§ 40101. —  Policy.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 7, 2003]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 7, 2003 and December 19, 2003]
[CITE: 49USC40101]

 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
                     SUBTITLE VII--AVIATION PROGRAMS
 
                     PART A--AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY
 
                           subpart i--general
 
                     CHAPTER 401--GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
Sec. 40101. Policy

    (a) Economic Regulation.--In carrying out subpart II of this part 
and those provisions of subpart IV applicable in carrying out subpart 
II, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider the following 
matters, among others, as being in the public interest and consistent 
with public convenience and necessity:
        (1) assigning and maintaining safety as the highest priority in 
    air commerce.
        (2) before authorizing new air transportation services, 
    evaluating the safety implications of those services.
        (3) preventing deterioration in established safety procedures, 
    recognizing the clear intent, encouragement, and dedication of 
    Congress to further the highest degree of safety in air 
    transportation and air commerce, and to maintain the safety 
    vigilance that has evolved in air transportation and air commerce 
    and has come to be expected by the traveling and shipping public.
        (4) the availability of a variety of adequate, economic, 
    efficient, and low-priced services without unreasonable 
    discrimination or unfair or deceptive practices.
        (5) coordinating transportation by, and improving relations 
    among, air carriers, and encouraging fair wages and working 
    conditions.
        (6) placing maximum reliance on competitive market forces and on 
    actual and potential competition--
            (A) to provide the needed air transportation system; and
            (B) to encourage efficient and well-managed air carriers to 
        earn adequate profits and attract capital, considering any 
        material differences between interstate air transportation and 
        foreign air transportation.

        (7) developing and maintaining a sound regulatory system that is 
    responsive to the needs of the public and in which decisions are 
    reached promptly to make it easier to adapt the air transportation 
    system to the present and future needs of--
            (A) the commerce of the United States;
            (B) the United States Postal Service; and
            (C) the national defense.

        (8) encouraging air transportation at major urban areas through 
    secondary or satellite airports if consistent with regional airport 
    plans of regional and local authorities, and if endorsed by 
    appropriate State authorities--
            (A) encouraging the transportation by air carriers that 
        provide, in a specific market, transportation exclusively at 
        those airports; and
            (B) fostering an environment that allows those carriers to 
        establish themselves and develop secondary or satellite airport 
        services.

        (9) preventing unfair, deceptive, predatory, or anticompetitive 
    practices in air transportation.
        (10) avoiding unreasonable industry concentration, excessive 
    market domination, monopoly powers, and other conditions that would 
    tend to allow at least one air carrier or foreign air carrier 
    unreasonably to increase prices, reduce services, or exclude 
    competition in air transportation.
        (11) maintaining a complete and convenient system of continuous 
    scheduled interstate air transportation for small communities and 
    isolated areas with direct financial assistance from the United 
    States Government when appropriate.
        (12) encouraging, developing, and maintaining an air 
    transportation system relying on actual and potential competition--
            (A) to provide efficiency, innovation, and low prices; and
            (B) to decide on the variety and quality of, and determine 
        prices for, air transportation services.

        (13) encouraging entry into air transportation markets by new 
    and existing air carriers and the continued strengthening of small 
    air carriers to ensure a more effective and competitive airline 
    industry.
        (14) promoting, encouraging, and developing civil aeronautics 
    and a viable, privately-owned United States air transport industry.
        (15) strengthening the competitive position of air carriers to 
    at least ensure equality with foreign air carriers, including the 
    attainment of the opportunity for air carriers to maintain and 
    increase their profitability in foreign air transportation.
        (16) ensuring that consumers in all regions of the United 
    States, including those in small communities and rural and remote 
    areas, have access to affordable, regularly scheduled air service.

    (b) All-Cargo Air Transportation Considerations.--In carrying out 
subpart II of this part and those provisions of subpart IV applicable in 
carrying out subpart II, the Secretary of Transportation shall consider 
the following matters, among others and in addition to the matters 
referred to in subsection (a) of this section, as being in the public 
interest for all-cargo air transportation:
        (1) encouraging and developing an expedited all-cargo air 
    transportation system provided by private enterprise and responsive 
    to--
            (A) the present and future needs of shippers;
            (B) the commerce of the United States; and
            (C) the national defense.

        (2) encouraging and developing an integrated transportation 
    system relying on competitive market forces to decide the extent, 
    variety, quality, and price of services provided.
        (3) providing services without unreasonable discrimination, 
    unfair or deceptive practices, or predatory pricing.

    (c) General Safety Considerations.--In carrying out subpart III of 
this part and those provisions of subpart IV applicable in carrying out 
subpart III, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall consider the following matters:
        (1) the requirements of national defense and commercial and 
    general aviation.
        (2) the public right of freedom of transit through the navigable 
    airspace.

    (d) Safety Considerations in Public Interest.--In carrying out 
subpart III of this part and those provisions of subpart IV applicable 
in carrying out subpart III, the Administrator shall consider the 
following matters, among others, as being in the public interest:
        (1) assigning, maintaining, and enhancing safety and security as 
    the highest priorities in air commerce.
        (2) regulating air commerce in a way that best promotes safety 
    and fulfills national defense requirements.
        (3) encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new 
    aviation technology.
        (4) controlling the use of the navigable airspace and regulating 
    civil and military operations in that airspace in the interest of 
    the safety and efficiency of both of those operations.
        (5) consolidating research and development for air navigation 
    facilities and the installation and operation of those facilities.
        (6) developing and operating a common system of air traffic 
    control and navigation for military and civil aircraft.
        (7) providing assistance to law enforcement agencies in the 
    enforcement of laws related to regulation of controlled substances, 
    to the extent consistent with aviation safety.

    (e) International Air Transportation.--In formulating United States 
international air transportation policy, the Secretaries of State and 
Transportation shall develop a negotiating policy emphasizing the 
greatest degree of competition compatible with a well-functioning 
international air transportation system, including the following:
        (1) strengthening the competitive position of air carriers to 
    ensure at least equality with foreign air carriers, including the 
    attainment of the opportunity for air carriers to maintain and 
    increase their profitability in foreign air transportation.
        (2) freedom of air carriers and foreign air carriers to offer 
    prices that correspond to consumer demand.
        (3) the fewest possible restrictions on charter air 
    transportation.
        (4) the maximum degree of multiple and permissive international 
    authority for air carriers so that they will be able to respond 
    quickly to a shift in market demand.
        (5) eliminating operational and marketing restrictions to the 
    greatest extent possible.
        (6) integrating domestic and international air transportation.
        (7) increasing the number of nonstop United States gateway 
    cities.
        (8) opportunities for carriers of foreign countries to increase 
    their access to places in the United States if exchanged for 
    benefits of similar magnitude for air carriers or the traveling 
    public with permanent linkage between rights granted and rights 
    given away.
        (9) eliminating discrimination and unfair competitive practices 
    faced by United States airlines in foreign air transportation, 
    including--
            (A) excessive landing and user fees;
            (B) unreasonable ground handling requirements;
            (C) unreasonable restrictions on operations;
            (D) prohibitions against change of gauge; and
            (E) similar restrictive practices.

        (10) promoting, encouraging, and developing civil aeronautics 
    and a viable, privately-owned United States air transport industry.

    (f) Strengthening Competition.--In selecting an air carrier to 
provide foreign air transportation from among competing applicants, the 
Secretary of Transportation shall consider, in addition to the matters 
specified in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the strengthening 
of competition among air carriers operating in the United States to 
prevent unreasonable concentration in the air carrier industry.

(Pub. L. 103-272, Sec. 1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1094; Pub. L. 104-
264, title IV, Sec. 401(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3255; Pub. L. 106-
181, title II, Sec. 201, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 91.)

                                          Historical and Revision Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Revised  Section                    Source (U.S. Code)               Source (Statutes at Large)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40101(a)..............................  49 App.:1302(a).                 Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, Sec.
                                                                          102(a), 72 Stat. 740; Nov. 9, 1977,
                                                                          Pub. L. 95-163, Sec.  16(b)(1), (2),
                                                                          91 Stat. 1284; Oct. 24, 1978, Pub. L.
                                                                          95-504, Sec.  3(a), 92 Stat. 1705;
                                                                          restated Feb. 15, 1980, Pub. L. 96-
                                                                          192, Sec.  2, 94 Stat. 35.
                                        49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).           Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, 72 Stat.
                                                                          731, Sec.  1601(b)(1)(E); added Oct.
                                                                          4, 1984, Pub. L. 98-443, Sec.  3(e),
                                                                          98 Stat. 1704.
40101(b)..............................  49 App.:1302(b).                 Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, 72 Stat.
                                                                          731, Sec.  102(b); added Nov. 9, 1977,
                                                                          Pub. L. 95-163, Sec.  16(b)(3), 91
                                                                          Stat. 1284.
                                        49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).
40101(c)..............................  49 App.:1347.                    Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, Sec.
                                                                          306, 72 Stat. 749.
                                        49 App.:1655(c)(1).              Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89-670, Sec.
                                                                          6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983,
                                                                          Pub. L. 97-449, Sec.  7(b), 96 Stat.
                                                                          2444.
40101(d)..............................  49 App.:1303.                    Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, Sec.
                                                                          103, 72 Stat. 740; Nov. 18, 1988, Pub.
                                                                          L. 100-690, Sec.  7202(b), 102 Stat.
                                                                          4424.
                                        49 App.:1655(c)(1).
40101(e)..............................  49 App.:1502(b).                 Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, 72 Stat.
                                                                          731, Sec.  1102(b); added Feb. 15,
                                                                          1980, Pub. L. 96-192, Sec.  17, 94
                                                                          Stat. 42.
                                        49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E).
40101(f)..............................  49 App.:1302(c).                 Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85-726, 72 Stat.
                                                                          731, Sec.  102(c); added Oct. 31,
                                                                          1992, Pub. L. 102-581, Sec.  205, 106
                                                                          Stat. 4894.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this part, the words ``overseas air commerce'' and ``overseas air 
transportation'' are omitted as obsolete because there no longer is a 
distinction in economic or safety regulation between ``interstate'' and 
``overseas'' air commerce or air transportation.
    In this section, the words ``In carrying out . . . this part'' are 
substituted for ``In the exercise and performance of its powers and 
duties under this chapter'' in 49 App.:1302(a), ``In the exercise and 
performance of his powers and duties under this chapter'' in 49 
App.:1303, and ``In exercising the authority granted in, and discharging 
the duties imposed by, this chapter'' in 49 App.:1347 for consistency in 
the revised title and to eliminate unnecessary words.
    In subsections (a) and (b), the reference to subpart II is added 
because the policy applies only to economic issues, and under the 
Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-726, 72 Stat. 731), the 
Civil Aeronautics Board was given responsibility for economic issues.
    In subsection (a)(2), the word ``full'' is omitted as surplus. The 
words ``the recommendations of the Secretary of Transportation on'' are 
omitted as obsolete because the Secretary carries out 49 App.:1302(a). 
The words ``and full evaluation of any report or recommendation 
submitted under section 1307 of this Appendix'' are omitted as obsolete 
because the report and recommendations are no longer required.
    In subsection (a)(4), the words ``by air carriers and foreign air 
carriers'' are omitted as surplus. The words ``unreasonable 
discrimination'' are substituted for ``unjust discriminations, undue 
preferences or advantages'' for consistency in the revised title and to 
eliminate unnecessary words.
    In subsection (a)(6)(B), the words ``nevertheless'', ``on the one 
hand'', and ``on the other'' are omitted as surplus.
    In subsection (a)(8), before subclause (A), the word ``authorities'' 
is substituted for ``entities'' for consistency in the revised title and 
with other titles of the Code. In subclause (A), the words ``sole 
responsibility'' are omitted as unnecessary because of the restatement.
    In subsection (a)(15), the words ``United States'' are omitted as 
surplus because of the definition of ``air carrier'' in section 40102(a) 
of the revised title.
    In subsection (b)(3), the words ``unreasonable discrimination'' are 
substituted for ``unjust discriminations, undue preferences or 
advantages'' for consistency in the revised title and to eliminate 
unnecessary words.
    In subsections (c) and (d), the reference to subpart III is added 
because the policies apply only to safety issues, and under the Federal 
Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-726, 72 Stat. 731), the Federal 
Aviation Administration was given responsibility for safety issues.
    In subsection (c), before clause (1), the word ``Administrator'' in 
section 306 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-726, 72 
Stat. 749) is retained on authority of 49:106(g). The words ``consider 
the following matters'' are substituted for ``give full consideration 
to'' for consistency in this section.
    In subsection (d)(3), the word ``both'' in 49 App.:1303(c) is 
omitted as surplus the first time it appears. The words ``of the United 
States'' are omitted for consistency in the revised title and because of 
the definition of ``navigable airspace'' in section 40102(a) of the 
revised title. The words ``of those operations'' are added for clarity.
    In subsection (d)(5), the word ``both'' in 49 App.:1303(e) is 
omitted as surplus.
    In subsection (e), before clause (1), the words ``the Congress 
intends that'' are omitted as surplus. In clauses (1) and (4), the words 
``United States'' are omitted as surplus because of the definition of 
``air carrier'' in section 40102(a) of the revised title. In clause (2), 
the word ``prices'' is substituted for ``fares and rates'' because of 
the definition of ``price'' in section 40102(a). In clause (8), the 
words ``places in the United States'' are substituted for ``United 
States points'' for consistency in this chapter. The word ``air'' is 
added for clarity and consistency in this subtitle. In clause (9)(C), 
the word ``unreasonable'' is substituted for ``undue'' for consistency 
in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.


