[House Report 117-362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress    }                                     {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                     {      117-362

======================================================================



 
           ADVANCED AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION ACT

                                _______
                                

 June 13, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. DeFazio, from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 6270]

    The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to whom 
was referred the bill (H.R. 6270) to direct the Secretary of 
Transportation to establish a pilot program to provide grants 
related to advanced air mobility infrastructure, and for other 
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon 
with an amendment and recommends that the bill as amended do 
pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
Purpose of Legislation...........................................     5
Background and Need for Legislation..............................     5
Hearings.........................................................     5
Legislative History and Consideration............................     6
Committee Votes..................................................     7
Committee Oversight Findings.....................................     8
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures........................     8
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................     8
Performance Goals and Objectives.................................     8
Duplication of Federal Programs..................................     8
Congressional Earmarks, Limited Tax Benefits, and Limited Tariff 
  Benefits.......................................................     8
Federal Mandates Statement.......................................     9
Preemption Clarification.........................................     9
Advisory Committee Statement.....................................     9
Applicability to Legislative Branch..............................     9
Section-by-Section Analysis of the Legislation...................     9
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............    11

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Aviation Infrastructure 
Modernization Act'' or the ``AAIM Act''.

SEC. 2. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.

  (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program to 
provide grants that--
          (1) assist an eligible entity to plan for the development and 
        deployment of infrastructure necessary to facilitate AAM 
        operations in the United States; and
          (2) make funding available for costs directly related to 
        construction of public-use vertiports or associated 
        infrastructure.
  (b) Planning Grants.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants to 
        eligible entities to develop comprehensive plans under 
        paragraph (2) related to AAM infrastructure.
          (2) Comprehensive plan.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after 
                receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible 
                entity shall submit to the Secretary a comprehensive 
                plan in a format that may be published on the website 
                of the Department of Transportation.
                  (B) Plan contents.--The Secretary shall establish 
                content requirements for comprehensive plans submitted 
                under this subsection, which may include the following:
                          (i) The identification of planned or 
                        potential public-use or private-use vertiport 
                        locations.
                          (ii) A description of infrastructure 
                        necessary to support AAM operations.
                          (iii) A description of types of planned or 
                        potential AAM operations.
                          (iv) The identification of physical and 
                        digital infrastructure required to meet the 
                        standards for vertiport design and performance 
                        characteristics established by the Federal 
                        Aviation Administration (as in effect on the 
                        date on which the Secretary issues a grant to 
                        an eligible entity), including modifications to 
                        existing infrastructure and ground sensors, 
                        electric charging and other fueling 
                        requirements, electric utility requirements, 
                        wireless and cybersecurity requirements, and 
                        other necessary hardware or software.
                          (v) A description of potential environmental 
                        effects of planned construction or siting of 
                        public-use vertiports, including efforts to 
                        reduce the adverse effects of potential 
                        aviation noise.
                          (vi) A description of how planned public-use 
                        or private-use vertiport locations, including 
                        new or repurposed infrastructure, fit into 
                        existing State and local transportation systems 
                        and networks, including--
                                  (I) connectivity to existing public 
                                transportation hubs and intermodal and 
                                multimodal facilities;
                                  (II) opportunities to create new 
                                service to areas underserved by air 
                                transportation, without compromising 
                                safety and efficiency of other 
                                facilities and airspace users; and
                                  (III) any potential conflicts to 
                                existing aviation infrastructure that 
                                may arise from the proposed location of 
                                the vertiport.
                          (vii) A description of how public-use 
                        vertiport planning will be incorporated in 
                        State or metropolitan planning documents.
                          (viii) The identification of the process an 
                        eligible entity will undertake to ensure an 
                        adequate level of community engagement for 
                        planned public-use vertiport locations and 
                        planned or anticipated AAM operations, 
                        including engagement with underserved 
                        communities, individuals with disabilities, and 
                        racial and ethnic minorities, to address equity 
                        of access and other priorities.
                          (ix) The identification of the actions 
                        necessary for an eligible entity to undertake 
                        the construction of public-use vertiports, such 
                        as planning studies to assess existing 
                        infrastructure, environmental studies, studies 
                        of projected economic benefit to the community, 
                        lease or acquisition of an easement or land for 
                        new infrastructure, and activities related to 
                        other capital costs.
                          (x) The identification of State, local, or 
                        private sources of funding an eligible entity 
                        may use to assist with the construction or 
                        operation of a public-use vertiport.
          (3) Application.--To apply for a grant under this subsection, 
        an eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary an 
        application in such form, at such time, and containing such 
        information as the Secretary may require.
          (4) Selection.--
                  (A) In general.--In awarding grants under this 
                subsection, the Secretary shall consider the following:
                          (i) Geographic diversity.
                          (ii) The need for comprehensive plans that--
                                  (I) ensure the safe integration of 
                                AAM operations into the National 
                                Airspace System;
                                  (II) improve transportation safety, 
                                connectivity, access, and equity in 
                                both rural and urban regions in the 
                                United States;
                                  (III) leverage existing public 
                                transportation systems and intermodal 
                                and multimodal facilities;
