The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved several legislative measures aimed at updating aviation procedures, expanding broadband in rural areas, and enhancing protections for U.S.-owned property overseas.
Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) said, “Today, the Committee approved legislation that modernizes the use of pilot certificates, strengthens rural broadband deployment, and protects American property abroad. I appreciate the Committee Members who spearheaded these efforts, including Congressmen Mann, Burchett, and Taylor, for their leadership on these issues and their work to modernize FAA processes for pilots and pursue innovative solutions to expand broadband access and economic opportunity in rural Appalachian communities.”
Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) added, “The slate of bills advanced in today’s markup will improve air traffic control staffing, examine the increase in drone incursions during wildfire response, and explore opportunities to expand rural communities’ broadband access. I am pleased the T&I Committee continued its bipartisan work into the new year. Thank you to Reps. Gillen and Bynum for their leadership on their respective bills and to Chairman Graves for his continued partnership on this Committee.”
Among the approved bills is H.R. 2247, which allows pilots and other Federal Aviation Administration certificate holders to present digital certificates rather than physical ones. This builds on previous efforts under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to digitize agency processes.
Another measure directs the Government Accountability Office to study how satellite broadband could be used in projects supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The goal is to determine whether satellite technology can support business development in remote Appalachian communities.
The committee also passed a bill requiring a study by the FAA on how unmanned aircraft system incursions affect wildfire suppression efforts. This legislation highlights concerns about maintaining secure airspace during wildfire response operations.
Additionally, lawmakers advanced a bipartisan proposal designed to help military air traffic controllers transition more easily into civilian roles with the FAA—a move intended to address shortages in air traffic control staffing.
Finally, H.R. 7084 authorizes presidential action against vessels that visit ports or terminals expropriated from U.S. persons by certain foreign governments unless those properties are returned or compensation is provided. This aims to deter seizures of American-owned infrastructure abroad.
For further details about today’s committee actions, information is available here.