                               Amendments

    2000--Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 106-181 added par. (16).
    1996--Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 104-264, Sec. 401(a)(1)(B), added par. 
(1). Former par. (1) redesignated (2).
    Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 104-264, Sec. 401(a)(1)(A), (2)(A), 
redesignated par. (1) as (2) and struck out ``its development and'' 
after ``best promotes''. Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
    Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 104-264, Sec. 401(a)(1)(A), (2)(B), 
redesignated par. (2) as (3) and substituted ``encouraging and 
developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology'' for 
``promoting, encouraging, and developing civil aeronautics''. Former 
par. (3) redesignated (4).
    Subsec. (d)(4) to (7). Pub. L. 104-264, Sec. 401(a)(1)(A), 
redesignated pars. (3) to (6) as (4) to (7), respectively.


                    Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

    Amendment by Pub. L. 106-181 applicable only to fiscal years 
beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106-181, set 
out as a note under section 106 of this title.


                    Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

    Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104-
264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and 
not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year 
ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104-264, set out as 
a note under section 106 of this title.


                      Short Title of 2003 Amendment

    Pub. L. 108-176, Sec. 1(a), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2490, provided 
that: ``This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 
`Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act'.''
    Pub. L. 108-176, title III, Sec. 301, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2533, 
provided that: ``This title [enacting subchapter III of chapter 471 of 
this title, amending sections 40104, 40128, 47106, 47503, and 47504 of 
this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section 
and sections 40128, 47171, 47503, and 47508 of this title] may be cited 
as `Aviation Streamlining Approval Process Act of 2003'.''


                      Short Title of 2002 Amendment

    Pub. L. 107-296, title XIV, Sec. 1401, Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 
2300, provided that: ``This title [enacting section 44921 of this title 
and section 513 of Title 6, Domestic Security, amending sections 44903 
and 44918 of this title, amending provisions set out as a note under 
section 114 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note 
under section 44903 of this title] may be cited as the `Arming Pilots 
Against Terrorism Act'.''


                      Short Title of 2001 Amendment

    Pub. L. 107-71, Sec. 1, Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 597, provided that: 
``This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the `Aviation 
and Transportation Security Act'.''


                     Short Title of 2000 Amendments

    Pub. L. 106-528, Sec. 1, Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2517, provided 
that: ``This Act [amending sections 106, 41104, 44903, 44935, and 44936 
of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 106, 
44903, and 44936 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes 
under sections 40128 and 47501 of this title] may be cited as the 
`Airport Security Improvement Act of 2000'.''
    Pub. L. 106-181, Sec. 1(a), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 61, provided 
that: ``This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 
`Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st 
Century'.''


                      Short Title of 1999 Amendment

    Pub. L. 106-6, Sec. 1, Mar. 31, 1999, 113 Stat. 10, provided that: 
``This Act [amending sections 106, 44310, 47104, 47115 to 47117, 48101, 
and 48103 of this title] may be cited as the `Interim Federal Aviation 
Administration Authorization Act'.''


                      Short Title of 1998 Amendment

    Pub. L. 105-155, Sec. 1, Feb. 11, 1998, 112 Stat. 5, provided that: 
``This Act [amending section 48102 of this title and enacting provisions 
set out as a note under section 48102 of this title] may be cited as the 
`FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Authorization Act of 
1998'.''


                      Short Title of 1997 Amendment

    Pub. L. 105-137, Sec. 1, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2640, provided 
that: ``This Act [amending sections 40102, 44302, 44305, 44306, 44308, 
and 44310 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under 
section 44310 of this title] may be cited as the `Aviation Insurance 
Reauthorization Act of 1997'.''


                      Short Title of 1996 Amendment

    Section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This Act [see 
Tables for classification] may be cited as the `Federal Aviation 
Reauthorization Act of 1996'.''
    Section 201 of title II of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [enacting sections 40121, 40122, 45301, 45303, 48111, and 48201 of 
this title, amending sections 106 and 41742 of this title, renumbering 
section 45303 of this title as section 45304, repealing former section 
45301 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this 
section and sections 106, 40110, and 41742 of this title] may be cited 
as the `Air Traffic Management System Performance Improvement Act of 
1996'.''
    Section 278(a) of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This section 
[amending section 41742 of this title and enacting provisions set out as 
a note under section 41742 of this title] may be cited as the `Rural Air 
Service Survival Act'.''
    Section 501 of title V of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [amending sections 30305, 44936, and 46301 of this title and 
enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 30305 and 44935 of 
this title] may be cited as the `Pilot Records Improvement Act of 
1996'.''
    Section 601 of title VI of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [enacting section 44724 of this title] may be cited as the `Child 
Pilot Safety Act'.''
    Section 701 of title VII of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [enacting sections 1136 and 41113 of this title and provisions set 
out as notes under section 41113 of this title] may be cited as the 
`Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996'.''
    Section 801 of title VIII of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [enacting section 47133 of this title, amending sections 46301 and 
47107 of this title and section 9502 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, 
and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 47107 of this 
title] may be cited as the `Airport Revenue Protection Act of 1996'.''
    Section 1101 of title XI of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``This 
title [amending sections 44501, 44508, and 48102 of this title] may be 
cited as the `FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Management 
Reform Act of 1996'.''


                      Short Title of 1994 Amendment

    Pub. L. 103-305, Sec. 1(a), Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1569, provided 
that: ``This Act [enacting sections 41311, 41714, 41715, 47129, 47130, 
and 47509 of this title, amending sections 106, 10521, 11501, 40102, 
40113, 40116, 40117, 41713, 41734, 44502, 44505, 44938, 45301, 46301, 
47101, 47102, 47104 to 47107, 47109 to 47111, 47115, 47117 to 47119, 
47504, 48101 to 48104, and 48108 of this title and section 9502 of Title 
26, Internal Revenue Code, renumbering former section 47129 of this 
title as section 47131 of this title, enacting provisions set out as 
notes under this section and sections 10521, 11501, 40102, 40105, 40117, 
41311, 41715, 44502, 45102, 47101, 47107, 47124, and 49101 of this 
title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1348 of 
former Title 49, Transportation] may be cited as the `Federal Aviation 
Administration Authorization Act of 1994'.''
    Pub. L. 103-305, title III, Sec. 301, Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1589, 
provided that: ``This title [enacting section 47509 of this title, 
amending sections 44505 and 48102 of this title, and enacting provisions 
set out as notes under this section and section 49101 of this title] may 
be cited as the `Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering, 
and Development Authorization Act of 1994'.''


               Revitalization of Aviation and Aeronautics

    Pub. L. 108-176, Sec. 4, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2493, provided 
that: ``Congress finds the following:
        ``(1) The United States has revolutionized the way people 
    travel, developing new technologies and aircraft to move people more 
    efficiently and more safely.
        ``(2) Past Federal investment in aeronautics research and 
    development has benefited the economy and national security of the 
    United States and the quality of life of its citizens.
        ``(3) The total impact of civil aviation on the United States 
    economy exceeds $900,000,000,000 annually and accounts for 9 percent 
    of the gross national product and 11,000,000 jobs in the national 
    workforce. Civil aviation products and services generate a 
    significant surplus for United States trade accounts, and amount to 
    significant numbers of the Nation's highly skilled, technologically 
    qualified work force.
        ``(4) Aerospace technologies, products, and services underpin 
    the advanced capabilities of our men and women in uniform and those 
    charged with homeland security.
        ``(5) Future growth in civil aviation increasingly will be 
    constrained by concerns related to aviation system safety and 
    security, aviation system capabilities, aircraft noise, emissions, 
    and fuel consumption.
        ``(6) Revitalization and coordination of the United States 
    efforts to maintain its leadership in aviation and aeronautics are 
    critical and must begin now.
        ``(7) A recent report by the Commission on the Future of the 
    United States Aerospace Industry outlined the scope of the problems 
    confronting the aerospace and aviation industries in the United 
    States and found that--
            ``(A) aerospace will be at the core of the Nation's 
        leadership and strength throughout the 21st century;
            ``(B) aerospace will play an integral role in the Nation's 
        economy, security, and mobility; and
            ``(C) global leadership in aerospace is a national 
        imperative.
        ``(8) Despite the downturn in the global economy, projections of 
    the Federal Aviation Administration indicate that upwards of 
    1,000,000,000 people will fly annually by 2013. Efforts must begin 
    now to prepare for future growth in the number of airline 
    passengers.
        ``(9) The United States must increase its investment in research 
    and development to revitalize the aviation and aerospace industries, 
    to create jobs, and to provide educational assistance and training 
    to prepare workers in those industries for the future.''


             Report on Long-Term Environmental Improvements

    Pub. L. 108-176, title III, Sec. 321, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2540, 
provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation 
with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, shall conduct a study of ways to reduce aircraft noise 
and emissions and to increase aircraft fuel efficiency. The study 
shall--
        ``(1) explore new operational procedures for aircraft to achieve 
    those goals;
        ``(2) identify both near-term and long-term options to achieve 
    those goals;
        ``(3) identify infrastructure changes that would contribute to 
    attainment of those goals;
        ``(4) identify emerging technologies that might contribute to 
    attainment of those goals;
        ``(5) develop a research plan for application of such emerging 
    technologies, including new combustor and engine design concepts and 
    methodologies for designing high bypass ratio turbofan engines so as 
    to minimize the effects on climate change per unit of production of 
    thrust and flight speed; and
        ``(6) develop an implementation plan for exploiting such 
    emerging technologies to attain those goals.
    ``(b) Report.--The Secretary shall transmit a report on the study to 
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003].
    ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary $500,000 for fiscal year 2004 to carry out 
this section.''


         Reduction of Noise and Emissions From Civilian Aircraft

    Pub. L. 108-176, title III, Sec. 326, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2542, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Establishment of Research Program.--From amounts made 
available under section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, the 
Secretary of Transportation shall establish a research program related 
to reducing community exposure to civilian aircraft noise or emissions 
through grants or other measures authorized under section 106(l)(6) of 
such title, including reimbursable agreements with other Federal 
agencies. The program shall include participation by educational and 
research institutions that have existing facilities for developing and 
testing noise reduction engine technology.
    ``(b) Designation of Institute as a Center of Excellence.--The 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall designate an 
institution described in subsection (a) as a Center of Excellence for 
Noise and Emission Research.''


