House Passes Nehls’ Bill to Allow for Supersonic Flight Over the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, H.R. 3410, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization (SAM) Act, passed the United States House of Representatives. 

“Today, the House passed my bill, which ensures the United States doesn’t fall behind our foreign adversaries in aviation innovation,” said Congressman Nehls. “For decades, FAA regulations have held back American innovation and supersonic flight. My legislation, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, puts a stop to that and safely unleashes the next era of aerospace innovation. The Senate must act and swiftly pass my legislation to codify President Trump’s executive order and ensure the U.S. is the world’s leader in supersonic aviation.” 

Background

Congressman Nehls and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the SAM Act on May 14, 2025. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation 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 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.