Steve Cohen: “Reform, not repeal is what we should be looking for. Essential Air Service is a critical transportation lifeline for…”

“Reform, not repeal is what we should be looking for. Essential Air Service is a critical transportation lifeline for many rural communities. It was put in place to guarantee small communities maintain a minimum level of air service. The most important State is Alaska, where the majority of surface transportation is not passable year-round. Alaskans rely heavily on air travel to stay connected. This would be an economic disaster for the State. There are currently approximately 60 communities in Alaska alone, and another 110 in the lower 48, that depend on service through EAS. As a friend of Don Young, Mary Peltola, and the Alaskan people, I ask Members to vote ``no'' and to continue EAS service to the people of Alaska and others in rural areas that need it. I oppose the amendment.”