House Panel To Consider Supersonic, FAA Shutdown Funding Bills

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee plans to consider a bill on Thursday that would help clear a path for the return of supersonic flight over land. H.R.3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, is among several key bills the T&I committee is set to take action on during Thursday’s markup, with others designed to fund key parts of the FAA during government shutdowns, create a study on digitizing agency functions, and ease access to airport funding.

Introduced by House aviation subcommittee chair Troy Nehls (R-Texas) in May with similar legislation offered by Sen. Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) in the Senate, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act would call on the FAA to issue or revise regulations within a year that would permit civil aircraft without special authorization to operate beyond Mach 1 in the National Airspace System as long as “the aircraft is operated in such a manner that no sonic boom reaches the ground in the United States.”

Under the bill, the aircraft must meet current noise level requirements (as of the date of enactment), and the FAA must periodically review and update the rule to reflect advances in aircraft noise-reduction technology.

“The United States is home to many groundbreaking innovations and should welcome these innovations so long as public safety isn’t threatened,” Nehls said in introducing the bill. “Our nation’s laws and regulations should encourage these innovations and uplift companies that are leading in industries, including the aviation industry.”

Also up for a vote is the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, H.R.6086, jointly introduced by T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri), ranking member Rick Larsen (D-Washington), Nehls (R-Texas), and aviation subcommittee ranking member Andre Carson (D-Indiana). That bill, introduced after the prolonged shutdown crippled the National Airspace System in October and November, would allow the FAA to tap into the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to cover ATC services should there be another government funding lapse.

Both measures have received strong support from the business aviation community.

T&I further is expected to consider H.R. 6267, Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act of 2025, offered by Rep. Brad Knott (R-North Carolina) with bipartisan support. This bill would seek a study on how to accelerate digital adoption at the FAA, including the standardization of digital forms for the industry. The study would explore challenges of industry stakeholders—from OEMs to repair stations, parts manufacturers, and others—along with the FAA, in transitioning to such a system. 

Another bill, H.R.6427, The Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025, offered by Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska), is designed to facilitate access for small airport construction funding.