September 24, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 166 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H4898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1115
          REINSTATE REGIONAL AIRPORTS TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMIES

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support of the Restoring Essential Service to Small Airports Act, a 
bill introduced by Congressman Trone, which I am proud to cosponsor.
  This bipartisan bill would reinstate several regional airports back 
into the Essential Air Service program, which provides rural and 
underserved communities access to the national air transportation 
system.
  The States that will benefit include my home State of Pennsylvania, 
as well as Kansas, New York, South Dakota, Maryland, and Wyoming.
  Many rural communities in these States were struggling prior to 
COVID-19, and it is important that access to affordable commercial 
flights to in-demand locations continue.
  Without this lifeline, commercial service will cease to exist, 
presenting a new set of challenges when it comes to economic 
development and the long-term growth and sustainability of these 
communities.
  As a result of the reinstatement of these airports into the EAS 
program, a long-overdue boost to local economies will occur.

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