Bill Barrett: “as we begin the fiscal year 1997 appropriations process, I'd like to call your attention to a small but important…”

“as we begin the fiscal year 1997 appropriations process, I'd like to call your attention to a small but important program to rural America--the Essential Air Service. EAS was created in the early 1980's to provide assistance to small communities, and to maintain an integrated, national air service network. Air service is vital to rural communities, it is their link to the rest of the world. Over the past several years, funding for EAS has steadily decreased, falling victim to an urban-dominated Congress, and budget cuts. Therefore, I've introduced an alternative to the EAS, the Small Community Air Service Act. My bill, H.R. 2881 would allow States to charge a small fee on passenger tickets to fund an EAS-type program. It would be designed by the State, and for the State. I believe my bill is a viable alternative to the current program. I ask my colleagues to seriously consider H.R. 2881. And as we continue the appropriations process I ask for your support of EAS.”