Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 6427

119th Congress

Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Introduced:Dec 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Nicholas Begich

R - AK

Cosponsors

3

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Summary

This bill lets small airports use state highway pavement standards instead of FAA standards when building or improving runways, if the airport only serves aircraft under 60,000 pounds. State highway specifications are often less expensive to meet than FAA standards, potentially saving rural and small community airports money on construction.

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill lets small airports use state highway pavement standards instead of FAA standards when building or improving runways, if the airport only serves aircraft under 60,000 pounds. State highway specifications are often less expensive to meet than FAA standards, potentially saving rural and small community airports money on construction.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Allows nonprimary airports to use state highway pavement specifications for runways
Only applies to airports serving aircraft under 60,000 pounds gross weight
States must notify FAA of intent to use highway specifications
FAA must approve if the specs don't negatively affect safety
Aims to reduce construction costs for small and rural airports

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Small and rural community airports could see significant cost savings on runway construction and maintenance. States like Alaska with many small airports could particularly benefit. The 60,000-pound limit means this applies to general aviation and small commuter aircraft, not commercial jets. FAA retains safety veto power. Communities with limited airport budgets could stretch federal grant money further. Introduced by Alaska representative, reflecting state's heavy dependence on small airports.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

6427, 119th Congress (2025). "Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-6427