James Oberstar: “Mr. Chairman, I know, as I said at the outset, how the vote is going to come out on this. This is Republican dogma. And…”

“Mr. Chairman, I know, as I said at the outset, how the vote is going to come out on this. This is Republican dogma. And the Republican side is going to vote because some order has been passed from on high to vote for this name change. But I do want to make the reasoned argument; at least reason will be on our side, if not the votes. When the compact was entered into pursuant to act of Congress in 1986 to create the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, there was very clear and specific language in the lease. It is broad. It is comprehensive in its scope. "The Airports Authority is authorized to occupy, operate, control and use for the term of this lease all land, improvements, buildings, fixtures, easements, rights of interest, egress and appurtenances thereto belonging, owned by, used or controlled by or assigned to the United States of America." Subject to the provisions of this lease, the airport's authority shall have, consistent with the 50-year minimum term of this lease, full power and dominion over and shall have the same proprietary powers and be subject to the same restrictions with respect to Federal law as any other airport, except as provided herein.”