Marianas Air Service Improvement Act
The Marianas Air Service Improvement Act (H.R. 2132) seeks to modify how the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program treats locations in the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI). Specifically, it amends 49 U.S.C. 41731(c) so that certain eligibility requirements that currently apply to EAS locations (as defined in the statute) would not apply to the Northern Mariana Islands, mirroring similar exemptions already in place for Alaska and Hawaii. The intent is to make it easier for the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in or maintain EAS-supported air service, potentially improving access to subsidized air routes for residents and visitors. In short, the bill would reduce some eligibility barriers for NMIs within the EAS program, aligning their treatment with Alaska and Hawaii, and it carries the practical aim of supporting more or more stable subsidized air service to the Northern Mariana Islands. The bill is introduced by Representative King-Hinds and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Key Points
- 1Amends 49 U.S.C. 41731(c) to create an explicit exception for the Northern Mariana Islands (NMIs), so certain EAS eligibility rules do not apply there.
- 2The exception is framed as an extension of existing exemptions used for Alaska and Hawaii.
- 3Specifically states that subparagraphs B, C, and D of subsection (a)(1) do not apply to locations in Alaska, Hawaii, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
- 4The short title of the bill is the “Marianas Air Service Improvement Act.”
- 5Introduced in the House (March 14, 2025) by Ms. King-Hinds and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; currently status: introduced.