[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3381-S3499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          LEGISLATIVE SESSION

                                 ______
                                 

SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT--Resumed

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senate will 
resume legislative session and resume consideration of H.R. 3935, which 
the clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A 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.

  Pending:

       Schumer (for Murray) amendment No. 1292, in the nature of a 
     substitute.
       Schumer amendment No. 1293 (to amendment No. 1292), to add 
     an effective date.
       Schumer motion to commit the bill to the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, with instructions, 
     Schumer amendment No. 1294, to add an effective date.
       Schumer amendment No. 1295 (to (the instructions) amendment 
     No. 1294), to modify the effective date.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.


                            Motion to Table

  Mr. SCHUMER. I move to table the pending motion to commit with 
amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.
  The motion was agreed to.


                            Motion to Table

  Mr. SCHUMER. I move to table pending substitute amendment No. 1292.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion.
  The motion was agreed to.


                    Amendment No. 1911, as Modified

  (Purpose: In the Nature of a Substitute)
  Mr. SCHUMER. I call up substitute amendment No. 1911, as modified.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from New York [Mr. Schumer] for Ms. Cantwell, 
     proposes an amendment numbered 1911, as modified.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment, as modified, is as follows:

        Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

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

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

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

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

           TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

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

                TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 301. Helicopter air ambulance operations.
Sec. 302. Global aircraft maintenance safety improvements.
Sec. 303. ODA best practice sharing.
Sec. 304. Training of organization delegation authorization unit 
              members.
Sec. 305. Clarification on safety management system information 
              disclosure.
Sec. 306. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft 
              Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.
Sec. 307. Continued oversight of FAA compliance program.
Sec. 308. Scalability of safety management systems.
Sec. 309. Review of safety management system rulemaking.
Sec. 310. Independent study on future state of type certification 
              processes.
Sec. 311. Use of advanced tools and high-risk flight testing in 
              certifying aerospace products.
Sec. 312. Transport airplane and propulsion certification 
              modernization.
Sec. 313. Fire protection standards.
Sec. 314. Risk model for production facility inspections.
Sec. 315. Review of FAA use of aviation safety data.
Sec. 316. Weather reporting systems study.
Sec. 317. GAO study on expansion of the FAA weather camera program.
Sec. 318. Audit on aviation safety in era of wireless connectivity.
Sec. 319. Safety data analysis for aircraft without transponders.
Sec. 320. Crash-resistant fuel systems in rotorcraft.
Sec. 321. Reducing turbulence-related injuries on part 121 aircraft 
              operations.
Sec. 322. Study on radiation exposure.
Sec. 323. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins.
Sec. 324. Lithium-ion powered wheelchairs.
Sec. 325. National simulator program policies and guidance.
Sec. 326. Briefing on agricultural application approval timing.
Sec. 327. Sense of Congress regarding safety and security of aviation 
              infrastructure.
Sec. 328. Restricted category aircraft maintenance and operations.
Sec. 329. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 330. Task Force on human factors in aviation safety.
Sec. 331. Update of FAA standards to allow distribution and use of 
              certain restricted routes and terminal procedures.
Sec. 332. ASOS/AWOS service report dashboard.
Sec. 333. Helicopter safety.

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Sec. 334. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into 
              agency guidance material.
Sec. 335. Service difficulty reports.
Sec. 336. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers.
Sec. 337. Flight service stations.
Sec. 338. Tarmac operations monitoring study.
Sec. 339. Improved safety in rural areas.
Sec. 340. Study on FAA use of mandatory Equal Access to Justice Act 
              waivers.
Sec. 341. Airport air safety.
Sec. 342. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
Sec. 343. Accountability and compliance.
Sec. 344. Changed product rule reform.
Sec. 345. Administrative authority for civil penalties.
Sec. 346. Study on airworthiness standards compliance.
Sec. 347. Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and 
              surface safety risks.
Sec. 348. Improvements to Aviation Safety Information Analysis and 
              Sharing Program.
Sec. 349. Instructions for continued airworthiness aviation rulemaking 
              committee.
Sec. 350. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 351. Part 135 duty and rest.
Sec. 352. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.
Sec. 353. Ramp worker safety call to action.
Sec. 354. Voluntary reporting protections.
Sec. 355. Tower marking notice of proposed rulemaking.
Sec. 356. Promotion of civil aeronautics and safety of air commerce.
Sec. 357. Educational and professional development.
Sec. 358. Global aviation safety.
Sec. 359. Availability of personnel for inspections, site visits, and 
              training.
Sec. 360. Wildfire suppression.
Sec. 361. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high 
              altitude balloons.
Sec. 362. Cabin air safety.
Sec. 363. Commercial air tour and sport parachuting safety.
Sec. 364. Hawaii air noise and safety task force.
Sec. 365. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation.
Sec. 366. 25-hour cockpit voice recorder.
Sec. 367. Sense of Congress regarding mandated contents of onboard 
              emergency medical kits.
Sec. 368. Passenger aircraft first aid and emergency medical kit 
              equipment and training.
Sec. 369. International aviation safety assessment program.
Sec. 370. Whistleblower protection enforcement.
Sec. 371. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program 
              violations.
Sec. 372. Enhanced qualification program for restricted airline 
              transport pilot certificate.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

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

                     TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

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

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

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

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

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

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

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

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Sec. 601. Instrument landing system installation.
Sec. 602. Navigation aids study.
Sec. 603. NextGen accountability review.
Sec. 604. Airspace access.
Sec. 605. FAA contract tower workforce audit.
Sec. 606. Air traffic control tower safety.

[[Page S3383]]

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

             TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

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

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

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

     Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

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

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

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

[[Page S3384]]

Sec. 826. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility.
Sec. 827. EAGLE initiative.
Sec. 828. Expansion of BasicMed.
Sec. 829. Prohibition on using ADS-B out data to initiate an 
              investigation.
Sec. 830. Charitable flight fuel reimbursement exemptions.
Sec. 831. GAO report on charitable flights.
Sec. 832. Flight instruction or testing.
Sec. 833. National coordination and oversight of designated pilot 
              examiners.
Sec. 834. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement.

            TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

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

                   TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

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

    Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

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

                        TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

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

            TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

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

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

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

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise specified, the term 
     ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration.
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees

[[Page S3385]]

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

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

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

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

     SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

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

     SEC. 103. OPERATIONS.

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

     SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF MISCELLANEOUS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.

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

           TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

     SEC. 201. FAA LEADERSHIP.

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

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

       ``(iii) Reimbursement of expenses.--If the Deputy 
     Administrator elects to receive compensation described in 
     clause (ii)(II), the Administration shall reimburse the 
     appropriate military department from funds available for the 
     expenses of the Administration.
       ``(3) Leadership of the administration defined.--In this 
     section, the term `leadership of the Administration' means--
       ``(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1); and
       ``(B) the Deputy Administrator under paragraph (2).''.

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

       (a) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement.--Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is 
     further amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(c) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement.--There is an Assistant Administrator for 
     Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement who shall be appointed 
     by the Administrator and shall--
       ``(1) be responsible for developing and managing the 
     execution of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that 
     meets statutory and Administration deadlines, including by--
       ``(A) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are necessary 
     to improve safety;
       ``(B) establishing the regulatory agenda of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(C) coordinating with offices of the Administration, the 
     Department, and other Federal entities as appropriate to 
     improve timely feedback generation and approvals when 
     required by law;
       ``(2) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting 
     internal timelines and final completion of the regulatory 
     activities of the Administration outside the Office of the 
     Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
     Improvement;
       ``(3) on an ongoing basis, review the regulations of the 
     Administration in effect to--
       ``(A) improve safety;
       ``(B) reduce undue regulatory burden;
       ``(C) replace prescriptive regulations with performance-
     based regulations, as appropriate;
       ``(D) prevent duplicative regulations; and
       ``(E) increase regulatory clarity and transparency whenever 
     possible;
       ``(4) make recommendations for the review of the 
     Administrator under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);
       ``(5) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for 
     rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of 
     part 11 of title

[[Page S3386]]

     14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide an initial 
     response to a petitioner not later than 30 days after the 
     receipt of such a petition--
       ``(A) acknowledging receipt of such petition;
       ``(B) confirming completeness of such petition;
       ``(C) providing an initial indication of the complexity of 
     the request and how such complexity may impact the timeline 
     for adjudication; and
       ``(D) requesting any additional information, as 
     appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of the 
     petition;
       ``(6) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the 
     Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to 
     determine if it would be more efficient and in the interest 
     of the public to amend a rule to reduce the future need of 
     waivers and exemptions; and
       ``(7) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more 
     efficient or in the best interest of the public under 
     paragraph (6).
       ``(d) [Reserved].''.
       (b) Systemically Addressing Need for Exemptions and 
     Waivers.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for 
     Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement of the FAA shall brief 
     the appropriate committees of Congress and the Committee on 
     Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives on the methodology developed pursuant to 
     section 106(c)(6) of title 49, United States Code (as added 
     by this section).

     SEC. 203. PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTING PECUNIARY INTERESTS.

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

     SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.

       (a) In General.--Section 106(f) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
       (B) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting ``In exercising 
     duties, powers, and authorities that are assigned to the 
     Secretary or the Administrator under this title, neither''; 
     and
       (C) by striking ``a committee, board, or organization 
     established by executive order.'' and inserting the 
     following: ``a committee, board, council, or organization 
     that is--
       ``(A) established by executive order; or
       ``(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to review the 
     exercise of such duties, powers, and authorities by the 
     Secretary or the Administrator.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``the acquisition'' 
     and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting 
     ``the acquisition, establishment, improvement, operation, 
     maintenance, security (including cybersecurity), and disposal 
     of property, facilities, services, and equipment of the 
     Administration, including all elements of the air traffic 
     control system owned by the Administration;'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking ``paragraph (3)'' 
     and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``civil aviation, any 
     matter for which the Administrator is the final authority 
     under subparagraph (A), any duty carried out by the 
     Administrator pursuant to paragraph (3), or the provisions of 
     this title, or'' after ``with respect to'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``In the performance'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(i) Issuance of regulations.--In the performance'';
       (ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall act'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The Administrator shall 
     act'';
       (iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall issue'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The Administrator shall 
     issue''; and
       (iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(iv) Reporting requirement.--On February 1''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Approval of secretary of transportation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administrator may not issue, unless 
     the Secretary of Transportation approves the issuance of the 
     regulation in advance, a proposed regulation or final 
     regulation that--

       ``(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by State, 
     local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, or by the 
     private sector, of $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually 
     for inflation beginning with the year following the date of 
     enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any 
     year; or
       ``(II) is significant.

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

       ``(I) will have an annual effect on the economy of 
     $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation 
     beginning with the year following the date of enactment of 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024);
       ``(II) raises novel or serious legal or policy issues that 
     will substantially and materially affect other transportation 
     modes; or
       ``(III) adversely affects, in a substantial and material 
     way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, 
     competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, 
     or a State, local, or Tribal government or community.

       ``(iii) Emergency regulation.--

       ``(I) In general.--In an emergency as determined by the 
     Administrator, the Administrator may issue a final regulation 
     described in clause (i) without prior approval of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(II) Objection.--If the Secretary objects to a regulation 
     issued under subclause (II) in writing not later than 5 days 
     (excluding Saturday, Sundays, and legal public holidays) 
     after the issuance, the Administrator shall immediately 
     rescind such regulation.

       ``(iv) Other regulations.--The Secretary may not require 
     that the Administrator submit a proposed or final regulation 
     to the Secretary for approval, nor may the Administrator 
     submit a proposed or final regulation to the Secretary for 
     approval, if the regulation--

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

       ``(v) Timeline.--The Administrator shall submit a copy of 
     any proposed or final regulation requiring approval by the 
     Secretary under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall either 
     approve the regulation or return the regulation to the 
     Administrator with comments not later than 30 days after 
     receiving the regulation. If the Secretary fails to approve 
     or return the regulation with comments to the Administrator 
     not later than 30 days after receiving such regulation, the 
     regulation shall be deemed to have been approved by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(C) Periodic review.--
       ``(i) In general.--For any significant regulation issued 
     after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2024, in addition to the review requirements established 
     under section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, the Administrator shall review any significant 
     regulation 3 years after the effective date of such 
     regulation.
       ``(ii) Discretionary review.--The Administrator may review 
     any regulation that has been in effect for more than 3 years.
       ``(iii) Substance of review.--In performing a review under 
     clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine if--

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

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

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

[[Page S3387]]

       ``(XII) chapter 471;
       ``(XIII) chapter 475; and
       ``(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51; and

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

     SEC. 205. REGULATORY MATERIALS IMPROVEMENT.

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

     SEC. 206. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.

       (a) Key Programs.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the 
     Administrator shall

[[Page S3388]]

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

     SEC. 207. AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION OFFICE.

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

     SEC. 208. APPLICATION DASHBOARD AND FEEDBACK PORTAL.

       (a) In General.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall 
     determine whether a publicly facing dashboard that provides 
     applicants with the status of an application before the FAA 
     would be--
       (1) beneficial to applicants;
       (2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and 
     update; or
       (3) duplicative with other efforts of the FAA to streamline 
     and digitize paperwork and certification processes to provide 
     an applicant with a greater awareness of the status of an 
     application before the FAA.
       (b) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Deputy Administrator shall 
     provide to the Administrator a recommendation regarding the 
     need for or benefits of a dashboard or other means by which 
     to track an application status.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after receiving 
     recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
     brief the appropriate Committees of Congress on--
       (1) any recommendation received under subsection (b); and

[[Page S3389]]

       (2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response 
     to such recommendation.
       (d) FAA Feedback Portal.--
       (1) In general.--The Deputy Administrator shall determine 
     whether a publicly facing portal on the website of the FAA 
     through which the public may provide feedback to the 
     Administrator about experiences individuals have working with 
     personnel of the FAA would be beneficial.
       (2) Requirements.--The Deputy Administrator shall ensure 
     any portal established under this subsection asks questions 
     that seek to gauge any shortcomings the FAA has in fulfilling 
     the mission of the FAA or areas where the FAA is succeeding 
     in meeting the mission of the FAA.
       (e) Application.--This section shall apply to applications 
     relating to--
       (1) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance 
     certification;
       (2) an airman or pilot certificate;
       (3) a medical certificate;
       (4) an operator certificate;
       (5) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51, United 
     States Code, is explicitly delegated by the Secretary to the 
     Administrator, a license or permit issued under such chapter;
       (6) an aircraft registration;
       (7) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;
       (8) a legal interpretation;
       (9) an outstanding agency determination; and
       (10) any certificate not otherwise described in this 
     subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447 of title 
     49, United States Code.

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

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

     SEC. 210. CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INSTITUTE.

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

     SEC. 211. MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

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

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

       ``(iv) Reasoning.--Together with a Council submission that 
     is published or described under clause (iii)(II), the 
     Administrator may provide the reasons for any differences 
     between the views of the Council and the views or actions of 
     the Administrator.
       ``(v) Cost-benefit analysis.--The Council shall review the 
     rulemaking cost-benefit analysis process and develop 
     recommendations to improve the analysis and ensure that the 
     public interest is fully protected.
       ``(vi) Process review.--The Council shall review the 
     process through which the Administration determines to use 
     advisory circulars, service bulletins, and other externally 
     facing guidance and regulatory material.
       ``(B) Meetings.--The Council shall meet not less than 3 
     times annually or at the call of the chair or the 
     Administrator.
       ``(C) Access to documents and staff.--The Administrator may 
     give the Council appropriate access to relevant documents and 
     personnel of the Administration, and the Administrator shall 
     make available, consistent with the authority to withhold 
     commercial and other proprietary information under section 
     552 of title 5 (commonly known as the `Freedom of Information 
     Act'), cost data associated with the acquisition and 
     operation of air traffic service systems.
       ``(D) Disclosure of commercial or proprietary data.--Any 
     member of the Council who receives commercial or other 
     proprietary data as provided for in this paragraph from the 
     Administrator shall be subject to the provisions of section 
     1905 of title 18, pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of 
     such information.
       ``(5) Application of chapter 10 of title 5.--Chapter 10 of 
     title 5 does not apply to--
       ``(A) the Council;
       ``(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the 
     Administrator shall designate; or
       ``(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the Secretary 
     shall designate.
       ``(6) Administrative matters.--
       ``(A) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed under 
     paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
       ``(B) Term for air traffic control representative.--The 
     member appointed under paragraph (2)(E) shall be appointed 
     for a term of 3 years, except that the term of such 
     individual shall end whenever the individual no longer meets 
     the requirements of paragraph (2)(E).
       ``(C) Vacancy.--Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment, except that 
     any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
     expiration of the term for which the predecessor of the 
     member was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of 
     that term.
       ``(D) Continuation in office.--A member of the Council 
     whose term expires shall continue to serve until the date on 
     which the successor of the member takes office.
       ``(E) Removal.--Any member of the Council appointed under 
     paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by whomever makes the 
     appointment.
       ``(F) Chair; vice chair.--The Council shall elect a chair 
     and a vice chair from among the members appointed under 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each of whom 
     shall serve for a term of 1 year. The vice chair shall 
     perform the duties of the chair in the absence of the chair.
       ``(G) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the Council 
     shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence expenses when away from the usual place of 
     residence of the member, in accordance with section 5703 of 
     title 5.
       ``(H) Detail of personnel from the administration.--The 
     Administrator shall make available to the Council such staff, 
     information, and administrative services and assistance as 
     may reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry out 
     the responsibilities of the Council under this subsection.''.

     SEC. 212. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

       Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Appointment.--There shall be a Chief Operating 
     Officer for the air traffic control system who is appointed 
     by the Administrator and subject to the authority of the 
     Administrator.''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``shall be appointed 
     for the remainder of that term'' and inserting ``may be 
     appointed for either the remainder of the term or for a full 
     term'';
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``, with the approval of 
     the Air Traffic Services Committee'';
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) by striking ``, in consultation with the Air Traffic 
     Services Committee,''; and
       (B) by striking ``annual basis.'' and inserting-- ``annual 
     basis and shall include responsibility for--
       ``(A) the state of good repair of the air traffic control 
     system;

[[Page S3390]]

       ``(B) the continuous improvement of the safety and 
     efficiency of the air traffic control system; and
       ``(C) identifying services and solutions to increase the 
     safety and efficiency of airspace use and to support the safe 
     integration of all airspace users.'';
       (4) in paragraph (4) by striking ``such information as may 
     be prescribed by the Secretary'' and inserting ``the annual 
     performance agreement required under paragraph (3), an 
     assessment of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer 
     in relation to the performance goals in the performance 
     agreement for the previous year, and such other information 
     as may be prescribed by the Administrator''; and
       (5) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by striking ``Chief Operating Officer, or any other 
     authority within the Administration responsibilities, 
     including'' and inserting ``Chief Operating Officer any 
     authority of the Administrator and shall delegate, at a 
     minimum'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (iv) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(v) plans to integrate new entrant operations into the 
     national airspace system and associated action items.''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking ``and the 
     Committee''.

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

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

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

     SEC. 214. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.

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

     SEC. 215. DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

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

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

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

     SEC. 217. CYBERSECURITY LEAD.

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

     SEC. 218. ELIMINATING FAA REPORTING AND UNNECESSARY 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Annual Report on Aviation Activities.--Section 308 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
       (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).
       (b) Annual Report on the Purchase of Foreign Manufactured 
     Articles.--Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
     is amended by striking paragraph (5).
       (c) Annual Report on Assistance to Foreign Aviation 
     Authorities.--Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (4); and
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
       (d) AIP Annual Report.--Section 47131 of title 49, United 
     States Code, and the item relating to such section in the 
     analysis for chapter 471 of such title, are repealed.
       (e) Transfer of Airport Land Use Compliance Report to 
     NPIAS.--Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
       ``(d) Non-compliant Airports.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the plan 
     a detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has 
     reason to believe are not in compliance with grant assurances 
     or other requirements with respect to airport lands and shall 
     include--
       ``(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;
       ``(B) the timeline for corrective action with respect to 
     such noncompliance; and
       ``(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends to 
     require to bring the airport sponsor into compliance.

[[Page S3391]]

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

     SEC. 219. AUTHORITY TO USE ELECTRONIC SERVICE.

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

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

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

     SEC. 221. FAA TELEWORK.

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

[[Page S3392]]

       (2) labor organizations certified under such section as the 
     exclusive bargaining representative of airway transportation 
     systems specialists and aviation safety inspectors and 
     engineers of the FAA.

     SEC. 222. REVIEW OF OFFICE SPACE.

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

     SEC. 223. RESTORATION OF AUTHORITY.

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

     ``Sec. 40119. Sensitive security information

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

``40119. Sensitive security information.''.

     SEC. 224. FAA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS 
                   ORGANIZATIONS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 226. REQUIRED DESIGNATION.

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

     SEC. 227. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.

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

     SEC. 228. COMMERCIAL PREFERENCE.

       Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     further amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and implement'' and 
     inserting ``, implement, and periodically update'';
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``the new acquisition 
     management system developed and implemented'' and inserting 
     ``the acquisition management system developed, implemented, 
     and periodically updated'' each place it appears;
       (3) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``new''; and
       (ii) by striking ``and implemented'' and inserting ``, 
     implemented, and periodically updated''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Within'' and all that 
     follows through ``the Administrator'' and inserting ``The 
     Administrator'';

[[Page S3393]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 230. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

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

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

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

                TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 301. HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.

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

[[Page S3394]]

     inform efforts to improve the safety of helicopter air 
     ambulance operations.''; and
       (3) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively.

     SEC. 302. GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.

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

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

     SEC. 303. ODA BEST PRACTICE SHARING.

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

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

       (a) Unit Member Annual Ethics Training.--Section 44736 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:
       ``(g) Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each 
     ODA holder authorized by the Administrator under section 
     44702(d) has in effect a recurrent training program for all 
     ODA unit members that covers--
       ``(A) unit member professional obligations and 
     responsibilities;
       ``(B) the ODA holder's code of ethics as required to be 
     established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft 
     Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 
     44701 note);
       ``(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as 
     described in the respective approved procedures manual for 
     the delegation;
       ``(D) the prohibition against and reporting procedures for 
     interference from a supervisor or other ODA member described 
     in section 44742; and

[[Page S3395]]

       ``(E) any additional information the Administrator 
     considers relevant to maintaining ethical and professional 
     standards across all ODA holders and unit members.
       ``(2) FAA review.--
       ``(A) Review of training program.--The Organization 
     Designation Authorization Office of the Administration 
     established under subsection (b) shall review each ODA 
     holders' recurrent training program to ensure such program 
     includes--
       ``(i) all elements described in paragraph (1); and
       ``(ii) training to instill professionalism and clear 
     understanding among ODA unit members about the purpose of and 
     procedures associated with safety management systems, 
     including the provisions of the third edition of the Safety 
     Management Manual issued by the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization (Doc 9859) (or any successor edition).
       ``(B) Changes to program.--Such Office may require changes 
     to the training program considered necessary to maintain 
     ethical and professional standards across all ODA holders and 
     unit members.
       ``(3) Training.--As part of the recurrent training program 
     required under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days 
     after being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually 
     thereafter, each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics 
     training required by the ODA holder of the respective ODA 
     unit member in order to exercise the functions delegated 
     under the ODA.
       ``(4) Accountability.--The Administrator shall establish 
     such processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure 
     compliance with paragraph (3).''.
       (b) Deadline.--An ODA unit member authorized to perform 
     delegated functions under an ODA prior to the date of 
     completion of an ethics training required under section 
     44736(g) of title 49, United States Code, shall complete such 
     training not later than 60 days after the training program is 
     approved by the Administrator pursuant to such section.

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 307. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT OF FAA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 308. SCALABILITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

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

     SEC. 309. REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RULEMAKING.

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

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

       (a) Review and Study.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek 
     to enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally 
     funded research and development center, or other independent 
     nonprofit organization that recommends solutions to aviation 
     policy challenges through objective analysis, to conduct a 
     review and study in accordance with the requirements and 
     elements in this section.
       (b) Elements.--The entity carrying out the review and study 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide analyses, 
     assessments, and recommendations that address the following 
     elements:
       (1) A vision for a future state of type certification that 
     reflects the highly complex, highly integrated nature of 
     modern aircraft and improvements in aviation safety.
       (2) An assessment of digital tools, techniques, and 
     software systems that allow for efficient and virtual 
     evaluation of an applicant design, associated documentation, 
     and software or systems engineering products, including in 
     digital 3-dimensional formats or using model-based systems 
     engineering design techniques.
       (3) How the FAA could develop a risk-based model for type 
     certification that improves the safety of aircraft.
       (4) What changes are needed to ensure that corrective 
     actions for continued operational safety issues, including 
     software modifications, can be approved and implemented in a 
     timely manner while maintaining the integrity of the type 
     certification process.
       (5) What efficiencies and safety process improvements are 
     needed in the type certification processes of the FAA to 
     facilitate the assessment and integration of innovative 
     technologies and advance aviation safety,

[[Page S3396]]

     such as conducting product familiarization, developing 
     certification requirements, and demonstrating flight test 
     safety readiness.
       (6) Best practices and tools used by other certification 
     authorities outside of the United States that could be 
     adopted by the FAA, as well as the best practices and tools 
     used by the FAA which can be shared with certification 
     authorities outside of the United States.
       (c) Parties to Review.--In conducting the review and study 
     pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure 
     that the entity entering into an agreement under this section 
     shall, throughout the review and study, consult with--
       (1) the aircraft certification and flight standards offices 
     or services of the Administration; and
       (2) at least 3 industry members representing aircraft and 
     aircraft part manufacturing interests.
       (d) Considerations.--In conducting the review and study 
     pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure 
     the entity considers the availability, cost, 
     interoperability, scalability, adaptability, cybersecurity, 
     ease of adoption, and potential safety benefits of the 
     elements described in subsection (b), including any digital 
     tools, techniques, and software systems recommended to 
     address such elements.
       (e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the entity conducting the review and 
     study pursuant to subsection (a) shall submit to the 
     Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the results of the review and study that includes--
       (1) the findings and recommendations of the entity; and
       (2) an assessment of whether digital tools, techniques, and 
     software systems could improve the coordination, oversight, 
     or safety of the certification and validation activities of 
     the FAA.
       (f) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after 
     the report required under subsection (e) is received by the 
     Administrator, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
     committees of Congress on--
       (1) any actions the FAA proposes to take as a result of 
     such findings and recommendations; and
       (2) the rationale of the FAA for not taking action on any 
     specific recommendation, as applicable.

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

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

     SEC. 312. TRANSPORT AIRPLANE AND PROPULSION CERTIFICATION 
                   MODERNIZATION.

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

     SEC. 313. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.

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

     SEC. 314. RISK MODEL FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS.

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

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into an appropriate arrangement with a qualified third-party 
     organization or consortium to evaluate the collection, 
     collation, analysis, and use of aviation data across the FAA.
       (b) Consultation.--In completing the evaluation under 
     subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization or 
     consortium shall--
       (1) seek the input of experts in data analytics, including 
     at least 1 expert in the commercial data services or 
     analytics solutions sector;
       (2) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board 
     and the Transportation Research Board; and
       (3) consult with appropriate federally funded research and 
     development centers, to the extent that such centers are not 
     already involved in the evaluation.
       (c) Substance of Evaluation.--In completing the evaluation 
     under subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization 
     or consortium shall--
       (1) compile a list of internal and external sources, 
     databases, and streams of information the FAA receives or has 
     access to that provide the FAA with operational or safety 
     information and data about the national airspace system, its 
     users, and other regulated entities of the FAA;

[[Page S3397]]

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

     SEC. 316. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY.

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

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

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

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of the 
     FAA's internal processes and procedures to communicate the 
     position of civil aviation operators and the safety of the 
     national airspace system to the National Telecommunications 
     and Information Administration regarding proposed spectrum 
     reallocations or auction decisions.
       (b) Assessment.--In conducting the audit described in 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall assess best 
     practices and policy recommendations for the FAA to--
       (1) improve internal processes by which proposed spectrum 
     reallocations or auctions are thoroughly reviewed in advance 
     to ensure that any comments or technical concerns regarding 
     aviation safety from civil aviation stakeholders are 
     communicated to the National Telecommunications and 
     Information Administration that are to be submitted to the 
     Federal Communications Commission;
       (2) develop internal processes and procedures to assess the 
     effects a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction may have 
     on the national airspace system in a timely manner to ensure 
     safety of the national airspace system;
       (3) improve external communication processes to better 
     inform civil aviation stakeholders, including owners and 
     operators of civil aircraft, on any comments or technical 
     concerns of the FAA relating to a proposed spectrum 
     reallocation or auction that may impact the national airspace 
     system; and

[[Page S3398]]

       (4) better communicate to the National Telecommunications 
     and Information Administration when a proposed spectrum 
     reallocation or auction may pose a potential risk to aviation 
     safety.
       (c) Stakeholder Views.--In conducting the audit pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall consult with 
     relevant stakeholders, including--
       (1) air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations;
       (2) manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components;
       (3) wireless communication carriers;
       (4) labor unions representing pilots;
       (5) air traffic system safety specialists;
       (6) other representatives of the communications industry;
       (7) aviation safety experts;
       (8) the National Telecommunications and Information 
     Administration; and
       (9) the Federal Communications Commission.
       (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which 
     the audit is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the 
     inspector general shall complete and submit a report on 
     findings and recommendations to--
       (1) the Administrator;
       (2) the appropriate committees of Congress; and
       (3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
     Representatives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 322. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE.

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

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

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

     SEC. 324. LITHIUM-ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall task the Air 
     Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Committee'') to conduct a review of 
     regulations related to lithium-ion battery powered 
     wheelchairs and mobility aids on commercial aircraft and 
     provide recommendations to the Secretary to ensure safe 
     transport of such wheelchairs and mobility aids in air 
     transportation.

[[Page S3399]]

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

     SEC. 325. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDANCE.

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

     SEC. 326. BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION APPROVAL 
                   TIMING.

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

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

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

     SEC. 328. RESTRICTED CATEGORY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND 
                   OPERATIONS.

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

     SEC. 329. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.

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

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding section 127 of the 
     Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 
     U.S.C. 44513 note), the Administrator shall convene a task 
     force on human factors in aviation safety (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Task Force'').
       (b) Composition.--
       (1) Members.--The Administrator shall appoint members of 
     the Task Force--
       (A) that have expertise in an operational or academic 
     discipline that is relevant to the analysis of human errors 
     in aviation, which may include air carrier operations, line 
     pilot expertise, air traffic control, technical operations, 
     aeronautical information, aircraft maintenance and mechanics 
     psychology, linguistics, human-machine integration, general 
     aviation operations, and organizational behavior and culture;
       (B) that sufficiently represent all relevant operational or 
     academic disciplines described in subparagraph (A);
       (C) with expertise on human factors but whose experience 
     and training are not in aviation and who have not previously 
     been engaged in work related to the FAA or the aviation 
     industry;
       (D) that are representatives of pilot labor organizations 
     and certificated mechanic labor organizations;
       (E) that are employees of the FAA that have expertise in 
     safety; and
       (F) that are employees of other Federal agencies with 
     expertise on human factors.
       (2) Number of members.--In appointing members under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that--
       (A) at least half of the members appointed have expertise 
     in aviation;
       (B) at least one member appointed represents an exclusive 
     bargaining representative of air traffic controllers 
     certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; 
     and
       (C) 3 members are employees of the FAA and 1 member is an 
     employee of the National Transportation Safety Board.
       (3) Voting.--The members described in paragraph (2)(C) 
     shall be non-voting members of the Task Force.
       (c) Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Members of the Task Force shall be 
     appointed for the duration of the Task Force.
       (2) Length of existence.--
       (A) In general.--The Task Force shall have an initial 
     duration of 2 years.
       (B) Option.--The Administrator may extend the duration of 
     the Task Force for an additional period of up to 2 years.
       (d) Duties.--In coordination with the Research, 
     Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee, the Task 
     Force shall--
       (1) not later than the date on which the duration of the 
     Task Force expires under subsection (c), produce a written 
     report in which the Task Force--
       (A) to the greatest extent possible, identifies the most 
     significant human factors and the relative contribution of 
     such factors to aviation safety risk;
       (B) identifies new research priorities for research in 
     human factors in aviation safety;
       (C) reviews existing products by other working groups 
     related to human factors in aviation safety including the 
     work of the Commercial Aviation Safety Team pertaining to 
     flight crew responses to abnormal events;
       (D) provides recommendations on potential revisions to any 
     FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the certification 
     of aircraft under part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, including sections related to presumed pilot 
     response times and assumptions about the reliability of pilot 
     performance during unexpected, stressful events;

[[Page S3400]]

       (E) reviews rules, regulations, or standards regarding 
     flight crew and maintenance personnel rest and fatigue that 
     are used by a sample of international air carriers, including 
     rules, regulations, or standards determined to be more 
     stringent and less stringent than the current standards 
     pertaining to air carriers (as such term is defined in 
     section 40102 of title 49, United States Code), and 
     identifies risks to the national airspace system from any 
     variation in such rules, regulations, or standards across 
     countries;
       (F) reviews pilot training requirements and recommends any 
     revisions necessary to ensure adequate understanding of 
     automated systems on aircraft;
       (G) reviews approach and landing misalignment and makes any 
     recommendations for reducing misalignment events;
       (H) identifies ways to enhance instrument landing system 
     maintenance schedules;
       (I) determines how a real-time smart system should be 
     developed to inform the air traffic control system, air 
     carriers, and airports about any changes in the state of 
     runway and taxiway lights and identifies how such real-time 
     smart system could be connected to the maintenance system of 
     the FAA;
       (J) analyzes, with respect to human errors related to 
     aviation safety of air carriers operating under part 121 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations--
       (i) fatigue and distraction during critical phases of work 
     among pilots or other aviation personnel;
       (ii) tasks and workload;
       (iii) organizational culture;
       (iv) communication among personnel;
       (v) adherence to safety procedures;
       (vi) mental state of personnel; and
       (vii) any other relevant factors that are the cause or 
     potential cause of human error related to aviation safety;
       (K) includes a tabulation of the number of accidents, 
     incidents, or aviation safety database entries received in 
     which an item identified under subparagraph (J) was a cause 
     or potential cause of human error related to aviation safety; 
     and
       (L) includes a list of causes or potential causes of human 
     error related to aviation safety about which the 
     Administrator believes additional information is needed; and
       (2) if the Administrator extends the duration of the Task 
     Force pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), not later than the 
     date that is 2 years after the date on which the Task Force 
     is established, produce an interim report containing the 
     information described in paragraph (1).
       (e) Methodology.--In carrying out the duties under 
     subparagraphs (J) through (L) of subsection (d)(1), the Task 
     Force shall consult with the National Transportation Safety 
     Board and use all available data compiled and analysis 
     conducted on safety incidents and irregularities collected 
     during the relevant fiscal year from the following:
       (1) Flight Operations Quality Assurance.
       (2) Aviation Safety Action Program.
       (3) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.
       (4) The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
       (5) Aviation safety recommendations and investigation 
     findings of the National Transportation Safety Board.
       (6) Other relevant programs or sources.
       (f) Consistency.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require changes to, or duplication of, work as 
     required by section 127 of the Aircraft Certification Safety 
     and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44513 note).

