[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3050-H3170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SECURING GROWTH AND ROBUST LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN AVIATION ACT
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 3935) to amend
title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the Federal
Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, and for
other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
Senate amendment:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 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:
[[Page H3054]]
``(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 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).
[[Page H3055]]
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;
``(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
[[Page H3056]]
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 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.
[[Page H3057]]
(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
(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
[[Page H3058]]
(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;
``(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
[[Page H3059]]
(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.
``(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
[[Page H3060]]
(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
(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,
[[Page H3061]]
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'';
(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;
[[Page H3062]]
``(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 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:
[[Page H3063]]
``(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
``(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.
[[Page H3064]]
``(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, 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
[[Page H3065]]
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;
(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;
[[Page H3066]]
(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
(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.
[[Page H3067]]
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.
(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.
[[Page H3068]]
(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;
(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;
[[Page H3069]]
(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.
(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
[[Page H3070]]
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:
``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.
[[Page H3071]]
``(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.
``(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.
[[Page H3072]]
``(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 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
[[Page H3073]]
(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.
(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
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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;
(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
[[Page H3075]]
(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;
(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
[[Page H3076]]
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
``(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.
[[Page H3077]]
``(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--
``(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
[[Page H3078]]
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.
(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;
[[Page H3079]]
(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 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
[[Page H3080]]
(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).
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,
[[Page H3081]]
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 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
[[Page H3082]]
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
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
[[Page H3083]]
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.
(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.
[[Page H3084]]
(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--
(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
[[Page H3085]]
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).
(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
[[Page H3086]]
(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).
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,
[[Page H3087]]
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.
(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;
[[Page H3088]]
(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).
(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.
[[Page H3089]]
(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--
(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.--
[[Page H3090]]
``(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;
(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
[[Page H3091]]
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);
(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
[[Page H3092]]
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 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
[[Page H3093]]
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:
``(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,
[[Page H3094]]
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;
``(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;
[[Page H3095]]
``(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.
``(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--
[[Page H3096]]
(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--
``(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,
[[Page H3097]]
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 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.''.
[[Page H3098]]
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;
(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
[[Page H3099]]
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, 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--
[[Page H3100]]
``(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, 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.
[[Page H3101]]
(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.
(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,
[[Page H3102]]
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.--
(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
[[Page H3103]]
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 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
[[Page H3104]]
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 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.--
[[Page H3105]]
``(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;
(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
[[Page H3106]]
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.
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
[[Page H3107]]
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.
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
[[Page H3108]]
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.
(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--
[[Page H3109]]
(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;
``(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
[[Page H3110]]
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 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
[[Page H3111]]
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.
(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
[[Page H3112]]
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 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--
[[Page H3113]]
``(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 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--
[[Page H3114]]
``(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;
``(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
[[Page H3115]]
``(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 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.
[[Page H3116]]
``(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.
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
[[Page H3117]]
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;
``(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.
[[Page H3118]]
``(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:
``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
[[Page H3119]]
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, 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.
[[Page H3120]]
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.
(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
[[Page H3121]]
``(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--
``(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.
[[Page H3122]]
``(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 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
[[Page H3123]]
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.
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.
[[Page H3124]]
(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 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.
[[Page H3125]]
(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 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
[[Page H3126]]
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.--
``(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
[[Page H3127]]
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).
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)--
[[Page H3128]]
(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.
``(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
[[Page H3129]]
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.
``(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.
[[Page H3130]]
``(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 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.
[[Page H3131]]
(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;
(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.
[[Page H3132]]
(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
``(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
[[Page H3133]]
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).
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
[[Page H3134]]
(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 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.
[[Page H3135]]
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;
(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
[[Page H3136]]
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.
(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--
[[Page H3137]]
(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--
(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.
[[Page H3138]]
(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 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--
[[Page H3139]]
(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
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
[[Page H3140]]
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;
(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
[[Page H3141]]
(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.--
(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
[[Page H3142]]
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 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
[[Page H3143]]
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;
``(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--
[[Page H3144]]
``(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
``(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
[[Page H3145]]
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.
``(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
[[Page H3146]]
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 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
[[Page H3147]]
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 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;
[[Page H3148]]
(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);
(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
[[Page H3149]]
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;
(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
[[Page H3150]]
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, 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
[[Page H3151]]
(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.
``(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.
[[Page H3152]]
``(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.
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--
[[Page H3153]]
(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, 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--
[[Page H3154]]
``(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--
(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
[[Page H3155]]
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 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
[[Page H3156]]
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;
(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
[[Page H3157]]
(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 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.--
[[Page H3158]]
(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
(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)''.
[[Page H3159]]
(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 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:
[[Page H3160]]
``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.
(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.
[[Page H3161]]
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 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
[[Page H3162]]
(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'';
(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.--
[[Page H3163]]
``(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)'' 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
[[Page H3164]]
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''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Graves) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.
