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United States · Law · HR

H.R. 3539 (104th)

Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996

enactedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

29 May 1996

Last action

9 October 1996 · President

Status

Became Public Law No: 104-264.

Sponsors

Rep. Shuster, Bud [R-PA-9], Rep. Duncan, John J., Jr. [R-TN-2], Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8], Rep. Lipinski, William O. [D-IL-3]

Subjects

Defence, Environment, Housing, Transport, Taxation, Aviation, Budget

Source updated

7 April 2025

Defence · Environment · Housing · Transport · Taxation · Aviation · Budget

Summary

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Reauthorization of FAA Programs Title II: Airport Development Financing Title III: Airport Improvement Program Modifications Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions Title V: Metropolitan Washington Airports Title VI: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund Taxes and Expenditure Authority Federal Aviation Authorization Act of 1996 - Title I: Reauthorization of FAA Programs - Amends Federal aviation law to reauthorize the Airport Improvement Program through FY 1999, with specified allocations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Facilities and Equipment Program. (Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for the FAA through FY 1999. Title II: Airport Development Financing - Revises the apportionment of airport improvement fund amounts to sponsors of primary and cargo service airports for each fiscal year. (Sec. 202) Revises the minimum amount of airport improvement funds that shall be credited in a fiscal year to the discretionary fund. (Sec. 203) Increases the apportionment for airport improvement grant funds for: (1) airport noise compatibility programs; and (2) current and former military airports. (Sec. 204) Reduces from 15 to ten at any time the number of current or former military airports that may receive airport improvement grant funds. (Sec. 205) Establishes the Select Panel on Airport and Agency Financing to evaluate and recommend financing mechanisms to ensure adequate funding for airport capital needs and FAA capital and operating needs. Title III: Airport Improvement Program Modifications - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to encourage: (1) airport sponsors and State and local officials to develop airport master plans and airport system plans; and (2) metropolitan planning organizations, particularly in areas with populations greater than 200,000, to establish membership positions for airport operators. (Sec. 301) Sets forth additional requirements for the approval of airport project grant applications. (Sec. 302) Repeals the authority of the Secretary to impose passenger facility fees for the construction, repair, or improvement of airport areas used for aircraft operation or actions to mitigate the environmental effects of any such activity necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, or the Federal water Pollution Control Act. (Sec. 303) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a pilot program of up to ten projects to extend the useful life of airport runways and taxiways. (Sec. 304) Makes it a condition for approval of a grant application for an airport development project that the airport owner or operator makes assurances that it will permit, to the maximum extent practicable, intercity buses to have access to the airport. (Sec. 305) Eliminates as an allowable project cost for Federal reimbursement certain costs for airport development projects commenced during FY 1994 before the execution of the grant agreement. Allows such reimbursement only for costs incurred after September 30, 1996. Denies priority consideration for the use of discretionary funds for projects incurring costs before execution of the grant agreement. (Sec. 306) Specifies additional factors for the Secretary to consider in selecting a project for a grant to preserve and enhance capacity at primary and reliever airports. (Sec. 307) Increases from seven to ten the number of States the Secretary may designate to assume administrative responsibility for all airport grant amounts (except for amounts for use at primary airports) under the State block grant pilot program. Makes permanent the State block grant pilot program. (Sec. 308) Authorizes an airport sponsor who intends to sell or lease the airport for a long time to a private person to apply for an exemption from the prohibition on the use of airport revenues for non-airport use. Waives the current prohibition on the imposition of passenger facility fees by any airport receiving such an exemption. (Sec. 309) Authorizes the Secretary to make an airport noise compatibility planning grant to a State or local government that is not the owner or operator of an airport for preparation or implementation of an airport land use compatibility plan. Title IV: Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA, in carrying out various aviation programs, to purchase a housing unit that is located outside the United States if the cost of the unit is $200,000 or less. (Sec. 403) Prohibits both the Administrator of the FAA, and any agency receiving information from the Administrator, from disclosing voluntarily provided safety or security related information in certain circumstances. (Sec. 404) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to issue a supplemental type certificate for a change to an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance. (Sec. 405) Prohibits a person holding an airport operating certificate, with specified exceptions, from expending local aviation fuel taxes or airport-generated revenues for any purpose other than the capital or operating costs of the airport, the local airport system, or other related facilities. (Sec. 406) Authorizes the Administrator of the FAA to require by regulation that an employment investigation (including criminal history record check) be conducted for employees who will be responsible for screening airline passengers and property. (Sec. 407) Authorizes a sponsor of a noncommercial service airport to close it without any obligation to repay airport improvement grants if it is located within three miles of a military base which has been closed or realigned. Title V: Metropolitan Washington Airports - Metropolitan Washington Airports Amendments Act of 1996 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise the composition of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, among other things, increasing the number of members from 11 to 15. Requires board members appointed by the President to be registered voters of States other than Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia. Revises requirements for length of term and the filling of vacancies. Declares that no more than three members of the board appointed by the President may be of the same political party. Requires nine votes (currently, seven) to approve bond issues and the annual budget. (Sec. 505) Establishes the Federal Advisory Commission of the Airports Authority (thereby effectively replacing the Board of Review of the Airports Authority). (Sec. 507) Revises requirements for congressional review of Airports Authority actions. (Sec. 508) Provides for the removal of Federal Advisory Commission (previously, Board of Review) members by the Secretary of Transportation (currently, by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors). (Sec. 511) Directs the Airports Authority to continue to enforce certain restrictions in the Metropolitan Washington Airports Regulations with respect to the use of the Dulles access highway. (Sec. 513) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing an exemption under specified sections of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding the allocation of slots at high density airports if such exemption would adversely affect safety. Title VI: Extension of Airport and Airway Trust Fund Taxes and Expenditure Authority - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the excise tax imposed on aviation fuel. Extends the excise tax imposed on airline passenger tickets, and the authority for the transfer of aviation fuel taxes to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, through January 1, 2000. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to pay from the Trust Fund into the general fund of the Treasury any overpayments made with respect to excise taxes imposed on air transportation. (Sec. 602) Extends the expenditure authority of the Trust Fund through October 1, 1999.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 29 February 1996

    Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Aviation Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Source: Committee

  2. 7 March 1996

    Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Aviation Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Source: Committee

  3. 13 March 1996

    Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Aviation Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Source: Committee

  4. 14 March 1996

    Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Aviation Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Source: Committee

  5. 20 March 1996

    Committee

    Hearings Held by the Subcommittee on Aviation Prior to Introduction and Referral.

    Source: Committee

  6. 29 May 1996

    Introduced

    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Source: IntroReferral

  7. 29 May 1996

    Introduced

    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

    Source: IntroReferral

  8. 29 May 1996

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  9. 29 May 1996

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  10. 30 May 1996

    Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

  11. 30 May 1996

    Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  12. 30 May 1996

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.

    Source: Committee

  13. 6 June 1996

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Source: Committee

  14. 6 June 1996

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

  15. 26 July 1996

    Discharge

    Committee on Rules discharged.

    Source: Discharge

  16. 26 July 1996

    Introduced

    House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 29, 1996.

    Source: IntroReferral

  17. 26 July 1996

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 714, Part I.

    Source: Committee

  18. 26 July 1996

    Reported

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 714, Part I.

    Source: Committee

  19. 26 July 1996

    Committee

    Committee on Rules discharged.

    Source: Committee

  20. 29 July 1996

    Introduced

    House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 30, 1996.

    Source: IntroReferral

  21. 30 July 1996

    Calendars

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 385.

    Source: Calendars

  22. 30 July 1996

    Discharge

    Committee on Ways and Means discharged.

    Source: Discharge

  23. 30 July 1996

    Committee

    Committee on Ways and Means discharged.

    Source: Committee

  24. 10 September 1996

    Floor

    At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Canady objected to the Yea - Nay vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed until Sept. 11. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

    Source: Floor

  25. 10 September 1996

    Floor

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

    Source: Floor

  26. 10 September 1996

    Floor

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10124-10140)

    Source: Floor

  27. 10 September 1996

    Floor

    Mr. Shuster moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

    Source: Floor

  28. 11 September 1996

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: Floor

  29. 11 September 1996

    Vote

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 398 - 17 (Roll no. 411).

    Source: Floor

  30. 11 September 1996

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 398 - 17 (Roll no. 411).

    Source: Floor

  31. 11 September 1996

    Floor

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H10197)

    Source: Floor

  32. 18 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Senate insisted on its amendment, requested a conference. (consideration: CR S10776)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  33. 18 September 1996

    Vote

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate in lieu of S. 1994 with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 293.