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

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

     SEC. 332. ASOS/AWOS SERVICE REPORT DASHBOARD.

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

     SEC. 333. HELICOPTER SAFETY.

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

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

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

     SEC. 335. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.

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

[[Page S3401]]

       (5) A description of violations of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, related to service difficulty reports 
     and any actions taken by the Administrator in response to 
     such violations.

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

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

     SEC. 337. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.

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

     SEC. 338. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.

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

     SEC. 339. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 341. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.

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

     SEC. 342. DON YOUNG ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.

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

[[Page S3402]]

  


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

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska 
     Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration as the Don 
     Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (in this section 
     referred to as the `Initiative'), under which the 
     Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this section 
     and take such other actions as the Administrator determines 
     appropriate to improve aviation safety in Alaska and covered 
     locations.
       ``(b) Objective.--The objective of the Initiative shall be 
     to work cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other 
     stakeholders towards the goal of--
       ``(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in 
     Alaska and covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033; 
     and
       ``(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of 
     aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part 
     135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(c) Leadership.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate the 
     Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the 
     Administration to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
       ``(2) Covered locations.--The Administrator shall select a 
     designee within the Aviation Safety Organization to implement 
     relevant requirements of this section in covered locations.
       ``(3) Reporting chain.--In all matters relating to the 
     Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report 
     directly to the Administrator.
       ``(4) Coordination.--The Director of the Initiative shall 
     coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of 
     business of the Administration, including the other regional 
     administrators, to carry out the Initiative.
       ``(d) Automated Weather Systems.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the 
     greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather 
     system is installed and operated at each covered airport not 
     later than December 31, 2030.
       ``(2) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive 
     benefit-cost ratio requirement for the installation and 
     operation of a covered automated weather system.
       ``(3) Prioritization.--In developing the installation 
     timeline of a covered automated weather system at a covered 
     airport pursuant to this subsection, the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) coordinate and consult with the governments with 
     jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered 
     airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered 
     locations, private pilots based in Alaska or a covered 
     location, and such other members of the aviation community in 
     Alaska or covered locations; and
       ``(B) prioritize early installation at covered airports 
     that would enable the greatest number of instrument flight 
     rule operations by air carriers operating under part 121 or 
     135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(4) Reliability.--
       ``(A) In general.--Pertaining to both Federal and non-
     Federal systems in Alaska, the Administrator shall be 
     responsible for ensuring--
       ``(i) the reliability of covered automated weather systems; 
     and
       ``(ii) the availability of weather information from such 
     systems.
       ``(B) Specifications.--The Administrator shall establish 
     data availability and equipment reliability specifications 
     for covered automated weather systems.
       ``(C) System reliability and restoration plan.--Not later 
     than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the 
     Administrator shall establish an automated weather system 
     reliability and restoration plan for Alaska. Such plan shall 
     document the Administrator's strategy for ensuring covered 
     automated weather system reliability, including the 
     availability of weather information from such system, and for 
     restoring service in as little time as possible.
       ``(D) Telecommunications or other failures.--If a covered 
     automated weather system in Alaska is unable to broadly 
     disseminate weather information due to a telecommunications 
     failure or a failure other than an equipment failure, the 
     Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
     restore the full functionality and connectivity of the 
     covered automated weather system. The Administrator shall 
     take actions under this subparagraph with the same urgency as 
     the Administrator would take an action to repair a covered 
     automated weather system equipment failure or data fidelity 
     issue.
       ``(E) Reliability data.--In tabulating data relating to the 
     operational status of covered automated weather systems 
     (including individually or collectively), the Administrator 
     may not consider a covered automated weather system that is 
     functioning nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate 
     weather information telecommunications failure or a failure 
     other than an equipment failure as functioning reliably.
       ``(5) Inventory.--
       ``(A) Maintenance improvements.--
       ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
     Administrator shall identify and implement reasonable 
     alternative actions to improve maintenance of FAA-owned 
     weather observing systems that experience frequent service 
     outages, including associated surface communication outages, 
     at covered airports.
       ``(ii) Spare parts availability.--The actions identified by 
     the Administrator in clause (i) shall improve spare parts 
     availability, including consideration of storage of more 
     spare parts in the region in which the systems are located.
       ``(B) Notice of outages.--Not later than 18 months after 
     the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, 
     the Administrator shall update FAA Order 7930.2 Notices to 
     Air Missions, or any successive order, to incorporate weather 
     system outages for automated weather observing systems and 
     automated surface observing systems associated with Service A 
     Outages at covered airports.
       ``(6) Visual weather observation system.--
       ``(A) Deployment.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
     Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary 
     to--
       ``(i) deploy visual weather observation systems;
       ``(ii) ensure that such systems are capable of meeting the 
     definition of a covered automated weather system in Alaska; 
     and
       ``(iii) develop standard operation specifications for 
     visual weather operation systems.
       ``(B) Modification of specifications.--Upon the request of 
     an aircraft operator, the Administrator shall issue or modify 
     the standard operation specifications for visual weather 
     observation systems developed under subparagraph (A) to allow 
     such systems to be used to satisfy the requirements for 
     supplemental noncertified local weather observations under 
     section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public 
     Law 115-254).
       ``(e) Weather Cameras.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall continuously assess 
     the state of the weather camera systems in Alaska and covered 
     locations to ensure the operational sufficiency and 
     reliability of such systems.
       ``(2) Applications.--The Director shall--
       ``(A) accept applications from persons to install weather 
     cameras; and
       ``(B) consult with the governments with jurisdiction over 
     Alaska and covered locations, covered airports, air carriers 
     operating in Alaska or covered locations, private pilots 
     based in Alaska or covered locations, and such other members 
     of the aviation community in Alaska and covered locations as 
     the Administrator determines appropriate to solicit 
     additional locations at which to install and operate weather 
     cameras.
       ``(3) Presumption.--Unless the Director has clear and 
     compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall 
     presume that the installation of a weather camera at a 
     covered airport in Alaska, or that is recommended by a 
     government with jurisdiction over a covered location, is cost 
     beneficial and will improve aviation safety.
       ``(f) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--In carrying out 
     this section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the 
     heads of other Federal or State agencies with 
     responsibilities affecting aviation safety in Alaska and 
     covered locations, including the collection and dissemination 
     of weather data.
       ``(g) Surveillance and Communication.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director shall take such actions as 
     may be necessary to--
       ``(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of aircraft 
     that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, with automatic dependent surveillance and 
     broadcast out equipment; and
       ``(B) improve aviation surveillance and communications in 
     Alaska and covered locations.
       ``(2) Requirement.--Not later than December 31, 2030, the 
     Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent 
     surveillance and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 
     feet above ground level throughout each covered location and 
     Alaska.
       ``(3) Waiver.--The Administrator shall waive any positive 
     benefit-cost ratio requirement for--
       ``(A) the installation and operation of equipment and 
     facilities necessary to implement the requirement under 
     paragraph (2); and
       ``(B) the provision of additional ground-based transmitters 
     for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcasts to provide a 
     minimum operational network in Alaska along major flight 
     routes.
       ``(4) Service areas.--The Director shall continuously 
     identify additional automatic dependent surveillance-
     broadcast service areas in which the deployment of automatic 
     dependent surveillance-broadcast receivers and equipment 
     would improve aviation safety.
       ``(h) Other Projects.--The Director shall continue to build 
     upon other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA 
     Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative of the Administration 
     published before the date of enactment of this section.
       ``(i) Annual Report.--
       ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2024, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the 
     Initiative, including an itemized description of how the 
     Administration budget meets the goals of the Initiative.

[[Page S3403]]

       ``(2) Stakeholder comments.--The Director shall append 
     stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report 
     submitted under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 
     3 of the report titled `FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative 
     FY21 Final Report', dated September 30, 2021.
       ``(j) Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     law, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028--
       ``(A) the Administrator may, upon application from the 
     government with jurisdiction over a covered airport and in 
     coordination with the State or territory in which a covered 
     airport is located, use amounts apportioned under subsection 
     (d)(2)(B) or subsection (e) of section 47114 to carry out the 
     Initiative; or
       ``(B) the sponsor of a covered airport that receives an 
     apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(A) or subsection (e) of 
     section 47114 may use such apportionment for any purpose 
     contained in this section.
       ``(2) Supplemental funding.--Out of amounts made available 
     under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total 
     of $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is 
     authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
       ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Covered airport.--The term `covered airport' means an 
     airport in Alaska or a covered location that is included in 
     the national plan of integrated airport systems required 
     under section 47103 and that has a status other than 
     unclassified in such plan.
       ``(2) Covered automated weather system.--The term `covered 
     automated weather system' means an automated or visual 
     weather reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an 
     instrument procedure approach to an airport under section 
     91.1039 or 135.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(3) Covered location.--The term `covered location' means 
     Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern 
     Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
       ``(l) Conformity.--The Administrator shall conduct all 
     activities required under this section in conformity with 
     section 44720.''.
       (b) Remote Positions.--Section 40122(g) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Remote positions.--
       ``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines that a 
     covered position has not been filled after multiple vacancy 
     announcements and that there are unique circumstances 
     affecting the ability of the Administrator to fill such 
     position, the Administrator may consider, in consultation 
     with the appropriate labor union, applicants for the covered 
     position who apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting 
     from the State or territory in which the position is based.
       ``(B) Covered position defined.--In this paragraph, the 
     term `covered position' means a safety-critical position, to 
     include personnel located at contract towers, based in 
     Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.''.
       (c) GAO Study on Alaska Aviation Safety.--
       (1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study 
     to--
       (A) examine the effectiveness of the Don Young Alaska 
     Aviation Safety Initiative to improve aviation safety, 
     service, and infrastructure; and
       (B) identify challenges within the FAA to accomplishing 
     safety improvements carried out under such Initiative.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     containing--
       (A) the findings of the study under paragraph (1); and
       (B) recommendations for such legislative or administrative 
     action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
       (d) Runway Length.--The Administrator--
       (1) may not restrict funding made available under chapter 
     471 of title 49, United States Code, from being used at an 
     airport in Alaska to rehabilitate, resurface, or reconstruct 
     the full length and width of an existing runway within Alaska 
     based solely on reduced current or forecasted aeronautical 
     activity levels or critical design type standards;
       (2) may not reject requests for runway projects at airports 
     in Alaska if such projects address critical community needs, 
     including projects--
       (A) that support economic development by expanding a runway 
     to meet new demands; or
       (B) that preserve the length of runways used by aircraft to 
     deliver necessary cargo, including heating fuel and gasoline, 
     for the community served by the airport; and
       (3) shall, not later than 60 days after receiving a request 
     for a runway rehabilitation or reconstruction project at an 
     airport in Alaska, review each such request on a case-by-case 
     basis.
       (e) Implementation of NTSB Recommendations.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such 
     actions as may be necessary to implement National 
     Transportation Safety Board recommendations A-22-25 and A-22-
     26 (as contained in Aviation Investigation Report AIR-22-09, 
     adopted November 16, 2022).
       (2) Coordination.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), 
     the Administrator shall coordinate with the State of Alaska, 
     airports in Alaska, air carriers operating in Alaska, private 
     pilots (including tour operators) based in Alaska, and such 
     other members of the Alaska aviation community or other 
     stakeholders as the Administrator determines appropriate.
       (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

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

     SEC. 343. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.

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

     SEC. 344. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.

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

     SEC. 345. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL PENALTIES.

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

[[Page S3404]]

     or small business concern on or after the date of enactment 
     of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
       ``(D) $100,000 if the violation was committed by an 
     individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.

     SEC. 346. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.

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

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

       (a) Policy.--
       (1) In general.--Section 47101(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) that projects, activities, and actions that prevent 
     runway incursions serve to--
       ``(A) improve airport surface surveillance; and
       ``(B) mitigate surface safety risks that are essential to 
     ensuring the safe operation of the airport and airway 
     system;''.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 47101 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subsection (g) by striking ``subsection (a)(5)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (a)(6)''; and
       (B) in subsection (h) by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (a)(7)''.
       (3) Continuous evaluation.--In carrying out section 
     47101(a) of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this 
     subsection, the Administrator shall establish a process to 
     continuously track and evaluate ground traffic and air 
     traffic activity and related incidents at airports.
       (b) Runway Safety Council.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
     council, to be known as the ``Runway Safety Council'' (in 
     this section referred to as the ``Council''), to develop a 
     systematic management strategy to address airport surface 
     safety risks.
       (2) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include, at a 
     minimum, advancing the development of risk-based, data 
     driven, integrated systems solutions and strategies to 
     enhance airport surface safety risk mitigation.
       (3) Membership.--
       (A) In general.--In establishing the Council, the 
     Administrator shall appoint at least 1 member from each of 
     the following:
       (i) Airport operators.
       (ii) Air carriers.
       (iii) Aircraft operators.
       (iv) Avionics manufacturers.
       (v) Flight schools.
       (vi) The exclusive collective bargaining representative of 
     aviation safety professionals for the FAA certified under 
     section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
       (vii) The exclusive bargaining representative of the air 
     traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (viii) Other safety experts the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (B) Additional members.--The Administrator may appoint 
     members representing any other stakeholder organization that 
     the Administrator determines appropriate to the Runway Safety 
     Council.
       (c) Airport Surface Safety Technologies.--
       (1) Identification.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in 
     coordination with the Council, consult with relevant 
     stakeholders to identify technologies, equipment, systems, 
     and process changes, that--
       (A) may provide airport surface surveillance capabilities 
     at airports lacking such capabilities;
       (B) may augment existing airport surface detection and 
     surveillance system; or
       (C) may improve onboard situational awareness for flight 
     crewmembers, including technologies for use in an aircraft 
     that--
       (i) reduce the risk of collision on the runway with other 
     aircraft or vehicles;
       (ii) calculate safe landing distances; and
       (iii) prompt actions to bring the aircraft to a safe stop.
       (2) Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
       (A) based on the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 
     (1)(A) and (1)(B), identify airport surface detection and 
     surveillance systems that meet the standards of the FAA and 
     may be able to--
       (i) provide airport surface surveillance capabilities at 
     airports lacking such capabilities; or
       (ii) augment existing airport surface detection and 
     surveillance systems, such as Airport Surface Detection 
     System--Model X or the Airport Surface Surveillance 
     Capability;
       (B) establish a timeline and action plan for replacing, 
     maintaining, or enhancing the operational capability provided 
     by existing airport surface detection and surveillance 
     systems, and implementing runway safety technologies at 
     airports without airport surface detection and surveillance 
     systems, as needed, to improve runway safety;
       (C) based on the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 
     (1)(C), identify safety technologies and systems in transport 
     airplanes that meet the standards of the FAA that will--
       (i) enhance runway safety for transport airplanes that lack 
     the capabilities of such technologies and systems, as 
     appropriate; or
       (ii) augment existing onboard situational awareness runway 
     traffic alerting and runway landing safety technologies 
     installed on transport airplanes; and
       (D) establish clear and quantifiable criteria relating to 
     operational factors, including ground traffic and air traffic 
     activity and the rate of runway and terminal airspace safety 
     events (including runway incursions), that determine when the 
     installation and deployment of an airport surface detection 
     or surveillance system, or other runway safety system 
     (including runway status lights), at an airport is required.
       (3) Deployment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that 
     airport surface detection and surveillance systems are 
     deployed and operational at--
       (A) all airports described in paragraph (2)(A); and
       (B) all medium and large hub airports.
       (4) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the 
     deployment described in paragraph (3).
       (d) Foreign Object Debris Detection.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall assess, in 
     coordination with the Council, automated foreign object 
     debris monitoring and detection systems at not less than 3 
     airports that are using such systems.

[[Page S3405]]

       (2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the 
     following:
       (A) The categorization of an airport.
       (B) The potential frequency of foreign object debris 
     incidents on airport runways or adjacent ramp areas.
       (C) The availability of funding for the installation and 
     maintenance of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
     systems.
       (D) The impact of such systems on the airfield operations 
     of an airport.
       (E) The effectiveness of available foreign object debris 
     monitoring and detection systems.
       (F) Any other factors relevant to assessing the return on 
     investment of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
     systems.
       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
     Administrator and the Council shall consult with 
     manufacturers and suppliers of foreign object debris 
     detection technology and any other relevant stakeholders.
       (e) Runway Safety Study.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into appropriate arrangements with a federally funded 
     research and development center to conduct a study of runway 
     incursions, airport surface incidents, operational errors, or 
     losses of standard separation of aircraft in the approach or 
     departure phase of flight to determine how advanced 
     technologies and future airport development projects may be 
     able to reduce the frequency of such events and enhance 
     aviation safety.
       (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
     paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
     center shall--
       (A) examine data relating to recurring runway incursions, 
     surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of standard 
     separation of aircraft in the approach or departure phase of 
     flight at airports to identify the underlying factors that 
     caused such events;
       (B) assess metrics used to identify when such events are 
     increasing at an airport;
       (C) assess available and developmental technologies, 
     including and beyond such technologies considered in 
     subsection (c), that may augment existing air traffic 
     management capabilities of surface surveillance and terminal 
     airspace equipment;
       (D) consider growth trends in airport size, staffing and 
     communication complexities to identify--
       (i) future gaps in information exchange between aerospace 
     stakeholders; and
       (ii) methods for meeting future near real-time information 
     sharing needs; and
       (E) examine airfield safety training programs used by 
     airport tenants and other stakeholders operating on airfields 
     of airports, including airfield familiarization training 
     programs for employees, to assess scalability to handle 
     future growth in airfield capacity and traffic.
       (3) Recommendations.--In conducting the study required by 
     paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development 
     center shall develop recommendations for the strategic 
     planning efforts of the Administration to appropriately 
     maintain surface safety considering future increases in air 
     traffic and based on the considerations described in 
     paragraph (2).
       (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     completion of the study required by paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the findings of such study and any 
     recommendations developed under paragraph (3).
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air 
     carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given 
     such terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
       (2) Airport surface detection and surveillance system.--The 
     term ``airport surface detection and surveillance system'' 
     means an airport surveillance system that is--
       (A) designed to track surface movement of aircraft and 
     vehicles; or
       (B) capable of alerting air traffic controllers or flight 
     crewmembers of a possible runway incursion, misaligned 
     approach, or other safety event.
       (3) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane'' 
     means a transport category airplane designed for operation by 
     an air carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated 
     with a passenger seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a 
     maximum takeoff weight above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or 
     combi derivative of such an airplane.

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

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

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

       (a) In General.--The Administrator shall convene an 
     aviation rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings 
     and recommendations regarding, instructions for continued 
     airworthiness (as described in section 21.50 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations), and provide to the 
     Administrator a report on such findings and recommendations 
     and for other related purposes as determined by the 
     Administrator.
       (b) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of 
     members appointed by the Administrator, including 
     representatives of--
       (1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B 
     of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (2) holders of production certificates (as described in 
     subpart G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described 
     in subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations);
       (4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as 
     described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations);
       (5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in 
     section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that 
     are not also type certificate holders as included under 
     paragraph (1), production certificate holders as included 
     under paragraph (2), or aircraft operators as included under 
     paragraph (5) (or associated with any such entities);
       (7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation 
     safety inspectors and engineers for the Administration;
       (8) general aviation operators;
       (9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations;
       (10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as 
     described in subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations);
       (11) designated engineering representatives employed by 
     repair stations described in paragraph (6); and
       (12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     instructions for continued airworthiness policies and 
     regulations.
       (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider--
       (1) existing standards, regulations, certifications, 
     assessments, and guidance related to instructions for 
     continued airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, 
     regulations, certifications, assessments, and guidance to all 
     parties;

[[Page S3406]]

       (2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing 
     instructions for continued airworthiness;
       (3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing 
     instructions for continued airworthiness;
       (4) the protection of proprietary information and 
     intellectual property in instructions for continued 
     airworthiness;
       (5) the availability of instructions for continued 
     airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;
       (6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
     existing regulations with other Federal regulations, 
     guidance, and policies;
       (7) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
     consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and 
     national security, with other civil aviation authorities, 
     international aviation and standards organizations, and any 
     other appropriate entities; and
       (8) any other matter the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (d) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report under 
     subsection (a); and
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
     the report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking 
     activity or make such policy and guidance updates necessary 
     to address any consensus recommendations reached by the 
     aviation rulemaking committee established pursuant to 
     subsection (a), as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.

     SEC. 350. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.

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

     SEC. 351. PART 135 DUTY AND REST.

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

     SEC. 352. FLIGHT DATA RECOVERY FROM OVERWATER OPERATIONS.

       (a) Flight Data Recovery From Overwater Operations.--
     Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:

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

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

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

     SEC. 353. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION.

       (a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall initiate a Call to Action safety review 
     of airport ramp worker safety and ways to minimize or 
     eliminate ingestion zone and jet blast zone accidents.
       (b) Contents.--The Call to Action safety review required 
     pursuant to subsection (a) shall include--
       (1) a description of Administration regulations, guidance, 
     and directives related to airport ramp worker safety 
     procedures and oversight of such processes;
       (2) a description of reportable accidents and incidents 
     involving airport ramp workers in 5-year period preceding the 
     date of enactment of this Act, including any identified 
     contributing factors to the reportable accident or incident;
       (3) training and related educational materials for airport 
     ramp workers, including supervisory and contract employees;
       (4) any recommended devices and methods for communication 
     on the airport ramp, including considerations of requirements 
     for operable radios and headsets;
       (5) a review of markings on the airport ramp that define 
     restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones, including 
     markings to clearly define and graphically indicate the 
     engine ingestion zones and envelope of safety for the variety 
     of aircraft that may park at the same gate of the airport;

[[Page S3407]]

       (6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety 
     markings, including incorporation of markings on aircraft to 
     indicate engine inlet danger zones; and
       (7) a process for stakeholders, including airlines, 
     aircraft manufacturers, airports, labor, and aviation safety 
     experts, to provide feedback and share best practices.
       (c) Report and Actions.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     conclusion of the Call to Action safety review pursuant to 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report on the results of the review and any recommendations 
     for actions or best practices to improve airport ramp worker 
     safety, including the identification of risks and possible 
     ways to mitigate such risks to be considered in any 
     applicable safety management system of air carriers and 
     airports; and
       (2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act upon the 
     findings of the review.
       (d) Training Materials.--Not later than 6 months after the 
     completion of the safety review required under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall develop and publish training and 
     related educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion 
     and jet blast hazards for ground crews, including supervisory 
     and contract employees, that includes information on--
       (1) the specific dangers and consequences of entering 
     engine ingestion or jet blast zones;
       (2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine ingestion 
     or jet blast zone; and
       (3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to physically 
     demonstrate the engine ingestion zone boundaries and jet 
     blast zones for each kind of aircraft the ground crew may 
     encounter.
       (e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall consult with aviation safety experts, air 
     carriers, aircraft manufacturers, relevant labor 
     organizations, and airport operators.
       (f) Training Requirements.--Not later than 6 months after 
     the publication of the training and related educational 
     materials required under subsection (d), the Administrator 
     may require any ramp worker, as appropriate, to receive the 
     relevant engine ingestion and jet blast zone hazard training 
     before such ramp worker may perform work on any airport ramp.

     SEC. 354. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS.

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

     SEC. 355. TOWER MARKING NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING.

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

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

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

     SEC. 357. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SEC. 358. GLOBAL AVIATION SAFETY.

       (a) In General.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United 
     States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading by inserting ``and 
     Assistance'' after ``International Role'';
       (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
     inserting ``In carrying out subsection (a), the 
     Administrator'';
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
       (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) International presence.--The Administrator shall 
     maintain an international presence to--
       ``(A) assist foreign civil aviation authorities in--
       ``(i) establishing robust aviation oversight practices and 
     policies;
       ``(ii) harmonizing international aviation standards for air 
     traffic management, operator certification, aircraft 
     certification, airports, and certificated or credentialed 
     individuals;
       ``(iii) validating and accepting foreign aircraft design 
     and production approvals;
       ``(iv) preparing for new aviation technologies, including 
     powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles; and
       ``(v) appropriately adopting continuing airworthiness 
     information, such as airworthiness directives;
       ``(B) encourage the adoption of United States standards, 
     regulations, and policies;
       ``(C) establish, maintain, and update bilateral or 
     multilateral aviation safety agreements and the aviation 
     safety information contained within such agreements;
       ``(D) engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions as 
     required under paragraph (5) and provide technical assistance 
     as described in paragraph (6);
       ``(E) validate foreign aviation products and ensure 
     reciprocal validation of products for which the United States 
     is the state of design or production;
       ``(F) support accident and incident investigations, 
     particularly such investigations that involve United States 
     persons and certified products and such investigations where 
     the National Transportation Safety Board is supporting an 
     investigation pursuant to annex 13 of the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization;
       ``(G) support the international safety activities of the 
     United States aviation sector;
       ``(H) maintain valuable relationships with entities with 
     aviation equities, including civil aviation authorities, 
     other governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, 
     and foreign manufacturers; and
       ``(I) perform other activities as determined necessary by 
     the Administrator.''.
       (b) Review of International Field Offices.--Section 
     40104(d) of title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by 
     section 356) is further amended by inserting after paragraph 
     (2) the following:
       ``(3) International offices.--In carrying out the 
     responsibilities described in subsection (a), the 
     Administrator--
       ``(A) shall maintain international offices of the 
     Administration;
       ``(B) every 5 years, may review existing international 
     offices to determine--
       ``(i) the effectiveness of such offices in fulfilling the 
     mission described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(ii) the adequacy of resources and staffing to achieve 
     the mission described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(C) shall establish offices to address gaps identified by 
     the review under subparagraph (B) and in furtherance of the 
     mission described in paragraph (2), putting an emphasis on 
     establishing such offices--
       ``(i) where international civil aviation authorities are 
     located;
       ``(ii) where regional intergovernmental organizations are 
     located;
       ``(iii) in countries that have difficulty maintaining a 
     category 1 classification through the International Aviation 
     Safety Assessment program; and

[[Page S3408]]

       ``(iv) in regions that have experienced substantial growth 
     in aviation operations or manufacturing.''.
       (c) Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements; Technical 
     Assistance.--
       (1) Establishment.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United 
     States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Bilateral aviation safety agreements.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall negotiate, enter 
     into, promote, enforce, evaluate the effectiveness of, and 
     seek to update bilateral or multilateral aviation safety 
     agreements, and the parts of such agreements, with 
     international aviation authorities.
       ``(B) Purpose.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 
     bilateral aviation safety agreements under this section to, 
     at a minimum--
       ``(i) improve global aviation safety;
       ``(ii) increase harmonization of, and reduce duplicative, 
     requirements, processes, and approvals to advance the 
     aviation interests of the United States;
       ``(iii) ensure access to international markets for 
     operators, service providers, and manufacturers from the 
     United States; and
       ``(iv) put in place procedures for recourse when a party to 
     such agreements fails to meet the obligations of such party 
     under such agreements.
       ``(C) Scope.--The scope of a bilateral aviation safety 
     agreement entered into under this section shall, as 
     appropriate, cover existing aviation users and concepts and 
     establish a process by which bilateral aviation safety 
     agreements can be updated to include new and novel concepts 
     on an ongoing basis.
       ``(D) Contents.--Bilateral aviation safety agreements 
     entered into under this section shall, as appropriate and 
     consistent with United States law and regulation, include 
     topics such as--
       ``(i) airworthiness, certification, and validation;
       ``(ii) maintenance;
       ``(iii) operations and pilot training;
       ``(iv) airspace access, efficiencies, and navigation 
     services;
       ``(v) transport category aircraft;
       ``(vi) fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, powered-lift 
     aircraft, products, and articles;
       ``(vii) aerodrome certification;
       ``(viii) unmanned aircraft and associated elements of such 
     aircraft;
       ``(ix) flight simulation training devices;
       ``(x) new or emerging technologies and technology trends; 
     and
       ``(xi) other topics as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(E) Rule of construction.--Bilateral or multilateral 
     aviation safety agreements entered into under this subsection 
     shall not be construed to diminish or alter any authority of 
     the Administrator under any other provision of law.''.
       (2) Technical assistance updates.--Section 40113(e) of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:
       ``(6) Technical assistance outside of agreements.--In the 
     absence of a bilateral or multilateral agreement, the 
     Administrator may provide technical assistance and training 
     under this subsection if the Administrator determines that--
       ``(A) a foreign government would benefit from technical 
     assistance pursuant to this subsection to strengthen aviation 
     safety, efficiency, and security; and
       ``(B) the engagement is to provide inherently governmental 
     technical assistance and training.
       ``(7) Inherently governmental technical assistance and 
     training defined.--In this subsection, the term `inherently 
     governmental technical assistance and training' means 
     technical assistance and training that--
       ``(A) relies upon or incorporates Federal Aviation 
     Administration-specific program, system, policy, or 
     procedural matters;
       ``(B) must be accomplished using agency expertise and 
     authority; and
       ``(C) relates to--
       ``(i) international aviation safety assessment technical 
     reviews and technical assistance;
       ``(ii) aerodrome safety and certification;
       ``(iii) aviation system certification activities based on 
     Federal Aviation Administration regulations and requirements;
       ``(iv) cybersecurity efforts to protect United States 
     aviation ecosystem components and facilities;
       ``(v) operation and maintenance of air navigation system 
     equipment, procedures, and personnel; or
       ``(vi) training and exercises in support of aviation 
     safety, efficiency, and security.''.
       (3) Validation of powered-lift aircraft.--In carrying out 
     section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code (as amended 
     by this Act), the Administrator shall ensure coordination 
     with international civil aviation authorities regarding the 
     establishment of mutual processes for efficient validation, 
     acceptance, and working arrangements of certificates and 
     approvals for powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles.
       (4) Report on international validation program 
     performance.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a review 
     to evaluate the performance of the type certificate 
     validation program of the FAA under bilateral or multilateral 
     aviation safety agreements, with a focus on agreed to 
     implementation procedures.
       (B) Contents.--In conducting the review under subparagraph 
     (A), the Secretary shall consider, at minimum, the following:
       (i) Actions taken for the purposes of carrying out section 
     243(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
     44701 note).
       (ii) Metrics from validation programs carried out prior to 
     the initiation of such review, including the number and types 
     of projects, timeline milestones, and trends relating to the 
     repeated use of non-basic criteria.
       (iii) Training on the minimum standards of established 
     validation work plans, including any guidance on the level of 
     involvement of the validating authority, established 
     justifications for involvement, and procedures for compliance 
     document requests.
       (iv) The perspectives of--

       (I) FAA employees responsible for type validation projects;
       (II) bilateral civil aviation regulatory partners; and
       (III) industry applicants seeking validation.

       (v) Adequacy of the funding and staffing levels of the 
     International Validation Branch of the Compliance and 
     Airworthiness Division of the Aircraft Certification Service 
     of the FAA.
       (vi) Effectiveness of FAA training for FAA employees.
       (vii) Effectiveness of outreach conducted to improve and 
     enforce validation processes.
       (viii) Efforts undertaken to strengthen relationships with 
     international certification authorities.
       (ix) Number of approvals issued by other certifying 
     authorities in compliance with applicable bilateral 
     agreements and implementation procedures.
       (C) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the completion of 
     the review initiated under this subsection, the Administrator 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report regarding such review.
       (D) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms ``ODA 
     holder'' and ``ODA unit'' have the meanings given such terms 
     in section 44736(c) of title 49, United States Code.
       (d) International Engagement Strategy.--Section 40104(d) of 
     title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 
     356) is further amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(7) Strategic plan.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
     strategic plan for the international engagement of the 
     Administration that includes--
       ``(A) all elements of the report required under section 
     243(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
     44701 note);
       ``(B) measures to fulfill the mission described in 
     paragraph (2);
       ``(C) initiatives to attain greater expertise among 
     employees of the Federal Aviation Administration in issues 
     related to dispute resolution, intellectual property, and 
     export control laws;
       ``(D) policy regarding the future direction and strategy of 
     the United States engagement with the International Civil 
     Aviation Organization;
       ``(E) procedures for acceptance of mandatory airworthiness 
     information, such as airworthiness directives, and other 
     safety-related regulatory documents, including procedures to 
     implement the requirements of section 44701(e)(5);
       ``(F) all factors, including funding and resourcing, 
     necessary for the Administration to maintain leadership in 
     the global activities related to aviation safety and air 
     transportation;
       ``(G) establishment of, and a process to regularly track 
     and update, metrics to measure the effectiveness of, and 
     foreign civil aviation authority compliance with, bilateral 
     aviation safety agreements; and
       ``(H) a strategic methodology to facilitate the ability of 
     the United States aerospace industry to efficiently operate 
     and export new aerospace technologies, products, and articles 
     in key markets globally.''.
       (e) Powered-lift Aircraft.--In developing the methodology 
     required under section 40104(d)(7)(H) of title 49, United 
     States Code (as added by subsection (d)), the Administrator 
     shall--
       (1) perform an assessment of existing bilateral aviation 
     safety agreements, implementation procedures, and other 
     associated bilateral arrangements to determine how current 
     and future powered-lift products and articles can utilize the 
     most appropriate validation mechanisms and procedures;
       (2) facilitate global acceptance of the approach of the FAA 
     to certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and 
     articles; and
       (3) consider any other information determined appropriated 
     by the Administrator.