                                  (IV) reduce surface congestion and 
                                the environmental impacts of 
                                transportation;
                                  (V) grow the economy and create jobs 
                                in the United States; and
                                  (VI) encourage community engagement 
                                when planning for AAM related 
                                infrastructure.
                  (B) Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize 
                awarding grants under this subsection to eligible 
                entities that partner with commercial AAM entities, 
                institutions of higher education, research 
                institutions, or other relevant stakeholders to develop 
                and prepare a comprehensive plan.
          (5) Grant amount.--Each grant made under this subsection 
        shall be made in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000.
          (6) Briefing.--
                  (A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
                first comprehensive plan is submitted under paragraph 
                (2), and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary shall 
                provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of 
                Congress on the comprehensive plans submitted to the 
                Secretary under such paragraph.
                  (B) Contents.--The briefing required under 
                subparagraph (A) shall include--
                          (i) an evaluation of all planned or proposed 
                        public-use vertiport locations included in the 
                        comprehensive plans submitted under paragraph 
                        (2) and how such planned or proposed public-use 
                        vertiport locations may fit into the overall 
                        United States transportation system and 
                        network; and
                          (ii) a description of lessons or best 
                        practices learned through the review of 
                        comprehensive plans and how the Secretary will 
                        incorporate any such lessons or best practices 
                        into Federal standards or guidance for the 
                        design and operation of AAM infrastructure and 
                        facilities.
  (c) Construction Grants.--
          (1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to covered 
        recipients to carry out construction activities described under 
        paragraph (2).
          (2) Eligible uses.--A covered recipient may use grant funds 
        awarded under this subsection for design, bidding, and 
        environmental study activities, and other capital costs, as the 
        Secretary determines appropriate, directly related to the 
        construction of a public-use vertiport or associated 
        infrastructure pursuant to the comprehensive plan submitted by 
        such covered recipient.
          (3) Requirements.--The requirements of subsections (b) and 
        (c) of section 47112 of title 49, United States Code, and 
        section 50101 of such title, shall apply to a grant awarded 
        under this subsection.
          (4) Limitation.--The Secretary may not award a grant under 
        this subsection--
                  (A) for the acquisition, conversion, or retrofitting 
                of AAM aircraft; or
                  (B) for the construction of private-use vertiports or 
                associated infrastructure.
          (5) Grant timing.--The Secretary may not issue a grant under 
        this subsection until--
                  (A) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
                Administration has--
                          (i) certified 2 or more models of aircraft 
                        designed to provide AAM transportation under 
                        part 23, 25, 27, or 29 of title 14, Code of 
                        Federal Regulations; and
                          (ii) published an advisory circular 
                        containing appropriate standards for vertiport 
                        design and performance characteristics and 
                        vertiport siting.
                  (B) the Secretary has--
                          (i) determined that 2 or more AAM operators 
                        hold certificates under part 119 of title 14, 
                        Code of Federal Regulations, for such operators 
                        to perform air carrier operations covered under 
                        part 135 of such title; and
                          (ii) issued, to 2 or more air carriers formed 
                        to provide AAM transportation, certificates 
                        under chapter 411 of title 49, United States 
                        Code.
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
          (1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
        to the Secretary to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each 
        of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until 
        expended.
          (2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts made available 
        under paragraph (1), the Secretary may retain up to 1 percent 
        for personnel, contracting, and other costs to establish and 
        administer the pilot program under this section.
  (e) Termination.--
          (1) In general.--No grant may be awarded under this section 
        after September 30, 2023.
          (2) Continued funding.--Funds authorized to be appropriated 
        pursuant to subsection (d) may be expended after September 30, 
        2023--
                  (A) for grants awarded prior to September 30, 2023; 
                and
                  (B) for administrative expenses.
  (f) Definitions.--In this Act:
          (1) Advanced air mobility; aam.--The terms ``advanced air 
        mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean an air transportation system that 
        transports individuals and property between points in the 
        United States using aircraft, such as remotely piloted, 
        autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing aircraft, 
        including those powered by electric or hybrid driven 
        propulsion, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
          (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
        ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate.
          (3) Commercial aam entities.--The term ``commercial AAM 
        entities'' means--
                  (A) manufacturers of aircraft, avionics, propulsion 
                systems, and air traffic management systems related to 
                AAM; and
                  (B) intended commercial operators of AAM aircraft and 
                systems.
          (4) Covered recipient.--The term ``covered recipient'' means 
        the recipient of a grant under subsection (b) who has submitted 
        a comprehensive plan--
                  (A) that has been reviewed by the Secretary pursuant 
                to subsection (b); and
                  (B) that the Secretary has determined contains 
                proposed projects that comply with the standards for 
                vertiport design, performance, and siting 
                characteristics described in a published advisory 
                circular.
          (5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
                  (A) a State, local, or Tribal government, including a 
                political subdivision thereof;
                  (B) an airport sponsor;
                  (C) a transit agency;
                  (D) a port authority;
                  (E) a metropolitan planning organization; or
                  (F) any combination or consortium of the entities 
                described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
          (6) Metropolitan planning organization.--The term 
        ``metropolitan planning organization'' has the meaning given 
        such term in section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code.
          (7) Public-use vertiport.--The term ``public-use vertiport'' 
        means a designated location used or intended to be used for 
        public purposes and to support AAM operations, including the 
        landing, takeoff, loading, taxiing, parking, and storage of 
        vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
          (8) 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.
          (9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of 
        Transportation.
          (10) Vertical take-off and landing aircraft.--The term 
        ``vertical take-off and landing aircraft'' means an aircraft 
        with lift/thrust units used to generate powered lift and 
        control and with 2 or more lift/thrust units used to provide 
        lift during vertical take-off or landing.

SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

  Nothing in this Act may be construed as conferring upon any person, 
State, local, or Tribal government the authority to determine the 
safety of any AAM operation or the feasibility of simultaneous 
operations by AAM and conventional aircraft within any given area of 
the National Airspace System.

                         PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION

    The purpose of H.R. 6270, as amended, is to direct the 
Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to establish a two-year 
pilot program to provide competitive grants for eligible state, 
local, territorial, and Tribal governments to prepare for the 
development and deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) 
vertiports and related infrastructure.

                  BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

    AAM is an air transportation system that transports 
individuals and property between points using aircraft--such as 
remotely piloted, autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing 
aircraft--including those powered by electric or hybrid driven 
propulsion in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. 
Leveraging recent advances in aerospace technology, new AAM 
concepts have the potential to reduce traffic congestion on 
U.S. roads, improve mobility options for commuters and cargo, 
and lessen the current burden on surface infrastructure. To 
keep pace with this growing sector, states and localities need 
to prepare for anticipated AAM operations and ensure local 
communities can take advantage of the potential benefits of the 
safe integration of AAM technologies in U.S. airspace.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\See Federal Aviation Administration, UAM Concept of Operations 
(Volume 1.0), at 2-4, https://nari.arc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/
attachments/UAM_ConOps_v1.0.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H.R. 6270, as amended, establishes a two-year pilot program 
that invests $25 million in competitive grants for state, 
local, territorial, and Tribal governments to submit 
comprehensive plans to the U.S. Department of Transportation 
(DOT) on anticipated or proposed AAM infrastructure needs. The 
bill also provides limited funding for some costs directly 
related to the construction of public-use vertiports and 
related infrastructure, only if certain criteria are met.

