Washington, D.C. –U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN-8) made the following statement after signing the conference report to the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which would reauthorize long-term FAA funding levels after years of political gridlock:

"After a five-year delay and 23 temporary extensions, this FAA compromise is critical to advancing the nearly eight percent of our nation’s economy impacted by the aviation industry.  I commend my colleagues in the House and Senate for working toward a middle-ground solution in the best interest of American workers and their families.”

The legislation, now prepared for passage, ensures long-term aviation safety and infrastructure funding for the next four years.  Importantly, the legislation will not terminate existing Essential Air Service (EAS) programs in Minnesota.  Conference reports cannot be amended.

“While I have always said that EAS needs to be reformed, I’ve worked hard to ensure this long-term funding bill protects Minnesota aviation and construction workers, and finally provides much needed certainty for family budgets.”

Specifically, the FAA reauthorization freezes the program (limits participation in EAS to those communities currently participating in the program), establishes an average 10 enplanement per day requirement for communities 175 miles or less from the nearest medium or large hub airport, requires a $1,000 per passenger subsidy cap, and authorizes flat line funding for the program for the next four years.

Additionally, in light of Minnesota’s seasonal construction challenges, Rep. Cravaack previously secured language to ensure Minnesota airport construction programs are completed on schedule and on budget.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

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