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

       Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Travel.--The Administrator and the Secretary of 
     Transportation shall, in carrying out the responsibilities 
     described in subsection (a), delegate to the appropriate 
     supervisors of offices of the Administration the ability to 
     authorize the domestic and international travel of relevant 
     personnel who are not in the Federal Aviation Administration 
     Executive System, without any additional approvals required, 
     for the purposes of--

[[Page S3409]]

       ``(1) promoting aviation safety, aircraft operations, air 
     traffic, airport, unmanned aircraft systems, aviation fuels, 
     and other aviation standards, regulations, and initiatives 
     adopted by the United States;
       ``(2) facilitating the adoption of United States approaches 
     on such aviation standards and recommended practices at the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization;
       ``(3) supporting the acceptance of Administration design 
     and production approvals by other civil aviation authorities;
       ``(4) training Administration personnel and training 
     provided to other persons;
       ``(5) engaging with regulated entities, including 
     performing site visits;
       ``(6) activities associated with subsections (c) through 
     (e); and
       ``(7) other activities as determined by the 
     Administrator.''.

     SEC. 360. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.

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

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

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

     SEC. 362. CABIN AIR SAFETY.

       (a) Deadline for 2018 Study on Bleed Air.--Not later than 6 
     months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall complete the requirements of section 326 
     of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) 
     and submit to the appropriate Congressional committees the 
     following:
       (1) The completed study required under subsection (c) of 
     such section.
       (2) The report on the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-
     effectiveness of certification and installation of systems to 
     evaluate bleed air quality required under subsection (d) of 
     such section.
       (b) Reporting System for Smoke or Fume Events Onboard 
     Commercial Aircraft.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 
     standardized submission system for air carrier employees to 
     voluntarily report fume or smoke events onboard passenger-
     carrying aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations.
       (2) Collected information.--In developing the system under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that the system 
     includes a method for submitting information about a smoke or 
     fume event that allows for the collection of the following 
     information, if applicable:
       (A) Identification of the flight number, type, and 
     registration of the aircraft.
       (B) The date of the reported fume or smoke event onboard 
     the aircraft.
       (C) Description of fumes or smoke in the aircraft, 
     including the nature, intensity, and visual consistency or 
     smell (if any).
       (D) The location of the fumes or smoke in the aircraft.

[[Page S3410]]

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

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

       (a) Safety Requirements for Commercial Air Tour 
     Operators.--
       (1) Safety reforms.--
       (A) Authority to conduct nonstop commercial air tours.--
       (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), beginning on the 
     date that is 2 years after the date a final rule is published 
     pursuant to paragraph (3), no person may conduct commercial 
     air tours unless such person either--

       (I) holds a certificate identifying the person as an air 
     carrier or commercial operator under part 119 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations and conducts all commercial air 
     tours under the applicable provisions of part 121 or part 135 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
       (II) conducts all commercial air tours pursuant to the 
     requirements established by the Administrator under the final 
     rule published pursuant to paragraph (3).

       (ii) Small business exception.--The provisions of clause 
     (i) shall not apply to a person who conducts 100 or fewer 
     commercial air tours in a calendar year.
       (B) Additional safety requirements.--
       (i) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue new or 
     revised regulations to require a commercial air tour operator 
     seeking to conduct an operation with a removed or modified 
     door and a person conducting aerial photography operations 
     seeking to conduct an operation with a removed or modified 
     door to receive approval from the Administrator prior to 
     conducting such operation.
       (ii) Conditions and restrictions.--In issuing new or 
     revised regulations under clause (i), the Administrator may 
     impose such conditions and restrictions as determined 
     necessary for safety.
       (iii) Considerations.--In issuing new or revised 
     regulations under clause (i), the Administrator shall require 
     a commercial air tour operator to demonstrate to any 
     representative of the FAA, upon request, that a pilot 
     authorized to operate such an air tour has received avoidance 
     training for controlled flight into terrain and in-flight 
     loss of control. Such training shall address reducing the 
     risk of accidents involving unintentional flight into 
     instrument meteorological conditions to address day, night, 
     and low-visibility environments with special attention paid 
     to research available as of the date of enactment of this Act 
     on human factors issues involved in such accidents, 
     including, at a minimum--

       (I) specific terrain, weather, and infrastructure 
     challenges relevant in the local operating environment that 
     increase the risk of such accidents;
       (II) pilot decision-making relevant to the avoidance of 
     instrument meteorological conditions while operating under 
     visual flight rules;
       (III) use of terrain awareness displays;
       (IV) spatial disorientation risk factors and 
     countermeasures; and
       (V) strategies for maintaining control, including the use 
     of automated systems.

       (2) Aviation rulemaking committee.--
       (A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an 
     aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop findings 
     and recommendations to increase the safety of commercial air 
     tours.
       (B) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
     convened under subparagraph (A) shall consider, at a 
     minimum--
       (i) potential changes to operations regulations or 
     requirements for commercial air tours, including requiring--

       (I) the adoption of pilot training standards that are 
     comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart H 
     of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (II) the adoption of maintenance standards that are 
     comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart J 
     of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

       (ii) establishing a performance-based standard for flight 
     data monitoring for all commercial air tour operators that 
     reviews all available data sources to identify deviations 
     from established areas of operation and potential safety 
     issues;
       (iii) requiring all commercial air tour operators to 
     install flight data recording devices

[[Page S3411]]

     capable of supporting collection and dissemination of the 
     data incorporated in the Flight Operational Quality Assurance 
     Program under section 13.401 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations (or, if an aircraft cannot be retrofitted with 
     such equipment, requiring the commercial air tour operator 
     for such aircraft to collect and maintain flight data through 
     alternative methods);
       (iv) requiring all commercial air tour operators to 
     implement a flight data monitoring program, such as a Flight 
     Operational Quality Assurance Program;
       (v) establishing methods to provide effective terrain 
     awareness and warning; and
       (vi) establishing methods to provide effective traffic 
     avoidance in identified high-traffic tour areas, such as 
     requiring commercial air tour operators that operate within 
     such areas be equipped with an automatic dependent 
     surveillance-broadcast out- and in-supported traffic advisory 
     system that--

       (I) includes both visual and aural alerts;
       (II) is driven by an algorithm designed to eliminate 
     nuisance alerts; and
       (III) is operational during all flight operations.

       (vii) codifying and uniformly applying Living History 
     Flight Experience exemption conditions and limitations.
       (C) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened 
     under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by 
     the Administrator, including--
       (i) representatives of industry, including manufacturers of 
     aircraft and aircraft technologies;
       (ii) air tour operators or organizations that represent 
     such operators; and
       (iii) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     safety management systems and flight data monitoring programs 
     under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (D) Duties.--
       (i) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the 
     aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and submit 
     recommendations regarding each of the matters specified in 
     clauses (i) through (vi) of subparagraph (B).
       (ii) Considerations.--In carrying out the duties of the 
     aviation rulemaking committee under clause (i), the 
     Administrator shall direct the aviation rulemaking committee 
     to consider--

       (I) recommendations of the National Transportation Safety 
     Board;
       (II) recommendations of previous aviation rulemaking 
     committees that reviewed flight data monitoring program 
     requirements for commercial operators under part 135 of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       (III) recommendations from industry safety organizations, 
     including the Vertical Aviation Safety Team, the General 
     Aviation Joint Safety Committee, and the United States 
     Helicopter Safety Team;
       (IV) scientific data derived from a broad range of flight 
     data recording technologies capable of continuously 
     transmitting and that support a measurable and viable means 
     of assessing data to identify and correct hazardous trends;
       (V) appropriate use of data for modifying behavior to 
     prevent accidents;
       (VI) the need to accommodate technological advancements in 
     flight data recording technology;
       (VII) data gathered from aviation safety reporting 
     programs;
       (VIII) appropriate methods to provide effective terrain 
     awareness and warning system protections while mitigating 
     nuisance alerts for aircraft;
       (IX) the need to accommodate the diversity of airworthiness 
     standards under part 27 and part 29 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations;
       (X) the need to accommodate diversity of operations and 
     mission sets;
       (XI) benefits of third-party data analysis for large and 
     small operations;
       (XII) accommodations necessary for small businesses; and
       (XIII) other issues, as necessary.

       (E) Reports and regulations.--Not later than 20 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
     report based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking 
     committee.
       (3) Rulemaking required.--
       (A) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date the Administrator submits a report under 
     paragraph (2)(E), the Administrator shall issue a notice of 
     proposed rulemaking establishing increasing safety 
     regulations for commercial air tour operators based on the 
     recommendations of the rulemaking committee established under 
     paragraph (2).
       (B) Contents.--The notice of proposed rulemaking under 
     subparagraph (A) shall require, at a minimum--
       (i) the adoption of pilot training standards that are 
     comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart H 
     of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for 
     commercial tour operators;
       (ii) the adoption of maintenance standards that are 
     comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart J 
     of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for 
     commercial tour operators; and
       (iii) that beginning on a date determined appropriate by 
     the Administrator, a helicopter operated by a commercial air 
     tour operator be equipped with an approved flight data 
     monitoring system capable of recording flight performance 
     data.
       (C) Final rule.--Not later than 2 years after the issuance 
     of a notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A), 
     the Administrator shall finalize the rule.
       (b) Safety Requirements for Sport Parachute Operations.--
       (1) Aviation rulemaking committee.--The Administrator shall 
     convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and 
     develop findings and recommendations to increase the safety 
     of sport parachute operations.
       (2) Contents.--This aviation rulemaking committee convened 
     under paragraph (1) shall consider, at a minimum--
       (A) potential regulatory action governing parachute 
     operations that are conducted in the United States and are 
     subject to the requirements of part 105 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to address--
       (i) whether FAA-approved aircraft maintenance and 
     inspection programs that consider, at a minimum, minimum 
     equipment standards informed by recommended maintenance 
     instructions of engine manufacturers, such as service 
     bulletins and service information letters for time between 
     overhauls and component life limits, should be implemented; 
     and
       (ii) initial and annual recurrent pilot training and 
     proficiency checks for pilots conducting parachute operations 
     that address, at a minimum, operation- and aircraft-specific 
     weight and balance calculations, preflight inspections, 
     emergency and recovery procedures, and parachutist egress 
     procedures for each type of aircraft flown; and
       (B) the revision of guidance material contained in the 
     advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Sport Parachuting'' (AC 
     105-2E) to include guidance for parachute operations in 
     implementing the FAA-approved aircraft maintenance and 
     inspection program and the pilot training and pilot 
     proficiency checking programs required under any new or 
     revised regulations; and
       (C) the revision of guidance materials issued in the order 
     of the FAA titled ``Flight Standards Information Management 
     System'' (FAA Order 8900.1), to include guidance for FAA 
     inspectors who oversee an operation conducted under--
       (i) part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (ii) an exception specified in section 119.1(e) of title 
     14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (3) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee under 
     paragraph (1) shall consist of members appointed by the 
     Administrator, including--
       (A) representatives of industry, including manufacturers of 
     aircraft and aircraft technologies;
       (B) parachute operators, or organizations that represent 
     such operators; and
       (C) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     safety management systems and flight data monitoring programs 
     under part 135 and part 105 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (4) Duties.--
       (A) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the 
     aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and submit 
     recommendations regarding each of the matters specified in 
     subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (2).
       (B) Considerations.--In carrying out its duties under 
     subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall direct the aviation 
     rulemaking committee to consider--
       (i) findings and recommendations of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, as relevant, and specifically 
     such findings and recommendations related to parachute 
     operations, including the June 21, 2019, incident in 
     Mokuleia, Hawaii;
       (ii) recommendations of previous aviation rulemaking 
     committees that considered similar issues;
       (iii) recommendations from industry safety organizations, 
     including, at a minimum, the United States Parachute 
     Association;
       (iv) appropriate use of data for modifying behavior to 
     prevent accidents;
       (v) data gathered from aviation safety reporting programs;
       (vi) the need to accommodate diversity of operations and 
     mission sets;
       (vii) accommodations necessary for small businesses; and
       (viii) other issues as necessary.
       (5) Reports and regulations.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report based on the 
     findings of the aviation rulemaking committee.
       (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
     include--
       (i) any recommendations submitted by the aviation 
     rulemaking committee; and
       (ii) any actions the Administrator intends to initiate, if 
     necessary, as a result of such recommendations.
       (c) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations.
       (3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial 
     air tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 136.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (4) Parachute operation.--The term ``parachute operation'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 105.3 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).

[[Page S3412]]

  


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

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

     SEC. 365. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT 
                   EVACUATION.

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

     SEC. 366. 25-HOUR COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Cockpit voice recorder for newly manufactured 
     aircraft.--A covered operator may not operate a covered 
     aircraft manufactured later than the date that is 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act unless such aircraft 
     has a cockpit voice recorder installed that retains the last 
     25 hours of recorded information using a recorder that meets 
     the standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or any 
     later revision.
       (2) Cockpit voice recorder for covered aircraft.--Not later 
     than 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a 
     covered operator may not operate a covered aircraft unless 
     such aircraft has a cockpit voice recorder installed that 
     retains the last 25

[[Page S3413]]

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 369. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by 
     Foreign Countries.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

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

       ``(a) Assessment.--
       ``(1) In general.--On a regular basis, the Administrator, 
     in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
     Secretary of State, shall assess aviation safety oversight 
     measures carried out by any foreign country--
       ``(A) from which a foreign air carrier is conducting 
     foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
       ``(B) from which a foreign air carrier seeks to conduct 
     foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
       ``(C) whose air carriers carry or seek to carry the code of 
     a United States air carrier; or
       ``(D) as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
       ``(2) Consultation and criteria.--In conducting an 
     assessment described in paragraph (1), the Administrator 
     shall--
       ``(A) consult with the appropriate authorities of the 
     government of the foreign country;
       ``(B) determine the efficacy with which such foreign 
     country carries out and complies with its aviation safety 
     oversight responsibilities consistent with--
       ``(i) the Convention on International Civil Aviation (in 
     this section referred to as the `Chicago Convention');
       ``(ii) international aviation safety standards; and
       ``(iii) recommended practices set forth by the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization;
       ``(C) use a standard approach and methodology that will 
     result in an analysis of the aviation safety oversight 
     activities of such foreign country that are carried out to 
     meet the minimum standards contained in Annexes 1, 6, and 8 
     to the Chicago Convention in effect on the date of the 
     assessment, or any such successor documents; and
       ``(D) identify instances of noncompliance pertaining to the 
     aviation safety oversight activities of such foreign country 
     consistent with the Chicago Convention, international 
     aviation safety standards, and recommended practices set 
     forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
       ``(3) Findings of noncompliance.--In any case in which the 
     assessment described in subsection (a)(1) finds an instance 
     of non-compliance, the Administrator shall--
       ``(A) notify the foreign country that is the subject of 
     such finding;
       ``(B) not later than 90 days after transmission of such 
     notification, request and initiate final discussions with the 
     foreign country to recommend actions by which the foreign 
     country can mitigate the noncompliance; and
       ``(C) after the discussions described in subparagraph (B) 
     have concluded, determine whether or not the noncompliance 
     finding has been corrected;
       ``(b) Uncorrected Non-compliance.--If the Administrator 
     finds that such foreign country has not corrected the non-
     compliance by the close of such final discussions--
       ``(1) the Administrator shall notify the Secretary of 
     Transportation and the Secretary of State that the condition 
     of noncompliance remains;
       ``(2) the Administrator, after consulting with informing 
     the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, 
     shall notify the foreign country of such finding; and
       ``(3) notwithstanding section 40105(b), the Administrator, 
     after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation 
     authority of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary 
     of Transportation and the Secretary of State, may withhold, 
     revoke, or prescribe conditions on the operating authority of 
     a foreign air carrier that--
       ``(A) provides or seeks to provide foreign air 
     transportation to and from the United States; or
       ``(B) carries or seeks to carry the code of an air carrier.
       ``(c) Authority.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), 
     the Administrator retains the ability to take immediate 
     safety oversight actions if the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the 
     Secretary of State, as needed, determines that a condition 
     exists that threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, or 
     crew traveling to or from such foreign country. In this event 
     that the Administrator makes a determination under this 
     subsection, the Administrator shall immediately notify the 
     Secretary of State of such determination so that the 
     Secretary of State may issue a travel advisory with respect 
     to such foreign country.
       ``(d) Public Notification.--
       ``(1) In general.--In any case in which the Administrator 
     provides notification to a foreign country under subsection 
     (b)(2), the Administrator shall--
       ``(A) recommend the actions necessary to bring such foreign 
     country into compliance with the international standards 
     contained in the Chicago Convention;
       ``(B) publish the identity of such foreign country on the 
     website of the Federal Aviation Administration, in the 
     Federal Register, and through other mediums appropriate to 
     provide notice to the public; and
       ``(C) brief the Committee on Transportation and 
     Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the

[[Page S3414]]

     Senate on the identity of such foreign country and a summary 
     of any critical safety information resulting from an 
     assessment described in subsection (a)(1).
       ``(2) Compliance.--If the Administrator finds that a 
     foreign country subsequently corrects all outstanding 
     noncompliances, the Administrator, after consulting with the 
     appropriate civil aviation authority of such foreign country 
     and notifying the Secretary of Transportation and the 
     Secretary of State, shall take actions as necessary to ensure 
     the updated compliance status is reflected, including in the 
     mediums invoked in paragraph (1)(B).
       ``(e) Accuracy of the IASA List.--A foreign country that 
     does not have foreign air carrier activity, as described in 
     subsection (a)(1), for an extended period of time, as 
     determined by the Administrator, shall be removed for 
     inactivity from the public listings described in subsection 
     (d)(1)(B), after informing the Secretary of Transportation 
     and the Secretary of State.
       ``(f) Consistency.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration shall use data, 
     tools, and methods that ensure transparency and repeatability 
     of assessments conducted under this section.
       ``(2) Training.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
     Administration personnel are properly and adequately trained 
     to carry out the assessments set forth in this section, 
     including with respect to the standards, methodology, and 
     material used to make determinations under this section.''.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
     through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
     assessments conducted under the amendments made by this 
     section, including the results of any corrective actions 
     taken by noncompliant foreign countries.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

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

     SEC. 370. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT.

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

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

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

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

       (a) Program.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the 
     requirements for a program to be known as the Enhanced 
     Qualification Program (in this section referred to as the 
     ``Program'') under which--
       (A) qualified air carriers are certified by the 
     Administrator to provide enhanced training for eligible 
     pilots seeking to obtain restricted airline transport 
     certificates, either directly by the air carrier or by a 
     certified training institution under part 141 or part 142 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, that is under contract 
     with the qualified air carrier; and
       (B) qualified instructors and evaluators provide enhanced 
     training to eligible pilots pursuant to the curriculum 
     requirements under paragraph (4).
       (2) Qualified instructors and evaluators.--Under the 
     Program--
       (A) all testing and training shall be performed by 
     qualified instructors; and
       (B) all evaluations shall be performed by qualified 
     evaluators.
       (3) Pilot assessment.--Under the Program, the Administrator 
     shall establish guidelines for an assessment that prospective 
     pilots are required to pass in order to participate in the 
     training under the Program. Such assessment shall include an 
     evaluation of the pilot's aptitude, ability, and readiness 
     for operation of transport category aircraft.
       (4) Program curriculum.--Under the Program, the 
     Administrator shall establish requirements for the curriculum 
     to be provided under the Program. Such curriculum shall 
     include--
       (A) a nationally standardized, non-air carrier or aircraft-
     specific training curriculum which shall--
       (i) ensure prospective pilots have appropriate knowledge at 
     the commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine rating, and 
     instrument rating level;
       (ii) introduce the pilots to concepts associated with air 
     carrier operations;
       (iii) meet all requirements for an ATP Certification 
     Training Program under part 61.156 or part 142 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (iv) include a course of instruction designed to prepare 
     the prospective pilot to take the ATP Multiengine Airplane 
     Knowledge Test;
       (B) an aircraft-specific training curriculum, developed by 
     the air carrier using objectives and learning standards 
     developed by the Administrator, which shall--
       (i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have 
     completed the requirements under subparagraph (A);
       (ii) resemble a type rating training curriculum that 
     includes aircraft ground and flight training that culminates 
     in--

       (I) the completion of a maneuvers evaluation that 
     incorporates elements of a type rating practical test; or
       (II) at the discretion of the air carrier, an actual type 
     rating practical test resulting in the issuance of a type 
     rating for the specific aircraft; and

       (iii) ensure the prospective pilot has an adequate 
     understanding and working knowledge of transport category 
     aircraft automation and autoflight systems; and
       (C) air carrier-specific procedures using objectives and 
     learning standards developed by the Administrator to further 
     expand on the concepts described in subparagraphs (A) and 
     (B), which shall--
       (i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have 
     completed requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) and an 
     ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test;
       (ii) include instructions on air carrier checklist usage 
     and standard operating procedures; and
       (iii) integrate aircraft-specific training in appropriate 
     flight simulation training devices representing the specific 
     aircraft type, including complete crew resource management 
     and scenario-based training.
       (5) Application and certification.--Under the Program, the 
     Administrator shall establish a process for air carriers to 
     apply for training program certification. Such process shall 
     include a review to ensure that the training provided by the 
     air carrier will meet the requirements of this section, 
     including--
       (A) the assessment requirements under paragraph (3);
       (B) the curriculum requirements under paragraph (4);
       (C) the requirements for qualified instructors under 
     subsection (d)(5); and
       (D) the requirements for eligible pilots under subsection 
     (d)(2).
       (6) Data.--Under the Program, the Administrator shall 
     require that each qualified air carrier participating in the 
     Program collect and submit to the Administrator such data 
     from the Program that the Administrator determines is 
     appropriate for the Administrator to provide for oversight of 
     the Program.
       (7) Regular inspection.--Under the Program, the 
     Administrator shall provide for the regular inspection of 
     qualified air carriers certified under paragraph (5) to 
     ensure that the air carrier continues to meet the 
     requirements under the Program.
       (b) Regulations.--The Administrator may issue regulations 
     or guidance as determined necessary to carry out the Program.
       (c) Clarification Regarding Required Flight Hours.--The 
     provisions of this section shall have no effect on the total 
     flight hours required under part 61.159 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, to receive an airline transport pilot 
     certificate, or the Administrator's authority under section 
     217(d) of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation 
     Administration Extension Act of 2010 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) 
     (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section).
       (d) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (2) Eligible pilot.--The term ``eligible pilot'' means a 
     pilot that--
       (A) has--
       (i) graduated from a United States Armed Forces 
     undergraduate pilot training school;
       (ii) obtained a degree with an aviation major from an 
     institution of higher education (as defined in part 61.1 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that has been issued a 
     letter of authorization by the Administrator under part 
     61.169 of such title 14; or
       (iii) completed flight and ground training for a commercial 
     pilot certificate in the airplane category and an airplane 
     instrument rating at a certified training institution under 
     part 141 of such title 14;
       (B) has a current commercial pilot certificate under part 
     61.123 of such title 14, with airplane category multi-engine 
     and instrument ratings under part 61.129 of such title 14; 
     and
       (C) meets the pilot assessment requirements under 
     subsection (a)(3).
       (3) Qualified air carrier.--The term ``qualified air 
     carrier'' means an air carrier that has been issued a part 
     119 operating certificate for conducting operations under 
     part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

[[Page S3415]]

       (4) Qualified evaluator.--The term ``qualified evaluator'' 
     means an individual that meets the requirements for a 
     training center evaluator under part 142.55 of title 14, Code 
     of Federal Regulations, or for check airmen under part 
     121.411 of such title.
       (5) Qualified instructor.--The term ``qualified 
     instructor'' means an individual that--
       (A) is qualified in accordance with the minimum training 
     requirements for an ATP Certification Training Program under 
     paragraphs (1) through (3) of part 121.410(b) of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations;
       (B) if the instructor is a flight instructor, is qualified 
     in accordance with part 121.410(b)(4) of such title;
       (C) if the instructor is administering type rating 
     practical tests, is qualified as an appropriate examiner for 
     such rating;
       (D) received training in threat and error management, 
     facilitation, and risk mitigation determined appropriate by 
     the Administrator; and
       (E) meets any other requirement determined appropriate by 
     the Administrator.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

     SEC. 391. FINDINGS.

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

     SEC. 392. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 394. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.

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

     SEC. 395. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an 
     aviation rulemaking committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity 
     to conduct reviews (as segmented under subsection (c)) and 
     develop findings and recommendations on cybersecurity 
     standards for civil aircraft, aircraft ground support 
     information systems, airports, air traffic control mission 
     systems, and aeronautical products and articles.
       (b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
       (1) for each segmented review conducted by the committee 
     convened under subsection (a), submit to the appropriate 
     committees of Congress a report based on the findings of such 
     review; and
       (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of 
     a report under paragraph (1) and, in consultation with other 
     agencies as the Administrator determines necessary, for 
     consensus recommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking 
     committee--

[[Page S3416]]

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

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

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

                     TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

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

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

     SEC. 402. CIVIL AIRMEN STATISTICS.

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

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

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the 
     Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Committee'').
       (b) Purpose.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary and 
     the Administrator on matters and policies related to 
     promoting the recruitment, retention, employment, education, 
     training, career advancement, and well-being of women in the 
     aviation industry and aviation-focused Federal civil service 
     positions.
       (c) Form of Directives.--All activities carried out by the 
     Committee, including special committees, shall be in response 
     to written terms of work from the Secretary or taskings 
     approved by a majority of the voting members of the Committee 
     and may not duplicate the objectives of the Air Carrier 
     Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
       (d) Functions.--In carrying out the directives described in 
     subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as 
     follows:
       (1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and 
     transparent manner by engaging, as prescribed by this 
     section, with representatives of the private sector 
     associated with an entity described in subsection (e)(1)(B).

[[Page S3417]]

       (2) Make recommendations for strategic objectives, 
     priorities, and policies that would improve the recruitment, 
     retention, training, and career advancement of women in 
     aviation professions.
       (3) Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to 
     improve the recruitment and retention of women in the 
     Administration.
       (4) Periodically review and update the recommendations 
     directed to the FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the 
     Advisory Board created pursuant to section 612 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to improve 
     the implementation of such recommendations.
       (5) Coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights of the 
     Department of Transportation and the Federal Women's Program 
     of the FAA to ensure directives described in subsection (c) 
     do not duplicate objectives of such office or program.
       (e) Membership.--
       (1) Voting members.--The Committee shall be composed of the 
     following members:
       (A) The Administrator, or the designee of the 
     Administrator.
       (B) At least 25 individuals, appointed by the Secretary, 
     representing the following:
       (i) Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace companies.
       (ii) Public and private aviation labor organizations, 
     including collective bargaining representatives of--

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

       (iii) General aviation operators.
       (iv) Air carriers.
       (v) Business aviation operators, including powered-lift 
     operators.
       (vi) Unmanned aircraft systems operators.
       (vii) Aviation safety management experts.
       (viii) Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul entities.
       (ix) Airport owners, operators, and employees.
       (x) Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 
     101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), a 
     postsecondary vocational institution (as defined in section 
     102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)), 
     or a high school or secondary school (as such terms are 
     defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
       (xi) A flight school that provides flight training, as 
     defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     or that holds a pilot school certificate under part 141 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (xii) Aviation maintenance technician schools governed 
     under part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (xiii) Engineering business associations.
       (xiv) Civil Air Patrol.
       (xv) Nonprofit organizations within the aviation industry.
       (2) Nonvoting members.--
       (A) In general.--In addition to the members appointed under 
     paragraph (1), the Committee shall be composed of not more 
     than 5 nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from 
     among officers or employees of the FAA, at least 1 of which 
     shall be an employee of the Office of Civil Rights of the 
     FAA.
       (B) Additional nonvoting members.--The Secretary may invite 
     representatives from the Department of Education and 
     Department of Labor to serve as nonvoting members on the 
     Committee.
       (C) Duties.--The nonvoting members may--
       (i) take part in deliberations of the Committee; and
       (ii) provide subject matter expertise with respect to 
     reports and recommendations of the Committee.
       (D) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not represent 
     any stakeholder interest other than that of the respective 
     Federal agency of the member.
       (3) Terms.--Each voting member and nonvoting member of the 
     Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a 
     term that expires not later than the date on which the 
     authorization of the Committee expires under subsection (k).
       (4) Committee characteristics.--The Committee shall have 
     the following characteristics:
       (A) The ability to obtain necessary information from 
     additional experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.
       (B) A membership that enables the Committee to have 
     substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a 
     timely manner.
       (C) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in human 
     resources, human capital management, policy, labor relations, 
     employment training, workforce development, and youth 
     outreach.
       (5) Date.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make the 
     appointments described in this subsection.
       (f) Chairperson.--
       (1) In general.--The Committee shall select a chairperson 
     from among the voting members of the Committee.
       (2) Term.--The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
       (g) Meetings.--
       (1) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet at least twice 
     each year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
       (2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Committee shall 
     be open and accessible to the public.
       (3) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall furnish 
     the Committee with logistical and administrative support to 
     enable the Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
       (h) Special Committees.--
       (1) Establishment.--The Committee may establish special 
     committees composed of industry representatives, members of 
     the public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties 
     in complying with the consultation and participation 
     requirements under subsection (d).
       (2) Applicable law.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States 
     Code, shall not apply to a special committee established by 
     the Committee.
       (i) Personnel Matters.--
       (1) No compensation of members.--
       (A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Committee who 
     is not an officer or employee of the Government shall serve 
     without compensation.
       (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Committee who is an 
     officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to the compensation received 
     for the services of the member as an officer or employee of 
     the Federal Government.
       (2) Death or resignation.--If a member of the Committee 
     dies or resigns during the term of service of such member, 
     the Secretary shall designate a successor for the unexpired 
     term of such member.
       (j) Reports.--
       (1) Task reports.--The Committee shall submit to the 
     Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress annual 
     reports detailing the completion of each directive 
     summarizing the--
       (A) findings and associated recommendations of the 
     Committee for any legislative and administrative actions the 
     Committee considers appropriate to improve the advancement of 
     women in aviation; and
       (B) planned activities of the Committee, as directed by the 
     Secretary or approved by a majority of voting members of the 
     Committee, and proposed terms of work to fulfill each 
     activity.
       (2) Additional reports.--The Committee may submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the 
     Administrator additional reports and recommendations related 
     to education, training, recruitment, retention, and 
     advancement of women in the aviation industry as the 
     Committee determines appropriate.
       (k) Sunset.--The authorization of the Committee shall 
     expire on October 1, 2028.

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

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

     SEC. 405. AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TESTING WORKING GROUP.

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

[[Page S3418]]

  


     SEC. 406. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 408. IMPROVED DESIGNEE MISCONDUCT REPORTING PROCESS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 410. HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONALS.

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

     SEC. 411. AEROMEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING 
                   GROUP.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
     working group (in this section referred to as the ``working 
     group'') to review the medical processes, policies, and 
     procedures of the Administration and to make recommendations 
     to the Administrator on modernizing such processes, policies, 
     and procedures to ensure timely and efficient certification 
     of airmen.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
       (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
       (B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the 
     Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a 
     background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry, neurology, 
     cardiology, or internal medicine.
       (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
       (A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA; and
       (B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be 
     selected by members of the working group.
       (3) Preference.--The Administrator, in appointing members 
     pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to--
       (A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in section 
     183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
       (B) licensed medical physicians;
       (C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and
       (D) individuals having demonstrated research and expertise 
     in aeromedical research or sciences.

[[Page S3419]]

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

     SEC. 412. FRONTLINE MANAGER WORKLOAD STUDY.

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

     SEC. 413. MEDICAL PORTAL MODERNIZATION TASK GROUP.

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

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate 
     a study to assess high school aviation maintenance technician 
     programs and identify any barriers for graduates of such 
     programs with respect to--
       (1) pursuing post-secondary or vocational academic training 
     at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school; or
       (2) obtaining the training and experience necessary to 
     become an FAA-certificated mechanic through on-the-job 
     training or alternative pathways.
       (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) 
     shall assess the following:
       (1) The number of high school aviation maintenance programs 
     in the United States and the typical career outcomes for 
     graduates of such programs.
       (2) The extent to which such programs offer curricula that 
     align with FAA mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
       (3) The number of such programs that partner with FAA-
     approved aviation maintenance technician schools (as 
     described in part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations).

[[Page S3420]]

       (4) The level of engagement between the FAA and high school 
     aviation maintenance programs with respect to developing 
     curricula to build the foundational knowledge and skills 
     necessary for a student to attain FAA mechanic certification 
     and associated ratings.
       (5) Barriers to accessing the general knowledge test 
     described in section 65.71(a)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (6) The applicability of all FAA regulations and policies 
     in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act 
     as such regulations and policies apply to student enrollees 
     of high school aviation maintenance programs and whether such 
     regulations or policies pose any barriers to students 
     interested in pursuing a career in the field of aviation 
     maintenance.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of 
     the study required under this section, the Comptroller 
     General shall provide to the Administrator and the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings 
     of such study, including recommendations for any legislative 
     and administrative actions as the Comptroller General 
     determines appropriate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 420. PROHIBITION OF REMOTE DISPATCHING.

