For many members of Congress, the lure of adding long-haul flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is impossible to resist. Arlington, Virginia’s airport is easily accessible by car and public transportation, and its proximity to Capitol Hill makes it a favorite of lawmakers.
But on Monday, congressional negotiators introduced a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that would add 10 long-haul slots to the already congested airport, leading U.S. senators from Virginia and Maryland to quickly reject the bill. decision.
In a joint statement, Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia and Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland criticized the proposal, arguing that such a move could potentially endanger passenger safety.
“We are deeply frustrated that the leaders of the committee with jurisdiction over the FAA Reauthorization Act – none of whom represent the Capital Region – have decided to ignore the flashing red light from the recent near-collision of two planes at DCA and blocking even more flights on America’s busiest runway,” they said, referring to a near miss at the airport earlier this month.
“It goes without saying that the safety of the traveling public should be a higher priority than the convenience of a few legislators who want direct flights from their favorite airport,” the senators continued. “We will continue to fight this ridiculous and dangerous provision.”
While Delta Air Lines has been supportive of the long-haul provision, United Airlines has opposed the push.
The quartet of senators from Virginia and Maryland have voiced opposition to the proposed provision since last year.
However, for many lawmakers, a trip from the Capitol to the National Airport reigns supreme. Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, while fully equipped to handle long-haul flights, are miles from Washington, DC. And missing a flight due to a delayed vote can mean waiting until the next day to get home.
Nonetheless, Kaine, Warner, Cardin and Van Hollen remain opposed to the potential FAA reauthorization provision.
“Senators representing the region and the people who use this airport most unanimously oppose a provision negotiated without us that would ensure even more unacceptable delays and compromise passenger safety,” they added.
businessinsider
