To amend title 49, United States Code, to except from certain requirements relating to eligibility for essential air service Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.R. 2216

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Last Updated

2026-06-09T13:05:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This bill (H.R. 2216) aims to modify federal aviation law to expand exceptions for eligibility in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program—a U.S. government initiative that provides subsidies to airlines to maintain commercial air service to small or remote communities. Specifically, it extends these exceptions to include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, treating them similarly to Alaska and Hawaii.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 41731(c) of Title 49, United States Code (which governs transportation regulations).
• Updates the subsection heading from "Alaska and Hawaii" to "Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Northern Mariana Islands".
• Replaces references to "State of Alaska or the State of Hawaii" with "State of Alaska, the State of Hawaii, the territory of Guam, or the territory of the Northern Mariana Islands".
• These changes allow Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to bypass certain standard eligibility criteria for EAS funding, such as population or distance requirements from larger hubs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, only Alaska and Hawaii were exempt from specific EAS eligibility rules, recognizing their unique geographic isolation.
• The bill broadens this exemption to U.S. territories in the Pacific (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), making it simpler for them to qualify for subsidized air service without needing to meet all typical federal thresholds.
• No new funding or programs are created; it only adjusts qualification rules.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands may gain better access to reliable commercial flights, improving travel for work, medical care, and family connections, especially given their remote locations.
• On government agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will need to update its EAS administration to include these territories, potentially increasing subsidy payouts but streamlining approvals.
• On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced air service could support U.S. economic and security interests in the Pacific region by strengthening ties with these territories.
• Overall, it could lead to modest increases in federal spending on aviation subsidies, benefiting isolated communities without broadly affecting mainland U.S. air travel.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Residents and businesses in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands: Primary beneficiaries through improved air connectivity.
• Airlines: Companies operating in these areas (e.g., regional carriers) may receive easier access to EAS subsidies, encouraging more routes.
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Responsible for implementing and overseeing EAS changes.
• Federal government and taxpayers: Indirectly affected via potential adjustments to the national aviation subsidy budget.
• Congressional representatives from Pacific territories: Sponsors (e.g., Rep. Moylan and Ms. King-Hinds) represent these areas, highlighting local advocacy.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: This is a straightforward statutory amendment to existing aviation law, with no challenges to constitutional authority; Congress has broad power over interstate and territorial commerce under the Commerce Clause.
• Constitutional: Reinforces equal treatment of U.S. territories under federal programs, aligning with the Territory Clause (Article IV, Section 3), which allows Congress to regulate territories.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for U.S. territories (introduced by representatives from Guam and possibly Hawaii), potentially advancing Pacific-focused policies amid geopolitical tensions in the region. It avoids controversy by focusing on practical equity rather than new entitlements.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large]

Cosponsors (1)

Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-03-18: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-03-18: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To amend title 49, United States Code, to except from certain requirements relating to eligibility for essential air service Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-18 — PDF (2 pages)