Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment from the distinguished gentleman from California.

Rural districts like the one I represent often get written off as ``flyover country.'' Essential Air Service, or EAS, ensures that ``flyover country'' is just a saying and is not a reality.

As I have mentioned before, Minnesota's Eighth District is the most beautiful place in the world. Just take a flight to International Falls, Minnesota, and check out Voyageurs National Park, or fly to Brainerd and recreate in one of the many beautiful family-owned resorts. Fly to Bemidji and see beautiful Lake Bemidji, or take a flight to Hibbing, Minnesota, and fly over the biggest mining country that we have. None of this would be possible without EAS.

For most in Minnesota's Eighth District, getting down to Minneapolis Airport can be a real challenge. The EAS airports in my district provide an opportunity for my rural constituents to quickly, conveniently, and safely connect with the rest of this Nation and the world.

I want the constituents that I represent to have access to air travel just like everyone else, not be punished because we live in rural America.

My constituents matter. Our local economies and our local airports matter, and rural America matters.

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