Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3423

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-09-09: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T01:08:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act (FROST Act) aims to expand the federal definition of "airport development" to explicitly include storage facilities for aircraft deicing equipment and fluids. This change supports safer airport operations, particularly in cold weather, by making these facilities eligible for federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), a grant program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Definition: The bill modifies Section 47102(3)(B)(v) of Title 49, United States Code (which outlines eligible projects under the AIP), by removing the phrase "and storage facilities for the equipment and fluids." This removal broadens the scope of what qualifies as "airport development."
• Short Title: The legislation is officially titled the "Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act" or "FROST Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Prior to this amendment, the definition of "airport development" under 49 U.S.C. § 47102(3)(B) may have implicitly or explicitly limited eligibility for funding related to deicing storage facilities. By striking the specified phrase, the bill ensures that aircraft deicing storage facilities are now covered, allowing airports to pursue federal grants for their construction, maintenance, or improvement without prior restrictions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FAA will likely see an increase in eligible grant applications under the AIP, potentially requiring adjustments to budgeting and oversight for airport infrastructure projects focused on winter safety.
• On Citizens and Airlines: Passengers and airlines benefit from enhanced deicing capabilities, reducing delays and safety risks during icy conditions at airports. This could lead to more reliable air travel, especially in regions with harsh winters.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. airport safety standards could indirectly support smoother international flights by minimizing weather-related disruptions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Airports and Airport Authorities: Gain access to federal funding for deicing infrastructure, easing financial burdens for safety upgrades.
• Airlines and Aviation Operators: Benefit from safer, more efficient runway operations, potentially lowering operational costs related to deicing.
• Federal Government (FAA and Congress): Involved in funding allocation and program administration, with possible increased expenditures from the AIP.
• Passengers and the Public: Indirectly affected through improved flight reliability and safety in winter weather.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The change is a straightforward statutory amendment with no apparent conflicts to existing aviation regulations. It aligns with the broader goals of the AIP to promote airport safety and efficiency under federal law.
• Constitutional: No significant implications; the bill falls within Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and aviation under the Commerce Clause.
• Political: As a bipartisan-friendly measure focused on infrastructure and safety, it could garner support from lawmakers in aviation-dependent states, though it introduces a minor expansion of federal spending without major controversy.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-09: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-09-08: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-09-08: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3875)
• 2025-09-08: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3875: 1)
• 2025-09-08: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3423.
• 2025-09-08: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3875-3876)
• 2025-09-08: Mr. Barrett moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-09-08: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 194.
• 2025-09-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-237.
• 2025-09-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-237.
• 2025-06-11: Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
• 2025-06-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-06-11: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
• 2025-05-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Bill Versions

• Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (4 pages)
• Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (2 pages)
• Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act — issued 2025-09-09 — PDF (2 pages)
• Facility for Runway Operations and Safe Transportation Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (4 pages)