U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2026 12:51

The Runway: March Recap

T&I PASSES ALERT ACT

Last week, T&I unanimously approved the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026, the bipartisan comprehensive legislative response to the various aviation safety issues raised by the tragic 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Led by Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen, alongside Armed Services Committee leaders, the legislation reflects close coordination across committees to address aviation safety issues. The legislation is a comprehensive package of improvements responding to all 50 safety recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB), incorporating updates developed in consultation with the NTSB and aviation stakeholders. The legislation has garnered broad support from aviation industry groups committed to strengthening the safety of the national airspace system.

Read more about the ALERT Act here.

T&I PASSES DALILAH'S LAW

Dalilah Coleman interacts with T&I Members at the Markup of Dalilah's Law on March 18th, 2026.
This month, T&I approved Dalilah's Law, legislation led by Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) to strengthen commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements and improve safety on America's roadways. Named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, a young girl severely injured by an unqualified and illegal immigrant semi-truck driver, the bill ensures commercial drivers are properly trained, meet federal safety standards, and can read and understand English to safely navigate roads and communicate with law enforcement.

The legislation also cracks down on illegal CDL issuance, increases accountability for states, and targets fraudulent practices in the trucking industry. Dalilah's Law marks a significant step toward preventing avoidable crashes, ensuring only qualified drivers are behind the wheel, and better protecting the traveling public.

Dalilah's Law parallels and supports efforts by President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to crack down on this safety crisis that was fueled by the open border policies of the Biden Administration, and it codifies many of the Administration's actions to ensure safety on the nation's roads. Secretary Duffy, House Republican leaders, and numerous trucking and supply chain groupshave expressed support and urged passage of the bill.

FLOOR ACTIVITY
The House advanceda series of fourteen bipartisan measures focused on strengthening aviation safety and innovation, improving airport infrastructure, expanding broadband access, supporting American jobs, and reducing federal costs. Several of the bills improve aviation efficiency and safety by enhancing supply chain security, fostering the return of supersonic flight, modernizing pilot certificate processes through digitization, easing regulatory burdens for airport construction while maintaining safety standards, and clarifying rules for recreational drone use. Other measures address broader priorities, including protecting water resources, expanding broadband access in rural Appalachia, reducing costs for federal building projects, supporting the return of manufacturing jobs to the U.S., and more.

Additionally, the House passedthe Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill to protect U.S.-owned assets from being unlawfully seized by foreign governments. The legislation gives the president authority to deny U.S. port entry to vessels linked to facilities that were expropriated from American companies, creating real consequences for countries that take American property. The bill aims to deter future seizures, protect American businesses and workers, and strengthen economic security by holding foreign governments accountable.

SUBCOMMITTEE ACTIVITY
The General Services Administration: Examining the Future of Federal Real Estate Management to Reduce Costs for the Taxpayer

The Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management received testimony from General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward Forst on the agency's priorities for managing and consolidating its real estate portfolio. The hearing highlighted efforts to reduce excess federal property, address growing deferred maintenance liabilities, and reorganize the Public Buildings Service. Members also raised concerns about missed implementation deadlines and emphasized the need for stronger coordination between GSA, the Office of Management and Budget, and federal agencies.

Read more about the subcommittee hearing here.


Rep. Kim King-Hinds (R-MP) discusses the federal real estate portfolio with Administrator Edward Forst at the hearing.
Force Design or Force in Decline: Reviewing Readiness

Vice Commandant Admiral Thomas G. Allan Jr. testified at a Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee hearing regarding plans to strengthen the Service for future mission needs. Members opened the hearing by recognizing the service and sacrifice of Aviation Survival Technician Tyler Jaggers, who tragically lost his life during a search and rescue mission off the coast of Washington.

During the hearing, Members discussed the urgent need to address longstanding challenges facing the Coast Guard, including aging vessels and aircraft, delayed and over-budget acquisition programs, and deteriorating shoreside infrastructure. Members also raised concerns about the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, noting its strain on Coast Guard personnel and operations, including uncertainty around pay and its potential impact on readiness and mission execution. Admiral Allan said, "The Coast Guard depends on timely congressional action to restore funding, and ensure the continued readiness of the service and the stability of our workforce and their families."

Admiral Allan and Members highlighted how recent historic investments included in the One Big Beautiful Bill can help reverse decades of underinvestment and support the Service's modernization initiative. To ensure the Coast Guard can successfully modernize its fleet, strengthen readiness, and continue carrying out its critical missions, Members emphasized the importance of improved acquisition performance, stronger oversight, and timely reporting to Congress.

Read more about the subcommittee hearing here.

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

Rep. Nick Begich
The House passedthe Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025, which was introduced by Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK). The bill allows nonprimary airports to use state highway construction standards for airfield pavement projects instead of federal aviation standards while preserving the requirement that the Secretary must determine that the use of such standards will not compromise safety. The bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens and lower construction costs while maintaining safety for airport infrastructure improvements. Rep. Begich also serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology.

Rep. Tracey Mann
Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced the Recreational Drone Empowerment Act,legislation to clarify where recreational drones can safely operate within certain types of airspace. The bill passedin the House on March 24thand provides clearer guidance for hobbyist drone users while maintaining existing aviation safety standards. It aims to expand opportunities for recreational drone use without compromising the safety of the national airspace system. Rep. Mann also serves on the House Agriculture Committee.
IN THE NEWS
Chairman Graves for the Washington Times: Dalilah's Law: Restoring safety on our roadways

Rep. Perry for Government Executive: A call to action: Shining the spotlight on public building utilization

Rep. Rouzer for the Washington Times: Keep America moving with vital infrastructure investments

Rep. Ezell for the Washington Times: America's maritime renaissance depends on building the industrial base

Rep. Webster for the Washington Times: Let's build America's future

Rep. Owens for the Washington Times: Let's highlight American infrastructure ingenuity at the Olympics

Rep. Fong for the Washington Times: Three steps we can take to solve California's water crisis

Rep. Patronis for the Washington Times: Protect America's 'Warrior Roads'

Rep. McDowell for the Washington Times: Meeting the moment: North Carolina's race to keep up with growth

Rep. Barrett for the Washington Times: How Washington turned 'real' infrastructure into an ideological wish list of nonsense

Rep. Hurd for the Washington Times: Rural airports are economic lifelines. Washington should treat them that way

Rep. Bresnahan for the Washington Times: Safe bridges shouldn't be just for big cities

Rep. Nehls for Flying Magazine: Opinion: Clearing America's Runway for the Future of Aviation

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 02, 2026 at 18:51 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]