Markup of Aviation, Maritime Cybersecurity, Public Buildings and GSA Resolutions

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I'll call the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to order. Pursuant to Committee Rule Six F, House Rule Eleven, Clause Two HF, Chairman may postpone further proceedings today on any question of approving any measure of matter. for adopting an amendment which a recorded vote of the yeas and nays is ordered. And I'd ask unanimous consent that the chairman be authorized to declare recess at any time during today's meeting. And without objection, that is so ordered. All bill and amendment texts have been distributed electronically and paper copies are available here in the hearing room. As a reminder, the committee may use an electronic voting system for any requested recorded votes. Today, the committee is considering an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H. R. ten three O four the drone safety management modernization act twenty twenty six an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr six four four eight the rural airport infrastructure support act of twenty twenty six an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr ninety five thirty the quiet skies act an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr twenty five ninety two the aviation medical transparency act of twenty twenty six an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr eighty five ninety seven the air traffic situational awareness enhancement act an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr seventy five fifty three the aviation innovation and global competitiveness act an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr seventy six twenty five the marine transportation system cyber security budget evaluation act of twenty twenty six an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr fifty six forty five the praise safe act of twenty twenty five hr eighty four O nine the post-disaster protection act an amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr Ten three O five, the Strengthening Oversight in Public Buildings Act of twenty twenty six. And twenty four, General Services Administration Capital Investment Leasing Program resolutions. Finally, I'd ask unanimous consent from the committee to use an amendment's roster for any items under consideration by the committee. Without objection, that is so ordered. Our first item for consideration is H.R. ten three O four the drone safety management modernization act I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation from further consideration of hr ten three O four and without objection that is so ordered I now call up the bill for consideration without objection the first reading of the bill is dispensed but the bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point I now recognize mister gallier to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute

Mister chairman I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk.

Please designate.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR one zero three zero four, offered by Mister Gallagher of California.

Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, and shall be considered as a base text for further amendment. I now recognize Mister Gallagher for five minutes.

Thank you, Mister Chairman. Uh, this bill addresses a very real and growing safety challenge, unauthorized drone operations within restricted airspace. Uh, during the Palisades fire in in a recreational drone struck a Super Scooper aircraft and forced firefighters to halt aerial suppression at a critical moment. Uh, in the Dixie fire, uh, air initial air attack was grounded because of interference by a drone in that airspace. That fire ultimately grew to almost a million acres. Uh, Mister Chairman, this is a serious issue. Uh, when wildfire is burning, Our crews should be focused on fighting the fire, containing the flames, not worrying about drones flying into restricted airspace and grounding their operations. This bill ensures that small, unmanned aircraft system operators receive clear guidance about applicable rules and regulations information about airspace restrictions and are made aware of potential consequences for unlawful operations the moment they activate a new device. This simple step will increase the general aeronautical knowledge of recreational operators and reduce dangerous incursions within within restricted airspace, especially during critical wildfire responses in keeping both pilots and our national airspace system safe. I'm grateful for the work uh of Congressman uh, sorry, Congresswoman Titus, uh, who knows better than anyone uh how essential strong airspace protections are for major events as Las Vegas host some of the largest gatherings in the world. Keeping small recreational drones out of restricted airspace isn't just a regulatory box check, it's critical for public safety, emergency response, and the security of high profile events. California here in a couple years will be hosting the Olympics, another reason why we need these protections in place. This bipartisan effort strengthens FAA standards, supports our first responders, and ensures communities in California and across this great country are better protected. Thank you and I yield back, Mr. Chairman.

