The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act allows civil aircraft to fly faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1) over land in the U.S., as long as they do not create a sonic boom that reaches the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required to update its regulations to make this possible without needing special permission.
Supporters of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act argue that this legislation could lead to advancements in aviation technology and economic growth, as it opens the door for new supersonic aircraft that can shorten travel times. Many in the aviation industry have praised the bill for promoting innovation and enhancing U.S. competitiveness in the global market.
Critics of the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act express concerns about the potential environmental impact and noise pollution associated with supersonic flights. There are fears that allowing supersonic travel over land could disrupt communities and wildlife, and some environmental groups have voiced opposition, arguing that the bill prioritizes speed over sustainability.
The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, sponsored by Ted Budd, does not show any direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, which are primarily in health professionals and retired individuals. The total contributions from these sectors amount to $315 million, but they do not have a clear connection to aviation or the specific subject matter of this bill. The lobbying activity related to this bill includes various organizations, but none appear to directly connect to Budd's top donor industries. This lack of overlap suggests that there is minimal risk of conflicts of interest arising from the sponsor's financial backers. Voters should be aware that while the financial landscape is significant, the absence of direct ties to the aviation sector indicates a lower likelihood of undue influence from donors on this legislation.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SAILDRONE INC. | SAILDRONE INC. | $410,042 |
| SAILDRONE INC. | SAILDRONE INC. | $377,725 |
| OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA INC | OUTDOOR ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, INC. | $158,589 |
| INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIATION | INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIATION | $150,000 |
| SBIR CONSORTIUM | JOHN WILLIAMS | $30,000 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND | BOUNDARY STONE PARTNERS | $30,000 |
| SEEING MACHINES | GRIFFIN STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE | GRIFFIN STRATEGIES, LLC | $30,000 |
| CREATIVE ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. | DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY, LLC | $30,000 |
| MIDDLE EAST FORUM | MIDDLE EAST FORUM | $20,000 |
| ATA ACTION | RS GROUP CONSULTING LLC | $6,000 |
| END SEPSIS | CURRENTSTRATEGIC LLC | undisclosed |
| TECHNEST SOLUTIONS S.L.A. DBA FORTRIS ON BEHALF OF NEXUSONE CONSULTING | CURRENTSTRATEGIC LLC | undisclosed |
| SBCC EQUIPMENT | DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY, LLC | undisclosed |
| BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORPORATION | SUMMIT HEALTH CARE CONSULTING | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Ted Budd, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
