The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved a series of bipartisan bills aimed at protecting the U.S. National Airspace System during government shutdowns, enhancing aviation safety, improving water quality, and strengthening emergency communications in federal buildings.
Among the key measures is H.R. 6086, known as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act. This legislation allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to access the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund during lapses in federal funding, ensuring that air traffic controllers and other FAA professionals continue to be paid and that airspace operations remain safe for travelers.
“Today, the Committee approved legislation to ensure that the aviation system and safety in the United States will not be jeopardized again by any potential government shutdowns. Under the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, we will be able to tap into an existing, but little-used, source of aviation funding to ensure that air traffic controllers and other FAA professionals responsible for the safety and efficiency of our airspace will be paid when there’s a lapse in federal funding,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). “I appreciate the work of our Committee Members today to move legislation that will strengthen our aviation system, protect water quality throughout the United States, and support the move of the FBI’s headquarters from a building that is literally falling apart into a more modern and suitable location in our nation’s capital.”
Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) added: “Today, the T&I Committee extended our bipartisan streak to advance bills that ensure air traffic controllers and other critical aviation safety staff get paid in future shutdowns, protect the safety and cleanliness of water bodies across America, decrease pedestrian deaths at railroad crossings and so much more. Thank you to Reps. McDonald Rivet, Pou, and my other T&I Democratic colleagues for leading on this important work, and I look forward to voting for these on the House floor.”
Other notable bills passed include:
- The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (H.R. 3410), which directs regulators to allow civil supersonic flights under conditions preventing sonic booms from reaching populated areas.
- The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (H.R. 6460), granting FAA authority over certain recreational drone operations.
- The Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6267), requiring evaluation of documentation verification challenges within aviation supply chains.
- The Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 (H.R. 6427), simplifying procedures for states using highway pavement specifications at some airports.
- The ACPAC Modernization Act (H.R. 5663), expanding consumer representation on an advisory committee reviewing Department of Transportation activities.
- The American Water Stewardship Act (H.R. 6422), reauthorizing several Environmental Protection Agency programs focused on water quality improvement nationwide.
- SAFE TRACKS Act (H.R. 5783), mandating regular updates to state action plans addressing fatalities along railroads with input from various stakeholders.
- Legislation increasing transparency around federal real estate holdings through annual reporting requirements for GSA-managed properties.
- A bill directing improved emergency communication protocols at public buildings.
Additionally, resolutions were adopted authorizing renovations at Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Federal Building so it can serve as a new headquarters for the FBI.