Now I recognize Mr. Larson.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I too urge my colleagues to vote yes on H R ten three O four, the drone safety statement modernization act. And I'm proud to co-lead this public safety bill with Representative Gallagher. As the co-chair of the House Unmanned Systems Caucus, I'm committed to ensuring that we reap the full benefits of drones, while also protecting public safety. Drones are already delivering packages to consumers quickly and efficiently, and with fewer emissions than traditional delivery methods. They're also transforming safety search and rescue, emergency aid delivery, and as you heard, wildfire suppression. The legislation before us today will help ensure that we can realize the full potential of these devices, without hindering public safety. The bill requires manufacturers to provide small drone operators with a statement explaining the safety requirements associated with the device upon first use. It also requires the FAA to update safety statements periodically as this technology evolves. This will help protect Southern Nevadans and all people who travel from all over to my district to experience world-class events like the EDC, Formula One, and the Super Bowl. We just saw how important integrating drone safety measures into live events is during the twenty twenty-six World Cup. The FAA saw a surge in both recreational and commercial drones surrounding these events. The ground intercept teams detected and seized over seven hundred unauthorized drones before they could interrupt the games. Now whether the operator of such a device is nefarious or not, flying a drone in an unauthorized airspace can still pose an immense risk to the general public. And that's why it's important that all users have a clear understanding of the rules of the road so to speak when they activate a device. So I'm proud to co-lead this legislation and I urge my colleagues to vote yes, and I yield back.

Mister Nils.

Yes, uh thank you, Chairman Graves. Uh, my colleague Miss Titus, you're absolutely correct. I just listened to uh FBI Director Kash Patel talking about the the drone, seven hundred of them at the World Cup, thirty-eight days protecting everybody. We didn't have one incident, so I think it's fantastic. So I'm proud to support the drone safety statement modernization act, uh which was introduced by my colleague from California, Mister Gallagher. Well done. Uh, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. And I yield back. Thank you, sir.

Does anyone else wish to be heard? Now recognize myself um real quick, and I do wanna thank Representative Gallagher for his work on uh this issue. I believe that the best pilot is a well-informed pilot, whether they're in the aircraft or they're on the ground. That's why I'm s- proud to support this bipartisan and common sense uh legislation that's going to ensure that small unmanned aircraft system operators are provided with general aeronautical knowledge when they purchase a drone. Requires the FAA administrator to develop maintain a periodically revised requirements for small UAS safety uh for a small UAS UAS safety statement. Manufacturers of small UAS will be required to make the safety statement electronically available to any operator at the time of initial activation of a new system. As an additional safeguard, operators will be required to acknowledge and confirm they have viewed and understand each component of the safety statement prior to their initial uh to the initial use. Additional exposure is applicable rules to the applicable rule rules, and regulations are gonna create a much uh more informed and ultimately better uh remote pilot. So I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. With that, I yield back. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR? Ten three O four. Hearing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment and the nature of substitute to H R ten three O four. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. All opposed, signify by saying nay. Penny the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted. The question is now on adoption and favorable reporting of H R ten three O four as amended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. All opposed, signify by saying nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and H R ten three O four as amended is agreed to in order favorably reported to the house. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is H R sixty four forty eight, the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of twenty twenty six on a nasty unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation from further consideration of hr sixty four forty eight without objection that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with and the bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I now recognize miss kind hand Heinz uh to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mister Chairman, I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk.

Please designate.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to hr six

The amendment in the nature of a substitute is considered read and shall be considered as base text for the purpose of further amendment and I now recognize as uh King Hines uh for her s opening statement.

