Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3410) to allow for the operation of civil supersonic flight in the national airspace system under certain conditions, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3410
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act''. SEC. 2. ALLOWING FOR THE OPERATION OF CIVIL SUPERSONIC FLIGHT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue or revise such regulations, such as section 91.817 of part 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as are necessary to allow for the operation of civil aircraft (as defined in section 40102(16) of title 49, United States Code) without special authorization within the national airspace system at a Mach number greater than 1 so long as the aircraft is operated in such a manner that no sonic boom reaches the ground in the United States.
(b) Compliance With Noise Standards.--Not later than April 1, 2027, the Administrator shall issue a final rule establishing noise standards under part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, requiring civil aircraft granted authority to operate pursuant to subsection (a) not to exceed the most recent takeoff and landing noise levels required for subsonic aircraft currently in operation on the date of enactment.
(c) Periodic Review.--In issuing the final rule issued under subsection (b), the Administrator shall further specify a process for periodic review and update of the rule to reflect future advances in aircraft noise reduction technology and relevant regulatory changes, as determined by the Administrator.
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Mr. TAYLOR. 3410.
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Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, or the SAM Act, lays the preliminary framework for a return to civil supersonic aircraft operations in the United States.
The SAM Act directs the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue or revise current regulations that are outdated and, in some cases, to create an artificial speed limit that hampers American innovation.
Despite these restrictions, engine technology has continued to mature and successfully demonstrate that it is feasible to conduct supersonic operations in the National Airspace System without generating a sonic boom that reaches the ground.
Furthermore, the SAM Act builds on key work done in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to usher in a new age of American innovation in the skies.
President Trump's executive order titled: ``Leading the World in Supersonic Flight'' documented the importance of American leadership in this reemerging sector of aviation.
To that end, the time is now. Let's come together and support American business and innovation.
Madam Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I thank Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Representative Nehls for his leadership on this issue.
A return of civil supersonic operations within the National Airspace System will reimagine how Americans travel and commute, opening new possibilities for people and commerce to traverse this great Nation.
Think of the possibilities: DC to Los Angeles in just 2 hours. While this may seem far-fetched, it is closer to reality than many would believe. In fact, several U.S. airlines already have preorders of supersonic jets.
To reiterate, the SAM Act will revise current outdated regulations and place the United States in a prime position to be the global leader in civil supersonic technologies.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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