December 18, 2025
Mrs. Sykes (for herself and Mr. Joyce of Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
To amend title 51, United States Code, to promote advancements and innovation in United States aeronautical research and technology for enhanced safety, noise, resiliency, and improved environmental impacts in United States aviation systems.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Airship Improvement Research for Safety and Humanitarian Innovation Projects Act
or the AIRSHIP Act
.
Sec. 2. Aeronautical research and development
(a) Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1)
airships could contribute to sustainable and clean air cargo transportation;
(2)
airships may one day find much needed applications in supporting disaster response efforts or delivering humanitarian aid to those in need and to areas that may be inaccessible; and
(3)
advances in airship design and technology could enable and reintroduce the world to practical, economical, and environmentally friendly airship transportation.
(b) Research and development
Section 40112 of title 51, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking The Administrator
and inserting the following:
(1) Objective
The Administrator;
(B)
in paragraph (1), as so designated, by inserting , airship,
after rotorcraft
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2) Approach
The Administrator may establish a program of competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, and government for the conduct of this research.; and
(2)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
by striking The Administrator
and inserting the following:
(1) Objective
The Administrator;
(B)
in paragraph (1), as so designated, in the first sentence, by inserting , airship,
after fixed wing vehicles
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2) Approach
The Administrator may establish a program of competitively awarded grants available to teams of researchers that may include the participation of individuals from universities, industry, and government for the conduct of this research.