       (a) Amendments to Prohibition.--
       (1) In general.--Section 44711(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--

[[Page S3421]]

       (A) in paragraph (9) by striking ``or'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
       ``(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical 
     location designated as a dispatching center or flight 
     following center of an air carrier, except as provided under 
     section 44747; or''.
       (2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue 
     regulations requiring persons to comply with section 
     44711(a)(10) of title 49, United States Code (as added by 
     paragraph (1)).
       (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44748. Aircraft dispatching

       ``(a) Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.--No person may 
     serve as an aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless 
     such person holds the appropriate aircraft dispatcher 
     certificate issued by the Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration.
       ``(b) Proof of Certification.--Upon the request of the 
     Administrator or an authorized representative of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal 
     agency, a person who holds such a certificate, and is 
     performing dispatching, shall present the certificate for 
     inspection.
       ``(c) Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Each air carrier shall establish and 
     maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following 
     centers necessary to maintain operational control of each 
     flight of the air carrier at all times.
       ``(2) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each 
     dispatch center and flight following center of the air 
     carrier--
       ``(A) has a sufficient number of aircraft dispatchers on 
     duty at the dispatch center or flight following center to 
     ensure proper operational control of each flight of the air 
     carrier at all times;
       ``(B) has the necessary equipment, in good repair, to 
     maintain proper operational control of each flight of the air 
     carrier at all times; and
       ``(C) includes the presence of physical security and 
     cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized access to 
     the dispatch center or flight following center or to the 
     operations of either such center.
       ``(d) Prohibition.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an 
     air carrier may not dispatch aircraft from any location other 
     than the dispatch center or flight following center of the 
     air carrier.
       ``(2) Emergency authority.--In the event of an emergency or 
     other event that renders a dispatch center or a flight 
     following center inoperable, an air carrier may dispatch 
     aircraft from a location other than the dispatch center or 
     flight following center of the air carrier for a period of 
     time not to exceed 14 consecutive days per location without 
     approval of the Administrator.''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
     such title is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

``44748. Aircraft dispatching.''.

     SEC. 421. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 425. JOINT AVIATION EMPLOYMENT TRAINING WORKING GROUP.

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

[[Page S3422]]

       (2) describing any progress made by the Secretary or 
     Secretary of Defense in implementing the recommendations 
     described in subsection (d)(2)(B); and
       (3) containing any other recommendations the working group 
     may have with respect to efforts to improve the employment 
     and training of covered aviation professionals in the 
     civilian and military workforces.
       (f) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on the date 
     that is 4 years after the date on which the working group 
     submits the initial report to Congress pursuant to subsection 
     (d).
       (g) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered 
     committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
       (C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
     the House of Representatives; and
       (D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate.
       (2) Covered aviation professional.--The term ``covered 
     aviation professional'' means--
       (A) an airman;
       (B) an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
       (C) an air traffic controller; and
       (D) any other aviation-related professional that has 
     comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and military 
     workforces, as determined jointly by the co-chairs of the 
     working group.

     SEC. 426. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RULE.

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

     SEC. 427. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.

       Section 44918 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and unruly passenger 
     behavior'' before the period at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities and 
     determine the seriousness of any occurrence of such behavior 
     and activities.'';
       (ii) by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(H) De-escalation training based on recommendations 
     issued by the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking 
     Committee.'';
       (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) and (J) as 
     subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
       (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:
       ``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active attacker.'';
       (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) Minimum standards.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
     Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, 
     in consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the 
     Aviation Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum 
     standards for--
       ``(A) the training provided under this subsection and any 
     for recurrent training; and
       ``(B) the individuals or entities providing such 
     training.''; and
       (D) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) in the first sentence--

       (I) by inserting ``and the Federal Air Marshal Service'' 
     after ``consultation with the Administrator'';
       (II) by striking ``and periodically shall'' and inserting 
     ``and shall periodically''; and
       (III) by inserting ``based on changes in the potential or 
     actual threat conditions'' before the period at the end; and

       (ii) in the third sentence by inserting ``, including self-
     defense training expertise and experience'' before the period 
     at the end; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting 
     ``Except as provided in paragraph (8), neither''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(8) Air carrier accommodation.--An air carrier with a 
     crew member participating in the training program under this 
     subsection shall provide a process through which each such 
     crew member may obtain reasonable accommodations.''.

     SEC. 428. DIRECT-HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.

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

     SEC. 429. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate an audit of any 
     FAA workforce plans completed during the 5 fiscal years 
     preceding the fiscal year in which such audit is initiated 
     related to occupations the agency relies on to accomplish its 
     aviation safety mission.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit under subsection 
     (a), the inspector general shall--
       (1) identify whether any safety-critical positions have not 
     been reviewed within the period specified in subsection (a);

[[Page S3423]]

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

     SEC. 430. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.

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

     SEC. 431. SAFETY-CRITICAL STAFFING.

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

     SEC. 432. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE.

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

     SEC. 433. USE OF BIOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENTS.

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

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

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

[[Page S3424]]

     Response Plan submitted by each air carrier pursuant to this 
     section.''.

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

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

     SEC. 436. INTERFERENCE WITH SECURITY SCREENING PERSONNEL.

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

     SEC. 437. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKFORCE STAFFING.

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

[[Page S3425]]

       ``(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the 
     Federal Aviation Administration--
       ``(A) the current certified professional controller 
     staffing levels;
       ``(B) the operational staffing targets for certified 
     professional controllers;
       ``(C) the anticipated certified professional controller 
     attrition for each of the next 3 years; and
       ``(D) the number of certified professional controller 
     trainees;''.
       (3) Effective date.--The requirements of paragraph (1) 
     shall cease to be effective upon the adoption and 
     implementation of a revised staffing model by the 
     Administrator as required under subsection (c).
       (f) Controller Training.--In any Controller Workforce Plan 
     of the FAA published after the date of enactment of this Act, 
     the Administrator shall--
       (1) identify all limiting factors on the ability of the 
     Administrator to hire and train controllers in line with the 
     staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
       (2) describe what actions the Administrator intends to take 
     to rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards 
     targets and identify contributing factors that are outside 
     the control of the Administrator.

     SEC. 438. AIRPORT SERVICE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 440. IMPROVING FEDERAL AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
                   PROGRAMS.

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

     ``SEC. 625. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish--
       ``(1) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
     support the education and recruitment of future aircraft 
     pilots and the development of the aircraft pilot workforce;
       ``(2) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
     support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance 
     technical workers and the development of the aviation 
     maintenance workforce; and
       ``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
     support the education and recruitment of aviation 
     manufacturing technical workers and aerospace engineers and 
     the development of the aviation manufacturing workforce.
       ``(b) Project Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--Out of amounts made available under 
     section 48105 of title 49, United States Code, there is 
     authorized to be appropriated--
       ``(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
     2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(1);
       ``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
     2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(2); and
       ``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
     2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(3).
       ``(2) Dollar amount limit.--In providing grants under the 
     programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may 
     not make any grant more than $1,000,000 to any eligible 
     entity in any 1 fiscal year.
       ``(3) Education projects.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     not less than 20 percent of the amounts made available under 
     this subsection is used to carry out a grant program that 
     shall be referred to as the `Willa Brown Aviation Education 
     Program' under which the Secretary shall provide grants for 
     eligible projects described in subsection (d) that are 
     carried out in counties containing at least 1 qualified 
     opportunity zone (as such term is defined in section 1400Z-
     1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
       ``(4) Set aside for technical assistance.--The Secretary 
     may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to 
     carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 
     through 2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible 
     applicants for a grant under this subsection.
       ``(5) Consideration for certain applicants.--In reviewing 
     and selecting applications for grants under the programs 
     established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give 
     consideration to applicants that provide an assurance--
       ``(A) to use grant funds to encourage the participation of 
     populations that are underrepresented in the aviation 
     industry, including in economically disadvantaged geographic 
     areas and rural communities;
       ``(B) to address the workforce needs of rural and regional 
     airports; or
       ``(C) to strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving 
     institution (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public 
     institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary 
     vocational institution.
       ``(c) Eligible Applications.--
       ``(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(1) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) an air carrier (as such term is defined in section 
     40102 of title 49, United States Code);
       ``(B) an entity that holds management specifications under 
     subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations;
       ``(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
     postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
     secondary school;
       ``(D) a flight school that provides flight training, as 
     such term is defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under 
     part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(E) a labor organization representing professional 
     aircraft pilots;
       ``(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.
       ``(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part 21, 121, 
     135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
       ``(B) a labor organization representing aviation 
     maintenance workers;
       ``(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
     postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
     secondary school;
       ``(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code; or
       ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.
       ``(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.--An 
     application for a grant under the program established under 
     subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the 
     Secretary may specify, by--
       ``(A) a holder of a type or production certificate or 
     similar authorization issued under section 44704 of title 49, 
     United States Code;
       ``(B) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
     postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
     secondary school;

[[Page S3426]]

       ``(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
     in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such 
     Code;
       ``(D) a labor organization representing aerospace 
     engineering, design, or manufacturing workers; or
       ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
     entity.
       ``(d) Eligible Projects.--
       ``(1) Aircraft pilot program.--For purposes of the program 
     established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a 
     project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
     provides high school or secondary school students and 
     students of institutions of higher education with meaningful 
     aviation education to become aircraft pilots or unmanned 
     aircraft systems operators, including purchasing and 
     operating a computer-based simulator associated with such 
     curriculum;
       ``(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, 
     internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing 
     employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned 
     aircraft systems operator;
       ``(C) to create and deliver curriculum that provides 
     certified flight instructors with the necessary 
     instructional, leadership, and communication skills to better 
     educate student pilots;
       ``(D) to support the transition to professional aircraft 
     pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including for 
     members and veterans of the armed forces;
       ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in 
     commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or 
     unmanned system operator, including outreach to populations 
     that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or
       ``(F) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or 
     unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.
       ``(2) Aviation maintenance program.--For purposes of the 
     program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible 
     project is a project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
     provides high school and secondary school students and 
     students of institutions of higher education with meaningful 
     aviation maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic 
     or aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and 
     operating equipment associated with such curriculum;
       ``(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, 
     internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing 
     employment in the aviation maintenance industry;
       ``(C) to support the transition to aviation maintenance 
     careers, including for members and veterans of the armed 
     forces;
       ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
     aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to 
     populations that are underrepresented in the aviation 
     industry; or
       ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
     maintenance technical workforce.
       ``(3) Aviation manufacturing program.--For purposes of the 
     program established under subsection (a)(3), an eligible 
     project is a project--
       ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
     provides high school and secondary school students and 
     students of institutions of higher education with meaningful 
     aviation manufacturing education to become an aviation 
     manufacturing technical worker or aerospace engineer, 
     including teaching technical skills used in the engineering 
     and production of components, parts, or systems thereof for 
     inclusion in an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or 
     appliance;
       ``(B) to establish registered apprenticeship, internship, 
     or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment 
     in the aviation manufacturing industry;
       ``(C) to support the transition to aviation manufacturing 
     careers, including for members and veterans of the armed 
     forces;
       ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
     aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach to 
     populations that are underrepresented in the aviation 
     industry; or
       ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
     manufacturing workforce.
       ``(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary 
     shall establish reasonable reporting and monitoring 
     requirements for grant recipients under this section to 
     measure relevant outcomes for the grant programs established 
     under subsection (a).
       ``(f) Notice of Grants.--
       ``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
     public notice of any grant awarded under this section in a 
     timely fashion after the Secretary awards such grant.
       ``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide to 
     the appropriate Committees of Congress advance notice of a 
     grant to be made under this section.
       ``(g) Grant Authority.--
       ``(1) Limit on faa authority.--The authority of the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, acting 
     on behalf of the Secretary, to issue grants under this 
     section shall terminate on October 1, 2027.
       ``(2) Nondelegation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, the 
     Secretary shall issue grants under this section and may not 
     delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under 
     this section to the Administrator.
       ``(h) Program Name Redesignation.--Beginning on October 1, 
     2027, the Secretary shall redesignate the name of the program 
     established under subsection (a) as the `Cooperative Aviation 
     Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program' or 
     the `CAREER Program'.
       ``(i) Consultation With Secretary of Education.--The 
     Secretary may consult with the Secretary of Education, as 
     appropriate, in--
       ``(1) reviewing applications for grants for eligible 
     projects under this section; and
       ``(2) developing considerations regarding program quality 
     and measurement of student outcomes.
       ``(j) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2028, the 
     Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress a report on the administration of the programs 
     established under subsection (a) covering each of fiscal 
     years 2025 through 2028 that includes--
       ``(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this 
     section and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling 
     program expectations;
       ``(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively 
     impact the future supply of individuals in the United States 
     aviation workforce, including any related best practices for 
     carrying out such projects;
       ``(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by 
     governmental entities, educational institutions, and 
     businesses, aviation labor organizations, or other 
     stakeholders to support aviation workforce growth;
       ``(4) a review of how many grant recipients engaged with 
     veterans and the resulting impact, if applicable, on 
     recruiting and retaining veterans as part of the aviation 
     workforce; and
       ``(5) a review of outreach conducted by grant recipients to 
     encourage individuals to participate in aviation careers and 
     the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and 
     retaining such individuals as part of the aviation workforce.
       ``(k) Program Authority Sunset.--The authority of the 
     Secretary to issue grants under this section shall expire on 
     October 1, 2028.
       ``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Armed forces.--The term `armed forces' has the 
     meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United 
     States Code.
       ``(2) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
       ``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       ``(4) Postsecondary vocational institution.--The term 
     `postsecondary vocational institution' has the meaning given 
     such term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c)).
       ``(5) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has 
     the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary 
     and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on October 1, 2024.

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

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

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

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the 
     Secretary of Transportation shall, in consultation with other 
     Federal agencies and the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, 
     Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Council (in this section 
     referred to as the `CAREER Council') established in 
     subsection (c), establish and maintain a national strategic 
     plan to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention and 
     address projected challenges in the civil aviation workforce, 
     including--
       ``(1) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term workforce 
     challenges relevant to the economy, workforce readiness, and 
     priorities of the United States aviation sector;
       ``(2) any existing or projected workforce shortages; and
       ``(3) any workforce situation or condition that warrants 
     special attention by the Federal Government.
       ``(b) Requirements.--The national strategic plan described 
     in subsection (a) shall--
       ``(1) take into account the activities and accomplishments 
     of all Federal agencies that are related to carrying out such 
     plan;
       ``(2) include recommendations for carrying out such plan; 
     and
       ``(3) project and identify, on an annual basis, aviation 
     workforce challenges, including any applicable workforce 
     shortages.
       ``(c) Career Council.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2025, 
     the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall 
     establish a council comprised of individuals with expertise 
     in the civil aviation industry to--
       ``(A) assist with developing and maintaining the national 
     strategic plan described in subsection (a); and
       ``(B) provide advice to the Secretary, as appropriate, 
     relating to the CAREER Program established under section 625 
     of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including as such 
     advice relates to program administration and grant 
     application selection, and support the development of 
     performance metrics regarding the quality and outcomes of the 
     Program.

[[Page S3427]]

       ``(2) Appointment.--The CAREER Council shall be appointed 
     by the Secretary from candidates nominated by national 
     associations representing various sectors of the aviation 
     industry, including--
       ``(A) commercial aviation;
       ``(B) general aviation;
       ``(C) aviation labor organizations, including collective 
     bargaining representatives of Federal Aviation Administration 
     aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety engineers, and 
     air traffic controllers;
       ``(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;
       ``(E) aviation manufacturers; and
       ``(F) unmanned aviation.
       ``(3) Term.--Each council member appointed by the Secretary 
     under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 2 years.
       ``(d) Nondelegation.--The Secretary may not delegate any of 
     the authorities or responsibilities under this section to the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

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

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 503. REFUNDS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by inserting after section 42304 the 
     following:

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

       ``(a) In General.--In the case of a passenger that holds a 
     nonrefundable ticket on a scheduled flight to, from, or 
     within the United States, an air carrier or a foreign air 
     carrier shall, upon request as set forth in subsection (f), 
     provide a full refund, including any taxes and ancillary 
     fees, for the fare such carrier collected for any cancelled 
     flight or significantly delayed or changed flight where the 
     passenger chooses not to--
       ``(1) fly on the significantly delayed or changed flight or 
     accept rebooking on an alternative flight; or
       ``(2) accept any voucher, credit, or other form of 
     compensation offered by the air carrier or foreign air 
     carrier pursuant to subsection (c).
       ``(b) Timing of Refund.--Any refund required under 
     subsection (a) shall be issued by the air carrier or foreign 
     air carrier--
       ``(1) in the case of a ticket purchased with a credit card, 
     not later than 7 business days after the earliest date the 
     refund was requested as set forth in subsection (f); or
       ``(2) in the case of a ticket purchased with cash or 
     another form of payment, not later than 20 days after the 
     earliest date the refund was requested as set forth in 
     subsection (f).
       ``(c) Alternative to Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign 
     air carrier may offer a voucher, credit, or other form of 
     compensation as an explicit alternative to providing a refund 
     required by subsection (a) but only if--
       ``(1) the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice 
     of--

[[Page S3428]]

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

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

     SEC. 504. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS POSTERS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by inserting after section 42305 the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 42306. Know Your Rights posters

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

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

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

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, it is 
     important for customers to be able to easily access 
     information about the status of their flight and any 
     alternative flight options.
       (2) Customers should be able to access real-time assistance 
     from customer service agents of air carriers without an 
     excessive wait time, particularly during times of mass 
     disruptions.
       (b) Transparency Requirements.--
       (1) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or 
     monitored text messaging number.--Chapter 423 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is further amended by inserting after 
     section 42306 the following:

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

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

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

     SEC. 506. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.

       (a) Dashboards.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by inserting after section 42307 the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards

       ``(a) Requirement To Establish and Maintain Publicly 
     Available Dashboards.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
     establish, maintain, and make publicly available the 
     following online dashboards for purposes of keeping aviation 
     consumers informed with respect to certain policies of, and 
     services provided by, large air carriers (as such term is 
     defined by the Secretary) to the extent that such policies or 
     services exceed what is required by Federal law:
       ``(1) Delay and cancellation dashboard.--A dashboard that 
     displays information regarding the services and compensation 
     provided by each large air carrier to mitigate any passenger 
     inconvenience caused by a delay or cancellation due to 
     circumstances in the control of such carrier.
       ``(2) Explanation of circumstances.--The website on which 
     such dashboard is displayed shall explain the circumstances 
     under which a delay or cancellation is not due to 
     circumstances in the control of the large air carrier (such 
     as a delay or cancellation due to a weather event or an 
     instruction from the Federal Aviation Administration Air 
     Traffic Control System Command Center) consistent with 
     section 234.4 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(3) Family seating dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
     information regarding which large air carriers guarantee that 
     each child shall be seated adjacent to an adult accompanying 
     the child without charging any additional fees.
       ``(4) Seat size dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
     information regarding aircraft seat size for each large air 
     carrier, including the pitch, width, and length of a seat in 
     economy class for the aircraft models and configurations most 
     commonly flown by such carrier.
       ``(5) Family seating sunset.--The requirement in subsection 
     (a)(3) shall cease to be effective on the date on which the 
     rule in section 516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is 
     effective.
       ``(b) Accessibility Requirement.--In developing the 
     dashboards required in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, 
     in order to

[[Page S3429]]

     ensure the dashboards are accessible and contain pertinent 
     information for passengers with disabilities, consult with 
     the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, the 
     Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 
     any other relevant department or agency to determine 
     appropriate accessibility standards, and disability 
     organizations, including advocacy and nonprofit organizations 
     that represent or provide services to individuals with 
     disabilities.
       ``(c) Limitation on Dashboards.--After the rule required in 
     section 516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is 
     effective, the Secretary may not establish or maintain more 
     than 4 different customer service dashboards at any given 
     time.
       ``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier 
     shall provide to the Secretary such information as the 
     Secretary requires to carry out this section.
       ``(e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on 
     October 1, 2028.''.
       (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish each of 
     the online dashboards required by section 42308(a) of title 
     49, United States Code, not later than 30 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting 
     after the item relating to section 42307 the following:

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

     SEC. 507. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.

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

     SEC. 508. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER 
                   PROTECTION.

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

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

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

     SEC. 510. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.

       (a) Section 429 of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
       (1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
     of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
       (A) by transferring such section to appear after section 
     41726 of title 49, United States Code;
       (B) by redesignating such section as section 41727 of such 
     title; and
       (C) by amending the section heading of such section to read 
     as follows:

     ``Sec. 41727. Passenger Rights''.

       (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41727 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph 
     (1), is amended in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later 
     than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary''.
       (b) Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
       (1) In general.--Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
     of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
       (A) by transferring such section to appear after section 
     41727 of title 49, United States Code, as transferred and 
     redesignated by subsection (a)(1);
       (B) by redesignating such section 434 as section 41728 of 
     such title; and
       (C) by amending the section heading of such section 41728 
     to read as follows:

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

       (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41728 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph 
     (1), is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a) by striking ``the section 41705 of 
     title 49, United States Code'' and inserting ``section 
     41705'';
       (B) in subsection (c) by striking ``the date of enactment 
     of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of enactment of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018''; and
       (C) in subsection (f) by striking ``ensure employees'' and 
     inserting ``ensure that employees''.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
     the item relating to section 41726 the following:

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

     SEC. 511. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.

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

     SEC. 512. REIMBURSEMENT FOR INCURRED COSTS.

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

     SEC. 513. STREAMLINING OF OFFLINE TICKET DISCLOSURES.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such action 
     as may be necessary to update the process by which an air 
     carrier or ticket agent is required to fulfill disclosure 
     obligations in ticketing transactions for air transportation 
     not completed through a website.
       (b) Requirements.--The process updated under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) include means of referral to the applicable air carrier 
     website with respect to disclosures related to air carrier 
     optional fees and policies;

[[Page S3430]]

       (2) include a means of referral to the website of the 
     Department of Transportation with respect to any other 
     required disclosures to air transportation passengers;
       (3) make no changes to air carrier or ticket agent 
     obligations with respect to--
       (A) section 41712(c) of title 49, United States Code; or
       (B) subsections (a) and (b) of section 399.84 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations); 
     and
       (4) require disclosures referred to in paragraphs (1) and 
     (2) to be made in the manner existing prior to the date of 
     enactment of this Act upon passenger request.
       (c) Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term ``air 
     carrier'' has the meaning given such term in section 40102(a) 
     of title 49, United States Code.

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 516. FAMILY SEATING.

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

     SEC. 517. PASSENGER EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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

     SEC. 518. UPDATING PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENT 
                   REGULATIONS.

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

[[Page S3431]]

     Code of Federal Regulations, and such other related 
     regulations as the Administrator determines appropriate, to--
       (1) update such section and regulations to incorporate 
     exemptions commonly issued by the Administrator;
       (2) reflect civil penalty inflation adjustments; and
       (3) incorporate such updates and improvements recommended 
     by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that the 
     Administrator determines appropriate.

     SEC. 519. SEAT DIMENSIONS.

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

     SEC. 520. MODERNIZATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT SUBMISSIONS.

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

     ``Sec. 42302. Consumer complaints

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

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

     SEC. 541. AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

       (a) Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require air 
     carriers to publish in a prominent and easily accessible 
     place on the public website of the air carrier, information 
     describing the relevant dimensions and other characteristics 
     of the cargo holds of all aircraft types operated by the air 
     carrier, including the dimensions of the cargo hold entry, 
     that would limit the size, weight, and allowable type of 
     cargo.
       (2) Proprietary information.--The Secretary shall allow an 
     air carrier to protect the confidentiality of any trade 
     secret or proprietary information submitted in accordance 
     with paragraph (1), as appropriate.
       (b) Refund Required for Individual Traveling With 
     Wheelchair.--In the case of a qualified individual with a 
     disability traveling with a wheelchair who has purchased a 
     ticket for a flight from an air carrier, but who cannot 
     travel on the aircraft for such flight because the wheelchair 
     of such qualified individual cannot be physically 
     accommodated in the cargo hold of the aircraft,

[[Page S3432]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 546. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH 
                   DISABILITIES.

       (a) In General.--
       (1) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
     180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall issue an advanced notice of proposed 
     rulemaking regarding seating accommodations for any qualified 
     individual with a disability.
       (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 18 
     months after the date on which the advanced notice of 
     proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1) is completed, the 
     Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking 
     regarding seating accommodations for any qualified individual 
     with a disability.
       (3) Final rule.--Not later than 30 months after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph 
     (B) is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     pursuant to the rulemaking conducted under this subsection.
       (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the advanced notice of 
     proposed rulemaking required in subsection (a)(1), the 
     Secretary shall consider the following:
       (1) The scope and anticipated number of qualified 
     individuals with a disability who--
       (A) may need to be seated with a companion to receive 
     assistance during a flight; or
       (B) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other seating 
     considerations.
       (2) The types of disabilities that may need seating 
     accommodations.

[[Page S3433]]

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

     SEC. 547. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS.

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

     SEC. 548. AIRCRAFT ACCESS STANDARDS.

       (a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
       (1) Standards.--
       (A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
     1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
     shall issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking 
     regarding standards to ensure that the aircraft boarding and 
     deplaning process is accessible, in terms of design for, 
     transportation of, and communication with, individuals with 
     disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.
       (B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed 
     rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is completed, the Secretary 
     shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding 
     standards addressed in subparagraph (A).
       (C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph 
     (B) is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule.
       (2) Covered airport, equipment, and features.--The 
     standards prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at 
     a minimum--
       (A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
       (B) improved procedures to ensure the priority cabin 
     stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to section 
     382.67 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage to 
     assistive devices.
       (3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking under 
     this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Access 
     Board and any other relevant department or agency to 
     determine appropriate accessibility standards.
       (b) In-Flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking in 
     accordance with the November 22, 2016, resolution of the 
     Department of Transportation ACCESS Committee and the 
     consensus recommendation set forth in the Term Sheet 
     Reflecting Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-
     Flight Entertainment.
       (c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint 
     Systems and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
       (1) Timing.--

[[Page S3434]]

       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after completion of 
     the report required by section 544(e)(2), and if such report 
     finds economic and financial feasibility of air carriers and 
     foreign air carriers implementing seating arrangements that 
     accommodate individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs 
     (including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and 
     scooters) in the main cabin during flight, the Secretary 
     shall conduct a negotiated rulemaking on new type 
     certificated aircraft standards for seating arrangements that 
     accommodate such individuals in the main cabin during flight 
     or an accessible route to a minimum of 2 aircraft passenger 
     seats for passengers to access from personal assistive 
     devices of such individuals.
       (B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking under 
     subparagraph (A) shall include participation of 
     representatives of--
       (i) air carriers;
       (ii) aircraft manufacturers;
       (iii) national disability organizations;
       (iv) aviation safety experts; and
       (v) mobility aid manufacturers.
       (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
     after the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of 
     proposed rulemaking regarding the standards described in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) 
     is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
     regarding the standards described in paragraph (1).
       (4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and 
     rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary 
     shall consider--
       (A) a reasonable period for the design, certification, and 
     construction of aircraft that meet the requirements;
       (B) the safety of all persons on-board the aircraft, 
     including necessary wheelchair standards and wheelchair 
     compliance with FAA crashworthiness and safety performance 
     criteria; and
       (C) the costs of design, installation, equipage, and 
     aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet equipage 
     and fare impacts.
       (d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The 
     Advisory Committee established under section 439 of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) shall 
     examine technical solutions and the feasibility of visually 
     and tactilely accessible announcements on-board aircraft.
       (e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct 
     consultation with the Access Board, prescribe regulations 
     setting forth minimum standards under section 41705 of title 
     49, United States Code, that ensure all gates (including 
     counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks 
     covered under such section at airports are accessible to and 
     usable by all individuals with disabilities, including 
     through the provision of visually and tactilely accessible 
     announcements and full and equal access to aural 
     communications.
       (f) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Access board.--The term ``Access Board'' means the 
     Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
       (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
     given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
     Code.
       (3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual 
     with a disability'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 549. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 552. AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY.

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

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

     SEC. 561. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORMS.

       (a) Reduction in Subsidy Cap.--
       (1) In general.--Section 41731(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(C) had an average subsidy per passenger, as determined 
     by the Secretary--
       ``(i) of less than $1,000 during the most recent fiscal 
     year beginning before October 1, 2026, regardless of driving 
     miles to the nearest large or medium hub airport;
       ``(ii) of less than $850 during the most recent fiscal year 
     beginning after September 30, 2026, regardless of driving 
     miles to the nearest medium or large hub airport; and
       ``(iii) of less than $650 during the most recent fiscal 
     year for locations that are less than 175 miles from the 
     nearest large or medium hub airport; and''.
       (2) Notice.--Section 41731(a)(1)(D)(ii) is amended by 
     striking ``90-day'' and inserting ``140-day''.
       (3) Waivers.--Section 41731(e) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:
       ``(e) Waivers.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive, on an annual 
     basis, subsections (a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C)(iii) with respect 
     to an eligible place if such place demonstrates to

[[Page S3435]]

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

     SEC. 562. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

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

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

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

[[Page S3436]]

     and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
     determines appropriate.

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 566. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 569. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN AIRPORT DELAYS.

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

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

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

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

     SEC. 601. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.

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

     SEC. 602. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the 
     Department of Transportation shall initiate a study examining 
     the effects of reclassifying navigation aids to Design 
     Assurance Level-A from Design Assurance Level-B, including 
     the following navigation aids:
       (1) Distance measuring equipment.
       (2) Very high frequency omni-directional range.
       (3) Tactical air navigation.
       (4) Wide area augmentation system.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under 
     subsection (a), the inspector general shall address--
       (1) the cost-benefit analyses associated with the 
     reclassification described in such subsection;

[[Page S3437]]

       (2) the findings from the operational safety assessments 
     and preliminary hazard analyses of the navigation aids listed 
     in such subsection;
       (3) the risks of such reclassification on navigation aid 
     equipment currently in use;
       (4) the potential impacts on global interoperability of 
     navigational aids; and
       (5) what additional actions should be taken based on the 
     findings of this subsection.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing 
     the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).

     SEC. 603. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW.

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

     SEC. 604. AIRSPACE ACCESS.

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

     SEC. 605. FAA CONTRACT TOWER WORKFORCE AUDIT.

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

     SEC. 606. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER SAFETY.

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

     SEC. 607. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES DATA REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 608. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.

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

[[Page S3438]]

  


     SEC. 609. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 613. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

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

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

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

[[Page S3439]]

  


     SEC. 615. STUDY ON CONGESTED AIRSPACE.

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

     SEC. 616. BRIEFING ON LIT VORTAC PROJECT.

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

     SEC. 617. SURFACE SURVEILLANCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a 
     review of surface surveillance systems that are operational 
     as of such date of enactment.
       (b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator shall--
       (1) demonstrate that any change to the configuration of 
     surface surveillance systems or decommissioning of a sensor 
     from such systems provides an equivalent level of safety as 
     the current system;
       (2) determine how a technology refresh of legacy sensor 
     equipment can reduce operational and maintenance costs of 
     surface surveillance systems compared to current costs and 
     extend the useful life and affordability of such systems; and
       (3) consider how to enhance such systems through new 
     capabilities and software tools that improve the safety of 
     terminal airspace and the airport surface.
       (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
       (1) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
     surface surveillance technology, including multilateration 
     and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast;
       (2) representatives of the exclusive bargaining 
     representative of the air traffic controllers certified under 
     section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, with expertise 
     in surface safety; and
       (3) representatives of the exclusive bargaining 
     representative of airway transportation systems specialists 
     of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (d) Briefing.--Upon completion of the review under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
     committees of Congress on the findings of such review.
       (e) Implementation.--The Administrator may implement 
     changes to surface surveillance systems consistent with the 
     findings of the review described in subsection (d).

     SEC. 618. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.

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

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

     SEC. 619. NEXTGEN PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the 
     Administrator determines appropriate, the Administrator shall 
     convene FAA officials to evaluate and expedite the 
     implementation of NextGen programs and capabilities.
       (b) Nextgen Program Prioritization.--In allocating amounts 
     appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United 
     States Code, the Secretary shall give priority to the 
     following activities:
       (1) Performance-based navigation.
       (2) Data communications.
       (3) Terminal flight data manager.
       (4) Aeronautical information management.
       (5) Other activities as recommended by the NextGen Advisory 
     Committee and determined by the Administrator to be 
     appropriate.
       (c) Performance-based Navigation.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     implement performance-based navigation procedures for all 
     terminal and enroute routes, including approach and departure 
     procedures for covered airports.
       (2) Specific procedures.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-
     based navigation procedures:
       (A) Trajectory-based operations.
       (B) Optimized profile descents.
       (C) Multiple airport route separation.
       (D) Established on required navigation performance.
       (E) Converging runway display aids.
       (3) Performance-based navigation baseline equipage 
     requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall issue such regulations as may be 
     required, and publish applicable advisory circulars, to 
     establish the equipage baseline appropriate for aircraft to 
     safely use performance-based navigation procedures.
       (4) Utilization action plan.--Not later than 180 days after 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in 
     consultation with certified labor representatives of air 
     traffic controllers and the NextGen Advisory Committee, 
     develop an action plan to utilize performance-based 
     navigation procedures as a primary means of navigation to 
     further reduce the dependency on legacy systems within the 
     national airspace system.
       (d) Data Communications.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     implement the use of data communications.
       (2) Specific capabilities.--In carrying out subsection (a) 
     and this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the 
     following data communications capabilities:
       (A) Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface aircraft 
     operations and runway safety at airports.
       (B) Automated message generation and receipt.
       (C) Message routing and transmission.
       (D) Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
       (E) Implementation of data communications at all Air Route 
     Traffic Control Centers.
       (F) The Future Air Navigation System.
       (e) Terminal Flight Data Manager and Other Systems.--
       (1) Terminal flight data manager.--Not later than 4 years 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall install the Terminal Flight Data Manager system at not 
     less than 89 airports in the United States based on the 
     highest number of annual aircraft operations or a 
     determination of operational need and the impact of 
     installation and deployment on the national airspace system.
       (2) Electronic flight strips.--At a minimum, the 
     Administrator shall implement electronic flight strips at the 
     air traffic control towers of airports described in paragraph 
     (1).
       (3) Flow management data and services.--Not later than 4 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act, if the 
     Administrator finds that Terminal Flight Data Manager systems 
     would be beneficial to safety or efficiency, the 
     Administrator shall install Flow Management Data and Services 
     at airports described under paragraph (1).
       (4) Appropriations.--The activities under paragraphs (1), 
     (2), and (3) of this subsection shall be contingent on the 
     appropriation of funds to carry out this subsection.
       (f) Aeronautical Information Management Systems.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully 
     modernize the aeronautical information management systems of 
     the FAA to improve the functionality, useability, durability, 
     and reliability of such systems used in the national airspace 
     system.