General Leave
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks and include extraneous material on the Senate amendment
to H.R. 3935.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of passing and
concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935, the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
This bill is a bipartisan, bicameral, and comprehensive agreement to
reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and our Nation's
aviation safety and infrastructure programs through fiscal year 2028.
I thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member
Rick Larsen and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell and Ranking Member Ted Cruz for
their partnership in crafting a strong final agreement.
I also thank House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves and
Ranking Member Steve Cohen and Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chair
Tammy Duckworth and Ranking Member Jerry Moran for their support in
getting this bill across the finish line.
For over a century, the United States has led the world in aviation
safety and innovation. Unfortunately, our gold standard status is being
threatened by increased global competition, rapid developments in
technology, a shortage of aviation professionals, and influences at the
FAA due to process failures and inadequate practices.
H.R. 3935 is critical to ensuring America remains the global leader
in aviation, and it is vital to our economy, to millions of American
jobs, and to the millions of passengers who depend on our National
Airspace System every single day.
H.R. 3935 also provides the long-term certainty necessary to ensure
the safety and prosperity of the American aviation industry for decades
to come.
This bill makes reasonable organizational reforms at the agency. It
provides much-needed agility while simultaneously providing safety each
step of the way.
The FAA is simply too slow in everything it does, from rulemakings to
aircraft registrations and from certifications to just simple
paperwork.
This bill ensures robust investments in infrastructure for airports
of all sizes, with special emphasis placed on the thousands of smaller
and general aviation airports that make up the bulk of our Nation's
airport system.
Further, it is a personal point of pride for me that this bill
includes the first-ever general aviation title in the FAA
reauthorization bill. I have been saying this for years, but GA is the
foundation of our aviation, our civil aviation system, and it is where
many of our pilots, mechanics, and other hardworking aviation
professionals began their careers. It is also responsible for helping
meet the critical community needs in thousands of cities and towns all
across America. This bill recognizes the importance of GA and protects
the freedom to fly for every American.
As previously mentioned, the shortages across the aerospace workforce
are a growing risk to the future of American aviation, and H.R. 3935
addresses workforce challenges head-on by removing barriers for
individuals and veterans interested in pursuing careers in aviation,
such as through improving aviation workforce development programs.
[[Page H3165]]
The bottom line is our bill encourages the growth of our aviation
workforce through targeted and meaningful reforms. What is more, H.R.
3935 maintains American leadership when it comes to the development and
integration of new and emerging technologies into the airspace, such as
drones and advanced air mobility, or AAM. Specifically, this bill
requires the FAA to move beyond endless testing and pilot programs that
go nowhere and to move toward integrating innovations, such as drones
and AAM, into the National Airspace System.
As air travel recovers from the COVID pandemic, renewed growth in air
travel has come with some difficulties for the traveling public, and
our bipartisan bill includes an entire title dedicated to improving
issues each of our offices hears about from constituents almost daily:
the flying experience for the traveling public, including individuals
with disabilities.
Finally, and most importantly, this bill recognizes that while our
aviation system is safe, we have to continue raising the bar for
safety. The bill is centered around a strong aviation and safety title
and makes many important reforms that address the close calls and near
misses that have unnerved many of us over the past several years.
Madam Speaker, I have every confidence that the provisions we enact
here today will make aviation safer, thus ensuring that America
continues to be the world's gold standard in aviation safety.
One of the most important safety features of this bill is the title
for a 5-year reauthorization of the National Transportation Safety
Board, or the NTSB. It is the independent Federal agency that
investigates all civil aviation and other transportation accidents.
{time} 1645
I believe the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is one of the farthest
reaching, most consequential pieces of legislation that the House will
consider in the 118th Congress.
Madam Speaker, I will take a moment to point out a couple of
additional provisions in the bill that I think warrant bringing up.
The first is the provision that is going to help protect general
aviation airports from closure. Airports are a valuable community
resource, and our vast national aviation airports are part of what has
brought about American leadership in aviation.
Many of these airports are also grant obligated, meaning they have
made assurances to the Federal Government that they will operate and
develop the airport to its fullest potential.
In too many places, local neglect or hostility threatens the
viability of many of these small airports and the community's
commitment to these obligations.
Aeronautical development at airports is vital to our national
interests, so our bill includes provisions that will prohibit the
Federal Aviation Administration from waiving grant obligations if the
FAA finds the waiver would impair the aeronautical purpose of an
airport or result in its closure.
Although this bill contains a legislative waiver of grant operations
for Banning Airport in California, this should not be viewed as
anything other than a very unique exception to the hard-and-fast rule
that Congress is enforcing in this bill. Moving forward, it will take
legislative action to pursue closing an airport and getting a waiver on
those grant assurances.
One other provision I will point out is airline refunds. I remain
concerned that the new Department of Transportation rule is going to
result in significant unintended consequences for passengers, including
increased prices for the processing of unintentional refunds when all
the passenger wants is just simply to be rebooked on the next flight
home.
