Congress this week approved legislation creating a new federal pilot program that will allow repairs or replacement of failing sound insulation in homes near major airports, a move supporters say will benefit families living under busy flight paths near Sea-Tac Airport.

The Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act was approved Dec. 22, according to the office of Adam Smith, whose district includes communities surrounding the airport.

For decades, federal sound insulation programs have reduced aircraft noise in nearby neighborhoods, but existing rules generally prevented the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from funding repairs when earlier insulation deteriorated or failed. Smith’s office said the new legislation addresses that gap by creating a limited FAA pilot program that allows select large hub airports to repair or replace previously installed insulation.

“This legislation fixes a clear gap in federal policy that has left families dealing with failing sound insulation and no path forward,” Smith said. “It creates a targeted solution that helps protect public health and quality of life while supporting the continued operation of our aviation system.”

Under the bill, participating airports must meet strict eligibility standards and use independent verification to ensure the program remains narrowly focused, according to Smith’s office.

The legislation drew praise from regional and local leaders representing airport adjacent communities. Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa said the measure will allow the port to build on its existing sound insulation efforts.

“This provision will allow us to leverage our existing $5 million Port Levy Fund investment in our Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program to identify and fix an increased number of homes that are no longer receiving the expected noise protection,” Hasegawa said, calling the bill “a win for the community.”

Leaders in SeaTac and Des Moines also welcomed the bill’s passage. SeaTac Mayor Mohamed Egal said airport connectivity must be paired with protections for nearby neighborhoods.

“This proposal advances a focused, homeowner centered approach to repairing or replacing aging sound insulation where it is no longer performing as intended,” Egal said.

Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton said the legislation will directly benefit residents living beneath SeaTac’s flight paths.

“This will help improve the quality of life for some Des Moines residents who are most impacted by living under SeaTac’s flight paths,” Buxton said. “Passing this legislation is a real step forward.”