Hurd Urges Support for SAT-DCA Nonstop Flight

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar have introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, that supports active-duty military personnel and their families who frequently travel back and forth to Washington. Amendment #147 would allow airlines the option to provide nonstop service from airports near military medical facilities, including San Antonio International Airport (SAT), directly to Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the Pentagon. The rule was made an order last night and a vote is expected on the House floor this week.

Due to a federal rule made in 1966, San Antonio lies less than 150 miles beyond the 1250 mile perimeter for direct flights to DCA. If adopted, the amendment would allow airlines the option to swap up to four slots in total from inside the perimeter to outside the perimeter, if the free-market demand merits such.

"San Antonio is home to the largest Joint Base in the DOD, more than 80,000 military and civilian professionals, the DoD's only Level 1 Trauma Center, and two VA Hospitals that serve the nation's largest active and retired military population," said Hurd. "A nonstop flight to DCA would save the military countless hours and taxpayer dollars that could be spent on critical national security needs. I urge my colleagues to support this minimal adjustment that serves thousands of active duty service members and their families."

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