of 
     piston-engine aircraft remain available for purchase at each 
     airport listed on the national plan of integrated airport 
     systems (as described in section 47103 of title 49, United 
     States Code) at which aviation gasoline was available for 
     purchase as of October 5, 2018.
       (b) Removal of Availability.--The Administrator shall 
     consider a prohibition or restriction on the sale of such 
     varieties of aviation gasoline to violate assurance 22 (or 
     any successor assurance related to economic 
     nondiscrimination) of grant assurances associated with the 
     airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 
     and chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code.
       (c) Aviation Gasoline Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``aviation gasoline'' means a gasoline on which a tax is 
     imposed under section 4081(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to--
       (1) affect any airport sponsor found to be out of 
     compliance with the grant assurance described in subsection 
     (b) before the date of enactment of this Act;
       (2) affect any investigation of an airport sponsor 
     initiated by the Administrator under parts 13 or 16 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to the availability 
     of aviation gasoline; or
       (3) require any particular action by the Administrator if 
     the Administrator determines through such investigation that 
     such airport sponsor has violated a grant assurance.

     SEC. 432. AIP HANDBOOK UPDATE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall revise the Airport Improvement 
     Program Handbook (Order 5100.38D) (in this section referred 
     to as the ``Handbook'') to account for legislative changes to 
     the airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 
     471 and chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, and to 
     make such other changes as the Administrator determines 
     necessary.
       (b) Requirements.--In updating the Handbook, the 
     Administrator may not impose any additional requirements or 
     restrictions on the use of Airport Improvement Program funds 
     except as specifically directed by legislation.
       (c) Consultation and Public Comment.--
       (1) Consultation.--In developing the revised Handbook under 
     this section, the Administrator shall consult with aviation 
     stakeholders, including airports and air carriers.
       (2) Public comment.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a 
     draft revision of the Handbook and make such draft available 
     for public comment for a period of not less than 90 days.
       (B) Review.--The Administrator shall review all comments 
     submitted during the public comment period described under 
     subparagraph (A) and, as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate, incorporate changes based on such comments into 
     the final revision of the Handbook.
       (d) Interim Implementation of Changes.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall issue program guidance letters to provide 
     for the interim implementation of amendments to the Airport 
     Improvement Program made by this Act.

     SEC. 433. GAO AUDIT OF AIRPORT FINANCIAL REPORTING PROGRAM.

       (a) Audit.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall complete an audit of the airport financial 
     reporting program of the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     provide recommendations to the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration on improvements to such program.
       (b) Requirements.--In conducting the audit required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
       (1) review relevant Administration guidance to airports, 
     including the version of Advisory Circular 150/5100-19, 
     titled ``Operating and Financial Summary'', that is in effect 
     on the date of enactment of this Act;
       (2) evaluate the information requested or required by the 
     Administrator from airports for completeness and usefulness 
     by the Administration and the public;
       (3) assess the costs associated with collecting, reporting, 
     and maintaining such information for airports and the 
     Administration;
       (4) determine if such information provided is--

[[Page H3750]]

       (A) updated on a regular basis to make such information 
     useful; and
       (B) audited and verified in an appropriate manner;
       (5) assess if the Administration has addressed the issues 
     the Administration discovered during the apportionment and 
     disbursement of relief funds to airports under the 
     Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public 
     Law 116-136) using inaccurate and aged airport financial 
     data; and
       (6) determine whether the airport financial reporting 
     program as structured as of the date of enactment provides 
     value to the Administration, the aviation industry, or the 
     public.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after the 
     completion of the audit required under subsection (a), the 
     Comptroller General shall submit to the 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 findings 
     of such audit and any recommendations provided to the 
     Administrator to improve or alter the airport financial 
     reporting program.

     SEC. 434. GAO REVIEW OF NONAERONAUTICAL REVENUE STREAMS AT 
                   AIRPORTS.

       (a) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a review of non-aeronautical revenue 
     streams currently used by hub airports of varying size, 
     assess the impact of nonaeronautical revenue on airports, and 
     evaluate opportunities for revenue that are unutilized or are 
     underutilized by such airports.
       (b) Scope.--In conducting the review required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
       (1) examine the nonaeronautical revenue streams at a 
     variety of public-use airports in the United States;
       (2) examine nonaeronautical revenue streams used by foreign 
     airports;
       (3) examine revenue streams used by similar types of 
     infrastructure operators like train stations, bus depots, and 
     shopping malls;
       (4) determine the revenue effects of entering into, or 
     choosing not to enter into, concessionaire agreements with 
     companies operating at airports that are not a party to such 
     agreements; and
       (5) examine users and beneficiaries of airport services, 
     facilities, property, and passengers, and determine if any 
     such users or beneficiaries could or should be considered as 
     a source of nonaeronautical revenue for an airport.
       (c) Consultation.--As part of the review required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with 
     representatives of airport concessionaires, airport sponsors, 
     airport governance entities, airport financial planning 
     consultants, and any other relevant stakeholders the 
     Comptroller General determines appropriate.
       (d) Findings, Best Practices, and Recommendations.--As part 
     of the review required under subsection (a), the Comptroller 
     General shall produce best practices and recommendations that 
     can be adopted by public-use airports to increase non-
     aeronautical revenue.
       (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after the 
     completion of the review required under subsection (a), 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 the 
     findings, best practices, and recommendations of such review.

     SEC. 435. MAINTAINING SAFE FIRE AND RESCUE STAFFING LEVELS.

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

     SEC. 436. GAO STUDY OF ONSITE AIRPORT GENERATION.

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

     SEC. 437. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AT AIRPORTS.

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

     SEC. 438. COASTAL AIRPORTS ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall, in coordination with the Chief 
     of Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army 
     Corps of Engineers, initiate an assessment on the resiliency 
     of coastal airports in the United States.
       (b) Contents.--The assessment required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) examine the impact of sea-level rise and other 
     environmental factors that pose risks to coastal airports; 
     and
       (2) identify and evaluate current initiatives to prevent 
     and mitigate the impacts of factors described in paragraph 
     (1) on coastal airports.
       (c) Report.--Upon completion of the assessment, 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--
       (1) the results of the assessment required under subsection 
     (a); and
       (2) recommendations to improve the resiliency of coastal 
     airports in the United States.

     SEC. 439. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 440. GAO STUDY ON PER-TRIP AIRPORT FEES FOR TNC 
                   CONSUMERS.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study of fees that airports assess 
     against customers of transportation network companies.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall address--
       (1) the methodology used by airports to set a fee for 
     customers of TNCs;
       (2) expenditures by airports of fees assessed against 
     customers of TNCs; and
       (3) a comparison of the fees imposed by airports on 
     customers of TNCs and other comparable modes of for-hire 
     transportation, such as taxi.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the Committee on

[[Page H3751]]

     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) Transportation Network Company Defined; TNC Defined.--
     In this section, the term ``transportation network company'' 
     or ``TNC''--
       (1) means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, 
     or other entity that uses a digital network to connect riders 
     to drivers affiliated with the entity in order for the driver 
     to transport the rider using a vehicle owned, leased, or 
     otherwise authorized for use by the driver to a point chosen 
     by the rider; and
       (2) does not include a shared-expense carpool or vanpool 
     arrangement that is not intended to generate profit for the 
     driver.

     SEC. 441. SPECIAL RULE FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN 
                   UNCLASSIFIED AIRPORTS.

       (a) Request for Reclassification.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2024, a 
     privately owned reliever airport (as such term is defined in 
     section 47102 of title 49, United States Code) that is 
     identified as unclassified in the National Plan of Integrated 
     Airport Systems, 2021-2025 (as published under section 47103 
     of title 49, United States Code) may submit to the Secretary 
     of Transportation a request to reclassify the airport 
     according to the criteria used to classify a publicly owned 
     airport.
       (2) Required information.--In submitting a request under 
     paragraph (1), a privately owned reliever airport shall 
     include the following information:
       (A) A sworn statement and accompanying documentation that 
     demonstrates how the airport would satisfy the requirements 
     of Federal Aviation Administration Order 5090.5, titled 
     ``Formulation of the NPIAS and ACIP'' (or any successor 
     guidance), to be classified as ``Local'' or ``Basic'' if the 
     airport was publicly owned.
       (B) A report that--
       (i) identifies the role of the airport to the aviation 
     system; and
       (ii) describes the long-term fiscal viability of the 
     airport based on demonstrated aeronautical activity and 
     associated revenues relative to ongoing operating and 
     maintenance costs.
       (b) Eligibility Review.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
     request from a privately owned reliever airport under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall perform an eligibility 
     review with respect to the airport, including an assessment 
     of the airport's safety, security, capacity, access, 
     compliance with Federal grant assurances, and protection of 
     natural resources and the quality of the environment, as 
     prescribed by the Secretary.
       (2) Public sponsor.--In performing the eligibility review 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary--
       (A) may require the airport requesting reclassification to 
     provide information regarding the outlook (whether positive 
     or negative) for obtaining a public sponsor; and
       (B) may not require the airport to obtain a public sponsor.
       (c) Reclassification by the Secretary.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
     request from a privately owned reliever airport under 
     subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall grant such request if 
     the following criteria are met:
       (A) The request includes the required information under 
     subsection (a)(2).
       (B) The privately owned reliever airport, to the 
     satisfaction of the Secretary--
       (i) passes the eligibility review performed under 
     subsection (b); or
       (ii) submits a corrective action plan in accordance with 
     paragraph (2).
       (2) Corrective action plan.--With respect to a privately 
     owned reliever airport that does not, to the satisfaction of 
     the Secretary, pass the eligibility review performed under 
     subsection (b), such airport may resubmit to the Secretary a 
     reclassification request along with a corrective action plan 
     that--
       (A) resolves any shortcomings identified in such 
     eligibility review; and
       (B) proves that any necessary corrective action has been 
     completed by the airport.
       (d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately 
     owned reliever airport under this section shall take effect 
     not later than--
       (1) September 30, 2026, for any request granted under 
     subsection (c)(1); and
       (2) September 30, 2027, for any request granted after the 
     submission of a corrective action plan under subsection 
     (c)(2).

     SEC. 442. PERMANENT SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING 
                   SYSTEMS.

       Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall produce an engineering brief that 
     describes the acceptable use of permanent solar powered 
     taxiway edge lighting systems at regional, local, and basic 
     nonprimary airports (as categorized in the most recent 
     National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems).

     SEC. 443. SECONDARY RUNWAYS.

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

     SEC. 444. INCREASING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORTS AND 
                   MEETING CURRENT AND FUTURE ELECTRICAL POWER 
                   DEMANDS.

       (a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

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

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a program under which the Secretary shall--
       ``(1) encourage the sponsor of each public-use airport to--
       ``(A) conduct airport planning that assesses the 
     airport's--
       ``(i) current and future electrical power requirements, 
     including--

       ``(I) heating and cooling;
       ``(II) on-road airport vehicles, including ground support 
     equipment;
       ``(III) gate electrification; and
       ``(IV) electric aircraft charging; and

       ``(ii) existing electrical infrastructure condition, 
     location and capacity, including base load and backup power, 
     to meet the current and future electrical power demand as 
     identified in this subparagraph; and
       ``(B) conduct airport development to increase energy 
     efficiency or meet future electrical power demands as 
     identified in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(2) reimburse the airport sponsor for the costs incurred 
     in conducting the assessment under paragraph (1).
       ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary may make grants from amounts 
     made available under section 48103 to assist airport sponsors 
     that have completed the assessment described in subsection 
     (a)(1)--
       ``(1) to acquire or construct equipment that will increase 
     energy efficiency at the airport; and
       ``(2) to pursue an airport development project described in 
     subsection (a)(1)(B).''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 47140 and inserting the following:

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

     SEC. 445. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may 
     establish a pilot program under which the sponsors of public-
     use airports may use funds made available under chapter 471 
     or section 48103 of title 49, United States Code, for use at 
     up to 10 airports to carry out--
       (1) activities associated with the acquisition, by purchase 
     or lease, operation, and installation of equipment to support 
     the operations of electric aircraft, including interoperable 
     electric vehicle charging equipment; and
       (2) the construction or modification of infrastructure to 
     facilitate the delivery of power or services necessary for 
     the use of electric aircraft, including--
       (A) on airport utility upgrades; and
       (B) associated design costs.
       (b) Eligibility.--A public-use airport is eligible for 
     participation in the pilot program under this section if the 
     Secretary finds that funds made available under subsection 
     (a) would support--
       (1) electric aircraft operators at such airport, or using 
     such airport; or
       (2) electric aircraft operators planning to operate at such 
     airport with an associated agreement in place.
       (c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection 
     (a) shall sunset 5 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.

     SEC. 446. CURB MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

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

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

     SEC. 461. PFC APPLICATION APPROVALS.

       Section 40117(d) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) each project is an eligible airport-related 
     project;''.

     SEC. 462. PFC AUTHORIZATION PILOT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.

       Section 40117(l) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Pilot Program'' 
     and inserting ``Alternative Procedures''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--In lieu of submitting an application 
     under subsection (c), an eligible agency may impose a 
     passenger facility charge in accordance with the procedures 
     under this subsection subject to the limitations of this 
     section.''.

     Subtitle C--Noise and Environmental Programs and Streamlining

     SEC. 471. STREAMLINING CONSULTATION PROCESS.

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

     SEC. 472. REPEAL OF BURDENSOME EMISSIONS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 47139 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``airport sponsors receive'' and inserting 
     ``airport sponsors may receive'';
       (ii) by striking ``carrying out projects'' and inserting 
     ``carrying out projects, including projects''; and
       (iii) by striking ``conditions'' and inserting 
     ``considerations''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--

[[Page H3752]]

       (i) by striking ``airport sponsor'' and inserting ``airport 
     sponsor, including for an airport outside of a nonattainment 
     area,'';
       (ii) by striking ``only'';
       (iii) by striking ``or as offsets'' and inserting ``, as 
     offsets''; and
       (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, or 
     as part of a State implementation plan.'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b); and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).

     SEC. 473. EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ONE FEDERAL 
                   DECISION.

       Section 47171 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``Secretary of 
     Transportation'' and inserting ``Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration'';
       (2) by striking ``Secretary'' in each place it appears and 
     inserting ``Administrator'';
       (3) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``develop and''; and
       (ii) by striking ``projects at congested airports'' and all 
     that follows through ``aviation security projects'' and 
     inserting ``projects, terminal development projects, general 
     aviation airport construction or improvement projects, and 
     aviation safety projects''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``better'' and inserting 
     ``streamlined''.
       (4) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Aviation Projects Subject to a Streamlined 
     Environmental Review Process.--
       ``(1) In general.--Any airport capacity enhancement 
     project, terminal development project, or general aviation 
     airport construction or improvement project shall be subject 
     to the coordinated and expedited environmental review process 
     requirements set forth in this section.
       ``(2) Project designation criteria.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator may designate an 
     aviation safety project for priority environmental review. A 
     designated project shall be subject to the coordinated and 
     expedited environmental review process requirements set forth 
     in this section.
       ``(B) Project designation criteria.--The Administrator 
     shall establish guidelines for the designation of an aviation 
     safety project or aviation security project for priority 
     environmental review. Such guidelines shall provide for 
     consideration of--
       ``(i) the importance or urgency of the project;
       ``(ii) the potential for undertaking the environmental 
     review under existing emergency procedures under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
       ``(iii) the need for cooperation and concurrent reviews by 
     other Federal or State agencies; and
       ``(iv) the prospect for undue delay if the project is not 
     designated for priority review.'';
       (5) in subsection (c) by striking ``an airport capacity 
     enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
     designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b)'';
       (6) in subsection (d) by striking ``each airport capacity 
     enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
     designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b)'';
       (7) in subsection (h) by striking ``designated under 
     subsection (b)(3)'' and all that follows through ``congested 
     airports'' and inserting ``described in subsection (b)(1)'';
       (8) in subsection (j)--
       (A) by striking ``For any'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--For any''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Deadline.--The Administrator shall define the purpose 
     and need of a project not later than 45 days after receipt of 
     a draft purpose and need statement (or revision thereof that 
     materially affects a statement previously prepared or 
     accepted by the Administrator) from an airport sponsor. The 
     Administrator shall provide airport sponsors with appropriate 
     guidance to implement any applicable requirements.'';
       (9) in subsection (k)--
       (A) by striking ``an airport capacity enhancement project 
     at a congested airport or a project designated under 
     subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project described or 
     designated under subsection (b)'';
       (B) by striking ``project shall consider'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``project shall--
       ``(1) consider'';
       (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) limit the comments of the agency to--
       ``(A) subject matter areas within the special expertise of 
     the agency; and
       ``(B) changes necessary to ensure the agency is carrying 
     out the obligations of that agency under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable law.'';
       (10) in subsection (l) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``and section 1503 of title 40, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.''; and
       (11) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(m) Coordination and Schedule.--
       ``(1) Coordination plan.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     publication of a notice of intent to prepare an environmental 
     impact statement or the initiation of an environmental 
     assessment, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall establish a plan for coordinating public 
     and agency participation in and comment on the environmental 
     review process for a project described or designated under 
     subsection (b). The coordination plan may be incorporated 
     into a memorandum of understanding.
       ``(B) Schedule.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administration shall establish as 
     part of such coordination plan, after consultation with and 
     the concurrence of each participating agency for the project 
     and with the State in which the project is located (and, if 
     the State is not the project sponsor, with the project 
     sponsor), a schedule for--

       ``(I) interim milestones and deadlines for agency 
     activities necessary to complete the environmental review; 
     and
       ``(II) completion of the environmental review process for 
     the project.

       ``(ii) Factors for consideration.--In establishing the 
     schedule under clause (i), the Administration shall consider 
     factors such as--

       ``(I) the responsibilities of participating agencies under 
     applicable laws;
       ``(II) resources available to the cooperating agencies;
       ``(III) overall size and complexity of the project;
       ``(IV) the overall time required by an agency to conduct an 
     environmental review and make decisions under applicable 
     Federal law relating to a project (including the issuance or 
     denial of a permit or license) and the cost of the project; 
     and
       ``(V) the sensitivity of the natural and historic resources 
     that could be affected by the project.

       ``(iii) Maximum project schedule.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable and consistent with applicable Federal law, the 
     Administrator shall develop, in concurrence with the project 
     sponsor, a maximum schedule for the project described or 
     designated under subsection (b) that is not more than 2 years 
     for the completion of the environmental review process for 
     such projects, as measured from, as applicable the date of 
     publication of a notice of intent to prepare an environmental 
     impact statement to the record of decision.
       ``(iv) Dispute resolution.--

       ``(I) In general.--Any issue or dispute that arises between 
     the Administrator and participating agencies (or amongst 
     participating agencies) during the environmental review 
     process will be addressed expeditiously to avoid delay.
       ``(II) Responsibilities.--The Administrator and 
     participating agencies shall--

       ``(aa) implement the requirements of this section 
     consistent with any dispute resolution process established in 
     an applicable law, regulation, or legally binding agreement 
     to the maximum extent permitted by law; and
       ``(bb) seek to resolve issues or disputes at the earliest 
     possible time at the project level through agency employees 
     who have day-to-day involvement in the project.

       ``(III) Elevation for missed milestone.--If a dispute 
     between the Administrator and participating agencies (or 
     amongst participating agencies) causes a milestone to be 
     missed or extended, or the Administrator anticipates that a 
     permitting timetable milestone will be missed or will need to 
     be extended, then the dispute shall be elevated to an 
     official designated by the relevant agency for resolution. 
     Such elevation should take place as soon as practicable after 
     the Administrator becomes aware of the dispute or potential 
     missed milestone.
       ``(IV) Exception.--Disputes that do not impact the ability 
     of an agency to meet a milestone may be elevated as 
     appropriate.
       ``(V) Further evaluation.--Once a dispute has been elevated 
     to the designated official, if no resolution has been reached 
     at the end of 30 days after the relevant milestone date or 
     extension date, then the relevant agencies shall elevate the 
     dispute to senior agency leadership for resolution.

       ``(C) Consistency with other time periods.--A schedule 
     under subparagraph (B) shall be consistent with any other 
     relevant time periods established under Federal law.
       ``(D) Modification.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the 
     Administrator may lengthen or shorten a schedule established 
     under subparagraph (B) for good cause. A decision by a 
     project sponsor to change, modify, expand, or reduce the 
     scope of a project may be considered as good cause for 
     lengthening or shortening of such schedule as appropriate and 
     based on the nature and extent of the proposed project 
     adjustment.
       ``(ii) Limitations.--

       ``(I) Lengthened schedule.--The Administrator may lengthen 
     a schedule under clause (i) for a cooperating Federal agency 
     by not more than 1 year after the latest deadline established 
     for the project described or designated under subsection (b) 
     by the Administration.
       ``(II) Shortened schedule.--The Administrator may not 
     shorten a schedule under clause (i) if doing so would impair 
     the ability of a cooperating Federal agency to conduct 
     necessary analyses or otherwise carry out relevant 
     obligations of the Federal agency for the project.

       ``(E) Failure to meet deadline.--If a cooperating Federal 
     agency fails to meet a deadline established under 
     subparagraph (D)(ii)(I)--
       ``(i) the cooperating Federal agency shall, not later than 
     10 days after meeting the deadline, submit to the 
     Administrator a report that describes the reasons why the 
     deadline was not met; and
       ``(ii) the Secretary shall--

       ``(I) submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a copy of the report under clause (i); and
       ``(II) make the report under clause (i) publicly available 
     on the website of the agency.

       ``(F) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule under 
     subparagraph (B), and of any modifications to the schedule, 
     shall be--
       ``(i) provided to all participating agencies and to the 
     State transportation department of the State in which the 
     project is located (and, if the State is not the project 
     sponsor, to the project sponsor); and

[[Page H3753]]

       ``(ii) made available to the public.
       ``(2) Comment deadlines.--The Administrator shall establish 
     the following deadlines for comment during the environmental 
     review process for a project:
       ``(A) For comments by agencies and the public on a draft 
     environmental impact statement, a period of not more than 60 
     days after publication in the Federal Register of notice of 
     the date of public availability of such statement, unless--
       ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement of 
     the lead agency, the project sponsor, and all participating 
     agencies; or
       ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for good 
     cause.
       ``(B) For all other comment periods established by the lead 
     agency for agency or public comments in the environmental 
     review process, a period of no more than 30 days from 
     availability of the materials on which comment is requested, 
     unless--
       ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement of 
     the Administrator, the project sponsor, and all participating 
     agencies; or
       ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for good 
     cause.
       ``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--In any 
     case in which a decision under any Federal law relating to a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b) 
     (including the issuance or denial of a permit or license) is 
     required to be made by the later of the date that is 180 days 
     after the date on which the Administrator made all final 
     decisions of the lead agency with respect to the project, or 
     180 days after the date on which an application was submitted 
     for the permit or license, the 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, and publish on the 
     website of the Administration--
       ``(A) as soon as practicable after the 180-day period, an 
     initial notice of the failure of the Federal agency to make 
     the decision; and
       ``(B) every 60 days thereafter until such date as all 
     decisions of the Federal agency relating to the project have 
     been made by the Federal agency, an additional notice that 
     describes the number of decisions of the Federal agency that 
     remain outstanding as of the date of the additional notice.
       ``(4) Involvement of the public.--Nothing in this 
     subsection shall reduce any time period provided for public 
     comment in the environmental review process under existing 
     Federal law, including a regulation.
       ``(n) Concurrent Reviews and Single NEPA Document.--
       ``(1) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and 
     cooperating agency under the expedited and coordinated 
     environmental review process established under this section 
     shall--
       ``(A) carry out the obligations of that agency under other 
     applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction, with the 
     review required under the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless doing so would 
     impair the ability of the Federal agency to conduct needed 
     analysis or otherwise carry out such obligations; and
       ``(B) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and 
     procedural mechanisms to enable the agency to ensure 
     completion of the environmental review process in a timely, 
     coordinated, and environmentally responsible manner.
       ``(2) Single nepa document.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as inconsistent with subsection 
     (a), to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with 
     Federal law, all Federal permits and reviews for a project 
     shall rely on a single environment document prepared under 
     the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
     et seq.) under the leadership of the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration.
       ``(B) Use of document.--
       ``(i) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Administrator shall develop an environmental document 
     sufficient to satisfy the requirements for any Federal 
     approval or other Federal action required for the project, 
     including permits issued by other Federal agencies.
       ``(ii) Cooperation of participating agencies.--Other 
     participating agencies shall cooperate with the lead agency 
     and provide timely information to help the lead agency carry 
     out this subparagraph.
       ``(C) Treatment as participating and cooperating 
     agencies.--A Federal agency required to make an approval or 
     take an action for a project, as described in this paragraph, 
     shall work with the Administration for the project to ensure 
     that the agency making the approval or taking the action is 
     treated as being both a participating and cooperating agency 
     for the project.
       ``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--An agency 
     participating in the expedited and coordinated environmental 
     review process under this section shall--
       ``(A) provide comments, responses, studies, or 
     methodologies on those areas within the special expertise or 
     jurisdiction of the agency; and
       ``(B) use the process to address any environmental issues 
     of concern to the agency.
       ``(o) Environmental Impact Statement.--
       ``(1) In general.--In preparing a final environmental 
     impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project described or 
     designated under subsection (b), if the Administrator 
     modifies the statement in response to comments that are minor 
     and are confined to factual corrections or explanations of 
     why the comments do not warrant additional agency response, 
     the Administrator may write on errata sheets attached to the 
     statement instead of rewriting the draft statement, subject 
     to the condition that the errata sheets--
       ``(A) cite the sources, authorities, and reasons that 
     support the position of the agency; and
       ``(B) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances that would 
     trigger agency reappraisal or further response.
       ``(2) Single document.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     for a project subject to a coordinated review process under 
     this section, the Administrator shall expeditiously develop a 
     single document that consists of a final environmental impact 
     statement and a record of decision, unless--
       ``(A) the final environmental impact statement or record of 
     decision makes substantial changes to the project that are 
     relevant to environmental or safety concerns; or
       ``(B) there is a significant new circumstance or 
     information relevant to environmental concerns that bears on 
     the proposed action or the environmental impacts of the 
     proposed action.
       ``(3) Length of environmental document.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     an environmental impact statement shall not exceed 150 pages, 
     not including any citations or appendices.
       ``(B) Extraordinary complexity.--An environmental impact 
     statement for a proposed agency action of extraordinary 
     complexity shall not exceed 300 pages, not including any 
     citations or appendices.
       ``(p) Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5) and to the 
     maximum extent practicable and appropriate, the following 
     agencies may adopt or incorporate by reference, and use a 
     planning product in proceedings relating to, any class of 
     action in the environmental review process of a project 
     described or designated under subsection (b):
       ``(A) The lead agency for a project, with respect to an 
     environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, 
     categorical exclusion, or other document prepared under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.).
       ``(B) A cooperating agency with responsibility under 
     Federal law with respect to the process for and completion of 
     any environmental permit, approval, review, or study required 
     for a project under any Federal law other than the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if 
     consistent with that law.
       ``(2) Identification.--If the relevant agency makes a 
     determination to adopt or incorporate by reference and use a 
     planning product under paragraph (1), such agency shall 
     identify the agencies that participated in the development of 
     the planning products.
       ``(3) Adoption or incorporation by reference of planning 
     products.--The relevant agency may--
       ``(A) adopt or incorporate by reference an entire planning 
     product under paragraph (1); or
       ``(B) select portions of a planning project under paragraph 
     (1) for adoption or incorporation by reference.
       ``(4) Timing.--The adoption or incorporation by reference 
     of a planning product under paragraph (1) may--
       ``(A) be made at the time the relevant agencies decide the 
     appropriate scope of environmental review for the project; or
       ``(B) occur later in the environmental review process, as 
     appropriate.
       ``(5) Conditions.--The relevant agency in the environmental 
     review process may adopt or incorporate by reference a 
     planning product under this section if the relevant agency 
     determines, with the concurrence of the lead agency and, if 
     the planning product is necessary for a cooperating agency to 
     issue a permit, review, or approval for the project, with the 
     concurrence of the cooperating agency, that the following 
     conditions have been met:
       ``(A) The planning product was developed through a planning 
     process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
       ``(B) The planning product was developed in consultation 
     with appropriate Federal and State resource agencies and 
     Indian Tribes.
       ``(C) The planning process included broad multidisciplinary 
     consideration of systems-level or corridor-wide 
     transportation needs and potential effects, including effects 
     on the human and natural environment.
       ``(D) The planning process included public notice that the 
     planning products produced in the planning process may be 
     adopted during any subsequent environmental review process in 
     accordance with this section.
       ``(E) During the environmental review process, the relevant 
     agency has--
       ``(i) made the planning documents available for public 
     review and comment by members of the general public and 
     Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments that may have 
     an interest in the proposed project;
       ``(ii) provided notice of the intention of the relevant 
     agency to adopt or incorporate by reference the planning 
     product; and
       ``(iii) considered any resulting comments.
       ``(F) There is no significant new information or new 
     circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting 
     the continued validity or appropriateness of the planning 
     product or portions thereof.
       ``(G) The planning product has a rational basis and is 
     based on reliable and reasonably current data and reasonable 
     and scientifically acceptable methodologies.
       ``(H) The planning product is documented in sufficient 
     detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis 
     and to meet requirements for use of the information in the 
     environmental review process.
       ``(I) The planning product is appropriate for adoption or 
     incorporation by reference and use in the environmental 
     review process for the project and is incorporated in 
     accordance with, and is sufficient to meet the requirements 
     of, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4321 et seq.) and section 1502.21 of title 40, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.

[[Page H3754]]

       ``(6) Effect of adoption or incorporation by reference.--
     Any planning product or portions thereof adopted or 
     incorporated by reference by the relevant agency in 
     accordance with this subsection may be--
       ``(A) incorporated directly into an environmental review 
     process document or other environmental document; and
       ``(B) relied on and used by other Federal agencies in 
     carrying out reviews of the project.
       ``(q) Report on NEPA Data.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall carry out a process to track, 
     and annually 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 projects described in subsection (b)(1) 
     that contains the information described in paragraph (3).
       ``(2) Time to complete.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the 
     NEPA process--
       ``(A) for an environmental impact statement--
       ``(i) begins on the date on which a notice of intent is 
     published in the Federal Register; and
       ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Administrator issues a 
     record of decision, including, if necessary, a revised record 
     of decision; and
       ``(B) for an environmental assessment--
       ``(i) begins on the date on which the Administrator makes a 
     determination to prepare an environmental assessment; and
       ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Administrator issues a 
     finding of no significant impact or determines that 
     preparation of an environmental impact statement is 
     necessary.
       ``(3) Information described.--The information referred to 
     in paragraph (1) is, with respect to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration--
       ``(A) the number of proposed actions for which a 
     categorical exclusion was applied by the Administration 
     during the reporting period;
       ``(B) the number of proposed actions for which a documented 
     categorical exclusion was applied by the Administration 
     during the reporting period;
       ``(C) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which the issuance of a 
     documented categorical exclusion by the Administration is 
     pending;
       ``(D) the number of proposed actions for which an 
     environmental assessment was issued by the Administration 
     during the reporting period;
       ``(E) the length of time the Administration took to 
     complete each environmental assessment described in 
     subparagraph (D);
       ``(F) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which an environmental 
     assessment is being drafted by the Administration;
       ``(G) the number of proposed actions for which a final 
     environmental impact statement was completed by the 
     Administration during the reporting period;
       ``(H) the length of time that the Administration took to 
     complete each environmental impact statement described in 
     subparagraph (G);
       ``(I) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which an environmental 
     impact statement is being drafted; and
       ``(J) for the proposed actions reported under subparagraphs 
     (F) and (I), the percentage of those proposed actions for 
     which--
       ``(i) project funding has been identified; and
       ``(ii) all other Federal, State, and local activities that 
     are required to allow the proposed action to proceed are 
     completed.
       ``(4) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(A) Environmental assessment.--The term `environmental 
     assessment' has the meaning given the term in section 1508.1 
     of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
     regulation).
       ``(B) Environmental impact statement.--The term 
     `environmental impact statement' means a detailed statement 
     required under section 102(2)(C) of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
       ``(C) NEPA process.--The term `NEPA process' means the 
     entirety of the development and documentation of the analysis 
     required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including the assessment and 
     analysis of any impacts, alternatives, and mitigation of a 
     proposed action, and any interagency participation and public 
     involvement required to be carried out before the 
     Administrator undertakes a proposed action.
       ``(D) Proposed action.--The term `proposed action' means an 
     action (within the meaning of the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)) under this title 
     that the Administrator proposes to carry out.
       ``(E) Reporting period.--The term `reporting period' means 
     the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which a report is 
     issued under subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 474. SUBCHAPTER III DEFINITIONS.

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

     SEC. 475. PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.

       Section 190(i) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended by striking ``5 years'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``on 
     October 1, 2028.''.

     SEC. 476. PART 150 NOISE STANDARDS UPDATE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall review and revise part 150 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect all 
     relevant laws and regulations, including part 161 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Outreach.--As part of the review conducted under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall clarify existing and 
     future noise policies and standards and seek feedback from 
     airports, airport users, and individuals living in the 
     vicinity of airports before implementing any changes to any 
     noise policies or standards.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate regarding the review conducted under subsection (a).
       (d) Sunset.--The requirement under subsection (c) shall 
     terminate on September 30, 2028.

     SEC. 477. REDUCING COMMUNITY AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE.

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

     SEC. 478. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

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

     SEC. 479. CRITICAL HABITAT ON OR NEAR AIRPORT PROPERTY.

       (a) Federal Agency Requirements.--The Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, shall collaborate with the heads of appropriate 
     Federal agencies to ensure that designations of critical 
     habitat, as such 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--

[[Page H3755]]

       (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 in which 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 Administrator, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, shall collaborate with the State in the same 
     manner as the Administrator collaborates with the heads of 
     Federal agencies under subsection (a).

     SEC. 480. UPDATING PRESUMED TO CONFORM LIMITS.

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

     SEC. 481. RECOMMENDATIONS ON REDUCING ROTORCRAFT NOISE IN 
                   DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

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

     SEC. 482. UFP STUDY.

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

     SEC. 483. AVIATION AND AIRPORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

       (a) Establishment of Task Force.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish an airport community 
     of interest task force (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Task Force'') to evaluate and improve existing processes 
     and mechanisms for engaging communities impacted by airport 
     development and aviation operations.
       (2) Activities.--The Task Force shall--
       (A) review research on aircraft noise impacts to identify 
     potential actions the Administrator could take;
       (B) review processes and practices of the Administration 
     for engaging communities prior to or after air traffic 
     pattern changes that impact such communities, including with 
     how such processes and practices compare to best practices 
     from organizations with expertise in grassroots community 
     organizing and collaboration;
       (C) assess Federal efforts to mitigate noise impacts on 
     communities, including costs and benefits of such efforts;
       (D) assess the various actions that State and local 
     government officials and community planners could take when 
     considering changes to airport infrastructure, including 
     planned airport projects or surrounding airport community 
     developments;
       (E) identify potential improvements to Federal, State, and 
     local airport development policy and planning processes to 
     better balance which communities experience negative 
     externalities as a result of airport operations;
       (F) consider guidance to airports and airport communities 
     to improve engagement with the Administration, as recommended 
     by the document titled ``Aircraft Noise: FAA Could Improve 
     Outreach Through Enhanced Noise Metrics, Communication, and 
     Support to Communities'', issued in September 2021 (GAO-21-
     103933);
       (G) consider mechanisms and opportunities for the 
     Administration to facilitate better exchange of helicopter 
     noise information with operators in communities adversely 
     impacted by helicopter noise, as recommended by the 
     Comptroller General in the document titled ``Aircraft Noise: 
     Better Information Sharing Could Improve Responses to 
     Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns'' (GAO-21-
     200); and
       (H) review air traffic controller guidance on use and 
     development of noise abatement procedures of the 
     Administration to identify areas for improvement or 
     efficiency that do not adversely impact aviation safety.
       (3) Composition.--
       (A) Appointment.--The Administrator shall appoint the 
     members of the Task Force.
       (B) Chairperson.--The Task Force shall be chaired by the 
     Administrator's executive level designee.
       (C) Representation.--The Task Force shall be comprised of 
     representatives from--
       (i) airport communities or a representative organization of 
     an airport community;
       (ii) airport operators;
       (iii) airlines;
       (iv) experts with specific knowledge of air traffic 
     planning;
       (v) aircraft manufacturers;
       (vi) local government officials; and
       (vii) such other representatives as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate.
       (4) Compensation.--Members of the Task Force shall serve 
     without compensation.
       (5) Nonapplicability of faca.--Chapter 10 of title 5, 
     United States Code, shall not apply to the Task Force 
     established under this section.
       (6) Consultation.--The Task Force shall, as appropriate, 
     consult with relevant experts and stakeholders not listed in 
     paragraph (3)(C) in conducting the activities described in 
     paragraph (2).
       (7) Reports.--
       (A) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of the establishment of the Task Force and every year 
     thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Task Force shall 
     provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the 
     Administrator recommendations to improve the processes and 
     mechanisms for engaging communities impacted by airport 
     development and aviation operations.
       (B) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after the submission 
     of the annual recommendations under subparagraph (A), the 
     Administrator shall brief the committees described in such 
     subparagraph on any plans of the Administration to implement 
     the recommendations of the Task Force, including explanations 
     for each of the recommendations the Administrator does not 
     intend to adopt.
       (b) Engagement Events.--
       (1) Annual event.--The Administrator shall seek to convene 
     at least 1 annual event in each geographic region of the 
     Administration to engage with aviation communities on issues 
     of regional import.
       (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the engagement events 
     described under paragraph (1) shall be to foster open and 
     transparent communication between the Federal Government and 
     aviation-impacted communities prior to, during, and after 
     decision making at the Federal level.
       (3) Topics of consideration.--The topics of consideration 
     of such engagement events shall be approved by the Regional 
     Administrator or the Regional Community Engagement Officer of 
     the applicable region, in consultation with regional interest 
     groups. Topic areas shall be driven by local and regional 
     feedback and may focus on--
       (A) noise concerns from low-flying commercial aircraft;
       (B) purchase and installation of aircraft noise reduction 
     measures;

[[Page H3756]]

       (C) new development projects in close proximity to airports 
     and realistic noise expectations for such projects;
       (D) proposed airport expansion projects and the potential 
     noise implications of such projects;
       (E) the establishment of new, or changes to existing, 
     approach and departure routes and the community impacts of 
     such changes;
       (F) upcoming events with an aviation component; or
       (G) any other topic or issue considered relevant by an 
     aviation-impacted community.
       (4) Participation.--
       (A) Coordination.--All events described in paragraph (3) 
     shall be convened by or in coordination with the regional 
     offices of the Administration.
       (B) Attendance by representatives.--The Administrator shall 
     ensure representatives from relevant program offices of the 
     Administration are in attendance at such events.
       (C) Appropriate participation.--The Administrator shall 
     collaborate with community groups at the State, municipal, 
     city, or local government level to ensure appropriate 
     participation by as many relevant parties on a given issue as 
     practicable. Such relevant parties may include--
       (i) State or local government officials;
       (ii) local or municipal planning and zoning officials;
       (iii) neighborhood representatives;
       (iv) aircraft operators, flight school representatives, or 
     other local aviation entities;
       (v) airport operators; and
       (vi) any other parties as appropriate.
       (D) Coordination.--The Administrator shall coordinate 
     Federal participation that is not under the Administration 
     through the Federal Interagency Committee on Aviation Noise 
     to encourage appropriate Federal representation at all such 
     events, based on the topic areas of consideration.

     SEC. 484. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a Community 
     Collaboration Program (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Program'') within the Office for Policy, International 
     Affairs, and Environment of the Administration.
       (b) Staff.--The Program shall be comprised of 
     representatives from--
       (1) the Office for Policy, International Affairs, and 
     Environment of the Administration;
       (2) the Office of Airports of the Administration;
       (3) the Air Traffic Organization of the Administration; and
       (4) other entities as considered appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       (c) Responsibilities.--
       (1) In general.--The Program shall facilitate and 
     harmonize, as appropriate, policies and procedures carried 
     out by the entities listed in subsection (b) pertaining to 
     community engagement relating to--
       (A) airport planning and development;
       (B) noise and environmental policy;
       (C) NextGen implementation;
       (D) air traffic route changes;
       (E) integration of new and emerging entrants; and
       (F) other topics with respect to which community engagement 
     is critical to program success.
       (2) Specified responsibilities.--The responsibilities of 
     the Program lead shall include--
       (A) the establishment of, and membership selection for, the 
     Airport Community of Interest Task Force, established under 
     section 483;
       (B) joint execution with Federal Aviation Administration 
     Regional Administrators of regional community engagement 
     events, as described in section 483;
       (C) updating the internal guidance of the Administration 
     for community engagement based on recommendations from such 
     Task Force and best practices of other Federal agencies and 
     external organizations with expertise in community 
     engagement;
       (D) coordinating with the Air Traffic Organization on 
     community engagement efforts related to air traffic procedure 
     changes to ensure that impacted communities are consulted in 
     a meaningful way;
       (E) oversight of Regional Ombudsmen of the Administration;
       (F) oversight, streamlining, and increasing the 
     responsiveness of the noise complaint process of the 
     Administration by--
       (i) centralizing noise complaint data and improving data 
     collection methodologies;
       (ii) increasing public accessibility to such Regional 
     Ombudsmen;
       (iii) ensuring such Regional Ombudsmen are consulted in 
     local air traffic procedure development decisions;
       (iv) collecting feedback from such Regional Ombudsmen to 
     inform national policymaking efforts; and
       (v) other recommendations made by the Airport Community of 
     Interest Task Force;
       (G) timely implementation of the recommendations, as 
     appropriate, made by the Comptroller General of the United 
     States to the Secretary of Transportation contained in the 
     report titled ``Aircraft Noise: FAA Could Improve Outreach 
     Through Enhanced Noise Metrics, Communication, and Support to 
     Communities'', issued in September 2021 (GAO-21-103933) to 
     improve the outreach of the FAA to local communities impacted 
     by aircraft noise, including--
       (i) any recommendations to--

       (I) identify appropriate supplemental metrics for assessing 
     noise impacts and circumstances for their use to aid in the 
     internal assessment of the Administration of noise impacts 
     related to proposed flight path changes;
       (II) update guidance to incorporate additional tools to 
     more clearly convey expected impacts, such as other noise 
     metrics and visualization tools; and
       (III) improve guidance to airports and communities on 
     effectively engaging with the Administration; and

       (ii) any other recommendations included in the report that 
     would assist the agency in improving outreach to communities 
     affected by aircraft noise; and
       (H) other responsibilities as considered appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the Administrator 
     implements the recommendations described in subsection 
     (c)(2)(H), the Administrator shall brief 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 implementation of each such recommendation;
       (2) how any recommended actions are assisting the 
     Administrator in improving outreach to communities affected 
     by aircraft noise and other community engagement concerns; 
     and
       (3) any challenges or barriers that limit or prevent the 
     ability of the Administrator to take such actions.

     SEC. 485. THIRD PARTY STUDY ON AVIATION NOISE METRICS.

       (a) Study.--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 
     the National Academies to conduct a study on aviation noise 
     metrics.
       (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall include an assessment of--
       (1) the efficacy of the day-night average sound level (in 
     this section referred to as ``DNL'') noise metric compared to 
     other alternative models;
       (2) the disadvantages of the DNL noise metric in effect as 
     of the date of enactment of this Act compared to other 
     alternative models;
       (3) any potential changes that should be made to the DNL 
     noise metric in effect as of the date of enactment of this 
     Act; and
       (4) the data collected by the Neighborhood Environmental 
     Survey of the Administration using alternative noise metrics.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the National Academies shall 
     submit to the Administrator, the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report--
       (1) on the results of the study described in subsection 
     (a); and
       (2) containing recommendations regarding the most 
     appropriate metric to adequately assess the public health 
     impacts of aircraft noise.

     SEC. 486. INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, 
     acting through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, shall establish a mechanism to make 
     helicopter noise complaint data accessible to the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, to helicopter operators operating in 
     the Washington, D.C. area, and to the public on a website of 
     the Administration, based on the recommendation of the 
     Government Accountability Office in the report published on 
     January 7, 2021, titled ``Aircraft Noise: Better Information 
     Sharing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area 
     Helicopter Noise Concerns''.
       (b) Cooperation.--Any helicopter operator operating in the 
     Washington, D.C. area shall provide helicopter noise 
     complaint data to the Federal Aviation Administration through 
     the mechanism established under subsection (a).
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Helicopter noise complaint data.--The term ``helicopter 
     noise complaint data''--
       (A) means general data relating to a complaint made by an 
     individual about helicopter noise in the Washington, D.C. 
     area and may include--
       (i) the location and description of the event that is the 
     subject of the complaint;
       (ii) the start and end time of such event;
       (iii) a description of the aircraft that is the subject of 
     the complaint; and
       (iv) the airport name associated with such event; and
       (B) does not include the personally identifiable 
     information of the individual who submitted the complaint.
       (2) Washington, d.c. area.--The term ``Washington, D.C. 
     area'' means the area inside of a 30-mile radius surrounding 
     Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

                        TITLE V--AVIATION SAFETY

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 501. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NEAR MISSES, RUNWAY INCURSIONS, 
                   AND SURFACE SAFETY RISKS.

       (a) Policy.--
       (1) In general.--Section 47101(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) that projects, activities, and actions that prevent 
     runway incursions serve to--
       ``(A) improve airport surface surveillance; and
       ``(B) mitigate surface safety risks that are essential to 
     ensuring the safe operation of the airport and airway 
     system;''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 47101 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (g) by striking ``subsection (a)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (a)(6)''; and
       (B) in subsection (h) by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (a)(7)''.
       (3) Continuous evaluation.--In carrying out section 
     47101(a) of title 49, United States Code,

[[Page H3757]]

     as amended by this subsection, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a process to 
     continuously track and evaluate ground traffic and air 
     traffic activity and related incidents at airports.
       (b) Runway Safety Council.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a council, to be 
     known as the ``Runway Safety Council'' (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Council''), to develop a systematic 
     proactive management strategy to address surface safety 
     risks.
       (2) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include, at a 
     minimum, advancing the development of risk-based, data 
     driven, integrated systems solutions and strategies to 
     enhance surface safety risk mitigation.
       (3) Membership.--
       (A) In general.--In establishing the Council, the 
     Administrator shall appoint at least 1 member from each of 
     the following:
       (i) Airport operators.
       (ii) Air carriers.
       (iii) Aircraft operators.
       (iv) Avionics manufacturers.
       (v) Flight schools.
       (vi) The certified bargaining representative of aviation 
     safety inspectors for the Administration.
       (vii) The exclusive bargaining representative of the air 
     traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (viii) Other safety experts the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (B) Additional members.--The Administrator may appoint 
     members representing any other stakeholder organization that 
     the Administrator determines appropriate to the Runway Safety 
     Council.
       (c) Airport Surface Surveillance.--
       (1) Identification.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in 
     coordination with the Council, consult with relevant 
     stakeholders to identify technologies, equipment, and systems 
     that--
       (A) may provide airport surface surveillance capabilities 
     at airports lacking such capabilities;
       (B) may augment existing airport surface surveillance 
     systems; or
       (C) may provide onboard situational awareness to pilots.
       (2) Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
       (A) based on the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 
     (1), identify airport surface surveillance systems that meet 
     the standards of the Administration and may be able to--
       (i) provide airport surface surveillance capabilities at 
     airports lacking such capabilities; or
       (ii) augment existing airport surface surveillance systems; 
     and
       (B) establish clear and quantifiable criteria relating to 
     operational factors, including ground traffic and air traffic 
     activity and the rate of runway and terminal airspace safety 
     events (including runway incursions), that determine when the 
     installation and deployment of an airport surface 
     surveillance system, or other runway safety system (including 
     runway status lights), at an airport is required.
       (3) Deployment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that 
     airport surface surveillance systems are deployed and 
     operational at--
       (A) all airports described in paragraph (2)(A); and
       (B) all medium and large hub airports.
       (4) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the progress of the 
     deployment described in paragraph (3).
       (d) Foreign Object Debris Detection.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall assess, in 
     coordination with the Council, automated foreign object 
     debris monitoring and detection systems at not less than 3 
     airports that are using such systems.
       (2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the 
     following:
       (A) The categorization of an airport.
       (B) The potential frequency of foreign object debris 
     incidents on airport runways or adjacent ramp areas.
       (C) The availability of funding for the installation and 
     maintenance of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
     systems.
       (D) The impact of such systems on the airfield operations 
     of an airport.
       (E) The effectiveness of available foreign object debris 
     monitoring and detection systems.
       (F) Any other factors relevant to assessing the return on 
     investment of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
     systems.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Administrator and the Council shall consult with 
     manufacturers and suppliers of foreign object debris 
     detection technology and any other relevant stakeholders.
       (e) Runway Safety Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with a federally funded research and 
     development center to conduct a study of runway incursions, 
     surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of standard 
     separation of aircraft in the approach or departure phase of 
     flight to determine how advanced technologies and future 
     airport development projects may be able to reduce the 
     frequency of such events and enhance aviation safety.
       (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
     paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
     center shall--
       (A) examine data relating to recurring runway incursions, 
     surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of standard 
     separation of aircraft in the approach or departure phase of 
     flight at airports to identify the underlying factors that 
     caused such events;
       (B) assess metrics used to identify when such events are 
     increasing at an airport;
       (C) assess available and developmental technologies, 
     including and beyond such technologies considered in 
     subsection (c), that may augment existing air traffic 
     management capabilities of surface surveillance and terminal 
     airspace equipment;
       (D) consider growth trends in airport size, staffing and 
     communication complexities to identify--
       (i) future gaps in information exchange between aerospace 
     stakeholders; and
       (ii) methods for meeting future near real-time information 
     sharing needs; and
       (E) examine airfield safety training programs used by 
     airport tenants and other stakeholders operating on airfields 
     of airports, including airfield familiarization training 
     programs for employees, to assess scalability to handle 
     future growth in airfield capacity and traffic.
       (3) Recommendations.--In conducting the study required by 
     paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
     center shall develop recommendations for the strategic 
     planning efforts of the Administration to appropriately 
     maintain surface safety considering future increases in air 
     traffic and based on the considerations described in 
     paragraph (2).
       (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     completion of the study required by paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the 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 such study and any 
     recommendations developed under paragraph (3).
       (f) Airport Surface Detection and Surveillance System 
     Defined.--In this section, the term ``airport surface 
     detection and surveillance system'' means an airport 
     surveillance system that is--
       (1) designed to track surface movement of aircraft and 
     vehicles; and
       (2) capable of alerting air traffic controllers or flight 
     crew members of a possible runway incursion, misaligned 
     approach, or other safety event.

     SEC. 502. GLOBAL AVIATION SAFETY.

       (a) In General.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United 
     States Code, (as redesignated by section 325) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading by inserting``and 
     Assistance'' after ``International Role'';
       (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
     inserting ``In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) International presence.--The Administrator shall 
     maintain an international presence to--
       ``(A) assist foreign civil aviation authorities in--
       ``(i) establishing robust aviation oversight practices and 
     policies;
       ``(ii) training staff, to include inspectors and accident 
     investigators;
       ``(iii) harmonizing international aviation standards for 
     air traffic management, operator certification, aircraft 
     certification, airports, and certificated or credentialed 
     individuals;
       ``(iv) validating and accepting foreign aircraft design and 
     production approvals;
       ``(v) maintaining appropriate levels of air navigation 
     services;
       ``(vi) preparing for new aviation technologies; and
       ``(vii) appropriately adopting continuing airworthiness 
     information, such as airworthiness directives;
       ``(B) encourage the adoption of United States standards, 
     regulations, and policies;
       ``(C) establish, maintain, and update bilateral or 
     multilateral aviation safety agreements and the aviation 
     safety information contained within such agreements;
       ``(D) engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions and 
     provide technical assistance as described in paragraph (5);
       ``(E) validate foreign aviation products and ensure 
     reciprocal validation of products for which the United States 
     is the state of design or production;
       ``(F) support accident and incident investigations, 
     particularly such investigations that involve United States 
     persons and certified products and such investigations where 
     the National Transportation Safety Board is supporting an 
     investigation pursuant to annex 13 of the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization;
       ``(G) support the international activities of the United 
     States aviation sector;
       ``(H) maintain valuable relationships with entities with 
     aviation equities, including civil aviation authorities, 
     other governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, 
     and foreign manufacturers; and
       ``(I) perform other activities as determined necessary by 
     the Administrator.''.
       (b) Review of International Field Offices.--Section 
     40104(d) of title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by 
     section 325) is further amended by inserting after paragraph 
     (2) the following:
       ``(3) International offices.--In carrying out the 
     responsibilities described in subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall--
       ``(A) maintain international offices of the Administration;
       ``(B) every 3 years, review existing international offices 
     to determine--

[[Page H3758]]

       ``(i) the effectiveness of such offices in fulfilling the 
     mission described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(ii) the adequacy of resources and staffing to achieve 
     the mission described in paragraph (2);
       ``(C) establish offices to address gaps identified by the 
     review under subparagraph (B) and in furtherance of the 
     mission described in paragraph (2), putting an emphasis on 
     establishing such offices--
       ``(i) where international civil aviation authorities are 
     located;
       ``(ii) where regional intergovernmental organizations are 
     located;
       ``(iii) in countries that have difficulty maintaining a 
     category 1 classification through the International Aviation 
     Safety Assessment program; and
       ``(iv) in regions that have experienced substantial growth 
     in aviation operations or manufacturing.''.
       (c) Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements.--
       (1) Establishment.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United 
     States Code, (as redesignated by section 325) is further 
     amended by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Bilateral aviation safety agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall negotiate, enter 
     into, promote, enforce, evaluate the effectiveness of, and 
     seek to update bilateral or multilateral aviation safety 
     agreements, and the parts of such agreements, with 
     international aviation authorities.
       ``(B) Purpose.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 
     bilateral aviation safety agreements under this section to, 
     at a minimum--
       ``(i) improve global aviation safety;
       ``(ii) increase harmonization of, and reduce duplicative, 
     requirements, processes, and approvals to advance the 
     aviation interests of the United States;
       ``(iii) ensure access to international markets for 
     operators, service providers, and manufacturers from the 
     United States; and
       ``(iv) put in place procedures for recourse when a party to 
     such agreements fails to meet the obligations of such party 
     under such agreements.
       ``(C) Scope.--The scope of a bilateral aviation safety 
     agreement entered into under this section shall, as 
     appropriate, cover existing aviation users and concepts and 
     establish a process by which bilateral aviation safety 
     agreements can be updated to include new and novel concepts 
     on an ongoing basis.
       ``(D) Contents.--Bilateral aviation safety agreements 
     entered into under this section shall, as appropriate and 
     consistent with United States law and regulation, include 
     topics such as--
       ``(i) airworthiness, certification, and validation;
       ``(ii) maintenance;
       ``(iii) operations and pilot training;
       ``(iv) airspace access, efficiencies, and navigation 
     services;
       ``(v) transport category aircraft;
       ``(vi) fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, and powered-lift 
     aircraft;
       ``(vii) aerodrome certification;
       ``(viii) unmanned aircraft and associated elements of such 
     aircraft;
       ``(ix) flight simulation training devices;
       ``(x) new or emerging technologies and technology trends; 
     and
       ``(xi) other topics as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(E) Rule of construction.--Bilateral or multilateral 
     aviation safety agreements entered into under this subsection 
     shall not be construed to diminish or alter any authority of 
     the Administrator under any other provision of law.''.
       (2) Audit of validation activities under bilateral aviation 
     safety agreements.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of 
     bilateral compliance with respect to the validation of 
     aircraft and aircraft parts as set forth in bilateral or 
     multilateral aviation safety agreements between the Federal 
     Aviation Administration and the civil aviation authorities 
     of--
       (i) the European Union;
       (ii) Canada;
       (iii) Brazil;
       (iv) China;
       (v) the United Kingdom; and
       (vi) any other country as determined by the inspector 
     general.
       (B) Review contents.--As part of the review required under 
     this subsection, the inspector general shall evaluate the 
     performance of validation programs by assessing--
       (i) validation timelines and milestones for individual 
     projects;
       (ii) trends relating to the repeated use of nonbasic 
     criteria to review systems and methods of compliance that 
     have been validated previously in similar contexts;
       (iii) the extent to which implementation tools such as 
     validation workplans and safety emphasis items have addressed 
     validation issues;
       (iv) the perspective of Administration employees;
       (v) the perspective of employees of other civil aviation 
     authorities, who wish to provide such perspective, on the 
     validation of products certified in the United States and the 
     validation of products by the United States of products 
     certified abroad; and
       (vi) the perspective of domestic and foreign industry 
     applicants seeking validation of aircraft and aircraft parts.
       (C) Report and recommendations.--Not later than 14 months 
     after beginning the audit under paragraph (1), the 
     Comptroller General shall provide to the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration, 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 audit and any recommendations to increase 
     compliance and improve the validation timeframes of aircraft 
     and aircraft parts.
       (d) International Engagement Strategy.--Section 40104(d) of 
     title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 
     325) is further amended by inserting after paragraph (5) the 
     following:
       ``(6) Strategic plan.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
     strategic plan for the international engagement of the 
     Administration that includes--
       ``(A) all elements of the report required in section 
     243(b)(1) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
     44701 note);
       ``(B) measures to fulfill the mission described in 
     paragraph (2);
       ``(C) initiatives to attain greater expertise among 
     employees of the Federal Aviation Administration in issues 
     related to dispute resolution, intellectual property, and 
     expert control laws;
       ``(D) policy regarding the future direction and strategy of 
     the United States engagement with the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization;
       ``(E) procedures for acceptance of mandatory airworthiness 
     information, such as airworthiness directives, and other 
     safety-related regulatory documents, including procedures to 
     implement the requirements of section 44701(e)(5);
       ``(F) all factors, including funding and resourcing, 
     necessary for the Administration to maintain leadership in 
     the global activities related to aviation safety and air 
     transportation; and
       ``(G) establishment of, and a process to regularly track 
     and update, metrics to measure the effectiveness of, and 
     foreign civil aviation authority compliance with, bilateral 
     aviation safety agreements.''.