     Air Transportation System Joint Planning and Development Office

    Pub. L. 108-176, title VII, Sec. 709, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2582, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Establishment.--(1) The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish in the Federal Aviation Administration a joint planning and 
development office to manage work related to the Next Generation Air 
Transportation System. The office shall be known as the Next Generation 
Air Transportation System Joint Planning and Development Office (in this 
section referred to as the `Office').
    ``(2) The responsibilities of the Office shall include--
        ``(A) creating and carrying out an integrated plan for a Next 
    Generation Air Transportation System pursuant to subsection (b);
        ``(B) overseeing research and development on that system;
        ``(C) creating a transition plan for the implementation of that 
    system;
        ``(D) coordinating aviation and aeronautics research programs to 
    achieve the goal of more effective and directed programs that will 
    result in applicable research;
        ``(E) coordinating goals and priorities and coordinating 
    research activities within the Federal Government with United States 
    aviation and aeronautical firms;
        ``(F) coordinating the development and utilization of new 
    technologies to ensure that when available, they may be used to 
    their fullest potential in aircraft and in the air traffic control 
    system;
        ``(G) facilitating the transfer of technology from research 
    programs such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
    program and the Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects 
    Agency program to Federal agencies with operational responsibilities 
    and to the private sector; and
        ``(H) reviewing activities relating to noise, emissions, fuel 
    consumption, and safety conducted by Federal agencies, including the 
    Federal Aviation Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space 
    Administration, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of 
    Defense.
    ``(3) The Office shall operate in conjunction with relevant programs 
in the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, the Department of Commerce and the Department of 
Homeland Security. The Secretary of Transportation may request 
assistance from staff from those Departments and other Federal agencies.
    ``(4) In developing and carrying out its plans, the Office shall 
consult with the public and ensure the participation of experts from the 
private sector including representatives of commercial aviation, general 
aviation, aviation labor groups, aviation research and development 
entities, aircraft and air traffic control suppliers, and the space 
industry.
    ``(b) Integrated Plan.--The integrated plan shall be designed to 
ensure that the Next Generation Air Transportation System meets air 
transportation safety, security, mobility, efficiency, and capacity 
needs beyond those currently included in the Federal Aviation 
Administration's operational evolution plan and accomplishes the goals 
under subsection (c). The integrated plan shall include--
        ``(1) a national vision statement for an air transportation 
    system capable of meeting potential air traffic demand by 2025;
        ``(2) a description of the demand and the performance 
    characteristics that will be required of the Nation's future air 
    transportation system, and an explanation of how those 
    characteristics were derived, including the national goals, 
    objectives, and policies the system is designed to further, and the 
    underlying socioeconomic determinants, and associated models and 
    analyses;
        ``(3) a multiagency research and development roadmap for 
    creating the Next Generation Air Transportation System with the 
    characteristics outlined under clause (ii) [(2)], including--
            ``(A) the most significant technical obstacles and the 
        research and development activities necessary to overcome them, 
        including for each project, the role of each Federal agency, 
        corporations, and universities;
            ``(B) the annual anticipated cost of carrying out the 
        research and development activities; and
            ``(C) the technical milestones that will be used to evaluate 
        the activities; and
        ``(4) a description of the operational concepts to meet the 
    system performance requirements for all system users and a timeline 
    and anticipated expenditures needed to develop and deploy the system 
    to meet the vision for 2025.
    ``(c) Goals.--The Next Generation Air Transportation System shall--
        ``(1) improve the level of safety, security, efficiency, 
    quality, and affordability of the National Airspace System and 
    aviation services;
        ``(2) take advantage of data from emerging ground-based and 
    space-based communications, navigation, and surveillance 
    technologies;
        ``(3) integrate data streams from multiple agencies and sources 
    to enable situational awareness and seamless global operations for 
    all appropriate users of the system, including users responsible for 
    civil aviation, homeland security, and national security;
        ``(4) leverage investments in civil aviation, homeland security, 
    and national security and build upon current air traffic management 
    and infrastructure initiatives to meet system performance 
    requirements for all system users;
        ``(5) be scalable to accommodate and encourage substantial 
    growth in domestic and international transportation and anticipate 
    and accommodate continuing technology upgrades and advances;
        ``(6) accommodate a wide range of aircraft operations, including 
    airlines, air taxis, helicopters, general aviation, and unmanned 
    aerial vehicles; and
        ``(7) take into consideration, to the greatest extent 
    practicable, design of airport approach and departure flight paths 
    to reduce exposure of noise and emissions pollution on affected 
    residents.
    ``(d) Reports.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation in the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure and the Committee on Science in the House of 
Representatives--
        ``(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
    Act [Dec. 12, 2003], the integrated plan required in subsection (b); 
    and
        ``(2) annually at the time of the President's budget request, a 
    report describing the progress in carrying out the plan required 
    under subsection (b) and any changes to that plan.
    ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Office $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2004 
through 2010.''


       Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee

    Pub. L. 108-176, title VII, Sec. 710, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2584, 
provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a 
senior policy committee to work with the Next Generation Air 
Transportation System Joint Planning and Development Office. The senior 
policy committee shall be chaired by the Secretary.
    ``(b) Membership.--In addition to the Secretary, the senior policy 
committee shall be composed of--
        ``(1) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
    (or the Administrator's designee);
        ``(2) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
    Administration (or the Administrator's designee);
        ``(3) the Secretary of Defense (or the Secretary's designee);
        ``(4) the Secretary of Homeland Security (or the Secretary's 
    designee);
        ``(5) the Secretary of Commerce (or the Secretary's designee);
        ``(6) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology 
    Policy (or the Director's designee); and
        ``(7) designees from other Federal agencies determined by the 
    Secretary of Transportation to have an important interest in, or 
    responsibility for, other aspects of the system.
    ``(c) Function.--The senior policy committee shall--
        ``(1) advise the Secretary of Transportation regarding the 
    national goals and strategic objectives for the transformation of 
    the Nation's air transportation system to meet its future needs;
        ``(2) provide policy guidance for the integrated plan for the 
    air transportation system to be developed by the Next Generation Air 
    Transportation System Joint Planning and Development Office;
        ``(3) provide ongoing policy review for the transformation of 
    the air transportation system;
        ``(4) identify resource needs and make recommendations to their 
    respective agencies for necessary funding for planning, research, 
    and development activities; and
        ``(5) make legislative recommendations, as appropriate, for the 
    future air transportation system.
    ``(d) Consultation.--In carrying out its functions under this 
section, the senior policy committee shall consult with, and ensure 
participation by, the private sector (including representatives of 
general aviation, commercial aviation, aviation labor, and the space 
industry), members of the public, and other interested parties and may 
do so through a special advisory committee composed of such 
representatives.''


     Reimbursement for Losses Incurred by General Aviation Entities

    Pub. L. 108-176, title VIII, Sec. 817, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 
2592, provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may make grants 
to reimburse the following general aviation entities for the security 
costs incurred and revenue foregone as a result of the restrictions 
imposed by the Federal Government following the terrorist attacks on the 
United States that occurred on September 11, 2001:
        ``(1) General aviation entities that operate at Ronald Reagan 
    Washington National Airport.
        ``(2) Airports that are located within 15 miles of Ronald Reagan 
    Washington National Airport and were operating under security 
    restrictions on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003] 
    and general aviation entities operating at those airports.
        ``(3) General aviation entities affected by implementation of 
    section 44939 of title 49, United States Code.
        ``(4) General aviation entities that were affected by Federal 
    Aviation Administration Notices to Airmen FDC 2/1099 and 3/1862 or 
    section 352 of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
    Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108-7, division I) [117 Stat. 
    420], or both.
        ``(5) Sightseeing operations that were not authorized to resume 
    in enhanced class B air space under Federal Aviation Administration 
    notice to airmen 1/1225.
    ``(b) Documentation.--Reimbursement under this section shall be made 
in accordance with sworn financial statements or other appropriate data 
submitted by each general aviation entity demonstrating the costs 
incurred and revenue foregone to the satisfaction of the Secretary.
    ``(c) General Aviation Entity Defined.--In this section, the term 
`general aviation entity' means any person (other than a scheduled air 
carrier or foreign air carrier, as such terms are defined in section 
40102 of title 49, United States Code) that--
        ``(1) operates nonmilitary aircraft under part 91 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations, for the purpose of conducting its 
    primary business;
        ``(2) manufactures nonmilitary aircraft with a maximum seating 
    capacity of fewer than 20 passengers or aircraft parts to be used in 
    such aircraft;
        ``(3) provides services necessary for nonmilitary operations 
    under such part 91; or
        ``(4) operates an airport, other than a primary airport (as such 
    terms are defined in such section 40102), that--
            ``(A) is listed in the national plan of integrated airport 
        systems developed by the Federal Aviation Administration under 
        section 47103 of such title; or
            ``(B) is normally open to the public, is located within the 
        confines of enhanced class B airspace (as defined by the Federal 
        Aviation Administration in Notice to Airmen FDC 1/0618), and was 
        closed as a result of an order issued by the Federal Aviation 
        Administration in the period beginning September 11, 2001, and 
        ending January 1, 2002, and remained closed as a result of that 
        order on January 1, 2002.
Such term includes fixed based operators, flight schools, manufacturers 
of general aviation aircraft and products, persons engaged in 
nonscheduled aviation enterprises, and general aviation independent 
contractors.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000. Such sums shall 
remain available until expended.''


  GAO Report on Airlines' Actions To Improve Finances and on Executive 
                              Compensation

    Pub. L. 108-176, title VIII, Sec. 826, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 
2596, provided that:
    ``(a) Finding.--Congress finds that the United States Government has 
by law provided substantial financial assistance to United States 
commercial airlines in the form of war risk insurance and reinsurance 
and other economic benefits and has imposed substantial economic and 
regulatory burdens on those airlines. In order to determine the economic 
viability of the domestic commercial airline industry and to evaluate 
the need for additional measures or the modification of existing laws, 
Congress needs more frequent information and independently verified 
information about the financial condition of these airlines.
    ``(b) GAO Report.--Not later than one year after the date of 
enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003], the Comptroller General shall 
prepare a report for Congress analyzing the financial condition of the 
United States airline industry in its efforts to reduce the costs, 
improve the earnings and profits and balances of each individual air 
carrier. The report shall recommend steps that the industry should take 
to become financially self-sufficient.
    ``(c) GAO Authority.--In order to compile the report required by 
subsection (b), the Comptroller General, or any of the Comptroller 
General's duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the 
purpose of audit and examination to any books, accounts, documents, 
papers, and records of such air carriers that relate to the information 
required to compile the report. The Comptroller General shall submit 
with the report a certification as to whether the Comptroller General 
has had access to sufficient information to make informed judgments on 
the matters covered by the report.
    ``(d) Reports to Congress.--The Comptroller General shall transmit 
the report required by subsection (b) to the Senate Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.''


                        Mail and Freight Waivers

    Pub. L. 107-71, title I, Sec. 127, Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 632, 
provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--During a national emergency affecting air 
transportation or intrastate air transportation, the Secretary of 
Transportation, after consultation with the Transportation Security 
Oversight Board, may grant a complete or partial waiver of any 
restrictions on the carriage by aircraft of freight, mail, emergency 
medical supplies, personnel, or patients on aircraft, imposed by the 
Department of Transportation (or other Federal agency or department) 
that would permit such carriage of freight, mail, emergency medical 
supplies, personnel, or patients on flights, to, from, or within a State 
if the Secretary determines that--
        ``(1) extraordinary air transportation needs or concerns exist; 
    and
        ``(2) the waiver is in the public interest, taking into 
    consideration the isolation of and dependence on air transportation 
    of the State.
    ``(b) Limitations.--The Secretary may impose reasonable limitations 
on any such waiver.''


      Air Carriers Required To Honor Tickets for Suspended Service

    Pub. L. 107-71, title I, Sec. 145, Nov. 19, 2001, 115 Stat. 645, as 
amended by Pub. L. 108-7, div. I, title III, Sec. 372, Feb. 20, 2003, 
117 Stat. 427; Pub. L. 108-176, title IV, Sec. 428, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 
Stat. 2556, provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--Each air carrier that provides scheduled air 
transportation on a route shall provide, to the extent practicable, air 
transportation to passengers ticketed for air transportation on that 
route by any other air carrier that suspends, interrupts, or 
discontinues air passenger service on the route by reason of insolvency 
or bankruptcy of the other air carrier.
    ``(b) Passenger Obligation.--An air carrier is not required to 
provide air transportation under subsection (a) to a passenger unless 
that passenger makes alternative arrangements with the air carrier for 
such transportation within 60 days after the date on which that 
passenger's air transportation was suspended, interrupted, or 
discontinued (without regard to the originally scheduled travel date on 
the ticket).
    ``(c) Sunset.--This section does not apply to air transportation the 
suspension, interruption, or discontinuance of which occurs more than 36 
months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 19, 2001].''


