Summary of HR 2216

Bill Number: HR 2216

Title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to except from certain requirements relating to eligibility for essential air service Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced: March 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor: James C. Moylan

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 2216 is to amend the eligibility requirements for essential air service (EAS) to include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This legislation aims to ensure that these territories receive the same considerations as Alaska and Hawaii regarding air service provisions, thereby enhancing air travel accessibility and connectivity for residents and businesses in these regions.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 41731(c) of title 49, United States Code:

1. Subsection Heading Change:

   • The heading will be modified to include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands alongside Alaska and Hawaii.

2. Eligibility Language Update:

   • The phrase "State of Alaska or the State of Hawaii" will be replaced with "State of Alaska, the State of Hawaii, the territory of Guam, or the territory of the Northern Mariana Islands." This change explicitly recognizes Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as eligible for essential air service considerations.

Impact

Affected Parties

• Residents and Businesses: The amendment is expected to benefit residents and businesses in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by improving air service options and potentially lowering travel costs.
• Air Carriers: Airlines operating in these territories may see changes in operational requirements and opportunities for service expansion.

Broader Implications

• Transportation Infrastructure: By including these territories in the EAS eligibility framework, the bill may lead to increased federal support for air service routes, enhancing overall transportation infrastructure in the Pacific region.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: March 18, 2025
• Referred to Committees: The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on the same day it was introduced.

Conclusion

HR 2216 seeks to amend existing federal law to ensure that Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are recognized in the eligibility criteria for essential air service. This change aims to improve air travel access for these territories, aligning them with Alaska and Hawaii in terms of federal support for air service. The bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.