Thank you, Mister Chairman and Ranking Member Larson, for your leadership and for the opportunity to present H R six four four eight, the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act. Mister Chairman, this bill is about something pretty simple. For communities that depend on their airports, that airport is not a luxury, it is a lifeline. That is especially true in the Northern Mariana Islands. Our airports connect our people to medical care, jobs, education, family, and essential services. They bring visitors to our islands and keep our local economy moving. And when that connection is disrupted, we feel it immediately. But here is the challenge. Building and maintaining airport infrastructure in a remote island community costs more. Materials have to travel farther, labor and transportation cost more, and we have fewer passengers, spreading those costs across the system. The reality is, you cannot build an island airport with mainland economics. That is why HR six four four eight matters. The amendment in the nature of a substitute before us recognizes airports in US territories and qualifying rural areas as serving economically distressed communities making eligible projects subject to a ninety-five percent federal cost share. Mister Chairman, this isn't about s- asking for special treatment, it is about recognizing different realities. In the Northern Mariana Islands, there is no highway to another state, there's no rail line. And when our aviation infrastructure is damaged or disrupted, there isn't another nearby airport that can simply pick up the slack. Our airports are our roads to the rest of the country and the world. And when we invest in them, we aren't just investing in pavement, runways, or terminals, we are investing in access to healthcare, economic opportunity, tourism, and the basic ability of our people to stay connected. We know this firsthand. So I believe federal policy needs to reflect the reality of the community it serves. One size fits all. One size does not fit all. But every American community deserves a fair opportunity to maintain the infrastructure it depends on. I want to thank my co- co-sponsors, representatives Begich, Wheat, Moylan, Raddiwagon, Bacon, and Plaskett for standing with Rural, Remote, and underserved communities across our countries. Mister Chairman, if we want these communities to remain connected, resilient, and economically viable, we have to give them the tools to do it. I respectfully urge my colleagues to support HR six four four eight, the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act, as amended. Thank you, Mister Chairman. I yield back.

Now recognize uh Rick for his opening statement.

Thank you, Mister Chair, uh Mister Chair, I support the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of twenty twenty six introduced by Congresswoman King-Heinz addressed the needs of airports and territories and small communities experiencing economic distress. In June, the Subcommittee on Aviation hosted a hearing focused on air travel access to small and rural communities. Witnesses identified several challenges for airports, which are trying to attract commercial service and invest in safety projects. The Federal Airport Improvement Program, or AIP, is itself a major source of airport capital development funding in the U. S. And the twenty four f a reauthorization act increased annual aip funding to four billion dollars the federal government share for aip project varies depending on the type of airport the federal government share is seventy five percent for large and medium hub airports and ninety percent for other airports certainly economically distressed communities receiving subsidized air service such as e a s may be um eligible for up to ninety five percent of uh federal share of project cost This bill would increase the federal share of AIP from ninety to ninety-five percent for airport projects in territories and rural airports. The ANS does not make any changes to AIP formulas, it merely adjusts the federal share of AIP so these communities do not need to choose between safety and waiting another year for an infrastructure project. Uh, so I encourage my colleagues who are on ANS on the ANS to HR six four four eight. You're back.

Now recognize myself real quick. And I'd like to thank um Congresswoman King-Hines for her work on this uh legislation. In our bipartisan FAA reauthorization act um that we passed in twenty twenty-four we increased airport improvement uh program funds, the AIP funds, um and added flexibility and we vastly streamlined that um uh that program. We made the AIP work better for every airport and made federal dollars go farther, particularly in our nation's smaller um airports, and in part that was done by allowing the federal share of AIP projects to increase from ninety to ninety-five percent in some circumstances. This legislation actually builds on that improvement, extending that ninety-five percent federal cost share to more airports serving economically disadvantaged communities across our nation and uh and our territories. And this simply reduces the burden on small airports to utilize um their AIP funds without increasing the cost or changing the scope of a i p. I'd urge support for the legislation. Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to h r sixty four eighty eight? Hearing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute to h r sixty four eighty eight. All those in favor signify by saying aye. All opposed signify by saying nay. Depending on the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted. Question is now on adoption and favorably reporting of H R sixty four eighty eight as amended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed, signify by saying nay. Depending on the chair, the ayes have it, and H R sixty four eighty eight as amended is agreed to and ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is H R ninety five thirty, the quiet skies act. And I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation for further consideration of H R ninety five thirty and without objection, as is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill will be dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I now recognize Skulden for or to offer an amendment in the nature of a so substitute.

Thank you, Mister Chair, I have an amendment in the nature of substitute at the desk.

Please designate.

an amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R nine five three zero, offered by Miss Colton of Michigan.

Without objection, the amendment in nature of a substitute shall be considered as read and shall be considered as a base text for further amendment. I now recognize Hillary for five minutes.