Relationship of Eligible Crime Victim Compensation Programs to September 
                      11th Victim Compensation Fund

    Pub. L. 107-56, title VI, Sec. 622(e)(2), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 
372, provided that: ``With respect to any compensation payable under 
title IV of Public Law 107-42 [set out as a note below], the failure of 
a crime victim compensation program, after the effective date of final 
regulations issued pursuant to section 407 of Public Law 107-42, to 
provide compensation otherwise required pursuant to section 1403 of the 
Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10602) shall not render that 
program ineligible for future grants under the Victims of Crime Act of 
1984 [42 U.S.C. 10601 et seq.].''


           Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization

    Pub. L. 107-42, Sept. 22, 2001, 115 Stat. 230, as amended by Pub. L. 
107-71, title I, Sec. 124(a), (c), (d), title II, Sec. 201, Nov. 19, 
2001, 115 Stat. 631, 645; Pub. L. 107-134, title I, Sec. 114(a), Jan. 
23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2435; Pub. L. 107-296, title VIII, Sec. 890, title 
XII, Sec. 1201(2), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2251, 2286, provided that:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
    ``This Act may be cited as the `Air Transportation Safety and System 
Stabilization Act'.

                ``TITLE I--AIRLINE STABILIZATION

``SEC. 101. AVIATION DISASTER RELIEF.
    ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
President shall take the following actions to compensate air carriers 
for losses incurred by the air carriers as a result of the terrorist 
attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001:
        ``(1) Subject to such terms and conditions as the President 
    deems necessary, issue Federal credit instruments to air carriers 
    that do not, in the aggregate, exceed $10,000,000,000 and provide 
    the subsidy amounts necessary for such instruments in accordance 
    with the provisions of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 
    U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
        ``(2) Compensate air carriers in an aggregate amount equal to 
    $5,000,000,000 for--
            ``(A) direct losses incurred beginning on September 11, 
        2001, by air carriers as a result of any Federal ground stop 
        order issued by the Secretary of Transportation or any 
        subsequent order which continues or renews such a stoppage; and
            ``(B) the incremental losses incurred beginning September 
        11, 2001, and ending December 31, 2001, by air carriers as a 
        direct result of such attacks.
    ``(b) Emergency Designation.--Congress designates the amount of new 
budget authority and outlays in all fiscal years resulting from this 
title as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 252(e) of the 
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 
901(e)). Such amount shall be available only to the extent that a 
request, that includes designation of such amount as an emergency 
requirement as defined in such Act [see Short Title note set out under 
section 900 of Title 2, The Congress], is transmitted by the President 
to Congress.
``SEC. 102. AIR TRANSPORTATION STABILIZATION BOARD.
    ``(a) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions 
apply:
        ``(1) Board.--The term `Board' means the Air Transportation 
    Stabilization Board established under subsection (b).
        ``(2) Financial obligation.--The term `financial obligation' 
    means any note, bond, debenture, or other debt obligation issued by 
    an obligor in connection with financing under this section and 
    section 101(a)(1).
        ``(3) Lender.--The term `lender' means any non-Federal qualified 
    institutional buyer (as defined by section 230.144A(a) of title 17, 
    Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) known as 
    Rule 144A(a) of the Securities and Exchange Commission and issued 
    under the Security Act of 1933 [probably should be Securities Act of 
    1933, 15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.][)], including--
            ``(A) a qualified retirement plan (as defined in section 
        4974(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 
        4974(c))[)] that is a qualified institutional buyer; and
            ``(B) a governmental plan (as defined in section 414(d) of 
        the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 414(d))[)] that is 
        a qualified institutional buyer.
        ``(4) Obligor.--The term `obligor' means a party primarily 
    liable for payment of the principal of or interest on a Federal 
    credit instrument, which party may be a corporation, partnership, 
    joint venture, trust, or governmental entity, agency, or 
    instrumentality.
    ``(b) Air Transportation Stabilization Board.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a board (to be known 
    as the `Air Transportation Stabilization Board') to review and 
    decide on applications for Federal credit instruments under section 
    101(a)(1).
        ``(2) Composition.--The Board shall consist of--
            ``(A) the Secretary of Transportation or the designee of the 
        Secretary;
            ``(B) the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal 
        Reserve System, or the designee of the Chairman, who shall be 
        the Chair of the Board;
            ``(C) the Secretary of the Treasury or the designee of the 
        Secretary; and
            ``(D) the Comptroller General of the United States, or the 
        designee of the Comptroller General, as a nonvoting member of 
        the Board.
    ``(c) Federal Credit Instruments.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Board may enter into agreements with 1 or 
    more obligors to issue Federal credit instruments under section 
    101(a)(1) if the Board determines, in its discretion, that--
            ``(A) the obligor is an air carrier for which credit is not 
        reasonably available at the time of the transaction;
            ``(B) the intended obligation by the obligor is prudently 
        incurred; and
            ``(C) such agreement is a necessary part of maintaining a 
        safe, efficient, and viable commercial aviation system in the 
        United States.
        ``(2) Terms and limitations.--
            ``(A) Forms; terms and conditions.--A Federal credit 
        instrument shall be issued under section 101(a)(1) in such form 
        and on such terms and conditions and contain such covenants, 
        representations, warranties, and requirements (including 
        requirements for audits) as the Board determines appropriate.
            ``(B) Procedures.--Not later than 14 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act [Sept. 22, 2001], the Director of the 
        Office of Management and Budget shall issue regulations setting 
        forth procedures for application and minimum requirements, which 
        may be supplemented by the Board in its discretion, for the 
        issuance of Federal credit instruments under section 101(a)(1).
    ``(d) Financial Protection of Government.--
        ``(1) In general.--To the extent feasible and practicable, the 
    Board shall ensure that the Government is compensated for the risk 
    assumed in making guarantees under this title.
        ``(2) Government participation in gains.--To the extent to which 
    any participating corporation accepts financial assistance, in the 
    form of accepting the proceeds of any loans guaranteed by the 
    Government under this title, the Board is authorized to enter into 
    contracts under which the Government, contingent on the financial 
    success of the participating corporation, would participate in the 
    gains of the participating corporation or its security holders 
    through the use of such instruments as warrants, stock options, 
    common or preferred stock, or other appropriate equity instruments.
        ``(3) Deposit in treasury.--All amounts collected by the 
    Secretary of the Treasury under this subsection shall be deposited 
    in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
``SEC. 103. SPECIAL RULES FOR COMPENSATION.
    ``(a) Documentation.--Subject to subsection (b), the amount of 
compensation payable to an air carrier under section 101(a)(2) may not 
exceed the amount of losses described in section 101(a)(2) that the air 
carrier demonstrates to the satisfaction of the President, using sworn 
financial statements or other appropriate data, that the air carrier 
incurred. The Secretary of Transportation and the Comptroller General of 
the United States may audit such statements and may request any 
information that the Secretary and the Comptroller General deems 
necessary to conduct such audit.
    ``(b) Maximum Amount of Compensation Payable Per Air Carrier.--The 
maximum total amount of compensation payable to an air carrier under 
section 101(a)(2) may not exceed the lesser of--
        ``(1) the amount of such air carrier's direct and incremental 
    losses described in section 101(a)(2); or
        ``(2) in the case of--
            ``(A) flights involving passenger-only or combined passenger 
        and cargo transportation, the product of--
                ``(i) $4,500,000,000; and
                ``(ii) the ratio of--
          ``(I) the available seat miles of the air carrier for the 
                month of August 2001 as reported to the Secretary; to
          ``(II) the total available seat miles of all such air carriers 
                for such month as reported to the Secretary; and
            ``(B) flights involving cargo-only transportation, the 
        product of--
                ``(i) $500,000,000; and
                ``(ii) the ratio of--
          ``(I) the revenue ton miles or other auditable measure of the 
                air carrier for cargo for the latest quarter for which 
                data is available as reported to the Secretary; to
          ``(II) the total revenue ton miles or other auditable measure 
                of all such air carriers for cargo for such quarter as 
                reported to the Secretary.
    ``(c) Payments.--The President may provide compensation to air 
carriers under section 101(a)(2) in 1 or more payments up to the amount 
authorized by this title.
    ``(d) Compensation for Certain Air Carriers.--
        ``(1) Set-aside.--The President may set aside a portion of the 
    amount of compensation payable to air carriers under section 
    101(a)(2) to provide compensation to classes of air carriers, such 
    as air tour operators and air ambulances (including hospitals 
    operating air ambulances) for whom the application of a distribution 
    formula containing available seat miles as a factor would 
    inadequately reflect their share of direct and incremental losses. 
    The President shall reduce the $4,500,000,000 specified in 
    subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by the amount set aside under this 
    subsection.
        ``(2) Distribution of amounts.--The President shall distribute 
    the amount set aside under this subsection proportionally among such 
    air carriers based on an appropriate auditable measure, as 
    determined by the President.
``SEC. 104. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION.
    ``(a) In General.--The President may only issue a Federal credit 
instrument under section 101(a)(1) to an air carrier after the air 
carrier enters into a legally binding agreement with the President that, 
during the 2-year period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending 
September 11, 2003, no officer or employee of the air carrier whose 
total compensation exceeded $300,000 in calendar year 2000 (other than 
an employee whose compensation is determined through an existing 
collective bargaining agreement entered into prior to September 11, 
2001)--
        ``(1) will receive from the air carrier total compensation which 
    exceeds, during any 12 consecutive months of such 2-year period, the 
    total compensation received by the officer or employee from the air 
    carrier in calendar year 2000; and
        ``(2) will receive from the air carrier severance pay or other 
    benefits upon termination of employment with the air carrier which 
    exceeds twice the maximum total compensation received by the officer 
    or employee from the air carrier in calendar year 2000.
    ``(b) Total Compensation Defined.--In this section, the term `total 
compensation' includes salary, bonuses, awards of stock, and other 
financial benefits provided by an air carrier to an officer or employee 
of the air carrier.
``SEC. 105. CONTINUATION OF CERTAIN AIR SERVICE.
    ``(a) Action of Secretary.--The Secretary of Transportation should 
take appropriate action to ensure that all communities that had 
scheduled air service before September 11, 2001, continue to receive 
adequate air transportation service and that essential air service to 
small communities continues without interruption.
    ``(b) Essential Air Service.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
to the Secretary to carry out the essential air service program under 
subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, 
$120,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.
    ``(c) Secretarial Oversight.--
        ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
    the Secretary is authorized to require an air carrier receiving 
    direct financial assistance under this Act to maintain scheduled air 
    service to any point served by that carrier before September 11, 
    2001.
        ``(2) Agreements.--In applying paragraph (1), the Secretary may 
    require air carriers receiving direct financial assistance under 
    this Act to enter into agreements which will ensure, to the maximum 
    extent practicable, that all communities that had scheduled air 
    service before September 11, 2001, continue to receive adequate air 
    transportation service.
``SEC. 106. REPORTS.
    ``(a) Report.--Not later than February 1, 2002, the President shall 
transmit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the 
Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on the Budget of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on 
the Budget of the Senate a report on the financial status of the air 
carrier industry and the amounts of assistance provided under this title 
to each air carrier.
    ``(b) Update.--Not later than the last day of the 7-month period 
following the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 22, 2001], the 
President shall update and transmit the report to the Committees.
``SEC. 107. DEFINITIONS.
    ``In this title, the following definitions apply:
        ``(1) Air carrier.--The term `air carrier' has the meaning such 
    term has under section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        ``(2) Federal credit instrument.--The term `Federal credit 
    instrument' means any guarantee or other pledge by the Board issued 
    under section 101(a)(1) to pledge the full faith and credit of the 
    United States to pay all or part of any of the principal of and 
    interest on a loan or other debt obligation issued by an obligor and 
    funded by a lender.
        ``(3) Incremental loss.--The term `incremental loss' does not 
    include any loss that the President determines would have been 
    incurred if the terrorist attacks on the United States that occurred 
    on September 11, 2001, had not occurred.