     SEC. 503. AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL FOR INSPECTIONS, SITE 
                   VISITS, AND TRAINING.

       Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Travel.--The Administrator and the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall, in carrying out the responsibilities 
     described in subsection (a), delegate to the appropriate 
     supervisors of offices of the Administration the ability to 
     authorize the domestic and international travel of relevant 
     personnel who are not in the Federal Aviation Administration 
     Executive System, without any additional approvals required, 
     for the purposes of--
       ``(1) promoting aviation safety, aircraft operations, air 
     traffic, airport, unmanned aircraft systems, and other 
     aviation standards and regulations adopted by the United 
     States;
       ``(2) facilitating the adoption of United States approaches 
     on standards and recommended practices at the International 
     Civil Aviation Organization;
       ``(3) promoting environmental standards adopted by the 
     United States and standards promulgated under section 44714;
       ``(4) supporting the acceptance of Administration design 
     and production approvals by other civil aviation authorities;
       ``(5) training Administration personnel and training 
     provided to other persons;
       ``(6) engaging with regulated entities, including 
     performing site visits;
       ``(7) activities associated with subsections (c) through 
     (f) of this section; and
       ``(8) other activities as determined by the 
     Administrator.''.

     SEC. 504. HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.

       (a) Outdated Air Ambulance Rulemaking Requirement.--Section 
     44730 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``not later than 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this section,'';
       (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``address the following'' 
     and inserting ``consider, or address through other means, the 
     following'';
       (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``provide for the 
     following'' and inserting ``consider, or address through 
     other means, the following''; and
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Subsequent Rulemaking'' 
     and inserting ``Subsequent Actions'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``shall conduct a follow-
     on rulemaking to address the following:'' and inserting 
     ``shall address through a follow-on rulemaking, or through 
     such other means that the Administrator considers 
     appropriate, the following:'';
       (C) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
       (b) Safety Management Systems Briefing.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on how the proposed 
     rule published on January, 11, 2023, titled ``Safety 
     Management System'' (88 Fed. Reg. 1932) will--
       (1) improve helicopter air ambulance operations and 
     piloting; and
       (2) consider the use of safety equipment by flight crew and 
     medical personnel on a helicopter conducting an air ambulance 
     operation.
       (c) Improvement of Publication of Helicopter Air Ambulance 
     Operations Data.--Section 44731 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (d);
       (2) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end; and

[[Page H3759]]

       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) make publicly available, in part or in whole, on the 
     website of the Federal Aviation Administration website, the 
     database developed pursuant to subsection (c); and
       ``(3) analyze the data submitted under subsection (a) 
     periodically and use such data to inform efforts to improve 
     the safety of helicopter air ambulance operations.''; and
       (3) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively.

     SEC. 505. GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.

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

``44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United 
              States.''.
       (b) International Standards for Safety Oversight of 
     Extraterritorial Repair Stations.--
       (1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall invite other civil aviation 
     authorities to convene with the Administration an 
     extraterritorial repair station working group (hereinafter 
     referred to as the ``Working Group'') to conduct a review of 
     the certification and oversight of extraterritorial repair 
     stations and to identify any future enhancements or 
     harmonization that might be appropriate to strengthen 
     oversight of such repair stations and improve global aviation 
     safety.
       (2) Composition of working group.--The Working Group shall 
     consist of--
       (A) technical representatives from the FAA; and
       (B) such other civil aviation authorities or international 
     intergovernmental aviation safety organizations as the 
     Administrator determines appropriate and are willing to 
     participate, including--
       (i) civil aviation authorities responsible for 
     certificating extraterritorial repair stations; and
       (ii) civil aviation authorities of countries in which 
     extraterritorial repair stations are located.
       (3) Consultation.--In conducting the review under this 
     section, the Working Group shall, as appropriate, consult 
     with relevant experts and stakeholders.
       (4) Recommendations.--The Working Group shall make 
     recommendations with respect to any future enhancements that 
     might be appropriate to--
       (A) strengthen oversight of extraterritorial repair 
     stations; and
       (B) better leverage the resources of other civil aviation 
     authorities to conduct such oversight.
       (5) Reports.--
       (A) Repair station working group report.--In establishing 
     the Working Group, the Administrator shall task the Working 
     Group with submitting to the participating civil aviation 
     authorities a report containing the findings of the 
     recommendations made under paragraph (4).
       (B) FAA report.--
       (i) Transmission of repair station working group report.--
     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 copy of the report required 
     under subparagraph (A) as soon as is practicable after the 
     receipt of such report.
       (ii) FAA briefing to congress.--Not later than 45 days 
     after receipt of the report under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on--

       (I) whether the Administrator concurs or does not concur 
     with each recommendation contained in the report required 
     under subparagraph (A);
       (II) any recommendation with which the Administrator does 
     not concur, a detailed explanation as to why the 
     Administrator does not concur;
       (III) a plan to implement each recommendation with which 
     the Administrator concurs; and
       (IV) a plan to work with the international community to 
     implement the recommendations applicable to both the FAA as 
     well as other civil aviation authorities.

       (6) Termination.--The Working Group shall terminate 90 days 
     after the date of submission of the report under paragraph 
     (5)(A), unless the Administrator or another participant of 
     the Working Group requests for an extension of the Working 
     Group in order to inform the implementation and harmonization 
     of any recommendation applicable to multiple civil aviation 
     authorities.
       (7) Definition of extraterritorial repair station.--In this 
     subsection, the term

[[Page H3760]]

     ``extraterritorial repair station'' means a repair station 
     that performs heavy maintenance work on an aircraft 
     (including on-wing engines) and that is located outside of 
     the territory of the country of the civil aviation authority 
     which certificated the repair station.
       (c) Alcohol and Drug Testing and Background Checks.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report updating Congress on the progress and 
     challenges involved with carrying out the requirements of 
     subsection (b) of section 2112 of the FAA Extension, Safety, 
     and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44733).
       (2) Sunset.--The reporting requirement under paragraph (1) 
     shall cease to be effective after a final rule carrying out 
     the requirements of such subsection (b) has been published in 
     the Federal Register.
       (3) Rulemaking on assessment requirement.--With respect to 
     any employee not covered under the requirements of section 
     1554.101 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the 
     Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking or request the head 
     of another Federal agency to initiate a rulemaking that 
     requires a covered repair station to confirm that any such 
     employee has successfully completed an assessment 
     commensurate with a security threat assessment described in 
     subpart C of part 1540 of such title.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the FAA.
       (3) Covered repair station; heavy maintenance work.--The 
     terms ``covered repair station'' and ``heavy maintenance 
     work'' have the meaning given those terms in section 44733(j) 
     of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 506. ODA BEST PRACTICE SHARING.

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

     SEC. 507. TRAINING OF ORGANIZATION DELEGATION AUTHORITY UNIT 
                   MEMBERS.

       (a) Unit Member Annual Ethics Training.--Section 44736 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(g) Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each 
     ODA holder approved under section 44741 has in effect a 
     recurrent training program for all ODA unit members that 
     covers--
       ``(A) unit member professional obligations and 
     responsibilities;
       ``(B) the ODA holder's code of ethics as required to be 
     established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft 
     Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 
     44701 note);
       ``(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as 
     described in the respective approved procedures manual for 
     the delegation;
       ``(D) the prohibition against and reporting procedures for 
     interference from a supervisor or other ODA member described 
     in section 44742; and
       ``(E) any additional information the Administrator 
     considers relevant to maintaining ethical and professional 
     standards across all ODA holders and unit members.
       ``(2) FAA review.--
       ``(A) Review of training program.--The Organization 
     Designation Authorization Office of the Administration shall 
     review each ODA holders' recurrent training program to ensure 
     such program includes all elements described in paragraph 
     (1).
       ``(B) Changes to program.--Such Office may require changes 
     to the training program considered necessary to maintain 
     ethical and professional standards across all ODA holders and 
     unit members.
       ``(3) Training.--As part of the recurrent training required 
     under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days after 
     being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually 
     thereafter, each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics 
     training required by the ODA holder of the respective ODA 
     unit member in order to exercise the functions delegated 
     under the ODA.
       ``(4) Accountability.--The Administrator shall establish 
     such processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure 
     compliance with paragraph (3).''.
       (b) Deadline.--An ODA unit member authorized to perform 
     delegated functions under an ODA prior to the date of 
     completion of an ethics training required under section 
     44736(g) of title 49, United States Code, shall complete such 
     training not later than 30 days after the training program is 
     approved by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration pursuant to such section.

     SEC. 508. CLARIFICATION ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 
                   INFORMATION DISCLOSURE.

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

     SEC. 509. EXTENSION OF AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND 
                   ACCOUNTABILITY ACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Appeals of Certification Decisions.--Section 
     44704(g)(1)(C)(ii) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2028''.
       (b) Oversight of Organization Designation Authorization 
     Unit Members.--Section 44741(f)(2) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``Not later than 90 days'' and 
     all that follows through ``the Administrator shall provide a 
     briefing'' and inserting ``The Administrator shall provide an 
     annual briefing each fiscal year through fiscal year 2028''.
       (c) Integrated Project Teams.--Section 108(f) of the 
     Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 
     U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2028''.
       (d) Voluntary Safety Reporting Program.--Section 113(f) of 
     the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act 
     (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2028''.
       (e) Changed Product Rule.--Section 117(b)(1) of the 
     Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 
     U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended by striking ``2023'' and 
     inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 510. DON YOUNG ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.

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

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

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska 
     Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration as the Don 
     Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (in this section 
     referred to as the `Initiative'), under which the 
     Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this section 
     and take such other actions as the Administrator determines 
     appropriate to improve aviation safety in covered locations.
       ``(b) Objective.--The objective of the Initiative shall be 
     to work cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other 
     stakeholders towards the goal of--
       ``(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in 
     covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033; and
       ``(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of 
     aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part 
     135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(c) Leadership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate the 
     Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the 
     Administration to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
       ``(2) Reporting chain.--In all matters relating to the 
     Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report 
     directly to the Administrator.
       ``(3) Coordination.--The Director of the Initiative shall 
     coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of 
     business of the Administration, including the other regional 
     administrators, to carry out the Initiative.
       ``(d) Automated Weather Systems.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the 
     greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather 
     system is installed and operated at each covered airport not 
     later than December 31, 2030.
       ``(2) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive 
     benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and 
     operation of a covered automated weather system.
       ``(3) Prioritization.--In developing the installation 
     timeline of a covered automated weather system at a covered 
     airport pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) coordinate and consult with the governments with 
     jurisdiction over covered locations, covered airports, air 
     carriers operating in covered locations, private pilots based 
     in covered locations, and such other members of the aviation 
     community in covered locations; and
       ``(B) prioritize early installation at covered airports 
     that would enable the greatest number of instrument flight 
     rule operations by air carriers operating under part 121 or 
     135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(4) Reliability.--
       ``(A) In general.--Pertaining to both Federal and non-
     Federal systems, the Administrator shall be responsible for 
     ensuring--

[[Page H3761]]

       ``(i) the reliability of covered automated weather systems; 
     and
       ``(ii) the availability of weather information from such 
     systems.
       ``(B) Specifications.--The Administrator shall establish 
     data availability and equipment reliability specifications 
     for covered automated weather systems.
       ``(C) System reliability and restoration plan.--Not later 
     than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Administrator shall establish an automated weather system 
     reliability and restoration plan. Such plan shall document 
     the Administrator's strategy for ensuring covered automated 
     weather system reliability, including the availability of 
     weather information from such system, and for restoring 
     service in as little time as possible.
       ``(D) Telecommunications or other failures.--If a covered 
     automated weather system is unable to broadly disseminate 
     weather information due to a telecommunications failure or a 
     failure other than an equipment failure, the Administrator 
     shall take such actions as may be necessary to restore the 
     full functionality and connectivity of the covered automated 
     weather system. The Administrator shall take actions under 
     this subparagraph with the same urgency as the Administrator 
     would take an action to repair a covered automated weather 
     system equipment failure or data fidelity issue.
       ``(E) Reliability data.--In tabulating data relating to the 
     operational status of covered automated weather systems 
     (including individually or collectively), the Administrator 
     may not consider a covered automated weather system that is 
     functioning nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate 
     weather information telecommunications failure or a failure 
     other than an equipment failure as functioning reliably.
       ``(5) Inventory.--The Administrator shall consider storing 
     excess inventory necessary for air traffic control equipment, 
     including commonly required replacement parts, in covered 
     locations to reduce the amount of time necessary to acquire 
     such equipment or such parts necessary to replace or repair 
     air traffic control system components.
       ``(6) Visual weather observation system.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary 
     to--
       ``(A) deploy visual weather observation systems; and
       ``(B) ensure that such systems are capable of meeting the 
     definition of covered automated weather systems.
       ``(e) Weather Cameras.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall continuously assess 
     the state of the weather camera systems in covered locations 
     to ensure the operational sufficiency and reliability of such 
     systems.
       ``(2) Applications.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) accept applications from persons to install weather 
     cameras; and
       ``(B) consult with the governments with jurisdiction over 
     covered locations, covered airports, air carriers operating 
     in covered locations, private pilots based in covered 
     locations, and such other members of the aviation community 
     in covered locations as the Administrator determines 
     appropriate to solicit additional locations at which to 
     install and operate weather cameras.
       ``(3) Presumption.--Unless the Director has clear and 
     compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall 
     presume that the installation of a weather camera at a 
     covered airport, or that is recommended by a government with 
     jurisdiction over a covered location, is cost beneficial and 
     will improve aviation safety.
       ``(f) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--In carrying out 
     this section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the 
     heads of other Federal or State agencies with 
     responsibilities affecting aviation safety in covered 
     locations, including the collection and dissemination of 
     weather data.
       ``(g) Surveillance and Communication.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall take such actions as 
     may be necessary to--
       ``(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of aircrafts 
     that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, with automatic dependent surveillance and 
     broadcast out equipment; and
       ``(B) improve aviation surveillance and communications in 
     covered locations.
       ``(2) Requirement.--Not later than December 31, 2030, the 
     Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent 
     surveillance and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 
     feet above ground level throughout each covered location.
       ``(3) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under 
     paragraph (2), the Administrator shall waive any positive 
     benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and 
     operation of equipment and facilities necessary to implement 
     such requirement.
       ``(4) Service areas.--The Director shall continuously 
     identify additional automatic dependent surveillance-
     broadcast service areas in which the deployment of automatic 
     dependent surveillance-broadcast receivers and equipment 
     would improve aviation safety.
       ``(h) Other Projects.--The Director shall continue to build 
     upon other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA 
     Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration 
     published before the date of enactment of this section.
       ``(i) Annual Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall submit an annual 
     report on the status and progress of the Initiative to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(2) Objectives and requirements.--The report under 
     paragraph (1) shall include a detailed description of the 
     Director's progress in and plans for meeting the objectives 
     of the Initiative under subsection (b) and the other 
     requirements of this section.
       ``(3) Stakeholder comments.--The Director shall append 
     stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report 
     submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 
     3 of the report titled `FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative 
     FY21 Final Report', dated September 30, 2021.
       ``(j) Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, in fiscal years 2024 through 2028--
       ``(A) the Administrator may, upon application from the 
     government with jurisdiction over a covered location, use 
     amounts apportioned to a covered location under subsection 
     (d)(2)(B) or subsection (e)(5) of section 47114 to carry out 
     the Initiative; or
       ``(B) the sponsor of an airport in a covered location that 
     receives an apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(B) or 
     subsection (e) of section 47114 may use such apportionment 
     for any purpose contained in this section.
       ``(2) Supplemental funding.--Out of amounts made available 
     under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total 
     of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal year 2024 through 2028 is 
     authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
       ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered airport.--The term `covered airport' means an 
     airport in a covered location that is included in the 
     national plan of integrated airport systems required under 
     section 47103 and that has a status other than unclassified 
     in such plan.
       ``(2) Covered automated weather system.--The term `covered 
     automated weather system' means an automated or visual 
     weather reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an 
     instrument procedure approach to an airport under section 
     91.1039 or 135.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(3) Covered location.--The term `covered location' means 
     Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin 
     Islands.
       ``(l) Conformity.--The Administrator shall conduct all 
     activities required under this section in conformity with 
     section 44720.''.
       (b) Remote Positions.--Section 40122(g) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Remote positions.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines that a 
     covered position has not been filled after multiple vacancy 
     announcements and that there are unique circumstances 
     affecting the ability of the Administrator to fill such 
     position, the Administrator may consider, in consultation 
     with the appropriate labor union, applicants for the covered 
     position who apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting 
     from the State or territory in which the position is based.
       ``(B) Covered position defined.--In this paragraph, the 
     term `covered position' means a safety-critical position 
     based in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, 
     the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.''.
       (c) Runway Length.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary of Transportation may not require an 
     airport to shorten a runway or prevent airport improvement 
     grants made by the Secretary to be used for reconstructing 
     and rehabilitating a primary runway on the basis that the 
     airport does not have a sufficient number of aircraft 
     operations requiring a certain runway length if--
       (1) the airport is located in a covered location;
       (2) the airport is not connected to the road transportation 
     network; and
       (3) the runway length is utilized by aircraft to deliver 
     necessary cargo, including heating fuel and gasoline, for the 
     community served by the airport.
       (d) Alaskan Regional Administrator.--
       (1) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) the Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region is a 
     uniquely important position that contributes to aviation 
     safety in the State of Alaska;
       (B) vacancies in any Federal Aviation Administration office 
     have a deleterious effect on the efficacy of the Alaskan 
     Region office;
       (C) a prolonged vacancy in the position of Regional 
     Administrator for the Alaskan Region may be detrimental to 
     the effective administration of such region and the Don Young 
     Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative; and
       (D) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration should ensure that any vacancy in the position 
     of Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region is filled 
     will a highly qualified candidate as expeditiously as 
     possible.
       (2) Vacancy notification requirements.--
       (A) Initial vacancy.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall notify the appropriate 
     committees of Congress when there is a vacancy for the 
     position of Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region.
       (B) Status updates.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     notification under subparagraph (A) (and every 30 days 
     thereafter until the vacancy described under subparagraph (A) 
     is filled), the Administrator shall notify the appropriate 
     committees of Congress of any vacancy of such position, if 
     so, provide an estimated timeline for filling such vacancy.
       (C) Appropriate committees of congress defined.--In this 
     paragraph, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
       (D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be effective 
     after September 30, 2028.
       (e) Implementation of NTSB Recommendations.--

[[Page H3762]]

       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such 
     actions as may be necessary to implement National 
     Transportation Safety Board recommendations A-22-25 and A-22-
     26 (as contained in Aviation Investigation Report AIR-22-09, 
     adopted November 16, 2022).
       (2) Coordination.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall coordinate with the State of Alaska, 
     airports in Alaska, air carriers operating in Alaska, private 
     pilots (including tour operators) based in Alaska, and such 
     other members of the Alaska aviation community or other 
     stakeholders as the Administrator determines appropriate.
       (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

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

     SEC. 511. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT OF FAA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.

       Section 122 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
     Accountability Act (Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat. 2344) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(2) conduct an annual agency-wide evaluation of the 
     Compliance Program through fiscal year 2028 to assess the 
     functioning and effectiveness of such program and to 
     determine--
       ``(A) the need for long-term metrics that, to the maximum 
     extent practicable, apply to all program offices to assess 
     the effectiveness of the program;
       ``(B) if the program ensures the highest level of 
     compliance with safety standards; and
       ``(C) if the program has met its stated safety goals and 
     purpose;'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(4) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2028''; and
       (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2028''.

     SEC. 512. SCALABILITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

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

     SEC. 513. FINALIZE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RULEMAKING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule relating to 
     the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration titled ``Safety Management Systems'', issued 
     on January 11, 2023.
       (b) Applicability.--In issuing a final rule under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the 
     safety management system requirement under the Notice of 
     Proposed Rulemaking described in subsection (a) is applied to 
     all certificate holders operating under the rules for 
     commuter and on-demand operations under part 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, commercial air tour operators 
     operating under section 91.147 of such title, production 
     certificate holders that are holders or licensees of a type 
     certificate for the same product, and holders of a type 
     certificate who license out such certificate for production 
     under part 21 of such title.

     SEC. 514. IMPROVEMENTS TO AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION 
                   ANALYSIS AND SHARING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall implement improvements to the 
     Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program with 
     respect to safety data sharing and risk mitigation.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) identify methods to increase the rate at which data is 
     collected, processed, and analyzed to expeditiously share 
     safety intelligence;
       (2) develop predictive capabilities to anticipate emerging 
     safety risks;
       (3) identify methods to improve shared data environments 
     with external stakeholders;
       (4) establish a robust process for prioritizing requests 
     for safety information;
       (5) establish guidance to encourage regular safety 
     inspector review of non-confidential aviation safety and 
     performance data;
       (6) identify industry segments not yet included and conduct 
     outreach to such industry segments to increase the rate of 
     participation, including--
       (A) general aviation;
       (B) rotorcraft;
       (C) air ambulance; and
       (C) maintenance facilities; and
       (7) establish processes for obtaining and analyzing 
     comprehensive and aggregate data for new and future industry 
     segments.
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed--
       (1) to require the Administrator to share confidential or 
     proprietary information and data to safety inspectors for 
     purposes of enforcement; or
       (2) to limit the applicability of section 44735 of title 
     49, United States Code, to the Aviation Safety Information 
     Analysis and Sharing Program.
       (d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter until 
     the improvements under subsection (a) are made, the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the progress of implementation of the Aviation 
     Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program and steps 
     taken to make improvements under subsection (a).

     SEC. 515. IMPROVEMENT OF CERTIFICATION PROCESSES.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall continually look for opportunities and 
     methods to improve the processing of applications, 
     consideration of applications, communication with applicants, 
     and quality of feedback provided to applicants, for aircraft 
     certification projects.
       (b) Certification Improvements.--Not later than 270 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall enter into an appropriate arrangement with a qualified 
     third-party organization or consortium to identify and assess 
     digital tools and software systems to allow for efficient and 
     virtual evaluation of an applicant design, associated 
     documentation, and software or systems engineering product, 
     including in digital 3 dimensional formats or using model-
     based systems engineering design techniques for aircraft 
     certification projects.
       (c) Parties to Review.--In identifying digital tools and 
     software systems as described in subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall ensure that the qualified third-party 
     organization or consortium entering into an arrangement under 
     this section shall, throughout the review, consult with--
       (1) the aircraft certification and flight standards offices 
     or services of the Administration; and
       (2) at least 3 industry members representing aircraft and 
     aircraft part manufacturing interests.
       (d) Digital Tool and Software System Requirements.--In 
     identifying digital tools and software systems under 
     subsection (b), the qualified third-party organization or 
     consortium shall--
       (1) consider the interoperability of such systems to the 
     extent practicable;
       (2) consider the scalability and usability of such systems 
     for differing use-cases by aircraft manufacturers, aircraft 
     operators, and the Administration, including cross-office 
     use-cases within the Administration;
       (3) consider such systems currently in use by United States 
     manufacturers or other civil aviation authorities for 
     certification and engineering purposes;
       (4) consider the--
       (A) available technology support for such systems; and
       (B) ability for such systems to be updated and adapted over 
     time to improve user interfaces, including providing 
     additional functionalities and addressing gaps;
       (5) consider the ability of digital tools and software 
     systems to aid in the electronic review of software 
     components of aircraft and aircraft systems;
       (6) consider the ability of the Administration and aircraft 
     designers to use digital tools and software systems for 
     corrective actions and modifications in a more rapid fashion;
       (7) determine if each system provides adequate protections 
     for the exchange of information between governmental and 
     nongovernmental entities, including--
       (A) intellectual property protections;
       (B) cyber and network security protections; and
       (C) the ability for governmental and nongovernmental 
     entities to control what is acceptable and what is restricted 
     for other parties;
       (8) evaluate the estimated ease of adoption and any 
     impediments to adoption for personnel of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration; and
       (9) evaluate the ability for nongovernmental organizations 
     of various sizes to adopt and utilize the digital and 
     software systems identified under subsection (b) to improve 
     the aircraft certification application and coordination 
     processes with the Administration.
       (e) Assessment.--After reviewing digital and software 
     systems under subsection (b), the qualified third-party 
     organization or consortium shall provide an assessment to the 
     Administrator as to--
       (1) whether or not digital and software systems and tools 
     would improve the coordination of the Administration with 
     industry;
       (2) whether or not such systems and tools would improve the 
     ability of the Administration to validate and verify aircraft 
     and software designs in non-paper formats; and
       (3) the potential safety benefits or safety risks of using 
     such systems and tools.
       (f) Content of Assessment.--In the event the qualified 
     third-party organization or consortium finds that digital and 
     software systems and tools would assist the work of the 
     Administration and improve certification projects processing, 
     the assessment described under subsection (e) shall also 
     include--
       (1) a prioritization, expected costs, and timeline of 
     acquisitions and training based on immediate and future needs 
     and benefits; and
       (2) suggest actions the Administration could take in order 
     to institutionalize the use of such technologies at the 
     headquarters and field offices of the Administration, and to 
     protect information shared through such technologies, 
     including recommended updates to orders issued by the 
     Administration.

[[Page H3763]]

       (g) Implementation.--Based on the assessment required in 
     subsections (e) and (f), if the qualified third-party 
     organization finds that the use of digital software systems 
     and tools would assist the work of the agency, the 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) provide the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate with a briefing on the intended actions of the 
     Administrator;
       (2) not later than 60 days after receiving such assessment 
     develop a plan to--
       (A) work towards the acquisition of the systems and tools 
     recommended, subject to the availability of appropriations;
       (B) update any applicable orders and guidance to allow for 
     the use of these new systems and tools by personnel of the 
     Administration and nongovernmental entities applying to or 
     coordinating with the Administration on certification related 
     activities, at the discretion of the applicant or 
     nongovernmental entity;
       (C) on an ongoing basis review and modify orders and 
     guidance to improve the use of these systems and tools as 
     well as addressing any intellectual property vulnerabilities; 
     and
       (h) Briefing.--Not later than 30 months after receiving 
     such assessment, the Administrator shall provide the 
     committees described in paragraph (1) with a briefing on the 
     use, benefits, and any drawbacks of the systems and tools, 
     including comparisons between certification programs using 
     and not using digital and software systems and tools.

     SEC. 516. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS AVIATION 
                   RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 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, instructions for continued airworthiness (as 
     described in section 21.50 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations), and provide to the Administrator a report on 
     such findings and recommendations and for other related 
     purposes as determined by the Administrator.
       (b) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of 
     members appointed by the Administrator, including 
     representatives of--
       (1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B 
     of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (2) holders of production certificates (as described in 
     subpart G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described 
     in subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations);
       (4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as 
     described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations);
       (5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in 
     section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation 
     safety inspectors for the Administration;
       (8) general aviation operators;
       (9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations;
       (10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as 
     described in subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations);
       (11) designated engineering representatives employed by 
     repair stations; and
       (12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     instructions for continued airworthiness policies and 
     regulations.
       (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider--
       (1) existing standards, regulations, certifications, 
     assessments, and guidance related to instructions for 
     continued airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, 
     regulations, certifications, assessments, and guidance to all 
     parties;
       (2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing 
     instructions for continued airworthiness;
       (3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing 
     instructions for continued airworthiness;
       (4) the protection of proprietary information and 
     intellectual property in instructions for continued 
     airworthiness;
       (5) the availability of instructions for continued 
     airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;
       (6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
     existing regulations with other Federal regulations, 
     guidance, and policies;
       (7) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
     consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and 
     national security, with other civil aviation authorities, 
     international aviation and standards organizations, and any 
     other appropriate entities; and
       (8) any other matter the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (d) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, submit to the 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 aviation rulemaking committee report 
     under subsection (a); and
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
     the report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking 
     activity or make such policy and guidance updates necessary 
     to address any consensus recommendations reached by the 
     aviation rulemaking committee established pursuant to 
     subsection (a), as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.

     SEC. 517. CLARITY FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall issue or update guidance, policy 
     documents, orders, job aids, or regulations to clarify the 
     conditions under which a major alteration will require a 
     supplemental type certificate under part 21 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Contents.--Issuances or updates under subsection (a) 
     shall include providing clarity around--
       (1) the terms ``might appreciatively effect'' and ``no 
     appreciable effect pursuant to sections 1.1 and 21.93 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, respectively''; and
       (2) whether the term ``other approved design'', as such 
     term appears in part 21.1 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, includes engineering data approved by the 
     Administrator by means other than through a supplemental type 
     certificate.
       (c) Considerations.--In satisfying subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall make such updates as necessary to provide 
     consideration for the level of effort required by an 
     applicant to make a major alteration and the associated level 
     of risk to the national airspace system for a single aircraft 
     or multiple aircraft using such alteration.

     SEC. 518. USE OF ADVANCED TOOLS IN CERTIFYING AEROSPACE 
                   PRODUCTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall complete an assessment of the 
     use of advanced tools during the testing, analysis, and 
     verification stages of aerospace certification projects to 
     reduce the risks associated with high-risk flight profiles 
     and performing limit testing.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the assessment under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider--
       (1) instances where high risk flight profiles and limit 
     testing have already occurred in the certification process 
     and the applicability of such test data for use in other 
     aspects of flight testing;
       (2) the safety of pilots during such testing;
       (3) the value and accuracy of data collected using such 
     advanced tools;
       (4) the ability to produce more extensive data sets using 
     such advanced tools;
       (5) any aspects of testing for which the use of such tools 
     would not be valuable or applicable;
       (6) the cost of using such advanced tools; and
       (7) the best practices of other civil aviation authorities 
     that permit the use of advanced tools during aerospace 
     certification projects.
       (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the assessment under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
       (1) aircraft manufacturers, including manufacturers that 
     have designed and certified aircraft under--
       (A) part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       (B) part 25 of such title; or
       (C) part 27 of such title;
       (2) aircraft manufacturers that have designed and 
     certified, or are in the process of certifying, aircraft with 
     a novel design under part 21.17(b) of such title;
       (3) associations representing aircraft manufacturers;
       (4) researchers and academics in related fields; and
       (5) pilots who are experts in flight testing.
       (d) Congressional Report.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     completion of the assessment under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on--
       (1) the results of the assessment conducted under 
     subsection (a); and
       (2) how the Administrator plans to implement the findings 
     of the assessment and any changes needed to Administration 
     policy, guidance, and regulations to allow for and optimize 
     the use of advanced tools during the certification of 
     aerospace products in order to reduce risk and improve safety 
     outcomes.

     SEC. 519. TRANSPORT AIRPLANE AND PROPULSION CERTIFICATION 
                   MODERNIZATION.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for the 
     rulemaking activity titled ``Transport Airplane and 
     Propulsion Certification Modernization'', published in Fall 
     2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and 
     Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL42).

     SEC. 520. ENGINE FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish an internal 
     regulatory review team to review and compare domestic and 
     international airworthiness standards and guidance for 
     aircraft engine firewalls.
       (b) Review.--In completing the review under subsection (a), 
     the regulatory review team shall--
       (1) identify any significant differences in standards or 
     guidance with respect to test article selection, fire test 
     boundaries, and pass-fail criteria;
       (2) consider if alternative international standards used by 
     peer civil aviation authorities reflect best practices that 
     should be adopted by the Administration;
       (3) recommend updates, if appropriate, to the Significant 
     Standards List of the Administration based on any findings;
       (4) assess whether a selection of aircraft engine firewalls 
     certified by other civil aviation

[[Page H3764]]

     authorities, which were validated by the Administration, 
     comply with the requirements of the Administration;
       (5) recommend actions the Administration should take during 
     future validation activities or with other civil aviation 
     authorities to address any gaps in requirements; and
       (6) consult with industry stakeholders during such review.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 120 days after the completion 
     of the review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the findings and 
     recommendations stemming from such review.

     SEC. 521. RISK MODEL FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act and periodically thereafter, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall--
       (1) conduct a review of the risk-based model used by 
     Federal Aviation Administration certification management 
     offices to inform the frequency of aircraft manufacturing or 
     production facility inspections; and
       (2) update the model to ensure such model adequately 
     accounts for risk at facilities during periods of increased 
     production.
       (b) Briefings.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the review is conducted under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on--
       (1) the results of the review;
       (2) any changes made to the risk-based model described in 
     subsection (a); and
       (3) how such changes would help improve the in-plant 
     inspection process.

     SEC. 522. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the issuance 
     of a final rule on the proposed rule of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration titled ``Installation and Operation of 
     Flightdeck Installed Physical Secondary Barriers on Transport 
     Category Airlines in Part 121 Service'', and issued on August 
     1, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 46892), the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall convene an aviation 
     rulemaking committee to review and develop findings and 
     recommendations to require installation of a secondary 
     cockpit barrier on aircraft operated under the provisions of 
     part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that are 
     not captured under another regulation or proposed regulation.
       (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint the 
     members of the rulemaking committee convened under subsection 
     (a), which shall be comprised of at least 1 representative 
     each of--
       (1) mainline air carriers;
       (2) regional air carriers;
       (3) cargo air carriers;
       (4) aircraft manufacturers;
       (5) a labor group representing pilots;
       (6) a labor group representing flight attendants; and
       (7) other stakeholders the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     convened under subsection (a) shall consider--
       (1) minimum dimension requirements for secondary barriers 
     on all aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (2) secondary barrier performance standards manufacturers 
     and air carriers must meet for such aircraft types;
       (3) the availability of certified secondary barriers 
     suitable for use on such aircraft types;
       (4) the development, certification, testing, manufacturing, 
     installation, and training for secondary barriers for such 
     aircraft types;
       (5) flight duration and stage length;
       (6) the location of lavatory on such aircraft as related to 
     operational complexities;
       (7) operational complexities;
       (8) any risks to safely evacuate passengers of such 
     aircraft; and
       (9) other considerations the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     convening of the aviation rulemaking committee described in 
     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 based on the 
     findings and recommendations of the aviation rulemaking 
     committee convened under subsection (a), to include--
       (1) if applicable, any dissenting positions on the findings 
     and the rationale for each position; and
       (2) any disagreements, including the rationale for each 
     position and the reasons for the disagreement.

     SEC. 523. REVIEW OF FAA USE OF AVIATION SAFETY DATA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall enter into an appropriate 
     arrangement with a qualified third-party organization or 
     consortium to evaluate the Administration's collection, 
     collation, analysis, and use of aviation data across the 
     Administration.
       (b) Consultation.--In completing the evaluation under 
     subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization or 
     consortium shall--
       (1) seek the input of experts in data analytics, including 
     at least 1 expert in the commercial data services or 
     analytics solutions sector;
       (2) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board 
     and the Transportation Research Board; and
       (3) consult with appropriate federally funded research and 
     development centers, to the extent that such centers are not 
     already involved in the evaluation.
       (c) Substance of Evaluation.--In completing the evaluation 
     under subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization 
     or consortium shall--
       (1) compile a list of internal and external sources, 
     databases, and streams of information the Administration 
     receives or has access to that provide the Administration 
     with operational or safety information and data about the 
     national airspace system, its users, and other regulated 
     entities of the Administration;
       (2) review data sets to determine completeness and accuracy 
     of relevant information;
       (3) identify gaps in information that the Administration 
     could fill through sharing agreements, partnerships, or other 
     means that would add value during safety trend analysis;
       (4) assess the Administration's capabilities, including 
     analysis systems and workforce skillsets, to analyze relevant 
     data and information to make informed decisions;
       (5) review data and information for proper storage, 
     identification controls, and data privacy--
       (A) as required by law; and
       (B) consistent with best practices for data collection, 
     storage, and use;
       (6) review the format of such data and identify methods to 
     improve the usefulness of such data;
       (7) assess internal and external access to data for--
       (A) appropriateness based on data type and level of detail;
       (B) proper data access protocols and precautions; and
       (C) maximizing availability of safety-related data that 
     could support the improvement of safety management systems of 
     and trend identification by regulated entities and the 
     Administration;
       (8) examine the collation and dissemination of data within 
     offices and between offices of the Administration;
       (9) review and recommend improvements to the data analysis 
     techniques of the Administration; and
       (10) recommend investments the Administration should 
     consider to better collect, manage, and analyze data sets, 
     including within and between offices of the Administration.
       (d) Access to Information.--The Administration shall 
     provide the qualified third-party organization or consortium 
     and the experts described in subsection (b) with adequate 
     access to safety and operational data collected by and held 
     by the agency across all offices of the Administration, 
     except if specific access is otherwise prohibited by law.
       (e) Nondisclosure.--Prior to participating in the review, 
     the Administrator shall ensure that each person participating 
     in the evaluation under this section enters into an agreement 
     with the Administrator in which the person shall be 
     prohibited from disclosing at any time, except as required by 
     law, to any person, foreign or domestic, any non-public 
     information made accessible to the federally funded research 
     and development center under this section.
       (f) Report.--The qualified third-party organization or 
     consortium carrying out the evaluation under this section 
     shall provide a report of the findings of the center to the 
     Administrator and include recommendations to improve the 
     Administration's collection, collation, analysis, and use of 
     aviation data, including recommendations to--
       (1) improve data access across offices within the 
     Administration, as necessary, to support efficient execution 
     of safety analysis and programs across such offices;
       (2) improve data storage best practices;
       (3) develop or refine methods for collating data from 
     multiple administration and industry sources; and
       (4) procure or use available analytics tools to draw 
     conclusions and identify previously unrecognized trends or 
     miscategorized risks in the aviation system, particularly 
     when identification of such information requires the analysis 
     of multiple sets of data from multiple sources.
       (g) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than 6 
     months after the receipt of the report under subsection (f), 
     the Administrator shall review, develop an implementation 
     plan, and begin the implementation of the recommendations 
     received in such report.
       (h) Review of Implementation.--The qualified third-party 
     organization or consortium that conducted the initial 
     evaluation, and any experts who contributed to such 
     evaluation pursuant to subsection (b)(1), shall provide 
     regular feedback and advice to the Administrator on the 
     implementation plan developed under subsection (g) and any 
     implementation activities for at least 2 years beginning on 
     the date of the receipt of the report under subsection (f).
       (i) Report to Congress.--The Administrator shall submit to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate the report 
     described in subsection (f) and the implementation plan 
     described in subsection (g).
       (j) Existing Reporting Systems.--Consistent with section 
     132 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability 
     Act (Public Law 116-260), the Executive Director of the 
     Transportation Research Board, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator, may 
     further harmonize data and sources following the 
     implementation of recommendations contained in the report 
     required under subsection (g).

     SEC. 524. PART 135 DUTY AND REST.

       (a) Part 91 Tail-end Ferry Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     require that

[[Page H3765]]

     any operation conducted by a flightcrew member during an 
     assigned duty period under the operational control of an 
     operator holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, before, during, or after the 
     duty period (including any operations under part 91 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations), without an intervening rest 
     period, shall count towards the flight time and duty period 
     limitations of such flightcrew member under part 135 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Record Keeping.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update any 
     Administration policy and guidance regarding complete and 
     accurate record keeping practices for operators holding a 
     certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, in order to properly document, at a minimum--
       (1) flightcrew assignments;
       (2) flightcrew rest notifications;
       (3) compliance with flight and duty times limitations and 
     post-duty rest requirements; and
       (4) duty period start and end times.
       (c) Safety Management System Oversight.--The Administrator, 
     in performing oversight of the safety management system of an 
     operator holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, following the implementation of 
     the final rule issued based on the rulemaking titled ``Safety 
     Management Systems'', and published on January 11, 2023 (88 
     Fed. Reg 1932), shall ensure such operator is evaluating and 
     appropriately mitigating aviation safety risks, including, at 
     minimum, risks associated with--
       (1) inadequate flightcrew member duty and rest periods; and
       (2) incomplete records pertaining to flightcrew rest, duty, 
     and flight times.

     SEC. 525. COCKPIT VOICE AND VIDEO RECORDERS.

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

     ``Sec. 44746. Cockpit recording device

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

``44746. Cockpit recording device.''.

     SEC. 526. FLIGHT DATA RECOVERY FROM OVERWATER OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall direct the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory 
     Committee (hereinafter referred to as the ``Committee'' in 
     this section) to review regulations regarding flight data 
     recovery for aircraft--
       (1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (2) used in extended overwater operations.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the review pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the Committee shall provide to the 
     Administrator any consensus recommendations for the equipage 
     of aircraft described in subsection (a) with a cockpit voice 
     recorder and a flight data recorder that--
       (1) provide a means, in the event of an accident, to 
     recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that 
     does not require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit 
     voice recorder or flight data recorder;
       (2) is equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast 
     sufficient information to a ground station to establish the 
     location where an aircraft terminates flight as the result of 
     an accident within 6 nautical miles of the point of impact of 
     the aircraft; and
       (3) is equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater 
     locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that 
     can be detected by appropriate equipment.
       (c) Recommendations.--Not later than 18 months after 
     tasking the aviation rulemaking advisory committee under 
     subsection (a), the committee shall submit to the 
     Administrator any consensus recommendations developed under 
     subsection (b).
       (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after receiving any 
     recommendations pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator 
     shall initiate a rulemaking activity based on such consensus 
     recommendations, if determined appropriate.
       (e) Briefing.--If the Administrator decides not to issue a 
     final rule with respect to the rulemaking initiated under 
     subsection (d), the Administrator shall brief the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the justification for such 
     decision.

     SEC. 527. EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ON PASSENGER AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall review and update, as 
     appropriate, part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, regarding emergency medical equipment, including 
     the contents of emergency medical kits, and training required 
     for flight crew.
       (b) Consideration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall consider--
       (1) the benefits and costs (including the costs of flight 
     diversions and emergency landings) of requiring any new 
     medications or equipment necessary to be included in approved 
     emergency medical kits under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations; and
       (2) whether the contents of the emergency medical kits 
     include the appropriate medications and equipment that can 
     practicably be administered to address--
       (A) the emergency medical needs of children and pregnant 
     women;
       (B) opioid overdose;
       (C) anaphylaxis; and
       (D) cardiac arrest.
       (c) Consultation.--In conducting the review required under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with 
     associations representing aerospace medical professionals.

     SEC. 528. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY.

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

     SEC. 529. REMOTE TOWERS.

       (a) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agreement 
     with a qualified organization to conduct a study examining 
     the viability and feasibility of remote tower technology 
     available on the date of enactment of this Act to accommodate 
     existing air traffic activity at non-towered, public-use 
     airports and airports with a visual flight rule air traffic 
     control tower.
       (2) Considerations.--In the study conducted under 
     subsection (a), the qualified organization selected under 
     such subsection shall consider and include in such study--
       (A) the effectiveness and adequacy of the pilot program 
     established under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
     of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) in--
       (i) assessing the installation, maintenance, and 
     operational costs and benefits of remote tower technology; 
     and
       (ii) establishing a clear process for the safety and 
     operational certification of such technology;
       (B) a description of actions that the Administration has 
     undertaken to carry out such pilot program;
       (C) any barriers related to the safety and operational 
     certification of such technology;
       (D) the number and type of non-towered airports in the 
     national airspace system;
       (E) the availability and development of remote tower 
     technology;
       (F) the potential to use remote tower systems to control 
     air traffic at multiple airports and from a single physical 
     location, similar to a terminal radar approach control 
     facility;

[[Page H3766]]

       (G) staffing flexibility to support seasonal staffing of 
     remote towers;
       (H) safety factors related to the potential need for such 
     remote tower technology;
       (I) the potential to use remote tower systems to surveil 
     for unmanned aircraft, in conjunction with unmanned aircraft 
     system traffic management systems, to enhance air traffic 
     management of manned air traffic;
       (J) factors related to the demand for remote tower 
     technology;
       (K) an examination of remote tower use in other countries;
       (L) projected costs associated with installing and maintain 
     remote tower technology at a single airport; and
       (M) recommendations regarding the most cost-effective 
     approach to provide air traffic control services at non-
     towered airports in the national airspace system.
       (3) Input.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), 
     the qualified organization selected under such subsection 
     shall--
       (A) seek coordination with the Air Traffic Organization and 
     other offices of the Administration; and
       (B) seek the participation of representatives of--
       (i) the exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
     controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code;
       (ii) manufacturers of remote towers;
       (iii) airport operators; and
       (iv) other stakeholders that the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (4) 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 detailing the 
     results of the study under subsection (a).
       (b) Certification Process.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the completion 
     of the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator 
     shall establish a process for the certification of system 
     design and operational approval of remote towers for use at 
     public-use airports.
       (2) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (b), the 
     Administrator shall consult with the following:
       (A) The exclusive bargaining representative of the air 
     traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (B) Manufacturers of remote towers.
       (C) Non-towered airport operators.
       (3) Requirements.--In developing the certification process 
     required under subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
       (A) establish requirements for the system design and 
     operational approval of remote towers, including--
       (i) sensor and camera visual requirements;
       (ii) datalink latency requirements; and
       (iii) visual presentation design requirements for monitors 
     used to display sensor and camera feeds;
       (B) establish tower-closure standards for contingency 
     operations and procedures for remote tower failures and 
     malfunctions; and
       (C) consider the use of--
       (i) ground- and space-based telecommunications 
     infrastructure; and
       (ii) any other wireless telecommunications infrastructure 
     that may enable the operation of a remote tower.
       (4) Operational approval assessments.--In developing the 
     operational approval process required under this subsection, 
     the Administrator shall--
       (A) determine the appropriate number of air traffic 
     controllers necessary to staff a remote tower for safe air 
     traffic control operations at the respective airport based on 
     the existing or projected air traffic activity at the 
     airport;
       (B) use a safety risk management panel process to address 
     any safety issues with respect to the remote tower;
       (C) if the remote tower is intended to be installed at a 
     non-towered airport, assess the safety benefits of the remote 
     tower against the lack of an existing tower; and
       (D) establish, to the satisfaction of the Administrator and 
     using performance-based criteria, to the extent appropriate, 
     published in advance, the level of safety necessary for the 
     operation of the remote tower at the airport.
       (5) Airport operators.--An airport operator seeking to 
     install or construct a certified remote tower shall submit to 
     the Administrator an application in such form and containing 
     such information as the Administrator may require.
       (6) Implementation.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) identify air traffic control information and data that 
     assists the Administrator in categorically certifying remote 
     towers at different types of airports;
       (B) implement processes necessary to collect the 
     information and data identified in subparagraph (A); and
       (C) develop criteria from the information and data 
     identified in subparagraph (A) to assess remote towers for 
     widespread use at categories of public-use airports.
       (7) Prioritization of remote tower certification 
     applicants.--With respect to applications submitted as 
     required by paragraph (4), the Administrator shall 
     prioritize--
       (A) airports that do not have a permanent air traffic 
     control tower at the time of application;
       (B) airports that would provide small and rural community 
     air service; or
       (C) airports that have been newly accepted as of the date 
     of enactment of this Act into the Contract Tower Program.
       (8) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the 
     report required under subsection (a), and annually thereafter 
     through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the status of the 
     activities required under this section.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Air traffic activity.--The term ``air traffic 
     activity'' means the number of takeoffs, landings, and 
     simulated approaches of an airport and the time of which such 
     takeoffs, landings, and simulated approaches occur.
       (2) Contract tower program.--The term ``Contract Tower 
     Program'' has the meaning given such term in section 47124(e) 
     of title 49, United States Code.
       (3) Qualified organization.--The term ``qualified 
     organization'' means an independent non-profit organization 
     that recommends solutions to public policy challenges through 
     objective analysis.
       (4) Remote tower.--The term ``remote tower'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 161(a)(9) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note).

     SEC. 530. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a study to examine how to improve the 
     procurement, functionality, and sustainability of weather 
     reporting systems, including--
       (1) automated weather observing systems;
       (2) automated surface observing systems;
       (3) visual weather observing systems; and
       (4) non-Federal weather reporting systems.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under 
     section (a), the Comptroller General shall address--
       (1) the current state of the supply chain related to 
     weather reporting systems and the components of such systems, 
     including--
       (A) the adequacy of suppliers of such systems and 
     components;
       (B) the affordability of such systems and components; and
       (C) the availability and affordability of replacement 
     parts;
       (2) the average age of weather reporting systems 
     infrastructure installed in the national airspace system;
       (3) challenges to maintaining and replacing weather 
     reporting systems, including--
       (A) root causes of weather reporting system outages, 
     including failures of such systems, and supporting systems 
     such as telecommunications infrastructure; and
       (B) the degree to which such outages affect weather 
     reporting in the national airspace system;
       (4) mitigation measures to maintain aviation safety during 
     such an outage; and
       (5) alternative means of obtaining weather elements at 
     airports, including wind direction, wind speed, barometric 
     pressure setting, and cloud coverage, including visibility.
       (c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with 
     the appropriate stakeholders and Federal agencies involved in 
     installing, managing, and supporting weather reporting 
     systems in the national airspace system.
       (d) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the 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 results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
       (2) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall include 
     in the report submitted under paragraph (1) recommendations 
     for--
       (A) ways to improve the resiliency and redundancy of 
     weather reporting systems;
       (B) alternative means of compliance for obtaining weather 
     elements at airports; and
       (C) if necessary, changes to Orders of the Administration, 
     including the following:
       (i) Surface Weather Observing, Joint Order 7900.5.
       (ii) Notices to Air Missions, Joint Order 7930.2.

     SEC. 531. GAO STUDY ON EXPANSION OF THE FAA WEATHER CAMERA 
                   PROGRAM.

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

[[Page H3767]]

  


     SEC. 532. AUDIT ON AVIATION SAFETY IN ERA OF WIRELESS 
                   CONNECTIVITY.

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

     SEC. 533. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION.

       (a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     initiate a Call to Action safety review of airport ramp 
     worker safety in order to bring stakeholders together to 
     share best practices and implement actions to address airport 
     ramp worker 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 airport ramp worker procedures and 
     oversight of such processes;
       (2) a review of reportable accidents and incidents 
     involving airport ramp workers, including any identified 
     contributing factors to the reportable accident or incident;
       (3) a review of training and related educational materials 
     for airport ramp workers, including supervisory employees;
       (4) a review of devices and methods for communication on 
     the ramp;
       (5) a review of markings on the ramp that define 
     restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones;
       (6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety 
     markings; and
       (7) a process for stakeholders, including airlines, 
     aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor, and aviation safety 
     experts, to provide feedback and share best practices.
       (c) Report and Actions.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     conclusion of the Call to Action safety review pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) submit to the 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 
     airport ramp worker safety, including the identification of 
     risks and possible mitigations to be considered in any 
     applicable safety management system of air carriers and 
     airports; and
       (2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act upon the 
     findings of the review under subsection (b).

     SEC. 534. SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS FOR AIRCRAFT WITHOUT 
                   TRANSPONDERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 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 collect and 
     analyze data relating to accidents and incidents involving 
     covered exempt aircraft that occurred within 30 nautical 
     miles of an airport.
       (b) Requirements.--The analysis required under subsection 
     (a) shall include with respect to covered exempt aircraft a 
     review of--
       (1) incident and accident data since 2006;
       (2) incidents and accidents involving midair events, 
     including collisions;
       (3) incidents and accidents involving ground proximity 
     warning system alerts;
       (4) incidents and accidents involving traffic collision 
     avoidance system alerts;
       (5) incidents and accidents involving a loss of separation 
     or near miss; and
       (6) the causes of the accidents and incidents described in 
     paragraphs (1) through (5).
       (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 containing 
     the results of the analysis required under subsection (a) 
     and, if appropriate, recommendations on how to reduce the 
     number of incidents and accidents associated with such 
     covered exempt aircraft.
       (d) Covered Exempt Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``covered exempt aircraft'' means aircraft, balloons, 
     and gliders exempt from air traffic control transponder and 
     altitude reporting equipment and use requirements under part 
     91.215(b)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 535. CRASH-RESISTANT FUEL SYSTEMS IN ROTORCRAFT.

