Guam and Northern Mariana Islands added to Essential Air Service exceptions
In committeeH.R. 2216Latest action
Sponsor: James C. Moylan · Delegate · GU
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Official title: 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.
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
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HR 2216 would extend Essential Air Service exceptions to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, affecting roughly 200,000 residents.
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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.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 18, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 18, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.