[[Page S3440]]

       (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) improve the distribution of critical safety information 
     to pilots, air traffic control, and other relevant aviation 
     stakeholders;
       (B) fully develop and implement the Enterprise Information 
     Display System; and
       (C) notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical information 
     management system, restructure the back-up systems of 
     aeronautical information management systems to be independent 
     and self-sufficient from one another.
       (g) Nextgen Equipage Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 14 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 2-
     year implementation plan to further incentivize the 
     acceleration of the equipage rates of certain NextGen 
     avionics within the fleets of air carriers (as such term is 
     defined in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code.
       (2) Contents.--In developing the plan required under 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
       (A) provide for further implementation and deployment of 
     NextGen operational improvements to incentivize universal 
     equipage of commercial and regional aircraft with certain 
     NextGen avionics;
       (B) identify any remaining barriers for operators of 
     commercial and regional aircraft to properly equip such 
     aircraft with certain NextGen avionics, including any methods 
     to address such barriers;
       (C) provide for the use of the best methods to highlight 
     and enhance to operators of commercial and regional aircraft 
     the benefits of equipping such aircraft with certain NextGen 
     avionics; and
       (D) include in such plan any equipage guidelines and 
     regulations the Administrator determines necessary and 
     appropriate.
       (3) Consultation.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
     (1), the Administrator shall consult with representatives 
     from--
       (A) trade associations representing air carriers;
       (B) trade associations representing avionics manufacturers;
       (C) certified labor organizations representing air traffic 
     controllers; and
       (D) any other representatives the Administrator determines 
     appropriate.
       (4) Submission of plan.--Not later than 15 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit 
     to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan required 
     under this subsection.
       (5) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     initiate such actions necessary to implement the plan 
     developed under paragraph (1), including initiating any 
     required rulemaking.
       (6) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``certain 
     NextGen avionics'' means those avionics and baseline 
     capabilities as recommended in the report of the NextGen 
     Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) 
     Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 Report'', issued on November 17, 
     2020.
       (h) Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.--
       (1) Notification of congress.--For each deadline 
     established under subsections (a) through (g), if the 
     Administrator determines that the Administrator has not met 
     or will not meet each such deadline, the Administrator shall, 
     not later than 30 days after such determination, notify the 
     appropriate committees of Congress about the failure to meet 
     each deadline.
       (2) Contents of notification.--Each notification under 
     paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
       (A) An explanation as to why the Administrator will not or 
     did not meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
       (B) A description of the actions the Administrator plans to 
     take to meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
       (C) Actions Congress can take to assist the Administrator 
     in meeting the deadline described in such paragraph.
       (3) Briefing.--If the Administrator is required to provide 
     notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide 
     the appropriate committees of Congress quarterly briefings as 
     to the progress made by the Administrator regarding 
     implementation under the respective subsection for which the 
     deadline will not be or was not met until such time as the 
     Administrator has completed the required work under such 
     subsection.
       (i) NextGen Advisory Committee Consultation.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult and task 
     the NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations 
     on ways to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement the 
     NextGen program to realize the operational benefits of such 
     programs.
       (2) Considerations.--In providing recommendations under 
     paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall 
     consider--
       (A) air traffic throughput of the national airspace system;
       (B) daily operational performance, including delays and 
     cancellations; and
       (C) the potential need for performance-based operational 
     metrics related to the NextGen program and subsequent air 
     traffic modernization programs and efforts.

     SEC. 620. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 621. REMOTE TOWERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended--
       (1) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration shall create a program and 
     publish milestones to achieve system design and operational 
     approval for a remote tower system.
       ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
     Administrator shall--
       ``(A) rely on support from the Office of Airports of the 
     Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Traffic 
     Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
     including the Air Traffic Services Service Unit and the 
     Technical Operations Service Unit;
       ``(B) consult with relevant stakeholders, as the 
     Administrator determines appropriate;
       ``(C) establish requirements for the system design and 
     operational approval of remote towers, including--
       ``(i) visual siting processes and requirements for electro-
     optical sensors;
       ``(ii) datalink latency requirements;
       ``(iii) visual presentation design requirements for 
     monitors used to display sensor and camera feeds; and
       ``(iv) any other wireless telecommunications infrastructure 
     requirements to enable the operation of such towers;

[[Page S3441]]

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

     SEC. 622. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.

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

     SEC. 623. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.

       (a) Examination.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with a federally funded research and 
     development center to conduct an Air

[[Page S3442]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 625. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.

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

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

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

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

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

[[Page S3443]]

       (3) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking process 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
       (A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport, rotorcraft 
     manufacturer and operator, general aviation operator, 
     powered-lift operator, air carrier, and performance based 
     navigation technology manufacturer sectors;
       (B) the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
       (C) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
     controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
     States Code; and
       (D) other stakeholders determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

             TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

     SEC. 701. DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT PLANS.

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

     SEC. 702. AIP DEFINITIONS.

       Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) `air carrier' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 40102.'';
       (2) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) a secondary runway at a nonhub airport that is 
     equivalent in size and type to the primary runway of such 
     airport.'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in clause (iii) by inserting ``and fuel infrastructure 
     for such equipment to remove snow'' after ``surveillance 
     equipment'';
       (ii) in clause (ix) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (iii) in clause (x) by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(xi) a medium intensity approach lighting system with 
     runway alignment indicator lights.'';
       (C) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``after December 31, 
     1991,'';
       (D) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``if the airport is 
     located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area 
     (as defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)) and if the airport would be able 
     to receive emission credits, as described in section 47139'';
       (E) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``the airport is 
     located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area 
     (as defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act 
     (42 U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)), if the airport would be able to 
     receive appropriate emission credits (as described in section 
     47139), and'';
       (F) in subparagraph (P)--
       (i) by striking ``improve the reliability and efficiency of 
     the airport's power supply'' and inserting ``improve 
     reliability and efficiency of the power supply of the airport 
     or meet current and future electrical power demand'';
       (ii) by inserting ``, renewable energy generation and 
     storage infrastructure (including necessary substation 
     upgrades to support such infrastructure)'' after ``electrical 
     generators'';
       (iii) by striking ``supply, and'' and inserting 
     ``supply,''; and
       (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, 
     and smart glass (including electrochromic glass).''; and
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(S) acquisition of advanced digital construction 
     management systems and related technology used in the 
     planning, design and engineering, construction, and 
     maintenance of airport facilities when such systems or 
     technologies are acquired to carry out a project approved by 
     the Secretary under this subchapter.
       ``(T) improvements, or planning for improvements (including 
     monitoring equipment or services), that would be necessary to 
     sustain commercial service flight operations

[[Page S3444]]

     or permit the resumption of such flight operations following 
     a natural disaster (including an earthquake, flooding, high 
     water, wildfires, hurricane, storm surge, tidal wave, 
     tornado, tsunami, wind driven water, sea level rise, tropical 
     storm, cyclone, land instability, or winter storm) at--
       ``(i) a primary airport; or
       ``(ii) a nonprimary airport that is designated as a Federal 
     staging area or incident support base by the Administrator of 
     the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
       ``(U) a project to comply with rulemakings and 
     recommendations on airport cybersecurity standards from the 
     aviation rulemaking committee convened under section 395 of 
     the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
       ``(V) reconstructing or rehabilitating an existing 
     crosswind runway (regardless of the wind coverage of the 
     primary runway) if the reconstruction or rehabilitation of 
     such crosswind runway is in the most recently approved 
     airport layout plan of the sponsor.
       ``(W) constructing or acquiring such airport-owned 
     infrastructure or equipment, notwithstanding revenue 
     producing capability of such infrastructure or equipment, as 
     may be required for--
       ``(i) the on-airport distribution or storage of unleaded 
     aviation gasoline for piston-driven aircraft, including on-
     airport construction or expansion of pipelines, storage 
     tanks, low-emission fuel systems, and airport-owned fuel 
     trucks providing exclusively unleaded aviation fuels (unless 
     the Secretary determines that an alternative fuel may be 
     safely used in such fuel truck for a limited time); or
       ``(ii) fueling systems for type certificated hydrogen-
     powered aircraft.
       ``(X) constructing, reconstructing, or rehabilitating a 
     taxiway or taxilane that serves non-exclusive use 
     aeronautical facilities, including aircraft storage 
     facilities, except for the 50 feet of pavement immediately in 
     front of an ineligible building.
       ``(Y) any other activity (excluding terminal development) 
     that the Secretary concludes will reasonably improve the 
     safety of the airport.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and catchment area 
     analyses'' after ``planning'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) assessing current and future electrical power demand 
     for airport airside and landside activities.'';
       (4) in paragraph (20)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated 
     States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.'';
       (5) in paragraph (27) by striking ``the Trust Territory of 
     the Pacific Islands,''; and
       (6) in paragraph (28)(B) by striking ``described in section 
     47119(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``for moving passengers and 
     baggage between terminal facilities and between terminal 
     facilities and aircraft''.

     SEC. 703. REVENUE DIVERSION PENALTY ENHANCEMENT.

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

     SEC. 704. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORT REQUIREMENT.

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

     SEC. 705. RENEWAL OF CERTAIN LEASES.

       Section 47107(t)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``the date of enactment 
     of this subsection'' and inserting ``October 7, 2016''; and
       (2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(D) that--
       ``(i) supports the operation of military aircraft by the 
     Air Force or Air National Guard--

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

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

     SEC. 706. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.

       Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (a)(13), 
     (b), and (c) and section 47133, and subject to paragraph (2), 
     the sponsor of a public-use airport shall not be considered 
     to be in violation of this subtitle, or to be found in 
     violation of a grant assurance made under this section, or 
     under any other provision of law, as a condition for the 
     receipt of Federal financial assistance for airport 
     development, solely because the sponsor has--
       ``(A) entered into an agreement, including a revised 
     agreement, with a local government providing for the use of 
     airport property for an interim compatible recreational 
     purpose at below fair market value; or
       ``(B) permanently restricted the use of airport property to 
     compatible recreational and public park use without paying or 
     otherwise obtaining payment of fair market value for the 
     property.
       ``(2) Restrictions.--
       ``(A) Interim compatible recreational purpose.--Paragraph 
     (1) shall apply, with respect to a sponsor that has taken the 
     action described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, 
     only--
       ``(i) to an agreement regarding airport property that was 
     initially entered into before the publication of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration's Policy and Procedures Concerning 
     the Use of Airport Revenue, dated February 16, 1999;
       ``(ii) if the agreement between the sponsor and the local 
     government is subordinate to any existing or future 
     agreements between the sponsor and the Secretary, including 
     agreements related to a grant assurance under this section;
       ``(iii) to airport property that was purchased using funds 
     from a Federal grant for acquiring land issued prior to 
     January 1, 1989;
       ``(iv) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
     statement to the Administrator that the property made 
     available for a recreational purpose will not be needed for 
     any aeronautical purpose during the next 10 years;
       ``(v) if the agreement includes a term of not more than 2 
     years to prepare the airport property for the interim 
     compatible recreational purpose and not more than 10 years of 
     use for that purpose;
       ``(vi) if the recreational purpose will not impact the 
     aeronautical use of the airport;
       ``(vii) if the airport sponsor provides a certification 
     that the sponsor is not responsible for preparation, startup, 
     operations, maintenance, or any other costs associated with 
     the recreational purpose; and
       ``(viii) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
     Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 47502.
       ``(B) Recreational use.--Paragraph (1) shall apply, with 
     respect to a sponsor that has taken the action described in 
     subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, only--
       ``(i) to airport property that was purchased using funds 
     from a Federal grant for acquiring land issued prior to 
     January 1, 1989;
       ``(ii) to airport property that has been continuously 
     leased or licensed through a written agreement with a 
     governmental entity or non-profit entity for recreational or 
     public park uses since July 1, 2003;
       ``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
     statement to the Administrator that the recreational or 
     public park use does not impact the aeronautical use of the 
     airport and that the property to be permanently restricted 
     for recreational or public park use is not needed for any 
     aeronautical use at the time the written statement is 
     provided and is not expected to be needed for any 
     aeronautical use at any time after such statement is 
     provided;
       ``(iv) if the airport sponsor provides a certification to 
     the Administrator that the sponsor is not responsible for 
     operations, maintenance, or any other costs associated with 
     the recreational or public park use;
       ``(v) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
     Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 47502; 
     and
       ``(vi) if the airport sponsor will--

       ``(I) lease the property to a local government entity or 
     non-profit entity to operate and maintain the property at no 
     cost to the airport sponsor; or
       ``(II) transfer title to the property to a local government 
     entity subject to a permanent deed restriction ensuring 
     compatible airport use under regulations issued pursuant to 
     section 47502.

       ``(3) Revenue from certain sales of airport property.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an airport 
     sponsor leasing or selling a portion of airport property as 
     described in paragraph (2)(B)(vi) may--
       ``(A) lease or sell such portion of airport property for 
     less than fair market value; and
       ``(B) subject to the requirements of subsection (b), retain 
     the revenue from the lease or sale of such portion of airport 
     property for use in accordance with section 47133.
       ``(4) Secretary review and approval.--Notwithstanding any 
     other provision of law, and subject to the sponsor providing 
     a written statement certifying such sponsor meets the 
     requirements under this subsection, no actions permitted 
     under this subsection shall require the review or approval of 
     the Secretary of Transportation.
       ``(5) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     may be construed as permitting a diversion of airport revenue 
     for the capital or operating costs associated with the 
     community use of airport land.
       ``(6) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--In 
     this subsection, the terms `aeronautical use' and 
     `aeronautical purpose'--
       ``(A) mean all activities that involve or are directly 
     related to the operation of aircraft, including activities 
     that make the operation of aircraft possible and safe;
       ``(B) include services located at an airport that are 
     directly and substantially related to the movement of 
     passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo; and
       ``(C) do not include any uses of an airport that are not 
     described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including any aviation-
     related uses that

[[Page S3445]]

     do not need to be located at an airport, such as flight 
     kitchens and airline reservation centers.''.

     SEC. 707. PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 710. SMALL AIRPORT LETTERS OF INTENT.

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

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

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

     SEC. 712. APPORTIONMENTS.

       (a) Primary, Commercial Service, and Cargo Airports.--
       (1) Primary and commercial service airports.--Section 
     47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--
       ``(A) Primary airport apportionment.--The Secretary shall 
     apportion to the sponsor of each primary airport for each 
     fiscal year an amount equal to--
       ``(i) $15.60 for each of the first 50,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
       ``(ii) $10.40 for each of the next 50,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;

[[Page S3446]]

       ``(iii) $5.20 for each of the next 400,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
       ``(iv) $1.30 for each of the next 500,000 passenger 
     boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year; and
       ``(v) $1.00 for each additional passenger boarding at the 
     airport during the prior calendar year.
       ``(B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--Not less than 
     $1,300,000 nor more than $22,000,000 may be apportioned under 
     subparagraph (A) to an airport sponsor for a primary airport 
     for each fiscal year.
       ``(C) New airport.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary shall apportion in the first fiscal year following 
     the official opening of a new airport with scheduled 
     passenger air transportation an amount equal to $1,300,000 to 
     the sponsor of such airport.
       ``(D) Nonprimary commercial service airport 
     apportionment.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall apportion to each 
     commercial service airport that is not a primary airport an 
     amount equal to--

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

       ``(ii) Applicability.--Paragraphs (4) and (5) of subsection 
     (d) shall apply to funds apportioned under this subparagraph.
       ``(E) Public airports with military use.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, a public airport shall be 
     considered a primary airport in each of fiscal years 2025 
     through 2028 for purposes of this chapter if such airport 
     was--
       ``(i) designated as a primary airport in fiscal year 2017; 
     and
       ``(ii) in use by an air reserve station in the calendar 
     year used to calculate apportionments to airport sponsors in 
     a fiscal year.
       ``(F) Special rule for fiscal year 2024.--Notwithstanding 
     any other provision of this paragraph or the absence of 
     scheduled passenger service at an airport, the Secretary 
     shall apportion in fiscal year 2024 to the sponsor of an 
     airport an amount based on the number of passenger boardings 
     at the airport during whichever of the following years that 
     would result in the highest apportioned amount under this 
     paragraph:
       ``(i) Calendar year 2018.
       ``(ii) Calendar year 2019.
       ``(iii) The prior full calendar year prior to fiscal year 
     2024.''.
       (2) Cargo airports.--Section 47114(c)(2) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``3.5'' and inserting ``4''; and
       (ii) by striking ``100,000,000 pounds'' and inserting 
     ``25,000,000 pounds'';
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
       (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
     subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
       (b) General Aviation Airports.--Section 47114(d) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Special rule'' and 
     inserting ``Apportionment'';
       (B) by striking ``excluding primary airports but including 
     reliever and nonprimary commercial service airports'' each 
     place it appears and inserting ``excluding commercial service 
     airports but including reliever airports'';
       (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``20 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent''; and
       (D) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) An airport that has previously been listed as 
     unclassified under the national plan of integrated airport 
     systems that has reestablished the classified status of such 
     airport as of the date of apportionment shall be eligible to 
     accrue apportionment funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) so 
     long as such airport retains such classified status.'';
       (2) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Airports in alaska, puerto 
     rico, and hawaii'' and inserting ``Airports in Noncontiguous 
     States and Territories'';
       (B) by striking ``An amount apportioned under paragraph (2) 
     or (3)'' and inserting the following:
       ``(A) Alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii.--An amount 
     apportioned under this subsection''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) Other territories.--An amount apportioned under 
     paragraph (2)(B)(i) may be made available by the Secretary 
     for any public-use airport in Guam, American Samoa, the 
     Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands if the 
     Secretary determines that there are insufficient qualified 
     grant applications for projects at airports that are 
     otherwise eligible for funding under that paragraph. The 
     Secretary shall prioritize the use of such amounts in the 
     territory the amount was originally apportioned in.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``or subsection 
     (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under this subsection'';
       (4) in paragraph (6)--
       (A) by striking ``provision of this subsection'' and 
     inserting ``provision of this section''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under 
     this subsection'';
       (5) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (6) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (6), respectively.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Project grant application approval.--Section 
     47106(a)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 
     47114(d)(2)(B)''.
       (2) Air traffic control contract program.--Section 
     47124(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is further 
     amended--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
       (i) in subclause (I) by striking ``sections 47114(c)(2) and 
     47114(d)'' and inserting ``subsections (c) and (d) of section 
     47114'';
       (ii) in subclause (II) by striking ``sections 47114(c)(2) 
     and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 
     47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
       (iii) in subclause (III) by striking ``sections 47114(c)(2) 
     and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``sections 47114(c) and 
     47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B)(v) by striking ``section 
     47114(d)(2) or 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 
     47114(d)(2)(B)''.

     SEC. 713. PFC TURNBACK REDUCTION.

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

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

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

[[Page S3447]]

     and whether additional appropriation levels are appropriate; 
     and
       (E) other items determined appropriate by the Secretary.

     SEC. 715. SPECIAL CARRYOVER ASSUMPTION RULE.

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

     SEC. 716. SMALL AIRPORT FUND.

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

     SEC. 717. REVISION OF DISCRETIONARY CATEGORIES.

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

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

       (ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
       (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Special rule.--Beginning in fiscal year 2026, if the 
     amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) was not equal to 
     or greater than $150,000,000 in the preceding fiscal year, 
     the Secretary shall issue grants for projects eligible under 
     paragraph (1)(A) from apportionment funds made available 
     under section 47114 that are not required during the fiscal 
     year pursuant to subsection (b)(1) in an amount that is not 
     less than--
       ``(A) $150,000,000; minus
       ``(B) the amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) in 
     the preceding fiscal year.''.

     SEC. 718. DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS.

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

     SEC. 719. PROTECTING GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS FROM CLOSURE.

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

[[Page S3448]]

  


     SEC. 720. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 721. INNOVATIVE FINANCING TECHNIQUES.

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

     SEC. 722. LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT PLANS.

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

     SEC. 723. ALTERNATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY.

       (a) In General.--Section 47142 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by striking ``Design-build 
     contracting'' and inserting ``Alternative project delivery'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Transportation''; and
       (ii) by striking ``award a design-build'' and inserting 
     ``award a covered project delivery'';
       (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``design-build'' and 
     inserting ``covered project delivery''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``design-build contract 
     will'' and inserting ``covered project delivery contract is 
     projected to''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Pilot Program.--
       ``(1) Pilot program.--Not later than 270 days after the 
     date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
     establish a pilot program under which the Administrator may 
     award grants for integrated project delivery contracts, as 
     described in subsection (d)(2), to carry out up to 5 building 
     construction projects at airports in the United States with a 
     grant awarded under section 47104.
       ``(2) Application.--
       ``(A) Eligibility.--A sponsor of an airport may submit to 
     the Secretary an application, in such time and manner and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, to 
     carry out a building construction project under the pilot 
     program that would otherwise be eligible for assistance under 
     this chapter.
       ``(B) Approval.--The Secretary may approve the application 
     of a sponsor of an airport submitted under paragraph (1) to 
     authorize such sponsor to award an integrated project 
     delivery contract using a selection process permitted under 
     applicable State or local law if--
       ``(i) the Secretary approves the application using criteria 
     established by the Secretary;

[[Page S3449]]

       ``(ii) the integrated project delivery contract is in a 
     form that is approved by the Secretary;
       ``(iii) the Secretary is satisfied that the contract will 
     be executed pursuant to competitive procedures and contains a 
     schematic design and any other material that the Secretary 
     determines sufficient to approve the grant;
       ``(iv) the Secretary is satisfied that the use of an 
     integrated project delivery contract will be cost effective 
     and expedite the project;
       ``(v) the Secretary is satisfied that there will be no 
     conflict of interest; and
       ``(vi) the Secretary is satisfied that the contract 
     selection process will be open, fair, and objective and that 
     not less than 2 sets of proposals will be submitted for each 
     team entity under the selection process.
       ``(3) Reimbursement of costs.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may reimburse a sponsor of 
     an airport for any design or construction costs incurred 
     before a grant is made pursuant to this section if--
       ``(i) the project funding is approved by the Secretary in 
     advance;
       ``(ii) the project is carried out in accordance with all 
     administrative and statutory requirements under this chapter; 
     and
       ``(iii) the project is carried out under this chapter after 
     a grant agreement has been executed.
       ``(B) Accounting.--Reimbursement of costs shall be based on 
     transparent cost accounting or open book cost accounting.
       ``(d) Covered Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this 
     section, the term `covered project delivery contract' means--
       ``(1) an agreement that provides for both design and 
     construction of a project by a contractor through alternative 
     project delivery methods, including construction manager-at-
     risk and progressive design build; or
       ``(2) a single contract for the delivery of a whole project 
     that--
       ``(A) includes, at a minimum, the sponsor, builder, and 
     architect-engineer as parties that are subject to the terms 
     of the contract;
       ``(B) aligns the interests of all the parties to the 
     contract with respect to the project costs and project 
     outcomes; and
       ``(C) includes processes to ensure transparency and 
     collaboration among all parties to the contract relating to 
     project costs and project outcomes.''.
       (b) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Secretary 
     establishes the pilot program under section 47142(c) of title 
     49, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), the 
     Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
     on whether integrated project delivery or other covered 
     project delivery contracts authorized under such section 
     resulted in any project efficiencies.
       (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 47142 and inserting the following:

``47142. Alternative project delivery.''.

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

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

     SEC. 725. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility

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


[[Page S3450]]


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

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

       (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, 
     United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``Sec. 47146. General aviation program runway extension pilot 
       program

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

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

     SEC. 727. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 729. NATIONAL PRIORITY SYSTEM FORMULAS.

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

     SEC. 730. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

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

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

       Section 162 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
     U.S.C. 47102 note) is amended,

[[Page S3451]]

     in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``2018'' 
     and all that follows through ``2024'' and inserting ``2024 
     through 2028''.

     SEC. 732. POPULOUS COUNTIES WITHOUT AIRPORTS.

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

     SEC. 733. AIP HANDBOOK UPDATE.

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

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

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

     SEC. 735. GAO STUDY OF ONSITE AIRPORT GENERATION.

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

     SEC. 736. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AT AIRPORTS.

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

     SEC. 737. COASTAL AIRPORTS ASSESSMENT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination 
     with the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the 
     United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Administrator 
     of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall 
     initiate an assessment on the resiliency of airports in 
     coastal or flood-prone areas of the United States.
       (b) Contents.--The assessment required under subsection (a) 
     shall--
       (1) examine the impact of hazardous weather and other 
     environmental factors that pose risks to airports in coastal 
     or flood-prone areas; and
       (2) identify and evaluate initiatives and best practices to 
     prevent and mitigate the impacts of factors described in 
     paragraph (1) on airports in coastal or flood-prone areas.

[[Page S3452]]

       (c) Report.--Upon completion of the assessment, the 
     Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
     of the House of Representatives a report on--
       (1) the results of the assessment required under subsection 
     (a); and
       (2) recommendations for legislative or administrative 
     action to improve the resiliency of airports in coastal or 
     flood-prone areas in the United States.

     SEC. 738. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 741. SECONDARY RUNWAYS.

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

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

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

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

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

       ``(I) heating and cooling;
       ``(II) on-road airport vehicles and ground support 
     equipment;
       ``(III) gate electrification;
       ``(IV) electric aircraft charging; and
       ``(V) vehicles and equipment used to transport passengers 
     and employees between the airport and--

       ``(aa) nearby facilities owned or controlled by the airport 
     or which otherwise directly support the functions or services 
     provided by the airport; or
       ``(bb) an intermodal surface transportation facility 
     adjacent to the airport; and
       ``(ii) existing energy infrastructure condition, location, 
     and capacity, including base load and backup power, to meet 
     the current and future electrical power demand as identified 
     in this subparagraph; and
       ``(B) conduct airport development to improve energy 
     efficiency, increase peak load savings at the airport, and 
     meet future electrical power demands as identified in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(2) reimburse the airport sponsor for the costs incurred 
     in conducting the assessment under paragraph (1)(A).
       ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to airport 
     sponsors from amounts made available under section 48103 to 
     assist such sponsors that have completed the assessment 
     described in subsection (a)(1)--
       ``(1) to acquire or construct equipment that will improve 
     energy efficiency at the airport; and
       ``(2) to pursue an airport development project described in 
     subsection (a)(1)(B).
       ``(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under 
     paragraph (1), the sponsor of a public-use airport shall 
     submit an application, including a certification that no 
     safety projects are being deferred by requesting a grant 
     under this section, to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 47140 and inserting the following:

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

     SEC. 743. REVIEW OF AIRPORT LAYOUT PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
     of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) [Reserved].''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) [Reserved].''.
       (b) Airport Layout Plan Approval Authority.--Section 47107 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(16)--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) subject to subsection (x), the Secretary will review 
     and approve or disapprove the plan and any revision or 
     modification of the plan before the plan, revision, or 
     modification takes effect;''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (C)(i) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' 
     and inserting ``subsection (x)''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(x) Scope of Airport Layout Plan Review and Approval 
     Authority of Secretary.--
       ``(1) Authority over projects on land acquired without 
     federal assistance.--For purposes of subsection (a)(16)(B), 
     with respect to any project proposed on land acquired by an 
     airport owner or operator without Federal assistance, the 
     Secretary may review and approve or disapprove only the 
     portions of the plan (or any subsequent revision to the plan) 
     that--

[[Page S3453]]

       ``(A) materially impact the safe and efficient operation of 
     aircraft at, to, or from the airport;
       ``(B) adversely affect the safety of people or property on 
     the ground as a result of aircraft operations; or
       ``(C) adversely affect the value of prior Federal 
     investments to a significant extent.
       ``(2) Limitation on non-aeronautical review.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may not require an airport 
     to seek approval for (including in the submission of an 
     airport layout plan), or directly or indirectly regulate or 
     place conditions on (including through any grant assurance), 
     any project that is not subject to paragraph (1).
       ``(B) Review and approval authority.--If only a portion of 
     a project proposed by an airport owner or operator is subject 
     to the review and approval of the Secretary under subsection 
     (a)(16)(B), the Secretary shall not extend review and 
     approval authority to other non-aeronautical portions of the 
     project.
       ``(3) Notice.--
       ``(A) In general.--An airport owner or operator shall 
     submit to the Secretary a notice of intent to proceed with a 
     proposed project (or a portion thereof) that is outside of 
     the review and approval authority of the Secretary, as 
     described in this subsection, if the project was not on the 
     most recently submitted airport layout plan of the airport.
       ``(B) Failure to object.--If not later than 45 days after 
     receiving the notice of intent described in subparagraph (A), 
     the Secretary fails to object to such notice, the proposed 
     project (or portion thereof) shall be deemed as being outside 
     the scope of the review and approval authority of the 
     Secretary under subsection (a)(16)(B).''.

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

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

     SEC. 745. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 746. CURB MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

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

     SEC. 747. NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.

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

     SEC. 748. RUNWAY SAFETY PROJECTS.

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

     SEC. 749. AIRPORT DIAGRAM TERMINOLOGY.

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

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

       (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a 
     study reviewing the efforts of fixed based operators to meet 
     their commitments to improve the online transparency of 
     prices and fees for all aircraft and enhancing the customer 
     experience for general and business aviation users.
       (b) Contents.--In conducting the study described in 
     subsection (a), the Comptroller General, at a minimum, should 
     evaluate the fixed based operator industry commitment to 
     ``Know Before You Go'' best business practices including--
       (1) fixed based operators provisions for all general 
     aviation and business aircraft types regarding a description 
     of available services and a listing of applicable retail fuel 
     prices, fees, and charges;
       (2) the accessibility of fees and charges described in 
     paragraph (1) to aircraft operators on-line and in a user-
     friendly manner and with sufficient clarity that a pilot 
     operating a particular aircraft type can determine what will 
     be charged;
       (3) efforts by fixed based operators to invite and 
     encourage customers to contact

[[Page S3454]]

     them so that operators can ask questions, know any options, 
     and make informed decisions; and
       (4) any practices imposed by an airport operator that 
     prevent fixed based operators from fully disclosing fees and 
     charges.
       (c) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
     containing the results of the review required under this 
     section.

     SEC. 751. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.

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

     SEC. 752. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN RUNWAY LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.

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

     SEC. 753. REPORT ON INDO-PACIFIC AIRPORTS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 755. GAO STUDY ON TRANSIT ACCESS.

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

     SEC. 756. BANNING MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.

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

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

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

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

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

[[Page S3455]]

  


     SEC. 759. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 763. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.

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

     SEC. 764. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on--
       (1) specific actions the Secretary and the Administrator, 
     using existing legal authority, can take to expand access for 
     lower cost

[[Page S3456]]

     passenger air carriers to capacity constrained airports in 
     the United States, including New York John F. Kennedy 
     International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty 
     International Airport; and
       (2) any additional legal authority the Secretary and the 
     Administrator require in order to make additional slots at 
     New York John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia 
     Airport and runway timings at Newark Liberty International 
     Airport available to lower cost passenger air carriers.

     SEC. 765. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.

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

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

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

     SEC. 767. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.

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

     SEC. 768. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS.

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

[[Page S3457]]

     investment if the relationship or investment involves a 
     corporation based in the People's Republic of China.
       ``(3) International agreements.--This subsection shall be 
     applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the 
     United States under international agreements.
       ``(4) Waiver.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the limitation 
     described in paragraph (1) using the criteria described in 
     subsection (b).
       ``(B) Notification.--Not later than 10 days after issuing a 
     waiver under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Restricting contract awards because of discrimination 
     against united states goods or services.--Section 50102 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``(except section 47127)''.
       (2) Restriction on airport projects using products or 
     services of foreign countries denying fair market 
     opportunities.--Section 50104(b) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``(except section 47127)''.
       (3) Fraudulent use of made in america label.--Section 50105 
     of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     ``(except section 47127)''.

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

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

     SEC. 770. GRANT ASSURANCES.

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

     SEC. 771. AVIATION FUEL IN ALASKA.

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

     SEC. 772. APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 774. UNIVERSAL CHANGING STATION.

       (a) Grant Assurances.--Section 47107 of title 49, United 
     States Code, as amended by section 743(b)(2), is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(y) Universal Changing Station.--
       ``(1) In general.--In fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation may approve an 
     application under this subchapter for an airport development 
     project grant only if the Secretary receives written 
     assurances that the airport owner or operator will install or 
     maintain (in compliance with the requirements of section 
     35.133 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations), as 
     applicable--
       ``(A) at least 1 private, single-use room with a universal 
     changing station that--
       ``(i) meets the standards established under paragraph 
     (2)(A); and
       ``(ii) is accessible to all individuals for purposes of use 
     by an individual with a disability in each passenger terminal 
     building of the airport; and
       ``(B) signage at or near the entrance to the changing 
     station indicating the location of the changing station.
       ``(2) Standards required.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this subsection, the United States 
     Access Board shall--
       ``(A) establish--
       ``(i) comprehensive accessible design standards for 
     universal changing tables; and
       ``(ii) standards on the privacy, accessibility, and 
     sanitation equipment of the room in which such table is 
     located, required to be installed, or maintained under this 
     subsection; and
       ``(B) in establishing the standards under subparagraph (A), 
     consult with entities with appropriate expertise relating to 
     the use of universal changing stations used by individuals 
     with disabilities.
       ``(3) Applicability.--

[[Page S3458]]

       ``(A) Airport size.--The requirement in paragraph (1) shall 
     only apply to applications submitted by the airport sponsor 
     of a medium or large hub airport.
       ``(B) Special rule.--The requirement in paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply with respect to a project grant application for a 
     period of time, determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary 
     determines that construction or maintenance activities make 
     it impracticable or unsafe for the universal changing station 
     to be located in the sterile area of the building.
       ``(4) Exception.--Upon application by an airport sponsor, 
     the Secretary may determine that a universal changing station 
     in existence before the date of enactment of the FAA 
     Reauthorization Act of 2024, complies with the requirements 
     of paragraph (1) (including the standards established under 
     paragraph (2)(A)), notwithstanding the absence of 1 or more 
     of the standards or characteristics required under such 
     paragraph.
       ``(5) Definition.--In this section:
       ``(A) Disability.--The term `disability' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 3 of the Americans with 
     Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
       ``(B) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has the same 
     meaning given that term in section 1540.5 of title 49, Code 
     of Federal Regulations.
       ``(C) Universal changing station.--The term `universal 
     changing station' means a universal or adult changing station 
     that meets the standards established by the United States 
     Access Board under paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(D) United states access board.--The term `United States 
     Access Board' means the Architectural and Transportation 
     Barriers Compliance Board established under section 502(a)(1) 
     of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 792(a)(1)).''.
       (b) Terminal Development Costs.--Section 47119(a) of title 
     49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Universal changing stations.--In addition to the 
     projects described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may 
     approve a project for terminal development for the 
     construction or installation of a universal changing station 
     (as defined in section 47107(y)) at a commercial service 
     airport.''.