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

     SEC. 536. REDUCING TURBULENCE ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT 
                   OPERATIONS.

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

     SEC. 537. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agreement 
     with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine under which the National Research Council of the 
     National Academies shall conduct a study on radiation 
     exposure onboard various aircraft types operated under part 
     121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

[[Page H3768]]

       (b) Scope of Study.--In conducting the study under 
     subsection (a), the National Research Council shall assess--
       (1) radiation concentrations in such aircraft at takeoff, 
     in-flight at high altitudes, and upon landing;
       (2) the health risks and impact of radiation exposure to 
     flight attendants and passengers onboard aircraft operating 
     at high altitudes; and
       (3) mitigation measures to prevent and reduce the health 
     and safety impacts of radiation exposure to flight attendants 
     and passengers.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 16 months after the 
     initiation of the study required under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress the study conducted by the National Research Council 
     pursuant to this section.
       (d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this 
     section, the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' 
     means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.

     SEC. 538. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE.

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

     SEC. 539. CABIN TEMPERATURE STANDARDS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall review existing standards 
     produced by recognized industry standards organizations on 
     safe air temperatures and humidity levels in enclosed 
     environments, including onboard aircraft, and determine the 
     validity of such standards, including the American Society of 
     Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (in 
     this section referred to as ``ASHRAE'') standards titled 
     ``Air Quality within Commercial Aircraft'' (ASHRAE Guideline 
     28-2021) and ``Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human 
     Occupancy'' (ASHRAE Standard 55-2020).
       (b) Consultation.--In conducting the review under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
       (1) certificate holders under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations;
       (2) certified labor representatives of flight attendants, 
     pilots, and other crewmembers;
       (3) relevant Federal agencies; and
       (4) other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate.
       (c) Academic Study.--In the event that the Administrator 
     determines, through the review carried out under subsection 
     (a), that there is not an appropriate standard to determine 
     unsafe temperatures onboard aircraft operated under part 121 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator 
     shall enter into an appropriate agreement with the National 
     Academies to--
       (1) conduct a study of unsafe aircraft cabin temperatures 
     and aircraft conditions that contribute to such temperatures; 
     and
       (2) provide recommendations for air carriers and aircraft 
     manufacturers to improve the management of temperature and 
     related factors onboard aircraft.
       (d) Reports.--
       (1) FAA.--Not later than 3 months after completing the 
     review 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 findings and determination of the review.
       (2) National academies.--If a report is produced under 
     subsection (c), not later than 1 month after receiving such 
     report 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 such report.

     SEC. 540. CABIN AIR QUALITY.

       (a) Reporting of Smoke or Fume Events Onboard Commercial 
     Aircraft.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall develop a standardized system 
     for a flight attendants, pilots, and aircraft maintenance 
     technicians of air carriers to voluntarily report fume events 
     onboard passenger-carrying aircraft operating under part 121 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Information submission.--The system developed under 
     paragraph (1) shall include a method of submission, which 
     shall request at least the following information:
       (A) Identification of the flight number, type, and 
     registration of the aircraft.
       (B) The date of the reported fume event onboard the 
     aircraft.
       (C) Description of smoke or fume in the aircraft, including 
     the nature, intensity, and visual consistency or smell (if 
     any).
       (D) The location of the smoke or fumes in the aircraft.
       (E) The source (if discernible) of the smoke or fumes in 
     the aircraft.
       (F) The phase of flight during which smoke or fumes first 
     became present.
       (G) The duration of the fume event.
       (H) Any required onboard medical attention for passengers 
     or crew members.
       (I) Any additional factors as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator or crew member submitting a report.
       (3) Guidelines for submission.--The Administrator shall 
     issue guidelines on how to submit the information described 
     in paragraph (2).
       (4) Confirmation of submission.--Upon submitting the 
     information described in paragraph (2), the submitting party 
     shall receive a duplicate record of the submission and 
     confirmation of receipt.
       (5) Use of information.--The Administrator--
       (A) may not publish any information submitted under this 
     section;
       (B) shall maintain a database of such information;
       (C) at the request of an air carrier, shall provide to such 
     air carrier any information submitted under this section that 
     is relevant to such air carrier, except any information that 
     may be used to identify the party submitting such 
     information;
       (D) may not, without validation, assume that information 
     submitted under this section is accurate for the purposes of 
     initiating rulemaking or taking an enforcement action;
       (E) may use information submitted under this section to 
     inform the oversight of the safety management system of an 
     air carrier; and
       (F) may use information submitted under this section for 
     the purpose of performing a study or supporting a study 
     sponsored by the Administrator.
       (b) Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into the 
     appropriate arrangements with the National Academies to 
     conduct a study and issue recommendations to be made publicly 
     available pertaining to cabin air quality and any risk of, 
     and potential for, persistent and accidental fume events 
     onboard a passenger-carrying aircraft operating under part 
     121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Scope.--In carrying out a study pursuant to paragraph 
     (1), the National Academies shall examine--
       (A) the information collected pursuant to subsection (a);
       (B) the report issued pursuant to section 326 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and any 
     identified assumptions or gaps described in such report;
       (C) any health risks or impacts of fume events on flight 
     crews, including flight attendants and pilots, and passengers 
     onboard aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations;
       (D) instances of persistent or regularly occurring (as 
     determined by the National Academies) fume events in such 
     aircraft;
       (E) instances of accidental, unexpected, or irregularly 
     occurring (as determined by the National Academies) fume 
     events on such aircraft, including whether such accidental 
     events are more frequent during various phases of operations, 
     including ground operations, taxiing, take off, cruise, and 
     landing;
       (F) the likely originating material of, and the air 
     contaminants present during, the situations described in 
     subparagraphs (D) and (E);
       (G) the frequencies, durations, and likely causes of the 
     situations described in subparagraphs (D) and (E); and
       (H) any additional data on fume events as determined 
     appropriate by the National Academies.
       (3) Recommendations.--The National Academies shall provide 
     recommendations based on the study conducted under paragraph 
     (1)--
       (A) that shall, at minimum, address how to--
       (i) improve overall cabin air quality of passenger-carrying 
     aircraft;
       (ii) improve the detection, accuracy, and reporting of fume 
     events; and
       (iii) reduce the frequency and impact of fume events; and
       (B) for any updates to standards, guidelines, or 
     regulations that could help achieve the recommendations 
     described in subparagraph (A).
       (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 month after the 
     completion of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science,

[[Page H3769]]

     and Transportation of the Senate a copy of such study.
       (c) Fume Event Defined.--In this section, the term ``fume 
     event'' means the presence of fumes in the cabin, including 
     smoke.

     SEC. 541. EVACUATION STANDARDS FOR TRANSPORT CATEGORY 
                   AIRPLANES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall task the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee with reviewing and proposing updates to 
     the evacuation requirements under section 25.803 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, and appendix J to part 25 of 
     such title.
       (b) Considerations.--In tasking the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee under subsection (a), the Administrator 
     shall, at a minimum, task the Committee to--
       (1) evaluate whether the representative passenger loads, 
     prescribed in regulation on the date of enactment of this 
     Act, represent a realistic composition of passengers on an 
     aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, including accounting for--
       (A) children, including infants;
       (B) passengers who do not speak English;
       (C) passengers with disabilities; and
       (D) service animals (as such term is defined in section 
     35.104 and 36.104 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or successor regulations); and
       (2) determine if there are technologies or techniques that 
     can be used to more accurately represent categories of 
     passengers who are unable to provide consent during 
     evacuation testing, but should be simulated in such testing;
       (3) evaluate whether the requirements prescribed in 
     regulation on the date of enactment of this Act adequately 
     consider the varying sizes, weight, and matter or baggage 
     present in an aircraft cabin; and
       (4) determine whether the evacuation testing performed, 
     associated with section 25.803 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, considers the seat size, seat pitch, seating 
     layout, aisle width, and aisle layout of the aircraft type 
     being tested.
       (c) Consultation.--In tasking the Aviation Rulemaking 
     Advisory Committee under subsection (a), the Administrator 
     shall allow such Committee to consult with the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, transport category aircraft 
     manufacturers, air carriers certificated under part 121 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, crew members of such 
     air carriers, emergency responders, groups representing 
     passengers and passengers with disabilities, and other 
     relevant experts.
       (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after receiving 
     such recommendations to update section 25.803 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, and appendix J to part 25 of 
     such title, the Administrator shall issue a final rulemaking 
     based on the recommendations provided by the aviation 
     rulemaking advisory committee tasked under this section, as 
     necessary.
       (e) Passenger With Disabilities.--In this section, the term 
     ``passenger with disabilities'' means any qualified 
     individual with a disability, as such term is defined in 
     section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or 
     successor regulations.

     SEC. 542. LITHIUM-ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS.

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

     SEC. 543. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDANCE.

       (a) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall review relevant policies and 
     guidance, including all advisory circulars, information 
     bulletins, and directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       (b) Updates.--Upon completion of the review required under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, update 
     the following:
       (1) Advisory Circular 120-40B, issued July 29, 1991.
       (2) Advisory Circular 120-45A, issued February 5, 1992.
       (3) Advisory Circular 120-50A, issued February 9, 1996.
       (4) Advisory Circular 120-63, issued October 11, 1994.
       (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review required 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall convene and 
     consult with entities required to comply with part 60 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including 
     representatives of--
       (1) air carriers;
       (2) flight schools certificated under part 141 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (3) training centers certificated under part 142 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (4) manufacturers and suppliers of flight simulation 
     training devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, and Appendix F to part 60 of such 
     title).

     SEC. 544. GAO STUDY ON FAA NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study into the National Simulator 
     Program of the Federal Aviation Administration that is part 
     of the Air Transportation Division's Training and Simulation 
     Group.
       (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum, 
     assesses--
       (1) how the program described under subsection (a), is 
     maintained to reflect and account for advancement in 
     technologies pertaining to flight simulation training devices 
     (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and appendix F to part 60 of such title);
       (2) the staffing levels, critical competencies, and skills 
     gaps of Administration personnel responsible for carrying out 
     and supporting the program described in subsection (a); and
       (3) how the program described in subsection (a) engages air 
     carriers and relevant industry stakeholders, including flight 
     schools, to ensure efficient compliance with part 60 of such 
     title.
       (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 
     findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 545. GAO STUDY ON FAA ALIGNMENT WITH BEST AVAILABLE 
                   TECHNOLOGIES AND STANDARDS.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on the incorporation of best 
     available technologies by the Federal Aviation Administration 
     to increase aviation safety and improve the health and safety 
     of aviation workers.
       (b) Scope.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
     the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) analyze the degree to which the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration is enabling the use or 
     adoption of technologies used by other air navigation service 
     providers to meet ICAO standards; and
       (2) identify any barriers to adoption of such technologies.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall report 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the findings of 
     the study.
       (d) ICAO Defined.--In this section, the term ``ICAO'' means 
     the International Civil Aviation Organization.

     SEC. 546. ADVANCED SIMULATION TRAINING.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 61.159(a)(6) of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulations), a person who is applying for an airline 
     transport certificate with an airplane category and class 
     rating may obtain up to 150 additional hours of the total 
     aeronautical experience requirement in a full flight 
     simulator representing an airplane that provides six-degrees 
     of freedom motion, provided the aeronautical experience--
       (1) was accomplished as part of a Federal Aviation 
     Administration approved training course in parts 121, 135, 
     141, or 142 of such title; and
       (2) does not qualify for flight credit hours for an 
     individual applying for an airline transport pilot 
     certificate with restricted privileges under paragraphs (a), 
     (b), (c), and (d) of section 61.160 of such title (or any 
     successor regulation).
       (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to affect the ability of a person to also obtain 
     100 hours of aeronautical experience in a flight training 
     device or full flight simulator under section 61.159(a)(6) of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulations).
       (c) Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule to update 
     part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect 
     changes made by this section.
       (2) Consultation.--The Administrator shall consult with the 
     Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee--

[[Page H3770]]

       (A) in developing the rule under paragraph (1), and
       (B) in evaluating, notwithstanding subsection (a), whether 
     the additional 150 hours allowed under subsection (a) may be 
     accrued in a full flight simulator representing an airplane 
     that provides three-degrees of freedom motion.
       (3) Applicability.--Nothing in this subsection, nor any 
     potential failure of the Administrator to issue a final rule 
     under paragraph (1), shall be construed to prohibit the 
     immediate applicability of subsection (a).
       (d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``flight 
     training device'' and ``full flight simulator'' have the 
     meanings given such terms in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 547. INCREMENTAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENT.

       Section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Incremental Safety Improvement.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may consider and 
     approve a proposed incremental design change request from a 
     type certificate holder, if such holder is required by the 
     Administrator to make a safety-related design change to bring 
     a product into compliance, even if the proposed incremental 
     design change does not eliminate all noncompliant conditions.
       ``(2) Proposed incremental design change.--A proposed 
     incremental design change under paragraph (1) shall--
       ``(A) be related to the required safety-related change 
     described in this subsection; and
       ``(B) improve safety.
       ``(3) Full compliance.--An approval issued under this 
     subsection shall not be construed to relieve a type 
     certificate holder from addressing all noncompliant 
     conditions under paragraph (1).''.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

     SEC. 571. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) Congress has repeatedly tasked the Federal Aviation 
     Administration with responsibility for securing the national 
     airspace system, including the air traffic control system and 
     other air navigation services, civil aircraft, and 
     aeronautical products and articles through safety regulation 
     and oversight. These mandates have routinely included 
     protecting against associated cyber threats affecting 
     aviation safety or the Administration's provision of safe, 
     secure, and efficient air navigation services and airspace 
     management.
       (2) In 2016, Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
     Security Act of 2016, which established requirements for the 
     Federal Aviation Administration to enhance the national 
     airspace system's cybersecurity and included mandates for the 
     Administration to--
       (A) develop a cybersecurity strategic plan;
       (B) coordinate with other Federal agencies to identify 
     cyber vulnerabilities;
       (C) develop a cyber threat model; and
       (D) complete a comprehensive, strategic policy framework to 
     identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks to the air traffic 
     control system.
       (3) In 2018, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2018 which--
       (A) authorized funding for the construction of Federal 
     Aviation Administration facilities dedicated to improving the 
     cybersecurity of the national airspace system;
       (B) required the Federal Aviation Administration to review 
     and update its comprehensive, strategic policy framework for 
     cybersecurity to assess the degree to which the framework 
     identifies and addresses known cybersecurity risks associated 
     with the aviation system, and evaluate existing short- and 
     long-term objectives for addressing cybersecurity risks to 
     the national airspace system;
       (C) created a Chief Technology Officer position within the 
     Federal Aviation Administration to be responsible for, among 
     other things, coordinating the implementation, operation, 
     maintenance, and cybersecurity of technology programs 
     relating to the air traffic control system with the aviation 
     industry and other Federal agencies; and
       (D) directed the National Academy of Sciences to study the 
     cybersecurity workforce of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration in order to develop recommendations to 
     increase the size, quality, and diversity of such workforce.
       (4) Congress has tasked the Federal Aviation Administration 
     with being the primary Federal agency to assess and address 
     the threats posed from cyber incidents relating to Federal 
     Aviation Administration-provided air traffic control and air 
     navigation services and the threats posed from cyber 
     incidents relating to civil aircraft, aeronautical products 
     and articles, aviation networks, aviation systems, services, 
     and operations, and the aerospace industry affecting aviation 
     safety or the provision of safe, secure, and efficient air 
     navigation services and airspace management by the 
     Administration.
       (5) Since 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration has 
     been addressing cyber vulnerabilities in civil aircraft and 
     aeronautical products and articles during the safety 
     certification process.

     SEC. 572. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY.

       (a) Cybersecurity Standards.--Section 44701(a) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``cybersecurity,'' after 
     ``quality of work,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by inserting ``cybersecurity and'' after ``standards 
     for''; and
       (B) by striking ``procedure'' and inserting ``procedures''.
       (b) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Section 44701 of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(h) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law and except as provided in section 
     40132, the Administrator, in consultation with the heads of 
     such other agencies as the Administrator determines 
     necessary, shall have exclusive authority to prescribe 
     regulations for purposes of assuring civil aircraft, 
     including unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft engine, 
     propeller, and appliance cybersecurity.''.

     SEC. 573. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS, 
                   POLICY, AND GUIDANCE.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 40132. National airspace system cyber threat 
       management process

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

``40132. National airspace system cyber threat management process.''.

     SEC. 574. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall convene an aviation rulemaking 
     committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity to conduct a review 
     and develop findings and recommendations on cybersecurity 
     standards for civil aircraft, aircraft ground support 
     information systems, airports, air traffic control mission 
     systems, and aeronautical products and articles.
       (b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) 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 convened under subsection (a); and
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
     the report under paragraph (1) and, in consultation with 
     other agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, for 
     consensus recommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking 
     committee--
       (A) undertake a rulemaking, if appropriate, based on such 
     recommendations; and
       (B) submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a supplemental report with explanations for each 
     consensus recommendation not addressed, if applicable, by a 
     rulemaking under subparagraph (A).
       (c) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     convened under subsection (a) shall consist of members 
     appointed by the Administrator, including representatives 
     of--
       (1) aircraft manufacturers, to include at least 1 
     manufacturer of transport category aircraft;

[[Page H3771]]

       (2) air carriers;
       (3) unmanned aircraft system stakeholders, including 
     operators, service suppliers, and manufacturers of hardware 
     components and software applications;
       (4) manufacturers of powered-lift aircraft;
       (5) airports;
       (6) original equipment manufacturers of ground and space 
     based aviation infrastructure;
       (7) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     aircraft cybersecurity; and
       (8) a non-profit which operates 1 or more federally funded 
     research and development centers with specific knowledge of 
     aviation and cybersecurity.
       (d) Member Eligibility.--Prior to a member's appointment 
     under subsection (c), the Administrator shall determine if 
     there is cause for such member to be restricted from 
     possessing sensitive security information. Upon a 
     determination of no cause being found regarding the member, 
     and upon the member voluntarily signing a nondisclosure 
     agreement, the member may be granted access to sensitive 
     security information that is relevant to the member's duties 
     on the aviation rulemaking committee. The member shall 
     protect the sensitive security information in accordance with 
     part 1520 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (e) Prohibition on Compensation.--The members of the 
     aviation rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a) 
     shall not receive pay, allowances, or benefits from the 
     Government by reason of their service on such committee.
       (f) Considerations.--The Administrator shall direct such 
     committee to consider--
       (1) existing cybersecurity standards, regulations, 
     policies, and guidance, including those from other Federal 
     agencies;
       (2) threat- and risk-based security approaches used by the 
     aviation industry, including the assessment of the potential 
     costs and benefits of cybersecurity actions;
       (3) data gathered from cybersecurity reporting;
       (4) data gathered from safety reporting;
       (5) the diversity of operations and systems on aircraft and 
     amongst air carriers;
       (6) security of design data;
       (7) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
     existing standards, regulations, policies, and guidance with 
     other Federal standards, regulations, policies, and guidance;
       (8) design approval holder aircraft network security 
     guidance for operators;
       (9) the need for such standards, regulations, policies, and 
     guidance as applied to civil aircraft information, data, 
     networks, systems, services, operations, and technology;
       (10) Federal Aviation Administration services, aviation 
     industry services, and aircraft use of positioning, 
     navigation, and timing data in the context of Executive Order 
     13905, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act;
       (11) updates needed to airworthiness regulations and 
     systems safety assessment methods used to show compliance 
     with airworthiness requirements for design, function, 
     installation, and certification of civil aircraft, 
     aeronautical products and articles, and aircraft networks;
       (12) updates needed to air carrier operating and 
     maintenance regulations to ensure continued adherence with 
     processes and procedures established in airworthiness 
     regulations to provide cybersecurity protections for aircraft 
     systems, including for continued airworthiness;
       (13) policies and procedures to coordinate with other 
     Federal agencies, including intelligence agencies, and the 
     aviation industry in sharing information and analyses related 
     to cyber threats to civil aircraft information, data, 
     networks, systems, services, operations, and technology and 
     aeronautical products and articles;
       (14) the response of the Administrator and aviation 
     industry to, and recovery from, cyber incidents, including by 
     coordinating with other Federal agencies, including 
     intelligence agencies;
       (15) processes for members of the aviation industry to 
     voluntarily report to the Federal Aviation Administration 
     cyber incidents that may affect aviation safety in a manner 
     that protects trade secrets and confidential business 
     information;
       (16) the unique nature of the aviation industry, including 
     aircraft networks, aircraft systems, and aeronautical 
     products, and the interconnectedness of cybersecurity and 
     aviation safety;
       (17) appropriate cybersecurity controls for aircraft 
     networks, aircraft systems, and aeronautical products and 
     articles to protect aviation safety, including airworthiness;
       (18) appropriate cybersecurity controls for airports 
     relative to the size and nature of airside operations of such 
     airports to ensure aviation safety;
       (19) minimum standards for protecting civil aircraft, 
     aeronautical products and articles, aviation networks, 
     aviation systems, services, and operations from cyber threats 
     and cyber incidents;
       (20) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
     consistent with the interests of aviation safety in air 
     commerce and national security, with other civil aviation 
     authorities, international aviation and standards 
     organizations, and any other appropriate entities to protect 
     civil aviation from cyber incidents and cyber threats;
       (21) the recommendations and implementation of the Aircraft 
     System Information Security/Protection report of the aviation 
     rulemaking advisory committee submitted on August 22, 2016; 
     and
       (22) any other matter the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (g) Definitions.--The definitions set forth in section 
     40132 of title 49, United States Code (as added by this 
     subtitle), shall apply to this section.

                     TITLE VI--AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

     SEC. 601. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) Definition.--Section 44801(1) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) is able to maintain safe flight control in the event 
     of a power or flight control failure during flight; and
       ``(E) is programmed to initiate a controlled landing in the 
     event of a tether separation.''.

     SEC. 602. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TEST RANGES.

       (a) In General.--Section 44803 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall carry out and update, as 
     appropriate, a program to enable a broad variety of testing 
     and evaluation activities at unmanned aircraft system test 
     ranges, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment 
     of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American 
     Aviation Act, to the extent consistent with aviation safety 
     and efficiency, and for purposes of the safe integration of 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.
       ``(b) Airspace Requirements.--In carrying out the program 
     under subsection (a)--
       ``(1) the Administrator may establish nonregulatory special 
     use airspace areas upon the request of a test range sponsor 
     selected by the Administrator under subsection (a), for 
     purposes of accommodating hazardous testing and evaluation 
     activities to inform the safe integration of unmanned 
     aircraft systems into the national airspace system, or for 
     purposes of other activities authorized by the Administrator 
     under subsection (g);
       ``(2) each selected test range sponsor for a designated 
     test range shall be considered the using agency for purposes 
     of the respective nonregulatory special use airspace areas 
     established by the Administrator under this section; and
       ``(3) the Administrator may require that each selected test 
     range sponsor for a designated test range provide a draft 
     environmental review consistent with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
     subject to the supervision and adoption of the Administrator, 
     with respect to any request for the establishment of a 
     nonregulatory special use airspace area under this section.
       ``(c) Program Requirement.--In carrying out the program 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator--
       ``(1) may develop operational standards and air traffic 
     requirements for flight operations at test ranges;
       ``(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the resources of, 
     other Federal agencies, as the Administrator considers 
     appropriate;
       ``(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft 
     operations;
       ``(4) shall provide for verification of the safety of 
     flight systems and related navigation procedures as it 
     relates to continued development of standards for integration 
     into the national airspace system;
       ``(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as necessary and 
     within available resources, in projects for testing and 
     evaluation of flight systems to facilitate the validation of 
     standards by the Administration for the safe integration of 
     unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system, 
     which may include solutions for--
       ``(A) developing and enforcing geographic and altitude 
     limitations;
       ``(B) providing for alerts regarding any hazards or 
     limitations on flight, including prohibitions on flight;
       ``(C) sense and avoid capabilities;
       ``(D) technology to support communications, navigation, and 
     surveillance;
       ``(E) unmanned aircraft system operations beyond visual 
     line of sight, at nighttime, or over people;
       ``(F) operation of multiple unmanned aircraft systems by a 
     single remote pilot;
       ``(G) unmanned aircraft systems traffic management 
     capabilities or services;
       ``(H) counter unmanned aircraft system capabilities;
       ``(I) improving privacy protections through the use of 
     advances in unmanned aircraft systems; and
       ``(J) other critical priority areas for which testing and 
     evaluation is needed.
       ``(6) shall coordinate periodically with all test range 
     sponsors to ensure test range sponsors know which data should 
     be collected, how data can be de-identified to flow more 
     readily to the Administration, what procedures should be 
     followed, and what testing and evaluations would advance 
     efforts to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into 
     the national airspace system; and
       ``(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive Federal 
     funding, other than from the Federal Aviation Administration, 
     including in-kind contributions, from test range participants 
     in the furtherance of testing and evaluation objectives.
       ``(d) Exemption.--Except as provided in subsection (g), the 
     requirements of section 44711, including related implementing 
     regulations, shall not apply to persons approved by the test 
     range sponsor for operation at a designated test range under 
     this section.
       ``(e) Responsibilities of Test Range Sponsor.--The sponsor 
     of each test range under subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) provide access to all interested private and public 
     entities seeking to carry out testing

[[Page H3772]]

     and evaluation activities at the test range designated 
     pursuant to this section, to the greatest extent practicable, 
     consistent with safety and any operating procedures 
     established by the test range sponsor, including access by 
     small business concerns (as that term is described in section 
     3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a));
       ``(2) ensure all activities remain within the geographical 
     boundaries and altitude limitations established for the 
     nonregulatory special use airspace area covering the test 
     range;
       ``(3) ensure no activity is conducted at the designated 
     test range in a careless or reckless manner;
       ``(4) establish safe operating procedures for all operators 
     approved for activities at the test range, including 
     provisions for maintaining operational control and ensuring 
     protection of persons and property on the ground, subject to 
     approval by the Administrator;
       ``(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations conducted 
     at the test range;
       ``(6) consult with the Administrator on the nature of 
     planned activities at the test range and whether temporary 
     segregation through the use of a nonregulatory special use 
     airspace area is required to contain such activities is 
     consistent with aviation safety;
       ``(7) protect proprietary technology, sensitive data, or 
     sensitive research of any civil or private entity when using 
     the test range;
       ``(8) maintain detailed records of all ongoing and 
     completed testing and evaluation activities conducted at the 
     test range and all operators conducting such activities, for 
     inspection by, and reporting to, the Administrator, as 
     required by agreement between the Administrator and the test 
     range sponsor;
       ``(9) make all original records available for inspection 
     upon request by the Administrator; and
       ``(10) provide recommendations to the Administrator to 
     further enable public and private testing and evaluation 
     activities at the test ranges that contribute to the safe 
     integration of unmanned aircraft systems by the 
     Administration into the national airspace system, on a 
     quarterly basis until the program terminates.
       ``(f) Testing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize a 
     sponsor of a test range designated under subsection (a) to 
     host testing and evaluation activities other than those 
     directly related to the integration of unmanned aircraft 
     systems into the national airspace system, provided that the 
     activity is necessary to inform the development of standards 
     or policy for integrating new types of flight systems into 
     the national airspace system.
       ``(2) Waiver.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Administrator may waive the requirements of section 44711, 
     including related regulations, to the extent consistent with 
     aviation safety.
       ``(g) Agreements.--The Administrator may use the 
     transaction authority under section 106(l)(6) to enter into 
     appropriate agreements to direct testing and evaluation 
     activities related to unmanned aircraft systems at any test 
     range designated under subsection (a).
       ``(h) Termination.--The program under this section shall 
     terminate on September 30, 2028.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 44801(10) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``any of the 6 
     test ranges'' and all that follows through ``January 1, 
     2009'' and inserting ``the test ranges established by the 
     Administrator under section 44803''.

     SEC. 603. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC.

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

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

     SEC. 604. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS.

       (a) In General.--Section 44806 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by inserting ``and public safety 
     use of unmanned aircraft systems'' after ``systems'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the subsection heading by inserting ``Safety Use 
     of'' after ``Public''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting ``The'';
       (II) by striking ``permit the use of'' and inserting 
     ``permit'';
       (III) by striking ``public''; and
       (IV) by inserting ``by a public safety organization for 
     such systems'' after ``systems'';

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

``44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of 
              unmanned aircraft systems.''.

     SEC. 605. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

       Section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``or chapter 447'' after ``this chapter'';
       (B) by striking ``the Secretary of Transportation'' and 
     inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration''; and
       (C) by striking ``if certain'' and inserting ``how'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``the Secretary'' and inserting ``the 
     Administrator''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``which types of unmanned aircraft systems, 
     if any, as a result of their size'' and inserting ``how the 
     unmanned aircraft, as a result of such aircraft's size''; and
       (ii) by striking ``do not create'' and inserting ``does not 
     create'';
       (3) in subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--
       ``(1) In general.--For unmanned aircraft systems that the 
     Administrator determines under this section may operate 
     safely in the national airspace system, the Administrator 
     shall establish risk-based requirements, or a process to 
     accept risk-based proposed requirements, for the safe 
     operation of such aircraft systems in the national airspace 
     system, including operation related to testing and evaluation 
     of proprietary systems.
       ``(2) Treatment of mitigation measures.--To the extent that 
     a proposed operation will be conducted exclusively within the 
     airspace of a Mode C Veil during the entirety of the 
     operation, such operation shall be treated as satisfying the 
     requirements of section 91.113(b) of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, so long as the operation employs--
       ``(A) ADS-B In-based detect and avoid capabilities;
       ``(B) air traffic control communication and coordination; 
     and
       ``(C) aeronautical information management systems to notify 
     other aircraft operators of such operations.
       ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     shall be construed to give an unmanned aircraft operating 
     pursuant to this section the right of way over a manned 
     aircraft.'';
       (4) in subsection (d) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2033''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Limitation.--In making determinations under this 
     section, the Administrator may not consider unmanned aircraft 
     systems to the extent that such systems may meet the 
     requirements of established regulations applicable to the 
     proposed operation of a system.
       ``(f) Exemption.--The Administrator may exercise the 
     authorities described in this section without requiring a 
     rulemaking or imposing the requirements of part 11 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations, to the extent consistent 
     with aviation safety.''.

     SEC. 606. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.

       (a) Specified Exception for Limited Recreational Operations 
     of Unmanned Aircraft.--Section 44809 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(6) Except for circumstances when the Administrator 
     establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as otherwise 
     authorized in section (c), in Class G airspace, the aircraft 
     is flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above 
     ground level and complies with all airspace and flight 
     restrictions and prohibitions established under this 
     subtitle, such as special use airspace designations and 
     temporary flight restrictions.'';
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Operations at Fixed Sites.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     process to approve, and publicly disseminate the location of, 
     fixed sites at which a person may carry out recreational 
     unmanned aircraft system operations.
       ``(2) Operating procedures.--
       ``(A) Controlled airspace.--Persons operating unmanned 
     aircraft under paragraph (1) from a fixed site within Class 
     B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral 
     boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated 
     for an airport, or a community-based organization sponsoring 
     operations within such airspace, shall make the location of 
     the fixed site known to the Administrator and shall establish 
     a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the air 
     traffic control facility.
       ``(B) Altitude.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
     community-based organizations sponsoring operations at fixed 
     sites, shall develop a process to approve requests for 
     recreational unmanned aircraft systems operations at fixed 
     sites that exceed the maximum altitude contained in a UAS 
     Facility Map.
       ``(C) Class g airspace.--Subject to compliance with all 
     airspace and flight restrictions and prohibitions established 
     under this subtitle, such as special use airspace 
     designations and

[[Page H3773]]

     temporary flight restrictions, persons operating drones under 
     paragraph (1) from a fixed site at which the operations are 
     sponsored by a community-based organization may operate 
     within Class G airspace--
       ``(i) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior 
     authorization from the Administrator; and
       ``(ii) above 400 feet above ground level, with prior 
     authorization from the Administrator.
       ``(3) Unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater.--A 
     person may operate an unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or 
     greater, including the weight of anything attached to or 
     carried by the aircraft, under paragraph (1) if--
       ``(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards and 
     limitations developed by a community-based organization and 
     approved by the Administrator; and
       ``(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as 
     described in paragraph (1).
       ``(4) FAA-recognized identification areas.--In implementing 
     subpart C of part 89 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, the Administrator shall prioritize the review 
     and adjudication of requests to establish FAA Recognized 
     Identification Areas at fixed sites established under this 
     section.'';
       (3) in subsection (d) by striking the subsection heading 
     and all that follows through ``(3) Savings clause.--'' and 
     inserting ``(d) Savings clause.--'';
       (4) in subsection (d) by striking ``subsection (a) of'';
       (5) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to'';
       (6) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
     manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems, community-based 
     organizations, and other industry stakeholders, shall 
     develop, maintain, and update, as necessary, an aeronautical 
     knowledge and safety test. Such test shall be administered 
     electronically by the Administrator or a person designated by 
     the Administrator.''; and
       (7) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration;''.
       (b) Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Educational 
     Purposes.--Section 350 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
     (49 U.S.C. 44809 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(2) operated by an elementary school or secondary school 
     for educational or research purposes;''; and
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``an elementary school, 
     or a secondary school,'' after ``with respect to the 
     operation of an unmanned aircraft system by an institution of 
     higher education,''; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has 
     the meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7801(19)).
       ``(4) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has 
     the meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7801(45)).''.

     SEC. 607. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION AND 
                   ENFORCEMENT.

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

     SEC. 608. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION.

       Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act 
     of 2016 (Public Law 114-190) is further amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``, including temporarily,'' after 
     ``restrict''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or eligible outdoor gathering'' after 
     ``fixed site facility'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)--
       (A) in clause (iv), by striking ``Other locations that 
     warrant such restrictions'' and inserting ``State 
     correctional facilities''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) Eligible outdoor gatherings.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Eligible Outdoor Gathering Defined.--In this section, 
     the term `eligible outdoor gathering' means an event that--
       ``(1) is primarily outdoors;
       ``(2) has an estimated daily attendance of 20,000 or 
     greater in at least 1 of the preceding 3 years;
       ``(3) has defined and static geographical boundaries; and
       ``(4) is advertised in the public domain.
       ``(f) Deadlines.--
       ``(1) Not later than March 1, 2024, the Administrator shall 
     publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to carry out the 
     requirements of this section.
       ``(2) Not later than 16 months after publishing the notice 
     of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
     shall issue a final rule.''.

     SEC. 609. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT RULEMAKING.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 4 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall issue a notice of proposed 
     rulemaking establishing performance-based airworthiness 
     criteria and risk-based operational regulations for unmanned 
     aircraft systems operated beyond visual line of sight that 
     are intended to operate primarily at or below 400 feet above 
     ground level.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (1) establish a means to accept proposed--
       (A) airworthiness standards for unmanned aircraft;
       (B) standards for associated elements of unmanned aircraft; 
     and
       (C) qualification standards for remote pilots operating 
     unmanned aircraft beyond visual line of sight;
       (2) enable the ability for unmanned aircraft to be operated 
     for agricultural purposes;
       (3) establish a process by which the Administrator may 
     approve or accept third party compliance services in support 
     of the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
     national airspace system; and
       (4) establish protocols, as appropriate, for networked 
     information exchange, including network-based remote 
     identification in support of beyond visual line of sight 
     operations.
       (c) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator may leverage previously gathered data, 
     information, and efforts of the Administration to finalize 
     rulemaking as required under this section.
       (d) Unmanned Aircraft Airworthiness Standards.--In carrying 
     out subsection (b)(1)(A), the Administrator shall--
       (1) define the operational environments for which 
     airworthiness is needed to ensure aviation safety;
       (2) establish an airworthiness category or categories for 
     unmanned aircraft to be eligible for a special airworthiness 
     certificate; and
       (3) establish a process to approve standards, means of 
     compliance, and declarations of compliance.
       (e) Unmanned Aircraft Associated Elements Standards.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (b)(1)(B), the 
     Administrator shall establish a process to accept or approve 
     the associated elements of an unmanned aircraft that, when 
     considered collectively with other associated elements and an 
     unmanned aircraft, meet an acceptable performance-based 
     safety standard.
       (2) Considerations.--In establishing the process under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the ways 
     associated elements of an unmanned aircraft system interact 
     with other associated elements and unmanned aircraft.
       (f) Remote Pilot Qualifications.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (b)(1)(C), the 
     Administrator shall establish qualifications and standards, 
     or a means to accept proposed qualifications and standards, 
     for remote pilots operating unmanned aircraft systems.
       (2) Considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall account for the varying levels of 
     automation of unmanned aircraft systems.
       (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may 
     be construed to allow for the establishment of type-ratings 
     that apply specifically and exclusively to an aircraft 
     manufactured by 1 manufacturer.
       (g) Interim Approvals.--Before the date on which the 
     Administrator issues a final rule under this section, the 
     Administrator shall use the process described in section 
     44807 of title 49, United States Code, to authorize unmanned 
     aircraft system operations conducted beyond visual line of 
     sight.
       (h) Final Rule.--Not later than 16 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final 
     rule establishing the regulations required under this 
     section.
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Associated elements.--The term ``associated elements'' 
     means any component of an unmanned aircraft system, not 
     permanently affixed to the unmanned aircraft, required for 
     the remote pilot to operate such aircraft safely and 
     efficiently in the national airspace system.
       (2) Beyond visual line of sight.--The term ``beyond visual 
     line of sight'' means a distance at which the remote pilot in 
     command of an unmanned aircraft system cannot see the 
     unmanned aircraft with vision unaided by any device other 
     than corrective lenses.
       (3) Unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The terms 
     ``unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have 
     the meaning given such terms in section 44801 of title 49, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 610. UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration may enter into agreements for 
     purposes of--
       (1) testing and refining UTM capabilities and services to 
     inform the development of UTM standards in subsection (b);
       (2) authorizing UTM service providers that meet the 
     requirements described in subsection (b) to provide UTM 
     services to better enable advanced unmanned aircraft systems 
     operations, including--
       (A) beyond visual line of sight operations;
       (B) aircraft-to-aircraft communications; and
       (C) operations in which an individual acts as remote pilot 
     in command of more than 1 unmanned aircraft at the same time; 
     and
       (3) fostering the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
     systems using UTM capabilities and services within the 
     national airspace system.
       (b) Standardization.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall publish requirements or guidance 
     associated with UTM, including--
       (A) the types of operations requiring, or benefitting from, 
     the use of UTM capabilities and services described in 
     subsection (a), including beyond visual line of sight 
     operations;
       (B) areas of operation or categories of airspace requiring, 
     or benefitting from, the use of UTM capabilities and 
     services;

[[Page H3774]]

       (C) performance-based technical standards for UAS 
     operations using UTM capabilities and services; and
       (D) application program interfaces that enable UTM service 
     suppliers to integrate UTM capabilities and services into 
     other systems for use by users of the national airspace 
     system, including unmanned aircraft system operators.
       (2) International harmonization.--In carrying out paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall seek to harmonize, to the extent 
     practicable and advisable, UTM standards with standards 
     produced by recognized industry standards organizations or 
     other peer civil aviation authorities.
       (3) Feedback of concept of operations.--Not later than 90 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall solicit feedback from stakeholders on the 
     most recently published UTM concept of operations of the 
     Administration.
       (4) Finalization of concept of operations.--Not later than 
     1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall publish a final version of the UTM 
     concept of operations of the Administration.
       (c) Stakeholder Partnerships.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall establish a means by which the 
     Administrator can enter into cooperative agreements, 
     contracts, other transaction agreements, and other 
     appropriate mechanisms with appropriate persons, 
     partnerships, and consortia to enable qualified third-parties 
     to design, build, develop, fund, and manage UTM.
       (d) Rules of Construction.--
       (1) Beyond visual line of sight operations.--Nothing in 
     this section shall be construed to prevent or prohibit beyond 
     visual line of sight operations through the use of 
     technologies other than UTM capabilities and services.
       (2) Airspace.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
     to alter the authority under section 40103 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (e) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on progress made by the Administration detailing the 
     implementation and requirements of this section and any 
     applicable timelines to completion.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Appropriate persons.--The term ``appropriate persons'' 
     means a Federal, State, local, Tribal, or territorial 
     governmental entity, or a person.
       (2) UTM.--The term ``UTM'' means the manner in which the 
     Administration will support operations for unmanned aircraft 
     systems operating in low-altitude airspace.

     SEC. 611. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Sensitive Radar Data Feed Pilot Program.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and other heads 
     of relevant Federal agencies, shall establish a pilot program 
     to make airspace data feeds containing classified or 
     controlled unclassified information available to qualified 
     users, in conjunction with subsection (b).
       (b) Authorization.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator and the heads of other relevant Federal 
     agencies and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, 
     shall establish a process to authorize qualified entities to 
     receive airspace data feeds containing classified information 
     related to air traffic within the national airspace system 
     and use such information in an agreed upon manner to--
       (1) provide--
       (A) air traffic management services; and
       (B) unmanned aircraft system traffic management services; 
     or
       (2) to test technologies that may enable or enhance the 
     provision of the services described in paragraph (1).
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after establishing 
     the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually 
     thereafter, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the findings of the 
     Administrator related to the pilot program established under 
     this section.
       (d) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on 
     October 1, 2028.
       (e) Definition of Qualified User.--In this section, the 
     term ``qualified user'' means an entity authorized to receive 
     airspace data feeds containing classified or controlled 
     unclassified information pursuant to subsection (b).

     SEC. 612. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY.

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

     SEC. 613. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF 
                   COMPLIANCE.

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

     SEC. 614. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

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

     SEC. 615. ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK AND RISK ASSESSMENT 
                   METHODOLOGY.

       (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 acceptable levels of 
     risk, and develop a risk assessment methodology associated 
     with such levels of risk, to enable unmanned aircraft system 
     operations conducted--
       (1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations;

[[Page H3775]]

       (2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States 
     Code; or
       (3) pursuant to future regulations promulgated by the 
     Administrator, as appropriate.
       (b) Acceptable Levels of Risk.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall establish acceptable levels of 
     risk for unmanned aircraft system operations in the national 
     airspace system and a method for assessing the operational 
     risk of a proposed operation in accordance with such 
     acceptable level.
       (c) Risk Assessment Methodology.--In carrying out 
     subsections (a) and (b), the Administrator shall develop a 
     risk assessment methodology to allow remote pilots in command 
     operating unmanned aircraft systems pursuant to subsection 
     (a) to determine the risk associated with a specific 
     operation, and mitigate such a risk, as necessary.
       (d) Risk Assessment Methodology Considerations.--In 
     establishing the risk assessment methodology described under 
     this section, the Administrator shall consider--
       (1) the time of day of the operation;
       (2) the population density of the area of operation;
       (3) the class of airspace and such requirements necessary 
     for airspace users to legally operate in each class of 
     airspace;
       (4) the proximity to infrastructure, to the extent that 
     proximity mitigates risk to other operators of the national 
     airspace system;
       (5) the nature of the detect and avoid mitigation measures 
     of an unmanned aircraft system; and
       (6) the attributes and characteristics of the unmanned 
     aircraft of the unmanned aircraft system, including the--
       (A) size;
       (B) visibility;
       (C) maximum takeoff weight;
       (D) maximum indicated airspeed; and
       (E) payload.
       (e) Publication.--The Administrator shall make the risk 
     assessment methodology established under this section 
     available to the public on an appropriate website of the 
     Administration.
       (f) Definitions of Unmanned Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft 
     System.--In this section, the terms ``unmanned aircraft'' and 
     ``unmanned aircraft system'' have the meanings given such 
     terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 616. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.

       (a) Guidance Updates.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall publish unmanned 
     aircraft system-specific guidance and implementation 
     procedures. Such guidance and implementation procedures 
     shall--
       (1) provide guidance to streamline environmental 
     assessments at a programmatic level, as the Administrator 
     considers appropriate, for an unmanned aircraft system 
     operator's network of operations within a defined 
     geographical region, including within and over approved 
     commercial or industrial sites closed or restricted to the 
     public;
       (2) provide guidance for nationwide programmatic approaches 
     for large scale distributed unmanned aircraft system 
     operations whereby a Programmatic Environmental Assessment or 
     Environmental Impact Statement can be leveraged for 
     subsequent related actions to ensure efficient environmental 
     review;
       (3) consider additional Categorical Exclusions based on 
     previously prepared and finalized Environmental Assessments 
     or in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality;
       (4) prioritize proposed projects or activities that may--
       (A) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emission 
     activities;
       (B) offset or limit the release of environmental pollutants 
     to soil or water; or
       (C) demonstrate other factors to the benefit of the 
     environment as determined by the Administrator;
       (5) contain intra-agency process improvements to avoid 
     providing conflicting safety and environmental feedback to 
     operators;
       (6) contain standards and criteria for engaging specialized 
     third parties to support the Administration's preparation and 
     review of documentation relating to the requirements of the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.) to ensure streamlined timelines for complex reviews; 
     and
       (7) any other modifications the Administrator considers 
     necessary within the stated environmental objectives of the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.) and the Federal priority to maintain global leadership 
     in aviation innovation.
       (b) Briefing.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the plan of the 
     Administration to implement subsection (b), including each of 
     the considerations specified in the subsection, and an 
     explanation for any consideration the Administrator does not 
     intend to implement.
       (c) Concurrent Reviews.--If the Administrator determines 
     that the review of an unmanned aircraft system's design, 
     construction, maintenance and operational sustainability, 
     airworthiness approval, or operational approval requires 
     environmental assessment, including requirements under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.), the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, conduct such reviews and analyses concurrent 
     with one another.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed as prohibiting, restricting or otherwise limiting 
     the authority of the Secretary of Transportation or the 
     Administrator from implementing or complying with the 
     requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any related requirements to 
     ensure the protection of the environment and aviation safety.
       (e) Associated UAS Certification Standards.--
       (1) Option to suspend noise certification requirement 
     pending standards development.--Notwithstanding the 
     requirements of section 44715 of title 49, United States 
     Code, the Administrator may waive the determination of 
     compliance with part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, for an applicant seeking an unmanned aircraft 
     system type and airworthiness certification, provided the 
     Administrator has developed appropriate noise measurement 
     procedures for such systems and the Administrator has 
     received the noise measurements results based on such 
     procedures from the applicant.
       (2) Development of criteria.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     develop and establish substantive criteria and standards 
     metrics used by the Administrator to determine whether to 
     approve or disapprove the airworthiness of an unmanned 
     aircraft pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (3) Substantive criteria and standards metrics.--In 
     establishing the substantive criteria and standards metrics 
     as required under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall 
     include such criteria and metrics related to the 
     airworthiness of unmanned aircraft for the following:
       (A) Noise impacts.
       (B) Visual impacts.
       (4) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish in the 
     Federal Register and post on a website of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration the criteria and metrics established 
     pursuant to paragraph (2).
       (f) Definition of Unmanned Aircraft System.--In this 
     section, the term ``unmanned aircraft system'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 617. CARRIAGE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

       (a) Near-term Approvals.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall coordinate with the 
     Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
     Administration to revise processes in effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act for the carriage of hazardous materials 
     by unmanned aircraft systems to provide that--
       (1) special conditions, waivers, or other requirements 
     necessary to enable the carriage of hazardous materials shall 
     be incorporated into the existing regulatory and operator 
     certification processes of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration for unmanned aircraft operations in which the 
     aircraft--
       (A) weighs less than 100 pounds; and
       (B) is capable of carrying less than 10 pounds gross weight 
     of limited quantity cargo; and
       (2) the existing special permitting process or other 
     existing processes carried out by the Administrator of the 
     Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall 
     be initiated as early as practicable, and in conjunction with 
     the existing regulatory and operator certification processes 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration, for unmanned aircraft 
     operations in which the unmanned aircraft--
       (A) weighs 100 pounds or more; or
       (B) is capable of carrying 10 pounds or more gross weight 
     of limited quantity cargo.
       (b) Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     revise requirements, guidance, standards, or other policy 
     materials governing the carriage of hazardous materials to 
     allow for the carriage of a de minimis amount of hazardous 
     materials by an unmanned aircraft.
       (2) Considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall consider--
       (A) whether a hazardous material is a consumer commodity;
       (B) requirements for common carriage and private carriage;
       (C) whether the transportation of a de minimis volume, 
     weight, or amount of a hazardous material would pose an 
     unreasonable risk to health and safety or property;
       (D) whether the volume, weight, or amount of a hazardous 
     material is large enough to permit the transportation of a 
     commercially meaningful volume, weight, or amount; and
       (E) the altitude at which unmanned aircraft operations are 
     conducted.
       (3) Implementation.--
       (A) Petition.--The Secretary shall establish a process for 
     a person to petition to establish or revise a de minimis 
     amount or a hazardous material.
       (B) Periodic updates.--The Secretary shall--
       (i) periodically review, as necessary, de minimis amounts 
     of hazardous materials established under paragraph (1);
       (ii) determine whether such amounts of Hazardous materials 
     should be revised, based on operational and safety data or 
     other factors; and
       (iii) assess whether to establish a de minimis amount for a 
     hazardous material for which a de minimis volume, weight, or 
     amount has previously not been established.
       (c) Saving Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to--
       (1) limit the authority of the Secretary, the Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration, or the Administrator 
     of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 
     from implementing requirements under existing authorities to 
     ensure the safe carriage of hazardous materials by aircraft; 
     and
       (2) confer upon the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration the authorities of

[[Page H3776]]

     the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 
     Safety Administration, as described in part 175 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, and chapter 51 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (d) Exemption.--The authorities of the Administrator 
     related to the transportation, packaging, marking, or 
     description of hazardous materials in section 106(g)(1) of 
     title 49, United States Code, shall not apply to the extent 
     necessary to enact the requirements of this section.
       (e) Definitions.--In the section:
       (1) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' has the meaning given the term in section 44801 of 
     title 49, United States Code.
       (2) Consumer commodity.--The term ``consumer commodity'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 171.8 of title 49, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 618. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE RESPONSE.

       (a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Wildfire Response.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, in coordination with the United 
     States Forest Service and any other Federal entity or 
     contracted operator the Administrator considers appropriate, 
     shall develop a plan on the use of unmanned aircraft systems 
     by public entities in wildfire response efforts, including 
     wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression.
       (2) Plan contents.--The plan under subsection (a) shall 
     provide recommendations to--
       (A) identify and designate areas of public land with high 
     potential for wildfires in which public entities may conduct 
     unmanned aircraft system beyond visual line of sight 
     operations as part of wildfire response efforts, including 
     wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression;
       (B) develop a process to facilitate the safe and efficient 
     operation of unmanned aircraft systems beyond the visual line 
     of sight in wildfire response efforts in areas designated 
     under paragraph (A), including the waiver process under 
     section 91.113 or section 107.31 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, for public entities that use unmanned aircraft 
     systems for aerial wildfire detection, mitigation, and 
     suppression; and
       (C) improve coordination between the relevant Federal 
     agencies and public entities on the use of unmanned aircraft 
     systems in wildfire response efforts.
       (3) Plan submission.--Upon completion of the plan under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall submit such plan to, and provide a 
     briefing for, the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senates.
       (4) Publication.--Upon submission of the plan under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall publish such plan on a publicly 
     available website of the Administration.
       (b) Applicability.--This section shall only apply to 
     unmanned aircraft systems that are--
       (1) operated by, or on behalf of, a public entity;
       (2) operated in airspace covered by a wildfire-related 
     temporary flight restriction under section 91.137 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (3) under the operational control of, or otherwise are 
     being operationally coordinated by, an authorized aviation 
     coordinator responsible for coordinating disaster relief 
     aircraft within the airspace covered by such temporary flight 
     restriction.
       (c) Interagency Coordination.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall seek to enter into the necessary agreements to provide 
     a liaison of the Administration to the National Interagency 
     Fire Center to facilitate the use of manned and unmanned 
     aircraft in wildfire response efforts, including wildfire 
     detection, mitigation, and suppression.
       (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed 
     to confer upon the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration the authorities of the Administration of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency on wildfire response 
     under section 611 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
     and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5196).
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Public entity.--The term ``public entity'' means--
       (A) a Federal agency;
       (B) a State government;
       (C) a local government;
       (D) a Tribal government; and
       (E) a territorial government.
       (2) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 205 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 
     670k).
       (3) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of 
     title 49, United States Code.
       (4) Wildfire.--The term ``wildfire'' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1856m).

     SEC. 619. PILOT PROGRAM FOR UAS INSPECTIONS OF FAA 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish and initiate a pilot program to supplement 
     appropriate inspection and oversight activities of the 
     department with unmanned aircraft systems for the purposes of 
     increasing employee safety, enhancing data collection, 
     increasing the accuracy of inspections, reducing costs, and 
     other purposes the Secretary considers to be in the broader 
     interests of good government.
       (b) Ground-based Aviation Infrastructure.--Under the 
     program required in subsection (a), the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall evaluate the use of 
     unmanned aircraft systems to inspect ground-based aviation 
     infrastructure that may require visual inspection in hard-to-
     reach areas, including--
       (1) navigational aids;
       (2) air traffic control towers;
       (3) radar facilities;
       (4) communication facilities; and
       (5) other air traffic control facilities.
       (c) Coordination.--In carrying out the pilot program 
     established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult 
     with the labor union certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
     United States Code, to represent personnel responsible for 
     the inspection of the ground-based aviation infrastructure 
     described in subsection (b).
       (d) Covered Foreign Unmanned Aircraft System.--The 
     Secretary may not carry out an inspection under this section 
     using an unmanned aircraft system manufactured by--
       (1) an entity included on the Consolidated Screening list 
     or Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
       (2) an entity domiciled in the People's Republic of China 
     or the Russian Federation; or
       (3) an entity, or a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity, 
     that is subject to influence or control by--
       (A) the Government of the People's Republic of China;
       (B) the Chinese Communist Party; or
       (C) the Russian Federation.
       (e) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the 
     termination of the pilot program under this section, the 
     Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Transportation 
     and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a briefing on the status and results of the pilot 
     program established under subsection (a), including--
       (1) cost saving;
       (2) a description of how unmanned aircraft systems were 
     used to supplement existing inspection, data collection, or 
     oversight activities of Department employees, including the 
     number of operations and types of activities performed;
       (3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, associated 
     with the use of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement 
     conventional inspection, data collection, or oversight 
     activities;
       (4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems maintained by 
     the Department of Transportation for the program, or an 
     overview of the services used as part of the pilot program; 
     and
       (5) recommendations for improving the use or efficacy of 
     unmanned aircraft systems to supplement the Department's 
     conventional inspection, data collection, or oversight 
     activities.
       (f) Sunset and Incorporation Into Standard Practice.--
       (1) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection 
     (a) and the reporting requirement under subsection (f) shall 
     terminate on the date that is 50 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (2) Incorporation into standard practice.--Upon termination 
     of the pilot program, the Secretary shall assess the results 
     of the pilot program under this section and determine whether 
     to permanently incorporate the use of unmanned aircraft 
     systems into the regular inspection, data collection, and 
     oversight activities of the Department.
       (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 3 months after the 
     termination of the pilot program under paragraph (1), 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 final results of the pilot program and 
     the actions taken by the Administrator pursuant to paragraph 
     (2).

