Young Secures Alaskan Changes to FAA Reauthorization for Essential Air Service, Part 135 Operators, and Aviation Safety Assets

Statement

After squaring off before the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee yesterday on legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, today Alaska Congressman Don Young secured specific Alaska provisions in the bill to preserve Essential Air Service, protect Alaskan aviation safety assets, and exempt Alaskan air charters and taxis -- serving remote communities and villages -- from costly user fees.

Following a 10-hour Committee markup on H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innovation Reform and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, Congressman Young shared the following statement:

"I said it yesterday and I'll say it again, unless this bill is fixed I will not support it," said Congressman Young. "We came a long way today -- restoring mandatory funding for Essential Air Service, making major exemptions for our Part 135 operators, and ensuring Alaska's safety and navigation assets cannot be sold or shuttered in the future. This is a process, which is why I supported the bill's passage today in Committee. I've already received a number of commitments from Chairmen Shuster -- to ensure we have the necessary oversight for our safety assets and airspace, and that our aviation system doesn't add unnecessary burdens and costs for our many rural communities -- and I am dedicated to making sure Alaskan aviation interests are protected as this bill moves forward. I thank the Chairman for working with me and for understanding the vital role aviation plays in the lives of all Alaskans."

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