     SEC. 774A. AIRPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION GRANTS.

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

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

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

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

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

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

     SEC. 776. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE STREAMLINING.

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

[[Page S3459]]

  


     Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

     SEC. 781. STREAMLINING CONSULTATION PROCESS.

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

     SEC. 782. REPEAL OF BURDENSOME EMISSIONS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS.

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

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

       Section 47171 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``develop and''; and
       (ii) by striking ``projects at congested airports'' and all 
     that follows through ``aviation security projects'' and 
     inserting ``projects, terminal development projects, general 
     aviation airport construction or improvement projects, and 
     aviation safety projects''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``better'' and inserting 
     ``streamlined'';
       (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Aviation Projects Subject to a Streamlined 
     Environmental Review Process.--
       ``(1) In general.--Any airport capacity enhancement 
     project, terminal development project, or general aviation 
     airport construction or improvement project shall be subject 
     to the coordinated and expedited environmental review process 
     requirements set forth in this section.
       ``(2) Project designation criteria.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may designate an aviation 
     safety project for priority environmental review.
       ``(B) Requirements.--A designated project shall be subject 
     to the coordinated and expedited environmental review process 
     requirements set forth in this section.
       ``(C) Guidelines.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish guidelines 
     for the designation of an aviation safety project or aviation 
     security project for priority environmental review.
       ``(ii) Consideration.--Guidelines established under clause 
     (i) shall provide for consideration of--

       ``(I) the importance or urgency of the project;
       ``(II) the potential for undertaking the environmental 
     review under existing emergency procedures under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
       ``(III) the need for cooperation and concurrent reviews by 
     other Federal or State agencies; and
       ``(IV) the prospect for undue delay if the project is not 
     designated for priority review.'';

       (3) in subsection (c) by striking ``an airport capacity 
     enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
     designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b)'';
       (4) in subsection (d) by striking ``each airport capacity 
     enhancement project at a congested airport or a project 
     designated under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b)'';
       (5) in subsection (h) by striking ``designated under 
     subsection (b)(3)'' and all that follows through ``congested 
     airports'' and inserting ``described in subsection (b)(1)'';
       (6) in subsection (j)--
       (A) by striking ``For any'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--For any''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary shall define the purpose and 
     need of a project not later than 45 days after--
       ``(A) the submission of the appropriately completed 
     proposed purpose and need description of the airport sponsor; 
     and
       ``(B) any appropriately completed proposed revision to a 
     development project that affects the purpose and need 
     description previously prepared or accepted by the Federal 
     Aviation Administration.
       ``(3) Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide all airport 
     sponsors with technical assistance in drafting purpose and 
     need statements and necessary supporting documentation for 
     projects involving Federal approvals from more than 1 Federal 
     agency.'';
       (7) in subsection (k)--
       (A) by striking ``an airport capacity enhancement project 
     at a congested airport or a project designated under 
     subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project described or 
     designated under subsection (b)'';
       (B) by striking ``project shall consider'' and inserting 
     the following: ``project shall--
       ``(1) consider'';
       (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) limit the comments of the agency to--
       ``(A) subject matter areas within the special expertise of 
     the agency; and
       ``(B) changes necessary to ensure the agency is carrying 
     out the obligations of that agency under the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
     other applicable law.'';
       (8) in subsection (l) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``and section 1503 of title 40, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.''; and
       (9) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
       ``(m) Coordination and Schedule.--
       ``(1) Coordination plan.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     publication of a notice of intent to prepare an environmental 
     impact statement or the initiation of an environmental 
     assessment, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a 
     plan for coordinating public and agency participation in and 
     comment on the environmental review process for a project 
     described or designated under subsection (b). The 
     coordination plan may be incorporated into a memorandum of 
     understanding.
       ``(B) Cloud-based, interactive digital platforms.--The 
     Secretary is encouraged to utilize cloud-based, interactive 
     digital platforms to meet community engagement and agency 
     coordination requirements under subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Schedule.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish as part of 
     such coordination plan, after consultation with and the 
     concurrence of each participating agency for the project and 
     with the State in which the project is located (and, if the 
     State is not the project sponsor, with the project sponsor), 
     a schedule for--

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

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

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

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

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

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

       ``(III) Secretary responsibilities.--

       ``(aa) In general.--The Secretary shall make information 
     available to each cooperating and participating agency and 
     project sponsor as early as practicable in the environmental 
     review regarding the environmental, historic, and 
     socioeconomic resources located within the project area and 
     the general locations of the alternatives under 
     consideration.
       ``(bb) Sources of information.--The information described 
     in item (aa) may be based on existing data sources, including 
     geographic information systems mapping.

       ``(IV) Cooperating and participating agency 
     responsibilities.--Each cooperating and participating agency 
     shall--

       ``(aa) identify, as early as practicable, any issues of 
     concern regarding any potential environmental impacts of the 
     project, including any issues that could substantially delay 
     or prevent an agency from completing any environmental review 
     or authorization required for the project; and
       ``(bb) communicate any issues described in item (aa) to the 
     project sponsor.

[[Page S3460]]

       ``(V) Elevation for missed milestone.--If a dispute between 
     the Secretary and participating agencies (or amongst 
     participating agencies) causes a milestone to be missed or 
     extended, or the Secretary anticipates that a permitting 
     timetable milestone will be missed or will need to be 
     extended, the dispute shall be elevated to an official 
     designated by the relevant agency for resolution. The 
     elevation of a dispute shall take place as soon as 
     practicable after the Secretary becomes aware of the dispute 
     or potential missed milestone.
       ``(VI) Exception.--Disputes that do not impact the ability 
     of an agency to meet a milestone may be elevated as 
     appropriate.
       ``(VII) Further evaluation.--If a resolution has not been 
     reached at the end of the 30-day period after a relevant 
     milestone date or extension date after a dispute has been 
     elevated to the designated official, the relevant agencies 
     shall elevate the dispute to senior agency leadership for 
     resolution.

       ``(D) Consistency with other time periods.--A schedule 
     under subparagraph (C) shall be consistent with any other 
     relevant time periods established under Federal law.
       ``(E) Modification.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the 
     Secretary may lengthen or shorten a schedule established 
     under subparagraph (C) for good cause. The Secretary may 
     consider a decision by the project sponsor to change, modify, 
     expand, or reduce the scope of a project as good cause for 
     purposes of this clause.
       ``(ii) Limitations.--

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

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

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

       ``(G) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule under 
     subparagraph (C), and of any modifications to the schedule 
     under subparagraph (E), shall be--
       ``(i) provided to all participating agencies and to the 
     State department of transportation of the State in which the 
     project is located (and, if the State is not the project 
     sponsor, to the project sponsor); and
       ``(ii) made available to the public.
       ``(2) Comment deadlines.--The Secretary shall establish the 
     following deadlines for comment during the environmental 
     review process for a project:
       ``(A) For comments by agencies and the public on a draft 
     environmental impact statement, a period of not more than 60 
     days after publication in the Federal Register of notice of 
     the date of public availability of such statement, unless--
       ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement of 
     the lead agency, the project sponsor, and all participating 
     agencies; or
       ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for good 
     cause.
       ``(B) For all other comment periods established by the lead 
     agency for agency or public comments in the environmental 
     review process, a period of not more than 45 days from 
     availability of the materials on which comment is requested, 
     unless--
       ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement of 
     the Secretary, the project sponsor, and all participating 
     agencies; or
       ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for good 
     cause.
       ``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--In any 
     case in which a decision under any Federal law relating to a 
     project described or designated under subsection (b) 
     (including the issuance or denial of a permit or license) is 
     required to be made by the later of the date that is 180 days 
     after the date on which the Secretary made all final 
     decisions of the lead agency with respect to the project or 
     180 days after the date on which an application was submitted 
     for the permit or license, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation of the Senate and publish on a website of 
     the Department of Transportation--
       ``(A) as soon as practicable after the 180-day period, an 
     initial notice of the failure of the Federal agency to make 
     the decision; and
       ``(B) every 60 days thereafter until such date as all 
     decisions of the Federal agency relating to the project have 
     been made by the Federal agency, an additional notice that 
     describes the number of decisions of the Federal agency that 
     remain outstanding as of the date of the additional notice.
       ``(4) Involvement of the public.--Nothing in this 
     subsection shall reduce any time period provided for public 
     comment in the environmental review process under existing 
     Federal law, including a regulation.
       ``(n) Concurrent Reviews and Single NEPA Document.--
       ``(1) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and 
     cooperating agency under the expedited and coordinated 
     environmental review process established under this section 
     shall--
       ``(A) carry out the obligations of such agency under other 
     applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction, with the 
     review required under the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless doing so would 
     impair the ability of such agency to conduct needed analysis 
     or otherwise carry out such obligations; and
       ``(B) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and 
     procedural mechanisms to enable the agency to ensure 
     completion of the environmental review process in a timely, 
     coordinated, and environmentally responsible manner.
       ``(2) Single nepa document.--
       ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable and 
     consistent with Federal law, all Federal permits and reviews 
     for a project shall rely on a single environmental document 
     prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) under the leadership of the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Use of document.--
       ``(i) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Secretary shall develop an environmental document sufficient 
     to satisfy the requirements for any Federal approval or other 
     Federal action required for the project, including permits 
     issued by other Federal agencies.
       ``(ii) Cooperation of participating agencies.--In carrying 
     out this subparagraph, other participating agencies shall 
     cooperate with the lead agency and provide timely 
     information.
       ``(C) Treatment as participating and cooperating 
     agencies.--A Federal agency required to make an approval or 
     take an action for a project, as described in this paragraph, 
     shall work with the Secretary to ensure that the agency 
     making the approval or taking the action is treated as being 
     both a participating and cooperating agency for the project.
       ``(D) Exceptions.--The Secretary may waive the application 
     of subparagraph (A) with respect to a project if--
       ``(i) the project sponsor requests that agencies issue 
     separate environmental documents;
       ``(ii) the obligations of a cooperating agency or 
     participating agency under the National Environmental Policy 
     Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already been 
     satisfied with respect to the project; or
       ``(iii) the Secretary determines that reliance on a single 
     environmental document (as described in subparagraph (A)) 
     would not facilitate timely completion of the environmental 
     review process for the project.
       ``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--An agency 
     participating in the expedited and coordinated environmental 
     review process under this section shall--
       ``(A) provide comments, responses, studies, or 
     methodologies on areas within the special expertise or 
     jurisdiction of the agency; and
       ``(B) use the process to address any environmental issues 
     of concern to the agency.
       ``(o) Environmental Impact Statement.--
       ``(1) In general.--In preparing a final environmental 
     impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act 
     of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project described or 
     designated under subsection (b), if the Secretary modifies 
     the statement in response to comments that are minor and are 
     confined to factual corrections or explanations of why the 
     comments do not warrant additional agency response, the 
     Secretary may write on errata sheets attached to the 
     statement instead of rewriting the draft statement, subject 
     to the condition that the errata sheets--
       ``(A) cite the sources, authorities, and reasons that 
     support the position of the agency; and
       ``(B) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances that would 
     trigger agency reappraisal or further response.
       ``(2) Single document.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
     for a project subject to a coordinated review process under 
     this section, the Secretary shall expeditiously develop a 
     single document that consists of a final environmental impact 
     statement and a record of decision, unless--
       ``(A) the final environmental impact statement or record of 
     decision makes substantial changes to the project that are 
     relevant to environmental or safety concerns; or
       ``(B) there is a significant new circumstance or 
     information relevant to environmental concerns that bears on 
     the proposed action or the environmental impacts of the 
     proposed action.
       ``(3) Length of environmental document.--
       ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     an environmental impact statement shall not exceed 150 pages, 
     not including any citations or appendices.
       ``(B) Extraordinary complexity.--An environmental impact 
     statement for a proposed agency action of extraordinary 
     complexity shall not exceed 300 pages, not including any 
     citations or appendices.

[[Page S3461]]

       ``(p) Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5) and to the 
     maximum extent practicable and appropriate, the following 
     agencies may adopt or incorporate by reference, and use a 
     planning product in proceedings relating to, any class of 
     action in the environmental review process of a project 
     described or designated under subsection (b):
       ``(A) The lead agency for a project, with respect to an 
     environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, 
     categorical exclusion, or other document prepared under the 
     National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
     seq.).
       ``(B) A cooperating agency with responsibility under 
     Federal law with respect to the process for and completion of 
     any environmental permit, approval, review, or study required 
     for a project under any Federal law other than the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if 
     consistent with such Act.
       ``(2) Identification.--If a lead or cooperating agency 
     makes a determination to adopt or incorporate by reference 
     and use a planning product under paragraph (1), such agency 
     shall identify the agencies that participated in the 
     development of the planning products.
       ``(3) Adoption or incorporation by reference of planning 
     products.--Such agency may--
       ``(A) adopt or incorporate by reference an entire planning 
     product under paragraph (1); or
       ``(B) select portions of a planning project under paragraph 
     (1) for adoption or incorporation by reference.
       ``(4) Timing.--The adoption or incorporation by reference 
     of a planning product under paragraph (1) may--
       ``(A) be made at the time the lead and cooperating agencies 
     decide the appropriate scope of environmental review for the 
     project; or
       ``(B) occur later in the environmental review process, as 
     appropriate.
       ``(5) Conditions.--Such agency in the environmental review 
     process may adopt or incorporate by reference a planning 
     product under this section if such agency determines, with 
     the concurrence of the lead agency, if appropriate, and, if 
     the planning product is necessary for a cooperating agency to 
     issue a permit, review, or approval for the project, with the 
     concurrence of the cooperating agency, if appropriate, that 
     the following conditions have been met:
       ``(A) The planning product was developed through a planning 
     process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
       ``(B) The planning product was developed in consultation 
     with appropriate Federal and State resource agencies and 
     Indian Tribes.
       ``(C) The planning process included broad multidisciplinary 
     consideration of systems-level or corridor-wide 
     transportation needs and potential effects, including effects 
     on the human and natural environment.
       ``(D) The planning process included public notice that the 
     planning products produced in the planning process may be 
     adopted during any subsequent environmental review process in 
     accordance with this section.
       ``(E) During the environmental review process, the such 
     agency has--
       ``(i) made the planning documents available for public 
     review and comment by members of the general public and 
     Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments that may have 
     an interest in the proposed project;
       ``(ii) provided notice of the intention of the such agency 
     to adopt or incorporate by reference the planning product; 
     and
       ``(iii) considered any resulting comments.
       ``(F) There is no significant new information or new 
     circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting 
     the continued validity or appropriateness of the planning 
     product or portions thereof.
       ``(G) The planning product has a rational basis and is 
     based on reliable and reasonably current data and reasonable 
     and scientifically acceptable methodologies.
       ``(H) The planning product is documented in sufficient 
     detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis 
     and to meet requirements for use of the information in the 
     environmental review process.
       ``(I) The planning product is appropriate for adoption or 
     incorporation by reference and use in the environmental 
     review process for the project and is incorporated in 
     accordance with, and is sufficient to meet the requirements 
     of, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
     4321 et seq.) and section 1502.21 of title 40, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.
       ``(6) Effect of adoption or incorporation by reference.--
     Any planning product or portions thereof adopted or 
     incorporated by reference by such agency in accordance with 
     this subsection may be--
       ``(A) incorporated directly into an environmental review 
     process document or other environmental document; and
       ``(B) relied on and used by other Federal agencies in 
     carrying out reviews of the project.
       ``(q) Report on NEPA Data.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a process 
     to track, and annually submit to the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
     Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural 
     Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee 
     on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on 
     projects described in subsection (b)(1) that contains the 
     information described in paragraph (3).
       ``(2) Time to complete.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the 
     NEPA process--
       ``(A) for an environmental impact statement--
       ``(i) begins on the date on which a notice of intent is 
     published in the Federal Register; and
       ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a 
     record of decision, including, if necessary, a revised record 
     of decision; and
       ``(B) for an environmental assessment--
       ``(i) begins on the date on which the Secretary makes a 
     determination to prepare an environmental assessment; and
       ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a 
     finding of no significant impact or determines that 
     preparation of an environmental impact statement is 
     necessary.
       ``(3) Information described.--The information referred to 
     in paragraph (1) is, with respect to the Federal Aviation 
     Administration--
       ``(A) the number of proposed actions for which a 
     categorical exclusion was applied by the Secretary during the 
     reporting period;
       ``(B) the number of proposed actions for which a documented 
     categorical exclusion was applied by the Secretary during the 
     reporting period;
       ``(C) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which the issuance of a 
     documented categorical exclusion by the Secretary is pending;
       ``(D) the number of proposed actions for which an 
     environmental assessment was issued by the Secretary during 
     the reporting period;
       ``(E) the length of time the Administration took to 
     complete each environmental assessment described in 
     subparagraph (D);
       ``(F) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which an environmental 
     assessment is being drafted by the Secretary;
       ``(G) the number of proposed actions for which a final 
     environmental impact statement was completed by the Secretary 
     during the reporting period;
       ``(H) the length of time that the Secretary took to 
     complete each environmental impact statement described in 
     subparagraph (G);
       ``(I) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
     which the report is submitted for which an environmental 
     impact statement is being drafted; and
       ``(J) for the proposed actions reported under subparagraphs 
     (F) and (I), the percentage of such proposed actions for 
     which--
       ``(i) project funding has been identified; and
       ``(ii) all other Federal, State, and local activities that 
     are required to allow the proposed action to proceed are 
     completed.
       ``(4) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(A) Environmental assessment.--The term `environmental 
     assessment' has the meaning given such term in section 1508.1 
     of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
     regulation).
       ``(B) Environmental impact statement.--The term 
     `environmental impact statement' means a detailed statement 
     required under section 102(2)(C) of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
       ``(C) NEPA process.--The term `NEPA process' means the 
     entirety of the development and documentation of the analysis 
     required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including the assessment and 
     analysis of any impacts, alternatives, and mitigation of a 
     proposed action, and any interagency participation and public 
     involvement required to be carried out before the Secretary 
     undertakes a proposed action.
       ``(D) Proposed action.--The term `proposed action' means an 
     action (within the meaning of the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)) under this title 
     that the Secretary proposes to carry out.
       ``(E) Reporting period.--The term `reporting period' means 
     the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which a report is 
     issued under subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 784. SUBCHAPTER III DEFINITIONS.

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

     SEC. 785. PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.

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

     SEC. 786. PART 150 NOISE STANDARDS UPDATE.

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

[[Page S3462]]

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

     SEC. 787. REDUCING COMMUNITY AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE.

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

     SEC. 788. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.

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

     SEC. 789. UPDATING PRESUMED TO CONFORM LIMITS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 791. UFP STUDY.

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

     SEC. 792. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish 
     an Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Advisory Committee'') to advise the 
     Administrator on issues facing the aviation community that 
     are related to aircraft noise exposure and existing FAA noise 
     policies and regulations.
       (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint the 
     members of the Advisory Committee, which shall be comprised 
     of--
       (1) at least 1 representative of each of--
       (A) engine manufacturers;
       (B) air carriers;
       (C) airport owners or operators;

[[Page S3463]]

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

     SEC. 793. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall continue 
     existing community engagement activities under the 
     designation of a Community Collaboration Program (in this 
     section referred to as the ``Program'').
       (b) Responsibilities.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Administrator shall facilitate and harmonize, as appropriate, 
     policies and procedures carried out by various offices of the 
     FAA pertaining to community engagement relating to--
       (A) airport planning and development;
       (B) noise and environmental policy;
       (C) NextGen implementation;
       (D) air traffic route changes;
       (E) integration of new and emerging entrants; and
       (F) other topics with respect to which community engagement 
     is critical to program success.
       (2) Specified responsibilities.--In carrying out the 
     Program, the Administrator shall be responsible for--
       (A) updating the internal guidance of the FAA for community 
     engagement based on--
       (i) best practices of other Federal agencies and external 
     organizations with expertise in community engagement;
       (ii) interviews with impacted residents; and
       (iii) recommendations solicited from individuals and local 
     government officials in communities adversely impacted by 
     aircraft noise;
       (B) coordinating with the Air Traffic Organization on 
     community engagement efforts related to air traffic procedure 
     changes to ensure that impacted communities are consulted in 
     a meaningful way;
       (C) coordination with Regional Ombudsmen of the FAA;
       (D) oversight, streamlining, and increasing the 
     responsiveness of the noise complaint process of the FAA by--
       (i) centralizing noise complaint data and improving data 
     collection methodologies;
       (ii) ensuring such Regional Ombudsmen are consulted in 
     local air traffic procedure development decisions; and
       (iii) collecting feedback from such Regional Ombudsmen to 
     inform national policymaking efforts;
       (E) timely implementation of the recommendations, as 
     appropriate, made by the Comptroller General to the Secretary 
     contained in the report titled ``Aircraft Noise: FAA Could 
     Improve Outreach Through Enhanced Noise Metrics, 
     Communication, and Support to Communities'', issued in 
     September 2021 (GAO-21-103933) to improve the outreach of the 
     FAA to local communities impacted by aircraft noise, 
     including--
       (i) any recommendations to--

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

       (ii) any other recommendations included in the report that 
     would assist the FAA in improving outreach to communities 
     affected by aircraft noise;
       (F) ensuring engagement with local community groups as 
     appropriate in conducting the other responsibilities 
     described in this section; and
       (G) other responsibilities as considered appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     Administrator implements the recommendations described in 
     subsection (b)(2)(E), the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress describing--
       (1) the implementation of each such recommendation;
       (2) how any recommended actions are assisting the 
     Administrator in improving outreach to communities affected 
     by aircraft noise and other community engagement concerns; 
     and
       (3) any challenges or barriers that limit or prevent the 
     ability of the Administrator to take such actions.
       (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require the Administrator to alter the 
     organizational structure of the FAA nor change the reporting 
     structure of any employee.

     SEC. 794. INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENT.

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

     SEC. 795. MECHANISMS TO REDUCE HELICOPTER NOISE.

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

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

     SEC. 801. REEXAMINATION OF PILOTS OR CERTIFICATE HOLDERS.

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

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

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide timely, 
     written notification to an individual subject to a 
     reexamination of an airman certificate issued under chapter 
     447 of title 49, United States Code.
       ``(b) Information Required.--In providing notification 
     under subsection (a), the Administrator shall inform the 
     individual--
       ``(1) of the nature of the reexamination and the specific 
     activity on which the reexamination is necessitated;
       ``(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 year from 
     the date of the notice provided by the Administrator, 
     however, if the reexamination is not conducted within 30 
     days, the Administrator may restrict passenger carrying 
     operations;
       ``(3) that if such reexamination is not conducted after 1 
     year from date of notice, the airman certificate of the 
     individual may be suspended or revoked; and

[[Page S3464]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 803. DATA PRIVACY.

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

     ``Sec. 44114. Privacy

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

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

     SEC. 804. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBERS.

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

     SEC. 805. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF INVESTIGATIONS.

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

     SEC. 806. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION.

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

[[Page S3465]]

  


     SEC. 807. RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 811. AIRSHOW SAFETY TEAM.

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

     SEC. 812. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION VALIDITY DURING RENEWAL.

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

     SEC. 813. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATES.

       Section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Temporary Airman Certificate.--An individual may 
     obtain a temporary airman certificate from the Administrator 
     after requesting a permanent replacement airman

[[Page S3466]]

     certificate issued under this section. A temporary airman 
     certificate shall be--
       ``(1) made available--
       ``(A) electronically to the individual immediately upon 
     submitting an online application for a replacement 
     certificate to the Administrator; or
       ``(B) physically to the individual at a flight standards 
     district office--
       ``(i) if the individual submits an online application for a 
     replacement certificate; or
       ``(ii) if the individual applies for a permanent 
     replacement certificate other than by online application and 
     such application has been received by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration; and
       ``(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement 
     airman certificate from the Administrator.''.

     SEC. 814. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY.

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

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

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

     SEC. 816. DESIGNEE LOCATOR TOOL IMPROVEMENTS.

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

     SEC. 817. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION 
                   BACKLOG.

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

     SEC. 818. PART 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE BACKLOG.

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

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

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

     SEC. 820. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES.

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

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

       (a) In General.--The inspector general of the Department of 
     Transportation shall initiate audits, as described in 
     subsection (d), of the Flight Standards and Aircraft 
     Certification Services of the FAA, and the personnel of such 
     offices, on the consistency of--
       (1) the interpretation of policies, orders, guidance, and 
     regulations; and
       (2) the application of policies, orders, guidance, and 
     regulations.
       (b) Components.--In completing the audits required under 
     this section, the inspector general shall interview 
     stakeholders, including at a minimum, individuals or entities 
     that--
       (1) hold a certificate or authorization related to the 
     issue being audited under subsection (d);
       (2) are from different regions of the country with matters 
     before different flight standards district offices or before 
     different FAA Flight Standards Service and Aircraft 
     Certification Service offices;
       (3) work with multiple flight standards district offices or 
     aircraft certification offices of the Administration; or
       (4) hold a single or multiple relevant certificates or 
     authorizations.
       (c) Reports.--The inspector general of the Department of 
     Transportation shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
     Congress, the Secretary, and the Administrator a report for 
     each audit required in this section, containing the results 
     of the audit, including findings and necessary 
     recommendations to the Administrator to improve the 
     consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and 
     Aircraft Certification Services offices of the 
     Administration.
       (d) Audits.--The inspector general shall complete an audit 
     and issue the associated report required under subsection (c) 
     not later than--
       (1) 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
     regard to supplemental type certificates;

[[Page S3467]]

       (2) 34 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
     regard to repair stations certificated under part 145 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
       (3) 50 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
     regard to technical standards orders.
       (e) Implementation.--In addressing any recommendations from 
     the inspector general contained in the reports required under 
     subsection (c), the Administrator may--
       (1) maintain an implementation plan; and
       (2) broadly adopt any best practices to improve the 
     consistency of interpretation and application of policies, 
     orders, guidance, and regulations by other offices of the 
     Administration and with regard to other activities of the 
     Administration.
       (f) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving a 
     report required under subsection (c), the Administrator shall 
     brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
     implementation plan required under subsection (d), the status 
     of any recommendation received pursuant to this section, and 
     any best practices that are being implemented more broadly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 826. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING ELIGIBILITY.

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

     SEC. 827. EAGLE INITIATIVE.

       (a) EAGLE Initiative.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue to 
     partner with industry and other Federal Government 
     stakeholders in carrying out the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline 
     Lead Emissions Initiative (in this section referred to as the 
     ``EAGLE Initiative'') through the end of 2030.
       (2) FAA responsibilities.--In collaborating with industry 
     and other Government stakeholders to carry out the EAGLE 
     Initiative, the Administrator shall take such actions as may 
     be necessary under the authority of the Administrator to 
     facilitate--
       (A) the safe elimination of the use of leaded aviation 
     gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030 without 
     adversely affecting the safe and efficient operation of the 
     piston-engine aircraft fleet;
       (B) the approval of the use of unleaded alternatives to 
     leaded aviation gasoline for use in all piston-engine 
     aircraft types and piston-engine models;
       (C) the implementation of the requirements of section 
     47107(a)(22) of title 49, United States Code, as added by 
     this Act, as such requirements relate to the continued 
     availability of aviation gasoline;
       (D) efforts to make unleaded aviation gasoline that is 
     approved for use in piston-engine aircraft and engines widely 
     available for purchase and use at airports in the National 
     Plan of Integrated Airport Systems; and
       (E) the development of a transition plan to safely enable 
     the transition of the piston-engine general aviation aircraft 
     fleet to unleaded aviation gasoline by 2030, to the extent 
     practicable.
       (3) Activities.--In carrying out the responsibilities of 
     the Administrator pursuant to paragraph (2), the 
     Administrator shall, at a minimum--
       (A) maintain a fleet authorization process for the 
     efficient approval or authorization of eligible piston-engine 
     aircraft and engine models to operate safely using qualified 
     unleaded aviation gasolines;
       (B) review, update, and prioritize, as soon as practicable, 
     certification processes and projects, as necessary, for 
     aircraft engines and modifications to such engines to operate 
     with unleaded aviation gasoline;
       (C) seek to facilitate programs that accelerate the 
     creation, evaluation, qualification, deployment, and use of 
     unleaded aviation gasolines;
       (D) carry out, in partnership with the general aviation 
     community, an ongoing campaign for training and educating 
     aircraft owners and operators on how to safely transition to 
     unleaded aviation gasoline;
       (E) evaluate aircraft and aircraft engines to ensure that 
     such aircraft and aircraft engines can safely operate with 
     unleaded aviation gasoline candidates during cold weather 
     conditions; and
       (F) facilitate the development of agency policies and 
     processes, as appropriate, to support the deployment of 
     necessary infrastructure at airports to enable the 
     distribution and storage of unleaded aviation gasolines.
       (4) Consultation and collaboration with relevant 
     stakeholders.--In carrying out the EAGLE Initiative, the 
     Administrator shall continue to consult and collaborate, as 
     appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including--
       (A) general aviation aircraft engine, aircraft propulsion, 
     and aircraft airframe manufacturers;
       (B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft owners, 
     aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators;
       (C) airports and fixed-base operators;
       (D) State, local, and Tribal aviation officials;
       (E) representatives of the petroleum industry, including 
     developers, refiners, producers, and distributors of unleaded 
     aviation gasolines; and
       (F) air carriers and commercial operators operating under 
     part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (5) Report to congress.--
       (A) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
     the appropriate committees of Congress a report that--
       (i) contains an updated strategic plan for maintaining a 
     fleet authorization process for the efficient approval and 
     authorization of eligible piston-engine aircraft and engine 
     models to operate using unleaded aviation gasolines in a 
     manner that ensures safety;
       (ii) describes the structure and involvement of all FAA 
     offices that have responsibilities described in paragraph 
     (2); and
       (iii) identifies policy initiatives, regulatory 
     initiatives, or legislative initiatives needed to improve and 
     enhance the timely and safe transition to unleaded aviation 
     gasoline for the piston-engine aircraft fleet.

[[Page S3468]]

       (B) Annual briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     on which the Administrator submits the initial report under 
     subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter through 2030, the 
     Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
     Congress on activities and progress of the EAGLE Initiative.
       (C) Sunset.--Subparagraph (B) shall cease to be effective 
     after December 31, 2030.
       (b) Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.--
       (1) In general.--In developing the transition plan under 
     subsection (a)(2)(E), the Administrator may, at a minimum, 
     assess the following:
       (A) Efforts undertaken by the EAGLE Initiative, including 
     progress towards--
       (i) safely eliminating the use of leaded aviation gasoline 
     by piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030 without 
     adversely affecting the safe and efficient operation of the 
     piston-engine aircraft fleet;
       (ii) approving the use of unleaded alternatives to leaded 
     aviation gasoline for use in all piston-engine aircraft types 
     and piston-engine models; and
       (iii) facilitating efforts to make approved unleaded 
     aviation gasoline that is approved for use in piston-engine 
     aircraft and engines widely available at airports for 
     purchase and use in the National Plan of Integrated Airport 
     Systems.
       (B) The evaluation and development of necessary airport 
     infrastructure, including fuel storage and dispensing 
     facilities, to support the distribution and storage of 
     unleaded aviation gasoline.
       (C) The establishment of best practices for piston-engine 
     aircraft owners and operators, airport operators and 
     personnel, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other 
     appropriate personnel for protecting against exposure to lead 
     containment when--
       (i) conducting fueling operations;
       (ii) disposing of inspected gasoline samples;
       (iii) performing aircraft maintenance; and
       (iv) conducting engine run-ups.
       (D) Efforts to address supply chain and other logistical 
     barriers inhibiting the timely distribution of unleaded 
     aviation gasoline to airports.
       (E) Outreach efforts to educate and update piston-engine 
     aircraft owners and operators, airport operators, and other 
     members of the general aviation community on the potential 
     benefits, availability, and safety of unleaded aviation 
     gasoline.
       (2) Publication; guidance.--Upon completion of developing 
     such transition plan, the Administrator shall--
       (A) make the plan available to the public on an appropriate 
     website of the FAA; and
       (B) provide guidance supporting the implementation of the 
     transition plan.
       (3) Collaboration with eagle initiative.--In supporting the 
     development of such transition plan and issuing associated 
     guidance pertaining to the implementation of such transition 
     plan, the Administrator shall consult and collaborate with 
     individuals carrying out the EAGLE Initiative.
       (4) Unleaded aviation gasoline communication materials.--
     The Administrator may collaborate with individuals carrying 
     out the EAGLE Initiative to jointly develop and continuously 
     update websites, brochures, and other communication materials 
     associated with such transition plan to clearly convey the 
     availability of unleaded aviation gasoline at airports.
       (5) Briefing to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
     publication of such transition plan, the Administrator shall 
     brief the appropriate committees of Congress on such 
     transition plan and any agency efforts or actions pertaining 
     to the implementation of such transition plan.
       (6) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to delay or alter the ongoing work of the EAGLE 
     Initiative established by the Administrator in 2022.