                 ``TITLE II--AVIATION INSURANCE

``SEC. 201. DOMESTIC INSURANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT OF INSURANCE COSTS.
    ``(a) In General.--[Amended section 44302 of this title.]
    ``(b) Coverage.--
        ``(1) In general.--[Amended section 44303 of this title.]
        ``(2) [Transferred to section 44303(b) of this title.]
    ``(c) Reinsurance.--[Amended section 44304 of this title.]
    ``(d) Premiums.--[Amended section 44306 of this title.]
    ``(e) Conforming Amendment.--[Amended section 44305(b) of this 
title.]
``SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF PROVISIONS TO VENDORS, AGENTS, AND 
        SUBCONTRACTORS OF AIR CARRIERS.
    ``Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary 
may extend any provision of chapter 443 of title 49, United States Code, 
as amended by this title, and the provisions of this title, to vendors, 
agents, and subcontractors of air carriers. For the 180-day period 
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 22, 2001], the 
Secretary may extend or amend any such provisions so as to ensure that 
the entities referred to in the preceding sentence are not responsible 
in cases of acts of terrorism for losses suffered by third parties that 
exceed the amount of such entities' liability coverage, as determined by 
the Secretary.

                   ``TITLE III--TAX PROVISIONS

``SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF DUE DATE FOR EXCISE TAX DEPOSITS; TREATMENT OF 
        LOSS COMPENSATION.
    ``(a) Extension of Due Date for Excise Tax Deposits.--
        ``(1) In general.--In the case of an eligible air carrier, any 
    airline-related deposit required under section 6302 of the Internal 
    Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 6302] to be made after September 10, 
    2001, and before November 15, 2001, shall be treated for purposes of 
    such Code [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.] as timely made if such deposit is 
    made on or before November 15, 2001. If the Secretary of the 
    Treasury so prescribes, the preceding sentence shall be applied by 
    substituting for `November 15, 2001' each place it appears--
            ``(A) `January 15, 2002'; or
            ``(B) such earlier date after November 15, 2001, as such 
        Secretary may prescribe.
        ``(2) Eligible air carrier.--For purposes of this subsection, 
    the term `eligible air carrier' means any domestic corporation 
    engaged in the trade or business of transporting (for hire) persons 
    by air if such transportation is available to the general public.
        ``(3) Airline-related deposit.--For purposes of this subsection, 
    the term `airline-related deposit' means any deposit of taxes 
    imposed by subchapter C of chapter 33 of such Code [26 U.S.C. 4261 
    et seq.] (relating to transportation by air).
    ``(b) Treatment of Loss Compensation.--Nothing in any provision of 
law shall be construed to exclude from gross income under the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 any compensation received under section 101(a)(2) 
of this Act.

                 ``TITLE IV--VICTIM COMPENSATION

``SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
    ``This title may be cited as the `September 11th Victim Compensation 
Fund of 2001'.
``SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.
    ``In this title, the following definitions apply:
        ``(1) Air carrier.--The term `air carrier' means a citizen of 
    the United States undertaking by any means, directly or indirectly, 
    to provide air transportation and includes employees and agents 
    (including persons engaged in the business of providing air 
    transportation security and their affiliates) of such citizen. For 
    purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `agent', as applied to 
    persons engaged in the business of providing air transportation 
    security, shall only include persons that have contracted directly 
    with the Federal Aviation Administration on or after and commenced 
    services no later than February 17, 2002, to provide such security, 
    and had not been or are not debarred for any period within 6 months 
    from that date.
        ``(2) Air transportation.--The term `air transportation' means 
    foreign air transportation, interstate air transportation, or the 
    transportation of mail by aircraft.
        ``(3) Aircraft manufacturer.--The term `aircraft manufacturer' 
    means any entity that manufactured the aircraft or any parts or 
    components of the aircraft involved in the terrorist related 
    aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, including employees and 
    agents of that entity.
        ``(4) Airport sponsor.--The term `airport sponsor' means the 
    owner or operator of an airport (as defined in section 40102 of 
    title 49, United States Code).
        ``(5) Claimant.--The term `claimant' means an individual filing 
    a claim for compensation under section 405(a)(1).
        ``(6) Collateral source.--The term `collateral source' means all 
    collateral sources, including life insurance, pension funds, death 
    benefit programs, and payments by Federal, State, or local 
    governments related to the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of 
    September 11, 2001.
        ``(7) Economic loss.--The term `economic loss' means any 
    pecuniary loss resulting from harm (including the loss of earnings 
    or other benefits related to employment, medical expense loss, 
    replacement services loss, loss due to death, burial costs, and loss 
    of business or employment opportunities) to the extent recovery for 
    such loss is allowed under applicable State law.
        ``(8) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual' means 
    an individual determined to be eligible for compensation under 
    section 405(c).
        ``(9) Noneconomic losses.--The term `noneconomic losses' means 
    losses for physical and emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, 
    physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, loss of 
    enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship, loss of 
    consortium (other than loss of domestic service), hedonic damages, 
    injury to reputation, and all other nonpecuniary losses of any kind 
    or nature.
        ``(10) Special master.--The term `Special Master' means the 
    Special Master appointed under section 404(a).
``SEC. 403. PURPOSE.
    ``It is the purpose of this title to provide compensation to any 
individual (or relatives of a deceased individual) who was physically 
injured or killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes 
of September 11, 2001.
``SEC. 404. ADMINISTRATION.
    ``(a) In General.--The Attorney General, acting through a Special 
Master appointed by the Attorney General, shall--
        ``(1) administer the compensation program established under this 
    title;
        ``(2) promulgate all procedural and substantive rules for the 
    administration of this title; and
        ``(3) employ and supervise hearing officers and other 
    administrative personnel to perform the duties of the Special Master 
    under this title.
    ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to pay the administrative and 
support costs for the Special Master in carrying out this title.
``SEC. 405. DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPENSATION.
    ``(a) Filing of Claim.--
        ``(1) In general.--A claimant may file a claim for compensation 
    under this title with the Special Master. The claim shall be on the 
    form developed under paragraph (2) and shall state the factual basis 
    for eligibility for compensation and the amount of compensation 
    sought.
        ``(2) Claim form.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Special Master shall develop a claim 
        form that claimants shall use when submitting claims under 
        paragraph (1). The Special Master shall ensure that such form 
        can be filed electronically, if determined to be practicable.
            ``(B) Contents.--The form developed under subparagraph (A) 
        shall request--
                ``(i) information from the claimant concerning the 
            physical harm that the claimant suffered, or in the case of 
            a claim filed on behalf of a decedent information confirming 
            the decedent's death, as a result of the terrorist-related 
            aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001;
                ``(ii) information from the claimant concerning any 
            possible economic and noneconomic losses that the claimant 
            suffered as a result of such crashes; and
                ``(iii) information regarding collateral sources of 
            compensation the claimant has received or is entitled to 
            receive as a result of such crashes.
        ``(3) Limitation.--No claim may be filed under paragraph (1) 
    after the date that is 2 years after the date on which regulations 
    are promulgated under section 407.
    ``(b) Review and Determination.--
        ``(1) Review.--The Special Master shall review a claim submitted 
    under subsection (a) and determine--
            ``(A) whether the claimant is an eligible individual under 
        subsection (c);
            ``(B) with respect to a claimant determined to be an 
        eligible individual--
                ``(i) the extent of the harm to the claimant, including 
            any economic and noneconomic losses; and
                ``(ii) the amount of compensation to which the claimant 
            is entitled based on the harm to the claimant, the facts of 
            the claim, and the individual circumstances of the claimant.
        ``(2) Negligence.--With respect to a claimant, the Special 
    Master shall not consider negligence or any other theory of 
    liability.
        ``(3) Determination.--Not later than 120 days after that date on 
    which a claim is filed under subsection (a), the Special Master 
    shall complete a review, make a determination, and provide written 
    notice to the claimant, with respect to the matters that were the 
    subject of the claim under review. Such a determination shall be 
    final and not subject to judicial review.
        ``(4) Rights of claimant.--A claimant in a review under 
    paragraph (1) shall have--
            ``(A) the right to be represented by an attorney;
            ``(B) the right to present evidence, including the 
        presentation of witnesses and documents; and
            ``(C) any other due process rights determined appropriate by 
        the Special Master.
        ``(5) No punitive damages.--The Special Master may not include 
    amounts for punitive damages in any compensation paid under a claim 
    under this title.
        ``(6) Collateral compensation.--The Special Master shall reduce 
    the amount of compensation determined under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) by 
    the amount of the collateral source compensation the claimant has 
    received or is entitled to receive as a result of the terrorist-
    related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001.
    ``(c) Eligibility.--
        ``(1) In general.--A claimant shall be determined to be an 
    eligible individual for purposes of this subsection if the Special 
    Master determines that such claimant--
            ``(A) is an individual described in paragraph (2); and
            ``(B) meets the requirements of paragraph (3).
        ``(2) Individuals.--A claimant is an individual described in 
    this paragraph if the claimant is--
            ``(A) an individual who--
                ``(i) was present at the World Trade Center, (New York, 
            New York), the Pentagon (Arlington, Virginia), or the site 
            of the aircraft crash at Shanksville, Pennsylvania at the 
            time, or in the immediate aftermath, of the terrorist-
            related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001; and
                ``(ii) suffered physical harm or death as a result of 
            such an air crash;
            ``(B) an individual who was a member of the flight crew or a 
        passenger on American Airlines flight 11 or 77 or United 
        Airlines flight 93 or 175, except that an individual identified 
        by the Attorney General to have been a participant or 
        conspirator in the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of 
        September 11, 2001, or a representative of such individual shall 
        not be eligible to receive compensation under this title; or
            ``(C) in the case of a decedent who is an individual 
        described in subparagraph (A) or (B), the personal 
        representative of the decedent who files a claim on behalf of 
        the decedent.
        ``(3) Requirements.--
            ``(A) Single claim.--Not more than one claim may be 
        submitted under this title by an individual or on behalf of a 
        deceased individual.
            ``(B) Limitation on civil action.--
                ``(i) In general.--Upon the submission of a claim under 
            this title, the claimant waives the right to file a civil 
            action (or to be a party to an action) in any Federal or 
            State court for damages sustained as a result of the 
            terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001. 
            The preceding sentence does not apply to a civil action to 
            recover collateral source obligations, or to a civil action 
            against any person who is a knowing participant in any 
            conspiracy to hijack any aircraft or commit any terrorist 
            act.
                ``(ii) Pending actions.--In the case of an individual 
            who is a party to a civil action described in clause (i), 
            such individual may not submit a claim under this title 
            unless such individual withdraws from such action by the 
            date that is 90 days after the date on which regulations are 
            promulgated under section 407.
``SEC. 406. PAYMENTS TO ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 20 days after the date on which a 
determination is made by the Special Master regarding the amount of 
compensation due a claimant under this title, the Special Master shall 
authorize payment to such claimant of the amount determined with respect 
to the claimant.
    ``(b) Payment Authority.--This title constitutes budget authority in 
advance of appropriations Acts and represents the obligation of the 
Federal Government to provide for the payment of amounts for 
compensation under this title.
    ``(c) Additional Funding.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Attorney General is authorized to accept 
    such amounts as may be contributed by individuals, business 
    concerns, or other entities to carry out this title, under such 
    terms and conditions as the Attorney General may impose.
        ``(2) Use of separate account.--In making payments under this 
    section, amounts contained in any account containing funds provided 
    under paragraph (1) shall be used prior to using appropriated 
    amounts.
``SEC. 407. REGULATIONS.
    ``Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act 
[Sept. 22, 2001], the Attorney General, in consultation with the Special 
Master, shall promulgate regulations to carry out this title, including 
regulations with respect to--
        ``(1) forms to be used in submitting claims under this title;
        ``(2) the information to be included in such forms;
        ``(3) procedures for hearing and the presentation of evidence;
        ``(4) procedures to assist an individual in filing and pursuing 
    claims under this title; and
        ``(5) other matters determined appropriate by the Attorney 
    General.
``SEC. 408. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY.
    ``(a) In General.--
        ``(1) Liability limited to insurance coverage.--Notwithstanding 
    any other provision of law, liability for all claims, whether for 
    compensatory or punitive damages or for contribution or indemnity, 
    arising from the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 
    2001, against an air carrier, aircraft manufacturer, airport 
    sponsor, or person with a property interest in the World Trade 
    Center, on September 11, 2001, whether fee simple, leasehold or 
    easement, direct or indirect, or their directors, officers, 
    employees, or agents, shall not be in an amount greater than the 
    limits of liability insurance coverage maintained by that air 
    carrier, aircraft manufacturer, airport sponsor, or person.
        ``(2) Willful defaults on rebuilding obligation.--Paragraph (1) 
    does not apply to any such person with a property interest in the 
    World Trade Center if the Attorney General determines, after notice 
    and an opportunity for a hearing on the record, that the person has 
    defaulted willfully on a contractual obligation to rebuild, or 
    assist in the rebuilding of, the World Trade Center.
        ``(3) Limitations on liability for New York City.--Liability for 
    all claims, whether for compensatory or punitive damages or for 
    contribution or indemnity arising from the terrorist-related 
    aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, against the City of New York 
    shall not exceed the greater of the city's insurance coverage or 
    $350,000,000. If a claimant who is eligible to seek compensation 
    under section 405 of this Act, submits a claim under section 405, 
    the claimant waives the right to file a civil action (or to be a 
    party to an action) in any Federal or State court for damages 
    sustained as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of 
    September 11, 2001, including any such action against the City of 
    New York. The preceding sentence does not apply to a civil action to 
    recover collateral source obligations.
    ``(b) Federal Cause of Action.--
        ``(1) Availability of action.--There shall exist a Federal cause 
    of action for damages arising out of the hijacking and subsequent 
    crashes of American Airlines flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines 
    flights 93 and 175, on September 11, 2001. Notwithstanding section 
    40120(c) of title 49, United States Code, this cause of action shall 
    be the exclusive remedy for damages arising out of the hijacking and 
    subsequent crashes of such flights.
        ``(2) Substantive law.--The substantive law for decision in any 
    such suit shall be derived from the law, including choice of law 
    principles, of the State in which the crash occurred unless such law 
    is inconsistent with or preempted by Federal law.
        ``(3) Jurisdiction.--The United States District Court for the 
    Southern District of New York shall have original and exclusive 
    jurisdiction over all actions brought for any claim (including any 
    claim for loss of property, personal injury, or death) resulting 
    from or relating to the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of 
    September 11, 2001.
    ``(c) Exclusion.--Nothing in this section shall in any way limit any 
liability of any person who is a knowing participant in any conspiracy 
to hijack any aircraft or commit any terrorist act. Subsections (a) and 
(b) do not apply to civil actions to recover collateral source 
obligations.
``SEC. 409. RIGHT OF SUBROGATION.
    ``The United States shall have the right of subrogation with respect 
to any claim paid by the United States under this title, subject to the 
limitations described in section 408.

