[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    REAUTHORIZATION OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS

  (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 applaud 
the passage of H.R. 302, the Federal Aviation Administration 
Reauthorization Act of 2018.
  This bipartisan legislation includes a 5-year reauthorization of FAA 
programs that promote safety and American leadership in aviation. It 
also strengthens consumer voices and invests in our airport 
infrastructure.
  Importantly, the Essential Air Service program was reauthorized for 
an additional 5 years through fiscal year 2023.
  This program is vital for rural America. It ensures taxpayers in 
small, rural communities are connected to the national transportation 
system. This program provides links to hub airports at more than 170 
locations in 36 States and territories, including three in my 
congressional district, which would otherwise lack commercial air 
service.
  Reliable transportation plays a key role in growing jobs all over the 
country, and rural America should be no exception.

  Additionally, this bill includes important reforms to the Federal 
Contract Tower Program, which has a proven record of enhancing aviation 
safety and provides significant cost savings to the taxpayers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the House approved this bill to keep all 
Americans connected to reliable and safe air transportation.

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