Bill would let boomless supersonic jets fly over US without special approval
In markupS. 1759Latest action
Sponsor: Ted Budd · Senator · NC
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Official title: Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill would let civilian planes fly supersonic over the U.S. if no sonic boom reaches the ground, with FAA rules due in one year.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act would direct the FAA to update rules allowing civilian supersonic flight over the U.S. without special permission, as long as the flight causes no sonic boom at ground level. The FAA would have one year after enactment to write or revise the needed regulations.
Who does it affect?
Aerospace companies developing supersonic jets, airlines considering faster domestic flights, and the FAA, which must create new standards, would be affected. Air travelers and communities near flight paths could also feel the effects.
Why does it matter?
Current rules generally ban civilian supersonic flight over U.S. land due to sonic boom disruption; this bill shifts the standard to whether a boom reaches the ground, potentially expanding where such flights can legally occur. How well the FAA enforces the "no boom" requirement would determine impacts on nearby communities.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 14, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jul 22, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.