However, now that the Senate has amended the refund provision to more
closely align with the DOT rule, it is important the DOT adheres to its
published 6-month implementation period for the rule. DOT should not
view this legislation as short-circuiting the implementation period,
which is necessary for airlines and ticket agents to adopt new systems
to ensure regulatory compliance.
I look forward to working with both DOT and the FAA as they work to
implement these provisions and the many other important sections in
this bill.
Madam Speaker, in closing, this bill has the support of more than a
thousand aviation organizations and companies and comprehensively
addresses thousands of Member and stakeholder issues and requests that
we received.
Simply put, this bill is vital to America's airport infrastructure,
to our economy, and to the future of American leadership in aviation.
It is an honor to stand here and urge all of the Members in the House
to support this transformational bill.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of
the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935, a bipartisan, bicameral effort, done
in good faith, to create a safer, cleaner, greener, more innovative and
accessible U.S. aviation system.
After reviewing more than a thousand stakeholder requests and Member
priorities, holding six committee hearings, and engaging in months of
negotiations with the Senate, we have finally reached a pivotal
milestone for U.S. aviation, the final passage of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
I am proud to support this 5-year reauthorization to ensure that
American aviation continues to be a powerful economic engine that
creates good-paying jobs and supports local communities across the
country.
Before I get into the details, I will provide the FAA bill by the
numbers: $4 billion, that is how much we boost the annual Airport
Improvement Program funding to, an increase of $650 million a year,
with at least $150 million in AIP discretionary funds for airport noise
and environmental sustainability projects; $60 million, the new robust
annual funding for workforce development grants to grow the next
generation of aviation manufacturing workers, aviation maintenance
technicians, and pilots, including a $12 million set aside annually for
the new Willa Brown Aviation Education Program to support outreach and
educational opportunities to underrepresented communities; $0, that is
how much it will cost families now to sit with their young children on
commercial aircraft; $200 million for new annual grants to increase
airport runway safety and resiliency; $350 million to establish a
groundbreaking reimbursement program for airports to replace harmful
PFAS firefighting foam and equipment with safer alternatives; and
finally, $20 million per year to launch a new pilot program to fund
capital projects that improve airport accessibility, among other key
reforms.
The U.S. aviation system is the safest in the world, but it has been
tested in recent years. To rise to that challenge, this bill helps
runway incursions by expanding ground surveillance and detection
technology at major airports to better alert air traffic controllers
and the pilots of potential danger.
Similarly, to combat fatigue and stress on the air traffic controller
workforce caused by understaffing, this bill requires the FAA to hire
the maximum number of controllers and to adopt the most appropriate
controller staffing model to meet the aviation system's evolving needs.
At a time of unprecedented aerospace innovation, this final bill
provides a clear and predictable framework for new airspace entrants to
scale safely in our skies.
The bill requires the FAA to issue rulemakings for beyond visual line
of sight, or BVLOS, drone operations, and to finalize the certification
standards and operating rules for powered-lift advanced air mobility,
or AAM, aircraft. It will also help State, local, and Tribal
governments to use drones for infrastructure inspection and repair so
maintenance and construction crews can work safely.
The 2024 FAA reauthorization builds the foundation for a cleaner and
greener future for our aviation ecosystem, as well. The bill allows
U.S. airports to use AIP funds for alternative fuel infrastructure,
including for hydrogen and unleaded fuels, and works to mitigate the
impacts of aviation noise on local communities like those near Paine
Field and Bellingham International Airport in my own district.
The reauthorization bill is also a jobs bill. It will help to build
the economy and diversify our aviation workforce, recognizing how
critical this effort is
[[Page H3166]]
to U.S. leadership in the evolving global aviation sector.
In addition to the robust investment for workforce development
grants, this bill directs the FAA and the Department of Defense to
collaborate on improving the career transition between military and
civil aviation and establishes a task force to oversee and advise on
the FAA's efforts to support the mental health of the aviation
workforce.
Furthermore, the bill fosters a safer workplace by establishing a
Federal task force to help protect airline personnel from the troubling
rise in assaults and initiating a ramp worker safety call to action to
reduce the occurrence of tragic ingestion in blast zone accidents,
among other key improvements.
Moreover, after many disruptive incidents for passengers in recent
years, this reauthorization sets the passenger experience back on the
right path, allowing for a safer, accessible, and more dignified travel
experience.
This bill works to make passengers whole by codifying into U.S. law a
requirement that airlines provide cash refunds to passengers and
harmonizes with the recent DOT rule to allow for these refunds to be
automatic. It also calls for airlines to create policies for
reimbursing passengers for meals, lodging, and other costs if their
flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
Furthermore, this reauthorization breaks down barriers for passengers
with disabilities by improving training for airline personnel and
contractors who assist these passengers with boarding or deplaning an
aircraft and, importantly, for handling their mobility devices, and
establishing a pilot program to allow passengers to seamlessly travel
with approved service animals.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 cements a safer, cleaner,
greener, more innovative, and accessible future for U.S. aviation.
