Amata-Backed Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act Passes House Committee

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata, an original cosponsor, is highlighting unanimous passage of H.R. 6448, the Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act of 2026, by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

This bill to increase federal support for eligible airport infrastructure projects in U.S. territories and qualifying rural communities is led by the representatives of the three U.S. territories in the Pacific, sponsor Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (CNMI), with Rep. Aumua Amata (American Samoa), and Rep. James Moylan (Guam), working together at the bill's introduction.

The three Members of Congress from the US territories in the Pacific

"Our islands depend heavily on our airports, and rely on their infrastructure," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "When our infrastructure needs upgrades, we face substantial barriers and delays unless there is reliable federal funding. Our bill helps ensure much-needed funds to keep our flights safe and reliable."

The legislation would increase the federal share of eligible airport infrastructure project costs to 95 percent federal for qualifying airports, to help remote and underserved communities maintain and improve the airports they depend on. It expands eligibility for the 95 percent federal cost share to certain airports in U.S. territories and qualifying rural areas, including airports classified as non-hub or nonprimary.

"For communities that depend on their airports, that airport is not a luxury. It is a lifeline," said Congresswoman King-Hinds. "That is especially true in the Northern Mariana Islands. Our airports connect our people to medical care, jobs, education, family, and essential services. They bring visitors to our islands and keep our local economy moving."

"For Guam, reliable airport infrastructure is not optional - it is essential to our economy, our national security, and our connection to the rest of the country and the world," said Congressman James Moylan. "The Rural Airport Infrastructure Support Act recognizes the unique challenges faced by island and remote communities and ensures that federal infrastructure policy better reflects those realities. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation, and I thank Congresswoman King-Hinds for her leadership in moving this important measure forward."

The legislation recognizes that smaller and remote communities often face higher infrastructure costs and fewer transportation alternatives than larger metropolitan areas.

H.R. 6448 is a bipartisan effort supported by members of Congress from across the country. Representatives Nick Begich (R-AK), Tony Wied (R-WI), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), also joined in support for rural, remote, and underserved communities.

The legislation does not change eligibility for the Essential Air Service program. Instead, H.R. 6448 addresses the federal cost-share structure for eligible airport infrastructure projects, recognizing the unique transportation needs of smaller and remote communities.

Following unanimous passage by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, H.R. 6448 now advances to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

"Federal policy needs to reflect the reality of the communities it serves," King-Hinds concluded. "One size does not fit all. But every American community deserves a fair opportunity to maintain the infrastructure it depends on."

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