FAA Reauthorization Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. Chairman, like many Members of the House, I represent a city with a small hub airport. While multiple airlines provide service at small hub airports, most flight routes have only one airline option. Many of my constituents perceive that this lack of competition creates a higher rate of delayed flights. I share their concern and offer this amendment to require the Department of Transportation to study the issue.

Specifically, the Department would analyze whether the lack of competitive flight options on some routes affects the frequency of delays and cancellations. The Department is already required to report on flight delays and cancellations, and my amendment would strengthen this report.

Mr. Chairman, the availability of competitive options on flight routes is affected by a number of factors which may include industry consolidation and lack of competition on certain routes, as well as the size of the community served.

This amendment would give us greater understanding about the cause of flight delays at small and medium hub airports so that we may continue to improve air service for those communities. I urge adoption of the amendment

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