     SEC. 620. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

       (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a drone infrastructure inspection grant program to 
     make grants to governmental entities to facilitate the use of 
     eligible small unmanned aircraft systems to support more 
     efficient inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, 
     modernization, and repair of an element of critical 
     infrastructure to improve worker safety related to critical 
     infrastructure projects.
       (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--A governmental entity may use a 
     grant provided under this section to--
       (1) purchase or lease eligible small unmanned aircraft 
     systems;
       (2) support operational capabilities of eligible small 
     unmanned aircraft systems by the governmental entity;
       (3) contract for services performed using an eligible small 
     unmanned aircraft system in circumstances in which the 
     governmental entity does not have the resources or expertise 
     to safely carry out or assist in carrying out the activities 
     described under subsection (a); and
       (4) support the program management capability of the 
     governmental entity to use an eligible small unmanned 
     aircraft system.
       (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, a governmental entity shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including an assurance that the governmental entity or any 
     contractor of the governmental entity, will comply with 
     relevant Federal regulations.
       (d) Selection of Applicants.--In awarding a grant under 
     this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applications 
     that propose to--
       (1) carry out a critical infrastructure project in a 
     variety of communities, including urban, suburban, rural, 
     tribal, or any other type of community; and

[[Page H3777]]

       (2) address a safety risk in the inspection, operation, 
     construction, maintenance, or repair of an element of 
     critical infrastructure.
       (e) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
     as to interfere with an agreement between a governmental 
     entity and a labor union, including requirements under 
     section 5333(b) of title 49, United States Code.
       (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     first grant is provided under this section, 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 that evaluates the program carried out under 
     this section, including--
       (1) a description of the number of grants awarded;
       (2) the amount of each grant;
       (3) the activities funded under this section; and
       (4) the effectiveness of such funded activities in meeting 
     the objectives described in subsection (a).
       (g) Funding.--
       (1) Federal share.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using 
     a grant under this section shall not exceed 50 percent of the 
     total project cost.
       (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal share 
     requirement under subparagraph (A) to up to 75 percent for a 
     project carried out using a grant under this section by a 
     governmental entity if such entity--
       (i) submits a written application to the Secretary 
     requesting an increase in the Federal share; and
       (ii) demonstrates that the additional assistance is 
     necessary to facilitate the acceptance and full use of a 
     grant under this section, such as alleviating economic 
     hardship, meeting additional workforce needs, or such other 
     uses that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 
     49, United States Code, the Secretary shall make available to 
     carry out this section--
       (A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
       (B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       (C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       (D) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       (E) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
       (h) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign 
     entity'' means an entity--
       (A) included on the Consolidated Screening List or Entity 
     List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
       (B) domiciled in the People's Republic of China or the 
     Russian Federation;
       (C) subject to influence or control by the government of 
     the People's Republic of China or by the Russian Federation; 
     or
       (D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C).
       (2) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical 
     infrastructure'' has the meaning given such term in 
     subsection (e) of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act 
     of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
       (3) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element 
     of critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure 
     facility or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads, 
     highways, dams, electric grid, water infrastructure, 
     communication systems, pipelines, or other related facilities 
     or assets, as determined by the Secretary.
       (4) Eligible small unmanned aircraft system.--The term 
     ``eligible small unmanned aircraft system'' means a small 
     unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a 
     company that is domiciled in the United States and is not a 
     covered foreign entity.
       (5) Eligible small unmanned aircraft system technology.--
     The term ``eligible small unmanned aircraft system 
     technology'' means--
       (A) an eligible small unmanned aircraft system; or
       (B) a major component of such a system that is not 
     manufactured by or procured from a covered foreign entity.
       (6) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental entity'' 
     means--
       (A) a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, or a political 
     subdivision thereof;
       (B) a unit of local government;
       (C) a Tribal Government;
       (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
       (E) a consortia of more than 1 of the entities described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (D).
       (7) Project.--The term ``project'' means a project for the 
     inspection, operation, maintenance, repair, modernization, or 
     construction of an element of critical infrastructure, 
     including mitigating environmental hazards to such 
     infrastructure.
       (8) Small unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The 
     terms ``small unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' have the meanings given such terms in section 44801 
     of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 621. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANT 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish a drone education and training grant program to 
     make grants to educational institutions for workforce 
     training for eligible small unmanned aircraft system 
     technology.
       (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under this 
     section shall be used in furtherance of activities authorized 
     under sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
       (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an educational institution shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of amounts 
     authorized to be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 
     49, United States Code, the Secretary shall make available to 
     carry out this section--
       (1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
       (2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       (3) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       (4) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       (5) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
       (e) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign 
     entity'' means an entity--
       (A) included on the Consolidated Screening List or Entity 
     List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
       (B) domiciled in the People's Republic of China or the 
     Russian Federation;
       (C) subject to influence or control by the government of 
     the People's Republic of China or by the Russian Federation; 
     or
       (D) is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity described in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C).
       (2) Educational institution.--The term ``educational 
     institution'' means an institution of higher education (as 
     defined in section 101 of the High Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized under 
     sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
     (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
       (3) Eligible small unmanned aircraft system.--The term 
     ``eligible small unmanned aircraft system'' means a small 
     unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by a 
     company that is domiciled in the United States and is not a 
     covered foreign entity.
       (4) Small unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft system.--The 
     terms ``small unmanned aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' have the meanings given such terms in section 44801 
     of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 622. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a study of the effectiveness of the 
     Collegiate Training Initiative Program for Unmanned Aircraft 
     Systems, established pursuant to section 632 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
       (b) Report.--Upon completion of the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report describing--
       (1) the findings of the study; and
       (2) any recommendations to improve and expand the 
     Collegiate Training Initiative Program for Unmanned Aircraft 
     Systems.

     SEC. 623. UAS INTEGRATION OFFICE.

       The Executive Director of the UAS Integration Office of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall--
       (1) support, and provide substantive recommendations for, 
     rulemaking proceedings, in coordination with other relevant 
     services and offices and the Assistant Administrator of 
     Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement, regarding the 
     integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
     airspace system;
       (2) support, and make substantive recommendations to 
     inform, the review and adjudication of submissions under the 
     processes established under section 44807 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by section 605;
       (3) support, and make substantive recommendations to 
     inform, the development, modification, and acceptance or 
     approval of relevant consensus standards, means of 
     compliance, and declarations of compliance related to 
     unmanned aircraft systems;
       (4) ensure the timely consideration of airworthiness and 
     operational determinations related to unmanned aircraft 
     systems by relevant offices of the Administration;
       (5) consult, advise, coordinate with, and make substantive 
     recommendations to relevant lines of business and staff 
     offices of the Administration to support the activities of 
     the Administration and efficiently carry out the duties 
     described in this section;
       (6) hire full-time equivalent employees, as necessary, to 
     build expertise within the UAS Integration Office to assess 
     unmanned aviation technologies and related operational risk 
     mitigation; and
       (7) engage in any other activities determined necessary by 
     the Executive Director or the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, to fulfill the duties described in 
     this section.

     SEC. 624. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

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

     SEC. 625. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     termination of the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee 
     pursuant to section 624, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish an Unmanned and 
     Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Advisory Committee'').
       (b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide the 
     Administrator advice on policy- and technical-level issues 
     related to unmanned and autonomous aviation operations and 
     activities, including, at a minimum, the following:
       (1) The safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and 
     autonomous flight operations into the national airspace 
     system, including feedback on--
       (A) the certification and operational standards of highly 
     automated aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and associated 
     elements of such aircraft;

[[Page H3778]]

       (B) coordination of procedures for operations in controlled 
     airspace; and
       (C) communication protocols.
       (2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, including 
     evaluating and assessing the potential benefits of using 
     unmanned aircraft systems.
       (3) The development of processes and methodologies to 
     address safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned 
     aircraft systems, including risk assessments and mitigation 
     strategies.
       (4) Unmanned aircraft system training, education, and 
     workforce development programs, including evaluating 
     aeronautical knowledge gaps in the unmanned aircraft system 
     workforce, assessing the workforce needs of unmanned aircraft 
     system operations, and establishing a strong pipeline to 
     ensure a robust unmanned aircraft system workforce.
       (5) The analysis of unmanned aircraft system data and 
     trends.
       (6) Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, including the 
     use of existing aviation infrastructure and the development 
     of necessary infrastructure.
       (c) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed 
     of not more than 12 members.
       (2) Representatives.--The Advisory Committee shall include 
     at least 1 representative of each of the following:
       (A) Small unmanned aircraft system commercial operators.
       (B) Small unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.
       (C) Manufacturers of unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds 
     or more pursuing or holding a certificate for design or 
     production of such unmanned aircraft.
       (D) Counter-unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.
       (E) Federal Aviation Administration approved unmanned 
     aircraft system service suppliers.
       (F) Unmanned aircraft system test sites under section 44803 
     of title 49, United States Code.
       (G) An unmanned aircraft system physical infrastructure 
     network provider.
       (H) Community advocates.
       (I) Certified labor organizations representing commercial 
     airline pilots, air traffic control specialists employed by 
     the Administration, certified aircraft maintenance 
     technicians, certified aircraft dispatchers, and aviation 
     safety inspectors.
       (d) Reporting.--
       (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall submit to the 
     Secretary an annual report of the activities, findings, and 
     recommendations of the Committee.
       (2) Congressional reporting.--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 the reports 
     required under paragraph (1).
       (e) Definition of Unmanned Aircraft.--In this section, the 
     term ``unmanned aircraft'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 626. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION.

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

     SEC. 627. TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION INTEGRITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 40103(b) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5)(A) In issuing a temporary flight restriction, the 
     Administrator shall--
       ``(i) ensure there is a specific and articulable safety or 
     security basis for the size, scope, and duration of such 
     restriction;
       ``(ii) immediately distribute a notice of the temporary 
     flight restriction via the Notice to Air Missions system; and
       ``(iii) detail in the notice required under clause (ii)--
       ``(I) the safety basis for the restriction; and
       ``(II) how a covered person may lawfully and expeditiously 
     operate an aircraft within the restriction.
       ``(B) In this paragraph, the term `covered person' means--
       ``(i) a public safety agency;
       ``(ii) a first responder;
       ``(iii) an accredited news representative; or
       ``(iv) any other person as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.''.

     SEC. 628. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) the purpose of the joint Department of Defense-Federal 
     Aviation Administration executive committee (referred to in 
     this subsection as ``Executive Committee'') on conflict and 
     dispute resolution as described in Section 1036(b) of the 
     Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
     Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417) is to resolve disputes on the 
     matters of policy and procedures between the Department of 
     Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration relating to 
     airspace, aircraft certifications, aircrew training, and 
     other issues, including the access of unmanned aerial systems 
     of the Department of Defense to the national airspace system;
       (2) by mutual agreement of Executive Committee leadership, 
     operating with the best of intentions, the current scope of 
     activities and membership of the Executive Committee has 
     exceeded the original intent of, and tasking to, the 
     Executive Committee; and
       (3) the expansion described in paragraph (2) has resulted 
     in an imbalance in the oversight of certain Federal entities 
     in matters concerning civil aviation safety and security.
       (b) In General.--
       (1) Charter revision.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall seek to revise the 
     charter of the Executive Committee to reflect the scope, 
     objectives, membership, and activities described in such 
     section 1036(b) in order to achieve the increasing, and 
     ultimately routine, access of unmanned aircraft systems (as 
     defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code) 
     into the national airspace system.
       (2) Sunset.--Not earlier than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to sunset 
     Executive Committee activities by joint agreement of the 
     Administrator and the Secretary of Defense.

     SEC. 629. REVIEW OF REGULATIONS TO ENABLE UNESCORTED UAS 
                   OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of Defense, conduct a review of requirements 
     necessary to permit an unmanned aircraft systems (excluding 
     small unmanned aircraft systems) operated by a Federal agency 
     or an armed service to be operated in the national airspace 
     system, including outside of restricted airspace, without 
     being escorted by a manned aircraft.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the 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, including findings and recommendations on 
     regulatory and statutory changes that can be made to enable 
     the operations described under subsection (a).
       (c) Definitions.--The definitions under section 44801 of 
     title 49, United States Code, shall apply to this section.

     SEC. 630. UAS OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS.

       (a) In General.--An unmanned aircraft system operation that 
     begins and ends within the United States or the territorial 
     waters of the United States, shall not be considered 
     international flight regardless of whether the unmanned 
     aircraft system enters international airspace.
       (b) Definition of Unmanned Aircraft System.--In this 
     section, the term ``unmanned aircraft system'' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 631. BEYOND BEYOND.

       (a) FAA BEYOND Program Extension.--The Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall extend the BEYOND 
     program of the Administration as in effect on the day before 
     the date of enactment of this Act (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Program'') and the existing agreements with 
     State, local, and Tribal governments entered into under the 
     Program until such date, as specified in subsection (b).
       (b) FAA BEYOND Program Expansion.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall expand the 
     Program to additional locations and test the use of new and 
     emerging aviation concepts and technologies, including 
     concepts and technologies unrelated to unmanned aircraft 
     systems, to evaluate and inform Administration policies, 
     rulemaking, and guidance related to the safe integration of 
     such concepts and technologies into the national airspace 
     system.
       (2) Scope.--In expanding the Program under this subsection, 
     the Administrator shall address additional factors, 
     including--
       (A) increasing automation in civil aircraft, including 
     unmanned aircraft systems and new or emerging aviation 
     technologies;
       (B) operations of such systems and technologies, including 
     beyond visual line of sight; and
       (C) the social and economic impacts of such operations.
       (3) Continuation.--The Administrator shall carry out the 
     expanded Program required under this subsection until such 
     time that the Administrator determines the Program is no 
     longer necessary or useful.

     SEC. 632. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall implement the recommendations made by--
       (1) the Comptroller General of the United States to the 
     Secretary of Transportation contained in the report titled 
     ``Drones: FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating 
     Drones into the National Airspace System'' issued in January 
     2023 (GAO-23-105189); and
       (2) the inspector general of the Department of 
     Transportation to the Administrator contained in the audit 
     report titled ``FAA Made Progress Through Its UAS Integration 
     Pilot Program, but FAA and Industry Challenges Remain To 
     Achieve Full UAS Integration'' issued in April 2022 (Project 
     ID: AV2022027).
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide a 
     briefing to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on

[[Page H3779]]

     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate annually 
     on the status of the activities described in subsection (a).

     SEC. 633. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR KNOW BEFORE YOU 
                   FLY CAMPAIGN.

       There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator 
     $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, out of 
     funds made available under section 106(k) of title 49, United 
     States Code, for the Know Before You Fly educational campaign 
     or similar public informational efforts intended to broaden 
     unmanned aircraft systems safety awareness.

     SEC. 634. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION.

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

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

     SEC. 651. DEFINITION.

       In this subtitle, the term ``powered-lift aircraft'' has 
     the meaning given the term ``powered-lift'' in section 1.1 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 652. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT RULEMAKINGS.

       (a) Final Rulemaking.--Not later than 13 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall publish a final rule 
     for a special Federal aviation regulation establishing 
     procedures for certifying powered-lift pilots and providing 
     operational rules for powered-lift aircraft.
       (b) Future Rulemaking.--Not later than 5 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     initiate a rulemaking activity providing for a permanent 
     pathway for the--
       (1) performance-based certification of powered-lift 
     aircraft;
       (2) certification of powered-lift airmen; and
       (3) operation of powered-lift aircraft in commercial 
     service and air transportation.
       (c) Rulemaking Considerations.--
       (1) Contents of rulemakings.--In the development of the 
     rulemakings required under subsections (a) and (b), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) provide for any aircraft type certificated by the 
     Administrator--
       (i) a practical pathway for pilot qualification and 
     operations; and
       (ii) performance-based requirements for energy reserves and 
     other range- and endurance-related requirements that reflect 
     the capabilities and intended operations of the aircraft;
       (B) provide for a combination of pilot training 
     requirements, including simulators, to ensure the safe 
     operation of powered-lift aircraft;
       (C) grant an individual with an existing commercial 
     airplane (single- or multi-engine) or helicopter pilot 
     certificate the authority to serve as pilot-in-command of a 
     powered-lift aircraft in commercial operation following the 
     completion of a Federal Aviation Administration-approved 
     pilot type rating for such type of aircraft;
       (D) to the maximum extent practicable, align powered-lift 
     pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 of the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 1; and
       (E) consider the adoption of the recommendations contained 
     in document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization for powered-lift operations, as appropriate.
       (2) Considerations for future rulemakings.--In the 
     development of the rulemakings required under subsection (b), 
     the Administrator shall--
       (A) consider and plan for unmanned and remotely piloted 
     powered-lift aircraft systems, and the associated elements of 
     such aircraft, through the promulgation of performance-based 
     regulations;
       (B) consider and plan for alternative fuel types and 
     propulsion methods, including reviewing the performance-based 
     nature of parts 33 and 35 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (C) work to harmonize the certification and operational 
     requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration with the 
     certification and operational requirements of civil aviation 
     authorities with bilateral safety agreements in place with 
     the United States, to the extent harmonization does not 
     negatively impact domestic manufacturers and operators.
       (d) Interim Application of Rules and Privileges in Lieu of 
     Rulemaking.--Beginning 21 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, if a final rule has not been published pursuant 
     to subsection (a)--
       (1) rules in effect on such date that apply to the 
     operation and the operator of rotorcraft or fixed-wing 
     aircraft under subchapters F, G, H, and I of chapter 1 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall be--
       (A) deemed to apply to--
       (i) the operation of a powered-lift aircraft in the 
     national airspace system; and
       (ii) the operator of such a powered-lift aircraft; and
       (B) applicable as determined by the operator of an 
     airworthy powered-lift aircraft in consultation with the 
     Administrator and consistent with sections 91.3 and 91.13 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (2) upon the completion of a type rating for a specific 
     powered-lift aircraft, airmen that hold a pilot or instructor 
     certification with airplane category ratings in any class or 
     rotorcraft category ratings in the helicopter class shall be 
     deemed to have privileges of a powered-lift rating for that 
     aircraft.
       (e) Termination of Interim Rules and Privileges.--
     Subsection (d) shall cease to have effect 1 month after the 
     effective date of a final rule issued pursuant to subsection 
     (a).

     SEC. 653. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT ENTRY INTO SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall, in consultation with exclusive 
     bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers 
     certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, 
     take such actions as may be necessary to safely integrate 
     powered-lift aircraft into the national airspace system, 
     including in controlled airspace, and learn from any efforts 
     to adopt and update related policy and guidance.
       (b) Air Traffic Policies for Entry Into Service.--Not later 
     than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall update air traffic orders and policies, 
     to the extent necessary, and address air traffic control 
     system challenges in order to allow for--
       (1) the use of existing air traffic procedures, where safe, 
     by powered-lift aircraft; and
       (2) the approval of letters of agreement between air 
     traffic control system facilities and powered-lift operators 
     and infrastructure operators to minimize the amount of active 
     coordination required for safe recurring powered-lift 
     aircraft operations.
       (c) Long-term Air Traffic Policies.--Based on the 
     implementation of subsection (b), the Administrator shall--
       (1) continue to update air traffic orders and policies;
       (2) to the extent necessary, develop powered-lift specific 
     procedures for airports, heliports, and vertiports;
       (3) evaluate the human factors impacts on controllers 
     associated with managing powered-lift aircraft operations, 
     consider the impact of additional operations on air traffic 
     controller staffing, and make necessary changes to staffing, 
     procedures, regulations, and orders; and
       (4) consider the use of third-party service providers to 
     manage increased operations in controlled airspace to support 
     and supplement the work of air traffic controllers.

     SEC. 654. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PREPARATION FOR ENTRY INTO 
                   SERVICE OF POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration should work with 
     manufacturers, prospective operators of powered-lift 
     aircraft, and other stakeholders, to enable the safe entry of 
     such aircraft into commercial service following the 
     publication of the final special Federal Aviation 
     Administration rulemaking titled ``Integration of Powered-
     Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous 
     Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', including 
     by reviewing and providing feedback to such manufacturers and 
     operators on draft pilot training, operations, and 
     maintenance manuals after the publication of the draft 
     special Federal Aviation Administration rulemaking and prior 
     to the publication of a final rule, as appropriate.

     SEC. 655. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING VERTICAL FLIGHT.

       (a) Updates to Regulations for Consistency.--The 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     update part 1 and part 157 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and other regulations as necessary to implement 
     the amendments made by section 401.
       (b) Update to Heliport Design Standards.--The Administrator 
     shall update the version of Advisory Circular 150/5390-2, 
     titled ``Heliport Design'' in effect on the date of enactment 
     of this Act, to--
       (1) increase the inclusion of performance-based guidance, 
     including around aircraft fuel type and propulsion method;
       (2) update guidance to consider risk mitigations and 
     hazards associated with different aircraft fuel types and 
     propulsion methods;
       (3) affirm the general permissibility of any vertical 
     takeoff and landing capable aircraft to use heliports that 
     can safely accommodate the physical and operating 
     characteristics of such aircraft; and
       (4) include vertiport as a subclass of heliport.
       (c) Engineering Brief on Vertiport Design.--The 
     Administrator may update the version of Engineering Brief 
     105, titled ``Vertiport Design'' in effect on the date of 
     enactment of this Act, prior to issuing an update to Advisory 
     Circular 150/5390-2, as required under subsection (b).
       (d) Engineering Brief Sunset.--The Administrator shall 
     revoke Engineering Brief 105, titled ``Vertiport Design'', on 
     the earlier of--
       (1) the date on which Advisory Circular 150/5390-2 is 
     updated under subsection (b); or
       (2) 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (e) Guidance, Forms, and Planning.--The Administrator 
     shall--
       (1) ensure airport district offices of the Administration 
     have sufficient guidance and policy direction regarding the 
     Administration's heliport and vertiport design guidance not 
     later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act 
     and update such guidance routinely;
       (2) determine if updates to Administration Form 7460 and 
     Form 7480 are necessary and take such actions, as 
     appropriate; and
       (3) ensure that the methodology and underlying data sources 
     of the Administration's Terminal Area Forecast include 
     commercial operations conducted by aircraft regardless of 
     propulsion type or fuel type.

     SEC. 656. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall increase efforts to update and keep 
     current the Airport Master Record of the Administration, 
     including by establishing a streamlined process by which the 
     owners and operators of public and private

[[Page H3780]]

     aviation facilities with nontemporary, nonintermittent 
     operations are encouraged to keep the information on such 
     facilities current.
       (b) Briefing.--The Administrator shall brief the Committee 
     on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate on the plans of the 
     Administrator to update and keep current the Airport Master 
     Record for private and public airports, heliports, and 
     vertiports.

     SEC. 657. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP.

       Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
     Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b) by striking ``, particularly 
     passenger-carrying aircraft,'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subparagraph (D) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(D) operators of airports, heliports, and vertiports, and 
     fixed-base operators;'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``1 
     year'' and inserting ``18 months'';
       (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or that may impede 
     maturation'' after ``AAM industry'';
       (C) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) processes and programs that can be leveraged to 
     improve the efficiency of Federal reviews required for 
     infrastructure development, including for electrical capacity 
     projects.'';
       (4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``necessary to support 
     the evolution of early'' and inserting the following: ``that 
     would allow for--
       ``(A) the timely entry into service of AAM after aircraft 
     and operator certification; and
       ``(B) the evolution of early'';
       (5) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
     ``working group'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Transportation'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) summarizing any dissenting views and opinions of a 
     participant of the working group described in subsection 
     (c)(3); and'';
       (6) in subsection (i)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``that transports people 
     and property by air between two points in the United States 
     using aircraft with advanced technologies, including electric 
     aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing 
     aircraft,'' and inserting ``comprised of urban air mobility 
     and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned 
     aircraft'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7);
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (9);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term `powered-lift 
     aircraft' has the meaning given the term `powered-lift' in 
     section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(6) Regional air mobility.--The term `regional air 
     mobility' means the movement of people or property by air 
     between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
       ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
     propulsion, vertical take-off and landing, powered-lift, non-
     traditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;
       ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
     pounds; and
       ``(C) is not urban air mobility.'';
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(8) Urban air mobility.--The term `urban air mobility' 
     means the movement of people or property by air between 2 
     intracity or intercity points using an airworthy aircraft 
     that--
       ``(A) advanced technologies, such as distributed 
     propulsion, vertical take-off and landing, powered-lift, 
     nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and
       ``(B) a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
     pounds.''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Vertiport.--The term `vertiport' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 47102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.'';
       (7) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
       (8) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
       ``(i) Considerations for Termination of Working Group.--In 
     deciding whether to terminate the working group under 
     subsection (h), the Secretary and the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall consider other 
     interagency coordination activities associated with AAM, or 
     other new or novel users of the national airspace system, 
     that could benefit from continued wider interagency 
     coordination.''.

     SEC. 658. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM 
                   EXTENSION.

       Section 101 of division Q of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2023 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, as well as the use 
     of existing airport and heliport infrastructure that may 
     require modifications to safely accommodate AAM operations,'' 
     after ``vertiport infrastructure''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (iii) by striking ``vertiport'' and inserting 
     ``locations for'';
       (II) in clause (iv) by inserting ``and guidance'' after 
     ``any standards'';
       (III) in clause (v) by striking ``vertiport 
     infrastructure'' and inserting ``urban air mobility and 
     regional air mobility operations''; and
       (IV) in clause (x) by inserting ``or the modification of 
     existing aviation infrastructure'' after ``operation of a 
     vertiport''; and

       (B) in paragraph (6)(B)--
       (i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) a description of--

       ``(I) initial community engagement efforts and responses 
     from the public on the planning and development efforts of 
     eligible entities related to urban air mobility and regional 
     air mobility operations;
       ``(II) how eligible entities are planning for and 
     encouraging early adoption of urban air mobility and regional 
     air mobility operations;
       ``(III) what role each level of government plays in the 
     process; and
       ``(IV) whether such entities recommend specific regulatory 
     or guidance actions be taken by the Secretary of 
     Transportation or other Federal agencies in order to support 
     such early adoption.'';

       (2) in subsection (c)(1)--
       (A) by striking ``years 2023 and 2024'' and inserting 
     ``years 2023 through 2026''; and
       (B) by inserting before the period ``out of funds made 
     available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States 
     Code'';
       (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2026'' each place it appears; and
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Advanced air mobility; aam; regional air mobility; 
     urban air mobility; vertiport.--The terms `advanced air 
     mobility', `AAM', `regional air mobility', `urban air 
     mobility', and `vertiport' have the meaning given such terms 
     in section 2(j) of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
     Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10).

                      Subtitle C--Other Provisions

     SEC. 681. REPORT ON NATIONAL SPACEPORTS POLICY.

       Section 580(c)(3) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
     (Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking ``2024'' and 
     inserting ``2028''.

     SEC. 682. INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE 
                   IMPROVEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a pilot 
     program to issue grants to operators of launch and reentry 
     sites for projects to construct, repair, maintain, or improve 
     transportation infrastructure and facilities at such sites.
       (b) Pilot Program Qualifications.--The Secretary may enter 
     into agreements under this section to issue a grant to an 
     operator only if the operator--
       (1) has submitted an application to the Secretary in such 
     form, at such time, and containing such information as 
     prescribed by the Secretary;
       (2) demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that the 
     project for which the application has been submitted is for 
     an eligible purpose under subsection (c); and
       (3) agrees to maintain such records relating to the grant 
     as the Secretary may require and to make such records 
     available to the Secretary or the Comptroller General of the 
     United States upon request.
       (c) Permitted Use of Pilot Program Grants.--An operator may 
     use a grant provided under this subsection for a project to 
     construct, repair, maintain, or improve infrastructure and 
     facilities that--
       (1) are located at, or adjacent to, a launch or reentry 
     site; and
       (2) directly enable or support transportation safety or 
     covered transportation activities.
       (d) Pilot Program Grants.--
       (1) Grant formula.--At the beginning of each fiscal year 
     after fiscal year 2024, the Secretary shall issue a grant to 
     an operator that qualifies for the pilot program under 
     subsection (b) an amount equal to the sum of--
       (A) $250,000 for each licensed launch or reentry operation 
     conducted from the applicable launch or reentry site or at 
     any adjacent Federal launch range in the previous fiscal 
     year; and
       (B) $100,000 for each launch or reentry operation conducted 
     under a permit from the applicable launch or reentry site or 
     at any adjacent Federal launch range in the previous fiscal 
     year.
       (2) Maximum grant.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (e)(5), a grant issued to an operator under this subsection 
     shall not exceed $2,500,000 for a fiscal year.
       (3) Adjacency.--
       (A) In general.--In issuing a grant to an operator under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine whether a launch 
     or reentry site is adjacent to a Federal launch range.
       (B) Limitation.--Only 1 operator may receive an amount 
     under paragraph (1) for each licensed or permitted launch or 
     reentry operation described in such subparagraph.
       (C) Multiple launch or reentry sites operated by 1 
     operator.--If an operator holds a license to operate more 
     than 1 launch site or more than 1 reentry site that are 
     adjacent to a Federal launch range, the Secretary shall 
     consider such launch or reentry sites as 1 launch or reentry 
     site for purposes of subparagraph (A).
       (e) Supplemental Grants in Support of State, Local, or 
     Private Matching.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a supplemental 
     grant to an operator, subject to the requirements of this 
     paragraph.
       (2) Dollar-for-dollar matching.--If a qualified entity 
     provides an operator an amount

[[Page H3781]]

     equal to or greater than the amount of a grant provided in a 
     fiscal year under subsection (d) (for the explicit purpose of 
     matching such grant), the Secretary may issue a supplemental 
     grant to the operator that is equal to 25 percent of such 
     grant in the following fiscal year.
       (3) Additional non-federal matching.--If a qualified entity 
     provides an operator an amount equal to or greater than two 
     times the amount of a grant provided in a fiscal year to the 
     operator under subsection (d) (for the explicit purpose of 
     matching such grant), the Secretary may issue a supplemental 
     grant to the operator that is equal to 50 percent of such 
     grant in the following fiscal year.
       (4) Supplemental grant limitations.--
       (A) Match timing.--The Secretary may issue a supplemental 
     grant under paragraph (2) or (3) only if an amount provided 
     by a qualified entity is provided to the operator in the same 
     fiscal year as the grant issued under subsection (d).
       (B) Non-duplication of matching grants.--If the Secretary 
     issues a supplemental grant to the operator of a launch site 
     under paragraph (3), the Secretary may not issue a 
     supplemental grant under paragraph (2) to the same operator 
     in the same fiscal year.
       (5) Non-application of grant ceiling.--The limitation on a 
     grant amount under subsection (d)(2) shall not apply to 
     supplemental grants issued under this subsection.
       (f) Funding.--
       (1) Pilot program grant funds.--The grants issued under 
     this section shall be issued from funds made available out of 
     amounts available under section 106(k) of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (2) Maximum annual limit on pilot program.--
       (A) In general.--The total amount of all grants issued 
     under this section shall not exceed $20,000,000 in any fiscal 
     year.
       (B) Grant reduction.--In complying with subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary--
       (i) may proportionally reduce the amount of, or decline to 
     issue, a supplemental grant under subsection (e); and
       (ii) if the reduction under clause (i) is insufficient, 
     shall proportionally reduce grants issued under subsection 
     (d).
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered transportation activity.--The term ``covered 
     transportation activity'' means the movement of people or 
     property to, from, or within a launch site and the necessary 
     or incidental activities associated with such movement 
     through the use of--
       (A) a vehicle (as defined in section 4 of title 1, United 
     States Code);
       (B) a vessel (as defined in section 3 of title 1, United 
     States Code);
       (C) a railroad (as defined in section 20102 of title 49, 
     United States Code);
       (D) an aircraft (as defined in section 40102 of title 49, 
     United States Code); or
       (E) a pipeline facility (as defined in section 60101 of 
     title 49, United States Code).
       (2) Launch; launch site; launch vehicle; reentry site; 
     reentry vehicle.--The terms ``launch'', ``launch site'', 
     ``launch vehicle'', ``reentry site'', and ``reentry vehicle'' 
     have the meanings given those terms in section 50902 of title 
     51, United States Code.
       (3) Operator.--The term ``operator'' means a person 
     licensed by the Secretary to operate a launch or reentry 
     site.
       (4) Qualified entity.--The term ``qualified entity'' means 
     a State, local, territorial, or Tribal government or private 
     sector entity, or any combination thereof.
       (h) Pilot Program Sunset.--This section shall cease to be 
     effective on October 1, 2028.

     SEC. 683. AIRSPACE ACCESS FOR HIGH-SPEED AIRCRAFT.

       (a) High-speed Aircraft Testing.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration, in coordination with any 
     other Federal agency the Administrator determines 
     appropriate, shall ensure that there is a process in which 
     manufacturers and operators of high-speed aircraft can engage 
     in flight testing of such high-speed aircraft, which may 
     include the establishment of high speed testing corridors in 
     the national airspace system.
       (b) Study on High-speed Aircraft Operations.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall, after consultation with aircraft 
     manufacturers, institutions of higher learning, the 
     Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and any other 
     agencies the Administrator determines appropriate, conduct a 
     study to assess actions necessary to facilitate the safe 
     operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the 
     national airspace system.
       (2) Contents.--In carrying out the study under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) assess various altitudes and operating conditions of 
     high-speed aircraft in Class E airspace above the upper 
     boundary of Class A airspace and the resulting aircraft noise 
     levels at the surface;
       (B) include the development of a framework and timeline to 
     establish the appropriate regulatory requirements to 
     conducting high-speed aircraft flights;
       (C) identify the data required to develop certification, 
     flight standards, and air traffic requirements for the 
     deployment and integration of high-speed aircraft;
       (D) assess cross-agency equities related to high-speed 
     aircraft technologies and flight; and
       (E) survey global high-speed aircraft-related regulatory 
     and testing developments or activities.
       (3) Recommendations.--As part of the study under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall issue recommendations to update, 
     if feasible, regulations for certification, flight standards 
     and air traffic management.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years 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 conducted under subsection (a), including the 
     recommendations under subsection (b)(3), to facilitate the 
     safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft in the 
     national airspace system.
       (d) Study and Rulemaking on High Altitude Class E Airspace 
     Flight Operations.--
       (1) Consultation.--Not later than 12 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
     with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration and relevant stakeholders, including industry 
     and academia, shall identify the minimum altitude above the 
     upper boundary of Class A airspace at or above which flights 
     operating with speeds above Mach 1 generate sonic booms that 
     are inaudible at the surface under prevailing atmospheric 
     conditions.
       (2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which the Administrator identifies the minimum altitude 
     described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall publish 
     in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to 
     amend sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and such other regulations as appropriate, to 
     permit flight operations with speeds above Mach 1 at or above 
     the minimum altitude identified under paragraph (1) without 
     specific authorizations, provided that such flight 
     operations--
       (A) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
       (B) do not cause a measurable sonic boom over pressure to 
     reach the surface; and
       (C) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances 
     necessary to operate in controlled airspace.
       (e) Definition.--In this section, the term ``high-speed 
     aircraft'' means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of 
     Mach 1, which shall include supersonic and hypersonic 
     aircraft.

     SEC. 684. ICAO ACTIVITIES ON NEW TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall prioritize engagement with the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization and contribute to 
     or lead the development of international standards and 
     recommended practices to improve aviation safety and support 
     the entry-into-service of new forms of aviation.
       (b) Particular Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), 
     the Administrator shall contribute to or lead International 
     Civil Aviation Organization efforts with respect to the 
     development of landing and take-off noise standards for 
     supersonic aircraft.

     SEC. 685. AIP ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN SPACEPORT 
                   INFRASTRUCTURE.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary of Transportation may make a grant under 
     subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, 
     to an airport sponsor to reconstruct, repave, or rehabilitate 
     the full length and width of a runway existing on the date of 
     enactment of this Act if--
       (1) the runway is at an airport that is also a launch site 
     or reentry site operated by a person certified under section 
     50905 of title 51, United States Code;
       (2) the runway is greater than 12,000 feet long and not 
     less than 200 feet wide; and
       (3) the airport sponsor certifies to the Secretary that the 
     full length and width of the runway is required to support 
     activities at the launch site.
       (b) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on 
     September 30, 2028.

     SEC. 686. COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH AND REENTRY STATISTICS.

       Section 329(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2) by striking ``aeronautical'' and 
     inserting ``aerospace'';
       (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``civil aeronautics'' and 
     inserting ``civil aerospace'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
     (3) and (4), respectively; and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) collect and disseminate information on commercial 
     space launch and reentry operations (other than that 
     collected and disseminated by the National Transportation 
     Safety Board under chapter 11) including, at a minimum, 
     information on the number of launches or reentries licensed 
     by the Secretary, the number of space flight participants, 
     the number of payloads, and the mass of payloads, organized 
     by class of orbit;''.

     SEC. 687. REPORT ON CERTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the infrastructure 
     needs at Federal Aviation Administration-licensed horizontal 
     and vertical launch sites located in rural communities.

     SEC. 688. AIRSPACE INTEGRATION FOR SPACE LAUNCH AND REENTRY.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
       (1) a safe and efficient national airspace system that 
     successfully supports existing users and integrates new 
     entrants is of the utmost importance;
       (2) both commercial aviation and space launch and reentry 
     operations are vital to United States global leadership, 
     national security, and economic opportunity;

[[Page H3782]]

       (3) aircraft hazard areas are necessary during space launch 
     and reentry operations to ensure public safety; and
       (4) the Administrator of Federal Aviation Administration 
     should prioritize the development and deployment of 
     technologies to improve visibility of space launch and 
     reentry operations within Administration computer systems and 
     minimize operational workload to air traffic controllers 
     associated with routing traffic during spaceflight launch and 
     reentry operations.
       (b) Space Launch and Reentry Airspace Integration 
     Technology.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2028, 
     or until such time as the Administrator determines that the 
     project has reached an operational status, for the 
     Administrator to expedite the development, acquisition, and 
     deployment of technologies or capabilities to aid in space 
     launch and reentry integration, which may include 
     technologies recommended by the Airspace Access Priorities 
     Aviation Rulemaking Committee in 2019, systems to enable the 
     integration of launch and reentry data directly onto air 
     traffic controller displays, and automated systems to enable 
     near real-time planning and dynamic rerouting of commercial 
     aircraft during and following commercial space launch and 
     reentry operations, with the objective of operational 
     readiness not later than December 31, 2026.

              TITLE VII--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 701. ADVERTISEMENTS AND SOLICITATIONS FOR PASSENGER AIR 
                   TRANSPORTATION.

       (a) Full Fare Advertising.--Section 41712 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(e) 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 such air transportation 
     if the covered entity clearly and separately discloses--
       ``(A) the government-imposed taxes and fees associated with 
     the air transportation; and
       ``(B) the total cost of the air transportation.
       ``(2) Form of disclosure.--
       ``(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 a website, 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, in a manner that is 
     easily accessible and viewable by the consumer.
       ``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Base airfare.--The term `base airfare' means the cost 
     of passenger air transportation, excluding government-imposed 
     taxes and fees.
       ``(B) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means an 
     air carrier, including an indirect air carrier, foreign 
     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.''.
       (b) Limitation on Statutory Construction.--Nothing in the 
     amendment made by subsection (b) may be construed to affect 
     any obligation of a person that sells passenger air 
     transportation to disclose the total cost of such air 
     transportation, including government-imposed taxes and fees, 
     prior to purchase of such air transportation.
       (c) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue final regulations to carry out the amendment made by 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the 
     Secretary to regulate the disclosure of air carrier-imposed 
     fees, or alter the requirements under part 399 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, as such part relates to air 
     carrier-imposed fees.
       (e) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendment made 
     by this section, shall take effect on the date that is 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 702. MODERNIZATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT SUBMISSIONS.

       Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:

     ``Sec. 42302. Consumer complaints

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

     SEC. 703. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.

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

     ``Sec. 41727. Passenger rights

       ``(a) Guidelines.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     require each air carrier and foreign air carrier to submit a 
     summarized 1-page document that 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 diversions.
       ``(3) Compensation (regarding rebooking options, refunds, 
     meals, and lodging) for flight cancellations.
       ``(4) Compensation for mishandled baggage, wheelchairs, 
     mobility aids and other assistive devices, including delayed, 
     damaged, pilfered, or lost baggage, wheelchairs, mobility 
     aids and other assistive devices.
       ``(5) Voluntary relinquishment of a ticketed seat due to 
     overbooking or priority of other passengers.
       ``(6) Involuntary denial of boarding and forced removal for 
     whatever reason, including for safety and security reasons.
       ``(b) Filing of Summarized Guidelines.--Not later than 90 
     days after each air carrier and foreign air carrier submits 
     the 1-page document to the Secretary under subsection (a), 
     each such air carrier and foreign air carrier shall make 
     available such 1-page document in a prominent location on its 
     website.''.
       (b) Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights.--
     Subchapter I of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, 
     is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of 
       rights

       ``(a) Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of 
     Rights.--The Secretary of Transportation shall develop a 
     document, to be known as the `Airline Passengers with 
     Disabilities Bill of Rights', using plain language to 
     describe the basic protections and responsibilities of air 
     carriers and foreign air carriers, their employees and 
     contractors, and people with disabilities under section 
     41705.
       ``(b) Content.--In developing the Airline Passengers with 
     Disabilities Bill of Rights under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall include, at a minimum, plain language 
     descriptions of protections and responsibilities provided in 
     law related to the following:
       ``(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 air 
     carrier, foreign air carrier, and contractor personnel.
       ``(3) The right of passengers with disabilities to travel 
     with wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other assistive devices, 
     including necessary medications and medical supplies, 
     including stowage of such wheelchairs, aids, and devices.
       ``(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 receive 
     announcements in an accessible format.
       ``(6) The right of passengers with disabilities to speak 
     with a complaint resolution officer or to file a complaint 
     with an air carrier, a foreign air carrier, or the Department 
     of Transportation.
       ``(c) Rule of Construction.--The development of the Airline 
     Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights under subsections 
     (a) and (b) shall not be construed as expanding or 
     restricting the rights available to passengers with 
     disabilities on the day before the date of the enactment of 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) 
     pursuant to any statute or regulation.
       ``(d) Consultations.--In developing the Airline Passengers 
     with Disabilities Bill of Rights under subsection (a), the 
     Secretary shall consult with stakeholders, including 
     disability organizations and air carriers, foreign air 
     carriers, and their contractors.
       ``(e) Display.--Each air carrier and foreign air carrier 
     shall include the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill 
     of Rights--
       ``(1) on a publicly available internet website of the 
     carrier; and
       ``(2) in any pre-flight notifications or communications 
     provided to passengers who alert the carrier in advance of 
     the need for accommodations relating to a disability.
       ``(f) Training.--
       ``(1) In general.--Air carriers, foreign air carriers, and 
     contractors of such carriers shall submit to the Secretary 
     plans that ensure that employees of such carriers and their 
     contractors

[[Page H3783]]

     receive training on the protections and responsibilities 
     described in the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of 
     Rights.
       ``(2) Review.--The Secretary shall review such plans to 
     ensure the plans address the matters described in subsection 
     (b).''.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 417 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 41726 the following:

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

       (d) Conforming Repeals.--Sections 429 and 434 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 note; 41705 
     note) and the item relating to such sections in the table of 
     contents in section 1(b) of such Act are repealed.

     SEC. 704. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 
     (49 U.S.C. 42301 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) ticket agents and travel management companies;''; and
       (2) in subsection (h) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2028''; and

     SEC. 705. REMOVAL OF OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PASSENGERS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

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

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

     SEC. 706. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER ADVOCATE REPORTING 
                   REQUIREMENT.

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

     SEC. 707. AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
     of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by striking ``advisory committee 
     on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities'' and 
     inserting ``air carrier access act advisory committee'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(1) by striking subparagraph (G) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(G) Manufacturers of wheelchairs, including powered 
     wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.''; and
       (3) in subsection (g) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2028''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended 
     by striking the item relating to section 439 and inserting 
     the following:

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

     SEC. 708. PASSENGER EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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

     SEC. 709. STREAMLINING OF OFFLINE TICKET DISCLOSURES.

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

     SEC. 710. TICKET AGENT REFUND OBLIGATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue a final rule to revise section 399.80 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, to clarify the refund obligations of 
     ticket agents.
       (b) Conditions.--In issuing the final rule under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall clarify that a ticket agent shall 
     provide a refund only when such ticket agent possesses, or 
     has access to, the funds of a passenger.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``ticket 
     agent'' has the meaning given such term in section 40102(a) 
     of title 49, United States Code.

     SEC. 711. UPDATING PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENT 
                   REGULATIONS.

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

[[Page H3784]]

       (2) reflect civil penalty inflation adjustments; and
       (3) incorporate such updates and improvements recommended 
     by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that the 
     Administrator determines appropriate.

     SEC. 712. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER 
                   ALL.

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

     SEC. 713. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR 
                   AVIATION CONSUMERS.

       (a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary 
     of Transportation shall provide 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 disability-related 
     aviation consumer complaints filed with the Department of 
     Transportation, and shall make each annual report publicly 
     available.
       (b) Scope of Report.--In each report required under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall include, at minimum, a 
     description of the following:
       (1) The number of disability-related aviation consumer 
     complaints filed with the Department of Transportation during 
     the calendar year preceding the year in which such report is 
     submitted.
       (2) The nature of such complaints, such as reported issues 
     with--
       (A) an air carrier;
       (B) mishandling of passengers with a disability, including 
     mishandling of a wheelchair, mobility aid, or other 
     accessibility equipment of a passenger by an air carrier;
       (C) the condition or availability of accessibility 
     equipment or materials operated by an air carrier;
       (D) the accessibility of in-flight services, including 
     accessing and utilizing onboard lavatories, for passengers 
     with a disability;
       (E) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
     disability in communicating with an air carrier employee;
       (F) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
     disability in being moved, handled, or otherwise assisted;
       (G) an air carrier changing the flight itinerary of a 
     passenger with a disability without the consent of such 
     passenger;
       (H) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
     disability traveling with a service animal; and
       (I) any other issues the Secretary of Transportation 
     determines appropriate.
       (3) The review process for such complaints.
       (4) The average amount of days before the Department 
     initiated a formal review of such complaints.
       (5) The average amount of days until such complaints were 
     resolved by the Department.
       (6) The number of such complaints that resulted in 
     dismissal, a civil monetary penalty, or other injunctive 
     relief.
       (7) Of the complaints that were found to violate section 
     41705 of title 49, United States Code--
       (A) the number of such complaints for which a formal 
     enforcement order was issued; and
       (B) the number of such complaints for which a formal 
     enforcement order was not issued.
       (8) The number of disability-related aviation consumer 
     complaints filed with the Department of Transportation 
     involving airport staff or other matters under the 
     jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration that were 
     referred to the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (9) The number of disability-related aviation consumer 
     complaints filed with the Department of Transportation 
     involving Transportation Security Administration staff that 
     were referred to the Transportation Security Administration 
     or the Department of Homeland Security.
       (c) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit 
     annually to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate the report required under subsection (a).
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided, the terms 
     used in this section have the meanings given such terms in 
     section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, or section 
     382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as 
     applicable.
       (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' means an air 
     carrier conducting passenger operations under part 121 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (3) Passenger with a disability.--The term ``passenger with 
     a disability'' has the meaning given the term ``qualified 
     individual with a disability'' in section 382.3 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 714. AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     initiate a program to study and evaluate improvements to 
     transport category aircraft accessibility, including--
       (1) determining whether and, if so, how personal 
     wheelchairs, including manual and powered wheelchairs, can be 
     safely secured in the passenger seating areas of an aircraft 
     certificated under part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations;

[[Page H3785]]

       (2) considering the safe evacuation processes for such 
     aircraft, including individuals who use manual and powered 
     wheelchairs; and
       (3) determining how various types or aircraft described in 
     paragraph (1) can safely and efficiently be retrofit for 
     accessible lavatories.
       (b) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     provide 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 and evaluation described in 
     subsection (a) and recommendations to address the findings of 
     such study and evaluation.

     SEC. 715. ACCESSIBILITY OF WEBSITES, SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS, 
                   AND KIOSKS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall, in direct 
     consultation with the United States Architectural and 
     Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, prescribe 
     regulations setting forth minimum standards to ensure that 
     individuals with disabilities are able to access kiosks, 
     software applications, and websites in a manner that is 
     equally as effective as individuals without disabilities, 
     with a substantially equivalent ease of use. Such standards 
     shall be consistent with the standards set forth in the Web 
     Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA of the Web 
     Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium or 
     any subsequent version.

     SEC. 716. REVIEW OF METHODS TO REPORT FLIGHT DELAY AND 
                   CANCELLATION STATISTICS.

       (a) In General.--No later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration, shall conduct a review of the means of 
     reporting flight delay and cancellation statistics to the 
     Secretary and the accuracy of such data.
       (b) Coordination Requirement.--In conducting the review 
     required in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall coordinate and 
     collaborate with air carriers (as such term is defined in 
     section 40102 of title 49, United States Code) to assist in 
     conducting the review and providing recommendations on 
     improving the means of reporting flight delay and 
     cancellation statistics to the Secretary and the accuracy of 
     such data.

     SEC. 717. REIMBURSEMENT FOR INCURRED COSTS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     direct all air carriers providing scheduled passenger 
     interstate or intrastate air transportation to establish 
     policies regarding reimbursement for lodging, transportation 
     between such lodging and the airport, and meal costs incurred 
     due to a flight cancellation or significant delay directly 
     attributable to the air carrier.
       (b) Definition of Significantly Delayed.--In this section, 
     the term ``significantly delayed'' means, with respect to air 
     transportation, the departure or arrival at the originally 
     ticketed destination associated with such transportation has 
     changed--
       (1) in the case of air transportation within the United 
     States, by 3 or more hours; or
       (2) in the case of air transportation to or from a location 
     outside the United States, by 6 or more hours.

     SEC. 718. AIRLINE OPERATIONAL RESILIENCY PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     require a covered carrier to develop and regularly update an 
     operational resiliency strategy to prevent or limit the 
     impact of future flight disruptions on passengers.
       (b) Operational Resiliency Strategy.--In each operational 
     resiliency strategy developed under subsection (a), a covered 
     carrier shall include a description of--
       (1) the potential impact of severe weather and other 
     reasonably anticipated disruptive events on the operations of 
     the carrier and how the carrier seeks to prevent or limit the 
     impact of such events on passengers;
       (2) the potential impact of severe weather events and other 
     reasonably anticipated disruptive events on--
       (A) staffing models and the preparedness of the current 
     workforce of the carrier to address such conditions; and
       (B) the current information and technology systems of the 
     carrier, including crew scheduling systems, and the 
     preparedness of such systems to continue operations after 
     such an event or disruption;
       (3) the preparedness of the carrier to maintain operations 
     and limit or prevent the impact of other potential disruptive 
     events identified by the carrier;
       (4) the extent to which the carrier addresses known 
     cybersecurity risks to prevent potential flight disruptions; 
     and
       (5) any other issues the Secretary determines appropriate 
     to protect consumers and maintain the operational stability 
     of the airline industry.
       (c) Proprietary Information.--The Secretary shall develop a 
     method to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or 
     proprietary information submitted in an operational 
     resiliency strategy under subsection (b).
       (d) Evaluation.--
       (1) Audit.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate an audit to evaluate the effectiveness 
     of the operational resiliency strategies developed under this 
     section by covered air carriers.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after completion of the 
     audit conducted under paragraph (1), 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 findings of the audit.
       (e) Covered Carrier.--In this section, the term ``covered 
     carrier'' has the meaning given such term in section 259.3 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations).

     SEC. 719. FAMILY SEATING.

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

     SEC. 720. SEAT DIMENSIONS.

       Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall--
       (1) initiate a rulemaking activity based on the regulation 
     described in section 577 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 note); and
       (2) if the Administrator decides not to pursue the 
     rulemaking described in paragraph (1), the Administrator 
     shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the justification of such decision.

     SEC. 721. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING 
                   PASSENGERS WHO USE WHEELCHAIRS.

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

     SEC. 722. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND 
                   SCOOTERS.

       (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
     issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop minimum 
     training standards related to stowage of wheelchairs and 
     scooters used by passengers with disabilities on aircraft.
       (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
     subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that personnel 
     and contractors of air carriers and foreign air carriers who 
     stow wheelchairs and scooters on aircraft--
       (1) complete refresher training within 18 months and be 
     recertified on the job within 18

[[Page H3786]]

     months by a superior in order to remain qualified for 
     handling and stowing wheelchairs and scooters; and
       (2) be able to successfully demonstrate the each of 
     following skills in hands-on training sessions before being 
     allowed to handle or stow a wheelchair or scooter:
       (A) How to properly handle and configure, at a minimum on a 
     common design for power and manual wheelchairs and scooters 
     for stowage on each aircraft type operated by the air carrier 
     or foreign air carrier.
       (B) How to properly review any wheelchair or scooter 
     information provided by the passenger or the wheelchair or 
     scooter manufacturer.
       (C) How to properly load, secure, and unload wheelchairs 
     and scooters, including how to use any specialized equipment 
     for loading or unloading, on each aircraft type operated by 
     the air carrier or foreign air carrier.
       (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum 
     whether to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to 
     partner with wheelchair or scooter manufacturers, national 
     disability and disabled veterans organizations representing 
     individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters, and aircraft 
     manufacturers, in developing training.
       (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     pursuant to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
       (e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in 
     accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States 
     Code, to any air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to 
     meet the requirements established under the final rule under 
     subsection (d).

     SEC. 723. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.

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

     SEC. 724. STANDARDS.

