Manchin strongly opposes DCA perimeter change, calls it ‘unacceptable’.
Sen. Joe Manchin Opposes Changing Perimeter Rule for Washington National Airport
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has taken a firm stance against altering the perimeter rule for the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, calling it “unacceptable” to change the rules for long-distance flights taken by members of Congress.
In a letter addressed to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and ranking member Ted Cruz (R-TX), Manchin expressed his concerns about the potential impact of changing the perimeter rule on regional airports.
Proposal to Amend the DCA Perimeter Rule
The proposed amendment seeks to modify the DCA perimeter rule that was established by Congress in 1966. This rule currently imposes restrictions on the number of long-distance flights allowed within a 1,250-mile radius of the airport. Presently, only 20 daily round trips to 10 routes over the perimeter are permitted, with seven airlines operating these flights.
The Senate’s proposed bill, known as the Direct Capital Access Act of 2023, aims to add 28 new flights within and beyond the perimeter at DCA. However, Manchin argues that this would place a burden on small to medium-sized communities located within the airport’s perimeter.
Concerns About Increased Long-Haul Flights
Manchin highlighted the role of DCA in serving regional airports with shorter flights and smaller aircraft. He emphasized that non-stop flights beyond the perimeter are currently limited to federally-granted exemptions. Changing the perimeter rule, according to Manchin, would result in an increase in long-haul flights due to their higher profit margins. As DCA is a space-constrained airport, accommodating more long-haul flights would require the elimination of other flights.
Manchin firmly stated that the bill should not be considered solely based on increasing travel opportunities for lawmakers. He emphasized the importance of maintaining connectivity for countless communities to the nation’s capital and preserving regional airports as gateways to the world and centers of commerce.
Opposition and Congressional Consideration
The bill was introduced by Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), with Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) as a co-sponsor. It is currently under consideration by the Senate Commerce Committee to be included in the 2023 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill. With the agency’s authorization set to expire on Sept. 20, Congress is actively working on a series of bills and amendments to meet the deadline.
While the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has already approved its bill to reauthorize the FAA, the legislation is facing obstacles in the Senate committee due to ongoing debates over airport restrictions.
Airline CEOs Express Concerns
The CEOs of American, Alaska, and United airlines have released a joint statement opposing the proposed changes. They argue that altering DCA operations to the proposed scale would lead to significant passenger delays and compromise the airport’s operational integrity.
CEOs Robert Isom, Ben Minicucci, and Scott Kirby expressed concerns about the potential impact on the timely passage of critical FAA Reauthorization legislation, which aims to improve safety and efficiency in air travel.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) also voiced his opposition to the bill, stating that he will do everything in his power to prevent it from becoming law if it disrupts the balance between the three regional airports.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the White House for comment.
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