Bill would force ban on voice calls during US flights within 180 days

In markupH.R. 9530Latest action Sep 15, 2026

Sponsor: Hillary J. Scholten · Representative · MI

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

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Official title: Quiet Skies Act

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced: June 29, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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The Quiet Skies Act sets a 180-day deadline for a final federal rule banning voice calls on US flights.

35-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

The Quiet Skies Act would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a final rule banning voice phone calls on commercial flights within the United States. The Department of Transportation would have 180 days after enactment to complete this rule, which is based on an existing but unfinished legal requirement.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects airline passengers, commercial airlines operating US flights, and the Department of Transportation.

Why does it matter?

Passengers would no longer be allowed to make voice calls in flight, though texting, browsing, and media use would likely remain permitted. Airlines would need to update policies and train staff, while regulators must draft and finalize enforceable rules within a fixed timeframe.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jun 29, 2026.

After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 15, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedJun 29, 2026
House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
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: September 15, 2026 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

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How it's being covered

Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.

Newest of these articles: Jul 22, 2026

Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.

nypost.com
Leans right
Airlines could ban certain disruptive conversations on flights under ‘passenger sanity’ bill
Jul 22, 2026
“Congress have introduced another piece of legislation forcing airlines to officially ban in-flight calls on commercial planes.” — nypost.com
insider.com
Center
Phone Call Ban on Planes: Ex-Flight Attendants Support Bill
Jul 22, 2026
“A new bill would ban phone calls on flights. Former flight attendants say it would be good for passengers and crew.” — insider.com

Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.