ACPAC Modernization Act
Introduced September 30, 2025 · Last action March 25, 2026
Plain English Summary
This bill modifies the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) by adding ticket agents to the list of groups represented on the committee and removing a reference to ticket agents from a termination clause. The changes extend the committee's lifespan and ensure ticket agents have a formal voice in aviation consumer protection policy discussions.
Who benefits
Ticket agents (travel agents and booking services), consumer advocacy groups seeking ongoing representation in FAA policy, airlines and travel distribution companies that employ or work with ticket agents
Who pays / loses
No direct fiscal costs to any group; this is an administrative restructuring that benefits ticket agents while removing language that previously may have accelerated the committee's termination
Funding & Lobbying Interests
Travel agent associations, online travel agencies (OTAs), and airline distribution system operators have a financial stake in ticket agent representation on federal aviation consumer policy bodies. These groups typically lobby for inclusion in advisory committees that shape FAA consumer protection rules affecting ticket sales practices, refund policies, and dispute resolution.
Political Impact
Affected Groups
Ticket agents and travel agents (approximately 106,000 workers in the U.S. travel agent occupation per BLS data), consumers who purchase airline tickets through agents rather than directly, airlines and their distribution partners
Political Subtext
Proponents frame this as ensuring underrepresented stakeholders have a voice in aviation consumer protection policy. Critics might view this as a narrowly tailored amendment benefiting a specific industry without broader consumer protection urgency. The non-partisan factual record shows ACPAC has been a long-standing advisory body; this bill simply restructures its membership and prevents its scheduled termination.
Real-World Stakes
If this passes, ticket agents retain formal representation on federal aviation consumer policy discussions, affecting how FAA rules on refunds, rebooking, and ticket sales disputes are developed. The practical impact is modest—this preserves an advisory committee structure rather than creating new regulatory mandates. The termination clause removal means the committee continues operating indefinitely unless Congress acts again.
Sponsor
Sponsor information not available.
Vote Record
No recorded votes.
Campaign Finance — Primary Sponsor
No campaign finance data available yet.
501(c)(4) disclosure: Contributions from 501(c)(4) "dark money" organizations are not required to be publicly disclosed and are not reflected in the figures above. Data sourced from FEC public disclosure filings.
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