In case you missed it, even as Congress is on recess over the month of August, the debate over affordable access to and from our nation’s capital is continuing in the states. Capital Access Alliance spokesperson Brian Walsh this week joined the Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy on Talk Radio 98.3 FM WLAC to discuss the ongoing debate concerning additional flights to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Walsh outlined the need for modernizing the perimeter rule, including the increase in air travel nationwide and Washington, D.C. having the most expensive ticket prices in the country. Additionally, Walsh noted the bipartisan support for increasing competition and adding more flights, including U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX) who is working to ensure more affordable access to the nation’s capital on the part of his constituents.
Walsh also noted the effort’s primary opposition, United Airlines, which controls roughly 70 percent of all the gates at Dulles International Airport (IAD) and is leading a lobbying campaign to maintain its government-sponsored competitive advantage. Walsh highlighted that this issue on Capitol Hill is similar to past debates over government control at airports, such as the past Wright Amendment fight in Dallas-Fort Worth, and that it is time for the government to advocate for free market principles which balance ticket prices in the Washington, D.C. air market and give consumers more choices.
Listen to the entire interview HERE
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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.