    Source: Floor

  34. 18 September 1996

    Floor

    Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S10756, S10759)

    Source: Floor

  35. 19 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Senate appointed conferees Pressler; Stevens; McCain; Hollings; Ford.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  36. 20 September 1996

    Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

    Source: Floor

  37. 24 September 1996

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  38. 24 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    The Speaker appointed conferees from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for consideration of the House bill (except sec. 501) and the Senate amendment (except sec. 1001) and modifications committed to conference: Shuster, Clinger, Duncan, Oberstar, and Lipinski.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  39. 24 September 1996

    Passed

    On motion that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H10951)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  40. 24 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Mr. Duncan asked unanimous consent that the House disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to a conference.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  41. 25 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference held.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  42. 25 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference committee actions: Conference held.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  43. 26 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference papers: Senate report and managers' statement held at the desk in Senate.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  44. 26 September 1996

    Passed

    Conference committee actions: Conferees agreed to file conference report.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  45. 26 September 1996

    Reported

    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 540 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of the conference report to H.R. 3539. All points of order against the conference report and against its consideration are waived. The conference report shall be considered as read.

    Source: Floor

  46. 26 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report H. Rept. 104-848 filed. (text of conference report: CR H11289-11318)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  47. 26 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report filed: Conference report H. Rept. 104-848 filed.(text of conference report: CR H11289-11318)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  48. 27 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference papers: message on House action held at the desk in Senate.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  49. 27 September 1996

    Vote

    On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 198 (Roll no. 446). (consideration: CR H11466)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  50. 27 September 1996

    Passed

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  51. 27 September 1996

    Vote

    Conference report agreed to in House: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 198 (Roll no. 446).(consideration: CR H11466)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  52. 27 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    The previous question was ordered without objection.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  53. 27 September 1996

    Floor

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate.

    Source: Floor

  54. 27 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Mr. Shuster brought up conference report H. Rept. 104-848 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 540.

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  55. 27 September 1996

    Passed

    Rule H. Res. 540 passed House.

    Source: Floor

  56. 30 September 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S11940)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  57. 30 September 1996

    Floor

    Motion to proceed to the consideration of the Conference Report made in Senate. (consideration: CR S11937)

    Source: Floor

  58. 1 October 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S12095-12115)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  59. 2 October 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S12166-12193)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  60. 3 October 1996

    ResolvingDifferences

    Conference report considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S12217-12239)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  61. 3 October 1996

    Vote

    Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 92-2. Record Vote No: 306.(consideration: CR S12239)

    Source: ResolvingDifferences

  62. 3 October 1996

    Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

    Source: Floor

  63. 4 October 1996

    Floor

    Presented to President.

    Source: Floor

  64. 4 October 1996

    President

    Presented to President.

    Source: President

  65. 9 October 1996

    Became law

    Became Public Law No: 104-264.

    Source: President

  66. 9 October 1996

    Became law

    Signed by President.

    Source: BecameLaw

  67. 9 October 1996

    President

    Signed by President.

    Source: President

Votes

3 October 1996 · Conference Report Agreed to · On the Conference Report H.R. 3539 · Conference Report Agreed to · Official source

Yes 92 · No 2 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 6

Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.

18 September 1996 · Bill Passed · On Passage of the Bill H.R. 3539 · Bill Passed · Official source

Yes 99 · No 0 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 1

Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.

Versions

Documents

16 official files

Public Law (text)

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  • Public Law (text)

    Public Law · EN · 10 October 1996

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  • Public Law (PDF)

    Public Law · EN · 10 October 1996

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  • Enrolled Bill (text)

    Enrolled Bill · EN · 3 October 1996

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  • Enrolled Bill (PDF)

    Enrolled Bill · EN · 3 October 1996

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  • Conference report filed in House

    summary · EN · 26 September 1996

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  • Engrossed Amendment Senate (text)

    Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 18 September 1996

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  • Engrossed Amendment Senate (PDF)

    Engrossed Amendment Senate · EN · 18 September 1996

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  • Placed on Calendar Senate (text)

    Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 12 September 1996

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  • Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)

    Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 12 September 1996

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  • Engrossed in House (text)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 11 September 1996

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  • Engrossed in House (PDF)

    Engrossed in House · EN · 11 September 1996

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  • Reported in House (text)

    Reported in House · EN · 30 July 1996

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  • Reported in House (PDF)

    Reported in House · EN · 30 July 1996

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  • Introduced in House (text)

    Introduced in House · EN · 29 May 1996

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  • Introduced in House (PDF)

    Introduced in House · EN · 29 May 1996

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  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 29 May 1996

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