Huelskamp Supports Salina Air Service with TSA Legislation

Press Release

On Friday, Congressman Huelskamp signed on to cosponsor the TSA Fairness Act to ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) services at the Salina Regional Airport.

TSA withdrew screening services at Salina when the previous air carrier stopped flights from Salina. Earlier this month Great Lakes Airlines and the Salina Airport Authority came an agreement to provide service to and from Denver, however, in order for those to begin in April there must be airport screening provided by TSA. On February 16, Huelskamp sent a letter to TSA urging service to be reinstated in Salina.

In the days following, TSA denied the Salina Airport Authority's request to bring TSA passenger checkpoint screening back. The Huelskamp-sponsored legislation requires TSA to restore passenger screening services to any airport that lost service after January 1, 2013 and that has a guarantee from a commercial airline to resume service, like Salina Regional Airport.

Congressman Huelskamp gave the following statement on the bill:

"TSA has failed to give credible reasons for declining to provide TSA services to the Salina airport and other small rural airports. This legislation will reverse that decision and ensure TSA does not discriminate against smaller rural communities like Salina. The air service agreement with Great Lakes Airlines will support Salina's continued economic growth and improve access to it and other surrounding communities. I am hopeful Congress will act quickly on this simple fix to ensure TSA fulfills its mission to "ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.'"

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