Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Communities Before Air Tourism Act
A Democratic bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Communities Before Air Tourism Act," proposes amendments to title 49 of the United States Code. It aims to change how voluntary agreements regarding commercial air tour operations over national parks are handled. Specifically, the bill would require that these agreements consider the well-being of communities that are overflown by the aircraft. It also modifies language regarding which communities are included in certain provisions.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +3
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill expands the recognition of communities whose lands may be affected, specifically contextualizing language around Indian tribes.
- Scored +3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill protects the well-being of communities overflown by aircraft, which often includes rural areas surrounding national parks.
- Scored +2
Does this invest in rural communities?
The bill requires consideration of the well-being of communities overflown by aircraft, which likely includes rural areas near national parks.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Local Communities: By amending subparagraph (B), the bill ensures that the well-being of communities overflown by aircraft in commercial air tour operations is considered during voluntary agreements. This could protect the quality of life for people living under these flight paths. (Section 2)
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Expanded Community Recognition: By amending subparagraph (C), the bill adds language to include any community whose lands are, or may be, affected. This could provide better recognition for specific groups of people living near these operations. (Section 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill expands the recognition of communities whose lands may be affected, specifically contextualizing language around Indian tribes. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill protects the well-being of communities overflown by aircraft, which often includes rural areas surrounding national parks. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The protection of community well-being may benefit local residents regardless of income status.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill requires consideration of the well-being of communities overflown by aircraft, which likely includes rural areas near national parks.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill's focus on protecting community well-being during air tours may provide minor indirect stability to local community interests.
- 11/20/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 11/19/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Jerrold NadlerDemocrat · New York
Frank PalloneDemocrat · New Jersey
Nellie PouDemocrat · New Jersey