       (a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
       (1) Standards.--
       (A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
     1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     of Transportation shall issue an advanced notice of proposed 
     rulemaking regarding standards to ensure that the aircraft 
     boarding and deplaning process is accessible, in terms of 
     design for, transportation of, and communication with, 
     individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use 
     wheelchairs.
       (B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed 
     rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is completed, the Secretary 
     shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding 
     standards addressed in subparagraph (A).
       (C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph 
     (B) is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule.
       (2) Covered airport, equipment, and features.--The 
     standards prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at 
     a minimum--
       (A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
       (B) improved procedures to ensure the priority cabin 
     stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to section 
     382.67 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage to 
     assistive devices.
       (3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Access 
     Board and any other relevant department or agency to 
     determine appropriate accessibility standards.
       (b) In-flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking in 
     accordance with the November 22, 2016, resolution of the 
     Department of Transportation ACCESS Committee and the 
     consensus recommendation set forth in the Term Sheet 
     Reflecting Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-
     Flight Entertainment.
       (c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-cabin Wheelchair Restraint 
     Systems and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
       (1) Timing.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after completion of 
     the report required by section 712(d)(3), and if such report 
     finds economic and financial feasibility of air carriers and 
     foreign air carriers implementing seating arrangements that 
     accommodate individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs 
     (including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and 
     scooters) in the main cabin during flight, the Secretary 
     shall conduct a negotiated rulemaking on new type 
     certificated aircraft standards for seating arrangements that 
     accommodate such individuals in the main cabin during flight 
     or an accessible route to a minimum of 2 aircraft passenger 
     seats for passengers to access from personal assistive 
     devices of such individuals.
       (B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include participation of 
     representatives of--
       (i) air carriers;
       (ii) aircraft manufacturers;
       (iii) national disability organizations;
       (iv) aviation safety experts; and
       (v) mobility aid manufacturers.
       (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of 
     proposed rulemaking regarding the standards described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) 
     is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     regarding the standards described in paragraph (1).
       (4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and 
     rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary 
     shall consider--
       (A) a reasonable period for the design, certification, and 
     construction of aircraft that meet the requirements;
       (B) the safety of all persons on-board the aircraft, 
     including necessary wheelchair standards and wheelchair 
     compliance with Federal Aviation Administration 
     crashworthiness and safety performance criteria; and
       (C) the costs of design, installation, equipage, and 
     aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet equipage 
     and fare impacts.
       (d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The 
     Advisory Committee established under section 439(g) of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) shall 
     examine technical solutions and the feasibility of visually 
     and tactilely accessible announcements on-board aircraft.
       (e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct 
     consultation with the Access Board, prescribe regulations 
     setting forth minimum standards under section 41705 of title 
     49, United States Code, that ensure all gates (including 
     counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks 
     covered under such section at airports are accessible to and 
     usable by all individuals with disabilities, including 
     through the provision of visually and tactilely accessible 
     announcements and full and equal access to aural 
     communications.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Access board.--The term ``Access board'' means the 
     Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
       (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual 
     with a disability'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, 
     United States Code.

                        Subtitle B--Air Traffic

     SEC. 741. TRANSFERS OF AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ACQUIRED WITH AIP.

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

     SEC. 742. NEXTGEN PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     determines appropriate, the Administrator shall convene 
     Administration officials to evaluate and expedite the 
     implementation of NextGen programs and capabilities.
       (b) Nextgen Program Prioritization.--In allocating amounts 
     appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, the Secretary of Transportation shall give 
     priority to the following activities:
       (1) Performance-based navigation.
       (2) Data communications.
       (3) Terminal flight data manager.
       (4) Aeronautical information management.
       (c) Performance-based Navigation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     implement performance-based navigation procedures for all 
     terminal and enroute routes, including approach and departure 
     procedures for covered airports.
       (2) Specific procedures.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-
     based navigation procedures:
       (A) Trajectory-based operations.
       (B) Optimized profile descents.
       (C) Multiple airport route separation.
       (D) Established on required navigation performance.
       (E) Converging runway display aids.
       (3) Performance-based navigation baseline equipage 
     requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall issue such regulations as may be 
     required, and publish applicable advisory circulars, to 
     establish

[[Page H3787]]

     the equipage baseline appropriate for aircraft to safely use 
     performance-based navigation procedures.
       (d) Data Communications.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     implement the use of data communications.
       (2) Specific capabilities.--In carrying out subsection (a) 
     and this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the 
     following data communications capabilities:
       (A) Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface aircraft 
     operations and runway safety at airports.
       (B) Automated message generation and receipt.
       (C) Message routing and transmission.
       (D) Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
       (E) Implementation of data communications at all Air Route 
     Traffic Control Centers.
       (F) The Future Air Navigation System.
       (e) Terminal Flight Data Manager.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall replace the 
     traffic flow management system with the flow data management 
     system at covered airports.
       (2) Electronic flight strips.--In carrying out paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall implement electronic flight 
     strips, at a minimum, at the air traffic control towers of 
     covered airports and all terminal radar approach control and 
     air route traffic control centers.
       (f) Aeronautical Information Management Systems.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     modernize the aeronautical information management systems of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the 
     functionality, useability, durability, and reliability of 
     such systems used in the national airspace system.
       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) improve the distribution of critical safety information 
     to pilots, air traffic control, and other relevant aviation 
     stakeholders;
       (B) fully develop and implement the Enterprise Information 
     Display System; and
       (C) notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical information 
     management system, restructure the back-up systems of 
     aeronautical information management systems to be independent 
     and self-sufficient from one another.
       (g) Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.--
       (1) Notification of congress.--If the Administrator 
     determines that the Administration has not or will not meet a 
     deadline established under subsection (a), (c), (d), or (e), 
     the Administrator shall, not later than 30 days after such 
     determination, notify the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate about the failure to meet the target deadlines.
       (2) Contents of notification.--A notification under 
     paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
       (A) An explanation as to why the agency will not or did not 
     meet the target deadlines described in such paragraph.
       (B) A description of the actions the Administration plans 
     to take to meet the target deadlines described in such 
     paragraph.
       (3) Briefing.--If the Administrator is required to provide 
     notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate bimonthly, in-
     person briefings as to the progress made by the 
     Administration regarding implementation under the respective 
     subsection for which the target deadline will not or was not 
     met until such time as the Administrator has completed the 
     required work under such subsection.
       (h) Nextgen Advisory Committee Consultation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult and task 
     the NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations 
     on ways to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement NextGen 
     programs to realize the operational benefits of such 
     programs.
       (2) Considerations.--In providing recommendations under 
     paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall 
     consider--
       (A) air traffic throughput of the national airspace system;
       (B) daily operational performance, including delays and 
     cancellations; and
       (C) the potential need for performance-based operational 
     metrics related to NextGen programs.
       (i) Sunset of NextGen Brand.--
       (1) In general.-- Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall terminate the 
     use of the term ``Next Generation Air Transportation System'' 
     or ``NextGen'' to describe any air traffic control 
     modernization program of the Administration.
       (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
     be construed to--
       (A) terminate any program of the Administration, including 
     a program that has previously been represented as being a 
     component of the Next Generation Air Transportation System or 
     NextGen in budgetary submission or document of the 
     Administration; or
       (B) prohibit the Administrator from maintaining materials 
     that relate to or reference programs that have previously 
     been represented as being a component of the Next Generation 
     Air Transportation System or NextGen.
       (j) Covered Airports Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``covered airports'' means the 40 airports in the United 
     States with the highest number of annual aircraft operations, 
     as of the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 743. AIRSPACE ACCESS.

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

     SEC. 744. AIRSPACE TRANSITION COMPLETION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall ensure that responsibility for 
     the Newark, New Jersey radar sector is moved to the 
     Philadelphia terminal radar approach control facility.
       (b) Staffing.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator may not--
       (1) require the temporary or permanent movement of any 
     personnel from the New York terminal radar approach control 
     facility to the Philadelphia terminal radar approach control 
     facility, but may solicit such personnel to volunteer to 
     temporarily or permanently facilitate the move required under 
     subsection (a); or
       (2) reduce the target staffing level of the New York 
     terminal radar approach control facility.
       (c) Congressional Briefings.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act and every 60 days 
     thereafter, the Administrator and the head of the collective 
     bargaining unit representing air traffic controllers shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the status of 
     the move required under subsection (a) until such time as the 
     Newark, New Jersey radar sector is under the full 
     responsibility of the Philadelphia terminal radar approach 
     control facility.

     SEC. 745. FAA CONTRACT TOWERS.

       (a) Operational Readiness Inspections.--Not later than 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     update applicable regulations, standards, and guidance on 
     operational readiness inspections related to the Federal 
     Aviation Administration Contract Tower program to provide 
     airport sponsors acting in good faith with 7 years to 
     complete such

[[Page H3788]]

     inspections after receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio of air 
     traffic control services for an airport.
       (b) FCT Controller Airspace Awareness.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall authorize the 
     use of advanced technology at Federal Aviation Administration 
     contract towers to enhance air traffic controller situational 
     awareness.
       (2) Equipment standards.--In carrying out paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall establish standards and criteria 
     identical to such standards and criteria applicable to 
     Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers for 
     the use of advanced technology in air traffic control towers.
       (3) Recurrency training.--In carrying out this subsection, 
     the Administrator, in coordination with Federal Aviation 
     Administration contract tower contractors, shall establish an 
     appropriate training program to periodically train air 
     traffic controllers employed by such contractors to ensure 
     proper integration and use of advanced technologies at 
     Federal Aviation Administration contract towers.
       (c) Liability Insurance.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation, in consultation with industry experts 
     including Federal Aviation Administration contract tower 
     contractors and aviation insurance providers, shall--
       (1) assess existing liability limits for contract tower 
     contractors established by the Secretary; and
       (2) determine whether such limits should be updated.

     SEC. 746. FAA CONTRACT TOWER WORKFORCE AUDIT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of the 
     workforce needs of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     Contract Tower Program.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit required under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall, at a minimum--
       (1) review the assumptions and methodologies used in 
     assessing the source of Federal Aviation Administration 
     contract towers staffing to determine the adequacy of 
     staffing levels at such towers;
       (2) determine whether there is a need to establish an air 
     traffic controller training program to allow Federal Aviation 
     Administration contract tower contractors to conduct--
       (A) initial training of air traffic controllers employed by 
     such contractors; or
       (B) on-the-job training of such controllers; and
       (3) assess whether establishing pathways to allow Federal 
     Aviation Administration contract tower contractors to use the 
     air traffic technical training academy of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, or other means such as higher 
     educational institutions, to provide initial technical 
     training for air traffic controllers employed by such 
     contractors could help address the workforce needs of the FAA 
     contract tower program.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion 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 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
     on the findings of such audit and any recommendations as a 
     result of such audit.

     SEC. 747. AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall develop performance metrics 
     with which the Administrator can assess the operation of 
     safety-critical communication, navigation, and surveillance 
     aviation infrastructure within the national airspace system.
       (b) Performance Metrics Necessary to Remain in Service.--
       (1) In general.--After developing the performance metrics 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall carry out an 
     assessment to determine which applicable aviation 
     infrastructure are to remain in operational service.
       (2) Considerations.--In making an assessment under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall take into 
     consideration the following:
       (A) The expected lifespan of such aviation infrastructure.
       (B) The number and type of mechanical failures of such 
     aviation infrastructure.
       (C) The average annual costs of maintaining such aviation 
     infrastructure over a 5-year timespan and whether such costs 
     exceed the amount to replace such aviation infrastructure.
       (D) The availability of replacement parts or labor capable 
     of maintaining such aviation infrastructure.
       (E) Any other factors the Administrator determines are 
     necessary.
       (c) Publication.--The Administrator shall make the 
     performance metrics established under subsection (b) 
     available to the public through the website of the 
     Administration, or other appropriate methods of publication, 
     and shall ensure that any information made available to the 
     public under this subsection is made available in a manner 
     that--
       (1) does not provide identifying information regarding an 
     individual or entity;
       (2) prevents inappropriate disclosure of proprietary 
     information; and
       (3) does not disclose information that may pose a 
     cybersecurity risk.

     SEC. 748. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER SAFETY.

       In designing, adopting a design, or constructing an air 
     traffic control tower based on a previously adopted design, 
     the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall ensure that the safety of the national airspace system, 
     the safety of employees of the Administration, the 
     operational reliability of air traffic control towers, and 
     the costs of such towers are the primary consideration in 
     such design, adoption, or construction.

     SEC. 749. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES DATA REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 750. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.

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

     SEC. 751. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER REPLACEMENT PROCESS 
                   REPORT.

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

     SEC. 752. FAA CONTRACT TOWER PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a pilot program to 
     convert up to 3 high-activity contract towers under the 
     Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower Program under 
     section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, to visual 
     flight rule towers staffed by the Administration.
       (b) Priority.--In selecting facilities to participate in 
     the pilot program under subsection (a), the Administrator 
     shall give priority to towers that--
       (1) had over 200,000 in annual tower operations in calendar 
     year 2022 or a small hub airport with more than 900,000 
     passenger enplanements in calendar year 2021;
       (2) have controls towers that are either owned by the 
     Administration or are constructed to Administration 
     standards; and
       (3) operate within a complex air space, including space 
     used by air carriers, for general aviation, and by military 
     aircraft.
       (c) Controller Retention.--The Administrator shall appoint 
     to the position of air traffic controller all air traffic 
     controllers employed as a Federal contract tower operator and 
     assigned to the air traffic control tower pilot program as of 
     the date of enactment of this Act so long as such operator--
       (1) meets the qualifications contained in section 
     44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
       (2) has all other pre-employment qualifications required by 
     law.

                Subtitle C--Small Community Air Service

     SEC. 771. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORMS.

       (a) Reduction in Subsidy Cap.--Section 41731(a)(1)(C) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) had an average subsidy per passenger--
       ``(i) of less than $1,000 during the most recent fiscal 
     year beginning before October 1, 2026, as determined in 
     subparagraph (D) by the Secretary; or
       ``(ii) of $500 or less during the most recent fiscal year 
     beginning on or after October 1, 2026; and''.
       (b) Restriction on Length of Routes.--
       (1) In general.--Section 41732(a)(1) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting ``less than 650 miles 
     from an eligible place (unless such airport or eligible place 
     are located in a non-contiguous State)'' after ``hub 
     airport''.
       (2) Exception.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply to any contract or renewal of such contract with an 
     air carrier for essential air service compensation under 
     subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, that was--
       (A) entered into before the date of enactment of this Act; 
     and

[[Page H3789]]

       (B) still in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
       (3) Sunset.--Paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect after 
     September 30, 2028.
       (c) Applicant Selection Considerations.--Section 
     41733(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``giving substantial weight to'' and 
     inserting ``including'';
       (2) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (3) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) the total compensation proposed by the air carrier 
     for providing scheduled air service under this section.''.
       (d) Cost Share.--
       (1) Section 41737.--Section 41737(a)(1) 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) require that, for a contract to provide air service 
     that is entered into or renewed under this subchapter after 
     September 30, 2026, the Government's share of the 
     compensation is 95 percent.''.
       (2) Section 41731.--Section 41731 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (c) by inserting ``and section 
     41737(a)(1)(F)'' after ``subsection (a)(1)''; and
       (B) in subsection (d) by inserting ``and section 
     41737(a)(1)(F)'' after ``Subsection (a)(1)(B)''.

     SEC. 772. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.

       Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``$155,000,000 for fiscal year 2018'' an 
     all that follows through ``$172,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2023'' and inserting ``$332,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, 
     $312,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $300,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2026, $265,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and 
     $252,000,000 for fiscal year 2028''.

     SEC. 773. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 
                   REFORM AND AUTHORIZATION.

       (a) Same Projects Limit.--Section 41743(c)(4)(B) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``10-year'' 
     and inserting ``6-year''.
       (b) Priorities.--Section 41743(c)(5) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (G) as 
     subparagraphs (C) through (H), respectively; and
       (2) by adding after subparagraph (A) the following--
       ``(B) the community has demonstrated support from at least 
     1 air carrier to provide service;''.
       (c) Authorization.--Section 41743(e)(2) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
     ``2028''.

     SEC. 774. GAO STUDY ON INCREASED COSTS OF ESSENTIAL AIR 
                   SERVICE.

       (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall conduct a study of the change in costs of the essential 
     air service program under sections 41731 through 41742 of 
     title 49, United States Code.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall--
       (1) assess trends in costs of the essential air service 
     program under sections 41731 through 41742 of title 49, 
     United States Code, over the 10-year period ending on the 
     date of enactment of this Act;
       (2) review potential causes for the increased cost of the 
     essential air service program, including--
       (A) labor costs;
       (B) fuel costs;
       (C) aging aircraft costs;
       (D) air carrier opportunity costs; and
       (E) airport costs; and
       (3) assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 
     costs of the essential air service program under sections 
     41731 through 41742 of title 49, United States Code.
       (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 to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

                       TITLE VIII--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 801. DIGITALIZATION OF FAA PROCESSES.

       (a) Identification.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall identify and catalog programs, 
     activities, or processes that require paper-based information 
     exchange between--
       (1) external entities and the Administration; or
       (2) offices within the Administration.
       (b) Digitalization.--On an ongoing basis, and as 
     appropriate, the Administrator shall transition the paper-
     based processes identified under subsection (a) to processes 
     that support secure digital information submission, exchange, 
     collaboration, and approval.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 60 days after completing the 
     required identification and catalog in subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on the programs, activities, and processes identified 
     under subsection (a) and such programs, activities, and 
     processes that have been identified for transition under 
     subsection (b).

     SEC. 802. FAA TELEWORK.

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

     SEC. 803. REVIEW OF OFFICE SPACE.

       (a) FAA Review.--
       (1) Initiation of review.--Not later than 30 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall initiate an inventory review of the 
     domestic office footprint of the Department of 
     Transportation.
       (2) Completion of review.--Not later than 40 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
     complete the inventory review required under paragraph (1).
       (b) Contents of Review.--In completing the review under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
       (1) delineate the domestic office footprint into units of 
     property, as determined appropriate by the Secretary;
       (2) determine unit adequacy related to--
       (A) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 
     et seq.) and the corresponding accessibility guidelines 
     established under part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal 
     Regulations; and
       (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
     12101 et seq.);
       (3) determine the feasible occupancy of each such unit, and 
     provide the methodology used to make the determination;
       (4) determine the number of individuals who are full-time 
     equivalent employees, other employees, or contractors that 
     have each such unit as a duty station and determine how 
     telework policies will impact the usage of each such unit;
       (5) calculate the amount of available, unused, or 
     underutilized space in each such unit;
       (6) consider any lease terms for leased units contained in 
     the domestic office footprint, including cost and effective 
     dates for each such leased unit; and
       (7) based on the findings in paragraphs (2) through (6), 
     and any other metrics the Secretary determines relevant, 
     provide recommendations for optimizing the use of units of 
     property across

[[Page H3790]]

     the Department in consultation with appropriate employee 
     labor representatives.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 months after completing the 
     review under subsection (a), 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 final report that 
     proposes opportunities to optimize the domestic office 
     footprint of the Administration (and associated costs). In 
     compiling such final report, the Secretary shall describe 
     opportunities for--
       (1) consolidation of offices within a reasonable distance 
     from one another;
       (2) the collocation of regional or satellite offices of 
     separate modes of the Department, including the cost benefits 
     of shared amenities; and
       (3) the use of coworking spaces instead of permanent 
     offices.
       (d) Definition of Domestic Office Footprint.--In this 
     section, the term ``domestic office footprint'' means 
     buildings, offices, facilities, and other real property 
     rented, owned, or occupied by the Administration or 
     Department--
       (1) in which employees report for permanent or temporary 
     duty that are not being used for active operations of the air 
     traffic control system; and
       (2) which are located within the United States.

     SEC. 804. AIRCRAFT WEIGHT REDUCTION TASK FORCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a task force to 
     identify ways to safely reduce covered aircraft weight for 
     purposes of reducing fuel burn.
       (b) Composition.--The task force established under 
     subsection (a) shall consist of not more than 20 individuals 
     and shall include representatives of--
       (1) the Federal Aviation Administration;
       (2) other Federal agencies as the Administrator determines 
     appropriate;
       (3) air carriers;
       (4) certified labor organizations representing flight 
     attendants at air carriers operating under part 121 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       (5) certified labor organizations representing aircraft 
     maintenance technicians;
       (6) certified labor organizations representing other 
     aviation workers, as appropriate; and
       (7) aerospace manufacturers.
       (c) Review.--The task force established under subsection 
     (a) shall review and evaluate--
       (1) regulations, requirements, advisory circulars, orders, 
     or other such directives of the Administration related to 
     covered aircraft or covered aircraft operations that may 
     inhibit certification of new materials, manufacturing 
     processes, components, or technologies that could reduce 
     aircraft weight or increase fuel efficiency without 
     decreasing safety;
       (2) aspects of covered aircraft design that are outdated or 
     underutilized on the date of enactment of this Act that may 
     unnecessarily increase covered aircraft weight or reduce 
     aircraft fuel efficiency that are not necessary for the safe 
     operation of such aircraft;
       (3) novel technologies and manufacturing processes, 
     including the use of advanced materials, that can safely be 
     used in the construction or modification of covered aircraft, 
     including a component or the interior of such aircraft, to 
     reduce weight or improve fuel efficiency; and
       (4) nonproprietary methods that air carriers have used to 
     safely decrease covered aircraft weight or improve fuel 
     efficiency.
       (d) Report.--
       (1) Task force report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     establishment of the task force under subsection (a), the 
     task force shall submit a report on the findings and results 
     of the review and evaluation conducted under subsection (c) 
     to the Administrator.
       (B) Recommendations.--In submitting the report required 
     under subparagraph (A), the task force shall include 
     recommendations--
       (i) on actions the Administrator may take to updated 
     regulations, processes, advisory circulars, orders, or other 
     such directions of the Administration to enable the 
     certification of new materials, components, manufacturing 
     processes, or technologies that may allow for the safe 
     reduction of covered aircraft weight or the improvement of 
     fuel efficiency; and
       (ii) on best practices for air carriers and aerospace 
     manufacturers to certify such materials, components, 
     manufacturing processes, or technologies.
       (C) Approximation of benefits.--For each recommendation 
     made under subparagraph (B), the task force shall approximate 
     the fuel savings that could be expected if such 
     recommendation was adopted.
       (D) Submission to congress.--Not later than 3 days after 
     receipt of the report required under subparagraph (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 the report and recommendations.
       (2) FAA report.--Not later than 120 days after submission 
     of the report under paragraph (1), 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--
       (A) describing the recommendations of the task force with 
     which the Administrator fully concurs, partially concurs, or 
     does not concur;
       (B) detailing, for the recommendations with which the 
     Administrator fully or partially concurs--
       (i) a timeline for implementing such recommendations; and
       (ii) possible benefits of using new materials, 
     manufacturing processes, components, or technologies, 
     including fuel savings, increased capacity, or other benefits 
     as determined reasonable by the task force; and
       (C) explaining, for the recommendations with which the 
     Administrator does not concur, the reason for which the 
     Administrator will not implement such recommendations.
       (e) Sunset.--
       (1) In general.--The task force established under 
     subsection (a) shall terminate upon submission of the report 
     required under subsection (d)(1)(A).
       (2) Exception.--The Administrator may choose to extend such 
     task force after the submission of the report required under 
     subsection (d)(1)(A), if the Administrator determines that 
     such an extension would be in the public interest.
       (f) Definition.--In this section:
       (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' means an air 
     carrier (as such term is defined in section 40102 of title 
     49, United States Code) that holds a certificate issued under 
     part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Aircraft weight.--The term ``aircraft weight'' means 
     the gross weight of a covered aircraft in operation.
       (3) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means 
     an aircraft that is operated by an air carrier that is 
     operating pursuant to a certificate issued under part 121 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 805. AUDIT OF TECHNICAL WRITING RESOURCES AND 
                   CAPABILITIES.

       (a) Audit by Inspector General.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector 
     general of the Department of Transportation shall initiate an 
     audit of the technical writing resources and capabilities of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration as such resources and 
     capabilities relate to producing rulemaking, policy, and 
     guidance, to--
       (1) determine if such resources and capabilities are 
     adequate; and
       (2) make recommendations for improvement of such resources 
     and capabilities.
       (b) Review.--In conducting the review required under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall evaluate the 
     technical writing resources and capabilities of the 
     Administration in each line of business of the 
     Administration, the Office of Policy, International Affairs, 
     and Environment, and the Office of the Chief Counsel, 
     including by reviewing--
       (1) the process and resources required to produce initial 
     drafts of rulemaking, policy, and guidance documents;
       (2) the quality of such initial drafts;
       (3) the amount of edits that are required throughout the 
     production of rulemaking, policy, and guidance documents;
       (4) writing support and education tools provided to 
     engineers, managers, and other technical staff of the 
     Administration involved in writing or editing such documents; 
     and
       (5) whether--
       (A) the Administration has and adheres to best practices 
     for the drafting of rulemaking, policy, and guidance 
     documents; and
       (B) such best practices are--
       (i) easily accessible and understandable by employees of 
     the Administration; and
       (ii) reflect modern writing conventions.
       (c) Recommendations.--In making the recommendations 
     required under subsection (a)(2), the inspector general shall 
     make recommendations to the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration on how to improve the quality of 
     written rulemaking, policy, and guidance documents and the 
     speed at which such documents can be produced, internally 
     reviewed, and approved.
       (d) Deconflicting Scope.--The inspector general shall 
     ensure that the audit required under subsection (a) does not 
     duplicate the evaluation required under section 125, except 
     to the extent that duplication is necessary to fully evaluate 
     the technical writing resources and capabilities of the 
     Administration.
       (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the inspector 
     general initiates 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 Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the 
     audit, including findings and recommendations.

     SEC. 806. FAA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS 
                   ORGANIZATIONS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall ensure the participation of employees of 
     the Administration in the activities of recognized industry 
     standards organizations to advance the adoption, reference, 
     and acceptance rate of standards and means of compliance 
     developed by such organizations by the Administrator.
       (b) Participation.--An employee directed by the 
     Administrator to participate in a working group, task group, 
     committee, or similar body of a recognized industry standards 
     organization shall--
       (1) actively participate in the discussions and work of 
     such organization;
       (2) accurately represent the position of the Administration 
     on the subject matter of such discussions and work;
       (3) contribute to the development of work products of such 
     organization, unless determined to be inappropriate by such 
     organization;
       (4) make reasonable efforts to identify and make any 
     concerns of the Administration relating to such work products 
     known to such organization, including through providing 
     formal comments, as may be allowed for under the procedures 
     of such organization;
       (5) provide regular updates to other Administration 
     employees and management on the progress of such work 
     products; and
       (6) seek advice and input from other Administration 
     employees and management, as needed.

[[Page H3791]]

       (c) Invitations.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator may accept an invitation 
     to participate in and contribute to the work of a recognized 
     industry standards organization as described in subsection 
     (b).
       (2) Declination of invitation.--If the Administrator 
     declines an invitation described in paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall provide--
       (A) the recognized industry standards organization a 
     written response to the invitation that articulates the 
     reasons for declining the invitation; and
       (B) a copy of such written response to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate not later than 5 days after 
     providing the response to such organization under 
     subparagraph (A).
       (d) Recognized Industry Standards Organization Defined.--In 
     this section, the term ``recognized industry standards 
     organization'' means a domestic or international organization 
     that--
       (1) uses agreed upon procedures to develop aviation-related 
     industry standards or means of compliance, particularly 
     standards or means of compliance that satisfy Administration 
     requirements or guidance;
       (2) is comprised of members of the public, including 
     subject matter experts, industry representatives, academics 
     and researchers, and government employees; and
       (3) has had at least one standard or means of compliance 
     accepted by the Administrator or referenced in guidance 
     material or a regulation issued by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration after the date of enactment of the Vision 
     100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-
     176).

     SEC. 807. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS 
                   STANDARDS.

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

     SEC. 808. REQUIRED DESIGNATION.

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

     SEC. 809. SENSITIVE SECURITY INFORMATION.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 40118 the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 40119. Sensitive security information

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding section 552 of title 5, 
     the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations 
     prohibiting the disclosure of information obtained or 
     developed in the process of ensuring security under this 
     title if the Secretary determines that disclosing the 
     information would--
       ``(1) be an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
       ``(2) reveal a trade secret or privileged or confidential 
     commercial or financial information; or
       ``(3) be detrimental to transportation safety.
       ``(b) Withheld Information.--In carrying out subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the prohibitions 
     described in such subsection do not apply to any information 
     provided to a committee of Congress authorized to have such 
     information, including the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
       ``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) 
     shall be construed to authorize the designation of 
     information as sensitive security information (as defined in 
     section 15.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to--
       ``(1) conceal--
       ``(A) a violation of law;
       ``(B) inefficiency; or
       ``(C) an administrative error;
       ``(2) prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or 
     governmental agency;
       ``(3) restrain competition; or
       ``(4) prevent or delay the release of information that does 
     not require protection in the interest of transportation 
     security, including basic scientific research information not 
     clearly related to transportation security.
       ``(d) Nondisclosure.--Section 552a of title 5 shall not 
     apply to disclosures that the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration may make from the systems of records 
     of the Administration to any Federal law enforcement, 
     intelligence, protective service, immigration, or national 
     security official in order to assist the official receiving 
     the information in the performance of official duties.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     related to section 40119 and inserting the following:

``40119. Sensitive security information.''.

     SEC. 810. PRESERVING OPEN SKIES WHILE ENSURING FAIR SKIES.

       (a) Addition of Labor Standards.--Section 40101 of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(17) preventing the undermining of labor standards.''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (e) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) preventing the undermining of labor standards.''.
       (b) Update to Foreign Air Carrier Permits.--Section 
     41302(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``the foreign air transportation'' and inserting 
     ``after considering the totality of the circumstances, 
     including the matters described in section 40101(a), the 
     foreign air transportation''.
       (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section, or the 
     amendments made by this section, shall be construed to affect 
     the validity of a foreign air carrier permit held, or air 
     transport agreement in place, on the date of enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 811. COMMERCIAL PREFERENCE.

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

     SEC. 812. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.

       (a) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``development and 
     location of air navigation facilities'' and inserting 
     ``development of air navigation facilities and services''; 
     and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``and development'' and inserting 
     ``procurement, and development'' each place it appears;
       (B) by striking ``facilities and equipment'' and inserting 
     ``facilities, services, and equipment'';
       (C) by striking ``first and 2d years'' and inserting 
     ``first and second years'';
       (D) by striking ``subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause'' 
     and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B)'';
       (E) by striking ``the 3d, 4th, and 5th'' and inserting 
     ``the third, fourth, and fifth'';
       (F) by striking ``systems and facilities'' and inserting 
     ``systems, services, and facilities''; and
       (G) by striking ``growth of aviation'' and inserting 
     ``growth of the aerospace industry''.
       (b) Systems, Procedures, Facilities, and Devices.--Section 
     44505 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``develop, alter'' and inserting ``develop 
     when necessary, alter''; and
       (B) by striking ``and devices'' and inserting ``services, 
     and devices'' each place it appears; and

[[Page H3792]]

       (2) in subsection (b) by striking ``develop dynamic 
     simulation models'' and inserting ``develop or procure 
     dynamic simulation models and tools'' each place it appears.

     SEC. 813. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORIZATION OR WAIVER.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, may 
     issue a certificate of authorization or waiver to a person to 
     operate an aircraft within an area covered by a temporary 
     flight restriction under such conditions as the Administrator 
     may prescribe, except for airspace that is subject to a 
     permanent, continuous flight restriction, unless the 
     authorization or waiver is issued to, or with the concurrence 
     of, the entity for which the flight restriction was created.
       (b) Special Considerations.--If a temporary flight 
     restriction is related to a sporting event and issued 
     pursuant to section 352 of the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Resolution, 2003 (Public Law 108-7), the conditions 
     prescribed by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall 
     include the following:
       (1) A minimum distance from the center of the temporary 
     flight restriction, which shall not be greater than 0.75 
     nautical miles, unless the Administrator determines, on a 
     case by case basis, that such mileage is insufficient to 
     maintain public safety.
       (2) The person may not operate an aircraft (except for a 
     purpose described under section 352(a)(3) of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Public Law 108-7)) for a 
     purpose that the Secretary determines is directly related to 
     the event for which the temporary flight restriction is 
     active.
       (c) Exception.--Subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to 
     aircraft operations associated with an aviation event or 
     airshow for which the Administrator has granted a certificate 
     of authorization or waiver.
       (d) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall brief the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on the implementation of 
     this section, including the number and nature of certificates 
     of authorization or waiver that have been issued under 
     subsection (a) subject to restrictions under subsection (b).
       (e) Operational Purposes.--Section 352(a)(3)(B) of 
     Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Public Law 108-
     7) is amended by inserting ``(or attendees approved by)'' 
     after ``guests''.
       (f) Sunset.--Subsection (b) shall cease to have effect on 
     October 1, 2028.

     SEC. 814. WING-IN-GROUND-EFFECT CRAFT.

       (a) Memorandum of Understanding.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration and the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall execute a memorandum of understanding governing the 
     specific roles, delineations of responsibilities, resources, 
     and commitments of the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     the Coast Guard, respectively, pertaining to wing-in-ground-
     effect craft that are--
       (A) only capable of operating either in water or in ground 
     effect over water; and
       (B) operated exclusively over waters subject to the 
     jurisdiction of the United States.
       (2) Contents.--The memorandum of understanding described in 
     paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) cover the processes the Federal Aviation Administration 
     and the United States Coast Guard will follow to promote 
     communications, efficiency, and nonduplication of effort in 
     carrying out such memorandum of understanding;
       (B) account for the special rule in accordance with 
     subsection (b); and
       (C) provide procedures for, at a minimum, the following:
       (i) Approval of wing-in-ground-effect craft designs.
       (ii) Operations of wing-in-ground-effect craft.
       (iii) Pilotage of wing-in-ground-effect craft.
       (iv) Inspections of wing-in-ground-effect craft.
       (v) Maintenance of wing-in-ground-effect craft.
       (b) Special Rule Prohibiting Secretary From Regulating 
     Certain WIG Craft Operators as Air Carriers.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law or regulation, the Secretary of 
     Transportation may not regulate an operator of a wing-in-
     ground-effect craft as an air carrier (as such term is 
     defined in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code).
       (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to--
       (1) limit the authority of the Secretary or the 
     Administrator to regulate aircraft that are not wing-in-
     ground-effect craft, including aircraft that are--
       (A) capable of the operations described in subsection (d); 
     and
       (B) capable of sustained flight out of ground effect;
       (2) confer upon the Commandant the authority to determine 
     the impact of any civil aircraft operation on the safety or 
     efficiency of the National Airspace System; or
       (3) confer upon the Administrator the authority to issue a 
     certificate of documentation, with or without a registry, 
     fishery or coastwise endorsement, for, or inspect any vessel 
     as that term is defined in section 115 of title 46, United 
     States Code.
       (d) Wing-in-ground-effect Craft Defined.--In this section, 
     the term ``wing-in-ground-effect craft'' means a craft that 
     is capable of operating completely above the surface of the 
     water on a dynamic air cushion created by aerodynamic lift 
     due to the ground effect between the craft and the surface of 
     the water.

     SEC. 815. QUASQUICENTENNIAL OF AVIATION.

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

     SEC. 816. FEDERAL CONTRACT TOWER WAGE DETERMINATIONS AND 
                   POSITIONS.

       The Secretary of Transportation shall request that the 
     Secretary of Labor--
       (1) review and update, as necessary, including to account 
     for cost-of-living adjustments, the basis for the wage 
     determination for air traffic controllers who are employed at 
     air traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower 
     Program established under section 47124 of title 49, United 
     States Code;
       (2) create a new wage determination category or occupation 
     code for managers of air traffic controllers who are employed 
     at air traffic control towers in the Contract Tower Program; 
     and
       (3) consult with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration in carrying out the requirements of paragraphs 
     (1) and (2).

     SEC. 817. INTERNAL PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS REVIEW.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall review the coordination 
     and approval processes of non-regulatory materials produced 
     by the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the 
     timeliness, transparency, development, and issuance of such 
     materials.
       (b) Contents of Review.--In conducting the review under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall--
       (1) provide recommendations for improving processes and 
     eliminating nonvalue-added reviews of non-regulatory 
     materials within the Federal Aviation Administration and 
     Department of Transportation, in consideration of the 
     authority of the Administrator under section 106 of title 49, 
     United States Code, and other applicable laws;
       (2) consider, with respect to each office within the 
     Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of 
     Transportation that reviews non-regulatory materials--
       (A) the timeline assigned to each such office to complete 
     the review of such materials;
       (B) the actual time spent for such review; and
       (C) opportunities to reduce the actual time spent for such 
     review;
       (3) describe any organizational changes and additional 
     resources that the Administration needs, if necessary, to 
     reduce delays in the development and publication of proposed 
     non-regulatory materials;
       (4) consider to what extent reporting mechanisms and 
     templates could be used to provide the public with more 
     consistent information on the development status of non-
     regulatory materials;
       (5) consider changes to the application of rules governing 
     ex parte communications by the Administrator to provide 
     flexibility for employees of the Administration to discuss 
     non-regulatory materials with aviation stakeholders and 
     foreign aviation authorities to promote United States 
     aviation leadership;
       (6) recommend methods by which the Administration can 
     incorporate standards set by recognized industry standards 
     organizations, as such term is defined in section 806, into 
     non-regulatory materials to keep pace with rapid changes in 
     aerospace technology and processes; and
       (7) evaluate the processes and best practices other civil 
     aviation authorities and other Federal departments and 
     agencies use to produce non-regulatory materials, 
     particularly the processes of entities that produce such 
     materials in an expedited fashion to respond to safety risks, 
     incidents, or new technology adoption.
       (c) Consultation.--In conducting the review under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general may, as appropriate, 
     consult with industry stakeholders, academia, and other 
     individuals with relevant background or expertise in 
     improving the efficiency of Federal non-regulatory material 
     production.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the inspector 
     general initiates the review under subsection (a), the 
     inspector general shall submit to the Administrator a report 
     on such review.
       (e) Action Plan.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an action 
     plan to implement the recommendations contained in the report 
     submitted under subsection (d).
       (2) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the 
     report under subsection (d), the Administrator shall brief 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House

[[Page H3793]]

     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate on such plan.
       (f) Non-regulatory Materials Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``non-regulatory materials'' means orders, advisory 
     circulars, statements of policy, guidance, technical 
     standards, and other materials related to aviation safety, 
     training, and operation of aeronautical products.

     SEC. 818. ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND 
                   IDENTIFICATION CARDS.

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

     SEC. 819. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.

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

     SEC. 820. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION 
                   TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM INTEGRITY.

       (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 to identify 
     and address aging information technology systems within the 
     Administration.
       (b) Contents.--The review required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) identify and inventory critical software and hardware 
     systems of the Administration;
       (2) assess the vulnerabilities of such systems to 
     degradation, errors (including human errors), and malicious 
     attacks (including cyber attacks); and
       (3) identify upgrades to, or replacements for, such systems 
     that are necessary to mitigate such vulnerabilities.
       (c) Mitigation.--The Administrator shall take such action 
     as may be necessary to mitigate the vulnerabilities 
     identified under the review conducted under subsection (a).
       (d) Leveraging External Expertise.--To the maximum extent 
     practicable, the actions carried out pursuant to this section 
     shall--
       (1) be consistent with the acquisition management system 
     established and updated pursuant to section 40110(d) of title 
     49, United States Code;
       (2) incorporate input from industry, academia, or other 
     external experts on information technology; and
       (3) identify technologies in existence or in development 
     that, with or without adaptation, are expected to be suitable 
     to meet the technical information technology needs of the 
     Administration.
       (e) Report.--Not later than 2 years 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 the 
     results of the review required under subsection (a).
       (f) Inspector General Review.--
       (1) In general.--After the Administrator completes the 
     review under subsection (a), the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of the 
     integrity of the information technology systems of the 
     Administration and assess the efforts of the Administration 
     to address the Administration's aging information technology 
     systems.
       (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 results of 
     the audit carried out under this subsection.

     SEC. 821. BRIEFING ON RADIO COMMUNICATIONS COVERAGE AROUND 
                   MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

       (a) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall provide to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate a briefing on the radio 
     communications coverage within the airspace surrounding the 
     Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport in Mena, Arkansas.
       (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under 
     subsection (a) shall include the following:
       (1) The radio communications coverage within the airspace 
     surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport with the 
     applicable Air Route Traffic Control Center.
       (2) The altitudes at which radio communications 
     capabilities are lost within such airspace.
       (3) Recommendations on changes that may increase radio 
     communications coverage below 4,000 feet above ground level 
     within such airspace.

     SEC. 822. STUDY ON CONGESTED AIRSPACE.

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

     SEC. 823. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.

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

     SEC. 824. USE OF BIOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENTS.

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

     SEC. 825. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT.

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

     SEC. 826. FINAL RULEMAKING ON CERTAIN MANUFACTURING 
                   STANDARDS.

       Not later than December 16, 2023, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule for 
     the notice of proposed rulemaking titled ``Airplane Fuel 
     Efficiency Certification'' and published June 15, 2022 (RIN 
     2120-AL54).

     SEC. 827. REMOTE DISPATCH.

       (a) In General.--Section 44711(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (9) by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (10) by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; or''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical 
     location designated as a dispatching center or flight 
     following center of an air carrier, except as provided under 
     section 44747.''.
       (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 44747. Aircraft dispatching

       ``(a) Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.--No person may 
     serve as an aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless 
     that person holds the appropriate aircraft dispatcher 
     certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration.
       ``(b) Proof of Certificate.--Upon the request of the 
     Administrator or an authorized representative of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal 
     agency,

[[Page H3794]]

     a person who holds such a certificate, and is performing 
     dispatching shall present the certificate for inspection.
       ``(c) Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Air carriers shall establish and 
     maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following 
     centers necessary to maintain operational control of each 
     flight at all times.
       ``(2) Requirements.--Air carrier dispatch centers and 
     flight following centers shall--
       ``(A) have a sufficient number of aircraft dispatchers at 
     dispatch centers and flight following centers to ensure 
     proper operational control of each flight at all times;
       ``(B) have the equipment necessary and in good repair to 
     maintain proper operational control of each flight at all 
     times; and
       ``(C) include appropriate physical and cybersecurity 
     protections, as determined by the Administrator.
       ``(3) Location limitation.--No air carrier may dispatch 
     aircraft from any location other than the designated dispatch 
     centers or flight following centers of such air carrier.
       ``(d) Emergency Authority for Remote Dispatching.--
     Notwithstanding subsection (c), an air carrier may dispatch 
     aircraft from locations other than from designated dispatch 
     centers or flight following centers for a limited period of 
     time in the event of an emergency or other event that renders 
     a center inoperable. An air carrier may not dispatch aircraft 
     under the emergency authority under this subsection for 
     longer than 30 consecutive days without the approval of the 
     Administrator.''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``44747. Aircraft dispatching.''.

     SEC. 828. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLANS 
                   AMENDMENT.

       Section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 44903 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act,'' and inserting ``The Administrator 
     shall require''; and
       (B) by striking ``shall submit to the Administrator'' and 
     inserting ``to submit''; and
       (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``A part 121 air carrier 
     shall'' and inserting ``The Administrator shall require a 
     part 121 air carrier to''.

     SEC. 829. CREW MEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.

       Section 44918(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting 
     ``Except as provided in paragraph (8), neither''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Air carrier accommodation.--An air carrier with a 
     crew member participating in the training program under this 
     subsection shall provide a process through which each such 
     crew member may obtain reasonable accommodations.''.

     SEC. 830. FORMAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT POLICIES ON 
                   AIR CARRIERS AND FOREIGN AIR CARRIERS.

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

     ``Sec. 41729. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies

       ``(a) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, each air carrier and foreign 
     air carrier transporting passengers for compensation shall 
     issue, in consultation with labor unions representing 
     personnel of the air carrier or foreign air carrier, a formal 
     policy with respect to transportation sexual assault or 
     harassment incidents.
       ``(b) Contents.--The policy required under subsection (a) 
     shall include--
       ``(1) a statement indicating that no transportation sexual 
     assault or harassment incident is acceptable under any 
     circumstance;
       ``(2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a 
     transportation sexual assault or harassment incident, 
     including--
       ``(A) appropriate public outreach activities; and
       ``(B) confidential phone and internet-based opportunities 
     for reporting;
       ``(3) procedures that personnel should follow upon the 
     reporting of a transportation sexual assault or harassment 
     incident, including actions to protect affected individuals 
     from continued sexual assault or harassment and to notify law 
     enforcement when appropriate;
       ``(4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the extent 
     practicable, future travel with the air carrier or foreign 
     air carrier by any passenger who causes a transportation 
     sexual assault or harassment incident; and
       ``(5) training that is required for all appropriate 
     personnel with respect to the policy required under 
     subsection (a), including--
       ``(A) specific training for personnel who may receive 
     reports of transportation sexual assault or harassment 
     incidents; and
       ``(B) recognizing and responding to potential human 
     trafficking victims, in the same manner as required under 
     section 44734(a)(4).
       ``(c) Passenger Information.--An air carrier or foreign air 
     carrier described in subsection (a) shall prominently 
     display, on the internet website of the air carrier or 
     foreign air carrier and through the use of appropriate 
     signage, a written statement that informs passengers and 
     personnel of the procedure for reporting a transportation 
     sexual assault or harassment incident.
       ``(d) Standard of Care.--Compliance with the requirements 
     of this section, and any policy issued thereunder, shall not 
     determine whether the air carrier or foreign air carrier 
     described in subsection (a) has acted with any requisite 
     standard of care.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Personnel.--The term `personnel' means an employee or 
     contractor of an air carrier or foreign air carrier.
       ``(2) Sexual assault.--The term `sexual assault' means the 
     occurrence of an act that constitutes any nonconsensual 
     sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, 
     including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
       ``(3) Transportation sexual assault or harassment 
     incident.--The term `transportation sexual assault or 
     harassment incident' means the occurrence, or reasonably 
     suspected occurrence, of an act that--
       ``(A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual harassment; and
       ``(B) is committed--
       ``(i) by a passenger or member of personnel of an air 
     carrier or foreign air carrier against another passenger or 
     member of personnel of an air carrier or foreign air carrier; 
     and
       ``(ii) within an aircraft or in an area in which passengers 
     are entering or exiting an aircraft.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

``41729. Formal sexual assault and harassment policies.''.

     SEC. 831. INTERFERENCE WITH SECURITY SCREENING PERSONNEL.

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

     SEC. 832. MECHANISMS TO REDUCE HELICOPTER NOISE.

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

     SEC. 833. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

``IX. MULTIMODAL FREIGHT 
              TRANSPORTATION.......................................... 
              70101''.

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

``448. Unmanned Aircraft 
              Systems.......................................... 
              44801''.

       (d) Authority to Exempt.--Section 40109(b) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 
     40103(b)(1) and (2) of this title'' and inserting 
     ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 40103(b)''.
       (e) General Procurement Authority.--Section 40110(d)(3) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``, as in effect on 
     October 9, 1996'' after ``Policy Act'';
       (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``the Office of Federal 
     Procurement Policy Act'' and inserting ``division B of 
     subtitle I of title 41''; and
       (3) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``section 
     27(e)(3)(A)(iv) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy 
     Act'' and inserting ``section 2105(c)(1)(D) of title 41''.
       (f) Government-Financed Air Transportation.--Section 
     40118(g)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``detection and reporting of potential human 
     trafficking (as described in paragraphs (9) and (10)'' and 
     inserting ``detection and reporting of potential severe forms 
     of trafficking in persons and sex trafficking (as such terms 
     are defined in paragraphs (11) and (12)''.
       (g) FAA Authority To Conduct Criminal History Record 
     Checks.--Section 40130(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14616)'' and 
     inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 40316)''.
       (h) Submissions of Plans.--Section 41313(c)(16) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``will 
     consult'' and inserting ``the foreign air carrier shall 
     consult''.
       (i) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501(c) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``40119,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Subject to section 
     40119(b) of this title and regulations prescribed under 
     section 40119(b),'' and inserting

[[Page H3795]]

     ``Subject to section 44912(d)(2) and regulations prescribed 
     under such section,''.
       (j) Use and Limitation of Amounts.--Section 44508 of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``40119,'' 
     each place it appears.
       (k) Structures Interfering With Air Commerce or National 
     Security.--Section 44718(h) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended to read as follows:
       ``(h) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `adverse 
     impact on military operations and readiness' and 
     `unacceptable risk to the national security of the United 
     States' have the meaning given those terms in section 183a(h) 
     of title 10.''.
       (l) Meteorological Services.--Section 44720(b)(2) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``the Administrator to persons'' and 
     inserting ``the Administrator, to persons''; and
       (2) by striking ``the Administrator and to'' and inserting 
     ``the Administrator, and to''.
       (m) Aeronautical Charts.--Section 44721(c)(1) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``1947,'' and 
     inserting ``1947''.
       (n) Flight Attendant Certification.--Section 44728(c) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``Regulation,'' and inserting ``Regulations,''.
       (o) Manual Surcharge.--The analysis for chapter 453 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

``45306. Manual surcharge.''.

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

     SEC. 834. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.

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

     SEC. 835. REPORT ON APPLICATION APPROVAL TIMING.

       Not later than 120 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 detailing the amount of time the application 
     approval process takes for agricultural aircraft operations 
     under part 137 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 836. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall initiate a study on the sustainability of air 
     cargo operations.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall address the 
     following:
       (1) Airport and cargo development strategies, including the 
     pursuit of new air carriers and plans for physical expansion.
       (2) Key historical statistics for passenger, cargo volumes, 
     including freight, express, and mail cargo, and operations, 
     including statistics distinguishing between passenger and 
     freight operations.
       (3) A description of air cargo facilities, including the 
     age and condition of such facilities and the square footage 
     and configuration of the landside and airside infrastructure 
     of such facilities, and cargo buildings.
       (4) The projected square footage deficit of the cargo 
     facilities and infrastructure described in paragraph (3).
       (5) The projected requirements and square footage deficit 
     for air cargo support facilities.
       (6) The general physical and operating issues and 
     constraints associated with air cargo operations.
       (7) A description of delays in truck bays associated with 
     the infrastructure and critical landside issues, including 
     truck maneuvering and queuing and parking for employees and 
     customers.
       (8) The estimated cost of developing new cargo facilities 
     and infrastructure, including the identification of 
     percentages for development with a return on investment and 
     without a return on investment.
       (9) The projected leasing costs to tenants per square foot 
     with and without Federal funding of the non-return on 
     investment allocation.
       (10) A description of customs and general staffing issues 
     associated with air cargo operations and the impacts of such 
     issues on service.
       (11) An assessment of the impact, cost, and estimated cost 
     savings of using modern comprehensive communications and 
     technology systems in air cargo operations.
       (12) A description of the impact of Federal regulations and 
     local enforcement of interdiction and facilitation policies 
     on throughput.
       (c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate the results of the study 
     carried out under this section.

     SEC. 837. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration, in coordination with industry and 
     other relevant government stakeholders, shall carry out an 
     accelerated program to assist with the development, testing, 
     and certification of the standards and technology necessary 
     to ensure industry and the Administration can certify, 
     produce and meet the installation requirements for next 
     generation radio altimeters across all necessary aircraft by 
     January 1, 2028.
       (b) Grant Program.--The Administrator may award grants for 
     the purposes of research and development, testing, and other 
     activities necessary to ensure that next generation radio 
     altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and 
     installed on necessary aircraft by 2028, including through 
     public-private partnership grants (which shall include 
     protections for necessary intellectual property with respect 
     to any private sector entity testing, certifying, or 
     producing next generation radio altimeters under the program 
     carried out under this section) with industry to ensure the 
     accelerated production and installation by January 1, 2028.
       (c) Review and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     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 steps the 
     Administrator has taken as of the date on which such report 
     is submitted and any actions the Administrator plans to take, 
     including as part of the program carried out under this 
     section, to ensure that next generation radio altimeter 
     technology is developed, tested, certified, and installed by 
     2028.

     SEC. 838. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY OF 
                   AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

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

     SEC. 839. RESTRICTED CATEGORY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND 
                   OPERATIONS.

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

     SEC. 840. REPORT ON TELEWORK.

       Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the 
     Committee on

[[Page H3796]]

     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, and the Committees on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives 
     a detailed report on any direct and indirect costs and 
     inefficiencies associated with COVID-era telework policies at 
     the Federal Aviation Administration.

     SEC. 841. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.

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

     SEC. 842. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.

       (a) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall conduct a study of foreign interchange 
     agreements.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall address the 
     following:
       (1) Methods for updating regulations under part 121.569 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for foreign 
     interchange agreements.
       (2) Time limits for foreign aircraft interchange 
     agreements.
       (3) Minimum breaks between foreign aircraft interchange 
     agreements.
       (4) Limits for no more than 1 foreign aircraft interchange 
     agreement between 2 airlines.
       (5) Limits for no more than 2 foreign aircraft on the 
     interchange agreement.

     SEC. 843. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY AND 
                   FACILITY EXPANSION PLAN.

       (a) Plan.--
       (1) In general.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall initiate the development of a 
     plan to--
       (A) expand overall Federal Aviation Administration capacity 
     relating to facilities, instruction, equipment, and training 
     resources to grow the number of developmental air traffic 
     controllers enrolled per fiscal year and support increases in 
     FAA air controller staffing to advance the safety of the 
     national airspace system; and
       (B) establish a second FAA Academy.
       (2) Considerations.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall consider--
       (A) the resources needed to support an increase in the 
     total number of developmental air traffic controllers 
     enrolled at the FAA Academies;
       (B) the resources needed to lessen FAA Academy attrition 
     per fiscal year;
       (C) how to modernize the education and training of 
     developmental air traffic controllers, including through the 
     use of new techniques and technologies to support 
     instruction, and whether field training can be administered 
     more flexibly, such as at other Federal Aviation 
     Administration locations across the country;
       (D) the equipment needed to support expanded instruction, 
     including air traffic control simulation systems, virtual 
     reality, and other virtual training platforms;
       (E) projected staffing needs associated with FAA Academy 
     expansion and the operation of virtual education platforms, 
     including the number of on-the-job instructors needed to 
     educate and train additional developmental air traffic 
     controllers;
       (F) the use of existing Federal Aviation Administration-
     owned facilities and classroom space and identifying 
     potential opportunities for new construction;
       (G) the costs of--
       (i) expanding Federal Aviation Administration capacity (as 
     described in paragraph (1)(A)); and
       (ii) establishing a second FAA Academy (as described in 
     paragraph (1)(B));
       (H) soliciting input from, and coordinating with, relevant 
     stakeholders as appropriate, including the exclusive 
     bargaining representative of air traffic control specialists 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration certified under 
     section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
       (I) other logistical and financial considerations as 
     determined by appropriate the Administrator.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 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 the plan developed under 
     subsection (a).
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the submission 
     of the plan under subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
     brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the plan, 
     including the implementation of the plan.

