WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after House Republicans filed an irresponsible FAA extension bill that would slash Essential Air Service Funding for communities nationwide:

“With this latest FAA extension, the House has demonstrated that it is not serious about getting a comprehensive bill done. The Senate will not consider passing an FAA extension with policy riders that hurt small communities across the country. By sending over a bill that can’t pass the Senate, we risk shutting down our nation’s aviation system. I urge the House to reconsider this plan and get back to work on a bill that makes our aviation system safer, more efficient, protects our small airports, and enables economic growth and job creation.”

The EAS program provides critical funding to support commercial air service to underserved, rural communities across the country. The program supports air service to more than 100 communities nationwide.

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