Smith Votes against Cost Increases to Small Airports

Press Release

Smith Votes against Cost Increases to Small Airports

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) today voted against H.R. 915, the four-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, pointing to a provision which requires additional and costly training, equipment and personnel at all airports and which threatens small and medium airports. The bill passed 277 to 136.

Yesterday, Smith, along with Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced an amendment which would have saved small airports from having to comply with costly new regulations. Smith also testified in favor of the amendment yesterday before the House Rules Committee.

Currently, the FAA reauthorization bill includes a provision which could force small airports to comply with National Fire Protection Associations standards, which would lead to increased staffing, training, equipment and infrastructure requirements. Small airports particularly, such as those serving the Third District of Nebraska, would be hard hit by the unfunded mandates.

New equipment and infrastructure requirements also could force airports to divert scarce resources away from critical safety, security, and capacity projects at a time when airports are striving to improve runway safety.

Though Smith voted against the bill, he did support the permanent authorization for the Essential Air Service (EAS) from $77 million annually to $150 million per year. Under the EAS, the Department of Transportation makes payments to air carriers which provide air service to rural communities.

"I'm pleased to see the increase in EAS funding, but that money won't do any good if our small and medium airports are forced to close because of unfunded mandates by the federal government. Essential Air Service is just that - essential. These airports are integral to the economies of our small communities," Smith said.

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