Aviation Weather Safety Improvement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7275
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-31: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:08:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Aviation Weather Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 7275) aims to enhance aviation safety by ensuring that Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs)—specialized teams providing weather forecasts for air traffic control centers—are properly staffed. This supports the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in commercial air travel.
Key Provisions
- Coordination for Staffing: Amends Section 44720(b) of Title 49, United States Code (which governs meteorological services for aviation) by adding a new requirement for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to work with:
- The Director of the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Exclusive bargaining representatives (unions) for FAA air traffic control specialists and NWS employees.
- The goal is to maintain adequate staffing levels in each CWSU to meet aviation safety needs.
- Reporting Requirements: Adds a new subsection (c) mandating that the Secretary of Transportation submit reports to congressional committees (House Transportation and Infrastructure, House Science, Space, and Technology, and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation). These reports, due within 180 days of enactment and annually thereafter, detail progress on implementing the staffing coordination.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the FAA's meteorological services duties under Section 44720 by introducing mandatory collaboration with the NWS and labor unions for CWSU staffing—a new element not previously specified.
- Introduces annual congressional reporting on staffing implementation, adding oversight and accountability to what was previously a more general framework for weather services in aviation.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The FAA and NWS will need to allocate resources for coordination and staffing, potentially increasing operational costs but improving weather forecasting reliability for air traffic management.
- Citizens and Aviation Users: Pilots, airlines, and passengers may benefit from reduced weather-related flight delays or risks, leading to safer and more efficient air travel.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. aviation weather services could indirectly support international flights by improving safety standards at U.S. air traffic centers.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: FAA (responsible for air traffic and safety) and NWS (provides weather data).
- Labor Groups: Unions representing FAA air traffic controllers and NWS employees, who gain a formal role in staffing decisions.
- Aviation Industry: Airlines, pilots, and airports relying on accurate weather information for operations.
- Congress: Committees overseeing transportation, science, and commerce, which receive reports for policy monitoring.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal aviation safety regulations by integrating labor input into staffing, potentially affecting collective bargaining under Title 5 of the U.S. Code (which covers federal employee rights). No major challenges to existing authority, as it builds on the FAA's established role in meteorological services.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers to regulate interstate air travel; no apparent conflicts with free speech, due process, or other rights.
- Political: Promotes bipartisanship in aviation safety (introduced by representatives from different parties) and emphasizes workforce involvement, which could influence future labor-employer dynamics in federal agencies. The reporting mechanism enhances congressional oversight without new funding mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-31: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Aviation Weather Safety Improvement Act — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (3 pages)