Thank you, uh, Chair Graves and Ranking Member Larson for considering my bipartisan, uh, quiet skies act. I also wanna thank my, uh, co-sponsors, Representative Crawford, Stanton and Bresnahan, uh, for being incredible partners on common sense piece of legislation. Whenever I have told folks about the Quiet Skies Act, they've said, " It's not already illegal to make phone calls while you're flying in the air." We cannot believe this. Nearly eight years ago, thanks to this committee's work, Congress passed a law to ban voice calls on commercial flights, while the Department of Transportation has yet to finalize a rule to ensure a safe, orderly cabin for passengers and flight crew members alike. This bill will give the department eighteen months to put out a final rule to get the job done. A disruptive cabin is a distraction, and distractions put safety at risk. The Quiet Skies Act will protect both passenger safety as well as passenger sanity. Think about it. You're thirty thousand feet in the air. Person next to you or behind you is talking on their phone. The whole flight not only is this incredibly annoying as a passenger, traveling for work vacation or family obligations but it hinders the ability for hardworking flight attendants to remain in control of the cabin. I urge my colleagues to support the quiet skies act this bill is a win for common sense and for common courtesy. Thank you and I yield back.

Mr. Bresnahan.

Thank you, Mister Chairman, I rise in support of this bipartisan bill which I'm proud to lead with Representatives Galvin, Stanton and Crawford. As this committee continues our work to make flying in the United States the safest experience in the world we are also looking at ways to make it the most enjoyable. That means modernizing our air traffic control systems and making sure pilots have proven safety technology in the cockpit as well as the basics, like not being stuck next to a stranger's phone call for three hours at thirty thousand feet. Congress already told DOT back in two thousand and eighteen to take care of this and this bill simply makes sure the job gets done. I urge my colleagues to support, and I yield back.

Anyone else wish to be heard? Seeing none, I would like to um thank Representatives Goulton, Crawford, Bresnahan, and Stanton for their work on this legislation. One of the most peaceful places in uh America is in our skies, whether you're a pilot or a passenger, and disruptive phone calls do take away from that experience. Since I joined Congress, I've been committed to making sure that the FAA implements the laws that Congress passes, and this is no different. In the FAA reauthorization of twenty eighteen, Congress instructed the DOT to codify a ban on in-flight phone calls on commercial flights. And this bill simply requires the DOT to finalize that rule, to implement the law. And I'd urge support for the legislation. And with that, Are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of substitute to ninety five thirty? Hearing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R ninety five thirty all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed signify by saying nay. Opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted. The question is now on adoption of favorable report of H R ninety five thirty as amended. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed signify by saying nay. The opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and H R ninety five thirty as amended is agreed to in order favorably reported to the house without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is H R twenty five ninety two, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act of twenty twenty six. I'm asking Adam's consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation for further consideration in H R twenty five ninety two and without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I now recognize uh ranking member Larson to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Thanks, Chairman. Amendment adjusted.

Please designate.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R two five nine two offered by ranking member Larson.

Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read and shall be considered as a base text for further amendment. I now recognize Rick for his statement on the Let's see.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, uh, Mr. Chair, I'd ask the members to support the passage of the ANS to HR two five nine two, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act, that representative Sean Kasten and representative Pete Stauber introduced, which provide much needed clarity in the FAA's medical certification process. For too long, many aviation professionals have suffered without the support, uh, they need because of the fear that uh disclosing their mental health diagnosis, or treatment could derail their careers. Many of us have heard from constituents about struggles to navigate the FAA's aeromedical process as aviators juggle mounting job pressures or indefinite delays with medical clearance reviews. These constituents include air traffic controllers, pilots, and other aviators requiring medical clearance from the FAA. One persistent challenge for many of these folks is not knowing which medications are safe for them to use and which medications require them to be granted for certain periods of time. Although the FAA provides this critical information to aviation medical examiners, or AMEs, it is often not accessible for pilots and air traffic controllers. To bridge this gap, the ANS to HR two five nine two requires the agency to publish and maintain a comprehensive list of medications that uh eligible folks may uh safely be prescribed or purchased over the counter. The bill requires the FAA to provide this list when they first seek a license and medical certification or clearance. Additionally, FAA must provide key information such as designated certain medications as do not issue or do not fly and ways for health care providers to contact the FAA with any questions. The FAA must develop this list with the Aeromedical Innovation and Modernization Working Group, airline pilots, air traffic controllers, general and business aviation operators and pilots, and other stakeholders. Over a year ago, the House passed the Mental Health and Aviation Act, Representative Kastens and Stauber's bill to remove barriers to life-saving mental health care in US aviation. And with today's favorable report of the Aviation Medication Transparency Act we're one step closer to getting both bills to their president's desks by the end of this year, ultimately providing more clarity and support for our aviation safety workforce so I encourage my colleagues to vote aye on the ANS to HR two five nine two with that I yield back.

I recognize myself for uh for a quick statement. I'd like to thank uh Mister Kasten and Mister Staber for their work on this legislation and leadership on this important issue. Um as a pilot I really like um this legislation. Um this bill also dovetails with another bill, an important issue that Mister Staber led on, uh the Mental Health Aviation Act, which the house passed um unanimously and I intend to have that enacted uh by the end of the year but on this piece of legislation the aviation medication transparency act of twenty twenty six I've heard countless stories and experienced myself the delays and unpredicted uh the unpredictability of seeking FAA medical certification. This bill addresses some of those challenges by simply requiring the FAA to publish a list of medications that can be safely purchased or prescribed to airmen and those that are on the FAAs do not issue and do not fly less. Knowing this in advance um of applying for a medical certificate will make the process much more predictable and it's gonna make our airspace safer. Additionally, the bill builds on the bipartisan work of the committee from last Congress, utilizing the Aeromedical Innovation Modernization working groups that we created in the FAA reauthorization of twenty twenty four and with that I'd urge support of this legislation. And now I'll recognize Mister Stauber.

Uh, thank you, Mister Chairman. I rise in support of my bill, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act. I want to begin by thanking my friend and colleague from Illinois, Representative Kasten, for his hard work and partnership in our joint effort to bring this bill forward, to increase support uh to the men and women in the avi- aviation industry. Pilots and air traffic controllers, honorably keep the flying public safe. while enduring some of the most stressful and demanding work environments. In their line of work, decisions on life and death and mistakes can be catastrophic. This reality requires these men and women to be mentally steadfast and sound. However, the compounding pressure of these occupations wears down fortitude. And like millions of other Americans, they too need a hand every once in a while. While the United States has made great strides in addressing the social stigma surrounding mental health treatment, we still have plenty of work to do. That includes in supporting the mental health challenges of those involved in our nation's aviation industry, including for pilots and air traffic controllers, along with others who serve in these critical roles in these high-stress environments. Accordingly, we must provide these professionals the tools and resources to properly address their mental health, without fear or stigma of retribution. To ensure our skies remain safe, for all Americans. I believe the Aviation uh Medication Transparency Act before us today is part of that solution. This legislation will require the FAA to provide pilots, non-aeromedical physicians, and air traffic controllers specific guidance on approved medications that are safe to use. This will allow pilots and air traffic controllers to make educated decisions with health care professionals while not jeopardizing their own careers. It's a small but important step to ensure these men and women who keep our skies safe, have the tools and resources to ensure they too are safe. I want again thank my friend Representative Kasten for his partnership on this bill. And I want to thank Chairman Graves for including this legislation in today's mark-up. I urge my colleagues to support the ANS and I yield back.

