Dusty Johnson: “Our Nation has always had a national commitment to infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, that has been true whether it has been…”

“Our Nation has always had a national commitment to infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, that has been true whether it has been the interstate highway system, universal telephone service, or rural electrification. We don't ask each rural county to pay exclusively for their portion of the interstate or high voltage transmission line that resides within their county borders. That, sir, would be absurd. These are assets with national benefit. Now, that is the same wisdom, thankfully, that we apply to our national aviation infrastructure. That does not mean an airport everywhere, of course; not any more than it means an interstate everywhere. It does mean a national commitment to having the essential infrastructure necessary to bind together 50 States into one unified America. This amendment destroys that national commitment to infrastructure and to essential air service. It is misguided, and I urge a ``no'' vote. I will close, Mr. Chair, by noting this: There may be some airports within an hour, but there are many, including in South Dakota, that are 2 hours or 3 hours away from these hubs. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”