Guam and Northern Mariana Islands added to Essential Air Service exceptions

What does this do?

HR 2216 amends federal law to add Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands to the list of exceptions within the Essential Air Service program, a federal program that helps smaller and more remote communities access affordable airline service. These territories would no longer need to meet the same eligibility requirements that apply to communities in the lower 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii already hold this same exception status under current law.

Who does it affect?

The roughly 200,000 residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are most directly affected. Airline companies serving those routes and local territorial governments would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are geographically isolated U.S. territories in the western Pacific Ocean that depend on air travel in ways mainland communities do not. Extending the exception could change which routes and communities in those territories qualify for federal air service support.

Where does it stand?