Does anyone else wish to be heard? Seeing no one, are there any amendments to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R twenty five ninety two? Hearing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R twenty five ninety two. All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed, signify by saying nay. The opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted. The question is now on adoption favorable reported of H R twenty five ninety two as amended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. All opposed signify by saying nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and H R twenty five ninety two as amended is agreed to in order favorably reported to the house and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, and I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation for further consideration of H R eighty five ninety seven. Without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. And I recognize Mr. Begich to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment in the nature of a substitute at the desk.

Please designate.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR eight five nine seven, offered by Mr. Begich of Alaska.

Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, and be considered as base text for the purpose of further amendment. I now recognize Mister Begich for five minutes for his statement.

Mister Chairman, aviation is part of life in Alaska. For hundreds of communities with no road access and no other way in or out, it is the only lifeline. Alaska has more pilots per capita, more aircraft per capita, and more certified airports than any other state. This makes it critical that our air traffic control towers have the tools they need to keep people safe. My bill, H R eighty-five ninety-seven, the Air Traffic Situational Awareness Enhancement Act, addresses a straightforward gap. Many FAA contract towers are not equipped with standard terminal automation replacement systems, or STARS, which give controllers a real-time digital picture of aircraft in their airspace. Without it, controllers are working with significantly less situational awareness than their counterparts at equipped towers. This bill requires the FAA to fix that within two years of enactment by installing airborne position reference tools at every unequipped contract tower. Alaska has some of the most challenging aviation conditions in the world, unpredictable weather, demanding terrain, and a higher concentration of contract towers without stars than virtually anywhere else in the country. These are risks we should not accept when technology exists to address them. This bill also includes a retroactivity uh provision that I wanna highlight. Some airport sponsors and towers didn't wait for the federal government to act. They went out and acquired situational awareness awareness systems on their own because they understood the safety need. This bill ensures those communities are reimbursed or credited toward their non-federal cost share for the investments that they have already made. Mister Chairman, the fix is straightforward, safety benefit is real, and I urge my colleagues to support this ANS and I yield back the balance of my time.

And now I recognize Mister Carson for his statement.

Thank you, Chairman. I support H R eighty five ninety seven, introduced by Representative Nick Begich and Representative Laura Gillen, to help equip air traffic controllers with modern situational awareness technologies to ensure aviation safety. Despite representing more than half of the all of U of the United States, air traffic control towers, many airports participating in the federal aviation Administration's federal contract tower program lacked modern safety critical technologies such as standard terminal automation replacement systems, DARS, or other radar-integrated displays that are essential to manage the evolving operational demands of US airspace. Instead, these controllers are often forced to rely on visual observation through tower windows or radio calls with flight crews. which can be ineffective during periods of reduced visibility or heavy traffic congestion. Uh, to address this safety technological gap, the FAA approved two airborne position reference tools, supplemental surveillance tools, which use ADS-B data to provide controllers with live displays of local airspace. APRTs are already operational or being onboarded at nearly twenty US airports including Bellingham International and Washington State, which are providing to strengthen controller situational awareness and aviation safety. Using the twenty twenty-four FAA reauthorization as a blueprint, the ANS to HR eighty-five ninety-seven will require the FAA to acquire and install approved APRTs at U. S. contract towers without advanced situational awareness systems, authorize funding for these critical ATC safety technologies at contract towers. Allow the FAA to reimburse airports that covered the costs of acquiring and installing APRTs on their own prior to the enactment of this bill. And permit these airports to credit those expenses toward their non-federal cost share of allowable project costs. The flight plan for a safe and innovative national airspace system is clear. Fully fund staff and fund our air traffic control workforce to ensure cutting edge ATC safety technologies are effectively deployed across the country. I encourage my colleagues to vote to vote yes on the INS. H R eighty five ninety seven, I yield back, Chairman.

Uh, Mr. Nils.

Uh, thank you, Chairman Graves. Well said, Mr. Carson, well said. I'm proud to support H R eighty five ninety seven, which was introduced by my colleague from Alaska, Mister Begich. Safety is our top priority. We should embrace innovation. that helps maintain and improve it. Industry has innovated, developing airborne position reference tools, or APRT, which is a new, low-cost visual aid relying on existing data streams, designed for towers, again that slowly rely on visual observation and radio communications. This legislation simply directs the FAA to leverage this low-cost new technology at contract towers that do not have radar, providing controllers a simple visual aid. Greater awareness for our controllers means safer skies for all Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and I yield back.

