Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 6427
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 (H.R. 6427)

Purpose

This legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on smaller airports by allowing states to use their existing highway construction standards for airfield pavement projects, provided these standards meet federal safety requirements. It promotes efficiency in using federal funding for airport improvements at nonprimary airports (smaller airports not serving major commercial hubs) that handle lighter aircraft.

Key Provisions

Eligibility for State Standards: The U.S. Secretary of Transportation (overseeing the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA) must approve the use of a state's highway specifications for constructing or improving airfield pavement at nonprimary airports that serve aircraft with a gross weight of 60,000 pounds or less.
Notification and Approval Process:
States must notify the Secretary of their intent to use these specifications.
The Secretary must determine within 6 months whether the specifications will not negatively impact safety.
Extensions for Review:
The Secretary can extend the 6-month review period by an additional 6 months if needed, but must notify the state and provide a reason.
Further extensions beyond 12 months are allowed at the Secretary's discretion.
Funding Applicability: This applies to federal funds allocated under specific airport grant programs in title 49 of the U.S. Code.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends Section 47114(d)(4) of title 49, United States Code, which previously outlined restrictions on using non-aviation standards for airport projects.
Introduces a new framework allowing state highway specifications as an alternative to stricter federal aviation standards, but only after safety verification—shifting from a blanket prohibition to a conditional approval process for qualifying small airports and aircraft.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The FAA and Department of Transportation will face increased administrative responsibilities for reviewing state notifications and making safety determinations, potentially streamlining approvals for routine projects but requiring new resources for evaluations.
On Citizens and Local Communities: Smaller airports in rural or less-served areas may see faster and cheaper pavement upgrades, improving local air travel access and economic activity without compromising safety; this could benefit general aviation users, such as private pilots and small businesses.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic nonprimary airports; it does not affect major international gateways.

Main Stakeholders Affected

States and Local Airport Authorities: Gain flexibility to apply familiar highway standards, potentially lowering costs and speeding up projects at nonprimary airports.
Airport Operators and Small Aircraft Users: Benefit from easier access to federal funding for maintenance, supporting operations for aircraft under 60,000 pounds (e.g., regional or private flights).
Federal Government (FAA/Secretary of Transportation): Responsible for safety oversight, which could influence funding distribution under the Airport Improvement Program.
Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through more efficient use of federal airport grants, possibly reducing overall project expenses.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces federal oversight of aviation safety (a core FAA mandate) while introducing procedural deadlines to prevent delays, which could lead to future litigation if states challenge extension decisions or safety denials.
Constitutional: Supports federalism by deferring to state expertise in highway standards, balancing national safety uniformity with state autonomy in infrastructure—without altering core Commerce Clause powers over interstate aviation.
Political: Provides regulatory relief for smaller airports, appealing to bipartisan interests in rural development and reducing federal red tape; may set a precedent for similar flexibilities in other transportation sectors, though safety concerns could spark debates on risk versus efficiency.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

Recent Actions

2026-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2026-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2658)
2026-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2026-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6427.
2026-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2658-2659)
2026-03-24: Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-03-16: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 475.
2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-552.
2026-03-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-552.
2025-12-18: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2025-12-18: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-12-18: Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged
2025-12-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
2025-12-04: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Bill Versions

Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 — issued 2026-03-24 — PDF (4 pages)
Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (2 pages)
Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (3 pages)
Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025 — issued 2026-03-16 — PDF (6 pages)