Description:
S. 82 would require the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Transportation to establish a joint task force on air travel during and after the coronavirus public health emergency. The task force would consist of representatives from various federal agencies and would develop policy recommendations for airport and air carrier operations during and after the pandemic. The bill also would require those departments to establish a joint federal advisory committee to assist the task force. Committee members would include public health experts, aviation industry representatives, and other interested parties. The task force would be required to report to the Congress within 18 months of enactment, and the task force and advisory committee would terminate 30 days after that report. Using information on the cost of similar task forces and advisory committees, CBO estimates that implementing S. 82 would cost $1 million over the 2022-2026 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.