                                HEARINGS

    For the purposes of rule XIII, clause 3(c)(6)(A) of the 
117th Congress, the following hearing(s) were used to develop 
or consider H.R. 6270:
    On April 27, 2021, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled 
``The Leading Edge: Innovation in U.S. Aerospace.'' The 
Subcommittee received testimony from Hon. Eric Garcetti, Mayor, 
City of Los Angeles, California, accompanied by Ms. Seleta J. 
Reynolds, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of 
Transportation, Los Angeles, California; Mr. James L. Grimsley, 
Executive Director, Advanced Technology Initiatives, Choctaw 
Nation of Oklahoma; Mr. Adam Bry, Chief Executive Officer, 
Skydio, Inc.; Mr. Pierre Frederick Harter, Director, Research 
and Development, National Institute for Aviation Research, AVP 
Industry and Defense Programs, Research Operations, Wichita 
State University; Mr. Roei Ganzarski, Chief Executive Officer, 
magniX; and, Mr. Blake Scholl, Founder and Chief Executive 
Officer, Boom Supersonic.
    This hearing examined new aerospace users and technologies 
affecting the economy, transportation system, local 
communities, environment, and public good; visions for and 
possible barriers to deployment in the United States; and the 
Federal Government's role in ensuring the safe integration of 
these users and technologies into the National Airspace System.
    On March 17, 2022, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled 
``Aviation Noise: Measuring Progress in Addressing Community 
Concerns.'' The Subcommittee received testimony from two 
panels: Panel I--Mr. Kevin Welsh, Executive Director, Office of 
Environment and Energy, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); 
and, Ms. Heather Krause, Director, Physical Infrastructure, 
Government Accountability Office.
    Panel II--Ms. Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President of 
Regulatory and Legislative Policy, Airlines for America; Mr. 
Frank R. Miller, Executive Director, Hollywood Burbank Airport, 
on behalf of Airports Council International--North America; Mr. 
David Silver, Vice President for Civil Aviation, Aerospace 
Industries Association; Ms. Emily J. Tranter, Executive 
Director, National Organization to Insure a Sound Controlled 
Environment (N.O.I.S.E.); and, Mr. JoeBen Bevirt, Chief 
Executive Officer, Joby Aviation.
    This hearing examined aircraft noise, airport noise, noise 
mitigation strategies, methodologies for measuring noise, FAA 
community engagement, new and emerging technologies, and the 
implementation of noise provisions from the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018.

                 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND CONSIDERATION

    H.R. 6270, the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure 
Modernization Act, was introduced in the House on December 14, 
2021, by Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Graves of Louisiana, and 
Ms. Titus and referred to the Committee on Transportation. 
Within the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, H.R. 
6270 was referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
    The Subcommittee on Aviation was discharged from further 
consideration of H.R. 6270 on April 28, 2022.
    The Committee considered H.R. 6270 on April 28, 2022 and 
ordered the measure to be reported to the House with a 
favorable recommendation, as amended, by a record vote of 55 
yeas and 2 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 88).
    The following amendments were offered:
    An Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 6270, 
offered by Mr. Larsen of Washington; was AGREED TO by voice 
vote.
    Page 6, beginning on line 7, strike ``and the 
environmental'' and all that follows through 
``transportation.''
    An amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
to H.R. 6270 offered by Mr. Perry (#1); was NOT AGREED TO by 
voice vote.
    Page 12, strike line 6 (and redesignate accordingly)
    An amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
to H.R. 6270 offered by Mr. Perry (#2); was NOT AGREED TO by 
voice vote.
    Page 4, strike lines 3 through 17
    An amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
to H.R. 6270 offered by Mr. Perry (#3); was NOT AGREED TO by 
voice vote.
    Page 3, beginning on line 4, strike ``electric Charging and 
other.''
    An amendment to the Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute 
to H.R. 6270 offered by Mr. Perry (#4); was NOT AGREED TO by 
voice vote.
    Page 6, after line 23, insert the following (and 
redesignate accordingly): (6) Non-Federal Share Requirement--
Eligible entities shall provide not less than 20 percent of 
funds required to develop a comprehensive plan under this 
subsection from non-federal sources

