WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released a statement following the advancement of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act and the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
“I applaud the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s passage of two pieces of legislation, which I’m proud to lead in the House of Representatives, that usher in the next generation of aerospace innovation, from supersonic flight to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),” said Congressman Nehls. “For far too long, outdated regulations and rigorous certification processes have held back American innovation. These two pieces of legislation help cement the United States as the world's leader in aviation by cutting through burdensome red tape, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to get them across the finish line and onto the President’s desk."
Background
The Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act:
Congressman Nehls and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced H.R. 3410/S.1759 on May 14, 2025. The SAM Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue or revise regulations, within one year of enactment, to allow for the operation of civil aviation aircraft to operate at speeds of Mach 1 or higher, so long as no sonic boom reaches the ground, maintaining the highest public safety standards while allowing innovation to move forward.
Enacted in 1973, 14 CFR § 91.817 dictates that no person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a speed of Mach 1 or higher, thereby prohibiting non-military-related supersonic flight over the United States. American companies have developed quiet supersonic technologies, and these companies have demonstrated that their aircraft can operate above Mach 1. Despite these innovations, 14 CFR § 91.817 continues to restrict supersonic operations.
The SAM Act, if enacted, would require the FAA to revise existing regulations to allow for the operation of supersonic civil aircraft. Operators would be permitted to fly their aircraft at supersonic speeds within the National Airspace System as long as no sonic boom reaches the ground.
On June 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order entitled “Leading the World in Supersonic Flight,” which directs the FAA to lift the U.S. ban on supersonic flight by repealing outdated FAA regulations and establishing updated noise-based standards. The SAM Act codifies President Trump’s executive order.
On December 18, 2025, Congressman Nehls’ SAM Act passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and on March 24, 2026, the legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act:
Congressman Nehls was joined by Congressmen Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), André Carson (D-IN-07), and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Curtis (R-UT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act on February 13, 2026. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation aims to increase transparency, predictability, and accountability during the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification process for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, helping American companies thrive and reaffirm the United States' leadership in aviation globally. Additionally, this legislation would bolster FAA staffing capacity and prevent gridlock in certifying AAM aircraft by offering more clarity and transparency.
The Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act is supported by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), Archer Aviation, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), BETA Technologies, Boeing, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Joby Aviation, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL, CIO (PASS), Vertical Aviation International (VIA), Wisk Aero, and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
