; (3) recommend consumer protection improvements to the air travel experience of passengers with disabilities; (4) advise the Secretary with regard to the implementation of section 41705 of title 49, United States Code; and (5) conduct such activities as the Secretary considers necessary to carry out this section. (c) Membership (1) In general The Advisory Committee shall be composed of at least 1 representative of each of the following groups: (A) Passengers with disabilities. (B) National disability organizations. (C) Air carriers. (D) Airport operators. (E) Contractor service providers. (F) Aircraft manufacturers. (G) Wheelchair manufacturers. (H) National veterans organizations representing disabled veterans. (2) Appointment The Secretary of Transportation shall appoint each member of the Advisory Committee. (3) Vacancies A vacancy in the Advisory Committee shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (d) Chairperson The Secretary of Transportation shall designate, from among the members appointed under subsection (c), an individual to serve as chairperson of the Advisory Committee. (e) Travel expenses Members of the Advisory Committee shall serve without pay, but shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (f) Reports (1) In general Not later than 14 months after the date of establishment of the Advisory Committee, and annually thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Secretary of Transportation a report on the needs of passengers with disabilities in air travel, including— (A) an assessment of existing disability-related access barriers, and any emerging disability-related access barriers that will likely be an issue in the next 5 calendar years; (B) an evaluation of the extent to which the Department of Transportation’s programs and activities are eliminating disability-related access barriers; (C) a description of the Advisory Committee’s actions