Capital Access Alliance Issues Statement Following Passage Of Short-Term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Authorization Extension

Modernizing The Outdated Perimeter Rule Must Remain A Priority When Congress Addresses Full FAA Reauthorization In Early 2024

Washington, D.C. – The Capital Access Alliance (CAA), a coalition of transportation and business leaders from Virginia and around the country seeking to make air travel to and from Washington, D.C. more accessible and affordable, released a statement following Congress passing a three-month extension to the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Authorization set to expire at the end of 2023.

“This short-term extension should give Congress the time they need to comprehensively address a full Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill in early 2024 – and as they do so, modernizing the perimeter rule at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) must remain a priority,”  said CAA spokesperson and Northern Virginia resident Brian Walsh.

“Because of limited consumer choice, travelers going to and from the Washington, D.C. region are forced to pay the highest ticket prices in the nation and face longer travel times due to unnecessary connections. Increasing competition at DCA will improve affordable access to and from the national capital region to better serve consumers.

“Opponents are intent on protecting one airline’s dominance of the Washington, D.C. market and continue to mislead stakeholders and consumers, but  FAA data has confirmed that DCA can safely and effectively handle additional flights,” noted Walsh.

“Modernizing the perimeter rule has garnered broad bipartisan support from Members of Congress and prominent and diverse voices nationwide. Adding more flights at DCA will give consumers more choices at lower prices, and Congress should continue to work together in the new year to increase affordable access to our nation’s capital,” concluded Walsh.

About CAA

CAA consists of diverse members from around the country and various industries, including transportation, general business groups, the small business sector, entrepreneurs and job creators, organizations focused on economic development, and leaders in the civic and policy communities.

Learn more about Capital Access Alliance HERE.

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