Free Love Field

FREE LOVE FIELD -- (House of Representatives - June 14, 2005)

(Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I love freedom, and I think Americans should have the freedom to fly whenever they want to, wherever they want to and on whatever airline they want to.

Right now that is against the law in Dallas because of the Wright amendment. This outdated law restricts flights out of Dallas Love Field to just those States near Texas.

It is not the Federal Government's job to dictate to passengers how, when and where they can fly. That is why the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling) and I introduced the Right to Fly Act.

George Will noted Ronald Reagan's take on government saying, ``Washington's approach to intervening in industries is if it moves, tax it; if it keeps moving, regulate it; if it stops moving, subsidize it.''

Will continues, ``Regarding airlines, the policy is if they are failing, keep them flying; if they are prospering, burden them.''

Well, the Wright amendment has outlived its usefulness, and it is time to repeal it. I urge my colleagues to free Love Field and to cosponsor the Right to Fly.

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