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.

4/3/2025, 12:02 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2216

Bill 119 HR 2216, also known as the "Guam and Northern Mariana Islands Essential Air Service Act," aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code to exempt Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from certain requirements related to eligibility for essential air service.

The essential air service program provides federal subsidies to airlines serving rural and remote communities that would otherwise not have access to commercial air transportation. However, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have unique circumstances that make them ineligible for this program under current regulations.

This bill seeks to address this issue by exempting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from these eligibility requirements, allowing them to receive essential air service subsidies. This would help ensure that residents of these territories have access to reliable and affordable air transportation, which is crucial for economic development and connectivity with the mainland United States. In addition to exempting Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from certain requirements, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to air transportation in these territories. Overall, the bill aims to improve air service in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands and promote their economic development.

Congressional Summary of HR 2216

This bill exempts Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands from specific eligibility requirements of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, thus allowing certain communities in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate. As background, the Department of Transportation's EAS program subsidizes passenger airline service to eligible small and isolated communities.

To participate in the program under current law, most places must meet the eligibility requirements, such as be a community that received EAS in FY2011. Alaska and Hawaii are generally exempt from most of the EAS eligibility requirements. This bill adds Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to that exemption.

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Current Status of Bill HR 2216

Bill HR 2216 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 18, 2025. Bill HR 2216 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 18, 2025. Bill HR 2216's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. as of March 18, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2216

Total Number of Sponsors

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2216

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2216

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.