WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives will now consider the Senate-passed the $105 billion Federal Aviation Act Reauthorization which in addition to offering air travel safety measures, also impacts operations at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

A provision added by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance designates the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport as a “primary airport” which will allow the airport to continue receiving funding from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports.

Another provision will ensure the airport has the resources necessary to support the missions of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, including its current c130 mission and future C130Js coming later this year.

The act would increase the number of Air Traffic Controllers at U.S. airports, including an increase of Certified Professional Controllers at the Youngstown Tower from the current 16 to 22, along with another three controllers to perform watch supervision.

The Act includes provisions to strengthen aviation safety standards, advance technology and innovation, and support airport infrastructure.

The bill also includes consumer protection provisions. For the first time, passengers will have clear refund standards when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight.  A refund will be required if a domestic flight is delayed three hours and when an international flight is delayed six hours. Airlines will be required to display easy-to-find refund request buttons on their websites.

The legislation prohibits airlines from charging fees for families to sit together.

Airlines must also establish policies regarding reimbursement for lodging, transportation between lodging and the airport, and meal costs incurred due to a flight cancellation or significant delay directly attributable to the air carrier.