119-HR-5663 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: 119-HR-5663 (ACPAC Modernization Act)

1) Headline Summary: A bipartisan proposal to give travel booking companies (“ticket agents”) a formal seat on the federal aviation consumer advisory committee. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.5663 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): ACPAC Modernizatio…

2) What It Does: The bill amends the law that sets who serves on the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) at the U.S. Department of Transportation by adding a fifth member category: ticket agents (travel agencies and online platforms). Today, ACPAC has one representative each from airlines, airports, state/local consumer protection officials, and consumer groups; Congress previously extended the committee’s authorization through September 30, 2028. [1]Congress.gov — Text - H.R.5663 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): ACPAC Modernizatio…[2]U.S. Department of Transportation — Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Commi…

Why it matters: Ticket agents handle a large share of bookings and are deeply involved when flights are canceled or refunds are due. Supporters say adding their voice should give DOT a fuller picture when shaping refund rules and fee disclosures. [4]Travel Technology Association — Travel Tech letter supporting H.R. 5663 (ACPAC…[5]American Society of Travel Advisors — ASTA press release supporting adding a tr…

• Who’s For It: Sponsor Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) with original cosponsor Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL); Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) later joined. [6]Congress.gov — Cosponsors - H.R.5663 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): ACPAC Modern…
• Industry supporters: Travel Technology Association (online travel companies) backs the bill, arguing ACPAC needs ticket-agent expertise. [4]Travel Technology Association — Travel Tech letter supporting H.R. 5663 (ACPAC…
• Advocates: The American Society of Travel Advisors supported the same change in the prior Congress, saying travel advisors should be represented. [5]American Society of Travel Advisors — ASTA press release supporting adding a tr…

• Who’s Against It: As of December 2, 2025, no organized public opposition is documented.
• Possible concerns (not yet formally stated by groups): expanding ACPAC’s membership could lengthen deliberations or raise questions about balancing interests already represented (airlines, airports, consumer advocates, and state/local officials). [2]U.S. Department of Transportation — Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Commi…

5) What’s Next: As of December 2, 2025, Congress.gov shows H.R. 5663 has been introduced and referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; the next steps would typically be referral to the Aviation Subcommittee, a hearing, and/or a committee markup before any floor vote. There are no recorded House or Senate votes yet. [3]Congress.gov — Actions - H.R.5663 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): ACPAC Moderniza…