I thank my colleagues, Chair Sam Graves, Subcommittee Chair Garret
Graves, Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen, Senate Commerce
Committee Chair Cantwell, and Ranking Member Cruz for their
collaboration.
I also thank the nearly 350 stakeholders representing unions,
airlines, airports, manufacturers, disability rights organizations,
healthcare groups, so many folks who have endorsed this legislation and
have helped build support since we first passed this out of committee
last July.
Madam Speaker, I stand here today to urge my colleagues to support
this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to the time
remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Missouri has 11\1/2\
minutes remaining.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who is also the chairman of the
Aviation Subcommittee.
Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, we passed a bill out of the
House in July of last year in a strong bipartisan manner, a vote of
351-69, despite the fact that we have been in this incredibly
challenging and polarizing Congress. We came together because of the
importance of this legislation, and since 2018, the last time we did an
FAA bill, we have seen profound changes in the aviation industry.
For example, in 2018, there were approximately 100,000 remote pilot
certificates that had been issued by the FAA. Today, there are nearly
four times that many at 400,000.
In all of 2018, there were 33 commercial space launches that were
licensed by the FAA. This year alone so far, in the first 4 or 5
months, there have already been 47.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, we have had a national ground
stop, and just weeks ago, we had a facility incident where there were
ground stops at three of the Nation's largest airports.
We have seen profound changes in the aviation industry over the last
6 years. This bill brings fundamental solutions into areas like
aviation safety that is so critical, ensuring that we have an entire
title on innovation, looking at unmanned systems, and advanced air
mobility ensuring that general aviation is treated in a way that is
appropriate and integrating to the airspace and efficient. We are
ensuring that we have the workforce that is needed, not for yesterday's
aviation industry, but truly for tomorrow's.
This bill reorganizes the FAA in a way that recognizes newer
technologies, the need for the FAA to move faster, to move more
seamlessly. It reauthorizes the National Transportation Safety Board to
ensure that we learn from mistakes and failures and, most importantly,
Mr. Speaker, this bill focuses on the passenger experience ensuring
that that curb-to-curb experience is a good one.
I think it is important to make note that over the last 6 years, we
have had one new commercial aircraft that has been certificated by the
FAA. International competitiveness on aircraft design and manufacturing
is becoming more competitive globally.
This bill will bring the FAA out of the 20th century and allow us to
lead globally in the 2030s and beyond.
For the State of Louisiana, the bill offers an opportunity to compete
for Department of Transportation investment opportunities in new forms
of aviation and resilience. It also advances the use of drones and new
forms of aviation for activities such as emergency response,
infrastructure inspections, and supporting the offshore energy
industry.
The bill takes each of the challenges facing aviation in the U.S. and
provides forward-looking paths for the FAA to better serve the public
today and into the next decade.
We took a deep dive into the authorities and processes of the FAA to
reorganize and streamline them, breaking down the silos that prevent
the FAA from utilizing its own internal expertise to make decisions.
We included the first-ever standalone title for aviation technologies
to provide certainty to industry, prodding to the FAA to allow drones
and advanced air mobility to move beyond research projects into
commercially scaled-up programs.
We built upon the NEPA reforms of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and
included the most extensive airport environmental streamlining reforms
of the past two decades.
We deliver on our promise, as noted, to improve upon the passenger
experience.
Mr. Speaker, nearly 28 percent of adults have never stepped foot on a
plane. We have got to make sure that that experience is a positive
experience, especially for those young families traveling with kids.
Everything from parking in the parking lots, all the way through
security, checking in bags, concessions, loading planes, getting off
planes, and recollecting their bags, this bill focuses on that entire
experience.
{time} 1700
Mr. Speaker, I talked about how we have been dealing with this for
nearly a year, and all of the legwork that went into it probably took
another 18 months before that.
There were a number of people who have put countless hours and a lot
of blood, sweat, and tears into this legislation.
I thank the people who made this bill happen, including: Hunter
Presti, Laney Copeland, Julie Devine, Andrew Giacini, Will Moore, Corey
Sites, our friend Chris, and our own aviation staffer, Maggie Ayrea.
I also thank the Democratic staff: Brian Bell, Adam Weiss, Liz Forro,
Alex Menardy, and Michael Hudspith.
Staff directors, Jack Ruddy and Kathy Dedrick, also deserve thanks.
This also couldn't have happened without our good friends, Steve
Cohen and Rick Larsen. Finally, Mr. Speaker, no one has more expertise
in this Congress than the aviation guru, our full committee chairman,
Sam Graves.
This bill is truly transformational.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Weber of Texas). Without objection, the
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) is recognized to control the time.
There was no objection.
Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935,
which reauthorizes the FAA and its related authorities through fiscal
year 2028.
