[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ALLEN:
  S. 433. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
develop and implement standards for the operation of non-scheduled, 
commercial air carrier (air charter) and general aviation operations at 
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
would re-open Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to all 
aviation. Since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, general 
aviation flights have not been permitted to operate in and out of 
Reagan National Airport. My legislation would direct the executive 
branch to develop and implement standards for the resumption of general 
aviation flights.
  The closing of Reagan National to general aviation was 
understandable, prudent and tolerable in the weeks and months following 
the tragedy of September 11. The safety and security of the capital 
region is paramount and will always guide our decisions. But, despite 
Congressional action mandating a detailed plan to re-open the airport 
to general aviation following a massive strengthening of our airports 
and air traffic control system serving the Washington area, the Federal 
Government has done little to develop a plan that would allow for the 
use of Reagan National for private aircraft.
  Closing Reagan National to general aviation has had a substantial 
negative effect on jobs and the economy of the capital region. Non-
scheduled air carrier operations at Reagan National once generated an 
estimated $50 million a year in direct economic activity from charter 
revenue, aircraft handling and refueling services. The lack of charter 
and general aviation passengers coming into the city, hotels, 
restaurants and other service businesses near Reagan National have 
suffered a significant, negative economic impact as well.
  Since September 11, 2001, air charter operators have participated in 
a rigorous security program that makes their operations just as safe, 
if not safer, than those of commercial airlines. Charter operators also 
have the capability to check the names of their passengers against 
government terrorist watch lists. Given the unique location of the 
airport, stakeholders in the general aviation industry are willing to 
comply with virtually any rational government policy that would grant 
access to Reagan National for general aviation aircraft. Such proposals 
include using ``gateway'' airports in which all flights into Reagan 
National must first land for additional screening, and added screening 
of pilots and passengers. There are also new technological advances 
that could be required for private planes using Reagan National. 
Notwithstanding the willingness of those in general aviation to comply 
with reasonable security procedures that may be implemented, government 
agencies have remained stolidly silent on the issue.
  That is why I have decided to introduce legislation directing the 
Department of Homeland Security to finalize and implement regulations 
that would again allow general aviation flights to operate at Reagan 
National. The measure allows for reasonable requirements to ensure the 
security of operations at Reagan National. The requirements include 
screening and certification of flight and ground crews; advance 
clearance of passenger manifests; physical screening of passengers and 
luggage; the physical inspection of aircraft; special flight procedures 
and limiting the airports from which flights can originate.
  The Government was able to find conditions under which commercial 
aviation could operate out of Reagan National following the September 
11 terrorist attacks. I see no reason why similar conditions or 
requirements could not be developed to allow for general aviation to 
also begin operations again.
  Congressionally mandated actions on this issue have yet to result in 
a plan or set of circumstances that would fully re-open Reagan 
National. Thus, I believe it is necessary to introduce legislation that 
would direct the Department of Homeland Security to do so.
  I agree that security is the most important factor in this debate; 
however I also believe reasonable requirements can be put in place to 
ensure the safety of general aviation flights and help the local 
businesses that depend on this mode of transportation for their 
livelihood.
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