Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district that includes DCA, issued the following statement tonight after the defeat of an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill which would have added new beyond-perimeter flights to DCA:

“The defeat of this amendment is a win for our region, for my constituents, and for all passengers who value safe and efficient operations at DCA.

“I thank our bicameral DMV regional delegation who stood unified against this attempt to force changes on DCA which would have hurt safety and increased delays, cancellations, and costs. I thank my colleagues who gave fiery remarks in debate today: Ranking Member Larsen, Congresswoman Norton, and Reps. Bost and Wittman. And I send my appreciation to our allies who helped build a strong coalition in both parties and delivered votes against this amendment from every region of the country.

“This strong bipartisan vote of opposition should make it clear, as the Senate takes up their own FAA authorization, that proposals to weaken DCA’s slot and perimeter rules do not have majority support in the Congress.”

The amendment was defeated on a bipartisan vote of 229-205 (roll call vote here). Beyer’s remarks in floor debate earlier today on the measure are here.