Fact Check: Desperate Former Congressman Nolan Still Says Chip Cravaack Doesn't Understand Importance of MN Aviation Industry

Press Release

Former congressman Rick Nolan still doesn't get it. This morning at the Duluth News Tribune-Duluth Chamber of Commerce debate, it's obvious that Nolan would rather diminish his own credibility than admit that 24-year Navy aviator, commercial airline pilot, and Air Line Pilots Association union representative Cravaack worked to ensure that no Minnesota airports lost Essential Air Serve (EAS) this past year.

"Short on solutions and desperate for traction, it comes as no surprise that the former congressman is resorting to feeble political attacks rather than acknowledging the facts. After a five-year delay and 23 temporary extensions, the FAA compromise we reached is critical to advancing the nearly eight percent of our nation's economy impacted by the aviation industry. As chairman of the EAS working group, I worked hard to ensure this long-term funding bill protects Minnesota aviation and construction workers, and finally provides much needed certainty for family budgets," said Chip Cravaack.

Claim:

Chip Cravaack doesn't understand the important of Minnesota's aviation industry.

Fact:

Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica designated Cravaack to chair the House EAS working group that was charged with developing proposals to reach common ground with the U.S. Senate on the EAS issue. The group's proposals and counteroffers formed the basis of the eventual agreement that resulted in much needed reforms to the program, while ensuring none of Minnesota's EAS airports were eliminated.

"EAS, FAA funding prepped for passage," International Falls Journal, 2/4/12

"Cravaack, staff deserve credit on EAS," International Falls Journal, 2/11/12

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