                            COMMITTEE VOTES

    Clause 3(b) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires each committee report to include the 
total number of votes cast for and against on each record vote 
on a motion to report and on any amendment offered to the 
measure or matter, and the names of those members voting for 
and against.
    On ordering H.R. 6270 to be reported to the House with a 
favorable recommendation, as amended, by a record vote of 55 
yeas and 2 nays (Roll Call Vote No. 88). The vote was as 
follows:
    Vote: 88--Yea 55, Nay 2
    On: H.R. 6270, to be reported to the House, favorably, as 
amended.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Member                           Vote                    Member                    Vote
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. DeFazio.....................................          Yea   Mr. Graves of MO..................          Yea
Ms. Norton......................................          Yea   Mr. Crawford......................          Yea
Ms. Johnson of TX...............................          Yea   Mr. Gibbs.........................  ............
Mr. Larsen of WA................................          Yea   Mr. Webster.......................          Yea
Mrs. Napolitano.................................          Yea   Mr. Massie........................          Nay
Mr. Cohen.......................................          Yea   Mr. Perry.........................          Nay
Mr. Sires.......................................  ............  Mr. Rodney Davis of IL............          Yea
Mr. Garamendi...................................  ............  Mr. Katko.........................          Yea
Mr. Johnson of GA...............................          Yea   Mr. Babin.........................          Yea
Mr. Carson......................................          Yea   Mr. Graves of LA..................          Yea
Ms. Titus.......................................          Yea   Mr. Rouzer........................          Yea
Mr. Maloney of NY...............................  ............  Mr. Bost..........................          Yea
Mr. Huffman.....................................          Yea   Mr. Weber of TX...................          Yea
Ms. Brownley....................................          Yea   Mr. LaMalfa.......................          Yea
Ms. Wilson of FL................................          Yea   Mr. Westerman.....................          Yea
Mr. Payne.......................................          Yea   Mr. Mast..........................          Yea
Mr. Lowenthal...................................          Yea   Mr. Gallagher.....................          Yea
Mr. DeSaulnier..................................          Yea   Mr. Fitzpatrick...................          Yea
Mr. Lynch.......................................          Yea   Miss Gonzalez-Colon...............  ............
Mr. Carbajal....................................          Yea   Mr. Balderson.....................          Yea
Mr. Brown.......................................          Yea   Mr. Stauber.......................          Yea
Mr. Malinowski..................................  ............  Mr. Burchett......................  ............
Mr. Stanton.....................................          Yea   Mr. Johnson of SD.................          Yea
Mr. Allred......................................          Yea   Mr. Van Drew......................          Yea
Ms. Davids of KS................................          Yea   Mr. Guest.........................  ............
Mr. Garcia of IL................................          Yea   Mr. Nehls.........................          Yea
Mr. Delgado.....................................  ............  Ms. Mace..........................          Yea
Mr. Pappas......................................  ............  Ms. Malliotakis...................  ............
Mr. Lamb........................................          Yea   Ms. Van Duyne.....................          Yea
Mr. Moulton.....................................          Yea   Mr. Gimenez.......................          Yea
Mr. Auchincloss.................................          Yea   Mrs. Steel........................          Yea
Ms. Bourdeaux...................................          Yea
Mr. Kahele......................................          Yea
Ms. Strickland..................................          Yea
Ms. Williams of GA..............................          Yea
Ms. Newman......................................          Yea
Mr. Carter......................................          Yea
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(1) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are 
reflected in this report.

               NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY AND TAX EXPENDITURES

    With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 
308(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect 
to requirements of clause (3)(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules 
of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the 
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has requested 
but not received a cost estimate for this bill from the 
Director of Congressional Budget Office. The Committee has 
requested but not received from the Director of the 
Congressional Budget Office a statement as to whether this bill 
contains any new budget authority, spending authority, credit 
authority, or an increase or decrease in revenues or tax 
expenditures. The Chairman of the Committee shall cause such 
estimate and statement to be printed in the Congressional 
Record upon its receipt by the Committee.

               CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

    With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(3) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, a cost 
estimate provided by the Congressional Budget Office pursuant 
to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 was not 
made available to the Committee in time for the filing of this 
report. The Chairman of the Committee shall cause such estimate 
to be printed in the Congressional Record upon its receipt by 
the Committee.

                    PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

    With respect to the requirement of clause 3(c)(4) of rule 
XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
performance goal and objective of this legislation is to 
provide competitive grants for eligible entities to prepare for 
the development and deployment AAM vertiports and related 
infrastructure.

                    DUPLICATION OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision 
of H.R. 6270 establishes or reauthorizes a program of the 
federal government known to be duplicative of another federal 
program, a program that was included in any report from the 
Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to 
section 21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a 
program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance.

   CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIMITED TAX BENEFITS, AND LIMITED TARIFF 
                                BENEFITS

    In compliance with clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, this bill, as reported, contains no 
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff 
benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), or 9(g) of the rule 
XXI.

                       FEDERAL MANDATES STATEMENT

    An estimate of federal mandates prepared by the Director of 
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act was not made available to the 
Committee in time for the filing of this report. The Chairman 
of the Committee shall cause such estimate to be printed in the 
Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee.

                        PREEMPTION CLARIFICATION

    Section 423 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 
requires the report of any Committee on a bill or joint 
resolution to include a statement on the extent to which the 
bill or joint resolution is intended to preempt state, local, 
or tribal law. The Committee finds that H.R. 6270, as amended, 
does not preempt any state, local, or tribal law.

                      ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

    No advisory committees within the meaning of section 5(b) 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act were created by this 
legislation.

                  APPLICABILITY TO LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 
104-1).

             SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION

Section 1. Title

    This section provides that this bill may be cited as the 
``Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act'' or the 
``AAIM Act''.

Sec. 2. Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure pilot program

    This subsection directs the Secretary to establish a pilot 
program to provide grants to assist an eligible entity to plan 
for the development and deployment of infrastructure necessary 
to facilitate AAM operations in the United States. This 
subsection also directs the Secretary to make funding available 
for costs directly related to the construction of public-use 
vertiports or associated infrastructure if certain criteria are 
met.
    The Secretary is authorized to provide grants for eligible 
entities to develop comprehensive plans on anticipated or 
proposed AAM infrastructure needs. Each planning grant awarded 
may not exceed more than $1 million. No later than one year 
after receiving a grant, the eligible entity must submit a 
comprehensive plan to the Secretary. The comprehensive plans 
may include details on potential vertiport locations; planned 
or potential AAM operations; physical and digital 
infrastructure requirements; potential environmental effects of 
planned vertiport construction or siting; connectivity to 
existing transportation systems; incorporation into state and 
metropolitan planning documents; strategies to ensure community 
engagement and equity; and potential state, local, or private 
sources of funding.
    In awarding the planning grants, the Secretary shall 
consider applications from eligible entities that reflect 
geographic diversity; help ensure safe integration of AAM 
operations into the National Airspace System; improve 
transportation safety, connectivity, access, and equity; 
leverage existing transportation systems and intermodal/
multimodal facilities; reduce surface congestion and 
environmental impacts of transportation; grow the U.S. economy 
and create jobs; and encourage community engagement. The 
Secretary shall prioritize awarding planning grants to eligible 
entities who partner with commercial AAM entities, institutions 
of higher education, research institutions, or other relevant 
stakeholders.
    This section also directs DOT to provide a briefing to the 
appropriate Committees of Congress on the submitted 
comprehensive plans no later than 180 days after the first 
comprehensive plan is submitted and every 180 days thereafter. 
The briefing shall include an evaluation of all planned or 
proposed public-use vertiport locations included in the 
submitted comprehensive plans, descriptions of lessons or best 
practices learned through the review of the comprehensive 
plans, and explanations for how the Secretary will incorporate 
any such lessons or best practices into federal standards or 
guidance for AAM infrastructure and facilities.
    The Secretary may award grants to covered recipients for 
certain activities directly related to the construction of 
public-use vertiports or associated AAM infrastructure, such as 
design, bidding, environmental study activities, and other 
capital costs as deemed appropriate by the Secretary. These 
construction grants could only be awarded after the approval of 
a comprehensive plan by the Secretary. Buy American 
requirements (provided under 49 U.S.C. Sec.  50101) and 
prevailing wages and veterans' preferences (provided under 49 
U.S.C. Sec.  47112) shall apply to the construction grants.
    The Secretary may not award a construction grant for the 
acquisition, conversion, or retrofitting of AAM aircraft or for 
the construction of private-use vertiports or associated 
infrastructure. In addition, the Secretary may not issue a 
construction grant until the FAA has certified at least two AAM 
aircraft and published an advisory circular containing 
appropriate vertiport design, performance, and siting 
characteristics. Further, the Secretary may not issue a 
construction grant until at least two AAM operators hold the 
appropriate air carrier operations certificates.
    This section authorizes $12.5 million to be appropriated 
for each fiscal year 2022 and 2023, and to remain available 
until expended. It also directs the Secretary to retain up to 
one percent of authorized appropriations for administrative 
expenses, such as personnel, contracting, and other costs to 
establish and implement the pilot program. No grants under the 
pilot program may be awarded after September 30, 2023. However, 
funds authorized to be appropriated under the previous 
subsection may be expended after September 30, 2023, if the 
grants were awarded prior to that date and for administrative 
expenses.
    This section provides definitions for the following terms: 
Advanced air mobility and AAM; Appropriate Committees of 
Congress; Commercial AAM entities; Covered recipient; Eligible 
entity; Metropolitan planning organization; Public-use 
vertiport; State; Secretary; and Vertical take-off and landing 
aircraft.

Sec. 3. Rule of construction

    This section clarifies that nothing in this act may be 
construed as authorizing any person, state, local, or Tribal 
government to determine the safety of any AAM operation or the 
feasibility of simultaneous operations by AAM and conventional 
aircraft within the National Airspace System.

         CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

    As reported by the Committee, H.R. 6270 makes no changes in 
existing law.

                                  [all]