Next Step House Floor

The US House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure yesterday resoundingly approved legislation that continues to apply pressure to the federal government to re-open Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to on-demand air charter and general aviation operations.

H.R. 1496, titled "Return of General Aviation to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Act of 2005," would direct the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, to allow the resumption of nonscheduled, commercial air carrier (air charter) and general aviation operations at DCA within two months after the bill’s enactment into law.

A similar bill was introduced in the Senate in February. The next step for H.R. 1496 is the House Floor.

"It was clear at yesterday’s markup that the leadership of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure will rightfully not tolerate any further delays by our federal government in reopening our nation’s capitol airport," NATA President James K. Coyne said today. "It is time that the government act or, clearly, Congressional consequences will occur, which we wholeheartedly support."

"I again thank Chairmen Young and Mica and Ranking Members Oberstar and Costello for their leadership on this important matter," Coyne concluded. "The return of charter and general aviation activity to America’s capitol airport is long overdue."

FMI: www.nata.aero