 TITLE IX--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2023

     SEC. 901. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Transportation 
     Safety Board Amendments Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 902. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 1118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     for the purposes of this chapter $142,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2024, $145,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $150,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2026, $155,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and 
     $161,000,000 for fiscal year 2028. Such sums shall remain 
     available until expended.''.

     SEC. 903. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES.

       Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``Sec. 1101. Definitions

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

     SEC. 904. ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING.

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

     SEC. 905. ACQUIRING MISSION-ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.

       Section 1113(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Direct Hire Authority.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 3304 and 
     sections 3309 through 3318 of title 5, the Chairman may, on a 
     determination that there is a severe shortage of candidates 
     or a critical hiring need for particular positions, recruit 
     and directly appoint into the competitive service highly 
     qualified personnel with specialized knowledge important to 
     the function of the Board.
       ``(B) Limitation.--The authority granted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this paragraph.
       ``(C) Exception.--The authority granted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall not apply to positions in the excepted service or 
     the Senior Executive Service.
       ``(D) Requirements.--In exercising the authority granted 
     under subparagraph (A), the Board shall ensure that any 
     action taken by the Board--
       ``(i) is consistent with the merit principles of section 
     2301 of title 5; and
       ``(ii) complies with the public notice requirements of 
     section 3327 of title 5.''.

     SEC. 906. OVERTIME ANNUAL REPORT TERMINATION.

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

     SEC. 907. STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN.

       Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Strategic Workforce Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Board shall develop a strategic 
     workforce plan that addresses the immediate and long-term 
     workforce needs of the Board with respect to carrying out the 
     authorities and duties of the Board under this chapter.
       ``(2) Aligning the workforce to strategic goals.--In 
     developing the strategic workforce plan under paragraph (1), 
     the Board shall take into consideration--
       ``(A) the current state and capabilities of the Board, 
     including a high-level review of mission requirements, 
     structure, workforce, and performance of the Board;
       ``(B) the significant workforce trends, needs, issues, and 
     challenges with respect to the Board and the transportation 
     industry;
       ``(C) the workforce policies, strategies, performance 
     measures, and interventions to mitigate succession risks that 
     guide the workforce investment decisions of the Board;
       ``(D) a workforce planning strategy that identifies 
     workforce needs, including the knowledge, skills, and 
     abilities needed to recruit and retain skilled employees at 
     the Board;
       ``(E) a workforce management strategy that is aligned with 
     the mission, goals, and organizational objectives of the 
     Board;
       ``(F) an implementation system for workforce goals focused 
     on addressing continuity of leadership and knowledge sharing 
     across the Board;

[[Page H3797]]

       ``(G) an implementation system that addresses workforce 
     competency gaps, particularly in mission-critical 
     occupations; and
       ``(H) a system for analyzing and evaluating the performance 
     of the Board's workforce management policies, programs, and 
     activities.
       ``(3) Planning period.--The strategic workforce plan 
     developed under paragraph (1) shall address a 5-year forecast 
     period, but may include planning for longer periods based on 
     information about trends in the transportation sector.
       ``(4) Plan updates.--The Board shall update the strategic 
     workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) not less than 
     once every 5 years.
       ``(5) Relationship to strategic plan.--The strategic 
     workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) may be developed 
     separately from, or incorporated into, the strategic plan 
     required under section 306 of title 5.
       ``(6) Availability.--The strategic workforce plan under 
     paragraph (1) and the strategic plan required under section 
     306 of title 5 shall be--
       ``(A) submitted to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate; and
       ``(B) made available to the public on a website of the 
     Board.''.

     SEC. 908. TRAVEL BUDGETS.

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

     SEC. 909. RETENTION OF RECORDS.

       Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Retention of Records.--Notwithstanding chapters 21, 
     29, 31, and 33 of title 44, the Board may retain 
     investigative records for such periods as determined by the 
     Board.''.

     SEC. 910. NONDISCLOSURE OF INTERVIEW RECORDINGS.

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

     SEC. 911. CLOSED UNACCEPTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS.

       Section 1116(c) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as 
     paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) a list of each recommendation made by the Board to 
     the Secretary of Transportation or the Commandant of the 
     Coast Guard that was closed in an unacceptable status in the 
     preceding 12 months;''.

     SEC. 912. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF OVERSIGHT, 
                   ACCOUNTABILITY, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 1120. Office of Oversight, Accountability, and Quality 
       Assurance

       ``(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this section, the Board shall establish in 
     the National Transportation Safety Board an Office of 
     Oversight, Accountability, and Quality Assurance to provide 
     oversight of the duties and responsibilities of the Board.
       ``(b) Director.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--The head of the Office of Oversight, 
     Accountability, and Quality Assurance shall be the Director, 
     who shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board and shall 
     be approved by the Board.
       ``(2) Qualifications.--The Director shall have demonstrated 
     ability in investigations.
       ``(3) Term.--The Director shall be appointed for a term of 
     5 years.
       ``(4) Vacancies.--Any individual approved to fill a vacancy 
     in the position of the Director occurring before the 
     expiration of the term for which the predecessor of the 
     individual was approved shall be approved for the remainder 
     of the term or for a new term.
       ``(c) Duties.--The Director shall--
       ``(1) establish and ensure policies that promote integrity, 
     efficiency, and effectiveness;
       ``(2) prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in 
     programs and operations;
       ``(3) provide policy direction related to the conduct, 
     supervision, and coordination of audits and investigations 
     relating to the activities of the Board;
       ``(4) identify trends and systemic issues within the agency 
     and create strategies and recommendations to address such 
     issues;
       ``(5) conduct impartial information gathering about 
     complaints or concerns, and ensure the Board is meeting any 
     quality and timeliness standards; and
       ``(6) not conduct any of the duties under this subsection 
     in a manner that interferes with an ongoing safety 
     investigation of the Board.
       ``(d) Reporting Criminal Violations to Department of 
     Justice.--If the Director has reasonable grounds to believe 
     that there has been a violation of Federal criminal law, the 
     Director shall refer the matter to the Department of Justice.
       ``(e) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to interfere or give the Office jurisdiction over 
     any active investigation by the Board or the content of 
     products approved by a vote of the Board.
       ``(f) Annual Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall submit to the Board, 
     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 on 
     the activities, investigations, findings, and recommendations 
     of the Director.
       ``(2) Sunset.--This subsection shall cease to have effect 
     on October 1, 2028.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding after the 
     item relating to section 1119 the following:

``1120. Office of Oversight, Accountability, and Quality Assurance.''.

       (c) Peer Review.--Not earlier than 3 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act and not later than 5 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of 
     Oversight, Accountability, and Quality Assurance of the 
     National Transportation Safety Board shall enter into the 
     necessary arrangements with an inspector general, or similar 
     Federal entity, to perform a peer review of the Office.

     SEC. 913. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES.

       (a) Highway Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(B) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``selects in 
     cooperation with a State'' and inserting ``selects, 
     concurrent with any State investigation''.
       (b) Rail Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(C) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``accident in 
     which there is a fatality or substantial property damage, or 
     that involves a passenger train'' and inserting ``accident, 
     including a railroad grade crossing or trespasser accident 
     that the Board selects, or in which there is otherwise a 
     fatality or substantial property damage, or that involves a 
     passenger train''.

     SEC. 914. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

       Section 1131(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the 
     following: ``public
       ``(1) in printed form at reasonable cost; and
       ``(2) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly 
     accessible database on a website of the Board.''.

     SEC. 915. ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELINESS OF REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 916. ENSURING ACCESS TO DATA.

       Section 1134 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:

[[Page H3798]]

       ``(g) Recorders and Data.--In investigating an accident 
     under this chapter, the Board may--
       ``(1) obtain any recorder or recorded information pertinent 
     to the accident;
       ``(2) require a manufacturer or the vendors, suppliers, or 
     affiliates of such manufacturer, to provide to the Board, 
     without delay, information the Board determines necessary to 
     enable the Board to read and interpret any recording device 
     or recorded information pertinent to the accident; and
       ``(3) require a manufacturer or the vendors, suppliers, or 
     affiliates of such manufacturer, to provide to the Board, 
     without delay, data and other intellectual property the Board 
     determines necessary to enable the Board to perform 
     independent physics-based simulations and analyses of the 
     accident situation.''.

     SEC. 917. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

       Section 1135(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the 
     following: ``public--
       ``(1) in printed form at reasonable cost; and
       ``(2) in electronic form in a publicly accessible database 
     on a website of the Board at no cost.''.

     SEC. 918. IMPROVING DELIVERY OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Aircraft Accidents.--Section 1136 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
     involved in aircraft accidents'' and inserting ``to 
     passengers involved in aircraft accidents and families of 
     such passengers'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``within United States airspace or 
     airspace delegated to the United States'' after ``aircraft 
     accident'';
       (B) by striking ``National Transportation Safety Board 
     shall'' and inserting ``Board shall''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
     inserting ``emotional, psychological, and spiritual care and 
     support services''; and
       (ii) by striking ``the families of passengers involved in 
     the accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
     accident and the families of such passengers'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``the families of passengers involved in the accident'' and 
     inserting ``passengers involved in the accident and the 
     families of such passengers'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health and 
     counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional, 
     psychological, and spiritual care and support services'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``the families who have traveled to the 
     location of the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
     involved in the accident and the families of such passengers 
     who have traveled to the location of the accident''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``affected 
     families''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``passengers and'' 
     before ``families'';
       (4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
       ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of 
     family services.--
       ``(A) Requests by director of family support services.--It 
     shall be the responsibility of the director of family support 
     services designated for an accident under subsection (a)(1) 
     to request, as soon as practicable, from the air carrier or 
     foreign air carrier involved in the accident a passenger 
     list, which is based on the best available information at the 
     time of the request.
       ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family support 
     services may not release to any person information on a list 
     obtained under subparagraph (A), except that the director 
     may, to the extent the director considers appropriate, 
     provide information on the list about a passenger to--
       ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
       ``(ii) a local, State, or Federal agency responsible for 
     determining the whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
       ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
     organization.--
       ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
     organization designated for an accident under subsection 
     (a)(2) may request from the air carrier or foreign air 
     carrier involved in the accident a passenger list.
       ``(B) Use of information.--The designated organization may 
     not release to any person information on a passenger list but 
     may provide information on the list about a passenger to the 
     family of the passenger to the extent the organization 
     considers appropriate.'';
       (5) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ``the families of 
     passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
     ``passengers involved in the accident and the families of 
     such passengers'';
       (6) in subsection (g)(3)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``prevent mental 
     health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent certain care 
     and support'';
       (B) by striking ``providing mental health and counseling 
     services'' and inserting ``providing emotional, 
     psychological, and spiritual care and support''; and
       (C) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``families'';
       (7) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a 
     list based on the best available information at the time of a 
     request, of the name of each passenger aboard the aircraft 
     involved in the accident.''; and
       (8) in subsection (i) by striking ``the families of 
     passengers involved in an aircraft accident'' and inserting 
     ``passengers involved in the aircraft accident and the 
     families of such passengers''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 1136 and inserting the 
     following:

``1136. Assistance to passengers involved in aircraft accidents and 
              families of such passengers.''.

       (c) Rail Accidents.--Section 1139 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
     involved in rail passenger accidents'' and inserting ``to 
     passengers involved in rail passenger accidents and families 
     of such passengers'';
       (2) in subsection (a) by striking ``National Transportation 
     Safety Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall'';
       (3) in subsection (a)(2)--
       (A) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
     inserting ``emotional, psychological and spiritual care and 
     support services''; and
       (B) by striking ``the families of passengers involved in 
     the accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
     accident and the families of such passengers'';
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``the 
     families of passengers involved in the accident'' and 
     inserting ``passengers involved in the accident and the 
     families of such passengers'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health and 
     counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional, 
     psychological, and spiritual care and support services'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``the families who have traveled to the 
     location of the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
     involved in the accident and the families of such passengers 
     who have traveled to the location of the accident''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``affected 
     families''; and
       (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``passengers and'' 
     before ``families'';
       (5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
       ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of 
     family services.--
       ``(A) Requests by director of family support services.--It 
     shall be the responsibility of the director of family support 
     services designated for an accident under subsection (a)(1) 
     to request, as soon as practicable, from the rail passenger 
     carrier involved in the accident a passenger list, which is 
     based on the best available information at the time of the 
     request.
       ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family support 
     services may not release to any person information on a list 
     obtained under subparagraph (A), except that the director 
     may, to the extent the director considers appropriate, 
     provide information on the list about a passenger to--
       ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
       ``(ii) a local, State, or Federal agency responsible for 
     determining the whereabouts or welfare of a passenger.
       ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
     organization.--
       ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
     organization designated for an accident under subsection 
     (a)(2) may request from the rail passenger carrier involved 
     in the accident a passenger list.
       ``(B) Use of information.--The designated organization may 
     not release to any person information on a passenger list but 
     may provide information on the list about a passenger to the 
     family of the passenger to the extent the organization 
     considers appropriate.'';
       (6) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``the families of 
     passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
     ``passengers involved in the accident and the families of 
     such passengers'';
       (7) in subsection (g)(3)--
       (A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``prevent mental 
     health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent certain care 
     and support'';
       (B) by striking ``providing mental health and counseling 
     services'' and inserting ``providing emotional, 
     psychological, and spiritual care and support''; and
       (C) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``families''; 
     and
       (8) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a 
     list based on the best available information at the time of 
     the request, of the name of each passenger aboard the rail 
     passenger carrier's train involved in the accident. A rail 
     passenger carrier shall use reasonable efforts, with respect 
     to its unreserved trains, and passengers not holding 
     reservations on its other trains, to ascertain the names of 
     passengers aboard a train involved in an accident.''.
       (d) Plans To Address Needs of Families of Passengers 
     Involved in Rail Passenger Accidents.--Section 24316(a) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``a 
     major'' and inserting ``any''.
       (e) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 1139 and inserting the 
     following:

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

[[Page H3799]]

  


     SEC. 919. UPDATING CIVIL PENALTY AUTHORITY.

       Section 1155 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by striking ``Aviation penalties'' and 
     inserting ``Penalties''; and
       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``or section 1136(g) 
     (related to an aircraft accident)'' and inserting ``section 
     1136(g), or 1139(g)''.

     SEC. 920. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC DOCKET RECORDS.

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

     SEC. 921. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

       Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall 
     implement a drug testing program applicable to Board 
     employees, including employees in safety or security 
     sensitive positions, in accordance with Executive Order 12564 
     (51 Fed. Reg. 32889).

     SEC. 922. ACCESSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE.

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

     SEC. 923. MOST WANTED LIST.

       (a) Termination of Publication.--Not later than 90 days 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the 
     National Transportation Safety Board shall terminate 
     publication of the Most Wanted List and any activities 
     associated with production of any future Most Wanted List.
       (b) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to prohibit the Board from--
       (1) conducting advocacy activities unrelated to the Most 
     Wanted List that the Board had the authority to conduct prior 
     to the date of enactment of this Act; and
       (2) maintaining materials related to previously issued Most 
     Wanted Lists.
       (c) Most Wanted List Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``Most Wanted List'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 1102 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 1101 note).

     SEC. 924. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

``1117. Methodology.''.

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

``13. Surface Transportation Board.''.

                  TITLE X--FREEDOM TO FLY ACT OF 2023

     SECTION 1001. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Freedom to Fly Act of 
     2023''.

     SEC. 1002. PROHIBITION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF VACCINATION 
                   MANDATE.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that employees of air carriers be vaccinated 
     against COVID-19.

     SEC. 1003. PROHIBITION ON VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR FAA 
                   CONTRACTORS.

       The Administrator may not require any contractor to mandate 
     that employees of such contractor obtain a COVID-19 vaccine 
     or enforce any condition regarding COVID-19 vaccination 
     status of employees of a contractor.

     SEC. 1004. PROHIBITION ON VACCINE MANDATE FOR FAA EMPLOYEES.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that employees of the Administration be 
     vaccinated against COVID-19.

     SEC. 1005. PROHIBITION ON VACCINE MANDATE FOR PASSENGERS OF 
                   AIR CARRIERS.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that passengers of air carriers be vaccinated 
     against COVID-19.

     SEC. 1006. PROHIBITION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF A MASK MANDATE.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that employee of air carriers wear a mask.

     SEC. 1007. PROHIBITION ON MASK MANDATES FOR FAA CONTRACTORS.

       The Administrator may not require any contractor to mandate 
     that employees of such contractor wear a mask.

     SEC. 1008. PROHIBITION ON MASK MANDATE FOR FAA EMPLOYEES.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that employees of the Administration wear a mask.

     SEC. 1009. PROHIBITION ON MASK MANDATE FOR PASSENGERS OF AIR 
                   CARRIERS.

       The Administrator may not implement or enforce any 
     requirement that passengers of air carriers wear a mask.

     SEC. 1010. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administration'' means the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.

                 TITLE XI--FAA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

     SEC. 1101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``FAA Research and 
     Development Act of 2023''.

     SEC. 1102. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (3) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
     Administration.
       (4) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration.
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.

              Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations

     SEC. 1111. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Subsection (a) of section 48102 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and'';
       (2) in paragraph (15) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(16) $255,130,000; for fiscal year 2024;
       ``(17) $261,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
       ``(18) $267,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
       ``(19) $273,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
       ``(20) $279,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.

         Subtitle B--FAA Research and Development Organization

     SEC. 1121. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION; FUNDING FOR SAFETY 
                   RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

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

          Subtitle C--FAA Research and Development Activities

     SEC. 1131. AVIATION FUEL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND USAGE.

       (a) Roadmap.--Not later than nine months after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Secretary of Transportation 
     shall coordinate with the Administrator of NASA, the 
     Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, and consult relevant 
     stakeholders, including those in industry and academia, to 
     prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
     a coordinated research and development roadmap to safely 
     eliminate the use of leaded aviation fuel in existing and 
     future certified piston-engine aircraft. Such roadmap shall--
       (1) identify activities to accelerate the development, 
     testing, and certification of safe and lead-free fuel for use 
     in general aviation aircraft, including requisite airport 
     refueling infrastructure; and
       (2) consider the feasibility of widespread use of such safe 
     and lead-free aviation fuel by not later than 2028.
       (b) Partnership With Private Industry.--The Administrator 
     shall coordinate with industry and pilot operators regarding 
     research programs for mass production and distribution of 
     unleaded aviation gasoline for market viability engine 
     safety, and define criteria to explore incentive programs to 
     reduce lead emissions for communities in need.

     SEC. 1132. CONTINUOUS LOWER ENERGY, EMISSION, AND NOISE 
                   (CLEEN).

       The Administrator shall consider expanding the CLEEN 
     program under section 47511 of title

[[Page H3800]]

     49, United States Code, and broadening eligibility for the 
     CLEEN program to new entrants to the aviation system.

     SEC. 1133. STRATEGY ON HYDROGEN AVIATION RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
     the Administrator of NASA and the heads of other relevant 
     Federal agencies, shall lead the development of a research 
     and development strategy on the safe use of hydrogen as part 
     of a sustainable future for aviation. Such strategy shall 
     consider the following:
       (1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and 
     pathways toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in 
     aviation.
       (2) The use of hydrogen in addition to research and 
     development efforts, including electrification, operational 
     efficiencies and other alternatives to traditional aviation 
     fuel.
       (b) Transmittal.--Not later than one year after the date of 
     the enactment of the Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress the research and 
     development strategy required under subsection (a).
       (c) Research and Development.--Based on the results of the 
     research and development strategy under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of 
     NASA, may conduct research and development activities into 
     the following:
       (1) The qualification of hydrogen aviation fuel.
       (2) The safe transition to such fuel for aircraft.
       (3) The advancement of certification efforts for such fuel.
       (4) Risk mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in 
     aircraft systems, including propulsion and storage systems.

     SEC. 1134. REPORT ON FUTURE ELECTRIC GRID RESILIENCY.

       Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of 
     this title, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
     Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on the model use of the 
     electrical grid to support future electric advanced air 
     mobility, including cost, challenges, and opportunities for 
     clean generation of electricity relating to such support.

     SEC. 1135. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER OCEANS AND OTHER 
                   REMOTE LOCATIONS.

       (a) Air Traffic Surveillance Over Oceans.--Subject to the 
     availability of appropriations for such purpose, the 
     Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA 
     and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall carry 
     out research, development, demonstration, and testing on 
     civilian air traffic surveillance over oceans and other 
     remote locations.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research, 
     development, demonstration, and testing under subsection (a), 
     the Administrator shall--
       (1) consider the need for international interoperability of 
     technologies, data, operations, and air traffic control 
     systems;
       (2) examine the status of using air traffic surveillance 
     technologies, including space-based Automatic Dependent 
     Surveillance-Broadcast, to facilitate the implementation of 
     minimal separation standards over United States-controlled 
     oceanic airspace;
       (3) identify mitigating approaches to reducing any 
     operational challenges, associated costs, or workload 
     impacts; and
       (4) use testing, data collection, evaluation, and analysis 
     on the use of air traffic surveillance technologies, 
     including space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-
     Broadcast, to support the activities described in paragraphs 
     (1) through (3).
       (c) Pilot Program.--The Administrator may carry out a pilot 
     program to test and evaluate air traffic surveillance 
     equipment over United States-controlled oceanic airspace and 
     other remote locations.
       (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     activities carried out under this section.

     SEC. 1136. UTILIZATION OF SPACE-BASED ASSETS TO IMPROVE AIR 
                   TRAFFIC CONTROL AND AVIATION SAFETY.

       (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose, the Administrator, in 
     coordination with the Administrator of NASA, and in 
     consultation with industry stakeholders, shall carry out 
     research, development, and testing of the use of air traffic 
     Space-Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-
     B) data.
       (b) Research Activities.--In carrying out the research, 
     development, and testing under subsection (a) the 
     Administrator shall focus on the following:
       (1) Monitoring and automatically reporting air turbulence 
     events.
       (2) Providing space-based multilateration surveillance.
       (3) Identifying global positioning system (GPS) and global 
     navigation satellite system (GNSS) disruptions affecting air 
     traffic services and assessing the impact of such events on 
     the safety of air traffic and the National Airspace System.
       (4) Evaluating the feasibility of implementing and using 
     aviation safety technologies and systems using space-based 
     Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast data.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall provide to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     research and development under subsection (a) and the 
     activities researched pursuant to subsection (b).

     SEC. 1137. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.

       (a) Review.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration, shall conduct a review of current and planned 
     research, modeling, and technology capabilities that have the 
     potential to more accurately detect and predict weather 
     impacts to aviation, including for unmanned aircraft systems 
     and advanced air mobility operations, inform how advanced 
     predictive models can enhance aviation operations, and 
     increase national airspace system safety and efficiency.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing 
     the results of the review conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 1138. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.

       (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose, the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Administrator of NASA and the heads of 
     other appropriate Federal agencies, shall continue to carry 
     out research on technologies and operations to enhance air 
     traffic surface operations safety.
       (b) Requirements.--The research program under subsection 
     (a) shall examine the following:
       (1) The safety of current air traffic control operations 
     related to air traffic surface operations.
       (2) Emerging in-cockpit technologies to enhance ground 
     situational awareness.
       (3) Emerging technologies to enhance air traffic control 
     situational awareness.
       (4) Air traffic surface operations safety for diverse 
     advanced air mobility operations.
       (5) Safety and operational data needed to inform current 
     and future safety programs on advanced air mobility vehicles.
       (6) Economic benefits of utilizing existing airport 
     infrastructure for use in advanced air mobility operations.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     research carried out under this section, including regarding 
     the transition into operational use of such research.

     SEC. 1139. AIRPORT AND AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public 
     Law 115-254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``durable airfield 
     pavements.'' and inserting ``resilient and sustainable 
     airfield and vertiport pavements; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(5) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to 
     improve long-term pavement performance and reduce carbon 
     emissions.''.

     SEC. 1140. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND 
                   MACHINE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Review.--The Administrator shall conduct a review of 
     current and planned artificial intelligence and machine 
     learning technologies to improve airport efficiency and 
     safety.
       (b) Summaries.--The review conducted under subsection (a) 
     shall include examination of the application of artificial 
     intelligence and machine learning technologies to the 
     following:
       (1) Jet bridges.
       (2) Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.
       (3) Aircraft taxi.
       (4) Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary 
     to help improve airport efficiency and safety.
       (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing 
     the results of the review conducted under subsection (a). The 
     report shall also include an examination of China's domestic 
     application of artificial intelligence and machine learning 
     technologies identified under subsection (b).

     SEC. 1141. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.

       Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of 
     this title, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of NASA and industry, shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive research 
     plan to build on existing research and development activities 
     and identify any further research and development needed to 
     inform the development of Federal and international policies, 
     regulations, standards, and recommended practices relating to 
     the certification and safe and efficient operation of civil 
     supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.

     SEC. 1142. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct research, 
     engineering, and development related to the effective and 
     efficient use and management of radio frequency spectrum in 
     the civil aviation domain, including for aircraft, unmanned 
     aircraft systems, and advanced air mobility. Such research, 
     engineering, and development shall, at a minimum, address the 
     following:
       (1) How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency 
     spectrum adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication, 
     navigation, and surveillance may impact the safety of civil 
     aviation.
       (2) The effectiveness of measures to identify risks, 
     protect, and mitigate against spectrum interference in 
     frequency bands used in civil and commercial aviation 
     operations to ensure public safety.
       (b) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing 
     the results of the research, engineering, and development 
     conducted under subsection (a).

[[Page H3801]]

  


     SEC. 1143. AVIATION STRUCTURES, MATERIALS, AND ADVANCED 
                   MANUFACTURING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Using the amounts available under section 
     48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator, 
     in coordination with the Director of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology, shall carry out a research and 
     development program for advancing aviation structures, 
     materials, and manufacturing for the safe use in and on 
     aircraft.
       (b) Inclusion.--The program under subsection (a) shall, to 
     the extent practicable, include research and development 
     relating to the following:
       (1) Metallic and non-metallic based additive materials and 
     processes, composites, and other advanced materials.
       (2) Process development for the development of design and 
     manufacturing standards for aviation structures, materials, 
     and additive manufacturing.
       (3) Improving certification efficiency of aviation 
     structures, materials, and additively manufactured aviation 
     products and components.
       (4) Evaluating long-term material and structural behavior 
     and associated maintenance, including support for fatigue 
     life determination, structural changes related to fatigue, 
     thermal, corrosive environments, and expected maintenance of 
     such materials, including recommended repair techniques.
       (5) Partnering with commercial entities to mature and 
     certify, as appropriate, the following capabilities for use 
     in aircraft manufacturing:
       (A) Additive manufacturing, including large-scale additive 
     manufacturing.
       (B) Aviation structures.
       (C) Advanced materials capabilities, including the 
     development and qualification of new material chemistries.
       (6) Inspection and quality assurance technologies for use 
     with complex geometries enabled by advanced manufacturing 
     methods.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall provide to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     findings of the research under subsection (a).

     SEC. 1144. RESEARCH PLAN ON THE REMOTE TOWER PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive 
     plan for research, development, testing, and evaluation 
     needed to mature remote tower technology and provide a 
     strategic roadmap to support standards development, 
     validation, and operational certification of such technology.
       (b) Considerations.--As part of the plan required under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator should consider the use of 
     remote tower technologies for advanced air mobility 
     operations.

     SEC. 1145. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.

       (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose, the Administrator shall 
     carry out a research program to evaluate opportunities to 
     modernize, enhance, and streamline training time to become a 
     Certified Professional Controller.
       (b) Requirements.--The research under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) assess the use of advanced technologies, such as 
     artificial intelligence, machine learning, adaptive computer-
     based simulation, virtual reality, or augmented reality, to 
     enhance controller knowledge retention, improve performance, 
     and improve the effectiveness of training time;
       (2) develop a timeline to deploy proven advanced 
     technologies and associated processes for accreditation in 
     training programs and training facilities within the national 
     airspace system; and
       (3) include collaboration with labor organizations and 
     other stakeholders.
       (c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
     enactment of this title, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     findings of the research under subsection (a).

     SEC. 1146. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     title, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report on the status of the FAA's 
     implementation of section 2111 of the FAA Extension, Safety, 
     and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 49 U.S.C. 44903 
     note; relating to the development of a comprehensive and 
     strategic aviation cybersecurity framework and establishment 
     of a research and development plan to mitigate cybersecurity 
     risks in the National Airspace System). The report, at 
     minimum, shall include the following:
       (1) A description of the FAA's progress in developing, 
     implementing, and updating such framework.
       (2) A description of prioritized research and development 
     activities for the most needed improvements, with target 
     dates, to safeguard the National Airspace System.
       (3) An explanation for any delays or challenges in so 
     implementing such section.

     SEC. 1147. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.

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

     SEC. 1148. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose, the Administrator, in 
     collaboration with the Administrator of the National Oceanic 
     and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the 
     Administrator of NASA, shall carry out applied research and 
     development to--
       (1) enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe 
     turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and
       (2) inform the development of measures to mitigate safety 
     impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from 
     severe turbulence.
       (b) Research and Development Activities.--In conducting the 
     research and development on severe turbulence in accordance 
     with subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) establish processes and procedures for comprehensive 
     and systematic data collection through both instrumentation 
     and pilot reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-
     air turbulence;
       (2) establish measures for storing and managing such data 
     collection;
       (3) support measures for monitoring and characterizing 
     incidents of severe turbulence;
       (4) consider relevant existing research and development 
     from other entities, including Federal departments and 
     agencies, academia, and the private sector; and
       (5) carry out research and development--
       (A) to understand the impacts of climate change and other 
     factors on the nature of turbulence, including severe 
     turbulence and clear-air turbulence;
       (B) to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight planning and 
     execution, seasonal predictions for schedule and route-
     planning, and long-term projections of severe turbulence, 
     including clear-air turbulence; and
       (C) on other subject matters areas related to severe 
     turbulence, as determined by the Administrator; and
       (6) support the effective transition of the results of 
     research and development to operations, where appropriate.
       (c) No Duplication.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
     research and development activities under this section do not 
     duplicate other Federal programs relating to turbulence.
       (d) Turbulence Data.--
       (1) Commercial providers.--In conducting research and 
     development activities under subsection (b), the 
     Administrator may enter into agreements with commercial 
     providers for the following:
       (A) The purchase of turbulence data.
       (B) The placement on aircraft of instruments relevant to 
     understanding and monitoring turbulence.
       (2) Data access.--The Administrator shall make the data 
     collected pursuant to subsection (b) widely available and 
     accessible to the scientific research, user, and stakeholder 
     communities, including the Administrator of the National 
     Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to the greatest 
     extent practicable and in accordance with Federal Aviation 
     Administration data management policies.
       (e) Report on Turbulence Research.--Not later than 15 
     months after the date of the enactment of this title, the 
     Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the 
     National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that--
       (1) details the activities conducted under this section, 
     including how the research and development activities under 
     subsection (b) have contributed to the goals specified in 
     subsection (a);
       (2) assesses the current state of scientific understanding 
     of the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected 
     future trends in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, 
     including clear-air turbulence;
       (3) describes the processes and procedures for collecting, 
     storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);
       (4) assesses--
       (A) the use of commercial providers pursuant to subsection 
     (d)(1); and
       (B) the need for any future Federal Government collection 
     or procurement of data and instruments related to turbulence, 
     including an assessment of costs;
       (5) describes how such data will be made available to the 
     scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
       (6) identifies future research and development needed to 
     inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate 
     the safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence, 
     including clear-air turbulence.

     SEC. 1149. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall carry out 
     research, development, testing, evaluation, and demonstration 
     programs for low-carbon alternative aviation fuels, which may 
     include next-generation feedstocks, biofuels, and bioderived 
     chemicals.
       (b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall collaborate 
     with Federal agencies, industry stakeholders, research 
     institutions, and other relevant stakeholders, to accelerate 
     the research, development, testing, evaluation, and 
     demonstrations programs described in subsection (a) and 
     facilitate United States sustainability and competitiveness 
     in aviation.

     SEC. 1150. LIMITATION.

       None of the funds authorized in this title may be used to 
     conduct research, develop, design, plan, promulgate, 
     implement, or execute a policy, program, order, or contract 
     of any kind with the Chinese Communist Party or any Chinese-
     owned entity unless such activities are specifically 
     authorized by a law enacted after the date of enactment of 
     this title.

                 TITLE XII--AVIATION REVENUE PROVISIONS

     SEC. 1201. AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURE 
                   AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986 is amended--

[[Page H3802]]

       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``October 1, 2023'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the 
     end and inserting ``or the Securing Growth and Robust 
     Leadership in American Aviation Act;''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code 
     is amended by striking ``October 1, 2023'' and inserting 
     ``October 1, 2028''.

     SEC. 1202. 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, 
     2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
       (b) Ticket Taxes.--
       (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2028''.
       (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of such Code is 
     amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2028''.
       (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
       (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of such Code is amended by 
     striking ``September 30, 2023'' and inserting ``September 30, 
     2028''.
       (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) 
     of such Code is amended by striking ``October 1, 2023'' and 
     inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
       (3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of such 
     Code is amended by striking ``September 30, 2023'' and 
     inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

     SEC. 1203. DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN AIRPORTS AS PORTS OF ENTRY.

       (a) In General.--The President shall--
       (1) pursuant to the Act of August 1, 1914 (38 Stat. 623, 
     chapter 223; 19 U.S.C. 2), designate each airport described 
     in subsection (b) as a port of entry; and
       (2) terminate the application of the user fee requirement 
     under section 236 of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 (19 
     U.S.C. 58b) with respect to the airport.
       (b) Airports Described.--An airport described in this 
     subsection is an airport that--
       (1) is a primary airport (as defined in section 47102 of 
     title 49, United States Code);
       (2) is located not more than 30 miles from the northern or 
     southern international land border of the United States;
       (3) is associated, through a formal, legal instrument, 
     including a valid contract or governmental ordinance, with a 
     land border crossing or a seaport not more than 30 miles from 
     the airport; and
       (4) through such association, meets the numerical criteria 
     considered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for 
     establishing a port of entry, as set forth in--
       (A) Treasury Decision 82-37 (47 Fed. Reg. 10137; relating 
     to revision of customs criteria for establishing ports of 
     entry and stations), as revised by Treasury Decisions 86-14 
     (51 Fed. Reg. 4559) and 87-65 (52 Fed. Reg. 16328); or
       (B) any successor guidance or regulation.

  The Acting CHAIR. No further amendment to the bill, as amended, shall 
be in order except those printed in part A of House Report 118-147 and 
amendments en bloc described in section 3 of House Resolution 597.
  Each such further amendment may be offered only in the order printed 
in the report, by a Member designated in the report, shall be 
considered as 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 the division of the question.
  It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure or his designee to offer amendments 
en bloc consisting of amendments printed in part A of the report not 
earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as read, 
shall be debatable for 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the 
chair and ranking minority member of the committee or their respective 
designees, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject 
to a demand for division of the question.


           Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. 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 21, line 2, strike ``and''.
       Page 21, after line 2, insert the following (and 
     redesignate the subsequent clause accordingly):
       (iii) coordinate the safe integration of new entrants and 
     technologies into the national airspace system; and
       Page 31, strike lines 22 through page 32, line 11 and 
     insert the following:
       (i) by striking ``In the performance'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) Issuance of regulations.--In the performance'';
       (ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall act'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The Administrator shall 
     act'';
       (iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall issue'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The Administrator shall 
     issue''; and
       (iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(iv) Reporting requirement.--On February 1''; and
       Page 59, strike lines 24 through 25 and insert the 
     following:
       (1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) to 
     subsection (r) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph 
     (7); and
       Page 80, line 13, strike ``and''.
       Page 80, line 17, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 80, after line 17, insert the following:
       (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as 
     paragraphs (1) through (3) (and adjusting the margins 
     accordingly).
       Page 81, strike lines 17 and 18 and insert the following:
       (A) by striking ``(b) Workload of Systems Specialists.--''; 
     and
       Page 81, line 21, insert ``and header casing'' after 
     ``margins''.
       Page 153, line 24, insert ``(including in any headings)'' 
     before the semicolon.
       Page 173, after line 24, insert the following (and 
     redesignate the subsequent subparagraphs accordingly):
       ``(C) to establish or improve apprenticeship, internship, 
     or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment 
     as an aviation pilot;''.
       Page 197, line 19, insert ``, including veterans of the 
     Armed Forces,'' after ``professionals''.
       Page 200, line 2, strike ``or''.
       Page 200, line 13, strike the period and insert ``; or''.
       Page 200, after line 13, insert the following:
       ``(10) a non-profit organization described in section 
     501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is exempt 
     from taxation under 501(a) of such Code that assists veterans 
     of the Armed Forces seeking to transition to careers in civil 
     aviation.
       Page 201, line 8, strike ``and''.
       Page 201, line 13, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 201, after line 13, insert the following:
       ``(4) a review of how many recipients engaged veteran 
     populations and how many veterans were recruited and 
     retrained as part of the aviation workforce.
       Page 247, line 13, strike ``and''.
       Page 247, line 16, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 247, after line 16, insert the following:
       (15) assess and evaluate the user interface and 
     information-sharing capabilities of any online medical portal 
     administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
       Page 257, line 2, insert ``for airport airside and landside 
     activities'' after ``demand''.
       Page 260, line 2, insert ``and section 47133,'' after 
     ``(c),''.
       Page 262, beginning on line 20, strike ``December 30, 
     1987'' and insert ``January 1, 1989''.
       Page 262, beginning on line 23, strike ``used as a 
     recreational and public park since January 1, 1995'' and 
     insert ``leased or licensed through a written agreement with 
     a governmental entity or non-profit entity for recreational 
     or public park uses since July 1, 2003''.
       Page 263, line 3, insert ``recreational and public use does 
     not impact the aeronautical use of the airport and that the'' 
     before ``property''.
       Page 263, strike lines 10 through 12 (and redesignate the 
     subsequent clauses accordingly).
       Page 263, line 14, insert ``to the Administrator'' after 
     ``certification''.
       Page 263, line 20, insert ``and'' after the semicolon.
       Page 263, strike line 21 and all that follows through page 
     264, line 6 and insert the following:
       ``(vi) if the airport sponsor will--

       ``(I) lease the property to a local government entity or 
     non-profit entity to operate and maintain the property at no 
     cost to the airport sponsor; or
       ``(II) sell the property to a local government entity or 
     non-profit entity subject to a permanent deed restriction 
     ensuring compatible airport use under regulations issued 
     pursuant to section 47502.

       Page 264, line 9, insert ``leasing or'' before ``selling''.
       Page 264, line 11, strike ``(2)(B)(viii)(II)'' and insert 
     ``(2)(B)(vi)''.
       Page 264, line 12, insert ``lease or'' before ``sell''.
       Page 264, line 15, insert ``lease or'' before ``sale''.
       Page 264, line 21, strike the closing quotation marks and 
     the second period.
       Page 264, after line 21, insert the following:
       ``(5) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--In 
     this subsection, the terms `aeronautical use' and 
     `aeronautical purpose'--
       ``(A) mean all activities that involve or are directly 
     related to the operation of aircraft, including activities 
     that make the operation of aircraft possible and safe;
       ``(B) include services located on an airport that are 
     directly and substantially related to the movement of 
     passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo; and
       ``(C) do not include any uses of an airport that are not 
     described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including any aviation-
     related uses that do not need to be located on an airport, 
     such

[[Page H3803]]

     as flight kitchens and airline reservation centers.
       ``(6) Administrator review and approval.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law and subject to the sponsor providing any written 
     statements or certifications to the Administrator required 
     under this subsection, no actions of or requirements on the 
     sponsor under this subsection shall require the review or 
     approval of the Secretary of Transportation or Administrator.
       ``(B) Burden of demonstration.--The Secretary shall have 
     the burden of demonstrating that a sponsor does not meet the 
     requirements or restrictions of this subsection.''.
       Page 281, line 5, strike ``and''.
       Page 281, after line 5, insert the following (and 
     redesignate the subsequent subparagraph accordingly):
       (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``50 percent'' and 
     inserting ``40 percent'' each place it appears; and
       Page 287, strike lines 4 through 7 and insert ``paragraph 
     (1)(A) from apportionment funds made available under section 
     47114 that are not required during the fiscal year pursuant 
     to subsection (b)(1) in an amount that is not less than--''.
       Page 287, line 14, strike ``section 47116(a)(2)'' and 
     insert ``section 47116(b)(2)''.
       Page 296, line 5, insert ``through alternative project 
     delivery methods, including construction manager-at-risk and 
     progressive design build'' after ``by a contractor''.
       Page 309, line 4, insert ``(including a leaded or unleaded 
     gasoline)'' after ``1986''.
       Page 309, line 7, insert ``under an investigation initiated 
     by the Administrator under part 13 or 16 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, relating to the availability of aviation 
     gasoline'' after ``airport sponsor''.
       Page 309, line 10, insert ``or'' after the semicolon.
       Page 309, strike lines 11 through 14 (and redesignate the 
     subsequent paragraph accordingly).
       Page 327, line 3, strike ``electrical'' and insert 
     ``energy'' (and adjust the table of contents for the bill 
     accordingly).
       Page 327, line 6, strike ``electrical'' and insert 
     ``energy''.
       Page 327, line 15, strike ``electrical'' and insert 
     ``energy''.
       Page 327, beginning on line 18, strike ``, including'' and 
     insert ``and''.
       Page 327, line 20, strike ``and''.
       Page 327, after line 22, insert the following:

       ``(V) vehicles and equipment used to transport passengers 
     and employees between the airport and--

       ``(aa) nearby facilities owned or controlled by the airport 
     or which otherwise directly support the functions or services 
     provided by the airport; or
       ``(bb) an intermodal surface transportation facility 
     adjacent to the airport; and
       Page 327, line 23, strike ``electrical'' and insert 
     ``energy''.
       Page 328, line 17, strike the closing quotation marks and 
     the period.
       Page 328, after line 17, insert the following:
       ``(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under 
     paragraph (1), the sponsor of a public-use airport shall 
     submit an application, including a certification that no 
     safety projects are being deferred by requesting a grant 
     under this section, to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require.''.
       Page 328, line 21 in the quoted material, strike 
     ``electrical'' and insert ``energy''.
       Page 328, strike line 10 and insert the following (and 
     adjust the margin of the subsequent text accordingly):
       ``(b) Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants from
       Page 328, line 14, redesignate paragraph (1) as 
     subparagraph (A) (and adjust the margins of the text 
     accordingly).
       Page 328, line 16, redesignate paragraph (2) as 
     subparagraph (B) (and adjust the margins of the text 
     accordingly).
       Page 330, after line 16, insert the following:

     SEC. 447. NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.

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

     SEC. 448. SPECIAL CARRYOVER ASSUMPTION RULE.

       Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Special Carryover Assumption Rule.--In addition to 
     amounts made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
     subsection (a), the Secretary may add to the discretionary 
     fund an amount equal to one-third of the apportionment funds 
     made available under section 47114 that were not required 
     during the previous fiscal year pursuant to section 
     47117(b)(1) out of the anticipated amount of apportionment 
     funds made available under section 47114 that will not be 
     required during the current fiscal year pursuant to section 
     47117(b)(1).''.
       Page 403, line 19, strike ``paragraph (1)'' and insert 
     ``paragraph (2)''.
       Page 403, beginning on line 19, strike ``Comptroller 
     General'' and insert ``inspector general''.
       Page 413, line 9, strike ``(3)'' and insert ``(4)''.
       Page 422, beginning on line 16, strike ``authority'' and 
     inserting ``authorization'' (and adjust the table of contents 
     for the bill accordingly).
       Page 427, line 13, strike the period.
       Page 453, line 3, insert ``that are not also type 
     certificate holders as included under paragraph (1), 
     production certificate holders as included under paragraph 
     (2), or aircraft operators as included under paragraph (5) 
     (or associated with any such entities)'' before the 
     semicolon.
       Page 453, line 5, insert ``and engineers'' after 
     ``inspectors''.
       Page 453, line 13, insert ``described in paragraph (6)'' 
     before the semicolon.
       Page 469, after line 16, insert the following:
       (k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to permit the public disclosure of information 
     submitted under a voluntary safety reporting program or that 
     is otherwise protected under section 44735 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       Page 470, line 14, insert ``prospective'' after 
     ``flightcrew''.
       Page 471, after line 6, insert the following:
       (d) Organ Transportation Flights.--In updating guidance and 
     policy pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
     consider and allow for appropriate accommodations, including 
     accommodations related to subsections (b)(2) and (b)(4) for 
     operators--
       (1) performing organ transportation operations; and
       (2) who have in place a means by which to identify and 
     mitigate risks associated with flightcrew duty and rest.
       Page 471, line 7, strike ``and video'' (and adjust the 
     table of contents for the bill accordingly).
       Page 490, beginning on line 26, strike ``have on the'' and 
     all that follows through ``in a timely manner'' and insert 
     ``have on the national airspace system in a timely manner''.
       Page 521, line 2, insert ``design'' before ``change''.
       Page 521, line 2, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 521, strike line 3 and insert the following:
       ``(B) improve the overall safety of the aircraft;
       ``(C) not decrease the level of safety of other components 
     or systems on the aircraft;
       ``(D) be in the public interest;
       ``(E) not include any substantial changes;
       ``(F) be recorded on a type certificate data sheet or other 
     public instrument that notifies the public of such design 
     changes; and
       ``(G) be considered through a process that applies 
     appropriate requirements as determined by the Administrator.
       Page 521, line 7, strike the closing quotation marks and 
     the second period.
       Page 521, after line 7, insert the following:
       ``(4) Deadline.--In issuing an approval under this 
     subsection, the Administrator shall impose a deadline by 
     which all non-compliant conditions related to the design 
     change shall be addressed.
       ``(5) Safety-related design change defined.--In this 
     subsection, the term `safety-related design change' means a 
     design change that has any effect on the safety of the 
     aircraft.''.

     SEC. 548. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS.

       (a) In General.--Section 40123(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) 
     by inserting ``or third party'' after ``nor any agency''.
       (b) Protected Information.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall promulgate regulations 
     to amend part 193 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     to designate and protect from disclosure information or data 
     submitted, collected, or contained by the Administrator under 
     voluntary safety programs, including the following:
       (1) Aviation Safety Action Program.
       (2) Flight Operational Quality Assurance.
       (3) Line Operations Safety Assessments.
       (4) Air Traffic Safety Action Program.
       (5) Technical Operations Safety Action Program.
       (6) Such other voluntarily submitted information or 
     programs as the Administrator determines appropriate.
       Page 551, line 2, insert ``designation and'' before 
     ``heading''.
       Page 553, strike lines 12 through 14 and insert the 
     following:
       (a) In General.--Section 44810(c) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by inserting ``,and any other 
     location the Administrator determines appropriate'' after 
     ``Data''.
       (b) Applications for Designation.--Section 2209 of the FAA 
     Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44802 
     note) is further amended--
       Page 553, line 13, strike ``(Public Law 114-190)'' and 
     insert ``(49 U.S.C. 44802 note)''.
       Page 553, line 13, strike ``further''.
       Page 553, strike lines 15 through 19 and insert the 
     following:
       (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``, including 
     temporarily,'' after ``restrict'';
       Page 553, strike line 20 and all that follows through page 
     554, line 13 and insert the following:
       (2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking ``Other 
     locations that warrant such restrictions'' and inserting 
     ``State correctional facilities''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       Page 578, line 15, strike ``Administrator'' and insert 
     ``Secretary''.
       Page 593, strike lines 14 through 21 (and redesignate the 
     subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

[[Page H3804]]

       Page 595, line 2, strike ``system technology'' and insert 
     ``systems''.
       Page 611, after line 16, insert the following:

     SEC. 635. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall establish a process to allow 
     applicants to request temporary prohibitions of unmanned 
     aircraft operations in close proximity to an eligible large 
     public gathering for a specified period of time.
       (b) Application Procedures.--
       (1) In general.--In making a determination whether to grant 
     or deny an application for a designation, the Administrator 
     shall consider--
       (A) aviation safety;
       (B) protection of persons and property on the ground;
       (C) national security; or
       (D) homeland security.
       (2) Requirements.--The application procedures under this 
     section shall allow eligible petitions to apply for a 
     prohibition individually or collectively.
       (3) Eligible large gatherings.--Large public gatherings 
     eligible for application under this section shall--
       (A) have an estimated attendance of greater than 20,000 
     people;
       (B) be primarily outdoors;
       (C) have defined and static geographical boundaries; and
       (D) be advertised in the public domain.
       (4) Eligible petitioners.--Applicants eligible to submit 
     petitions for consideration in subsection (a) shall be a 
     credentialed law enforcement organization or public safety 
     organization otherwise recognized by a Federal, State, local, 
     Tribal, or territorial governmental entity.
       (c) Review Process.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall provide for a 
     timely determination on an application submitted under 
     subsection (a) to allow for the public to be notified of a 
     prohibition in advance of the public gathering.
       (2) Additional requirement.--The Administrator shall make 
     every practicable effort to make a determination on an 
     application submitted under subsection (a) not later than 7 
     days before the expected start date of the large public 
     gathering.
       (d) Public Information.--Temporary prohibition designated 
     under subsection (a) shall be published by the Federal 
     Aviation Administration in a publicly accessible manner, in 
     English and other non-English languages, at least 2 days 
     before the large public gathering.
       (e) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section may be 
     construed as prohibiting the Administrator from authorizing 
     operation of an aircraft, including an unmanned aircraft 
     system, over, under, or within a specified distance from that 
     large public gathering designated under subsection (b).
       (f) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``unmanned 
     aircraft'' and ``unmanned aircraft system'' have the meanings 
     given such terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       Page 614, line 8, strike ``and''.
       Page 616, line 16, insert ``, as appropriate'' after 
     ``operations''.
       Page 614, line 16, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 614, after line 16, insert the following:
       (D) inform such rulemakings based on operations and efforts 
     that occur as a result of the special Federal aviation 
     regulation pursuant to subsection (b).
       Page 618, line 12, strike ``version of''.
       Page 618, beginning on line 13, strike ``in effect on the 
     date of enactment of this Act,''.
       Page 618, strike lines 21 through 24 and insert the 
     following:
       (3) affirm the general permissibility of vertical takeoff 
     and landing capable aircraft to use a heliport when such 
     heliport can safely accommodate the physical and operating 
     characteristics of such aircraft; and
       Page 621, strike line 21 through page 622, line 1 (and 
     redesignate the subsequent paragraphs accordingly).
       Page 629, line 12, strike ``At'' and insert ``Subject to 
     the availability of appropriations, at''.
       Page 688, after line 10, insert the following:

     SEC. 725. SEATING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS 
                   WITH DISABILITIES.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
     180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall issue an advanced notice of 
     proposed rulemaking regarding seating accommodations for any 
     qualified individual with a disability.
       (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed 
     rulemaking under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary 
     shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding seating 
     accommodations for any qualified individual with a 
     disability.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the advanced notice of 
     proposed rulemaking required in subsection (a)(1), the 
     Secretary shall consider the following:
       (1) The scope and anticipated number of qualified 
     individuals with a disability who--
       (A) may need to be seated with a companion to receive 
     assistance during a flight; or
       (B) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other seating 
     considerations.
       (2) The types of disabilities that may need seating 
     accommodations.
       (3) Whether such qualified individuals with a disability 
     are unable to obtain, or have difficulty obtaining, such a 
     seat.
       (4) The scope and anticipated number of individuals 
     assisting a qualified individual with a disability who should 
     be afforded an adjoining seat pursuant to section 382.81 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (5) Any notification given to qualified individuals with a 
     disability regarding available seating accommodations.
       (6) Any method that is adequate to identify fraudulent 
     claims for seating accommodations.
       (7) Any other information determined appropriate by the 
     Secretary.
       (c) Accredited Service Animal Training Programs and 
     Authorized Registrars.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
     publish on the website of the Department of Transportation 
     and maintain a list of--
       (1) accredited programs that train service animals; and
       (2) authorized registrars that evaluate service animals.
       (d) Report to Congress on Service Animal Requests.--Not 
     later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
     section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on 
     requests for air travel with service animals, including--
       (1) during the reporting period, how many requests to board 
     an aircraft with a service animal were made; and
       (2) the number and percentage of such requests, categorized 
     by type of request, that were reported by air carriers or 
     foreign air carriers as--
       (A) granted;
       (B) denied; or
       (C) fraudulent.
       (e) Training.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in 
     consultation with the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory 
     Committee, issue guidance regarding improvements to training 
     for airline personnel (including contractors) in recognizing 
     when a qualified individual with a disability is traveling 
     with a service animal.
       (2) Requirements.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1) 
     shall--
       (A) take into account respectful engagement with and 
     assistance for individuals with a wide range of visible and 
     non-visible disabilities;
       (B) provide information on--
       (i) service animal behavior and whether the service animal 
     is appropriately harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered; 
     and
       (ii) the various types of service animals, such as guide 
     dogs, hearing or signal dogs, psychiatric service dogs, 
     sensory or social signal dogs, and seizure response dogs; and
       (C) outline the rights and responsibilities of the handler 
     of the service animal.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions apply:
       (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
     has the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (3) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term 
     ``qualified individual with a disability'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (4) Service animal.--The term ``service animal'' has the 
     meaning given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       Page 703, strike line 8.
       Page 703, line 17, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 703, after line 17, insert the following:
       (4) consult with the exclusive bargaining representative of 
     the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       Page 710, strike lines 16 through 24 and insert the 
     following:
       (2) Exception.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply to an eligible place that is served by an air 
     carrier selected to receive essential air service 
     compensation under subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, 
     if--
       (A) such service is in effect upon the date of enactment of 
     this Act; and
       (B) such service is provided by the same air carrier that 
     provided service on the date of enactment of this Act.
       Page 719, line 7, insert ``and engineers'' after 
     ``inspectors''.
       Page 742, beginning on line 3, strike ``, or with the 
     concurrence of,''.
       Page 742, strike lines 8 and 9 and insert ``pursuant to 
     section 541 of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations 
     Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note), the conditions''.
       Page 742, beginning on line 19, strike ``section 352(a)(3) 
     of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Public 
     Law 108-7))'' and insert ``section 521 of division F of the 
     Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 
     note))''.
       Page 742, strike line 24 and all that follows through page 
     743, line 2 and insert the following:
       (c) Required Coordination.--
       (1) In general.--On an annual basis, the Administrator 
     shall convene a meeting with representatives of 
     Administration-approved air shows, the general aviation 
     community,

[[Page H3805]]

     stadiums and other large outdoor events and venues or 
     organizations that run such events, the Department of 
     Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice--
       (A) to identify scheduling conflicts between 
     Administration-approved air shows and large outdoor events 
     and venues where--
       (i) flight restrictions will be imposed pursuant to section 
     521 of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
     2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note); or
       (ii) any other restriction will be imposed pursuant to 
     Federal Aviation Administration Flight Data Center Notice to 
     Airmen 4/3621 (or any successor notice to airmen); and
       (B) in instances where a scheduling conflict between events 
     is identified or is found to be likely to occur, develop 
     appropriate operational and communication procedures to 
     ensure for the safety and security of both events, pursuant 
     to the authority prescribed in subsection (a).
       (2) Scheduling conflict.--If the Administrator or any other 
     stakeholder party to the required annual coordination 
     required in paragraph (1) identifies a scheduling conflict 
     outside of the annual meeting at any point prior to the 
     scheduling conflict, the Administrator shall work with 
     impacted stakeholders to develop appropriate operational and 
     communication procedures to ensure for the safety and 
     security of both events, pursuant to the authority prescribed 
     in subsection (a).
       (3) Notice.--Prior to issuing a certificate of 
     authorization or waiver pursuant to subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall give appropriate due notice to impacted 
     stakeholders and develop appropriate operational and 
     communication procedures to ensure for the safety and 
     security of all impacted events, pursuant to the authority 
     prescribed in subsection (a).
       Page 743, beginning on line 12, strike ``Section 
     352(a)(3)(B) of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 
     2003 (Public Law 109-7)'' and insert ``Section 
     521(a)(2)(B)(ii) of division F of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note)''.
       Page 743, strike lines 16 and 17.
       Page 775, line 21, insert ``economic'' after ``study on 
     the''.
       Page 785, after line 11, insert the following:

     SEC. 844. LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARGO AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--The standards adopted by the Administrator 
     of the Environmental Protection Agency in part 1030 of title 
     40, Code of Federal Regulations, and the requirements 
     finalized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration from the notice of proposed rulemaking titled 
     ``Airplane Fuel Efficiency Certification'', and published on 
     June 15, 2022 (RIN2120-AL54) in part 38 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, shall not apply to any covered airplane 
     before the date that is 5 years after January 1, 2028.
       (b) Operational Limitation.--The Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall limit the operation of 
     any covered airplane to domestic use or international 
     operations, consistent with relevant international agreements 
     and standards, that--
       (1) does not meet the standards and requirements described 
     in subsection (a); and
       (2) received an original certificate of airworthiness 
     issued by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration on or after January 1, 2028.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered airplane.--The term ``covered airplane'' means 
     an airplane that--
       (A) is a subsonic jet that is a purpose-built freighter;
       (B) has a maximum takeoff mass greater than 180,000 
     kilograms but not greater than 240,000 kilograms; and
       (C) has a type design certificated prior to January 1, 
     2023.
       (2) Purpose-built freighter.--The term ``purpose-built 
     freighter'' means any airplane that--
       (A) was configured to carry cargo rather than passengers 
     prior to receiving an original certificate of airworthiness; 
     and
       (B) is configured to carry cargo rather than passengers.

