Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 2126

119th Congress

Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 9, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Cynthia M. Lummis

Senator

Republican

WY

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Summary

This bill restricts the use of Department of Transportation (DOT) aircraft by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary's executive staff. It requires that the cost of travel on a DOT aircraft be at least 5% less than commercial flights, with exceptions for emergency situations. The bill also requires increased transparency and reporting on the Secretary's travel.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill restricts the use of Department of Transportation (DOT) aircraft by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary's executive staff. It requires that the cost of travel on a DOT aircraft be at least 5% less than commercial flights, with exceptions for emergency situations. The bill also requires increased transparency and reporting on the Secretary's travel.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Justification and Examination of Transportation Staff's Executive Travel Costs Act of 2023 or the JETSET Costs Act of 2023This bill restricts the use of Department of Transportation (DOT) aircraft by the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary's executive staff. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Secretary and the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft unless it is determined that the cost of the flight is at least 5% less than the cost of a flight on a commercial airline. A DOT aircraft is any aircraft owned, operated, or maintained by DOT.This restriction does not apply when emergency travel is required and commercial service is unavailable. The DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Congress must be notified in writing within seven days after such emergency travel is completed.Further, the Federal Aviation Administration must revise Order 2500.36N (Application of Flight Hour Rates) to reflect the true cost of flight operations. When calculating per-seat costs of a flight, DOT (1) may not charge different rates to non-DOT officials, and (2) must use the actual and full cost of a flight on a DOT aircraft when comparing such flight to any commercial alternative. DOT's OIG must submit an annual report to Congress that includes an itemization and justification of each trip and flight in which the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff traveled on a DOT aircraft. The bill also prohibits the Secretary or the Secretary's executive staff from traveling on a DOT aircraft for any trip that involves personal or political activities.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits the Secretary and executive staff from traveling on DOT aircraft unless the cost is at least 5% less than commercial flights, with exceptions for emergencies
Requires the DOT Office of Inspector General to submit an annual report to Congress detailing and justifying each trip where the Secretary or staff used a DOT aircraft
Prohibits the use of DOT aircraft for personal or political activities

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would impact the Secretary of Transportation and their executive staff, requiring greater transparency and cost-savings around their travel on government aircraft. Taxpayers would benefit from reduced costs and increased oversight of government travel expenses.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Related Subjects

Aviation and airports

Congressional oversight

Department of Transportation

Federal officials

Transportation costs

Travel and tourism

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

2126, 119th Congress (2025). "Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2126