Is there anyone else who wants to be heard? Seeing no one, I recognize myself real quick. I do wanna thank uh Mister Baggage, Miss Gillum and uh Miss King-Hines for their work on this legislation um and their leadership obviously on this very important issue. Proving safety and modernizing our airspace remains a top priority of mine and the committee. Last year we made a significant down payment with the twelve and a half billion dollars being dedicated towards air traffic control modernization and recognizing the role the technology plays in improving the air traffic controller's situational awareness our bipartisan FAA reauthorized reauthorization act of twenty twenty four expanded the technologies available to contract towers. And since then the FAA has approved the first airborne position reference tool or APRT providing another low-cost tool to enhance controller, situational awareness. This legislation directs AFA to deploy this low-cost visual aid to contract towers that do not have radar displays. This builds on our work in reconciliation and the reauthorization to modernize our airspace and improve safety. So with that, I support the legislation. Are there any amendments to the amendment in nature of a substitute to HRA eighty-five, ninety-seven? Seeing none, the question is on the adoption of the amendment in nature of a substitute to eighty-f- To H R eighty five ninety seven. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed signify by saying nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The amendment in nature of a substitute is adopted. The question is now on adoption, favorable reported of H R eighty five ninety seven as amended. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed signify by saying nay. In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and H R eighty five ninety seven as amended is agreed to in order to favorably report it to the house. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is H R seventy five fifty three, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act. I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge the subcommittee on aviation for further consideration of H R seventy five fifty three and without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration and without objection the first reading of the bill will be dispensed with. The bill is now considered read and open for amendment at any point. And I now recognize Mister Nels to offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Yes, sir, I have an amendment at the desk.

Designate.

An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR seven five five three, offered by Mister Nels of Texas.

Without objection, the amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read, and shall be considered as a base text for further amendment. Now recognize Mister Nels for five minutes.

Thank you, Chairman Graves. At its core, H. R. seventy-five fifty-three, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, which I introduced alongside my colleague and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Representative Carson will enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability during the FAA's type certification process for new and novel aircraft designs in the advanced air mobility space. The reforms this legislation makes not only benefit those going through the certification process, but also ensure the United States continues to position itself as the global leader in aviation innovation. Furthermore, the legislation supports FAA staffing capacity and prevents gridlock in the certification by setting clear timelines for both the FAA and the applicant. For those unfamiliar, the current FAA type certification process, it's rigorous multi-year evaluation process in which FAA personnel ensure aircraft design complies with airworthiness, noise, safety standards. It's paramount that we pres- preserve our nation's gold standard in aviation safety. But that does not mean we cannot target low hanging fruit in the certification process for common sense and responsible reforms, while maintaining the high safety standards. Currently, within the certification process, there are a lot of draw d- lot of draw down or dead time. An applicant will submit certification materials to the FAA, and not know when they can expect to hear back. Doesn't that sound familiar? Never hear back. Often the certification process can include months of waiting in the dark. To improve this, transparency and visibility in the certification process, the FAA the legislation requires the FAA administrator to ve- develop and publish non-binding standard expected timelines for various major milestones in the certification. This will not only ensure that the FAA resources are used more efficiently, but will also afford applicants more predictability and stability in the planning process. The bipartisan Aviation Innovation and Global Competitive Act builds upon the framework laid out in the bipartisan FAA reauthorization of twenty twenty-four and ensures that the United States is well-positioned to be the global leader in aviation for the next hundred and twenty-five years. This is simple. I urge my colleagues to support this common sense legislation and yield back the balance.

I now recognize Mister Carson for his statement on his legislation.