     SEC. 845. COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR ORIGINAL DESIGNS OF 
                   AIRCRAFT FLOATS.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration shall, as appropriate, coordinate with the 
     Register of Copyrights to help, to the extent feasible, 
     aircraft float manufacturers receive design protections 
     provided under section 1301 of title 17, United States Code.
       (b) Aircraft Float Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``aircraft float'' means a device suitable for use on an 
     airplane that meets the standards set forth in the technical 
     standard order related to Twin Seaplane Floats issued by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration on July 31, 2018 (TSO-C27a), 
     or any successor standard.
       Page 791, beginning on line 18, strike ``which shall be 
     incorporated into the annual budget request of the Board''.
       Page 814, after line 14, insert the following:

     SEC. 925. AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS.

       (a) Removal of FAA Medical Certificate Requirement.--Not 
     later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, in 
     consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and the Chairman of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, shall take such actions as may 
     be necessary to revise the eligibility requirements for the 
     Air Safety Investigating Series 1815 occupational series (and 
     any similar occupational series relating to transportation 
     accident investigating) to remove any requirement that an 
     individual hold a current medical certificate issued by 
     Administrator.
       (b) Updates to Other Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the 
     with the Administrator and Chairman, shall take such actions 
     as may be necessary to update and revise experiential, 
     educational, and other eligibility requirements for the Air 
     Safety Investigating Series 1815 occupational series (and any 
     similar occupational series relating to transportation 
     accident investigating).
       (2) Considerations.--In updating the requirements under 
     paragraph (1), the Director shall consider--
       (A) the direct relationship between any requirement and the 
     duties expected to be performed by the position;
       (B) changes in the skills and tools necessary to perform 
     transportation accident investigations; and
       (C) such other considerations as the Director, 
     Administrator, or Chairman determines appropriate.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I rise in support of the Graves-Larsen amendment. This amendment 
makes several technical conforming and clarifying changes throughout 
the underlying bill.
  Furthermore, the amendment includes provisions that were the result 
of bipartisan negotiations on several policy issues.
  These provisions include additional requirements for FAA to further 
coordinate the safe integration of new entrants into the National 
Airspace System, adding pilot apprenticeship, internship, or 
scholarship programs or veteran career transition nonprofits as an 
eligible grant recipient under the aviation workforce development 
program, protections on voluntary safety information disclosures, and 
several other provisions that reflect the bipartisan work with our 
colleagues across the aisle.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition 
to the amendment, although I am not opposed.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chair, this amendment reflects bipartisan agreement on a variety 
of technical fixes and good policy worthy of inclusion in this bill.
  It includes language from Representative Schrier of Washington State 
to focus FAA's aviation workforce development efforts on transitioning 
veterans to the civilian workforce, an amendment that the committee 
worked together on with Representative Gooden to make happen.
  It requires the FAA to develop a process to restrict drones from 
flying over large outdoor gatherings. It clears unnecessary red tape 
for the FAA to issue airport improvement grants and ensures our air 
traffic controllers are consulted on major policy changes, protects 
information or data reported by pilots or engineers through voluntary 
safety reporting requirements, and includes language from 
Representative Stanton of Arizona to require the Secretary of 
Transportation to propose a rulemaking to improve seating 
accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
  Finally, it expands FAA's counter-UAS testing authorities to consider 
the impacts to the safety of the National Airspace System beyond the 
airport environment.
  Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to vote in favor of this amendment, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I would urge my colleagues to 
support this important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).
  The amendment was agreed to.

[[Page H3806]]

  



       Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 597, 
I offer amendments en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, 
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, and 25 printed in part 
A of House Report 118-147, offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri.

             amendment no. 2 offered by mr. bean of florida

       Page 639, line 3, insert ``, including connecting taxiways, 
     if the runway is'' before ``existing''.
       Page 639, line 11, strike ``runway is'' and insert 
     ``runways and taxiways are''.


              amendment no. 5 offered by ms. brown of ohio

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

     SEC. __. PROVISION OF DRINKING WATER TO PASSENGERS.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall issue such regulations as are necessary to require air 
     carriers and foreign air carriers to provide complementary 
     drinking water to passengers on all domestic and 
     international flights with a scheduled duration of 1 hour or 
     more.


           amendment no. 8 offered by mrs. cammack of florida

       Page 256, strike lines 24 through 25 and insert the 
     following:
       (3) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and catchment area 
     analyses'' after ``planning'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in subsection (C) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:


         amendment no. 9 offered by mr. carbajal of california

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

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

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


             amendment no. 11 offered by mr. case of hawaii

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. REPORT ON INDO-PACIFIC AIRPORTS.

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


             amendment no. 12 offered by mr. case of hawaii

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. GAO STUDY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANTS AT 
                   AIRPORTS.

       The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct 
     a study on the implementation of grants provided to airports 
     located in the Freely Associated States under section 
     47115(i) of title 49, United States Code.


            amendment no. 13 offered by mr. castro of texas

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SECTION ___. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS 
                   PARTICIPATION.

       Section 157(b)(2) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
     (49 U.S.C. 47113 note) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(D) Publishing data.--The Secretary of Transportation 
     shall report on a publicly accessible website the uniform 
     report of DBE awards--commitments and payments specified in 
     part 26 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and the 
     uniform report of ACDBE Participation for non-car rental and 
     car rental concessions, for each airport sponsor beginning 
     with fiscal year 2024.''.


          amendment no. 14 offered by mr. ciscomani of arizona

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

     SEC. ___. RUNWAY SAFETY PROJECTS.

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


          amendment no. 15 offered by mr. ciscomani of arizona

       At the end of subtitle B of title VII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. AGREEMENTS FOR STATE AND LOCAL OPERATION OF AIRPORT 
                   FACILITIES.

       Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(viii) Air traffic control towers at airports with safety 
     or operational problems related to the lack of an existing 
     tower.
       ``(ix) Air traffic control towers at airports with 
     projected commercial and military increases in aircraft or 
     flight operations.
       ``(x) Air traffic control towers at airports with a variety 
     of aircraft operations, including a variety of commercial and 
     military flight operations''.


             amendment no. 16 offered by mr. cloud of texas

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. STRUCTURES INTERFERING WITH AIR COMMERCE OR 
                   NATIONAL SECURITY.

       Section 44718 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``on a publicly 
     available website'' after ``public notice'';
       (2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i);
       (3) in subsection (i) (as so redesignated) by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(3) Energy project.--The term `energy project' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 183a(h) of title 10.
       ``(4) Foreign principal; agent of a foreign principal.--The 
     terms `foreign principal' and `agent of a foreign principal' 
     have the meaning given such terms in section 1 of the Foreign 
     Agents Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611).''; and
       (4) by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
       ``(h) Special Rule for Energy Projects.--
       ``(1) In general.--Any person who is required to submit an 
     application for an energy project under this section shall 
     include in such application a disclosure of any relationship 
     such person has with a foreign principal or with an agent of 
     a foreign principal.
       ``(2) Inaccurate disclosure of relationship with foreign 
     principal.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation, in 
     consultation with the Attorney General of the United States 
     and the head of any other relevant Federal agency, shall 
     establish a process to evaluate the accuracy of a disclosure 
     made under paragraph (1) and determine whether a person has 
     violated such paragraph.
       ``(B) Initial penalty for inaccurate disclosure.--If the 
     Secretary determines that a person has knowingly violated 
     paragraph (1), such person shall be prohibited from 
     submitting an application for an energy project under this 
     section during the period beginning on the date on which the 
     Secretary made the determination under subparagraph

[[Page H3807]]

     (A) and ending on the date that is 2 years after such 
     determination.
       ``(C) Penalties for subsequent inaccurate disclosures.--If 
     the Secretary determines that a person knowingly violates 
     paragraph (1) after an initial violation under subparagraph 
     (B), such person shall be permanently prohibited from 
     submitting an application for an energy project under this 
     section.''.


            amendment no. 17 offered by ms. davids of kansas

       Page 424, line 24, strike ``30'' and insert ``60''.


         amendment no. 18 offered by ms. delbene of washington

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

     SEC. __. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS AND 
                   ENVIRONMENT (ASCENT).

       The Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
     Environment (ASCENT) shall subject to the availability of 
     appropriations for such purpose and consistent with the 
     research and development strategy in section 1133, conduct 
     research on hydrogen to increase aviation decarbonization. 
     Such research shall be in addition to any other research 
     authorized to be carried out by the Center, including other 
     research relating to hydrogen.


          amendment no. 19 offered by deluzio of pennsylvania

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. EFFECT OF AIRLINE MERGERS FOR CONSUMERS.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall submit a report to Congress on the effect of 
     airline mergers for consumers, including passenger fares 
     (including add-on fees), the number of routes, the number of 
     nonstop routes eliminated, and the number of flight delays 
     and cancellations.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a 
     report on the results of the study conducted under subsection 
     (a) to the following congressional committees:
       (1) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and 
     the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (2) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.


          amendment no. 20 offered by desaulnier of california

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall convene a task force on human 
     factors in aviation safety (in this section referred to as 
     the ``Task Force'').
       (b) Composition.--The Task Force shall consist of members 
     appointed by the Administrator and having expertise in an 
     operational or academic discipline that is relevant to the 
     analysis of human errors in aviation. The number of members 
     shall be determined by the Administrator to ensure sufficient 
     representation of relevant operational and academic 
     disciplines.
       (c) Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Members of the Task Force shall be 
     appointed for the length of the existence of the Task Force.
       (2) Length of existence.--
       (A) In general.--The Task Force shall have an initial 
     length of existence of 2 years.
       (B) Option.--The Administrator may exercise an option to 
     lengthen the duration of the existence of the Task Force for 
     a period of 2 years.
       (d) Disciplines.--For purposes of subsection (b), 
     disciplines may include air carrier operations, line pilot 
     expertise, air traffic control, technical operations, 
     aeronautical information, aircraft maintenance and mechanics 
     psychology, linguistics, human-machine integration, general 
     aviation operations, and organizational behavior and culture.
       (e) Expertise.--
       (1) In general.--No less than half of the members shall 
     have expertise in aviation.
       (2) Additional expertise.--The Task Force shall include 
     members with expertise on human factors but whose experience 
     and training are not in aviation specifically and who have 
     not previously been engaged in work related to the Federal 
     Aviation Administration or the aviation industry. The Task 
     Force shall also include pilot labor organization, 
     certificated mechanic labor organizations, and at least one 
     member from an air traffic controller labor organization.
       (f) Federal Aviation Administration Members.--
       (1) In general.--Not more than 4 members may be employees 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration and National 
     Transportation Safety Board, excluding representatives of the 
     labor representatives of employees of the air traffic control 
     system. Not more than 2 members may be employees of the 
     National Transportation Safety Board. The Federal Aviation 
     Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board 
     members shall be non-voting.
       (2) Federal aviation administration employees.--Any member 
     who is an Federal Aviation Administration employee shall have 
     expertise in safety.
       (g) Duties.--In coordination with the Research, 
     Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee established 
     under section 44508 of title 49, United States Code, the Task 
     Force shall--
       (1) not later than the date on which the Task Force is no 
     longer in existence, produce a written report that--
       (A) to the greatest extent possible, identifies the most 
     significant human factors and the relative contribution of 
     such factors to aviation safety risk;
       (B) identifies new research priorities for research in 
     human factors in aviation safety;
       (C) reviews existing products by other working groups 
     related to human factors in aviation safety including the 
     Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST)'s work pertaining to 
     flight crew responses to abnormal events;
       (D) provides recommendations on potential revisions to any 
     Federal Aviation Administration regulations and guidance 
     pertaining to the certification of aircraft under part 25 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including sections 
     related to presumed pilot response times and assumptions 
     about the reliability of pilot performance during unexpected, 
     stressful events;
       (E) reviews rules, regulations, or standards regarding 
     flight crew rest and fatigue, as well as maintenance 
     personnel rest and fatigue, that are used by a sample of 
     international air carriers, including those deemed to be more 
     stringent and less stringent than the current standards 
     pertaining to United States air carriers, and identify risks 
     to the National Airspace System from any such variation in 
     standards across countries;
       (F) reviews pilot training requirements and recommend any 
     revisions necessary to ensure adequate understanding of 
     automated systems on aircraft;
       (G) reviews approach and landing misalignment and make any 
     recommendations for improving these events;
       (H) identifies ways to enhance instrument landing system 
     maintenance schedules; determines how a real-time smart 
     system should be developed that informs the Air Traffic 
     Control System, Airlines, and Airports about any changes in 
     the state of runway and taxiway lights; and identifies how 
     this system could be connected to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration's maintenance system;
       (I) analyzes, with respect to human errors related to 
     aviation safety of part 121 air carriers--
       (i) fatigue and distraction during critical phases of work 
     among pilots or other aviation personnel;
       (ii) tasks and workload;
       (iii) organizational culture;
       (iv) communication among personnel;
       (v) adherence to safety procedures;
       (vi) mental state of personnel; and
       (vii) any other relevant factors that are the cause or 
     potential cause of human error related to aviation safety;
       (J) includes a tabulation of the number of accidents, 
     incidents, or aviation safety database entries received in 
     which an item identified under subparagraph (I) was a cause 
     or potential cause of human error related to aviation safety; 
     and
       (K) includes a list of causes or potential causes of human 
     error related to aviation safety about which the 
     Administrator believes additional information is needed; and
       (2) if the Secretary exercises the option described in 
     subsection (c)(2)(B), not later than the date that is 2 years 
     after the date of establishment of the Task Force, produce an 
     interim report containing the information described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (h) Methodology.--To complete the report under 
     subparagraphs (I) through (K) of subsection (g)(1), the Task 
     Force shall consult with the National Transportation Safety 
     Board and use all available data compiled and analysis 
     conducted on safety incidents and irregularities collected 
     during the relevant fiscal year from the following:
       (1) Flight Operations Quality Assurance.
       (2) Aviation Safety Action Program.
       (3) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.
       (4) The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
       (5) Aviation safety recommendations and investigation 
     findings of the National Transportation Safety Board.
       (6) Other relevant programs or sources.
       (i) Applicable Law.--Section 1013 of title 5, United States 
     Code, shall not apply to the Task Force.


           amendment no. 21 offered by mr. donalds of florida

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. SENSE OF CONGRESS ENCOURAGING THE FAA TO WELCOME THE 
                   USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES.

       It is the sense of Congress that Congress encourages the 
     Federal Aviation Administration to welcome the use of 
     unmanned aerial vehicles, such as drones, to bolster and 
     augment traditional manual inspection, survey, and 
     maintenance operations, including operations that relate to 
     electric transmission infrastructure, water quality and the 
     presence of harmful algal blooms, transportation 
     infrastructure, national parks, and telecommunications 
     infrastructure.


           amendment no. 22 offered by mr. donalds of florida

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. EVALUATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall, in consultation with industry stakeholders and 
     the owners

[[Page H3808]]

     or operators of airports certified by the Administrator of 
     the Federal Aviation Administration, conduct an evaluation of 
     a representative sample of the emergency plans in place at 
     such airports.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the evaluation under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall assess, with 
     respect to such airports, the following:
       (1) Electricity supply on normal operating procedures.
       (2) Resiliency plans for maintaining appropriate 
     electricity supply to continue airport operations in the case 
     a natural disaster disrupts the airport's primary power 
     source.
       (3) Backup electricity plans in the event a natural 
     disaster disrupts, partially or completely, the airport's 
     primary power source.
       (4) A comparison of previous versions of the airport's 
     emergency response plans and how current and future airport 
     emergency response plans may be similar or different than the 
     emergency response plans of the past.
       (5) The overall impact of an airport losing its primary 
     power source on communities surrounding the airport and any 
     public health and safety risks that may result.
       (c) Submission.--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 containing 
     the results of the evaluation conducted under subsection (a).


          amendment no. 24 offered by ms. eshoo of california

       Page 380, line 11, strike ``and'' and insert a comma.
       Page 380, line 13, insert ``, and recommendations solicited 
     from individuals and local government officials in 
     communities adversely impacted by aircraft noise'' after 
     ``community engagement''.


         amendment no. 25 offered by mr. espaillat of new york

       Page 526, line 14, strike ``and''.
       Page 526, after line 14, insert the following (and 
     redesignate accordingly):
       (8) conduct a review of potential vulnerabilities in 
     inflight Wi-Fi service that may put the data of passengers at 
     risk; and

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Larsen) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.

                              {time}  1345

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of en bloc No. 1, containing 18 
amendments from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This en bloc 
contains a number of important amendments that address issues of 
national importance as well as issues that are impacting individual 
districts.
  This package allows airports to use their Federal dollars to better 
understand the communities which they serve and the length people 
travel in order to take a flight.
  It will instruct the FAA to test and evaluate means by which general 
and business aviation can utilize technology to receive flight 
clearances as opposed to using antiquated systems.
  It also instructs the FAA to stand up a multidisciplinary task force 
to review the impact that human factors have on aviation safety and to 
make related recommendations.
  In addition, this package instructs the Government Accountability 
Office to consult with airports to review emergency response plans and 
assess electrical resiliency for the safe operations of an airport 
during emergency scenarios.
  This en bloc includes a number of provisions from members of the T&I 
Committee that were raised at markup but that we didn't have time to 
resolve. I am very glad that we were able to work together to resolve 
the few issues and support changes on a bipartisan basis.
  Mr. Chair, I urge support of this bipartisan en bloc package and 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this en 
bloc.
  It includes a number of provisions that will improve the bill 
overall, including:
  A proposal from Representative Brown of Ohio to ensure passengers on 
air carriers and foreign air carriers have the right to free drinking 
water on any flight longer than an hour;
  A proposal from Representatives Carbajal, Yakym, and Davids directing 
the FAA to test the use of mobile technologies to deliver air traffic 
control clearances to general aviation pilots and part 135 operators;
  A proposal from Representatives Ciscomani and Stanton to prioritize 
air traffic control staffing at towers with strategic traffic and 
safety considerations;
  A proposal from Representative DelBene to expand the FAA's Center of 
Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment to conduct 
research on hydrogen, supporting increasing efforts to decarbonize the 
aviation sector;
  A proposal from Representative DeSaulnier to create a task force on 
human factors safety to harmonize disparate human factors work being 
done currently across the aviation community;
  A proposal from Representative Donalds encouraging the FAA to embrace 
the use of drones for helping workers to conduct safer, more efficient 
infrastructure inspections; and
  A proposal from Representative Eshoo to ensure community voices are 
heard on aircraft noise issues.
  Mr. Chair, I support this en bloc, and I encourage my colleagues to 
do the same.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym).
  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Chairman, let me begin by thanking Chairman Graves as 
well as Ranking Member Larsen for the great work that they both did on 
this FAA reauthorization.
  I rise in support of this en bloc, which includes Carbajal amendment 
No. 9, of which I am a cosponsor. I thank both the chairman and the 
ranking member for including this amendment in the en bloc.
  This amendment creates a pilot program at five airports to deliver 
mobile clearances for general aviation and part 135 air carriers. Early 
FAA trials of this technology have shown promise, and thus it seems 
worthwhile to continue development and testing in hopes of being able 
to deploy it more widely.
  As a pilot myself, I am excited about something like this down the 
road. Voice-based clearances can be difficult to understand, which 
leads to delays and misunderstandings. For airports without Towered 
Data Link Services, voice-based clearances can take 30 to 40 minutes. 
Trials of mobile deliveries have reduced that to 2 minutes.
  I thank Mr. Carbajal and Ms. Davids for their partnership on this 
amendment, and I thank the chairman and ranking member for their 
support.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I have no other speakers on the 
en bloc, so I will close by asking Members to please support the 
amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support 
this en bloc amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc No. 1 
offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 printed in part A of 
House Report 118-147.
  The Chair understands that amendment No. 6 will not be offered.


       Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 597, 
I offer amendments en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 2, consisting of amendment Nos. 26, 28, 30, 
31, 32, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 49, 51, 52, 55, 57, and 58 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147, offered by Mr. Graves of 
Missouri:

            Amendment No. 26 Offered by Mr. Feenstra of Iowa

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

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

       The Secretary of Transportation shall take such actions as 
     are necessary to respond with an approval or denial of any 
     application filed by an applicant to provide essential air 
     service under subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, 
     United States Code, to the greatest extent practicable no 
     later than 6 months after receiving such application.

[[Page H3809]]

  



      Amendment No. 28 Offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

       Page 462, line 3, insert ``commercial passenger'' after 
     ``barrier on''.
       Page 462, line 7, insert ``chair and'' after ``shall''.
       Page 462, line 10, strike ``each of'' and insert ``from the 
     constituencies of''.
       Page 462, strike line 13.
       Page 462, line 14, strike ``(4)'' and insert ``(3)''.
       Page 462, strike lines 15 through 17 and insert the 
     following:
       (4) passenger aircraft pilots represented by a labor group;
       (5) flight attendants represented by a labor group;
       (6) airline passengers; and
       Page 463, beginning on line 17, strike ``18 months'' and 
     insert ``12 months''.


      Amendment No. 30 Offered by Mr. Robert Garcia of California

       Page 472, line 1, insert ``or where crew would reasonably 
     believe an aircraft lined up on an incorrect runway or 
     incorrect taxiway, the aircraft landing at the wrong airport, 
     the aircraft significantly overpassed the destination 
     airport, or the crew have been alerted of a possible pilot 
     deviation'' after ``Regulations,''.
       Page 473, line 11, strike the closing quotation mark and 
     final period.
       Page 473, after line 11, insert the following:
       ``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to affect--
       ``(1) the confidentiality of recordings and transcripts 
     under section 1114(c);
       ``(2) the ban on recordings for civil penalty or 
     certificate action under section 121.359(h) of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations; or
       ``(3) the prohibition against use of data from flight 
     operational quality assurance programs for enforcement 
     purposes under section 13.401 of 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.''.


     Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon of Puerto Rico

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

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

       (a) In General.--No later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on air cargo operations in 
     Puerto Rico.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall address the 
     following:
       (1) The economic impact of waivers authorized by the 
     Secretary of the Department of Transportation related to air 
     cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
       (2) Recommendations for security measures that may be 
     necessary to support increased air cargo operations in Puerto 
     Rico.
       (3) Potential need for additional staff to safely 
     accommodate additional air cargo operations.
       (4) Airport infrastructure improvements that may be needed 
     in the 3 international airports located in Puerto Rico to 
     support increased air cargo operations.
       (5) Alternatives to increase private stakeholder engagement 
     and use of the 3 international airports in Puerto Rico to 
     attract increased air cargo operations.
       (6) Possible national benefits of increasing air cargo 
     operations in Puerto Rico.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the appropriate Committees of Congress a report on the 
     results of the study described in subsection (a).


            Amendment No. 32 Offered by Mr. Gooden of Texas

       At the end of title VIII, insert the following:

     SEC. 8__. PROHIBITION ON OPERATION OF AIRCRAFT OVER RUSSIAN 
                   AIRSPACE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of State and other 
     relevant Federal officials, shall--
       (1) amend NOTAM KICZ NOTAM A0005/22-Security, titled 
     ``United States of America Prohibition Against Certain 
     Flights in specified areas of the Moscow (UUWV), Samara 
     (UWWW) and Rostov-Na Donu (URRV) Flight Information Regions 
     (FIR))'' to apply the prohibitions equally to air carriers 
     and foreign air carriers landing in or taking off from an 
     airport in the United States;
       (2) take other actions within the authorities of the 
     Secretary to apply to foreign air carriers landing in, or 
     taking off from, an airport in the United States prohibitions 
     consistent with the prohibitions in the NOTAM referred to in 
     paragraph (1); or
       (3) provide to the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate, a briefing, in a classified or unclassified setting, 
     if the Secretary finds that the implementation of paragraph 
     (1) or (2) is--
       (A) unnecessary;
       (B) not in the public interest; or
       (C) not consistent with the foreign policy priorities of 
     the United States.
       (b) Sunset.--Any prohibition implemented pursuant to 
     subsection (a) shall terminate on the date on which the NOTAM 
     referred to in subsection (a) is rescinded.
       (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed as putting any limitation on the authority of the 
     Secretary of Transportation to implement any prohibition in 
     addition or subsequent to a prohibition implemented under 
     subsection (a).
       (d) Definitions.--Each of the terms used in this section 
     shall have the meanings given such terms in section 40102(a) 
     of title 49, United States Code.


        Amendment No. 34 Offered by Mr. Gottheimer of New Jersey

       At the end of title VII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN AIRPORT DELAYS.

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


           Amendment No. 37 Offered by Ms. Hageman of Wyoming

       Page 738, after line 17, insert the following (and 
     redesignate the subsequent subparagraph accordingly):
       ``(E) ensure that any procurement of new equipment takes 
     into account the life cycle, reliability, performance, 
     service support, and costs to guarantee the acquisition of 
     equipment that is of high quality and reliability resulting 
     in greater performance and cost-related benefits for 
     airports;


           Amendment No. 38 Offered by Ms. Hageman of Wyoming

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

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

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


           Amendment No. 39 Offered by Ms. Hageman of Wyoming

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. GAO STUDY ON AVIATION WORKFORCE.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on methods related to the 
     recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, and 
     well-being of the aviation workforce specifically within 
     rural communities.
       (b) Collaboration.--In conducting the study under 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall collaborate 
     with industry stakeholders and rural aviation facilities to 
     ascertain the best policies for increasing participating in 
     the aviation workforce community from individuals from rural 
     communities.
       (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 120 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit the results of the study under subsection (a) to the 
     appropriate congressional committees.
       (d) Administrative Actions.--The Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as 
     are reasonable to implement the recommendations made by the 
     Comptroller General from the study conducted under subsection 
     (a).


          Amendment No. 40 Offered by Mr. Higgins of Louisiana

       Add at the end of title VIII the following:

     SEC. 844. ASSESSMENT BY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT 
                   OF TRANSPORTATION OF COUNTER-UAS SYSTEM 
                   OPERATIONS.

       (a) Assessment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
     Department of Transportation shall assess all actions taken 
     by the Federal Aviation Administration affecting the ability 
     of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct counter-UAS 
     system operations at the southern border of the United States 
     from January 1, 2021, to such date of enactment.
       (b) Considerations.--The assessment under subsection (a) 
     shall consider the following impacts:
       (1) Operational capabilities of U.S. Customs and Border 
     Protection in detecting and mitigating unauthorized unmanned 
     aircraft systems.
       (2) Coordination efforts and information sharing between 
     the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Customs and 
     Border Protection regarding counter-UAS system operations.
       (3) Any other impacts or considerations the Inspector 
     General of the Department of Transportation determines 
     relevant.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of 
     the assessment under subsection (a), 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 detailing the 
     findings of such assessment.
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Counter-UAS system.--The term ``counter-UAS system'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, 
     United States Code.
       (2) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
     system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of 
     title 49, United States Code.


            AMENDMENT NO. 41 OFFERED BY MR. HILL OF ARKANSAS

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. BRIEFING ON LIT VORTAC PROJECT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the

[[Page H3810]]

     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall 
     provide a briefing on the Little Rock Port Authority Very 
     High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air 
     Navigation Aid Project (LIT VORTAC) to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.
       (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under 
     subsection (a) shall include the following:
       (1) (1) The status of the efforts by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration to relocate the LIT VORTAC.
       (2) The status of new flight planning of the relocated 
     VORTAC.
       (3) A description of and timeline for each remaining phase 
     of the relocation project.


        AMENDMENT NO. 42 OFFERED BY MR. HOULAHAN OF PENNSYLVANIA

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. REIMBURSEMENT FOR FINANCIAL LOSSES DUE TO CERTAIN 
                   AIRPORT CLOSURES.

       (a) Notification Required.--Not later than 30 days after 
     the date on which a President takes office, the Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration shall provide 
     notification to specified aviation entities located at any 
     airports that may be expected to close at any point during 
     the term of such President due to temporary flight 
     restrictions related to any residence of the President that 
     is designated or identified to be secured by the United 
     States Secret Service.
       (b) Reimbursement Required.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, the Administrator shall provide financial 
     reimbursement to specified aviation entities in an amount 
     equal to the direct and incremental financial losses incurred 
     while an airport, or portion thereof, is closed solely due to 
     the actions of the Federal Government as described in 
     subsection (a). The Administrator shall provide reimbursement 
     for such losses.
       (c) Audit Required.--The Administrator may not obligate or 
     distribute reimbursement funding described in subsection (b) 
     until an audit of the financial losses incurred by a 
     specified aviation entity is completed by the Administrator. 
     The Administrator may request that specified aviation 
     entities provide documentation which the Administrator 
     determines is necessary to complete such audit.
       (d) Ineligible Costs.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall ensure that any loss incurred as a result 
     of a violation of law, or through fault or negligence, of a 
     specified aviation entity are not eligible for reimbursements
       (e) Government Release From Liability.--The United States 
     Government shall not be liable for claims for financial 
     losses resulting from airport closures described in 
     subsection (a).
       (f) Specified Aviation Entity Defined.--In this section, 
     the term ``specified aviation entity'' means--
       (1) an airport sponsor that does not provide gateway 
     operations;
       (2) a provider of general aviation ground support services; 
     or
       (3) an impacted aviation tenant.


            AMENDMENT NO. 43 OFFERED BY MR. HOYLE OF OREGON

       Page 494, after line 12, insert the following:
       (d) Training Materials.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     completion of the safety review required under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall develop and publish training and 
     related educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion 
     and jet blast hazards for ground crews (including supervisory 
     employees) that includes information on--
       (1) the specific dangers and consequences of entering 
     engine ingestion or jet blast zones;
       (2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine ingestion 
     or jet blast zone; and
       (3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to physically 
     demonstrate the engine ingestion zone boundaries and jet 
     blast zones for each kind of aircraft the ground crew may 
     encounter.


          AMENDMENT NO. 45 OFFERED BY MR. HUIZENGA OF MICHIGAN

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN RUNWAY LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

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


        AMENDMENT NO. 49 OFFERED BY MR. JOHNSON OF SOUTH DAKOTA

       Page 337, after line 25, insert the following:
       ``(B) Cloud-based, interactive digital platforms.--The 
     Administrator is encouraged to utilize cloud-based, 
     interactive digital platforms to meet community engagement 
     and agency coordination requirements under subparagraph 
     (A).''.


           AMENDMENT NO. 51 OFFERED BY MR. KEAN OF NEW JERSEY

       Page 613, line 15, strike ``and''.
       Page 613, line 19, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 613, after line 19, insert the following:
       (F) consult with the Secretary of Defense with regard to--
       (i) the U.S. Air Force Agility Prime Program and powered-
     lift aircraft evaluated and deployed for military purposes, 
     including the F35B program;
       (ii) the commonalities and differences between powered-lift 
     aircraft types and the handling qualities of such aircraft; 
     and
       (iii) the pathways for pilots to gain proficiency and earn 
     the necessary ratings required to act as a pilot in command 
     of powered-lift aircraft.


          AMENDMENT NO. 52 OFFERED BY MR. KILMER OF WASHINGTON

       Page 256, beginning on line 9, strike ``an improvement of 
     any runway, taxiway, or apron'' and insert ``improvements, or 
     planning for improvements,''.
       Page 256, beginning on line 12, strike ``under visual 
     flight rules''.
       Page 256, line 13, insert ``(defined as an earthquake, 
     flooding, high water, wildfires, hurricane, storm surge, 
     tidal wave, tornado, tsunami, wind driven water, sea level 
     rise, tropical storm, cyclone, land instability, or winter 
     storm)'' after ``natural disaster''.
       Page 256, line 17, insert ``or Incident support base'' 
     after ``staging area''.


             AMENDMENT NO. 55 OFFERED BY MS. LEE OF NEVADA

       Page 555, line 16, insert ``including research'' after 
     ``agricultural purposes''.
       Page 581, line 15, insert ``research,'' before ``wildfire 
     detection, mitigation, and suppression''.


         AMENDMENT NO. 57 OFFERED BY MR. LYNCH OF MASSACHUSETTS

       Page 374, strike lines 6 through 8 and insert the 
     following:
       (i) multiple airport communities and communities in the 
     vicinity of airports;


         AMENDMENT NO. 58 OFFERED BY MR. LYNCH OF MASSACHUSETTS

       Page 382, line 20, strike ``and''.
       Page 382, after line 20, insert the following:
       (H) ensuring engagement with local community groups as 
     appropriate in conducting the other responsibilities 
     described in this section; and

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Larsen) each will control 15 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I rise in support of en bloc No. 2, containing 20 amendments from my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This en bloc reflects the 
bipartisan work of our committee, which has done what we have done to 
address Members' priorities.
  This includes bipartisan agreements on several amendments that we 
considered during our markup, including requiring the FAA to develop 
training materials to improve safety for airport ramp workers, and it 
requires the GAO to conduct a study on air cargo operations in Puerto 
Rico.
  Furthermore, the en bloc package includes amendments to ensure the 
Secretary responds to essential air service contracts in a timely 
manner, allowing the FAA to provide weather observer training to 
airport personnel and ensures that United States passengers on foreign 
air carriers are protected in the same manner as they would be on 
United States air carriers by avoiding Russian airspace.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan en bloc 
package, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this en 
bloc. It includes several provisions that will improve the bill 
overall, including amendments from Representatives Lee, Hoyle, 
Gottheimer, Lynch, and others.
  I support this en bloc and encourage my colleagues to do the same. I 
have no other speakers on amendments en bloc No. 2, so I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I don't have any speakers, so I 
am prepared to close. I urge my colleagues to support these amendments 
en bloc, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc No. 2, 
offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.


       Amendments En Bloc No. 3 Offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, pursuant to House Resolution 597, 
I offer amendments en bloc.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendments en bloc.

[[Page H3811]]

  Amendments en bloc No. 3 consisting of amendment Nos. 54, 56, 59, 63, 
66, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 95, 96, and 97 printed in part 
A of House Report number 118-147 offered by Mr. Graves of Missouri.


           Amendment No. 54 Offered by Mr. Lawler of New York

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. _. STUDY ON PILOT SUPPLY ISSUES.

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on the shortage of pilots faced 
     by air carriers.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall address ways to overcome 
     challenges to the pilot workforce.


           Amendment No. 56 Offered by Mr. Lucas of Oklahoma

       Page 782, beginning on line 18, strike ``a plan to'' and 
     all that follows through ``expand overall'' and insert ``a 
     plan to expand overall''.
       Page 783, line 2, strike ``; and'' and insert a period.
       Page 783, strike line 3.
       Page 783, beginning on line 9, strike ``Academies'' and 
     insert ``Academy''.
       Page 783, beginning on line 16, strike ``, and whether 
     field training can be administered more flexibly, such as at 
     other Federal Aviation Administration locations across the 
     country''.
       Page 784, line 1, strike ``virtual''.
       Page 784, strike lines 5 through 8.
       Page 784, beginning on line 9, strike ``costs of'' and all 
     that follows through ``expanding Federal'' and insert ``costs 
     of expanding Federal''.
       Page 784, line 11 insert ``at the existing air traffic 
     control academy'' after ``capacity''.
       Page 784, line 12, strike ``; and'' and insert a period.
       Page 784, strike lines 13 through 14.


       Amendment No. 59 Offered by Mr. Magaziner of Rhode Island

       Page 256, after line 19, insert the following (and 
     redesignate the subsequent subparagraph accordingly):
       (V) a project to comply with rulemakings and 
     recommendations on cybersecurity standards from the 
     rulemaking committee convened under section 574 of the 
     Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation 
     Act.


            Amendment No. 63 Offered by Ms. Meng of New York

       Page 362, line 1, insert ``and in overflight communities'' 
     after ``in the vicinity of airports''.
       Page 362, after line 11, insert the following:
       (e) Overflight Community Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``overflight community'' means an area--
       (1) located under the flight paths of aircraft;
       (2) that experiences noise annoyance from such aircraft or 
     airports; and
       (3) that is located in an area that experiences a day-night 
     average sound level lower than the threshold of significant 
     noise exposure established by the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration.


           Amendment No. 66 Offered by Mr. Neguse of Colorado

       Page 380, beginning on line 11, insert ``interviews with 
     impacted residents,'' after ``other Federal agencies,''.


           Amendment No. 72 Offered by Mrs. Peltola of Alaska

       Page 438, line 11, strike ``reconstructing and 
     rehabilitating'' and insert ``rehabilitating, reconstructing, 
     or extending''.


         Amendment No. 78 Offered by Ms. Pettersen of Colorado

       Page 67, line 6, strike ``in decision making processes''.


         Amendment No. 79 Offered by Ms. Pettersen of Colorado

       Page 476, line 4, strike ``and''.
       Page 476, line 13, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 476, after line 13, insert the following:
       (3) what contents of the emergency medical kits should be 
     readily available, to the extent practicable, for use by 
     flight crews without prior approval by a medical 
     professional.


         Amendment No. 80 Offered by Ms. Pettersen of Colorado

       Page 247, line 8, insert ``, including antidepressants'' 
     before the semicolon.


         Amendment No. 81 Offered by Ms. Pettersen of Colorado

       Page 248, line 14, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 248, after line 14, insert the following (and 
     redesignate accordingly):
       (C) consider implementing the final recommendations report 
     issue by the Office of the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation titled, ``FAA Conduct 
     Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health 
     Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate 
     Safety Risks'' and published on July 12, 2023; and


            Amendment No. 82 Offered by Mr. Pfluger of Texas

       Page 712, after line 10, insert the following:
       (e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     route structures to rural airports serve a critical function 
     to our Nation by connecting many of our military 
     installations to major regional airline hubs.


          Amendment No. 83 Offered by Mr. Porter of California

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. GAO STUDY ON FAA RESPONSIVENESS TO CONGRESS.

       (a) GAO Study.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study on--
       (1) the level of responsiveness of the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration to a request for information 
     from a Member of Congress, including a written congressional 
     inquiry and staffing a meeting at the request of such a 
     Member; and
       (2) the average timeframe responses are provided to the 
     requests described in paragraph (1).
       (b) Annual Briefing to Congress.--Section 106 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(u) Annual Briefing to Congress.--The Administrator shall 
     annually brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate on--
       ``(1) the efforts, activities, objectives, and plans of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(2) the efforts of the Administration to engage with 
     Congress and the public.''.


       Amendment No. 84 Offered by Mr. Pressley of Massachusetts

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. GAO STUDY ON TRANSIT ACCESS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a study, and make the results of such 
     study publicly accessible, on transit access to airports.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller General shall review public 
     transportation access to commercial service airports 
     throughout the United States, including cost, disability 
     accessibility, and other potential barriers for individuals.


           Amendment No. 86 Offered by Mr. Rose of Tennessee

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

     SEC. ___. GAO REPORT ON MASS FLIGHT CANCELLATION EVENT.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, 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 on the actions of the Department of 
     Transportation during the period beginning 2 weeks before 
     July 4th, 2023, and ending two weeks after July 4th, 2023, 
     that resulted in substantial flight calculations during such 
     period.
       (b) Examination.--In developing the report under subsection 
     (a), the Comptroller general shall examine--
       (1) all actions the Secretary of Transportation and the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration took to 
     mitigate flight disruptions and flight cancellations during 
     such period; and
       (2) any actions not taken by the Secretary or the 
     Administrator that may have mitigated flight disruptions and 
     cancellations during such period.


         Amendment No. 95 Offered by Mr. Van Drew of New Jersey

       Page 602, after line 15, insert the following:
       (J) Operators pursuing or holding a certificate for the 
     operation of an unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more.


         Amendment No. 96 Offered by Mr. Westerman of Arkansas

       Strike section 204 of the bill and insert the following:

     SEC. 204. DATA PRIVACY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44114. Privacy

       ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall establish and continuously improve a process by which, 
     upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, the 
     Administrator blocks the registration number and other 
     similar identifiable data or information, except for physical 
     markings required by law, of the aircraft of the owner or 
     operator from any public dissemination or display (except in 
     furnished data or information made available to or from a 
     Government agency pursuant to a government contract, 
     subcontract, or agreement) for the noncommercial flights of 
     the owner or operator.
       ``(b) Withholding Personally Identifiable Information on 
     the Aircraft Registry.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     enactment of this Act and notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, the Administrator shall establish a procedure by 
     which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, 
     the Administrator shall withhold from public disclosure 
     (except in furnished data or information made available to or 
     from a Government agency pursuant to a government contract, 
     subcontract, or agreement, including that for traffic 
     management purposes) the personally identifiable information 
     of such individual, including on FAA websites.
       ``(c) Icao Aircraft Identification Code.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a 
     program for aircraft owners and operators to apply for a new 
     ICAO aircraft identification code.

[[Page H3812]]

       ``(2) Limitations.--In carrying out the program described 
     in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall require--
       ``(A) each applicant to attest to a safety or security need 
     in applying for a new ICAO aircraft identification code; and
       ``(B) each approved applicant who obtains a new ICAO 
     aircraft identification code to comply with all applicable 
     aspects of, or related to, part 45 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, including updating an aircraft's 
     registration number and N-Number to reflect such aircraft's 
     new ICAO aircraft identification code.
       ``(d) Decoupling Mode S Codes.--The Administrator shall 
     develop a plan for which the Administrator could allow for a 
     process to disassociate an assigned Mode S code with the 
     number assigned to an aircraft that is registered pursuant to 
     section 44103.
       ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Ads-b.--The term `ADS-B' means automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast.
       ``(2) Icao.--The term `ICAO' means the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization.
       ``(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term 
     `personally identifiable information' means--
       ``(A) the mailing address or registration address of an 
     individual;
       ``(B) an electronic address (including an email address) of 
     an individual; or
       ``(C) the telephone number of an individual.
       ``(D) the names of the aircraft owner or operator.''.
       (b) Study on Encrypting Ads-b.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall seek to enter into an agreement 
     with a qualified organization to conduct a study assessing 
     the technical challenges, impact to international aviation 
     operations, benefits, and costs of encrypting ADS-B signals 
     to provide for a safer and more secure environment for 
     national airspace system users.
       (2) Consultation.--In carrying out the study under 
     paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consult with 
     representatives of--
       (A) air carriers;
       (B) collective bargaining representatives of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration aero3 nautical information 
     specialists;
       (C) original equipment manufacturers of ADS-B equipment;
       (D) general aviation;
       (E) business aviation; and
       (F) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     aircraft cybersecurity.
       (3) Considerations.--In carrying out the study under 
     paragraph (1), a qualified organization shall consider--
       (A) the technical requirements for encrypting ADS-B signals 
     for both the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies;
       (B) the advantages of encrypting ADS-B signals for both the 
     978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related to 
     cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national 
     airspace system users;
       (C) the disadvantages of encrypting ADS- B signals for both 
     the 978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including those related 
     to cybersecurity protections, safety, and privacy of national 
     airspace system users;
       (D) the challenges of encrypting ADS-B signals for both the 
     978 Mhz and 1090 Mhz frequencies, including coordination 
     considerations with the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization and foreign civil aviation authorities;
       (E) potential new aircraft equipage requirements and 
     estimated costs;
       (F) the impact to nongovernmental third party users of ADS-
     B data;
       (G) the estimated costs to--
       (i) the Federal Aviation Administration;
       (ii) aircraft owners required to equip with ADS-B equipment 
     for aviation operations; and
       (iii) other relevant persons the Administrator determines 
     necessary; and
       (H) the impact to national airspace system operations 
     during implementation and post-implementation.
       (4) Report.--In any agreement entered into under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall ensure that, not later than 1 
     year after the completion of the study required under 
     paragraph (1), the qualified organization that has entered 
     into such agreement shall submit to the Administrator, 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 described in paragraph (1), including the findings 
     and recommendations related to each item specified under 
     paragraph (3).
       (5) Definition of qualified organization.--In this 
     subsection, the term ``qualified organization'' means an 
     independent nonprofit organization, described in section 
     501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt 
     from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
``44114. Privacy.''.
       (d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 566 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44103 note) and the 
     item relating to such section in the table of contents under 
     section 1(b) of that Act are repealed.


         Amendment No. 97 Offered by Mr. Westerman of Arkansas

       In section 609(b)(3), strike ``and'' after the semicolon.
       In section 609(b)(4), strike the period and insert ``; 
     and''.
       In section 609(b), add at the end the following:
       (5) ensure the safety of manned aircraft operating in the 
     national airspace system.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
Larsen) each will control 15 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this en bloc, which contains 17 
amendments to H.R. 3935 offered by my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle.
  This en bloc package includes amendments that seek to require the 
Government Accountability Office to study the pilot shortage, require 
community feedback regarding aircraft noise matters, improve emergency 
medical kits on board aircraft, require an audit of recent flight 
cancellations that continue to plague passengers and travelers, as well 
as many more things in this en bloc.
  I urge support of this en bloc package and encourage a ``yes'' vote 
by all Members.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this en 
bloc. It includes several amendments that strengthen the bill, 
including:
  A proposal from Representative Magaziner to ensure AIP funding can be 
used for cybersecurity projects;
  An amendment from Representatives Meng, Norton, Johnson, Nadler, and 
Raskin to ensure overflight community feedback is considered as the FAA 
updates its aircraft noise policies;
  A proposal from Representative Neguse of Colorado to ensure the FAA 
directly interviews residents from communities impacted by aircraft 
noise as part of its community engagement efforts;
  Several proposals from Representative Pettersen of Colorado to 
address community noise concerns, in-flight emergency medical kits, and 
pilot mental health;
  A bipartisan proposal from Representatives Porter and Westerman to 
audit and improve the FAA's responsiveness to congressional requests--I 
just can't imagine who couldn't support that; and
  A proposal from Representative Pressley to study transit access to 
airports.
  Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to support en bloc No. 3, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1400

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).
  Mr. ROSE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which 
requires a GAO report on the recent mass flight cancellations and 
delays that crippled our Nation surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.
  Mr. Chair, listen to these headlines:
  From Newsweek: ``July 4th Travel Chaos as Thousands of Airline 
Passengers Face Cancellations.''
  From the Associated Press: ``Travelers endure another day of airport 
agony.''
  From the Insider news site: ``Get ready for a flightmare: What to 
expect if you are one of the 4 million Americans flying this 
Independence Day weekend.''
  Mr. Chair, I include in the Record each of these articles.

                   [From Newsweek.com, June 29, 2023]

     July 4th Travel Chaos as Thousands of Airline Passengers Face 
                             Cancellations

                          (By Khaleda Rahman)

       Hundreds of flights in the U.S. have been canceled 
     Thursday, a worrying indication of the chaos summer travelers 
     could endure as they prepare to fly during the busy July 4 
     weekend.
       Airline passengers suffered through yet another day of 
     delayed and canceled flights on Wednesday, with the East 
     Coast continuing to be the hardest hit as storms pummel the 
     region.
       Around 1,200 U.S. flights were canceled on Wednesday, while 
     nearly 7,000 were delayed, according to flight-tracking 
     website FlightAware.
       By early Thursday, 344 flights within, into and out of the 
     U.S. had been canceled and at least 500 more were delayed. Of 
     the cancelled flights, 78 had been scheduled to fly in or out

[[Page H3813]]

     of New Jersey's Newark Liberty Airport, 74 were at Denver 
     airport, and 62 at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental 
     Airport.
       The Federal Aviation Administration expects Thursday to be 
     the busiest travel day of the long weekend, with more than 
     52,500 total flights.
       United Airlines, which uses Newark airport as its New York 
     area hub, canceled 263 flights on Thursday, the most among 
     U.S. airlines for a sixth straight day.
       ``We're beginning to see improvement across our operation. 
     We expect to cancel far fewer seats today compared to 
     yesterday and our baggage backlog at Newark has dropped more 
     than 30 percent since Tuesday, and off-duty flight attendants 
     are calling in from across the country to staff open trips,'' 
     United said in a statement to Newsweek on Wednesday night.
       ``It's all-hands-on-deck as our pilots get aircraft moving, 
     contact center teams work overtime to take care of our 
     customers, and our airport customer service staff works 
     tirelessly to deliver bags and board flights. As our 
     operation improves in the days ahead, we will be on track to 
     restore our operation for the holiday weekend.''
       Many passengers who were left stranded have taken to social 
     media to express their anger, with some saying they were 
     forced to sleep in airport terminals.
       ``My wife & 2 toddlers are sleeping in an airport terminal 
     tonight because @united bumped the flight three times, put on 
     standby for a midnight flight, then bumped again until 
     tomorrow morning,'' a Twitter user named John wrote.
       ``On hold w a rep since 3 pm today. Nobody at counters. 
     They don't care.''
       Some, including Margo Osborne, said they would never fly 
     with certain airlines again.
       ``Will never fly @united again!'' Osborne tweeted. ``1000s 
     stranded at Newark, after countless flights canceled. No one 
     allowed to retrieve checked bag, even if u have medical equip 
     packed inside. Customer service was worst I've seen.''
       United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has blamed a shortage of 
     federal air traffic controllers for massive disruptions at 
     its Newark hub last weekend.
       Over 150,000 customers in the New York City area were 
     impacted because of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
     ``staffing issues and their ability to manage traffic,'' 
     Kirby wrote in a memo to employees on Monday night, according 
     to Fox Business. ``The FAA frankly failed us this weekend.''
       ``We will always collaborate with anyone seriously willing 
     to join us to solve a problem,'' an FAA spokesperson told 
     Newsweek.
       The spokesperson said the FAA is ``working closely with 
     airlines to keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently over 
     the Fourth of July travel period.''
       They also pointed to weekly updates on the FAA's website 
     with preliminary data on the causes of delays.
       ``Current delay data shows the vast majority are due to 
     weather and volume,'' the spokesperson said.
       Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department 
     includes the FAA, took to social media on Wednesday to 
     reassure travelers that the FAA is working to ``find 
     solutions.''
       ``We are closely watching air travel this week. Weather has 
     been rough, especially in the last four or five days, it's 
     caused a lot of cancellations and delays for many passengers 
     around the country,'' he said in a video posted on Twitter.
       ``We've known that summer is going to be a stress test on 
     the system. The good news is we've seen a lot of progress 
     this year through Memorial Day and also a major improvement 
     to passenger rights compared to a year ago . . . FAA is 
     continuing to work around the clock with airlines and within 
     FAA's own operations to find solutions, get creative, make 
     sure the system is as resilient as possible.''
       Last week, Buttigieg issued a new warning to airlines, 
     telling them that flights could be disrupted because some 
     planes lack updated equipment to prevent interference from 
     new 5G wireless service. He said only planes retrofitted with 
     the right equipment will be allowed to land when visibility 
     is poor, such as during bad weather.
                                  ____


                    [From apnews.com, June 27, 2023]

 Travelers Endure Another Day of Airport Agony. One Airline Has by Far 
                         the Most Cancellations

                           (By David Koenig)

       Dallas (AP).--Air travelers endured another wave of flight 
     disruptions Thursday despite better weather along much of the 
     East Coast, while United Airlines continued to account for 
     the majority of canceled flights nationwide.
       United vowed to get back on track over the July 4 holiday 
     weekend, when the number of air travelers could set a 
     pandemic-era record.
       Hundreds of thousands of people have had travel plans 
     thrown in the air after a wave of storms raked the Northeast 
     over the past few days and frustrations are running high.
       Airports in Chicago, Denver and Newark, New Jersey--all 
     hubs for United--were seeing the most delays on Thursday, 
     according to FlightAware.
       By early evening on the East Coast, United had canceled 
     more than 400 flights, the bulk of the 600-plus cancellations 
     toted up by FlightAware. The Chicago carrier was poised to 
     lead all U.S. airlines in cancellations for a sixth straight 
     day.
       United CEO Scott Kirby has blamed the airline's struggles 
     in Newark on a shortage of air traffic controllers in the New 
     York City area. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg 
     pushed back against the criticism while conceding that a key 
     Federal Aviation Administration facility in New York is 
     severely understaffed.
       ``United Airlines has some internal issues they need to 
     work through. They have really been struggling this week, 
     even relative to other U.S. airlines,'' Buttigieg told CNN. 
     ``But where we do agree is that there need to be more 
     resources for air traffic control.''
       The FAA plans to hire 3,300 controllers over two years, but 
     they won't be ready to help this summer, much less this 
     weekend.
       The leader of United's union pilots--who are locked in 
     difficult contract negotiations--blamed management for the 
     disruptions, saying the company failed to upgrade a 
     crewscheduling system.
       ``While Scott Kirby attempts to deflect blame on the FAA, 
     weather and everything in between, further flight delays are 
     a direct result of poor planning by United Airlines 
     executives,'' Garth Thompson said.
       United is offering triple pay to flight attendants who are 
     scheduled off this weekend but agree to pick up extra 
     flights, according to their union. The Association of Flight 
     Attendants also said crews calling in for assignments have 
     been put on hold for three hours or longer.
       ``The airline actually `lost' crews in the system for days 
     on end because there was such a significant breakdown in 
     running the operation,'' said Ken Diaz, president of the 
     flight attendants' group at United. He said the company 
     scheduled summer flights ``to the max'' even knowing about 
     air traffic control limits in the Northeast.
       United said it was getting a handle on its problems.
       ``We're seeing continued meaningful improvement today after 
     an overnight effort to further repair schedules and match 
     separated crews with aircraft,'' the airline said in a midday 
     statement. ``As the recovery progresses, delays and 
     cancellations will continue to decline as we head into what 
     we expect to be a very busy holiday weekend.''
       Because planes are packed for the summer, it is hard for 
     airlines to rebook customers when flights are canceled--there 
     aren't many empty seats.
       Ariana Duran of Orlando, Florida, said JetBlue rebooked her 
     for seven days later when her flight home from Newark was 
     canceled this week. So she got creative.
       Her boyfriend spotted a $1,200 seat on another airline, but 
     it was gone before they could buy it. She looked into Amtrak. 
     Duran, who does marketing for an insurance company, wound up 
     paying about $640 for a one-way ticket to Orlando--with a 
     stop in the Florida Keys--on United Express and Silver 
     Airways.
       Duran didn't care when they told her it would be a very 
     small plane. ``Just put me on a boat at this point,'' she 
     said.
       Sonia Hendrix, who runs a public-relations firm in New 
     York, took four days to get home from a business trip to 
     Colorado. She was stranded one night in Atlanta and two in 
     Orlando, when connecting flights were canceled. She woke up 
     some mornings not knowing where she was.
       Hendrix said a Delta agent threatened to cancel her 
     reservation when she complained about being offered only a 
     $50 voucher for her trip troubles. On the other hand, her 
     pilot, ``Captain Dan,'' waited in the airport and helped 
     passengers after the flight was canceled.
       ``This is not all Delta's fault. Their pilots and flight 
     crews were working very hard,'' she said. ``I blame the FAA. 
     I blame Buttigieg for sitting on his hands'' and not staffing 
     up air traffic control centers sooner.
       Hendrix said she lost working time and spent $700 out of 
     pocket. She is so worried it could happen again that she is 
     reconsidering a business trip next month to Los Angeles.
       The FAA said Thursday would be the busiest day of the 
     holiday stretch by number of flights. The Transportation 
     Security Administration said it expected to screen the most 
     travelers on Friday--a predicted 2.82 million people.
       Scattered showers and thunderstorms may arrive later 
     Thursday in the Northeast, and storms were also forecast 
     farther south along the East Coast through Saturday. The West 
     is under threat of unstable weather for the next several 
     days.
       Along with big crowds and storms, a technology issue could 
     add to travelers' difficulties. Federal officials say some 
     airline planes may be unable to fly in bad weather starting 
     Saturday because of possible interference from new 5G 
     wireless service.
       American, United, Southwest, Alaska and Frontier say all 
     their planes have been retrofitted with new radio 
     altimeters--those are devices that measure the plane's height 
     above the ground--and they do not expect disruptions due to 
     5G service.
       However, Delta Air Lines has about 190 planes in its fleet 
     of more than 900 that have not been updated because it can't 
     get enough altimeters from its supplier. Delta says it will 
     schedule those planes to avoid landing in poor visibility 
     while it works to upgrade them through the summer.
       The issue affects several types of single-aisle planes that 
     Delta uses on routes within the United States, including all 
     its Airbus A220s and most of its Airbus A319 and A320 jets.
       Smaller airlines that operate regional flights could also 
     be affected by the radio interference issue, as could flights 
     operated to the United States by foreign carriers.

