Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2024. This bill would temporarily extend specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and activities through May 10, 2024. I have always been a firm believer in the importance of comprehensive transportation and infrastructure funding. As the proud representative of Texas' 18th District, I understand deeply the immense benefit that having a well-funded airport and airway system can bring to a city's economy. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, resides in my district in the greater Houston area. This airport alone has brought in over $14.1 billion in revenue to the State of Texas, representing over 20 percent of Texas' total international trade. At the national scale, a study conducted by Airports Council International found that America's airports account for more than 7 percent of America's GDP. In addition, this revenue is only expected to grow, with a predicted compound annual growth rate of 8.76 percent from 2022 to 2028. Reauthorizing funding will allow for the continued maintenance and effective functioning of airports just like IAH across the country. The American people cannot afford a delay to this funding. This bill will also allow for resources to be directed properly, ensuring that airports are not forced to redirect resources away from safety due to a lack of funding.…”