Congressional Delegations From Rural States Opposed To The Change

President Donald Trump's budget document cuts $175 million from the Essential Airline Services (EAS) program, and that has lawmakers in several rural states preparing to fight for the subsidy.

The McClatchy news service reports that, in emails to the Dakota Media Group, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) say that they will continue to support the program which brings access to airline services to rural communities.

Thune, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, said that the decision about the EAS program one that is under the purview of Congress. "Presidential budgets are not take-it-or-leave-it policy documents," Thune said in an email Friday, "but rather policy recommendations the administration would like Congress to enact. Ultimately, it is up to Congress to enact a budget, pass appropriations bills, and ensure effective programs are efficiently funded.

"We will carry out that task in a manner that grows the economy and benefits South Dakotans."

Minnesota lawmakers had a similar reaction to the proposed cuts. Rep. Rick Nolan, (D-MN) said in a statement last Thursday that the cut was a "slap in the face to rural residents" that demonstrates a "severe lack of knowledge about our nation's rural communities."

The EAS program has often been the target of budget hawks. In introducing an amendment to the most recent FAA reauthorization bill, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) said spending on the program has increased 600 percent since its inception while half the seats on airplanes that benefit from the service go unused. "It is simply unfair to expect families in 99 percent of cities to subsidize convenient travel options for passengers flying in and out of the Essential Air Service airports. Congress should recognize that this 37-year temporary program is no longer essential and should eliminate it," Lankford said at the time.

McClatchy reports that some airport officials in northern Minnesota indicated that cuts to the service are offered regularly, and it is routinely restored by Congress. This year is expected to be no different, they say.

(Image from U.S. Senate video)

FMI: www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/small-community-rural-air-service/essential-air-service