[[Page H3814]]

       By early evening in the East, about 5,300 flights had been 
     delayed, down from an average of 8,000 a day over the first 
     three days of the week.
                                  ____


                           [From insider.com]

   Get Ready for a `Flightmare' if You're Flying This July 4 Holiday

                    (By Hannah Towey and Pete Syme)

       Imagine the entire population of Los Angeles heading to an 
     airport--and then throw in Cincinnati, just for fun.
       That's how many Americans are expected to fly over this 
     Independence Day weekend, which travel organization AAA 
     predicts will break records for car and air travel.
       And the Transportation Security Administration says 17.7 
     million people will travel across the country from Thursday 
     through July 5.
       It expects Friday to be the busiest day, projecting 2.82 
     million people will pass through TSA checkpoints--which would 
     beat its all-time single-day record of 2.8 million on June 
     16.
       It's a huge test for the country's strained aviation 
     system, and the results aren't inspiring much confidence so 
     far.
       Hundreds of thousands of people have had travel plans 
     thrown into chaos after a wave of storms raked the Northeast 
     in the last week of June and frustrations are running high, 
     with some stranded passengers resorting to sleeping on tables 
     and luggage carts.
       One United passenger told Insider they were stuck in Newark 
     Liberty International Airport for two-and-a-half days waiting 
     for their flight to South Africa, ultimately causing them to 
     cancel their trip. Another United passenger said she had to 
     drive hundreds of miles and take another flight to meet up 
     with her bags--and she still couldn't get a hold of her 
     luggage.
       On Thursday--which the Federal Aviation Administration 
     predicted to be the busiest day--7,845 flights within, into, 
     or out of the US were delayed or canceled, according to 
     flight tracker FlightAware.
       Scattered showers and thunderstorms may arrive in the 
     Northeast, and storms were also forecast farther south along 
     the East Coast through Saturday. The West is also under 
     threat of unstable weather for the next several days.
       ``Storms are hitting the East Coast at the worst time: 
     right as the July 4th travel weekend begins to takeoff,'' 
     Scott Keyes, the founder and chief flight expert of 
     Going.com, told Travel + Leisure magazine.
       ``Expect long lines, few empty seats, and lengthy hold 
     times to get ahold of customer service phone agents,'' he 
     added.
       Chris Citrola, an FAA spokesman, said storms on the East 
     Coast had ``positioned themselves in the perfect spot.''
       ``What happens is a domino effect of issues,'' he added. 
     ``We have crews that can't get to where they need to, we 
     can't get crews out of where they need to go to, and that 
     starts turning into a lot of issues at the airport itself.''
       Along with big crowds and storms, a technology issue could 
     add to travelers' difficulties.
       Federal officials say some airline planes may be unable to 
     fly in bad weather starting Saturday because of possible 
     interference from new 5G wireless service.
       There's concern that boosted 5G signals could interfere 
     with radar altimeters--sensors which measures how high an 
     aircraft is above the ground, and are essential for flying in 
     low-visibility conditions.
       Buttigieg warned of ``a real risk of delays or 
     cancellations,'' because hundreds of planes have yet to be 
     retrofitted with updated sensors.
       American, United, Southwest, Alaska and Frontier say all 
     their planes have been updated, and they do not expect 
     disruptions due to 5G service.
       However, Delta Air Lines has about 190 planes in its fleet 
     of more than 900 that have not been updated because it can't 
     get enough altimeters from its supplier. Delta says it will 
     schedule those planes to avoid landing in poor visibility 
     while it works to upgrade them through the summer.
       The issue affects several types of single-aisle planes that 
     Delta uses on routes within the United States, including all 
     its Airbus A220s and most of its A319 and A320 jets.
       And JetBlue said it expects its 17 A220 planes won't be 
     upgraded until October, The Wall Street Journal reported.
       Smaller airlines that operate regional flights could also 
     be affected by the radio interference issue, as could flights 
     operated to the United States by foreign carriers.
       Buttigieg said that around 20 percent of domestic planes 
     and 35% of international ones which fly to the US aren't yet 
     fitted with the updated equipment, per the Journal.
       Backups are easing thanks to a break in the weather, but 
     United Airlines continues to bear the brunt of the 
     disruptions. The airline accounted for approximately 69% of 
     canceled flights in the US on Thursday, per FlightAware. The 
     Chicago-based carrier is poised to lead all airlines in 
     cancellations for a sixth straight day.
       Airports in Chicago, Denver, and Newark, New Jersey--all 
     hubs for United--were seeing the most delays on Thursday, 
     according to FlightAware.
       United CEO Scott Kirby blamed the airline's struggles in 
     Newark on a shortage of air traffic controllers in the New 
     York City area. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg 
     pushed back against the criticism while conceding that a key 
     FM facility in New York is severely understaffed.
       ``United Airlines has some internal issues they need to 
     work through. They have really been struggling this week, 
     even relative to other U.S. airlines,'' Buttigieg told CNN. 
     ``But where we do agree is that there need to be more 
     resources for air traffic control.''
       The FAA plans to hire 3,300 controllers over two years, but 
     they won't be ready to help this summer, much less this 
     weekend.
       United is offering triple pay to flight attendants who are 
     scheduled off this weekend but agree to pick up extra 
     flights, according to their union. The Association of Flight 
     Attendants also says crews calling in for assignments have 
     been put on hold for three hours or longer.
       A spokesperson for United Airlines told Insider that the 
     carrier has seen ``meaningful improvement today after an 
     overnight effort to further repair schedules and match 
     separated crews with aircraft.''
       ``As the recovery progresses, delays and cancellations will 
     continue to decline as we head into what we expect to be a 
     very busy holiday weekend,'' the spokesperson added. ``We're 
     closely watching the weather, especially in Denver and 
     Chicago today, and are hopeful our customers will still see 
     fewer last-minute cancellations--which will reduce lines at 
     the airport.''
  Mr. ROSE. Mr. Chair, with thousands of Fourth of July vacations lying 
in ruins, it is vitally important for accountability as to what went so 
catastrophically wrong with our Nation's aviation transportation 
system.
  That is why I was proud to author my amendment to require the GAO to 
report to Congress on the actions of the Secretary of Transportation 
and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration related to 
this travel nightmare.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, I have no further speakers at this 
time.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc amendment, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered 
by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves).
  The en bloc amendments were agreed to.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Rose). It is now in order to consider amendment 
No. 7 printed in part A of House Report 118-147.


               Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Langworthy

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 10 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Strike section 546 (and redesignate the subsequent section 
     accordingly).

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Langworthy) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  In 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in Clarence, New York, a 
community in my district in western New York, killing 49 passengers and 
1 person on the ground.
  As a congressional staffer at the time, I was there on the ground at 
the crash site. I saw firsthand the sights and the sounds and the grief 
of the victims' families as they grappled with the reality that their 
loved ones were gone. The crash was ruled a result of pilot error.
  A year later, those families successfully fought to implement a set 
of enhanced safety standards, including requiring pilots to obtain 
1,500 hours of training. The results are indisputable. Since its 
enactment, domestic airline fatalities have dropped 99.8 percent. 
Simply put, they are working, and our skies are the safest they have 
ever been.
  My amendment protects the integrity of the 1,500-hour flight training 
requirement in the face of efforts to lower pilot training standards 
and jeopardize the safety of passengers and crew alike.
  As Captain Sully Sullenberger, the miracle on the Hudson pilot, has 
said, while simulators have their place for experienced pilots, they 
are not a replacement for in-the-sky training, and this requirement 
must be protected.
  Our job as elected leaders is to protect public safety and to help 
ensure

[[Page H3815]]

that no other family suffers the heartbreak of losing a loved one to an 
avoidable air tragedy.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment here today to 
maintain high-quality training standards for our commercial pilots, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to 
amendment No. 10 offered by Mr. Langworthy.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, it is hard to even know where to begin. The sad thing 
about it is that very few people have actually read the report on what 
happened to Flight 3407.
  Starting out, I have to say that I don't question anybody's motives 
on whether they oppose or support, or whatever the case may be. The sad 
thing about it is the wrong questions are being asked.
  Now, what we are trying to do does not in any way change or weaken 
the 1,500-hour rule. What we are trying to say is that simulator time--
which you can simulate anything--should be used in training pilots.
  I am an ATP, and I will kind of explain how that process works. You 
get your private pilot certificate, and then you move on to your 
commercial certificate. After an instrument rating, you get the single-
engine commercial rating, the multiengine commercial rating, and then 
you move on to the ATP. It stands for airline transport pilot, and I 
have that rating. I have flown all the profiles that anybody would have 
to go through to achieve an ATP.
  What is interesting in this whole process is that if you take a look 
at the recommendations that came out of the investigation when it comes 
to Flight 3407, the Buffalo accident, you have to wonder--again, this 
is where the wrong questions are being asked.
  The pilot had 3,379 total hours before the accident. This pilot 
failed six checkrides, and not just checkrides that were recurrent. He 
failed his initial instrument checkride. He failed his commercial 
single-engine checkride. He failed his commercial multiengine 
checkride. He failed at the Gulfstream Academy when he was checking out 
in Gulfstreams. He failed his checkride in the Gulfstream. He failed 
his ATP checkride and had to do remedial training. Then, ultimately, 
when he was upgraded to the plane that was in the accident, he failed 
his sixth checkride.
  He didn't fail some of his checkrides when he advanced from one 
rating to the next. He failed all of them and had to go to remedial 
training.
  I ask whether you would get on an airline or a flight or put your 
family on a flight if you knew that the captain had failed all six 
checkrides as he advanced through his process. No, you wouldn't, not in 
a minute. Would you get on a flight if it was recommended that the 
pilot have remedial training?
  Here we are with a simulator. You can simulate anything. I remember 
one of my simulator profiles, one of my simulator flights. We were 
coming in. I was doing an approach and lost my autopilot as a result, 
so I had to hand-fly the approach--zero visibility, 200-foot ceiling, 
which is at the minimum.
  As I am on approach, I lose sight of the runway because the ceiling 
comes down. I have to execute a go-around to reestablish my approach. 
This is all being done in the simulator.
  As I am executing my go-around, I lose an engine. I have to execute a 
go-around with one engine to minimums, and I have to get it on the 
ground in zero-zero visibility.
  You can't simulate that in a real airplane. You can't simulate any of 
this, any emergency, in a real airplane.
  First of all, in an airliner, that means the airplane is going to 
have to be taken down because it is going to have to be checked. If you 
do stalls in a full-blown airliner, you are going to have to take that 
aircraft down to have the airframe inspected because of the stress that 
is put on it.
  Now, what I do want to point out is ALPA, the airline association 
that represented the pilots, I got on their website and found it 
fascinating. One of the things that they like to point out--I am glad 
they were part of the board that was the ARAC. That is the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee, which is who we established to make 
recommendations on exactly how much simulator time we should add. They 
co-chaired the ARAC when it came to investigating this accident.

  Do you know one of the things that they tout, one of the things that 
they are very proud of on their website that they push? When it comes 
to one of the recommendations made by the NTSB, additional training on 
upset prevention and recovery, a new certification training program 
course requirement. These new simulator-based training requirements 
also include performing manual controlled maneuvers, procedures, slow 
flight--all these things. They actually endorsed more simulator 
training because you can simulate anything.
  Today's simulators, by the way, are far and above what they were just 
10 years ago.
  I also have the testimony that the NTSB gave in the Senate hearing. 
It is unfortunate, Mr. Chairman, because the testimony in the Senate 
hearing says it all.
  Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues not to 
support this amendment.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Bergman), one of only two commercial airline pilots in 
Congress with more than 20,000 flight hours.
  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, as a former commercial airline pilot with 
more flight hours than pretty much almost anyone in Congress, so I have 
been told, I value safety first, safety second, and safety third. I am 
proud to stand with Representative Langworthy in support of his 
amendment.
  The substitution of simulator time--while you could argue that 
simulators are better today, yes, they are--for a reduction in actual 
flight time provides no substantive benefit to a prospective pilot.
  While some may say that pilots only build hours by spinning around in 
circles in the sky, I say that is patently false and portrays a pilot 
workforce that Congress relies on each and every day of the week in a 
very negative way.
  Pilots have a variety of options when it comes to building hours, and 
we should not assume every pilot will always do the bare minimum. In 
fact, I have seen pilots always do the extra just to make sure they got 
it right.
  Congress should not be reducing safety and statutory flight hour 
requirements under the assumption that somehow this will make pilots 
gravitate toward regional airlines for employment. It won't.
  Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, and I offer great support for 
his amendment.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Higgins), my friend and colleague.
  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Chairman, as the Congressman has said, 
prior to the crash in February 2009, we were of the belief that if the 
plane said Continental, it was operated by the national carrier. It 
wasn't true. It was operated by a regional carrier, and there were two 
levels of safety, the larger carrier's 1,500 hours for pilots, and the 
regional carrier's, in the case of this flight, 750 hours.
  The National Transportation Safety Board did a thorough investigation 
of the crash site and the circumstances surrounding it and made an 
unequivocal conclusion that it was pilot error. The plane went into an 
aerodynamic stall. The pilot did exactly the opposite of what they 
should have done.
  The plane pitched. It descended. As Mr. Langworthy has said, 49 
people died, including 1 individual on the ground.
  Since that change was made, commercial aviation fatalities decreased 
by nearly 100 percent. We ask that the 1,500-hour pilot training rule 
be sustained in the FAA reauthorization.

                              {time}  1415

  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Tenney).
  Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Chair, Americans do not expect to take their life 
into their own hands when they board a regional flight. They expect to 
be safe no matter where they travel in the air.

[[Page H3816]]

  Since the 1,500-hour flight requirement was passed in response to the 
tragic 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash in Clarence, New York, the 
success of the policy speaks for itself.
  American airspace is among the safest in the world, with a 99.8 
percent reduction in passenger airline accident fatalities since 2010. 
This is why most pilot groups oppose any dilution of the flight-hour 
requirement.
  It is vital that our pilots have full competence in the high-stakes 
environment of a cockpit in flight. I urge my colleagues to vote 
``yes'' on Langworthy amendment No. 5 and stand with the flying public 
and the Colgan Air Flight families.
  Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Chair, we put our lives in the hands of our 
airline pilots, and we should apply the same standard of safety and 
training that Americans have come to trust and to expect.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes 
appeared to have it.


                             Recorded Vote

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York 
will be postponed.


                Amendment No. 23 Offered by Mr. Donalds

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 23 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. DONALDS. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. __. APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR PILOTS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Apprentice.--The term ``apprentice'' means a student 
     enrolled at a flight school.
       (2) Flight school.--The term ``flight school'' means a 
     flight academy certified under part 141 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Transportation.
       (b) Establishment.--The Secretary, in consultation with 
     flight schools and other industry stakeholders, shall 
     establish an apprenticeship program with flight schools to 
     establish a pipeline of qualified and interested individuals 
     to become commercial pilots.
       (c) Selection.--Under the apprenticeship program 
     established under subsection (b), each flight school 
     participating in the apprenticeship program established under 
     subsection (b) may select up to 8 applicants to flight school 
     to serve as apprentices each academic year.
       (d) Curriculum and Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--To graduate from an apprenticeship program 
     established under subsection (b), an apprentice shall satisfy 
     any relevant requirements and minimum curriculum under part 
     141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor 
     regulations), including all curriculum under subpart C of 
     such part.
       (2) Minimum requirements.--Nothing in this Act prevents a 
     flight school from imposing additional requirements, such as 
     modifying the terms of service of the apprenticeship program, 
     on an apprentice taking part in an apprenticeship program 
     established pursuant to this section.
       (e) Optional Program.--A flight school may choose not to 
     participate in an apprenticeship program established under 
     this section.
       (f) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue such 
     regulations as are necessary to implement this Act.
       (g) Incentivizing Retired Pilots.--The Secretary shall take 
     such actions as may be appropriate to develop methods to 
     incentivize pilots, including retired military pilots, 
     retiring airline pilots, and graduates of the apprenticeship 
     program established under this section, to become instructors 
     at flight schools, including through the development of 
     pathway programs for such pilots to gain initial 
     qualification or concurrent qualification as certified flight 
     instructors under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Donalds) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
  Mr. DONALDS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which establishes 
a voluntary pilot apprenticeship program for students at Part 141 
flight schools.
  Up front, I will stress that this amendment has wide bipartisan 
support, and providing yet another option to bolster the pilot pipeline 
shouldn't be a partisan issue. Specifically, for the proposed 
apprenticeship program, up to eight students enrolled at Part 141 
flight schools would be eligible for a new apprenticeship program each 
academic year.
  To emphasize, this is a voluntary program, meaning flight schools can 
choose to participate. Members might ask: Why establish an 
apprenticeship program at flight schools?
  There are several reasons:
  First, apprentices will receive an airline standard of training and 
will also be provided flexibility in pursuing career aviation 
opportunities.
  Second, the bill will incentivize individuals that have an interest 
in aviation to attend their local flight schools, which in turn will 
provide a greater opportunity to bolster the pilot pipeline and a 
certified flight instructor pipeline simultaneously.
  Third, this isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. The amendment 
provides flexibility to establish an apprenticeship program that fits 
the needs/curricula of the individual flight schools themselves. After 
all, a flight school in southwest Florida may have completely different 
operations compared to a flight school in Alaska.
  Moreover, there are approximately 600 Part 141 flight schools in the 
United States today; however, only approximately 250 of these flight 
schools are active in a large way.
  This amendment includes provisions to incentivize retired airline 
pilots and retired military pilots to give back, specifically by 
directing the Secretary of Transportation to develop methods to 
establish an expedited path that will allow retired pilots to become 
certified flight instructors. After all, the value of their decades' 
worth of experience speaks for itself.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, this amendment would create an 
apprenticeship program for individuals seeking to become commercial 
pilots.
  I do want to say I am very pleased to be able to support many of 
Representative Donalds' amendments to the bill, working in a bipartisan 
manner.
  This one I just couldn't come to a place where I am comfortable, but 
certainly as a long-time supporter of aviation and STEM-related 
apprenticeships, I do appreciate the intent of Representative Donalds' 
amendment. However, it is duplicative of several provisions in the 
underlying bill that already bolster the pilot pipeline.
  This authorization already triples the funding for FAA's Aviation 
Workforce Development Grant programs, which funds aviation 
apprenticeship programs. It creates the Willa Brown Aviation Education 
Program, which could fund apprenticeship programs focused on 
underrepresented communities and creates a National Center for the 
Advancement of Aerospace, an independently, federally chartered 
nonprofit entity to administer grants to establish apprenticeships for 
aviation careers and serve as a centralized resource to provide 
comprehensive information on aviation apprenticeship opportunities.
  I earlier adopted an amendment in the en bloc amendment that was 
sponsored by Representatives Schrier and Gooden to help veterans 
transition into the commercial pilot world. Apprenticeships are already 
well covered in this underlying bill.
  Mr. Chair, I oppose the gentleman's amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. DONALDS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Nehls).
  Mr. NEHLS. Mr. Chair, let me start by saying, I commend Chairman 
Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Ranking Member Cohen on a very 
successful bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill.
  One of the issues that I feel very adamant about is addressing the 
pilot shortage, which is crippling the air industry. According to the 
Bureau of

[[Page H3817]]

Labor Statistics, it is projected that 14,500 pilots will be needed 
every year through the year 2030. Some other outlets have estimated the 
number to be even higher.
  For this reason, I am proud to cosponsor the Pre-Pilot Pathway Act by 
my friend Byron Donalds. This commonsense amendment requires the 
Secretary of Transportation to establish a voluntary apprenticeship 
program at Part 141 flight schools around the country.
  More importantly, this program incentivizes retired pilots, those who 
are often the most experienced--the guys with the gray hair around the 
temple--to remain involved in the industry and train the next 
generation of pilots.
  Mr. Chair, I support the amendment, and I urge adoption as one of the 
critical ways to support our pilots and alleviate the pilot shortage.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DONALDS. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close.
  Mr. Chair, this is a great amendment with strong bipartisan support. 
I ask Members to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to oppose 
this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 27 Offered by Mr. Feenstra

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 27 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Chair, 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 316, after line 3, insert the following:
       (d) Exceptions.--The Administrator shall ensure that the 
     requirements described in subsection (a) do not apply to 
     nonhub airports, as such term is defined in section 40102 of 
     title 49, United States Code.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my 
amendment No. 27, which gives rural airports in my district the 
flexibility they need to serve their passengers, maintain their 
workforce, and remain solvent.
  Our local airports in Sioux City, Iowa, Fort Dodge, Iowa, and many 
other locations connect Iowans to the rest of the country and to the 
world. We cannot allow government mandates to suffocate our rural 
communities and threaten the existence of our small airports.
  Under current law, rural airports provide the staff they need to keep 
our passengers safe. Injecting the Federal Government into hiring 
decisions would only make rural communities harder to reach.
  By giving our local airports breathing room to manage their budgets 
and their operations, they can better hire new employees and keep costs 
low for passengers.
  Born and raised in rural Iowa, I know that our rural airports are 
important to our economic development across the Midwest.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment.
  The CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment because 
it would create an exemption for nonhub airports from the requirement 
to have at least one individual who maintains certification as an 
emergency medical technician, or EMT, during carrier operations.
  This amendment poses a safety risk that would be detrimental to 
passengers. Unlike what the proponent said about the Federal Government 
imposing an employment requirement on an airport, this is actually a 
single safety standard that applies to all airports, that there be a 
certified emergency technician to respond to emergencies at all 
airports.
  It is, indeed, a national standard, but one done for safety, 
especially in support of passenger carrying air carrier operations.
  In the event of a medical emergency that occurs at the airport or on 
a flight, passengers and airport workers should receive care as quickly 
as possible regardless of where they are flying to. Having an EMT 
available at the airport could mean the difference between life and 
death in the event of an emergency.
  All passengers should be reassured that even if they are traveling 
out of or through a nonhub airport, they have the same safety 
precautions at that airport as they do at all airports in the United 
States.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close. I urge my colleagues 
to think through this great amendment. Think about these small airports 
and the burden that this would project on each of these airports to 
have a special person that handles just the concerns of things that 
might happen once every 10 years or whatever it might be.
  There are people that are already hired that can handle these 
situations. Again, these small rural airports cannot be like the large 
urban airports. It just doesn't work that way.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, as a Member of Congress who 
represents several small rural airports, including ones that are 
isolated on islands, I appreciate the argument that the gentleman from 
Iowa has been making. Yet, given the fact that I have a district with 
some of the same circumstances, even airports that are isolated on 
islands, I still believe that there needs to be EMTs available in the 
event of emergencies at these nonhub airports. I want one safety 
standard for the country, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this 
amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1430

  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Feenstra).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Iowa will be 
postponed.


              Amendment No. 29 Offered by Mr. Fitzpatrick

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 29 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, 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 464, after line 5, insert the following:
       (e) Installation of Secondary Cockpit Barriers of Existing 
     Aircraft.--Not later than 36 months after the date of the 
     submission of the report of subsection (d), the Administrator 
     of the Federal Aviation Administration shall, taking into 
     consideration the final reported findings and recommendations 
     of the aviation rulemaking committee, issue a final rule 
     requiring installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on each 
     commercial passenger aircraft operated under the provisions 
     of part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Chair, I rise today in favor of my amendment to H.R. 3935, the 
Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.
  Mr. Chair, 22 years ago this fall, our Nation watched in horror as 
senseless acts of terror were committed on American soil. That tragic 
day, our vulnerabilities were exposed when terrorists forcefully took 
control of passenger airplanes and fatally turned them into guided 
missiles.

[[Page H3818]]

  We lost 2,977 mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and 
wives, on that day. Mr. Chair, we also lost one of my constituents, 
Captain Victor J. Saracini, who was the pilot of United Flight 175, 
which was hijacked. The entire world watched in horror as that plane 
flew into the South Tower.
  We also lost our misguided sense of protection in an increasingly 
dangerous world, as well.
  Our Nation and this Congress resolved that after September 11 that we 
would take every action necessary to remember those we lost and to 
fulfill our promise and our solemn pledge of ``never again.''
  Since coming to Congress, I have fought nonstop for the installation 
of secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial passenger aircraft. 
Alongside my constituent and friend, Ellen Saracini, and countless 
Members of Congress from both Chambers and both sides of the aisle, we 
have raised awareness and advocated for this measure to make our skies 
and our passengers and flight crews much more safe.
  In 2018, Congress took one step in the right direction and included a 
rulemaking requirement for secondary barriers on newly manufactured 
aircraft.
  Mr. Chair, my amendment today builds on that effort by directing the 
FAA to issue a final rule extending the requirement for secondary 
cockpit barriers to all commercial passenger aircraft. This 
commonsense, low-cost safety measure will protect the integrity of the 
flight deck and prevent dangerous and hostile individuals from 
accessing the cockpit.
  Mr. Chair, Congress has a solemn obligation not just to the victims 
and survivors of 9/11 but to our pilots, to our flight crews, and to 
our passengers and their families to implement this safety measure on 
all commercial passenger aircraft as soon as possible.
  I am grateful to my bipartisan colleagues, as well as Chairman 
Graves, the committee, and the amazing staff that serve on it for their 
support of this critical national security issue.
  Mr. Chair, I urge all my House colleagues to adopt my amendment, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition 
to the amendment, though I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, the FAA recently issued a final 
rule on requiring secondary barriers to protect the flight deck in 
newly manufactured aircraft. The underlying text of this bill creates a 
rulemaking committee to consider how to apply this requirement to 
existing aircraft, and this amendment adds a rulemaking requirement to 
that text.
  Secondary barriers are a critical tool to keeping our pilots and 
flight decks safe and secure in the event of a horrible, horrible 
intrusion.
  Mr. Chair, therefore, I rise to support this amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
will be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 33 Offered by Mr. Gosar

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 33 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Strike section 261 and insert the following:

     SEC. 261. AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT PLANS.

       Section 40128(b) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``in whole or'';
       (B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``through (E)'' and 
     inserting ``through (F)'';
       (D) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G);
       (E) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
       ``(F) shall consider the economic viability of commercial 
     air tour operations that would result from an air tour 
     management plan; and'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(E) consult with the National Parks Overflights Advisory 
     Group established pursuant to section 805 of the National 
     Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 
     note).''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Existing air tour operators.--Beginning on the 
     effective date of a new air tour management plan, a 
     commercial tour operator carrying out operations within the 
     boundaries of a national park or tribal area as of such date 
     may not be prohibited from operating pursuant to such 
     plan.''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 33, 
prohibiting changes to existing air tour management plans, or ATMPs.
  This amendment would prohibit air tour management plans for national 
parks from completely banning air tour operations over the parks. 
Additionally, this amendment requires an air tour management plan to 
take into consideration the economic viability of commercial air tour 
operators.
  While the ATMPs do real economic harm to the operators, it is also 
discriminatory against visitors who choose to experience the national 
parks by aerial sightseeing.
  As we move past the pandemic years, many national parks saw their 
resources strained by the large number of visitors as the public began 
to travel again. Air tours are an important option for many visitors 
conducting a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see such famous landmarks.
  Visitors taking advantage of air tours benefit by avoiding traffic, 
wait times, and walking trails that are inaccessible for the disabled 
or elderly, while reducing congestion and demand on park 
infrastructure.
  The national parks should be available for all visitors to see. 
Limiting flights over the park unfairly limits the elderly, very young, 
disabled, and others to experience the park. Limiting flights over the 
parks is discriminating to those who might not have the resources, 
time, and physical ability to see them any other way.
  Like ground-based tours, air tours are a valid part of our visitor 
experience, providing a unique window from which we can share our 
cultural, historical, and environmental sites with the world.
  Air tours require no ground-based infrastructure at the park, which 
allows visitors accessibility without the need for roads, trails, 
signs, bathrooms, garbage cans, or other services.
  By further restricting an already limited number of allowable air 
tours, we are reducing opportunities to access our parks in a way that 
leaves little to no environmental footprint or disturbance. Through 
carbon offset efforts and strict altitude requirements to control 
noise, just to name a few, air tour operators are working to ensure 
they have responsible stewardship of the Nation's parks.
  Typically, operators pay a fee each time an air tour flies within the 
park boundary. The National Park Service collects hundreds of thousands 
of dollars in revenue each year from these air tour flights. Air tours 
require no infrastructure, leaving the bulk of overflight fees to go 
toward those supporting services that benefit the public.
  If overflight access is removed completely, it removes the ability to 
use new technologies like electric aircraft.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support amendment No. 33, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition 
to this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page H3819]]

  

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, this amendment requires the FAA 
to consider the economic viability of commercial air tours over 
national parks.
  In 2022, the National Park Service recorded 312 million recreational 
visits to our national parks. This number reflects the overwhelming 
significance our parks have to the American public. They serve as a 
place of recreation, a place used to teach new generations about 
conservation and wildlife, and a place to admire the beauty of our 
great outdoors in the U.S.
  National park air tour management plans are in place to help protect 
the sanctity of our parks from incessant helicopter overflights, which 
can disrupt both the wildlife and the natural beauty of the parks 
visitors enjoy.
  Mr. Chair, I urge everyone to protect our parks from the noise and 
disturbance of increased helicopter tours by voting ``no'' on this 
amendment.
  This amendment would require air tour management plans to consider 
profits in the development of those plans, which would undoubtedly 
increase the number of helicopters flying above our parks. This runs 
contrary to the original purpose of these management plans, which is to 
protect the integrity of the parks.
  Helicopter tours are an incredible way to see national parks for the 
privileged few, but they simultaneously degrade the park experience for 
the vast majority of other park visitors.
  Our national parks were created as a public good, to preserve our 
natural wonders for all Americans to enjoy. We must not erode that in 
favor of tour profits and those who can afford to pay.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Nehls).
  Mr. NEHLS. Mr. Chair, every person should have an opportunity to view 
and experience our amazing national parks, whether it is Mount 
Rushmore, whether it is select areas in Hawaii, or whether it is the 
Grand Canyon.
  I can't remember the last time somebody in this room or anybody has 
ever tried to walk it, if you have ever tried to walk it. I bet you 
there are people up in this gallery who have been to Las Vegas before, 
and they see these beautiful helicopters that give you an opportunity 
to view the beautiful Grand Canyon, that big hole in the ground. You 
can do it, and you can do it safely and effectively through a 
helicopter.
  The ranking member just mentioned that it supports the privileged 
few. I would argue that for the disabled and elderly, how else are they 
going to get there? That is not the privileged few. It is right for 
grandma and grandpa that may want to go and view the Grand Canyon or 
Mount Rushmore. It makes no sense what we are trying to do here.
  Air tours are often the only way that disabled and elderly are 
allowed to see our national parks. It is regulated by the FAA, and 
these operators have a great safety record.

  Unfortunately, the Biden administration is attempting to limit the 
number of air tours at a number of our national parks, all at the 
request--go figure, no surprise--all at the request of certain 
environmental stakeholders. This is irresponsible. It is un-American.
  Also, air tour operators oftentimes, in the off-season--don't forget 
what they do in the off-season--partner with Federal, State, and local 
governments to help fight wildfires.
  They are great Americans. We need to continue to support them. I ask 
my colleagues to support Representative Gosar's amendment.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, before I yield to my good 
friend, Representative Case from Hawaii, I would note that he is a 
great American, and I do think that the debates here on the floor of 
the House are a reflection of being great Americans as opposed to being 
un-American.
  Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case).
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, our national parks are among our most 
universally supported and treasured institutions, and they cannot 
survive in an atmosphere of incredible popularity. We simply must find 
accommodations to protect the basic principles and qualities of those 
parks for which we treasure them so much.
  One of the areas where we have significant problems is in overuse of 
our parks by commercial air tour operations, which severely degrade 
some of our parks and have the risk of degrading all of our parks for a 
number of different reasons, whether they be environmental, whether 
they be protection of our natural resources, or whether they be visitor 
enjoyment. Fundamentally, commercial air tours overflying a national 
park with noise and other disruption on the ground does degrade the 
park experience for the many who enjoy them in that way.
  There is no right to overfly our parks. Now, I concede and agree that 
there is some reasonable area and use for commercial air tours. I 
certainly want those that cannot experience our parks to experience 
them in this way, and I certainly believe that they have a place in our 
parks, but not where they are today and not where they are going.
  We recognized this challenge 23 years ago in this Congress by passing 
a law which essentially required air tour management plans, which 
accommodated all interests, and those plans are now coming to fruition. 
This amendment is on the floor because the sponsor and others do not 
like the results, which accommodate air tour operations in the vast 
majority of our parks.

                              {time}  1445

  This process has been a good one, a difficult one, one in which the 
operators have participated. They will continue to have a place under 
these plans, a reasoned place. The fact that some of them don't like 
the outcome does not mean that the process is not a valid process.
  This process should be continued to its conclusion. It should be 
accommodated. It should be implemented in a way that is reasonable to 
all.
  This amendment destroys that process and would degrade our parks to 
the detriment of the vast majority of the people who enjoy our parks.
  Mr. Chair, I urge opposition to the amendment, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, having had these tour operators in Arizona, 
they have moved technology to quiet air, and you can barely hear these 
planes. You can be right next to them, these quiet air turbines, and 
you don't even hear them.
  To say that they are disrupting to the environment, that just does 
not happen. From that standpoint, I urge everybody to vote for this 
amendment. It is a smart idea, and this is the way to go.
  Mr. Chair, I urge everybody to vote for my amendment, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, there has been a good debate on 
this bill. Clearly, there is a difference of opinion, and clearly, 
there are experiences where helicopters and helicopter tours do disrupt 
the wildlife, other visitors, and the people around national parks.
  Mr. Chair, I ask all the Americans in this body to vote ``no'' on 
this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will 
be postponed.


          Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mrs. Miller of Illinois

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 35 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee for 
amendment No. 35.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title VIII, insert the following:

     SEC. 8__. INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATION OF DECISION TO 
                   INCREASE THE PERMISSIBLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM 
                   RANGE FOR AIRMEN TO FLY.

       Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of 
     Transportation shall

[[Page H3820]]

     conduct an investigation into the decision of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration to increase the permissible 
     electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) range for airmen to fly.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentlewoman 
from Illinois (Mrs. Miller) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, this amendment requires the 
inspector general to investigate the FAA's decision to broaden the 
acceptable EKG range for pilots to fly.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to 
the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, this amendment would require the 
DOT inspector general to investigate the FAA's decision to increase the 
electrocardiogram, or EKG, range that is permissible for pilots.
  This amendment follows a change made by the agency last October to 
increase the allowable range of an EKG result from 200 to 300 
milliseconds without requiring further documentation from the pilot.
  The FAA's change in the allowable EKG result range was based on 
scientific data from cardiovascular experts documented in the public 
domain. Such data shows that an EKG result under 300 milliseconds 
indicates that the pilot has no real risk of sudden heart failure if 
there are no other medical issues.
  Medical standards and recommendations have always evolved over time 
as medicine becomes more advanced and health professionals learn new 
information. The FAA should take advantage of the latest guidance from 
medical experts to ensure these guidelines for pilots are as safe as 
possible.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I urge support of amendment No. 
35, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, in closing, I will say that the 
FAA's action, despite some claims, was not taken in response to any 
change in pilot medical conditions or heart health due to having 
received the COVID vaccine. That has been a claim in less scientific 
circles. This decision was made based on science, using the experts, 
using science, and using data.
  Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois 
will be postponed.


          Amendment No. 36 Offered by Mrs. Miller of Illinois

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 36 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee for 
amendment No. 36.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       At the end of title X, add at the end:

     SEC. ___. REINSTATING PILOTS.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall take such actions as are necessary to require air 
     carriers to reinstate any pilot who was fired or forced to 
     resign because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentlewoman 
from Illinois (Mrs. Miller) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, this amendment requires airlines 
to reinstate pilots who were fired or forced to resign because of 
vaccine mandates.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to 
the amendment.
  The Acting Chair. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, this amendment would direct the 
FAA Administrator to require air carriers, airlines and others, to 
reinstate pilots that may have lost their jobs because of noncompliance 
with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
  The FAA cannot direct air carriers on hiring decisions like this. It 
cannot require air carriers to hire specific individuals. This 
amendment simply is not implementable.
  Is that where we are going with this bill, to let the FAA make hiring 
and firing decisions for these private aviation companies?
  Furthermore, this amendment revives an unnecessary debate on COVID-19 
vaccine mandates, one that we had 3 years ago. This is an unwelcome 
distraction from this very substantive reauthorization discussion on 
this bill that will enhance safety and the aviation workforce.
  Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I urge the adoption of this 
amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, the FAA does not really have a 
role to play in telling air carriers to hire the folks back. It is not 
an amendment that is implementable. I am a little flummoxed by it 
myself. However, I encourage my colleagues to vote against this 
amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois 
will be postponed.


                Amendment No. 44 Offered by Mr. Huizenga

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 44 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment made in order by the 
rule.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Page 626, line 2, strike ``and''.
       Page 626, after line 2, insert the following (and 
     redesignate accordingly):
       (B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ``the Department of 
     Defense, the National Guard,'' before ``or''; and
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to 
better secure our advanced air mobility future.
  The Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure Pilot Program that is 
currently in law provides grants to airport sponsors, transit agencies, 
or other government subdivisions to develop comprehensive plans to 
advanced air mobility infrastructure.
  Under current law, the Secretary of Transportation is required to 
prioritize awarding grants to eligible recipients that collaborate, 
with a few criteria. Here are those criteria: that they are a 
commercial advanced air mobility entity, that they are an institution 
of higher education, that they are a research institute, or that they 
are some other relevant stakeholder in this process.
  Mr. Chair, my amendment is very simple. It adds the Department of 
Defense and the National Guard to this list of eligible recipients. 
There are many qualified airports throughout the Nation that already 
have a DOD or National Guard presence that are ready to innovate and 
help develop drone and related infrastructure.
  This amendment is a small way to help ensure DOD and the National 
Guard have a voice in this important future-looking endeavor, 
especially given that our men and women in uniform likely have 
expertise in this area.

[[Page H3821]]

Not only will they help develop this technology with their expertise, 
but they will literally be on the front lines of utilizing this 
technology.
  Mr. Chair, I am glad that the underlying legislation takes steps to 
extend this pilot program, and I urge my colleagues to support my 
amendment to add the Department of Defense and the National Guard to 
those lists of entities that are eligible.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in 
opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I am happy this amendment is 
coming up because I hope the gentleman from Michigan will vote against 
a further amendment that may come up later tonight that will get rid of 
this program altogether, this vertiport infrastructure grant program.
  Mr. Chair, I am glad he likes it enough to add to it, and I hope 
others feel that way, too, so we can protect the basis of this program. 
I know all about it because I wrote the bill to actually create this 
program in the first place. It was done with a very specific purpose in 
mind, and the gentleman noted the criteria involved--to help State, 
local, and Tribal governments be part of the advanced air mobility 
future. We were very clear about that.
  Another thing we were very clear about when we wrote that bill and 
got it into law was to ensure that it was as neutral as possible when 
it came to any number of the advanced air mobility companies that were 
seeking to develop and get certified by the FAA and operate within the 
United States.
  Prioritizing the grants awarded under the AAM infrastructure program 
to entities that collaborate with the Department of Defense or the 
National Guard would actually put a thumb on the scale for the three 
companies that are actually involved with this effort with the DOD.
  There are many other AAM companies that are not involved with the 
DOD, and this would put these companies sort of at a head start over 
these others.
  Since its inception in 2019, as a for instance, the U.S. Air Force's 
Agility Prime program has focused on the potential defense applications 
of eVTOL aircraft, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, 
and what we call on the commercial side of things, AAM.
  Through Agility Prime, the DOD partners with these industry leaders 
and key stakeholders to examine the airworthiness and military uses for 
AAM aircraft and necessary infrastructure to support strategic cargo 
and personnel transport. In fact, that program within the DOD has 
awarded over 20 contracts, totaling more than $100 million, to very 
innovative aviation companies to further develop their advanced 
aircraft as they work toward civil certifications and commercial 
operations, but doing that with the help of the Department of Defense.
  Mr. Chair, I support fostering this U.S. innovation, but this 
amendment would prioritize the funding through the AAM Infrastructure 
Pilot program, which funds State and local government planning efforts 
for future civil AAM infrastructure and operations, to efforts that are 
being addressed under Agility Prime.
  There is a place to do this. It is called DOD's military construction 
budget. We just passed an authorization of nearly $886 billion last 
week out of the House of Representatives. Surely, there are a few 
dollars in that budget for the DOD to use to improve the taxiways and 
the aprons at these joint sites that the National Guard and the Air 
Force use with civilian airports rather than go after the really fairly 
small amounts that are available in these transportation planning 
grants that we were able to get through the AAM infrastructure planning 
grant.

                              {time}  1500

  I would just tell folks there is a place for these companies to go. 
It should not be these planning grants. It should be the DOD 
construction budget.
  Besides, if we do that, it will give these particular companies a 
head start over many other companies, and, frankly, in fact, the cities 
and counties [that are trying to access these grants already.
  Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Will the gentleman yield for a question?
  Mr. Chairman, I was trying to get the gentleman's attention to see if 
he would yield for a question about his opposition.
  So would the gentleman care to answer a question?
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, is it my time or his time he 
is going to use?
  Mr. HUIZENGA. It is currently my time. I guess my question to the 
gentleman is--this is very short--it says--literally it is a sentence--
``in paragraph 4(b) by inserting `the Department of Defense and the 
National Guard' before `or'''--I don't see anything in there in my 
amendment that will bias the Secretary of Transportation to only 
utilize fields that have a DOD or National Guard presence. In fact, the 
opposite could be argued, that those fields, because they have a DOD or 
a National Guard presence, would somehow be excluded from the 
gentleman's pilot program.
  So, Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield to him very briefly if he cares 
to answer what his opposition is.
  He doesn't care to address that, which indicates to me that he is 
either unsure or doesn't know or that I might be right in that.
  Anyway, I still do believe that if we are having a pilot program then 
it ought to be open to more of our fields and not fewer of those 
fields.
  Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I understand I have the right 
to close on this argument, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to the time remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Michigan has 2 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Puerto Rico (Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon).
  Mrs. GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Mr. 
Huizenga's amendment. I think it is logical what he is saying.
  I rise, again, in strong support of my amendment to this bill, as 
well, No. 31, to seek to identify ways in which Puerto Rico can further 
increase air cargo operations in our three international airports, and 
thus, better serve domestic and international stakeholders and 
consumers.
  Specifically, this amendment authorizes a GAO report that will look 
at recommendations for security measures that may be necessary to 
support increased air cargo operations in Puerto Rico, airport 
infrastructure improvements that may be needed, alternatives to 
increase private stakeholder engagement, and the potential need for 
additional staff.
  Airports are drivers of economic activity across our country. My 
amendment will support Puerto Rico and the Nation as we continue to 
find ways to generate greater opportunities for financial and 
infrastructure investments.
  This section requires an assessment from the FAA on the resiliency of 
coastal airports, including those on our island.
  The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman from Puerto Rico.
  Mrs. GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for 
supporting en bloc No. 2, and I urge support for the underlying bill.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chairman, in closing, I, again, appeal to my 
colleagues. I believe this is a commonsense amendment to a pilot 
program.
  I can assure the gentleman that, yes, if my amendment is adopted on 
this then I will also be voting against an amendment that would end the 
underlying pilot program. I think he will have many others of us doing 
the exact same thing. So the gentleman can help himself, Mr. Chair, if 
he would be willing to accept my amendment, but that is up to those in 
opposition.
  Mr. Chair, I appeal for approval of my amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.

[[Page H3822]]

  

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, to close, I assure the gentleman 
that, first, I am 100 percent sure that his amendment will dilute the 
original grant program. I am 100 percent sure there are other ways to 
finance this, especially through a very large MilCon budget that passed 
as part of the defense bill. And I am 100 percent sure that I am 
correct in opposing this amendment having been the author of the 
original bill to establish the AAM Infrastructure Act.
  Mr. Chair, I ask Members to oppose this amendment, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Michigan 
will be postponed.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Chair understands that amendment No. 46 will 
not be offered.


                  Amendment No. 47 Offered by Mr. Issa

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 47 
printed in part A of House Report 118-147.
  Mr. ISSA. 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:

       At the end of title VIII, add the following:

     SEC. ___. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF NOTAM REQUESTS BY FAA.

       The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
     shall make an objective, independent assessment for the 
     necessity of each Notice to Air Missions request from an 
     agency outside of the Administration.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 597, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Issa) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I 
have but 5 minutes to ensure that this goes by voice, so I will do my 
best.
  Mr. Chairman, no one here doubts 100 percent of the time the 
responsible party from just above the ground to over 60,000 feet 
belongs to the FAA. Any decision about whether an aircraft can operate 
or cannot operate belongs exclusively to the FAA. For that reason, the 
FAA is an independent body that has a responsibility to take seriously 
the implementation of NOTAMs. These NOTAMs either caution pilots or 
prevent pilots from flying.
  Recently, there have been a number of requests where the FAA has 
acted not on behalf of its own judgment but on behalf of a request by 
another agency. These agencies include CBP, the Department of Justice, 
FBI, FTC, and many others.
  These come in regularly, and I have no objection. There are plenty of 
good reasons that an entity--we were just talking about a little while 
ago the Park Service might even have a request. Because the FAA has an 
obligation to make airspace available wherever possible and at the 
lowest level of regulation and the greatest freedom and safety for the 
pilots, and it does have the obligation--when, for safety and other 
reasons, there needs to be temporary or permanent prohibitions on 
flying--to implement them.
  My amendment simply puts a requirement that when the FAA does so that 
they do so based on the FAA making an independent and objective 
judgment when it receives NOTAM requests from other agencies.
  Mr. Chairman, I hope my 5 minutes has been well spent, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment filed by 
Mr. Issa.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Tennessee is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment which would require the 
FAA to make an independent assessment of each notice to air mission, or 
NOTAM, request from a non-Federal entity.
  Many NOTAMs are simply for general awareness, a temporary crane has 
been erected in controlled airspace, or a runway at an airport with no 
traffic control tower being repaved.
  Some NOTAMs increase airspace awareness for pilots in the area 
alerting them about drone operations or balloon flights--some of them 
from China.
  Some of them result in actual flight restrictions, like over sports 
stadiums during NFL and MLB games or when a concert is going on.
  Sometimes FAA requires an operator or an airport to file a NOTAM 
prior operation in order to provide safety information for other 
airspace users. These are submitted through a special controlled access 
system.
  NOTAMs are issued for all kinds of reasons. As we all know from the 
NOTAM system outage earlier this year, there are many of them, which 
can be a blessing, and it can be a curse.
  For example, French Valley Airport, which is a small county-owned 
public use general aviation airport in Riverside County, California, 
currently has 80 active NOTAMs within a 10-mile radius. There are tens 
of thousands of big, medium, and small airports and heliports all over 
the country--consider the magnitude of bureaucracy this amendment 
creates.
  Requiring the FAA to independently verify every single NOTAM would 
bring an already cumbersome system to a complete standstill.
  NOTAMs keep pilots safe. This amendment would create an enormously 
burdensome process to get NOTAMs issued.
  Finally, this amendment will very likely conflict with 
recommendations from the NOTAM working group created by the NOTAM 
Improvement Act that this Congress passed 2 months ago.
  Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and he is 
absolutely right. There are a great many NOTAMs. I remind everyone that 
the requirement in this amendment that it requires the FAA to make an 
independent and objective judgment does not mean that it must do 
independent research as to the validity of the request as far as 
background.
  It can, in fact, take the word of an agency's statement of its 
reason, but it has to make an independent judgment as to the NOTAM.
  Now, I am both a pilot of more than 40 years, and I am also a former 
Army officer, and I can tell you, Mr. Chairman, at the company, the 
battalion, and the brigade level every unit in the military has a staff 
duty officer who for the entire evening until morning and over weekends 
makes judgment on behalf of the commanding officer at that level.
  Why do they have that?
  It is because a level of review should always be available. It 
doesn't have to be extensive, but it does have to be sufficient that if 
it came through the FAA it would independently be looked at by the duty 
officer before it was put up as a NOTAM. The same is asked.
  Nowhere in my amendment does it prohibit delegation all the way down 
to the lowest level. As a matter of fact, nowhere in this does it 
prohibit the use of AI and other tools to help them do it.
  So I think this is not burdensome, and it is easily compliable. It 
does say that the FAA makes the decision, not an agency that plugs into 
a system who may not have the mandate, responsibility, or even the 
expertise to do so.
  Periodic NOTAMs that have had to be pulled back when they have been 
submitted by other agencies are the reason for this amendment. We have 
actual examples where the FAA would not have done it had they made an 
independent decision.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.
  The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Tennessee has 3\1/2\ minutes 
remaining. The gentleman from California has 1 minute remaining.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I would just reiterate the fact that this will 
add additional burdens to the FAA. They would have to independently 
verify every single NOTAM. The FAA is already overburdened with work, 
and

[[Page H3823]]

they need more and more folks there to make our civil aeronautics 
system work properly.
  The amendment would conflict with recommendations just passed a few 
months ago by the NOTAM working group for improvement of that act, and 
that was passed just 2 months ago. So I have to cite those same reasons 
for opposing the amendment.
  Mr. Chair, I continue to oppose the amendment, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Chair, briefly, in response to my colleague from 
Tennessee, the majority of FAA NOTAMs do not originate from outside 
agencies. This is a fraction of a fraction of all NOTAMs, and it is 
only those that will be affected by this amendment.
  In closing, Mr. Chairman, this is not what some who oppose it would 
say. This is, in fact, a very minor one, but it comes with specific 
requirements that exist for a reason. Agencies have chosen and actually 
embarrass the FAA by asking for a closing of airspace only to find out 
in the light of day, in a matter of days that, in fact, it was a huge 
mistake--sometimes politically driven. It doesn't matter why. The FAA 
has the right and the responsibility, and all we ask for is when it 
comes from an outside agency that it, in fact, have a once-over before 
being codified.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Issa is a worthy adversary, but it is 
still 40-love.
  Mr. Chair, I ask everybody to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the 
balance of my time.

                              {time}  1515

  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Issa).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California 
will be postponed.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Committee will rise informally.
  The Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Obernolte) assumed the chair.

                          ____________________