June 27, 2025
Ms. Tokuda (for herself, Mr. Begich, Ms. Scholten, and Ms. King-Hinds) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To amend section 41733 of title 49, United States Code, to require that applications to provide compensated basic essential air service include a contingency plan to continue air service in the event of a disruption, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Essential Air Service Reliability Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Basic essential air service availability of compensation
(a) In general
Section 41733(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4);
(2)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking (1) If the Secretary
and inserting the following:
(1) Application
If the Secretary;
(B)
by inserting after compensation under this section.
the following new paragraph:
(2) Requirement
For any application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1), such application shall include a contingency plan that provides for the continuation of air service to the eligible place in the event of a disruption that is not related to weather.; and
(C)
by striking In selecting an applicant,
and inserting the following:
(3) Considerations
In selecting an applicant,; and
(3)
in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking Under guidelines
and inserting Rate of compensation.—Under guidelines
.
(b) Applicability
The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that the amendment made by section 2(a)(2)(B) shall apply not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Conforming amendment
Section 41736(c)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 41733(c)(1)
and inserting section 41733(c)
.