Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill as well, which will allow our Nation's military to continue leasing space at airports at nominal rates. Current law requires that airports agree to certain conditions to receive Federal airport grants. One of these requirements is for an airport to generate revenue that sustains most, if not all, of the airport's operations. If airports continue to renew leases under which tenants of airport property pay discounted rates, they could violate their grant assurances and put their Federal airport funding in jeopardy. This bill allows airports to continue offering below-market rates to military tenants. I have no objection to this bill. However, I would like to note that our Nation's airport infrastructure needs far exceed the Federal funding available. I regret that we are not here discussing some accompanying language that would increase airports' ability to generate revenue, such as through the passenger facility charge or an increase in funding for the Airport Improvement Program. I am very pleased this bill is narrowly tailored to accommodate the important missions of the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force, as well as to protect the needs of airports. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”