PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 105-148.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Nov 9, 1997
Amends Federal transportation law to require foreign air carriers to transmit to the Secretary of Transportation and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board a plan for addressing the needs of families of passengers involved in aircraft accidents involving foreign air carriers and a significant loss of life. Requires such a plan to include: (1) publicizing a reliable, toll-free telephone number and staff to take calls from families of passengers involved in such an accident; (2) a process for notifying such families as soon as possible, and in person to the extent practicable, before providing any public notice of the passengers' names; (3) an assurance that each passenger's family will be consulted about the disposition of any remains and personal effects (including return to the family) within the foreign air carrier's control; (4) an assurance of retention by the foreign air carrier of unclaimed possessions for at least 18 months; and (5) an assurance of other specified services. Makes inclusion of such a plan in the application for a foreign air transportation permit, or request for exemption from the requirement of a permit, a condition for approval. Declares that a foreign air carrier shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of the foreign air carrier's performance in preparing or providing a passenger list pursuant to such a plan, unless the liability was caused by any conduct of the carrier which was grossly negligent or which constituted intentional misconduct.
People & committees
Del. Underwood, Robert A. [D-GU-At Large] · D–GU
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 105-148.
Became Public Law No: 105-148.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S12704-12705)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S12704-12705)
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10561-10563)
Mr. Duncan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 215.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 105-371.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation. H. Rept. 105-371.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7266)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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