     SEC. 828. EXPANSION OF BASICMED.

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

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

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

     SEC. 830. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EXEMPTIONS.

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

[[Page S3469]]

       (A) acts as a pilot in command of a flight operation to 
     provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of 
     the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
     note); and
       (B) holds a private pilot certificate, commercial pilot 
     certificate, or an airline transportation pilot certificate 
     issued under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (2) Volunteer pilot organization.--The term ``volunteer 
     pilot organization'' has the meaning given such term in 
     section 821(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 
     2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).

     SEC. 831. GAO REPORT ON CHARITABLE FLIGHTS.

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

     SEC. 832. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING.

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

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

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

     SEC. 834. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENT.

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

            TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

     SEC. 901. DEFINITIONS.

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

     SEC. 902. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC.

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

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

     SEC. 903. SMALL UAS SAFETY STANDARDS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 905. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Sensitive Radar Data Feed Pilot Program.--Not later 
     than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, 
     and other heads of relevant Federal

[[Page S3470]]

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

     SEC. 906. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY.

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

     SEC. 907. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF 
                   COMPLIANCE.

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

     SEC. 908. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS.

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

     SEC. 909. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFICATION.

       (a) National Environmental Policy Act Guidance.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall publish unmanned aircraft system-specific 
     environmental review guidance and implementation procedures 
     and, thereafter, revise such guidance and procedures as 
     appropriate to carry out the requirements of this section.
       (b) Prioritization.--The guidance and procedures 
     established by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall 
     include processes that allow for the prioritization of 
     project applications and activities that--
       (1) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emission 
     activities;
       (2) offset or limit the release of environmental pollutants 
     to soil or water; or
       (3) demonstrate other factors that benefit human safety or 
     the environment, as determined by the Administrator.
       (c) Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review.--Not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator shall examine and integrate programmatic-level 
     approaches to the requirements of the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) by which the 
     Administrator can--
       (1) leverage an environmental review for unmanned aircraft 
     operations within a defined geographic region, including 
     within and over commercial sites, industrial sites, or other 
     sites closed or restricted to the public; and
       (2) leverage an environmental assessment or environmental 
     impact statement for nationwide programmatic approaches for 
     large scale distributed unmanned aircraft operations.
       (d) Developing 1 or More Categorical Exclusions.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall engage in periodic 
     consultations with the Council on Environmental Quality to 
     identify actions that are appropriate for a new categorical 
     exclusion and shall incorporate such actions in FAA Order 
     1050.1F (or successor order) as considered appropriate by the 
     Administrator to more easily allow for safe commercial 
     operations of unmanned aircraft.
       (2) Prior operations.--The Administrator shall review 
     existing categorical exclusions for applicability to unmanned 
     aircraft operations in accordance with the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
     subchapter A of chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal 
     Regulations.
       (e) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress on the plan of the 
     Administrator to implement subsection (a).
       (f) Nonapplication of Noise Certification Requirements 
     Pending Standards Development.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements of 
     section 44715 of title 49, United States Code, the 
     Administrator shall--
       (A) waive the determination of compliance with part 36 of 
     title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for an applicant 
     seeking unmanned aircraft type and airworthiness 
     certifications; and
       (B) not deny, withhold, or delay such certifications due to 
     the absence of a noise certification basis under such part, 
     if the Administrator has developed appropriate noise

[[Page S3471]]

     measurement procedures for unmanned aircraft and the 
     Administrator has received from the applicant the noise 
     measurement results based on such procedures.
       (2) Duration.--The nonapplication of the noise 
     certification requirements under paragraph (1) shall continue 
     until the Administrator finalizes the noise certification 
     requirements for unmanned aircraft in part 36 of title 14, 
     Code of Federal Regulations, or another part of title 14 of 
     such Code, as required under paragraph (3).
       (3) Associated uas certification standards.--
       (A) Development of criteria.--Not later than 18 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
     shall develop and establish substantive criteria and standard 
     metrics to determine whether to approve an unmanned aircraft 
     pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       (B) Substantive criteria and standard metrics.--In 
     establishing the substantive criteria and standard metrics 
     under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall include 
     criteria and metrics related to the noise impacts of an 
     unmanned aircraft.
       (C) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish in the 
     Federal Register and post on the website of the FAA the 
     criteria and metrics established under subparagraph (A).
       (g) Concurrent Reviews.--If the Administrator determines 
     that the design, construction, maintenance and operational 
     sustainability, airworthiness approval, or operational 
     approval of an unmanned aircraft require environmental 
     assessments, including under the requirements of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
     the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     conduct such reviews and analyses concurrently.
       (h) Third-party Support.--In implementing subsection (a), 
     the Administrator shall allow for the engagement of approved 
     specialized third parties, as appropriate, to support an 
     applicant's preparation of, or the Administration's 
     preparation and review of, documentation relating to the 
     requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to ensure streamlined timelines for 
     complex reviews.
       (i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed as prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise limiting 
     the authority of the Administrator from implementing or 
     complying with the requirements of the National Environmental 
     Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any related 
     requirements to ensure the protection of the environment and 
     aviation safety.

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 912. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM.

       (a) Authority.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an 
     unmanned aircraft system infrastructure inspection grant 
     program to provide grants to governmental entities to 
     facilitate the use of small unmanned aircraft systems to 
     support more efficient inspection, operation, construction, 
     maintenance, and repair of an element of critical 
     infrastructure to improve worker safety related to projects.
       (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--A governmental entity may use a 
     grant provided under this section to--
       (1) purchase or lease small unmanned aircraft systems;
       (2) support the operational capabilities of small unmanned 
     aircraft systems used by the governmental entity;

[[Page S3472]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 914. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY.

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

     SEC. 915. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

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

     SEC. 916. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

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

[[Page S3473]]

       (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall submit to the 
     Administrator an annual report of the activities, findings, 
     and recommendations of the Committee.
       (2) Congressional reporting.--The Administrator shall 
     submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the reports 
     required under paragraph (1).
       (e) Prohibition.--The Administrator may not task the 
     Advisory Committee established under this section with a 
     review or the development of recommendations relating to 
     operations conducted under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations.

     SEC. 917. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION.

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

     SEC. 918. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.

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

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

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

     SEC. 920. EXTENSION OF BEYOND PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 921. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY.

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

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

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

     SEC. 923. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION.

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

     SEC. 924. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMATION.

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

[[Page S3474]]

     Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate and the subcommittee on 
     Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives the plan established under subsection (a).

     SEC. 925. UAS TEST RANGES.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking section 44803 and inserting the 
     following:

     ``Sec. 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges

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

[[Page S3475]]

       ``(9) make all original records available for inspection 
     upon request by the Administrator; and
       ``(10) provide recommendations, on a quarterly basis until 
     the program terminates, to the Administrator to further 
     enable public and private development, testing, and 
     evaluation activities at the test ranges to contribute to the 
     safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
     national airspace system.
       ``(f) Testing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize a 
     sponsor of a test range designated under subsection (a) to 
     host research, development, testing, and evaluation 
     activities, including activities conducted pursuant to 
     section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, as 
     appropriate, other than activities directly related to the 
     integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
     airspace system, so long as the activity is necessary to 
     inform the development of regulations, standards, or policy 
     for integrating new types of flight systems into the national 
     airspace system.
       ``(2) Waiver.-- In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator may waive the requirements of section 44711 
     (including any related implementing regulations) to the 
     extent the Administrator determines such waiver is consistent 
     with aviation safety.
       ``(g) Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.--
     The Administrator may use the transaction authority under 
     section 106(l)(6), including in coordination with the Center 
     of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to enter into 
     collaborative research and development agreements or to 
     direct research, development, testing, and evaluation related 
     to unmanned aircraft systems, including activities conducted 
     pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2024, as appropriate, at any test range designated under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--Out of amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated under section 106(k), $6,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2025 through 2028, shall be available to the 
     Administrator for the purposes of--
       ``(A) providing matching funds to commercial entities that 
     contract with a UAS test range to demonstrate or validate 
     technologies that the FAA considers essential to the safe 
     integration of UAS into the national airspace system; and
       ``(B) supporting or performing such demonstration and 
     validation activities described in subparagraph (A) at a test 
     range designated under the section.
       ``(2) Disbursement.--Funding provided under this subsection 
     shall be divided evenly among all UAS test ranges designated 
     under this section, for the purpose of providing matching 
     funds to commercial entities described in paragraph (1) and 
     available until expended.
       ``(i) Termination.--The program under this section shall 
     terminate on September 30, 2028.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Conforming amendment.--Section 44801(10) of title 49, 
     United States Code, is amended by striking ``any of the 6 
     test ranges established by the Administrator under section 
     332(c) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 
     U.S.C. 40101 note), as in effect on the day before the date 
     of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and any 
     public entity authorized by the Federal Aviation 
     Administration as an unmanned aircraft system flight test 
     center before January 1, 2009'' and inserting ``the test 
     ranges designated by the Administrator under section 44803''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 44803 and inserting the following:

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

     SEC. 926. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS.

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

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

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

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

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

       (a) Extension.--Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2033''.
       (b) Clarification.--Section 44807 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``or chapter 447'' after ``Notwithstanding 
     any other requirement of this chapter'';
       (B) by striking ``the Secretary of Transportation'' and 
     inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
     Administration''; and
       (C) by striking ``if certain'' and inserting ``how'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting 
     ``Administrator''; and
       (B) by striking ``which types of'' and inserting ``how 
     such''.
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Administrator shall establish requirements, or a process to 
     accept proposed requirements, for the safe and efficient 
     operation of unmanned aircraft systems in the national 
     airspace system, including operations related to testing and 
     evaluation of proprietary systems.
       ``(2) Expedited exemptions and approvals.--The 
     Administrator shall, taking into account the statutory 
     mandate to ensure safe and efficient use of the national 
     airspace system, issue approvals--
       ``(A) to enable low-risk beyond visual line of sight 
     operations, including, at a minimum, package delivery 
     operations, extended visual line of sight operations, or 
     shielded operations within 100 feet of the ground or a 
     structure; or
       ``(B) that are aligned with Administration exemptions or 
     approvals that enable beyond visual line of sight operations 
     with the use of acoustics, ground based radar, automatic 
     dependent surveillance-broadcast, and other technological 
     solutions.
       ``(3) Treatment of mitigation measures.--To the extent that 
     an operation under this section will be conducted exclusively 
     within the airspace of a Mode C Veil, such operation shall be 
     treated as satisfying the requirements of section 91.113(b) 
     of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the operation 
     employs--
       ``(A) automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast in-based 
     detect and avoid capabilities;
       ``(B) air traffic control communication and coordination;
       ``(C) aeronautical information management systems 
     acceptable to the Administrator, such as notices to air 
     missions, to notify other airspace users of such operations; 
     or
       ``(D) any other risk mitigations as set by the 
     Administrator.
       ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection 
     shall be construed to--
       ``(A) provide an unmanned aircraft operating pursuant to 
     this section the right of way over a manned aircraft; or

[[Page S3476]]

       ``(B) limit the authority of the Administrator to impose 
     requirements, conditions, or limitations on operations 
     conducted under this section in order to address safety 
     concerns.''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Authority.--The Administrator may exercise the 
     authorities described in this section, including waiving 
     applicable parts of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
     without initiating a rulemaking or imposing the requirements 
     of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to the 
     extent consistent with aviation safety.''.
       (c) Clarification of Status of Previously Issued 
     Rulemakings and Exemptions.--
       (1) Rulemakings.--Any rule issued pursuant to section 44807 
     of title 49, United States Code, shall continue to be in 
     effect following the expiration of such authority.
       (2) Exemptions.--Any exemption granted under the authority 
     described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, 
     and in effect as of the expiration of such authority, shall 
     continue to be in effect until the date that is 3 years after 
     the date of termination described in such exemption, provided 
     the Administrator does not determine there is a safety risk.
       (3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall 
     be construed to interfere with the Administrator's--
       (A) authority to rescind or amend an exemption for reasons 
     such as unsafe conditions or operator oversight; or
       (B) ability to grant an exemption based on a determination 
     made pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States 
     Code, prior to the date described in subsection (d) of such 
     section.

     SEC. 928. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.

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

     SEC. 929. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION.

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

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

       (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

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

       ``(a) Proposed Rule.--Not later than 4 months after the 
     date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
     Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking 
     establishing a performance-based regulatory pathway for 
     unmanned aircraft systems (in this section referred to as 
     `UAS') to operate beyond visual line of sight (in this 
     section referred to as `BVLOS').
       ``(b) Requirements.--The proposed rule required under 
     subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, establish the following:
       ``(1) Acceptable levels of risk for BVLOS UAS operations, 
     including the levels developed pursuant to section 931 of the 
     FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
       ``(2) Standards for remote pilots or UAS operators for 
     BVLOS operations, taking into account varying levels of 
     automated control and management of UAS flights.
       ``(3) An approval or acceptance process for UAS and 
     associated elements (as defined by the Administrator), which 
     may leverage the creation of a special airworthiness 
     certificate or a manufacturer's declaration of compliance to 
     a Federal Aviation Administration accepted means of 
     compliance. Such process--
       ``(A) shall not require, but may allow for, the use of type 
     or production certification;
       ``(B) shall consider the airworthiness of any UAS that--
       ``(i) is within a maximum gross weight or kinetic energy, 
     as determined by the Administrator; and
       ``(ii) operates within a maximum speed limit as determined 
     by the Administrator;
       ``(C) may require such systems to operate in the national 
     airspace system at altitude limits determined by the 
     Administrator; and
       ``(D) may require such systems to operate at standoff 
     distances from the radius of a structure or the structure's 
     immediate uppermost limit, as determined by the 
     Administrator.

[[Page S3477]]

       ``(4) Operating rules for UAS that have been approved or 
     accepted as described in paragraph (3).
       ``(5) Protocols, if appropriate, for networked information 
     exchange, such as network-based remote identification, in 
     support of BVLOS operations.
       ``(6) The safety of manned aircraft operating in the 
     national airspace system and consider the maneuverability and 
     technology limitations of certain aircraft, including hot air 
     balloons.
       ``(c) Final Rule.--Not later than 16 months after 
     publishing the proposed rule under subsection (a), the 
     Administrator shall issue a final rule based on such proposed 
     rule.
       ``(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to require the agency to rescope any rulemaking 
     efforts related to UAS BVLOS operations that are ongoing as 
     of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
     2024.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

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

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

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

     SEC. 932. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE APPROVALS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 934. OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS.

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

[[Page S3478]]

     what extent, ICAO member states are approving the operation 
     of unmanned aircraft systems over the high seas and brief the 
     appropriate committees of Congress regarding the findings of 
     such review.

     SEC. 935. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

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

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

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

     SEC. 936. COVERED DRONE PROHIBITION.

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

[[Page S3479]]

     Security Council and published in the System for Award 
     Management;
       (B) an entity included on the Consolidated Screening List 
     or Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
       (C) an entity that is domiciled in, or under the influence 
     or control of, a covered foreign country; or
       (D) an entity that is a subsidiary or affiliate of an 
     entity described under subparagraphs (A) through (C).
       (3) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``covered 
     unmanned aircraft system'' means--
       (A) a small unmanned aircraft, an unmanned aircraft, and 
     unmanned aircraft system, or the associated elements of such 
     aircraft and aircraft systems related to the collection and 
     transmission of sensitive information (consisting of 
     communication links and the components that control the 
     unmanned aircraft) that enable the operator to operate the 
     aircraft in the National Airspace System which is 
     manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity; and
       (B) an unmanned aircraft detection system or counter-UAS 
     system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign 
     entity.

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

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

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

     SEC. 951. DEFINITIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 954. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP AMENDMENTS.

       Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
     Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b) by striking ``, particularly 
     passenger-carrying aircraft,'';
       (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subparagraph (D) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(D) operators of airports, heliports, and vertiports, and 
     fixed-base operators;'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``1 
     year'' and inserting ``18 months'';
       (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or that may impede such 
     maturation'' after ``AAM industry'';
       (C) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) processes and programs that can be leveraged to 
     improve the efficiency of Federal reviews required for 
     infrastructure development, including for electrical capacity 
     projects.'';
       (4) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(2) recommendations for sharing expertise and data on 
     critical items, including long-term electrification 
     requirements and the needs of cities (from a macro-
     electrification standpoint) to enable the deployment of AAM; 
     and''; and
       (D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
     this section, by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting 
     ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.
       (5) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
     ``working group'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Transportation'';
       (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) summarizing any dissenting views and opinions of a 
     participant of the working group described in subsection 
     (c)(3); and'';
       (6) in subsection (h)--
       (A) by striking ``Not later than 30 days'' and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Considerations for termination of working group.--In 
     deciding whether to terminate the working group under this 
     subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall 
     consider other interagency coordination activities associated 
     with AAM, or other new or novel users of the national 
     airspace system, that could benefit from continued wider 
     interagency coordination.''; and
       (7) in subsection (i)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``transports people and 
     property by air between two points in the United States using 
     aircraft with advanced technologies, including electric 
     aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing 
     aircraft,'' and inserting ``is comprised of urban air 
     mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned 
     aircraft'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7);

[[Page S3480]]

       (C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (9);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
       ``(5) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term `powered-lift 
     aircraft' has the meaning given the term `powered-lift' in 
     section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
       ``(6) Regional air mobility.--The term `regional air 
     mobility' means the movement of passengers or property by air 
     between 2 points using an airworthy aircraft that--
       ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
     propulsion, vertical take-off and landing, powered-lift, non-
     traditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;
       ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
     pounds; and
       ``(C) is not urban air mobility.'';
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(8) Urban air mobility.--The term `urban air mobility' 
     means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
     points in different cities or 2 points within the same city 
     using an airworthy aircraft that--
       ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
     propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
     nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and
       ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
     pounds.''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Vertiport.--The term `vertiport' means an area of 
     land, water, or a structure, used or intended to be used to 
     support the landing, take-off, taxiing, parking, and storage 
     of powered lift or other aircraft that vertiport design and 
     performance standards established by the Administrator can 
     accommodate.''.

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

       (a) SFAR Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 7 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a 
     final rule for the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the 
     FAA titled ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification 
     and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to 
     Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-
     AL72), establishing procedures for certifying pilots of 
     powered-lift aircraft and providing operational rules for 
     powered-lift aircraft capable of transporting passengers and 
     cargo.
       (2) Requirements.--With respect to any powered-lift 
     aircraft type certificated by the Administrator, the 
     regulations established under paragraph (1) shall--
       (A) provide a practical pathway for pilot qualification and 
     operations;
       (B) establish performance-based requirements for energy 
     reserves and other range- and endurance-related requirements 
     that reflect the capabilities and intended operations of the 
     aircraft;
       (C) provide for a combination of pilot training 
     requirements, including simulators, to ensure the safe 
     operation of powered-lift aircraft; and
       (D) to the maximum extent practicable, align powered-lift 
     pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 of Annex 1 to the 
     Convention on International Civil Aviation published by the 
     International Civil Aviation Organization.
       (3) Considerations.--In developing the regulations required 
     under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
       (A) consider whether to grant an individual with an 
     existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) or 
     helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve as pilot-
     in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in commercial operation 
     following the completion of an FAA-approved pilot type rating 
     for such type of aircraft;
       (B) consult with the Secretary of Defense with regard to--
       (i) the Agility Prime program of the United States Air 
     Force;
       (ii) powered-lift aircraft evaluated and deployed for 
     military purposes, including the F-35B program; and
       (iii) the commonalities and differences between powered-
     lift aircraft types and the handling qualities of such 
     aircraft; and
       (C) consider the adoption of the recommendations for 
     powered-lift operations, as appropriate, contained in 
     document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation 
     Organization titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of ICAO 
     Standards and Recommended Practices for Tilt-rotors'', 
     published in 2019.
       (b) Interim Application of Rules and Privileges in Lieu of 
     Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Beginning 16 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, if a final rule has not been published 
     pursuant to subsection (a)--
       (A) the rules in effect on the date that is 16 months after 
     the date of enactment of this Act that apply to the operation 
     and the operator of rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft under 
     subchapters F, G, H, and I of chapter 1 of title 14, Code of 
     Federal Regulations, shall be--
       (i) deemed to apply to--

       (I) the operation of a powered-lift aircraft in the 
     national airspace system; and
       (II) the operator of such a powered-lift aircraft; and

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

     SEC. 956. ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS REGULATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the 
     Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section 
     referred to as the ``Committee'') to provide the 
     Administrator with specific findings and recommendations for 
     regulations related to the certification and installation 
     of--
       (1) electric engines and propellers;
       (2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion systems;

[[Page S3481]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 958. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING VERTICAL FLIGHT.

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

     SEC. 959. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

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

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

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

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

       (B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ``the Department of 
     Defense, the National Guard,'' before ``or''; and
       (C) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``September 30, 2025'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (II) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(iii) a description of--

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

       (2) by striking subsection (c)(1) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under 
     section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there are 
     authorized to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2023 through 2026, to remain available until 
     expended.'';
       (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
     ``2026'' each place it appears; and
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
       ``(1) Advanced air mobility; aam; regional air mobility; 
     urban air mobility; vertiport.--The terms `advanced air 
     mobility', `AAM', `regional air mobility', `urban air 
     mobility', and `vertiport' have the meaning given such terms 
     in section 2(i) of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and 
     Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10).

     SEC. 961. CENTER FOR ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES.

       (a) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a plan 
     to establish a Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies to 
     support the testing and advancement of new and emerging 
     aviation technologies.
       (b) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection 
     (a), the Administrator may consult with the Advanced Air 
     Mobility Working Group established in the Advanced Air 
     Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117-
     203), as amended by this Act, and the interagency working 
     group established in section 1042 of this Act.
       (c) Considerations.--In developing the plan under 
     subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider as roles and 
     responsibilities for the Center for Advanced Aviation 
     Technologies--
       (1) developing an airspace laboratory and flight 
     demonstration zones to facilitate the safe integration of 
     advanced air mobility aircraft into the national airspace 
     system, with at least 1 such zone to be established within 
     the same geographic region as the Center for Advanced 
     Aviation Technologies and that also has aviation 
     manufacturers with relevant expertise, such as powered-lift;
       (2) establishing testing corridors for the purposes of 
     validating air traffic requirements for advanced air mobility 
     operations, operational procedures, and performance 
     requirements, with at least 1 such corridor to be established 
     within the same geographic region as the Center for Advanced 
     Aviation Technologies;
       (3) developing and facilitating technology partnerships 
     with, and between, industry,

[[Page S3482]]

     academia, and other government agencies, and supporting such 
     partnerships;
       (4) identifying new and emerging aviation technologies, 
     innovative aviation concepts, and relevant aviation services, 
     including advanced air mobility, powered-lift aircraft, and 
     other advanced aviation technologies, as determined 
     appropriate by the Administrator; and
       (5) any other duties, as determined appropriate by the 
     Administrator.
       (d) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
     and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate the plan developed 
     under subsection (a).
       (e) Center.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the 
     Administrator shall establish the Center for Advanced 
     Aviation Technologies in accordance with the plan developed 
     under subsection (a). In choosing the location for the Center 
     for Advanced Aviation Technologies, the Administrator shall 
     give preference to a community or region with a strong 
     aeronautical presence, specifically the presence of--
       (1) a large commercial airport or large air logistics 
     center;
       (2) aviation manufacturing with expertise in advanced 
     aviation technologies, such as powered-lift;
       (3) existing FAA facilities or offices, such as a Center, 
     Institute, certificate management office, or a regional 
     headquarters;
       (4) airspace utilized for advanced aviation technology 
     testing activity, and capable of supporting a wide range of 
     use cases;
       (5) proximity to both rural and urban communities;
       (6) State, local, or Tribal governments;
       (7) programs to support public-private partnerships for 
     advanced aviation technologies; and
       (8) academic institutions that offer programs relating to 
     advanced aviation technologies engineering.
       (f) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under 
     section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, $35,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is authorized to 
     carry out this section.
       (g) Interaction With Other Entities.--The Administrator, in 
     carrying out this section, shall, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity and 
     capabilities of the Center of Excellence for Unmanned 
     Aircraft Systems and, as appropriate, the unmanned aircraft 
     test ranges established in section 44803 of title 49, United 
     States Code.
       (h) Savings Clauses.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to interfere with any of the following activities:
       (1) The ongoing activities of the unmanned aircraft test 
     ranges established in section 44803 of title 49, United 
     States Code, to the maximum extent practicable.
       (2) The ongoing activities of the William J. Hughes 
     Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, to the maximum 
     extent practicable.
       (3) The ongoing activities of the Center of Excellence for 
     Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to the maximum extent practicable.
       (4) The ongoing activities of the Mike Monroney 
     Aeronautical Center, to the maximum extent practicable.

                   TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

     SEC. 1001. DEFINITIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 1004. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN MODIFICATION.

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

     SEC. 1005. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE 
                   ENHANCEMENTS.

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

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

       (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

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

       ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal 
     Aviation Administration shall continue operation of the 
     Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred 
     to in this section as the `Center').
       ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall carry out the 
     following responsibilities:
       ``(1) Conduct applied research and training on the safe and 
     efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and 
     advanced air mobility into the national airspace system.
       ``(2) Promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, 
     the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal agency partners, 
     and industry stakeholders (including manufacturers, 
     operators, service providers, standards development 
     organizations, carriers, and suppliers), with respect to the 
     safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
     and advanced air mobility into the national airspace system.
       ``(3) Establish goals set to advance technology, improve 
     engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education 
     with respect to the safe and efficient integration of 
     unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the 
     national airspace system.

[[Page S3483]]

       ``(c) Program Participation.--The Administrator shall 
     ensure the participation in the Center of institutions of 
     higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and research 
     institutions that provide accredited bachelor's degree 
     programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to 
     commercial pilot certifications and that include a focus on 
     pilot training for women aviators.
       ``(d) Leveraging of Certain Capacity and Capabilities.--The 
     Administrator shall, in carrying out research necessary to 
     validate consensus safety standards accepted pursuant to 
     section 44805, to the maximum extent practicable, leverage 
     the research and testing capacity and capabilities of--
       ``(1) the Center;
       ``(2) the test ranges designated under section 44803;
       ``(3) existing Federal and non-Federal test ranges and 
     testbeds;
       ``(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; 
     and
       ``(5) the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced 
     Aerospace.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

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

     SEC. 1007. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.

       (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``Sec. 44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority

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

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

     SEC. 1008. CLEEN ENGINE AND AIRFRAME TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP.

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

     SEC. 1009. HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT TESTING.

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

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

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

[[Page S3484]]

  


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

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

     SEC. 1012. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS STUDY.

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

     SEC. 1013. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.

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

     SEC. 1014. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

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

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

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

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

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct 
     a review of the management of research and development 
     activities of the FAA, and the insight of the Administrator 
     into, and coordination with, other Federal government 
     research and development activities relating to civil 
     aviation.
       (b) Review of FAA Management.--The review of the 
     Comptroller General under subsection (a) shall include an 
     assessment of how the Administrator--
       (1) plans, manages, and tracks progress of research and 
     development projects and activities and how FAA processes and 
     procedures compare with leading practices related to research 
     and development management and collaboration, as determined 
     by the Comptroller General;
       (2) prioritizes research and development objectives;
       (3) applies leading practices related to management of 
     research and development, enhancement of collaboration and 
     cooperation, and minimization of duplication, waste, and 
     inefficiencies, in conducting activities--
       (A) among FAA research and development programs;
       (B) with NASA, including--
       (i) the extent to which NASA and the FAA leverage each 
     other's laboratory and testing capabilities, facilities, 
     resources, and subject matter expert personnel in support of 
     aeronautics research and development programs and projects;
       (ii) an assessment of--

       (I) the fiscal year in which the review is conducted, and 
     the 3 fiscal years prior to such year, of Federal 
     expenditures and any applicable fluctuation in the 
     appropriated funds, for FAA and NASA research and development 
     programs and projects and the impact of any funding changes 
     on agency programs and projects; and
       (II) the extent to which other Federal agencies, industry 
     partners, and research organizations are involved in such 
     programs and projects; and

       (iii) recommendations, as appropriate, for the improvement 
     of such coordination and collaboration with NASA;
       (C) with other relevant Federal agencies;
       (D) with international partners; and
       (E) with academia, research organizations, standards 
     groups, and industry;
       (4) interacts with the private sector, including by 
     examining the extent to which FAA--
       (A) takes into account private sector research and 
     development efforts in the management and investment of the 
     research and development activities and investments of the 
     FAA; and
       (B) assesses the impact of FAA research and development on 
     U.S. private sector aeronautics research and development 
     investments;
       (5) transitions the results of research and development 
     projects into operational use;
       (6) has implemented the recommendations in the report 
     issued by the Comptroller General titled ``Aviation Research 
     and Development'' issued April 2017 (GAO report 17-372) and 
     the results of the efforts to implement such recommendations; 
     and
       (7) can improve management of research and development 
     activities and any recommendations as the Comptroller General 
     determines appropriate based on the results of the review.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the 
     review under required under subsection (a), the Comptroller 
     General shall submit to the covered committees of Congress--
       (1) a report on such review and relevant findings; and
       (2) recommendations, including the recommendations 
     developed under paragraphs (3)(B)(iii) and (7) of subsection 
     (b).

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

       (a) In General.--Using amounts made available under section 
     48102(a) of title 49,

[[Page S3485]]

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

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

       (a) In General.--Chapter 445 of title 49, United States 
     Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

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

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

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

     SEC. 1018. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.

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

     SEC. 1019. HYDROGEN AVIATION STRATEGY.

       (a) FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using 
     Hydrogen to Propel Commercial Aircraft.--The Secretary, 
     acting through the Administrator and jointly with the 
     Secretary of Energy, shall exercise leadership in and shall 
     conduct research and development activities relating to 
     enabling the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation, 
     including the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen 
     to propel commercial aircraft.
       (b) Research Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other 
     relevant Federal agencies, shall complete the development of 
     a research and development strategy on the safe use of 
     hydrogen in civil aviation.
       (c) Considerations.--The strategy developed under 
     subsection (b) shall consider the following:
       (1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and 
     pathways toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in 
     civil aviation.
       (2) The use of hydrogen in addition to electric propulsion 
     to propel commercial aircraft and any related operational 
     efficiencies.
       (d) Exercise of Leadership.--The Secretary, the 
     Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy shall carry out 
     the research activities consistent with the strategy in 
     subsection (b), and that may include the following:
       (1) Establishing positions and goals for the safe use of 
     hydrogen in civil aviation, including to propel commercial 
     aircraft.
       (2) Understanding of the qualification of hydrogen aviation 
     fuel, the safe transition to such fuel for aircraft, the 
     advancement of certification efforts for such fuel, and risk 
     mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in aircraft 
     systems, including propulsion and storage systems.
       (3) Through grant, contract, or interagency agreements, 
     carrying out research and development to understand the 
     contribution that the use of hydrogen would have on civil 
     aviation, including hydrogen as an input for conventional jet 
     fuel, hydrogen fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion, 
     sustainable aviation fuel, and power to liquids or synthetic 
     fuel, and researching ways of accelerating the introduction 
     of hydrogen-propelled aircraft.
       (4) Reviewing grant eligibility requirements, loans, loan 
     guarantees, and other policies and requirements of the FAA 
     and the Department of Energy to identify ways to increase the 
     safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
       (5) Considering the needs of the aerospace industry, 
     aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport 
     sponsors, fixed base operators, and other stakeholders in 
     creating policies that enable the safe use of hydrogen in 
     civil aviation.
       (6) Coordinating with NASA, and obtaining input from the 
     aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, 
     airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia 
     and other stakeholders regarding--
       (A) the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil 
     aviation, including--

[[Page S3486]]

       (i) updating or modifying existing policies on such use;
       (ii) assessing barriers to, and benefits of, the 
     introduction of hydrogen in civil aviation, including 
     aircraft propelled by hydrogen;
       (iii) the operational differences between aircraft 
     propelled by hydrogen and aircraft propelled with other types 
     of fuels; and
       (iv) public, economic, and noise benefits of the operation 
     of commercial aircraft propelled by hydrogen and associated 
     aerospace industry activity; and
       (B) other issues identified by the Secretary, the 
     Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the advisory 
     committee established under paragraph (7) that must be 
     addressed in order to enable the safe and efficient use of 
     hydrogen in civil aviation.
       (7) Establish an advisory committee composed of 
     representatives of NASA, the aerospace industry, aviation 
     suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
     fixed base operators, and other stakeholders to advise the 
     Secretary, the Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy on 
     the activities carried out under this subsection.
       (e) International Leadership.--The Secretary, the 
     Administrator, and the Secretary of Energy, in the 
     appropriate international forums, shall take actions that--
       (1) demonstrate global leadership in carrying out the 
     activities required by subsections (a) and (b);
       (2) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
     suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, 
     fixed base operators, and other stakeholders identified under 
     subsection (b);
       (3) consider the needs of fuel cell manufacturers; and
       (4) seek to advance the competitiveness of the United 
     States in the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
       (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through 
     the Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, 
     shall submit to the covered committees of Congress and the 
     Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House 
     of Representatives a report detailing--
       (1) the actions of the Secretary, the Administrator, and 
     the Secretary of Energy to exercise leadership in conducting 
     research relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen 
     in civil aviation;
       (2) the planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to 
     update or modify existing policies related to the safe and 
     efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, based on the 
     results of the research and development carried out under 
     this section, including such actions identified as a result 
     of consultation with, and feedback from, the aerospace 
     industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, 
     airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and other 
     stakeholders identified under subsection (b); and
       (3) a proposed timeline for any such actions pursuant to 
     paragraph (2).

     SEC. 1020. AVIATION FUEL SYSTEMS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1022. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.