              ``TITLE V--AIR TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

``SEC. 501. INCREASED AIR TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.
    ``Congress affirms the President's decision to spend $3,000,000,000 
on airline safety and security in conjunction with this Act in order to 
restore public confidence in the airline industry.
``SEC. 502. CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT.
    ``Congress is committed to act expeditiously, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Transportation, to strengthen airport security and take 
further measures to enhance the security of air travel.

                    ``TITLE VI--SEPARABILITY

``SEC. 601. SEPARABILITY.
    ``If any provision of this Act (including any amendment made by this 
Act [amending sections 44302 to 44306 of this title]) or the application 
thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of 
this Act (including any amendment made by this Act) and the application 
thereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected 
thereby.''
    [Pub. L. 107-134, title I, Sec. 114(b), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 
2436, provided that: ``The amendment made by this section [amending Pub. 
L. 107-42, set out above] shall take effect as if included in section 
301 of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act 
(Public Law 107-42).'']
    [Memorandum of President of the United States, Sept. 25, 2001, 66 
F.R. 49507, delegated to the Secretary of Transportation the authority 
vested in the President under section 101(a)(2) of Pub. L. 107-42, set 
out above, to compensate air carriers for direct and incremental losses 
they incurred from the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and any 
resulting ground stop order.]


             Independent Study of FAA Costs and Allocations

    Pub. L. 106-181, title III, Sec. 309, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 127, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Independent Assessment.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Inspector General of the Department of 
    Transportation shall conduct the assessments described in this 
    section. To conduct the assessments, the Inspector General may use 
    the staff and resources of the Inspector General or contract with 
    one or more independent entities.
        ``(2) Assessment of adequacy and accuracy of faa cost data and 
    attributions.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Inspector General shall conduct an 
        assessment to ensure that the method for calculating the overall 
        costs of the Federal Aviation Administration and attributing 
        such costs to specific users is appropriate, reasonable, and 
        understandable to the users.
            ``(B) Components.--In conducting the assessment under this 
        paragraph, the Inspector General shall assess the following:
                ``(i) The Administration's cost input data, including 
            the reliability of the Administration's source documents and 
            the integrity and reliability of the Administration's data 
            collection process.
                ``(ii) The Administration's system for tracking assets.
                ``(iii) The Administration's bases for establishing 
            asset values and depreciation rates.
                ``(iv) The Administration's system of internal controls 
            for ensuring the consistency and reliability of reported 
            data.
                ``(v) The Administration's definition of the services to 
            which the Administration ultimately attributes its costs.
                ``(vi) The cost pools used by the Administration and the 
            rationale for and reliability of the bases which the 
            Administration proposes to use in allocating costs of 
            services to users.
            ``(C) Requirements for assessment of cost pools.--In 
        carrying out subparagraph (B)(vi), the Inspector General shall--
                ``(i) review costs that cannot reliably be attributed to 
            specific Administration services or activities (called 
            `common and fixed costs' in the Administration Cost 
            Allocation Study) and consider alternative methods for 
            allocating such costs; and
                ``(ii) perform appropriate tests to assess relationships 
            between costs in the various cost pools and activities and 
            services to which the costs are attributed by the 
            Administration.
        ``(3) Cost effectiveness.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Inspector General shall assess the 
        progress of the Administration in cost and performance 
        management, including use of internal and external benchmarking 
        in improving the performance and productivity of the 
        Administration.
            ``(B) Annual reports.--Not later than December 31, 2000, and 
        annually thereafter until December 31, 2004, the Inspector 
        General shall transmit to Congress an updated report containing 
        the results of the assessment conducted under this paragraph.
            ``(C) Information to be included in faa financial report.--
        The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall 
        include in the annual financial report of the Administration 
        information on the performance of the Administration sufficient 
        to permit users and others to make an informed evaluation of the 
        progress of the Administration in increasing productivity.
    ``(b) Funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as 
may be necessary to carry out this section.''


                     Operations of Air Taxi Industry

    Pub. L. 106-181, title VII, Sec. 735, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 171, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Study.--The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation 
Administration], in consultation with the National Transportation Safety 
Board and other interested persons, shall conduct a study of air taxi 
operators regulated under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    ``(b) Contents.--The study shall include an analysis of the size and 
type of the aircraft fleet, relevant aircraft equipment, hours flown, 
utilization rates, safety record by various categories of use and 
aircraft type, sales revenues, and airports served by the air taxi 
fleet.
    ``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act [Apr. 5, 2000], the Administrator shall transmit to Congress 
a report on the results of the study.''


                                Findings

    Section 271 of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``Congress finds the 
following:
        ``(1) The Administration [Federal Aviation Administration] is 
    recognized throughout the world as a leader in aviation safety.
        ``(2) The Administration certifies aircraft, engines, 
    propellers, and other manufactured parts.
        ``(3) The Administration certifies more than 650 training 
    schools for pilots and nonpilots, more than 4,858 repair stations, 
    and more than 193 maintenance schools.
        ``(4) The Administration certifies pilot examiners, who are then 
    qualified to determine if a person has the skills necessary to 
    become a pilot.
        ``(5) The Administration certifies more than 6,000 medical 
    examiners, each of whom is then qualified to medically certify the 
    qualifications of pilots and nonpilots.
        ``(6) The Administration certifies more than 470 airports, and 
    provides a limited certification for another 205 airports. Other 
    airports in the United States are also reviewed by the 
    Administration.
        ``(7) The Administration each year performs more than 355,000 
    inspections.
        ``(8) The Administration issues more than 655,000 pilot's 
    licenses and more than 560,000 nonpilot's licenses (including 
    mechanics).
        ``(9) The Administration's certification means that the product 
    meets world-wide recognized standards of safety and reliability.
        ``(10) The Administration's certification means aviation-related 
    equipment and services meet world-wide recognized standards.
        ``(11) The Administration's certification is recognized by 
    governments and businesses throughout the world and as such may be a 
    valuable element for any company desiring to sell aviation-related 
    products throughout the world.
        ``(12) The Administration's certification may constitute a 
    valuable license, franchise, privilege or benefits for the holders.
        ``(13) The Administration also is a major purchaser of 
    computers, radars, and other systems needed to run the air traffic 
    control system. The Administration's design, acceptance, 
    commissioning, or certification of such equipment enables the 
    private sector to market those products around the world, and as 
    such confers a benefit on the manufacturer.
        ``(14) The Administration provides extensive services to public 
    use aircraft.''


                                Purposes

    Section 272 of title II of Pub. L. 104-264 provided that: ``The 
purposes of this subtitle [subtitle C (Secs. 271-278) of title II of 
Pub. L. 104-264, enacting sections 45301, 45303, 48111, and 48201 of 
this title, amending section 41742 of this title, renumbering section 
45303 of this title as section 45304, repealing former section 45301 of 
this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section 
and section 41742 of this title] are--
        ``(1) to provide a financial structure for the Administration 
    [Federal Aviation Administration] so that it will be able to support 
    the future growth in the national aviation and airport system;
        ``(2) to review existing and alternative funding options, 
    including incentive-based fees for services, and establish a program 
    to improve air traffic management system performance and to 
    establish appropriate levels of cost accountability for air traffic 
    management services provided by the Administration;
        ``(3) to ensure that any funding will be dedicated solely for 
    the use of the Administration;
        ``(4) to authorize the Administration to recover the costs of 
    its services from those who benefit from, but do not contribute to, 
    the national aviation system and the services provided by the 
    Administration;
        ``(5) to consider a fee system based on the cost or value of the 
    services provided and other funding alternatives;
        ``(6) to develop funding options for Congress in order to 
    provide for the long-term efficient and cost-effective support of 
    the Administration and the aviation system; and
        ``(7) to achieve a more efficient and effective Administration 
    for the benefit of the aviation transportation industry.''