At long last, after the House passed our bill almost a year ago, the
Senate
[[Page H3167]]
caught up with the House, and it passed a bill Thursday night, making
critical investments and key policy reforms to the aviation system to
deliver for the American people and the American economy.
From air traffic controller staffing challenges to the modernization
of the FAA's legacy safety and technology infrastructure to the
integration of new entrants in the U.S. skies, there is no shortage of
problems facing the aviation sector. This FAA reauthorization bill
takes significant steps toward addressing these issues and ensuring the
U.S. aviation system remains the safest and most efficient in the
world.
It will bolster aviation safety, strengthen consumer protections and
accessibility, and make landmark investments in sustainability, enhance
and diversify our aviation workforce, and advance American leadership
in aerospace.
I am pleased that many of my priorities have made it into this bill.
For too long, airlines have made passengers jump through countless
hoops to get refunds for flights that have been canceled or
significantly delayed or changed. I worked with Senator Markey on this
on the Senate side. Airlines will now be required to provide full cash
refunds in those situations if a passenger does not accept alternative
compensation.
Mr. Speaker, I am also glad to see the inclusion of my proposals that
provide transparency in the complaints from passengers with
disabilities to help passengers who use mobility aids such as
wheelchairs. Too many times we have seen disabled people's wheelchairs
damaged from being tossed like some type of rubber baggage, and they
have trouble even leaving the airport. This will protect disabled
people and allow them to have access to the skies equivalent to
nondisabled passengers.
This bill additionally directs the FAA to consider real-life
conditions in its evacuation standards and initiating rulemaking on
seat sizes. We have worked on rulemaking on seat sizes since the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) was the chair of the
committee. He was my friend and a great chairman. We got it into the
bill, but we still haven't got the FAA to make a test where they have
real situations that are like it is when you fly to see how long it
takes to evacuate a plane and have seat sizes that are safe for the
American public.
Finally, we have long-overdue requirements for aircraft cockpit voice
recorders to record the most recent 25 hours of audio and for critical
flight data to be recoverable without underwater retrieval to be
included. This was included as part of the bill that I received from
the suggestions of the former NTSB chair, Jim Hall, a great Tennessean,
who championed this when there was a plane that went down leaving South
America, and it took forever for them to find the recorder. He has been
a tireless champion of these requirements, and this will provide
greater clarity for accident investigations.
The challenges facing the U.S. aviation system make it clear that we
must pass this long-term, comprehensive reauthorization.
I thank my friends and colleagues: Chairman Sam Graves, who did a
great job in bringing this bill together, bringing everybody together,
giving everybody opportunities to be included, and making sure it was
successful; and Garret Graves, who is a big fan of Steve Larsen, and
also Ranking Member Rick Larsen.
Our partnership in this body shows we can come together and pass
meaningful and transformative legislation. It is bipartisan, it is
bicameral, and it is bicoastal. It is not bisexual.
I support the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935 and urge my colleagues to
do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time
remaining on both sides.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Missouri has 6\1/2\
minutes remaining. The gentleman from Tennessee has 9\1/2\ minutes
remaining.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), the chairman of the full Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate
amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill.
As chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have
worked with my colleagues for over a year on this bill, and I am proud
of the agreement that we have come to with our Senate counterparts.
I give a special thanks to Ranking Member Lofgren for working with me
throughout this process.
The research and development title of the bill provides a
comprehensive safety framework and the integration of emerging
technologies into air travel. By preserving and protecting the House's
provisions of this bill, we have ensured that this is the most robust
research and development title we have seen in an FAA bill.
This bill includes essential support for the Air Traffic Control
Academy located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma
City. The center is named after former Oklahoma U.S. Senator Mike
Monroney, who wrote the Federal Aviation Act that created the FAA.
Senator Monroney's legacy is realized every day through the more than
6,000 employees at the Center that serve the FAA's mission of training,
research, and operations for the flying public.
The Air Traffic Control Academy at the Center is responsible for the
first few months of training for all air traffic controllers.
Centralized training at the academy ensures that operating in the
national airspace is seamless from one end of the country to the other.
I am proud to represent and support the interests of this
institution, which gives us the safest flying in the world.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from
Washington (Mr. Larsen) is recognized to control the time.
There was no objection.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson).
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2024
FAA Reauthorization Act, and I commend Transportation Committee Chair
Sam Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves
and Ranking Member Steve Cohen, respectively, for their hard work and
bipartisan effort to get us to this point.
One key provision that I championed in this bill promises a more
diverse aviation industry through the Willa Brown Aviation Education
Program, named in honor of the first African-American woman to receive
her pilot's license on American soil. This program will provide
opportunities for underrepresented individuals to access jobs in the
aviation industry.
The legislation takes bold steps toward combating aircraft noise
while promoting environmental resilience and sustainability. It will
prioritize accountability and accessibility for consumers through
provisions ensuring timely departures, fair treatment, and
compensation. The 10 new slots at DCA airport are part of a new
connectivity and economic expansion era. That is why I will be voting
in favor of this legislation.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens).