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

     SEC. 1023. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1025. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
     with the Administrator of NASA and industry, shall provide to 
     the covered committees of Congress a briefing on any plans to 
     build on existing research and development activities and 
     identify any further research and development

[[Page S3487]]

     needed to inform the development of Federal and international 
     policies, regulations, standards, and recommended practices 
     relating to the certification and safe and efficient 
     operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic 
     overland flight.
       (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to duplicate existing research and development 
     efforts conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with 
     the Administrator of NASA.
       (c) Supersonic Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``supersonic'' means flights operating at speeds in excess of 
     Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.

     SEC. 1026. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1028. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.

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

     SEC. 1029. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.

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

     SEC. 1030. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

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

[[Page S3488]]

       (5) describes how such data will be made available to the 
     scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
       (6) identifies future research and development needed to 
     inform the development of measures to predict and mitigate 
     the safety impacts that may result from severe turbulence, 
     including clear-air turbulence.

     SEC. 1031. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.

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

     SEC. 1032. LIMITATION.

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

    Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

     SEC. 1041. DEFINITIONS.

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

     SEC. 1042. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.

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

     SEC. 1043. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall 
     develop and periodically update, as appropriate, a strategic 
     plan for Federal research, development, deployment, and 
     testing of advanced air mobility systems and unmanned 
     aircraft systems.
       (b) Considerations.--In developing the plan required under 
     subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consider 
     and use--
       (1) information, reports, and studies on advanced air 
     mobility and unmanned aircraft systems that have identified 
     research, development, deployment, and testing needed;
       (2) information set forth in the national aviation research 
     plan developed under section 44501(c) of title 49, United 
     States Code; and
       (3) recommendations made by the National Academies in the 
     review of the plan under subsection (d).
       (c) Contents of the Plan.--In developing the plan required 
     under subsection (a), the interagency working group shall--
       (1) determine and prioritize areas of advanced air mobility 
     and unmanned aircraft systems research, development, 
     demonstration, and testing requiring Federal Government 
     leadership and investment;
       (2) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the 
     calendar year the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities 
     for Federal research, development, and testing which will--
       (A) support the development of advanced air mobility 
     technologies and the development of an advanced air mobility 
     research, innovation, and manufacturing ecosystem;
       (B) take into account sustained, consistent, and 
     coordinated support for advanced air mobility and unmanned 
     aircraft systems research, development, and demonstration, 
     including through grants, cooperative agreements, testbeds, 
     and testing facilities;
       (C) apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft systems 
     research, development, demonstration, and testing to advanced 
     air mobility systems;
       (D) inform the development of voluntary consensus technical 
     standards and best practices for the development and use of 
     advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems;
       (E) support education and training activities at all levels 
     to prepare the United States workforce to use and interact 
     with advanced

[[Page S3489]]

     air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft systems;
       (F) support partnerships to leverage knowledge and 
     resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
     governments, the National Laboratories, Center of Excellence 
     for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research of the FAA, unmanned 
     aircraft systems test ranges (as defined in section 44801 of 
     title 49, United States Code), academic institutions, labor 
     organizations, and others to advance research activities;
       (G) leverage existing Federal investments; and
       (H) promote hardware interoperability and open-source 
     systems;
       (3) support research and other activities on the impacts of 
     advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems on 
     national security, safety, economic, legal, workforce, and 
     other appropriate societal issues;
       (4) reduce barriers to transferring research findings, 
     capabilities, and new technologies related to advanced air 
     mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into operation for the 
     benefit of society and United States competitiveness;
       (5) in consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers, 
     measure and track the contributions of unmanned aircraft 
     systems and advanced air mobility to United States economic 
     growth and other societal indicators; and
       (6) identify relevant research and development programs and 
     make recommendations for the coordination of relevant 
     activities of the Federal agencies and set forth the role of 
     each Federal agency in implementing the plan.
       (d) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
     Medicine Evaluation.--The Administrator shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with the National Academies to review the 
     plan every 5 years.
       (e) Public Participation.--In developing the plan under 
     subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consult 
     with representatives of stakeholder groups, which may include 
     academia, research institutions, and State, industry, and 
     labor organizations. Not later than 90 days before the plan, 
     or any revision thereof, is submitted to Congress, the plan 
     shall be published in the Federal Register for a public 
     comment period of not less than 60 days.
       (f) Reports to Congress on the Strategic Research Plan.--
       (1) Progress report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group 
     described in section 1042 of this Act shall transmit to the 
     covered committees of Congress a report that describes the 
     progress in developing the plan required under this section.
       (2) Initial report.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall 
     transmit to the covered committees of Congress the strategic 
     research plan developed under this section.
       (3) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     transmission of the initial report under paragraph (2) and 
     every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 2033, the 
     interagency working group shall transmit to the covered 
     committees of Congress a report that includes an analysis of 
     the progress made towards achieving the goals and priorities 
     for the strategic research plan.

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

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

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

       (a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Academy of Public 
     Administration to examine research, development, 
     demonstration, and testing partnerships of the FAA to advance 
     unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility and to 
     facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
     into the national airspace system.
       (b) Considerations.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
     the entity carrying out the study in subsection (a) shall--
       (1) identify existing FAA partnerships with external 
     entities, including academia and Centers of Excellence, 
     industry, and nonprofit organizations, and the types of such 
     partnership arrangements;
       (2) examine the partnerships in paragraph (1), including 
     the scope and areas of research, development, demonstration, 
     and testing carried out, and associated arrangements for 
     performing research and development activities;
       (3) review the extent to which the FAA uses the results and 
     outcomes of each partnership to advance the research and 
     development in unmanned aircraft systems;
       (4) identify additional research and development areas, if 
     any, that may benefit from partnership arrangements, and 
     whether such research and development would require new 
     partnerships;
       (5) identify any duplication of ongoing or planned 
     research, development, demonstration, or testing activities;
       (6) identify effective and appropriate means for 
     publication and dissemination of the results and sharing with 
     the public, commercial, and research communities related data 
     from such research, development, demonstration, and testing 
     conducted under such partnerships;
       (7) identify effective mechanisms, either new or already 
     existing, to facilitate coordination, evaluation, and 
     information-sharing among and between such partnerships;
       (8) identify effective and appropriate means for 
     facilitating technology transfer activities within such 
     partnerships;
       (9) identify the extent to which such partnerships broaden 
     participation from groups historically underrepresented in 
     science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including 
     computer science and cybersecurity, and include participation 
     by industry, workforce, and labor organizations; and

[[Page S3490]]

       (10) review options for funding models best suited for such 
     partnerships, which may include cost-sharing and public-
     private partnership models with industry.
       (c) Transmittal.--Not later than 12 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to 
     the covered committees of Congress the study described in 
     subsection (a).

                        TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 1102. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1104. QUASQUICENTENNIAL OF AVIATION.

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

     SEC. 1105. LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARGO AIRCRAFT.

       (a) In General.--The standards adopted by the Administrator 
     of the Environmental

[[Page S3491]]

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

     SEC. 1106. PROHIBITION ON MANDATES.

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

     SEC. 1107. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS.

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

     ``Sec. 41729. COVID-19 vaccination status

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

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

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

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

     SEC. 1109. FAA LEADERSHIP IN HYDROGEN AVIATION.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1111. LEARNING PERIOD.

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

     SEC. 1112. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES.

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

     SEC. 1113. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS.

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

[[Page S3492]]

       (12) A description of the impact of Federal regulations and 
     local enforcement of interdiction and facilitation policies 
     on throughput.
       (c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress the results of the study 
     carried out under this section.

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

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

     SEC. 1115. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORIZATION OR WAIVER.

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

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

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

            TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

     SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.

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

     SEC. 1202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

     SEC. 1203. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES.

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

     ``Sec. 1101. Definitions

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

     SEC. 1204. ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING.

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

     SEC. 1205. OVERTIME ANNUAL REPORT TERMINATION.

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

     SEC. 1206. STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN.

       Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Strategic Workforce Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Board shall develop a strategic 
     workforce plan that addresses the immediate and long-term 
     workforce needs of the Board with respect to carrying out the 
     authorities and duties of the Board under this chapter.
       ``(2) Aligning the workforce to strategic goals.--In 
     developing the strategic workforce plan under paragraph (1), 
     the Board shall take into consideration--
       ``(A) the current state and capabilities of the Board, 
     including a high-level review of mission requirements, 
     structure, workforce, and performance of the Board;
       ``(B) the significant workforce trends, needs, issues, and 
     challenges with respect to the Board and the transportation 
     industry;
       ``(C) with respect to employees involved in transportation 
     safety work, the needs, issues, and challenges, including 
     accident severity and risk, posed by each mode of 
     transportation, and how the Board's staffing for each 
     transportation mode reflects these aspects;
       ``(D) the workforce policies, strategies, performance 
     measures, and interventions to mitigate succession risks that 
     guide the workforce investment decisions of the Board;
       ``(E) a workforce planning strategy that identifies 
     workforce needs, including the knowledge, skills, and 
     abilities needed to recruit and retain skilled employees at 
     the Board;
       ``(F) a workforce management strategy that is aligned with 
     the mission of the Board, including plans for continuity of 
     leadership and knowledge sharing;
       ``(G) an implementation system that addresses workforce 
     competency gaps, particularly in mission-critical 
     occupations; and
       ``(H) a system for analyzing and evaluating the performance 
     of the Board's workforce

[[Page S3493]]

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

     SEC. 1207. TRAVEL BUDGETS.

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

     SEC. 1208. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.

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

     SEC. 1209. BOARD JUSTIFICATION OF CLOSED UNACCEPTABLE 
                   RECOMMENDATIONS.

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

     SEC. 1210. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES.

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

     SEC. 1211. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 1212. ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELINESS OF REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 1213. ENSURING ACCESS TO DATA.

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

     SEC. 1214. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.

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

     SEC. 1215. IMPROVING DELIVERY OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.

       (a) Aircraft Accidents.--Section 1136 of title 49, United 
     States Code, is amended--
       (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
     involved in aircraft accidents'' and inserting ``to 
     passengers involved in aircraft accidents and families of 
     such passengers'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``within United States airspace or 
     airspace delegated to the United States'' after ``aircraft 
     accident'';
       (B) by striking ``National Transportation Safety Board 
     shall'' and inserting ``Board shall''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
     inserting ``emotional care, psychological care, and family 
     support services''; and
       (ii) by striking ``the families of passengers involved in 
     the accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
     accident and the families of such passengers'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``the families of passengers involved in the accident'' and 
     inserting ``passengers involved in the accident and the 
     families of such passengers'';

[[Page S3494]]

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

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

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

     SEC. 1216. UPDATING CIVIL PENALTY AUTHORITY.

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

[[Page S3495]]

     and inserting ``section 1136(g), or section 1139(g)''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of 
     title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
     relating to section 1155 and inserting the following:

``1155. Penalties.''.

     SEC. 1217. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC DOCKET RECORDS.

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

     SEC. 1218. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

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

     SEC. 1219. ACCESSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE.

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

     SEC. 1220. MOST WANTED LIST.

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

     SEC. 1221. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

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

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

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

     SEC. 1222. AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS.

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

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

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

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

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

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

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

       (a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
       (b) Ticket Taxes.--
       (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
       (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
     Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
       (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
       (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of the Internal Revenue Code 
     of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
     ``September 30, 2028''.
       (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) 
     of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 
     ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
       (3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 
     10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
  There appears to be a sufficient second.
  The yeas and nays are ordered.


                Amendment No. 2026 to Amendment No. 1911

  Mr. SCHUMER. I have an amendment at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from New York [Mr. Schumer] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 2026 to amendment No. 1911.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

                  (Purpose: To add an effective date)

       At the end add the following:

     SEC. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act shall take effect on the date that is 1 day after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.


                Motion to Commit with Amendment No. 2027

  Mr. SCHUMER. I move to commit H.R. 3935 to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation with instructions to report back forthwith 
with an amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from New York [Mr. Schumer] moves to commit the 
     bill, H.R. 3935, to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation with instructions to report back forthwith 
     with an amendment numbered 2027.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

                  (Purpose: To add an effective date)

       At the end add the following:

     SEC. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act shall take effect on the date that is 3 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.

[[Page S3496]]

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
  There appears to be a sufficient second.
  The yeas and nays are ordered.


                           Amendment No. 2028

  Mr. SCHUMER. I have an amendment to the instructions at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from New York [Mr. Schumer] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 2028 to the instructions of the motion to 
     commit.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

                  (Purpose: To add an effective date)

       On page 1, line 3, strike ``3 days'' and insert ``4 days''.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask for the yeas and nays.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
  There appears to be a sufficient second.
  The yeas and nays are ordered.


                Amendment No. 2029 to Amendment No. 2028

  Mr. SCHUMER. I have a second-degree amendment at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from New York [Mr. Schumer] proposes an 
     amendment numbered 2029 to amendment No. 2028.

  Mr. SCHUMER. I ask to dispense with further reading of the amendment.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment is as follows:

                  (Purpose: To add an effective date)

       On page 1, line 1, strike ``4 days'' and insert ``5 days''.


                             Cloture Motion

  Mr. SCHUMER. I send a cloture motion to the substitute to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under 
rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

                             Cloture Motion

       We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the 
     provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 
     do hereby move to bring to a close debate on Cantwell 
     substitute amendment No. 1911, as modified, to Calendar No. 
     211, H.R. 3935, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, 
     to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for 
     other purposes.
         Charles E. Schumer, Maria Cantwell, Martin Heinrich, Gary 
           C. Peters, Patty Murray, Brian Schatz, Christopher A. 
           Coons, Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, Christopher 
           Murphy, Peter Welch, Richard Blumenthal, Michael F. 
           Bennet, Debbie Stabenow, Laphonza R. Butler, Angus S. 
           King, Jr., Jeanne Shaheen.


                             Cloture Motion

  Mr. SCHUMER. I send a cloture motion to H.R. 3935 to the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cloture motion having been presented under 
rule XXII, the Chair directs the clerk to read the motion.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

                             Cloture Motion

       We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the 
     provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 
     do hereby move to bring to a close debate on Calendar No. 
     211, H.R. 3935, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, 
     to reauthorize and improve the Federal Aviation 
     Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for 
     other purposes.
         Charles E. Schumer, Maria Cantwell, Martin Heinrich, Gary 
           C. Peters, Patty Murray, Brian Schatz, Christopher A. 
           Coons, Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, Christopher 
           Murphy, Peter Welch, Richard Blumenthal, Michael F. 
           Bennet, Debbie Stabenow, Laphonza R. Butler, Angus S. 
           King, Jr., Jeanne Shaheen.

  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                       Unanimous Consent Requests

  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. President, in the first 48 hours 
following the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, violent language 
and threats against the Jewish community and Israel increased by over 
488 percent. This hatred is spreading like wildfire on college campuses 
around the Nation, turning our so-called elite academic institutions 
into cesspools of harassment and violence pointed toward Jewish 
students. There are violent mobs storming buildings, smashing windows, 
defacing property, tearing down the American flag and replacing it with 
the flag of radical extremist groups. We are witnessing anti-Semitic 
hate and extremism that threaten the very safety of our Jewish students 
on college campuses around the greatest Nation on God's green Earth. It 
is so shocking and outrageous that so many of the administrators on 
these campuses sit back and watch as their campuses descend into chaos 
and criminality.
  There can be--and I mean this--there can be no equivocating when it 
comes to the issue of anti-Semitic violence or hatred, and I and every 
single one of us should just call it out for what it is.
  So let me be clear. Any student who advocates for murder and 
sympathizes with terrorists should be expelled. Any university that 
allows itself to become a megaphone for hatred should lose every single 
dime of their Federal funding. Any college administrator who refuses to 
stamp out violent bigotry should lose their job.
  The American people and especially our Jewish brothers and sisters 
deserve our moral clarity on this issue. That is why I introduced a 
resolution that forcefully condemns the explosion of anti-Semitism on 
college campuses, calls out administrators who have failed to do their 
jobs and stamp out hatred, and urges the Department of Education to do 
their job and ensure that universities are protecting the rights of 
Jewish students.
  I am asking every single Senator in this Chamber to support this 
resolution, to support common sense, and to push back against the 
hatred on these college campuses pointed directly at our Jewish 
students. Let us all send a very clear message to our Jewish students 
and to those who oppose them.
  It is vital that this body, the so-called most deliberative body on 
the planet, stand united and speak with moral clarity on this issue.
  Mr. President, I would like to turn over some time to Senator Hoeven 
and then Senator Ernst.
  But let me be clear. Without any question, it is time for the U.S. 
Senate to stand unanimously not behind our Jewish students but in front 
of them. Let us be the wall that protects them.
  Mr. HOEVEN. I would like to thank the esteemed Senator from South 
Carolina, but I will defer to my colleague first, the Senator from 
Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. I would like to thank my colleagues for joining me here on 
the floor again this evening--the Senator from South Carolina and the 
Senator from North Dakota. Thank you for raising this issue and showing 
leadership for our friends across the Nation.
  Mr. President, I rise in support of this resolution and to condemn 
the rise of anti-Semitic hate speech and violence we are seeing at 
colleges and universities throughout our country.
  Like so many parents and grandparents, I want our children to be 
allowed to freely express their thoughts and their views, but what we 
are seeing right now goes way beyond that. This is not free speech; it 
is violent, abusive discrimination, and it has to stop.
  Six months ago, I sent a letter, alongside my colleague and ranking 
member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, 
Senator Cassidy, urging the Biden administration to protect college 
students from targeted attacks on campuses. I spoke to anti-Semitic 
incidents, including vandalism of fraternity homes and club meeting 
spaces, dorm room doors being set on fire, professors making examples 
of Jewish students by placing them in a corner of their classroom to 
emulate the Palestinian experience.
  Today, exactly 214 days since Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel, the 
Biden administration has finally released guidance clarifying that 
fostering a hostile environment on campus is, in fact, a violation of 
the Civil Rights Act--something I have been saying all along.

[[Page S3497]]

  In the past month alone, we have seen Jewish students physically 
blocked from entering their academic buildings, with protesters 
surrounding them chanting ``death to America.'' We have seen protesters 
holding the Nazi salute as Jewish students walk through campus. We 
watched protesters take hammers to the windows of academic buildings, 
all the while claiming to be ``peaceful.'' To date, we have seen 80 
different schools play host to these protests, and more than 50 of 
those schools have required law enforcement presence, resulting in 
arrests.
  Folks, the fact that we needed 20 pages of examples, modeled on 
students' real experiences, to tell us that these actions are 
unacceptable is absolutely ridiculous.
  Secretary Cardona needs to take a hard look at the number of title VI 
complaints his team has received in the past 6 months. He claims 
schools are ``mitigating'' the violence and discrimination, but I have 
yet to see real solutions for the students, too scared to even walk 
across the quad to the cafeteria.
  This anti-Semitism is un-American, wholly unacceptable, and we should 
be unified in our intolerance to it. I call on President Biden and 
Secretary Cardona to remove Federal funding from these schools that are 
allowing Jewish hate on their campuses, and I call on the Senate to 
stand united in the face of this abhorrent behavior and to say with one 
voice, wholeheartedly: We condemn anti-Semitism.
  ``Never again'' is right now.
  I yield my time to the gentleman from North Dakota.
  Mr. HOEVEN. I would like to thank the esteemed Senator from Iowa, and 
also I am very proud to rise this evening to join with my esteemed 
Senate colleague, Senator Scott of South Carolina. I want to thank him 
for his very, very strong leadership on this important issue and for 
condemning the rising tide of anti-Semitism we are seeing around the 
country.
  As you know, less than a year ago, on October 7, Israel was victim to 
a horrific--a horrific--attack by Hamas. Since then, the United States 
has stood firm with our strong ally as Israel asserts its right to 
defend itself and hold Hamas accountable for its heinous actions.
  In November, I traveled with a bipartisan group of Senators and 
Congressmen to Tel Aviv and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, where I 
reiterated America's absolute commitment to Israel. Since then, we 
passed the national security supplemental funding legislation with 
broad bipartisan support--broad bipartisan support--to provide aid to 
our close ally Israel.
  What is new, however, and is deeply troubling is the rise of anti-
Semitism in our society and particularly what we are seeing on our 
college campuses. I have to say I never thought that we would see this 
in my lifetime in our country. I just can't believe that we are seeing 
anti-Semitism like this in America, and it is absolutely unacceptable--
absolutely unacceptable.
  To be clear, colleges and universities ought to be spaces that 
encourage free thinking and free speech, where students can learn about 
the world and their place in it. There can be no space, however, for 
anti-Semitism on our college campuses or anywhere else in our country. 
The examples we are seeing at universities of anti-Zionist encampments, 
individuals prohibiting Jewish students from entering the university 
buildings, and other anti-Semitic acts must be met with a speedy and 
strong response and not only from the universities but from our 
Department of Education as well.
  As we recognized Holocaust Remembrance Day earlier this week, I am 
reminded of remarks given by late Supreme Court Justice Scalia to mark 
the occasion over 20 years ago, when he said that the most frightening 
aspect of the Holocaust was that it happened in one of the most 
educated, most progressive, and most cultured countries in the world.
  For these reasons and many more, I am proud to join Senator Scott 
from South Carolina in supporting this resolution and our other 
colleagues as well. The resolution condemns anti-Semitism and resolves 
that the administrators of colleges, as well as the Department of 
Education, must take the necessary actions to ensure compliance with 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and defend Jewish and Israeli students 
against discrimination.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. I ask unanimous consent that the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from 
further consideration and that the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 670; 
further, that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, 
and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the 
table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Mr. SANDERS. Reserving the right to object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to S. Res. 670, 
which, in my view, does, in fact, not go far enough to address the very 
serious crisis of bigotry taking place all over this country.
  Let me be very clear. Anti-Semitism is a vile and disgusting form of 
bigotry that has existed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and 
in the last century resulted in the deaths of at least 6 million 
people, including some in my own family. I strongly and unequivocally 
condemn all forms of anti-Semitism.
  In addition, it is imperative that Congress, representing the 
American people, make clear our strong opposition to all forms of 
bigotry in this country, whether on college campuses or elsewhere, 
including Islamophobia, homophobia, racism, and the growing attacks 
against the Asian-American community.
  Our goal must be to bring people together as one Nation regardless of 
our religion, regardless of where we were born, regardless of the color 
of our skin.
  And the resolution that I am offering, which I hope will be accepted, 
makes that abundantly clear: no to anti-Semitism, no to Islamophobia, 
no to all forms of racism and bigotry.
  And as we do our best to combat racism and all of its ugly 
manifestations, we must also hold our heads high and with pride as we 
honor the First Amendments to our Constitution, brilliantly developed 
by the Founders of this country.
  And let me simply read, because some may have forgotten what the 
First Amendment says:

       Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of 
     religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or 
     abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the 
     right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition 
     the Government for a redress of grievances.

  That is what a free country is about--the right to disagree with 
government and the right to protest. And those are rights that every 
Member of Congress should respect, no matter what one's political point 
of view may be.
  I happen to believe that protesting injustice is part of the American 
tradition, going back to the very Founders of this country, and has 
played a fundamental role in recent decades in the fight to overcome 
racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination.
  I would remind my colleagues, for example, that the success of the 
civil rights movement was due in large part to sit-ins and occupations 
where young Black and White Americans bravely took up space in private 
businesses demanding an end to the racial discrimination of segregation 
that existed at that time.
  I would also remind my colleagues that during the Vietnam war, 
students and millions of other Americans, including myself, joined 
peaceful demonstrations demanding an end to that war. Maybe--just 
maybe--tens of thousands of American lives and countless of Vietnamese 
lives might have been saved if the government had listened to those 
demonstrators.
  And further, let us not forget those who demonstrated against the 
failed wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maybe those protesters should have 
been listened to as well.
  You know, despite what some people think here, government policy 
regarding war is not always right. In fact, in recent history, it has 
mostly been wrong.
  I do find it extraordinary, both tonight, in listening to my 
colleagues,

[[Page S3498]]

and what I have heard for many months now, that this body is very quick 
to bring forth bills and resolutions condemning student protesters, but 
there has been minimal discussion about what these young people are 
protesting. And that is rather extraordinary. I didn't hear one word of 
it tonight.
  What are they out demonstrating about? What have millions of people 
gone to the streets and are talking about?
  So let me take this opportunity to do just that.
  We all know, as has been stated correctly this evening, that on 
October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist organization, began this war with 
an attack on Israel that killed 1,200 innocent men, women, and 
children, and took over 200 people captive, many of whom are still in 
captivity tonight. I think all of us believe--and I know that all of us 
believe--that this horrific attack must be unequivocally condemned, and 
I believe that all of us understand that Israel had the right to defend 
itself against Hamas. But I certainly do not believe, nor do a strong 
majority of the American people believe, that the rightwing, extremist 
Netanyahu government has the right to wage an unprecedented, all-out 
war against the Palestinian people.
  And what these protests are largely about and what public opinion is 
showing is outrage that, since October 7, the Netanyahu government has 
killed more than 34,000 Palestinians and injured more than 78,000, 70 
percent of whom are women and children. That is over 5 percent of the 
2.2 million people living in Gaza.

  And that is what the vast majority of people in this country who are 
protesting are talking about. Protesters and the majority of the 
American people are outraged that 1.8 million people, 80 percent of the 
population of Gaza, have been forced out of their homes--80 percent 
forced out of their homes and sent to overcrowded and dangerous 
locations.
  Protesters, and the American people in general, are deeply concerned 
about the destruction of over 200,000 housing units--destroyed, leaving 
more than a million people in Gaza homeless. The American people and 
protesters are deeply worried, concerned about what happens to these 
people in the future. They have got no home. Where do they go? How do 
they live?
  The American people and protesters are outraged that the civilian 
infrastructure of Gaza has been devastated, with approximately 60 
percent of water and sanitation facilities damaged or destroyed and 
electricity almost entirely shut off. Raw waste is now seeping into the 
streets throughout Gaza because their wastewater systems have been 
destroyed.
  The American people and the American doctors I have talked to who 
were in Gaza are shocked that the healthcare system of Gaza has been 
systematically destroyed, with 26 hospitals knocked out of service and 
more than 400 healthcare workers killed.
  When we talk about college campuses--and I understand that is the 
discussion here tonight--I want everyone to know that there are no 
protests on the college campuses in Gaza. Nobody is feeling discomfort. 
Do you know why? Because every one of the 12 universities in Gaza has 
been bombed and destroyed.
  And as we speak against explicit and repeated warnings of President 
Biden, Israel is attacking Rafah, where over a million Palestinians 
have sought refuge. And that situation will only accelerate the crisis 
that Mrs. McCain and others in the humanitarian world have talked 
about; and that is that famine is imminent in Gaza, and God knows how 
many children are already dying of malnutrition.
  The fact of the matter is that some 67 percent of Americans, 
according to recent polls, support the United States' calling for a 
cease-fire, and 60 percent oppose sending more weapons to Israel. And 
that is what the protesters are talking about. They are asking why it 
is that we are complicit in the humanitarian disaster taking place in 
Gaza; and why, when we have got hundreds of thousands of people 
homeless throughout this country, we are giving $20 billion more to the 
rightwing, extremist Netanyahu government.
  So, no, it is not just protesters on college campuses who are upset 
about U.S. policy with regard to Israel and Gaza. Increasingly, 
American people want an end to U.S. complicity in the humanitarian 
disaster that is unfolding there.
  Mr. President, I will therefore be offering an alternative resolution 
to the one that Senator Scott offered which does the following--and I 
hope it would gain unanimous support: No. 1, it strongly condemns the 
rise of anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, anti- Asian, and any 
other form of discrimination on the campuses of schools and 
institutions of higher education across the United States.
  So it does what Senator Scott proposes, but it does more.
  No. 2, it strongly affirms Congress's support for the First Amendment 
of the Constitution and freedom of speech and dissent.
  No. 3, it strongly supports the right of students and all Americans 
to peacefully protest.
  No. 4, it urges the Department of Education to take necessary actions 
to ensure that schools and institutions of higher education are 
complying with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide all 
students--including students who are or perceived to be Jewish, 
Israeli, Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian--a school environment free from 
discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin.
  And lastly, it strongly urges school leaders, college administrators, 
and local, State, and Federal leaders to take all necessary steps to 
protect students' safety and civil rights, including their right to 
peacefully assemble and protest.
  Therefore, I object to this resolution.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kelly). The objection is heard.
  The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. President, let me just respond to my 
good friend on the other side of the ocean and this aisle.
  I wonder, in the 1960s, when there were Black students, what did they 
want then? It wasn't a resolution condemning all hate, when they were 
the only target of the hate. It was support for those who were being 
victimized in the moment, not a resolution that muddies the water.
  Every single challenge facing the folks in the Middle East as a 
result of Hamas attacking Israel, every drop of blood, is on the hands 
of the terrorists in Hamas, period. Every challenge facing folks in 
Gaza that is a result of Hamas's terrorizing the nation of Israel is on 
the shoulders of Hamas. When you start the war, every innocent life, 
every unnecessary death is on you, plain and simple.
  Well, let me just say that it is a coalition government in Israel--a 
unanimous coalition government in Israel--supporting the efforts of 
Israel to eliminate Hamas from the planet, and I do too, 100 percent.
  It is frustrating. It is frustrating to see the level of violence in 
our country. It is frustrating for me to see the level of violence on 
our college campuses.
  I started working on the definition of anti-Semitism not October 7 
but in 2018. President Trump made my language into an Executive order 5 
years ago. Why? Because there were signs, even then, of hate, 
disgusting violence, and intimidation on college campuses in America.
  And so I just find the language and the comments from my colleague 
from Vermont deeply disturbing and insulting and misleading.
  My resolution is quite simple. It condemns the rampant anti-Semitism 
on college campuses.
  The 2,000-plus arrests on college campuses weren't because of 
violence against Blacks or violence against Muslims or violence against 
Hispanics or violence against Asians. It was violence against Jewish 
students. It was intimidation of Jewish students. It was vandalism on 
college campuses because of these folks who were trying to intimidate 
and get to our Jewish students.
  It was our Jewish students who couldn't walk to class in peace. It 
was our Jewish students who couldn't study in libraries without 
intimidation.

  An objection to my resolution is an objection to the reality that 
today our Jewish students are facing disgusting environments on college 
campuses, and the administrators sit back with their hands under their 
butts.
  My colleague's resolution clouds the issue of anti-Semitism and 
equates

[[Page S3499]]

Hamas's unprovoked terrorist attack on innocent Israelis and Israel's 
measures of self-defense. It is ridiculous. What can we say? What can 
we say to our young students in elementary schools and middle schools 
and high schools as they look at these so-called elite campuses where 
they are taking down American flags? What do we say to our young 
students watching anti-Semitism rage on college campuses? What do we 
say when they ask the questions that they ask me: Why do they hate the 
Jews so much? And who will stand in the gap--not just with them, before 
them?
  I say there is not a single Republican in the U.S. Senate who is 
blocking this resolution. I say not I will but I must stand.
  Why can't we just say anti-Semitism on college campuses is wrong? Why 
can't we have a full stop right there? Perhaps it is because the 
politics of it is so entangled in the quagmire pit, we must have 
everything thrown into the bucket, as opposed to just speaking the 
truth as it is right now on college campuses. Why can't we just condemn 
anti-Semitism on its face? Why is it so hard for my Democratic 
colleagues to condemn what Senator Sanders says--and I agree--is the 
oldest form of hate in the world? Why can't we just do that right now? 
We can. But politics suggests that to be politically correct, we must 
include everybody. Well, everybody is not being impacted like our 
Jewish students today. Why is it so hard to speak without a forked 
tongue on such a powerful issue that deserves our moral clarity?
  It is Jewish students being forced out of the classrooms and out of 
the dorms. It is Jewish students facing violence today. I get 
frustrated by the fact that so often we just feel sorry for those poor 
kids. I get tired of hearing people say: Well, you know, there is this 
larger group of folks who need to be protected. Mr. President, 2,000 
arrests for violence specifically focused on and targeting Jewish 
students.
  Every single child--I don't care what race you are, what religion--
has a right to go to campus safely, but in today's America, it is the 
Jewish student--the Jewish student--who can't prepare for a midterm in 
a library. It is the Jewish student who can't walk to class without 
hoping and praying that law enforcement is there.
  We deserve--we deserve--better. America deserves leadership that is 
unequivocal when it matters the most. We deserve leadership that speaks 
to the issue of the day, today and every day. That is why people are so 
disgusted with politics.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, well, I would agree with the Senator from 
South Carolina on one point: People are disgusted with politics. And 
maybe the reason they are disgusted with politics is, despite what the 
vast majority of the American people want, the U.S. Government is 
continuing to provide billions of dollars in military aid to the 
rightwing, extremist Netanyahu government. The Senator from South 
Carolina said it is a coalition government. It is. It is rightwing 
extremists in coalition with out-and-out racists. That is the 
coalition. And people are disgusted because they don't want to see 
their money going to kill more women and children in Gaza.
  Now, the Senator from South Carolina says that I am muddying the 
waters. Really? Well, I would suggest that the Senator from South 
Carolina remember what happened a number of months ago in November, I 
believe, of 2023. Three young Palestinian college students were shot at 
close range in my city. Islamophobia in this country is on the rise. If 
you are a Palestinian walking the streets, you better be careful.
  So the idea that we should not, as a nation and as a Congress, come 
together to address anti-Semitism--absolutely. But Islamophobia? We 
have, as you know, some people out there talking about the Chinese flu 
and ``kung flu.'' If you think that does not provoke anti-Asian 
behavior on the part of some, you would be mistaken.
  So I think what is appropriate is for us to condemn anti-Semitism, 
which is exactly what my resolution does, but make it clear that all 
forms of bigotry in this country are unacceptable.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
consideration of my resolution, which is at the desk; further, that the 
resolution be agreed to; that the preamble be agreed to; and that the 
motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with 
no intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there an objection?
  The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. President, reserving the right to 
object, I think the Senator and I could do this all night long. I would 
be happy to, frankly. I don't think we will get to the place where we 
just have a clear statement condemning anti-Semitism. So for all the 
reasons I have already noted and made, I object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The objection is heard.

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