Thank you, Chairman. I support HR seventy five fifty three bipartisan legislation that I'm very proud to have introduced with um our great aviation subcommittee chair nails to help foster a new generation of innovative aviation technologies in the US. New airspace entrance like AM aircraft promise to deliver new and exciting societal and economic benefits to our Whether it's EV toll vehicles or more conventional aircraft, using alternative propulsion, this advanced technology has the potential to improve mobility options, particularly in very dense urban environments like Indianapolis, boost local businesses and job opportunities, reduce surface transpr uh congestion as well. But to make this vision a reality, we have the necessary framework in place so the faa and aam industry can dominate or demonstrate that these innovations can safely operate in us skies without placing additional strains on the system and aviation workforce which is what the answer to hr seventy five fifty three aims to do notably uh the bill would improve the transparency predictability and accountability of the type certification process for a a m aircraft as well as ensuring that safety remains the north star throughout this process. My thanks again to the subcommittee chair for his partnership not only on this bill but throughout the congress. I also want to thank uh representative Bernalte and representative Panetta and the various industry and workforce partners to help us refine this legislation I encourage my colleagues to vote yes to hr seventy five fifty three.

Does anyone else wish to be heard? I recognize myself real quick. I would like to um start by thanking Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Nils and uh Ranking Member Carson for your hard work on this uh important legislation. The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act leverages the work that we did in FAA reauthorization uh in twenty twenty-four, makes targeted improvements to add increased predictability and transparency to the FAA's type certificate process for new and novel aviation technologies. The reforms made in this legislation are gonna support companies going through the certification process by ensuring standard expected timelines are known are made known to the applicant increased transparency is going to allow for better planning on the part of the applicant and ensure that the FAA resources are utilized efficiently this bill is a critical step to bolstering America's global leadership in innovation in advanced air mobility technologies. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and with that yield back the balance of my time. We're now considering the bill for amendments. For what purpose does Mister Nels seek recognition?

Sir, I have an amendment at the desk.

Please designate.

An amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H R seven five five three offered by Mister Nels number zero six one.

Without objection, the amendment n- will be considered as read. Mister Nels, you're recognized real quick on for a statement.

Thank you, Mister Chairman. and conforming edits to properly scope the language closer to its true intent. The legislation was designed to provide more predictability and transparency to the type certification process of advanced air mobility systems, when we became aware that some of the language could have been misinterpreted as to require small unmanned aircraft systems to receive type certification. We wanted to make clear that that was not the intent of the legislation and remove the possibility for misinterpretation. I urge support of this amendment and I yield back the balance.

Mr. Larsen. Thank you, uh, Mr. Chair. Um, I support the amendment to the ANS to H R seven five five three that Mister Nils has, um, offered. This amendment incorporates an important clarifying revision that stakeholders have identified. I want to thank you, Mister Chair, and Subcommittee Chair Nils, and Ranking Member Carson, and the entire staff for their efforts to maintain the bipartisan uh nature of this particular bill and urge members to support it

does anyone else wish to seek recognition on the amendment

anybody

seeing none are there any amendments to the amendment seeing none the question is on the amendment all those in favor signify by saying aye

aye

all opposed signify by saying nay the ayes have it and the amendment is agreed to are there any other amendments to the amendment in nature of a substitute to hr seventy five fifty three hearing none the question is on the adoption of the amendment in nature of a substitute to hr seventy five fifty three all those in favor sigma five by saying aye all opposed signify by saying nay opinion of the chair the amendment in the nature of a substitute is adopted the question is now on adoption favorable reporting of hr seventy five fifty three as amended all those in favor sigma five by saying aye All opposed, signify by saying nay. The opinion of the chair, the ayes have it, and H R seventy five fifty three as amended is agreed to in order favorably reported to the house without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Our next item for consideration is H R seventy six twenty five, the Marine Transportation System Cybersecurity Budget and Evaluation Report Act of twenty twenty six. And I ask unanimous consent to discharge this subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation for further consideration of H R seventy six twenty five. Without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. For what purpose does Mister McDowell seek recognition?