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3935, the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
This legislation seeks to strengthen, protect, and modernize the
American aviation industry, a sector often hindered by an agency that
is stuck in the previous century.
Since 1966, the federally imposed perimeter rule has limited access
and increased costs for Americans flying into Washington Reagan
airport. This bill contains a simple but important fix. It adds five
new routes while maintaining all existing flight routes, whether they
are within or outside of the perimeter.
This legislation is designed not for one airport or one airline but
for all of us. It is about giving more options, more convenience, and
more opportunities to families traveling into Washington, D.C.
I thank the negotiators of this bill for working with me over the
past year to ensure this type of solution could be part of the final
package.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan and
bicameral agreement and to help DCA fly into the 21st century.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).
[[Page H3168]]
Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this FAA reauthorization
bill, which will have far-reaching impact on the airspace in Nevada's
First District by including provisions that I led requiring the maximum
hiring of air traffic controllers and protecting large outdoor events
from unauthorized drone incursions.
Furthermore, I am proud to say the bill includes provisions from my
Air Carrier Access Amendments Act, previously led by my good friend,
former Representative Jim Langevin. It will protect the rights of
disabled passengers by establishing aircraft accessibility standards
and setting a timeline for DOT to investigate and respond to
disability-related complaints.
I thank Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Aviation
Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves and Ranking Member Cohen for their
hard work on this bill and helping me to get these provisions included.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann).
Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, the economy of the State of Kansas has a
strong relationship with aviation. My district alone is home to six
commercial airports, 39 general aviation airports, and five essential
air service communities. After agriculture, aviation has the second
largest impact on my State's economy.
Over the past year, I have advocated for an FAA reauthorization that
is cost-effective and invests in programs that are crucial to the
aviation industry in Kansas and across the country. I have advocated to
expand the section 625 workforce to include manufacturing and
engineering and to reform the current workforce development programs to
support the long-term growth and diversification of the pilot
profession. Most importantly, I have advocated for us to reauthorize an
aviation bill that prioritizes safety.
In order for the aviation industry to thrive, we need an FAA that
adopts long-overdue policy changes and regulatory requirements. America
has been and should continue to be the gold standard of aviation. I
call on my colleagues to pass the FAA reauthorization that gives the
industry the policies it needs to continue to thrive.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, may I ask for the time remaining
on both sides again.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Missouri has 3\1/2\
minutes remaining. The gentleman from Washington has 7\1/2\ minutes
remaining.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from California (Mr. DeSaulnier).
Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and
I am grateful for the leadership of Chairmen Graves and Graves and
Ranking Members Larsen and Cohen.
I am very happy that many of the priorities that I have worked for
over the last few years made it into this reauthorization, including
several provisions from our Safe Landings Act, like addressing near
misses and expanding airport surface surveillance and safety systems.
I am also excited to see the creation of the Task Force on Human
Factors in Aviation Safety, an effort that I have worked on since the
near miss of what could have been the largest aviation disaster in the
history of the country at San Francisco International in 2017. We
learned a lot from that experience, and this piece of legislation helps
correct some of the things that almost created that disaster.
This task force will help to keep our aviation system safe by better
understanding the ways pilots operate and make decisions and help to
improve training and outcomes. I appreciate the Senate working with us
to ensure that important provisions for safety, supporting the
workforce and protections for every passenger are included.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).
Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, what makes today truly historic is the
legal establishment of the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center for
Advanced Aerospace. It is a real big deal for south Jersey, but it is
also a real big deal for the United States of America.
The permanent technical center will expand into a new field called
advanced aerospace. Thousands of workers and businesses will come into
our country, come into our State, and make a real difference.
Critically, this law ensures that the technical center is locally
controlled and protected from reorganization. Congress must ensure that
the new law is faithfully executed. I will work with my colleagues to
achieve that goal.
The future of aviation, even with the problems that we have had, is
bright for the technical center, for south Jersey, and for the United
States of America. I urge swift passage and enactment of this important
new law.
{time} 1715
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal).
Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for the FAA
reauthorization and commend Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen
for crafting this bipartisan agreement.
This bill represents what we can achieve when we work together in
good faith to advance the priorities of all our communities.
It will help us create a safer and cleaner aviation system while
maintaining American leadership in aviation and aerospace innovation.
Additionally, the bill includes many of our priorities, including:
providing $4 billion for airport infrastructure; tackling PFAS
contamination through my bills to establish a new reimbursement program
to help airports replace toxic firefighting foams and requiring regular
reports from Federal agencies; and, to support the Western Range at
Vandenberg Space Force Base, ensuring the FAA can improve real-time
data sharing of space launches and reentries with air traffic
controllers in the field.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. I commend Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking
Member Larsen, Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman Garret Graves, and
Ranking Member Cohen. Their dedication to bipartisan, bicameral
collaboration has been instrumental in shaping this legislation.
In Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District, we are fortunate to have
numerous small- and medium-sized airfields that serve Arkansans and
visitors from around the world.
We are home to a unique and robust agricultural aviation industry. We
have included provisions that specifically address safety in Arkansas
aviation, as well as rural communities around the country, like
mandating tower marking rules to protect general aviators, improving
radio communications at Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport, and
improving aviation infrastructure and workforce development in the
Natural State.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is not just about passengers and
pilots. It is comprehensive, commonsense legislation that will benefit
farmers, businessowners, healthcare providers, and everyday folks. I
strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Sykes).
Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the
Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, or the
FAA Reauthorization Act.
My home State of Ohio is a major transportation hub and has a proud
legacy as the birthplace of aviation. The FAA reauthorization bill will
help ensure Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be a
pioneer in the aviation and aerospace industry.
This bill invests billions into airports large and small, including
in my district, the Akron-Canton Regional Airport, the Akron Fulton
Airport, and the Kent State University Airport.
These much-needed resources will keep our skies safe and make our
aviation infrastructure cleaner and greener. In particular, I highlight
the maintenance of the Federal age and flight hour requirements, the
consumer protections in the event of cancellations and delays that will
help keep costs down and save people money, and, notably, language that
I advocated for to support the advancements of a remote tower program
in Ohio.
[[Page H3169]]
This program will improve air traffic control for aircraft that
utilize smaller airports, generating economic development and safer
airspace.
This legislation is a major victory for America's aviation workforce
as it improves the safety, health, and well-being of aviation standards
both on the ground and in the air.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much
time is remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Missouri has 1\1/2\
minutes remaining.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
both sides get an additional 2 minutes.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Missouri?
There was no objection.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Missouri for yielding,
and I rise in support of this legislation.
San Antonio, which I am proud to represent, has about 1.7 million
people. It is the seventh-largest city in the country and is the
second-largest market without a direct flight to Reagan National
Airport.
It has about 82,000 Active Duty and about 100,000 veterans in the
community. It is arguably the center of cybersecurity.
This is something that the delegation has been working on for a long
time, and this is an important development.
For the reasons that I have just articulated, I give a great deal of
thanks to the chairman for his hard work in getting this done and to
Senator Cruz and his leadership over in the Senate to get these
additional five slots which, by the way, will provide opportunities for
other cities that are in the same situation. This, frankly, won't
actually have a significant impact because there are already people
flying from San Antonio to Reagan. They are just having to hop to do
it. This will provide direct access. I am grateful for their support,
and I will support the bill.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten).
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, for months we have been hard at work
crafting the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
I am so excited that we are finally here to pass this critical piece
of legislation that includes so many wins for my district back home in
west Michigan.
This bill is innovative, it is collaborative, and it is essential. We
are moving air travel forward. I thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member
Larsen, and all of the Members who came together to unanimously pass
this bill out of committee.
Michigan's Third is home to Gerald R. Ford International Airport and
a number of other incredible airports.
GRR is one of the busiest airports in the Nation, but its growth is
being inhibited by an air traffic control tower which doesn't meet
security standards or operational necessities found in newer towers.
Yet, it has consistently been passed over for replacement by the FAA.
My bill includes a provision directing the FAA to specifically
consider older towers at airports, like GRR and others, when selecting
projects for replacement and increasing transparency around the process
used when deciding which towers need to be upgraded.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30
seconds to the gentlewoman from Michigan.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I have a lot to say about this airport.
This will help GRR and other airports forge a path forward to meet
the needs of the region.
I thank the chair and ranking member again for working with me, and I
urge passage of this bill for my local airport, our workers, and
travelers.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I
am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).
Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in firm opposition to H.R. 3935. I am
deeply concerned about the provisions that would aggravate dangerous
conditions at National Airport.
Section 502 would add new flights at National, already dramatically
over capacity. Last month, there was a near miss where two airplanes
almost collided at DCA on the busiest runway in America. Today, over a
fifth of all flights at DCA are delayed on average for over an hour.
We have heard from Secretary Buttigieg, the FAA, and the Airport
Authority. They have serious concerns about safety and increased delays
if more flights are added.
Importantly, the House has already spoken and rejected this. I am
grateful for the leadership of Chairman Graves and Ranking Member
Larsen, but we should not accept a backroom deal between Senators to
reflect special interests.
The Senate refused to consider floor amendments that would have
restored the House language because those who crafted this bill knew
they would lose that vote. It is painful that this measure is still in
the bill, despite widespread bipartisan opposition.
I cannot support a bill that hurts my constituents, disrespects all
the elected leaders from Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., and directly
harms our airport and the passengers who use it.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers, and
I am ready to close.
May I inquire as to how much time is remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Washington has 4 minutes
remaining.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of
my time.
I close by saying that the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 would not
have been possible without the staff here in the House of
Representatives that have spent more than a year negotiating and
drafting this legislation.