 Independent Assessment of FAA Financial Requirements; Establishment of 
                National Civil Aviation Review Commission

    Section 274 of Pub. L. 104-264, as amended by Pub. L. 106-181, title 
III, Sec. 307(c)(3), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 126, provided that:
    ``(a) Independent Assessment.--
        ``(1) Initiation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the 
    enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1996], the Administrator [of the 
    Federal Aviation Administration] shall contract with an entity 
    independent of the Administration [Federal Aviation Administration] 
    and the Department of Transportation to conduct a complete 
    independent assessment of the financial requirements of the 
    Administration through the year 2002.
        ``(2) Assessment criteria.--The Administrator shall provide to 
    the independent entity estimates of the financial requirements of 
    the Administration for the period described in paragraph (1), using 
    as a base the fiscal year 1997 appropriation levels established by 
    Congress. The independent assessment shall be based on an objective 
    analysis of agency funding needs.
        ``(3) Certain factors to be taken into account.--The independent 
    assessment shall take into account all relevant factors, including--
            ``(A) anticipated air traffic forecasts;
            ``(B) other workload measures;
            ``(C) estimated productivity gains, if any, which contribute 
        to budgetary requirements;
            ``(D) the need for programs; and
            ``(E) the need to provide for continued improvements in all 
        facets of aviation safety, along with operational improvements 
        in air traffic control.
        ``(4) Cost allocation.--The independent assessment shall also 
    assess the costs to the Administration occasioned by the provision 
    of services to each segment of the aviation system.
        ``(5) Deadline.--The independent assessment shall be completed 
    no later than 90 days after the contract is awarded, and shall be 
    submitted to the Commission established under subsection (b), the 
    Secretary [of Transportation], the Secretary of the Treasury, the 
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee 
    on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and 
    Infrastructure and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
    Representatives.
    ``(b) National Civil Aviation Review Commission.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be 
    known as the National Civil Aviation Review Commission (hereinafter 
    in this section referred to as the `Commission').
        ``(2) Membership.--The Commission shall consist of 21 members to 
    be appointed as follows:
            ``(A) 13 members to be appointed by the Secretary, in 
        consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, from among 
        individuals who have expertise in the aviation industry and who 
        are able, collectively, to represent a balanced view of the 
        issues important to general aviation, major air carriers, air 
        cargo carriers, regional air carriers, business aviation, 
        airports, aircraft manufacturers, the financial community, 
        aviation industry workers, and airline passengers. At least one 
        member appointed under this subparagraph shall have detailed 
        knowledge of the congressional budgetary process.
            ``(B) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
        Representatives.
            ``(C) Two members appointed by the minority leader of the 
        House of Representatives.
            ``(D) Two members appointed by the majority leader of the 
        Senate.
            ``(E) Two members appointed by the minority leader of the 
        Senate.
        ``(3) Task forces.--The Commission shall establish an aviation 
    funding task force and an aviation safety task force to carry out 
    the responsibilities of the Commission under this subsection.
        ``(4) First meeting.--The Commission may conduct its first 
    meeting as soon as a majority of the members of the Commission are 
    appointed.
        ``(5) Hearings and consultation.--
            ``(A) Hearings.--The Commission shall take such testimony 
        and solicit and receive such comments from the public and other 
        interested parties as it considers appropriate, shall conduct 2 
        public hearings after affording adequate notice to the public 
        thereof, and may conduct such additional hearings as may be 
        necessary.
            ``(B) Consultation.--The Commission shall consult on a 
        regular and frequent basis with the Secretary, the Secretary of 
        the Treasury, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and 
        the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
        Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.
            ``(C) FACA not to apply.--The Commission shall not be 
        considered an advisory committee for purposes of the Federal 
        Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
        ``(6) Duties of aviation funding task force.--
            ``(A) Report to secretary.--
                ``(i) In general.--The aviation funding task force 
            established pursuant to paragraph (3) shall submit a report 
            setting forth a comprehensive analysis of the 
            Administration's budgetary requirements through fiscal year 
            2002, based upon the independent assessment under subsection 
            (a), that analyzes alternative financing and funding means 
            for meeting the needs of the aviation system through the 
            year 2002. The task force shall submit a preliminary report 
            of that analysis to the Secretary not later than 6 months 
            after the independent assessment is completed under 
            subsection (a). The Secretary shall provide comments on the 
            preliminary report to the task force within 30 days after 
            receiving the report. The task force shall issue a final 
            report of such comprehensive analysis within 30 days after 
            receiving the Secretary's comments on its preliminary 
            report.
                ``(ii) Contents.--The report submitted by the aviation 
            funding task force under clause (i)--
          ``(I) shall consider the independent assessment under 
                subsection (a);
          ``(II) shall consider estimated cost savings, if any, 
                resulting from the procurement and personnel reforms 
                included in this Act [see Tables for classification] or 
                in sections 40110(d) and 40122(g) of title 49, United 
                States Code, and additional financial initiatives;
          ``(III) shall include specific recommendations to Congress on 
                how the Administration can reduce costs, raise 
                additional revenue for the support of agency operations, 
                and accelerate modernization efforts; and
          ``(IV) shall include a draft bill containing the changes in 
                law necessary to implement its recommendations.
            ``(B) Recommendations.--The aviation funding task force 
        shall make such recommendations under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III) 
        as the task force deems appropriate. Those recommendations may 
        include--
                ``(i) proposals for off-budget treatment of the Airport 
            and Airway Trust Fund;
                ``(ii) alternative financing and funding proposals, 
            including linked financing proposals;
                ``(iii) modifications to existing levels of Airport and 
            Airways Trust Fund receipts and taxes for each type of tax;
                ``(iv) establishment of a cost-based user fee system 
            based on, but not limited to, criteria under subparagraph 
            (F) and methods to ensure that costs are borne by users on a 
            fair and equitable basis;
                ``(v) methods to ensure that funds collected from the 
            aviation community are able to meet the needs of the agency;
                ``(vi) methods to ensure that funds collected from the 
            aviation community and passengers are used to support the 
            aviation system;
                ``(vii) means of meeting the airport infrastructure 
            needs for large, medium, and small airports; and
                ``(viii) any other matter the task force deems 
            appropriate to address the funding and needs of the 
            Administration and the aviation system.
            ``(C) Additional recommendations.--The aviation funding task 
        force report may also make recommendations concerning--
                ``(i) means of improving productivity by expanding and 
            accelerating the use of automation and other technology;
                ``(ii) means of contracting out services consistent with 
            this Act, other applicable law, and safety and national 
            defense needs;
                ``(iii) methods to accelerate air traffic control 
            modernization and improvements in aviation safety and safety 
            services;
                ``(iv) the elimination of unneeded programs; and
                ``(v) a limited innovative program based on funding 
            mechanisms such as loan guarantees, financial partnerships 
            with for-profit private sector entities, government-
            sponsored enterprises, and revolving loan funds, as a means 
            of funding specific facilities and equipment projects, and 
            to provide limited additional funding alternatives for 
            airport capacity development.
            ``(D) Impact assessment for recommendations.--For each 
        recommendation contained in the aviation funding task force's 
        report, the report shall include a full analysis and assessment 
        of the impact implementation of the recommendation would have 
        on--
                ``(i) safety;
                ``(ii) administrative costs;
                ``(iii) the congressional budget process;
                ``(iv) the economics of the industry (including the 
            proportionate share of all users);
                ``(v) the ability of the Administration to utilize the 
            sums collected; and
                ``(vi) the funding needs of the Administration.
            ``(E) Trust fund tax recommendations.--If the task force's 
        report includes a recommendation that the existing Airport and 
        Airways Trust Fund tax structure be modified, the report shall--
                ``(i) state the specific rates for each group affected 
            by the proposed modifications;
                ``(ii) consider the impact such modifications shall have 
            on specific users and the public (including passengers); and
                ``(iii) state the basis for the recommendations.
            ``(F) Fee system recommendations.--If the task force's 
        report includes a recommendation that a fee system be 
        established, including an air traffic control performance-based 
        user fee system, the report shall consider--
                ``(i) the impact such a recommendation would have on 
            passengers, air fares (including low-fare, high frequency 
            service), service, and competition;
                ``(ii) existing contributions provided by individual air 
            carriers toward funding the Administration and the air 
            traffic control system through contributions to the Airport 
            and Airways Trust Fund;
                ``(iii) continuing the promotion of fair and competitive 
            practices;
                ``(iv) the unique circumstances associated with 
            interisland air carrier service in Hawaii and rural air 
            service in Alaska;
                ``(v) the impact such a recommendation would have on 
            service to small communities;
                ``(vi) the impact such a recommendation would have on 
            services provided by regional air carriers;
                ``(vii) alternative methodologies for calculating fees 
            so as to achieve a fair and reasonable distribution of costs 
            of service among users;
                ``(viii) the usefulness of phased-in approaches to 
            implementing such a financing system;
                ``(ix) means of assuring the provision of general fund 
            contributions, as appropriate, toward the support of the 
            Administration; and
                ``(x) the provision of incentives to encourage greater 
            efficiency in the provision of air traffic services by the 
            Administration and greater efficiency in the use of air 
            traffic services by aircraft operators.
        ``(7) Duties of aviation safety task force.--
            ``(A) Report to administrator.--Not later than 1 year after 
        the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1996], the 
        aviation safety task force established pursuant to paragraph (3) 
        shall submit to the Administrator a report setting forth a 
        comprehensive analysis of aviation safety in the United States 
        and emerging trends in the safety of particular sectors of the 
        aviation industry.
            ``(B) Contents.--The report to be submitted under 
        subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of--
                ``(i) the adequacy of staffing and training resources 
            for safety personnel of the Administration, including safety 
            inspectors;
                ``(ii) the Administration's processes for ensuring the 
            public safety from fraudulent parts in civil aviation and 
            the extent to which use of suspected unapproved parts 
            requires additional oversight or enforcement action; and
                ``(iii) the ability of the Administration to anticipate 
            changes in the aviation industry and to develop policies and 
            actions to ensure the highest level of aviation safety in 
            the 21st century.
        ``(8) Access to documents and staff.--The Administration may 
    give the Commission appropriate access to relevant documents and 
    personnel of the Administration, and the Administrator shall make 
    available, consistent with the authority to withhold commercial and 
    other proprietary information under section 552 of title 5, United 
    States Code (commonly known as the `Freedom of Information Act'), 
    cost data associated with the acquisition and operation of air 
    traffic service systems. Any member of the Commission who receives 
    commercial or other proprietary data from the Administrator shall be 
    subject to the provisions of section 1905 of title 18, United States 
    Code, pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of such information.
        ``(9) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the Commission shall 
    be paid actual travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of subsistence 
    expenses when away from his or her usual place of residence, in 
    accordance with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
        ``(10) Detail of personnel from the administration.--The 
    Administrator shall make available to the Commission such staff, 
    information, and administrative services and assistance as may 
    reasonably be required to enable the Commission to carry out its 
    responsibilities under this subsection.
        ``(11) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to 
    be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the 
    provisions of this subsection.
    ``(c) Reports to Congress.--
        ``(1) Report by the secretary based on final report of aviation 
    funding task force.--
            ``(A) Consideration of task force's preliminary report.--Not 
        later than 30 days after receiving the preliminary report of the 
        aviation funding task force, the Secretary, in consultation with 
        the Secretary of the Treasury, shall furnish comments on the 
        report to the task force.
            ``(B) Report to congress.--Not later than 30 days after 
        receiving the final report of the aviation funding task force, 
        and in no event more than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
        of this Act, the Secretary, after consulting the Secretary of 
        the Treasury, shall transmit a report to the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on 
        Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House 
        of Representatives. Such report shall be based upon the final 
        report of the task force and shall contain the Secretary's 
        recommendations for funding the needs of the aviation system 
        through the year 2002.
            ``(C) Contents.--The Secretary shall include in the report 
        to Congress under subparagraph (B)--
                ``(i) a copy of the final report of the task force; and
                ``(ii) a draft bill containing the changes in law 
            necessary to implement the Secretary's recommendations.
            ``(D) Publication.--The Secretary shall cause a copy of the 
        report to be printed in the Federal Register upon its 
        transmittal to Congress under subparagraph (B).
        ``(2) Report by the administrator based on final report of 
    aviation safety task force.--Not later than 30 days after receiving 
    the report of the aviation safety task force, the Administrator 
    shall transmit the report to Congress, together with the 
    Administrator's recommendations for improving aviation safety in the 
    United States.
    ``(d) GAO Audit of Cost Allocation.--The Comptroller General shall 
conduct an assessment of the manner in which costs for air traffic 
control services are allocated between the Administration and the 
Department of Defense. The Comptroller General shall report the results 
of the assessment, together with any recommendations the Comptroller 
General may have for reallocation of costs and for opportunities to 
increase the efficiency of air traffic control services provided by the 
Administration and by the Department of Defense, to the Commission, the 
Administrator, the Secretary of Defense, the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
    ``(e) GAO Assessment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the 
Commission and Congress an independent assessment of airport development 
needs.''


