Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6168

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Last Updated

2026-04-17T08:06:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act" (H.R. 6168) aims to expand and clarify eligibility for airport-related projects under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), a federal program that provides loans and other credit assistance for major transportation projects. The goal is to make it easier for airports to qualify for this financing by broadening what counts as an eligible project and adjusting related rules, regardless of whether the project generates revenue or is open to the public.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Eligible Projects: Amends Section 601(a)(12)(G) of Title 23, U.S. Code, to include any project that builds new or improves existing aviation facilities (like equipment) if it supports air transportation, access to airports (e.g., roads, rental cars, parking), movement of passengers, baggage, or cargo, or enhances airport safety and security.
• Eligibility and Project Selection Rules: Modifies Section 602(a) of Title 23, U.S. Code, to exempt airport projects from certain general eligibility requirements that apply to other TIFIA projects. It also updates language to focus on "Federal credit instruments" (loans or similar aid) instead of total project costs.
• Waiver Conditions: Adds to Section 603(b)(6) of Title 23, U.S. Code, stating that specific waiver requirements—such as private sector involvement or non-federal funding commitments—do not apply to airport projects when seeking TIFIA waivers.
• Program Administration Threshold: Updates Section 605(f)(1) of Title 23, U.S. Code, raising the limit for streamlined TIFIA loan processing from projects with costs up to $75 million to loans up to $100 million.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broader Airport Eligibility: Previously, TIFIA eligibility for airports was narrower; this bill removes restrictions tied to revenue generation or public access, allowing more types of aviation infrastructure (e.g., behind-the-scenes equipment) to qualify.
• Exemptions from Standard Processes: Airport projects are now carved out from certain TIFIA selection criteria and waiver conditions that require demonstrations of private investment or cost-sharing, simplifying approval for these projects.
• Increased Loan Limit: Shifts the focus from overall project costs to the loan amount itself and raises the cap by $25 million, enabling larger loans to be handled more efficiently without full federal review.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which administers TIFIA, will see a streamlined process for airport funding applications, potentially reducing administrative workload for aviation projects while prioritizing them over others.
• On Citizens: Travelers and airport users may benefit from faster improvements to facilities, leading to better access, safer operations, and more efficient movement of people and goods, though this could indirectly increase air travel costs if financed through loans.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but enhanced U.S. airport infrastructure could support stronger global air connectivity, aiding trade and tourism without altering foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Airports and Aviation Operators: Primary beneficiaries, as they gain easier access to low-interest federal loans for upgrades.
• Airlines and Cargo Handlers: Indirectly affected through improved facilities that enhance operations and safety.
• Federal Government (DOT and Treasury): Responsible for managing TIFIA funds, facing potential increases in loan disbursements for airports.
• Passengers and Local Communities: Gain from safer, more efficient airports but may face higher fees if projects lead to increased airport charges.
• Project Sponsors (e.g., State/Local Governments): Easier financing could encourage more public-private partnerships for aviation infrastructure.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill aligns TIFIA more closely with aviation needs by using targeted exemptions, potentially reducing legal challenges to project approvals. It maintains federal oversight without expanding TIFIA's scope beyond transportation.
• Constitutional Implications: No apparent conflicts; it operates within Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate transportation, including air travel.
• Political Implications: Introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Republicans and Democrats), it signals cross-party support for infrastructure investment in aviation, which could influence future transportation funding debates by prioritizing airports amid competing needs like highways or rail.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Airport TIFIA Financing Certainty Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (3 pages)