I thank some folks in closing, and I won't go through the titles--
they know who they are--but by name: Brian Bell, Adam Weiss, Alexandra
Menardy, Elizabeth Forro, and Alex Schnelle, who are on the Aviation
Subcommittee staff.
On the full committee: Kathy Dedrick, Helena Zyblikewycz, Stanton
Johnson, Ryan Lehman, Peter True, Hale Diamond, Paul Samberg, Michael
Hudspith, and Zane Tolchinsky.
I also recognize the Republican Aviation Subcommittee staff, without
whom this obviously would not have been done. Both staffs took the
direction from the chair and I that we were going to play Team House of
Representatives when it came to negotiating the final bill and be
bipartisan, as long as we could be bipartisan, through this entire
process.
I recognize the Subcommittee on Aviation staff on the Republican
side: Hunter Presti, Laney Copeland, Julie Devine, Andrew Giacini, Will
Moore, Corey Sites, and Christopher Senn.
On the full committee: Jack Ruddy, Abby Camp Wenk, Meghan Holland,
Corey Cooke, Leslie Parker, Justin Harclerode, and Kerry Goldberg.
From the Office of Legislative Counsel, who I never see these people,
I never meet them, but they do a lot of work: Karen Anderson, Jordyn
Coad, Robert Casturo, Emily Ordakowski, and Michelle Johnston.
I thank all those folks for their hard work to make this happen.
Their efforts have allowed us to craft a bill that we can all be proud
of.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a
bipartisan, bicameral, good-faith effort that ensures leadership in
U.S. aviation safety, sustainability, innovation, and job creation.
I strongly support the Senate amendment to H.R. 3935 and urge all of
my colleagues to support it, as well. I yield back the balance of my
time.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
In closing, this bill before us is a strong bipartisan and forward-
looking piece of legislation that will undoubtedly advance American
aviation, innovation, and safety.
I am not going to go into the many great things that are in this
bill, but I have served in this House for more than 23 years, and I
have been looking forward to passing an FAA bill as
[[Page H3170]]
chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for a long
time.
This is the kind of bill that a chairman only gets to do once in
their career, and I could not be more proud of the final product that
we put together.
I thank my partner, Ranking Member Larsen. I am grateful for that
partnership that he and his team have shown throughout this entire
process, throughout this Congress, and everything that the committee
does.
No piece of legislation, especially not one as comprehensive as this
bill, is complete without a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes
work.
I thank the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee staff on both
sides, led by staff directors: Jack Ruddy and Kathy Dedrick and the
Aviation Subcommittee staff directors Hunter Presti and Brian Bell.
I thank Abby Wenk, Corey Cooke, Meghan Holland, Leslie Parker, Chris
Devine, Tyler Micheletti, Rachel Sakrisson, Justin Harclerode, Kerry
Goldberg, Jake Murphy, Brianna Garcia, Wills MacKay, and Payton
Palazzolo and the Republican Aviation Subcommittee folks: Laney
Copeland, Andrew Giacini, Julie Devine, Will Moore, Corey Sites, Chris
Senn, and Maggie Ayrea.
The last thing I will say is I want to recognize my general counsel,
Corey Cooke. This has less to do with the FAA and more to do with the
fact that after 5\1/2\ years of serving on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, she is departing for the Senate.
After watching and waiting on the Senate to finish the FAA bill, I
can't say that her decision to leave the House is necessarily guided in
the right direction, and I can't say I fully endorse it.
Nonetheless, Corey has been a critical part of everything we have
done in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee during my time,
both as chairman and ranking member.
She worked for me on my previous committee chairmanship on small
business, and she is tenacious, hardworking, and a very loyal staffer
who will always be considered a part of Team Graves.
Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of the House to support final
passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I commend Chairman Graves and Ranking Member
Larson for their hard work to bring this bipartisan FAA Reauthorization
bill to the House floor.
I am very pleased that this bill includes some of my top priorities:
First, this bill advances implementation of my 2018 provisions
requiring Secondary Cockpit Barriers in Section 350 of the bill. This
language will be made even stronger to speed up the process and finally
get these safety devices on all passenger aircraft to protect flight
crews and passengers.
Second, I support the bill's provisions improving minority and
disadvantaged business participation in all FAA programs. This will
expand business opportunities for minority businesses and bring in
fresh talent to carry out new projects authorized in this bill.
I also strongly support the investments in airport infrastructure,
plus investments to strengthen the aviation workforce and make it more
diverse.
Unfortunately, I'm very disappointed that the Senate struck my
bipartisan provisions to create a new National Center for the
Advancement of Aviation which was approved by the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee and the full House. I will continue working to
create this center, which will improve our aviation workforce and
promote best practices across all sectors, including commercial,
military, and general aviation.
But overall, this is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support
this reauthorization.
{time} 1730
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) that the House suspend the rules
and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 3935.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.
____________________