             Joint Aviation Research and Development Program

    Pub. L. 103-305, title III, Sec. 303, Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1590, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation 
Administration], in consultation with the heads of other appropriate 
Federal agencies, shall jointly establish a program to conduct research 
on aviation technologies that enhance United States competitiveness. The 
program shall include--
        ``(1) next-generation satellite communications, including global 
    positioning satellites;
        ``(2) advanced airport and airplane security;
        ``(3) environmentally compatible technologies, including 
    technologies that limit or reduce noise and air pollution;
        ``(4) advanced aviation safety programs; and
        ``(5) technologies and procedures to enhance and improve airport 
    and airway capacity.
    ``(b) Procedures for Contracts and Grants.--The Administrator and 
the heads of the other appropriate Federal agencies shall administer 
contracts and grants entered into under the program established under 
subsection (a) in accordance with procedures developed jointly by the 
Administrator and the heads of the other appropriate Federal agencies. 
The procedures should include an integrated acquisition policy for 
contract and grant requirements and for technical data rights that are 
not an impediment to joint programs among the Federal Aviation 
Administration, the other Federal agencies involved, and industry.
    ``(c) Program Elements.--The program established under subsection 
(a) shall include--
        ``(1) selected programs that jointly enhance public and private 
    aviation technology development;
        ``(2) an opportunity for private contractors to be involved in 
    such technology research and development; and
        ``(3) the transfer of Government-developed technologies to the 
    private sector to promote economic strength and competitiveness.
    ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Of amounts authorized to be 
appropriated for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 under section 48102(a) of 
title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 302 of this title, 
there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1995 and 1996, 
respectively, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.''


                     Air Quality in Aircraft Cabins

    Pub. L. 108-176, title VIII, Sec. 815, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 
2592, provided that:
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall undertake the studies and analysis called for in 
the report of the National Research Council entitled `The Airliner Cabin 
Environment and the Health of Passengers and Crew'.
    ``(b) Required Activities.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator, at a minimum, shall--
        ``(1) conduct surveillance to monitor ozone in the cabin on a 
    representative number of flights and aircraft to determine 
    compliance with existing Federal Aviation Regulations for ozone;
        ``(2) collect pesticide exposure data to determine exposures of 
    passengers and crew;
        ``(3) analyze samples of residue from aircraft ventilation ducts 
    and filters after air quality incidents to identify the contaminants 
    to which passengers and crew were exposed;
        ``(4) analyze and study cabin air pressure and altitude; and
        ``(5) establish an air quality incident reporting system.
    ``(c) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act [Dec. 12, 2003], the Administrator shall transmit to 
Congress a report on the findings of the Administrator under this 
section.''
    Pub. L. 106-181, title VII, Sec. 725, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 166, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Study of Air Quality in Passenger Cabins in Commercial 
Aircraft.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the 
    enactment of this Act [Apr. 5, 2000], the Administrator [of the 
    Federal Aviation Administration] shall arrange for and provide 
    necessary data to the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a 12-
    month, independent study of air quality in passenger cabins of 
    aircraft used in air transportation and foreign air transportation, 
    including the collection of new data, in coordination with the 
    Federal Aviation Administration, to identify contaminants in the 
    aircraft air and develop recommendations for means of reducing such 
    contaminants.
        ``(2) Alternative air supply.--The study should examine whether 
    contaminants would be reduced by the replacement of engine and 
    auxiliary power unit bleed air with an alternative supply of air for 
    the aircraft passengers and crew.
        ``(3) Scope.--The study shall include an assessment and 
    quantitative analysis of each of the following:
            ``(A) Contaminants of concern, as determined by the National 
        Academy of Sciences.
            ``(B) The systems of air supply on aircraft, including the 
        identification of means by which contaminants may enter such 
        systems.
            ``(C) The toxicological and health effects of the 
        contaminants of concern, their byproducts, and the products of 
        their degradation.
            ``(D) Any contaminant used in the maintenance, operation, or 
        treatment of aircraft, if a passenger or a member of the air 
        crew may be directly exposed to the contaminant.
            ``(E) Actual measurements of the contaminants of concern in 
        the air of passenger cabins during actual flights in air 
        transportation or foreign air transportation, along with 
        comparisons of such measurements to actual measurements taken in 
        public buildings.
        ``(4) Provision of Current Data.--The Administrator shall 
    collect all data of the Federal Aviation Administration that is 
    relevant to the study and make the data available to the National 
    Academy of Sciences in order to complete the study.
    ``(b) Collection of Aircraft Air Quality Data.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may consider the 
    feasibility of using the flight data recording system on aircraft to 
    monitor and record appropriate data related to air inflow quality, 
    including measurements of the exposure of persons aboard the 
    aircraft to contaminants during normal aircraft operation and during 
    incidents involving air quality problems.
        ``(2) Passenger cabins.--The Administrator may also consider the 
    feasibility of using the flight data recording system to monitor and 
    record data related to the air quality in passengers cabins of 
    aircraft.''
    Pub. L. 103-305, title III, Sec. 304, Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1591, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation 
Administration], in consultation with the heads of other appropriate 
Federal agencies, shall establish a research program to determine--
        ``(1) what, if any, aircraft cabin air conditions, including 
    pressure altitude systems, on flights within the United States are 
    harmful to the health of airline passengers and crew, as indicated 
    by physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, and 
    lightheadedness; and
        ``(2) the risk of airline passengers and crew contracting 
    infectious diseases during flight.
    ``(b) Contract With Center for Disease Control.--In carrying out the 
research program established under subsection (a), the Administrator and 
the heads of the other appropriate Federal agencies shall contract with 
the Center for Disease Control [now Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention] and other appropriate agencies to carry out any studies 
necessary to meet the goals of the program set forth in subsection (c).
    ``(c) Goals.--The goals of the research program established under 
subsection (a) shall be--
        ``(1) to determine what, if any, cabin air conditions currently 
    exist on domestic aircraft used for flights within the United States 
    that could be harmful to the health of airline passengers and crew, 
    as indicated by physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, 
    fatigue, and lightheadedness, and including the risk of infection by 
    bacteria and viruses;
        ``(2) to determine to what extent, changes in, cabin air 
    pressure, temperature, rate of cabin air circulation, the quantity 
    of fresh air per occupant, and humidity on current domestic aircraft 
    would reduce or eliminate the risk of illness or discomfort to 
    airline passengers and crew; and
        ``(3) to establish a long-term research program to examine 
    potential health problems to airline passengers and crew that may 
    arise in an airplane cabin on a flight within the United States 
    because of cabin air quality as a result of the conditions and 
    changes described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
    ``(d) Participation.--In carrying out the research program 
established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall encourage 
participation in the program by representatives of aircraft 
manufacturers, air carriers, aviation employee organizations, airline 
passengers, and academia.
    ``(e) Report.--(1) Within six months after the date of enactment of 
this Act [Aug. 23, 1994], the Administrator shall submit to the Congress 
a plan for implementation of the research program established under 
subsection (a).
    ``(2) The Administrator shall annually submit to the Congress a 
report on the progress made during the year for which the report is 
submitted toward meeting the goals set forth in subsection (c).
    ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--Of amounts authorized to be 
appropriated for fiscal years 1995 and 1996 under section 48102(a) of 
title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 302 of this title, 
there are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1995 and 1996, 
respectively, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.''


                 Information on Disinsection of Aircraft

    Pub. L. 103-305, title V, Sec. 507, Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1595, 
provided that:
    ``(a) Availability of Information.--In the interest of protecting 
the health of air travelers, the Secretary shall publish a list of the 
countries (as determined by the Secretary) that require disinsection of 
aircraft landing in such countries while passengers and crew are on 
board such aircraft.
    ``(b) Revision.--The Secretary shall revise the list required under 
subsection (a) on a periodic basis.
    ``(c) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the list required 
under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act [Aug. 23, 1994]. The Secretary shall publish a 
revision to the list not later than 30 days after completing the 
revision under subsection (b).''


               General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994

    Pub. L. 103-298, Aug. 17, 1994, 108 Stat. 1552, as amended by Pub. 
L. 105-102, Sec. 3(e), Nov. 20, 1997, 111 Stat. 2215, provided that:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
    ``This Act may be cited as the `General Aviation Revitalization Act 
of 1994'.
``SEC. 2. TIME LIMITATIONS ON CIVIL ACTIONS AGAINST AIRCRAFT 
        MANUFACTURERS.
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no civil 
action for damages for death or injury to persons or damage to property 
arising out of an accident involving a general aviation aircraft may be 
brought against the manufacturer of the aircraft or the manufacturer of 
any new component, system, subassembly, or other part of the aircraft, 
in its capacity as a manufacturer if the accident occurred--
        ``(1) after the applicable limitation period beginning on--
            ``(A) the date of delivery of the aircraft to its first 
        purchaser or lessee, if delivered directly from the 
        manufacturer; or
            ``(B) the date of first delivery of the aircraft to a person 
        engaged in the business of selling or leasing such aircraft; or
        ``(2) with respect to any new component, system, subassembly, or 
    other part which replaced another component, system, subassembly, or 
    other part originally in, or which was added to, the aircraft, and 
    which is alleged to have caused such death, injury, or damage, after 
    the applicable limitation period beginning on the date of completion 
    of the replacement or addition.
    ``(b) Exceptions.--Subsection (a) does not apply--
        ``(1) if the claimant pleads with specificity the facts 
    necessary to prove, and proves, that the manufacturer with respect 
    to a type certificate or airworthiness certificate for, or 
    obligations with respect to continuing airworthiness of, an aircraft 
    or a component, system, subassembly, or other part of an aircraft 
    knowingly misrepresented to the Federal Aviation Administration, or 
    concealed or withheld from the Federal Aviation Administration, 
    required information that is material and relevant to the 
    performance or the maintenance or operation of such aircraft, or the 
    component, system, subassembly, or other part, that is causally 
    related to the harm which the claimant allegedly suffered;
        ``(2) if the person for whose injury or death the claim is being 
    made is a passenger for purposes of receiving treatment for a 
    medical or other emergency;
        ``(3) if the person for whose injury or death the claim is being 
    made was not aboard the aircraft at the time of the accident; or
        ``(4) to an action brought under a written warranty enforceable 
    under law but for the operation of this Act.
    ``(c) General Aviation Aircraft Defined.--For the purposes of this 
Act, the term `general aviation aircraft' means any aircraft for which a 
type certificate or an airworthiness certificate has been issued by the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, which, at the time 
such certificate was originally issued, had a maximum seating capacity 
of fewer than 20 passengers, and which was not, at the time of the 
accident, engaged in scheduled passenger-carrying operations as defined 
under regulations in effect under part A of subtitle VII of title 49, 
United States Code, at the time of the accident.
    ``(d) Relationship to Other Laws.--This section supersedes any State 
law to the extent that such law permits a civil action described in 
subsection (a) to be brought after the applicable limitation period for 
such civil action established by subsection (a).
``SEC. 3. OTHER DEFINITIONS.
    ``For purposes of this Act--
        ``(1) the term `aircraft' has the meaning given such term in 
    section 40102(a)(6) of title 49, United States Code;
        ``(2) the term `airworthiness certificate' means an 
    airworthiness certificate issued under section 44704(c)(1) of title 
    49, United States Code, or under any predecessor Federal statute;
        ``(3) the term `limitation period' means 18 years with respect 
    to general aviation aircraft and the components, systems, 
    subassemblies, and other parts of such aircraft; and
        ``(4) the term `type certificate' means a type certificate 
    issued under section 44704(a) of title 49, United States Code, or 
    under any predecessor Federal statute.
``SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION OF ACT.
    ``(a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this 
Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 
1994].
    ``(b) Application of Act.--This Act shall not apply with respect to 
civil actions commenced before the date of the enactment of this Act.''


   National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive Airline Industry

    Pub. L. 102-581, title II, Sec. 204, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4891, 
as amended Pub. L. 103-13, Sec. 1, Apr. 7, 1993, 107 Stat. 43, provided 
for establishment of National Commission to Ensure a Strong Competitive 
Airline Industry to make a complete investigation and study of financial 
condition of the airline industry, adequacy of competition in the 
airline industry, and legal impediments to a financially strong and 
competitive airline industry, to report to President and Congress not 
later than 90 days after the date on which initial appointments of 
members to the Commission were completed, and to terminate on the 30th 
day following transmission of report.


                 Definitions of Terms in Pub. L. 107-71

    For definitions of terms used in sections 127 and 145 of Pub. L. 
107-71, set out above, see section 133 of Pub. L. 107-71, set out as a 
note under section 40102 of this title.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 106, 40105, 40118, 41109, 
47101 of this title; title 39 section 5402.