HR9678

HR9678 was introduced on July 14, 2026, by Rep. García (D-IL) and cosponsored by Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA). It was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Education and Workforce Committees. The bill requires employers of airport service workers at covered hub airports to pay the prevailing wage and provide fringe benefits, as determined by the Secretary of Labor. This is a regulatory mandate, not an authorization of federal spending. The money trail is a cost increase for private-sector employers, not a government outlay. No funding is appropriated. The bill targets labor costs for airlines and air cargo companies that directly employ or contract airport service workers. The affected public companies—Delta Air Lines ($DAL), Southwest Airlines ($LUV), United Airlines ($UAL), UPS ($UPS), and FedEx ($FDX)—face higher operating expenses if the bill becomes law. The exact cost impact depends on prevailing wage determinations, which could vary by airport and worker classification. Historically, similar bills have faced opposition from the airline industry, and the current early stage suggests low near-term probability. Key legislative steps remain: committee hearings, markups, floor votes in both chambers, and presidential action. Given the 119th Congress is in its second year, the window for passage is narrow. The bipartisan cosponsorship provides some momentum, but the bill is unlikely to advance without significant committee activity. Investors should monitor for committee markups or a companion bill in the Senate as indicators of progress.