WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to protect the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a program that provides critical funding to support commercial air service to underserved, rural communities across the country. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) has introduced an amendment to end the job-supporting EAS program.

“This proposal is a non-starter. I have seen time and again how important the EAS program is to the economic development of small communities. It attracts businesses, supports jobs, and provides a vital connection to the global marketplace,” Chairman Rockefeller said. “It makes no sense to end a program that creates so much economic value. It makes no sense to choke off rural residents’ access to air travel — and their connection to jobs and family. I will fight tooth and nail against any proposal to eliminate or cut funding for this critical program.”

EAS supports air service to more than 100 communities nationwide.

###