Rebuilding America’s Airport Infrastructure Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3746

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Last Updated

2025-12-19T00:06:12Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Rebuilding America's Airport Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3746) aims to update the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program, which allows airports to collect fees from passengers to fund improvements like runways and terminals. The goal is to increase funding for airport infrastructure by raising the maximum allowable charge, helping modernize U.S. airports without relying solely on federal budgets.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is titled the "Rebuilding America's Airport Infrastructure Act."
• Amendments to Passenger Facility Charge (Section 40117 of Title 49, U.S. Code):
• Updates the allowed PFC amounts under subsection (b)(1) to reference a new paragraph (4).
• Establishes a phased increase in the maximum PFC:
• $5.50 starting January 1, 2027 (for one year).
• $6.50 starting January 1, 2028 (for one year).
• $7.50 starting January 1, 2029 (for one year).
• $8.50 starting January 1, 2030, with annual adjustments for inflation thereafter.
• Removes outdated references to prior PFC limits (previously capped at $4.50) and simplifies related language in paragraphs (6) and (7).
• In subsection (d), makes minor grammatical changes and eliminates paragraph (4), which pertained to certain exemptions or conditions (exact prior content not specified in the bill text).
• Effective Date: Changes apply to PFCs collected on or after January 1, 2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• PFC Cap Increase: Previously, the maximum PFC was fixed at $1, $2, $3, $4, or $4.50 per passenger segment (a one-way trip portion). The bill replaces this with a higher, escalating cap up to $8.50, plus inflation adjustments, allowing airports to generate more revenue for approved projects.
• Simplification: Eliminates redundant language tied to the old cap structure, streamlining the program's administration by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• No changes to PFC eligibility, collection methods, or FAA approval processes for projects, but the higher cap directly enables larger funding pools.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FAA will administer a program with increased revenue potential (estimated billions over time), reducing pressure on federal Airport Improvement Program grants. This could ease taxpayer burdens but require FAA oversight of inflation adjustments.
• On Citizens: Air passengers will face higher fees (phased in over three years), potentially increasing travel costs by $1–$4 per ticket initially, depending on airport decisions. However, it supports safer, more efficient airports through infrastructure upgrades.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. airport facilities could enhance global aviation competitiveness and passenger experiences for international travelers.
• Broader Effects: Airports may accelerate projects like terminal expansions or noise reduction, benefiting local economies, but fee hikes could affect affordability for low-income travelers or during economic downturns.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Airports and Airport Authorities: Primary beneficiaries, gaining flexibility to impose higher fees for infrastructure funding.
• Airlines and Passengers: Airlines may pass costs to passengers; travelers bear the direct fee increase.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Responsible for approving PFCs and monitoring compliance, with added administrative duties for inflation indexing.
• Local Governments and Communities: Near airports, they could see economic boosts from improved facilities but potential backlash over higher travel costs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens the PFC program's framework under the Federal Aviation Act by expanding revenue tools without new taxes, ensuring compliance with FAA project approvals to prevent misuse of funds. The inflation adjustment introduces a flexible mechanism, potentially requiring future regulatory guidance.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority over interstate aviation; no apparent challenges to due process or equal protection, as fees apply uniformly to enplaning passengers.
• Political: Positions the bill as a bipartisan infrastructure investment, but could spark debate over "hidden taxes" on travelers versus the need for airport modernization amid aging facilities. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, it reflects priorities in aviation policy without major controversies in the text.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Amodei, Mark E. [R-NV-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-06: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Rebuilding America’s Airport Infrastructure Act — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (3 pages)