Jay Rockefeller: “I rise to support the Bingaman-Snowe amendment, which would bar the Department of Transportation from using any funds to…”

“I rise to support the Bingaman-Snowe amendment, which would bar the Department of Transportation from using any funds to implement cost-sharing requirement for communities that receive subsidized air service through the Essential Air Service Program--EAS. As ranking Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee, I work very hard to improve air service for small and rural communities. Most recently, I worked with Senator Lott on legislation to address this important issue. We introduced the Small Community and Rural Air Service Revitalization Act of 2003 to address the growing air services needs of small communities. The legislation became the basis for the small community air service provisions in Senate FAA reauthorization bill and ultimately the FAA Conference Report. The FAA Conference Report establishes a series of pilot programs to help communities improve their existing air service. I strongly believe that communities need new resources and tools to improve their air service options.”