Press Releases

Yesterday, Representative Bergman (MI-01) spoke on the House floor in opposition to an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill which would have severely harmed airports in Michigan’s First District. As an airline pilot with more than 15,000 flight hours, Rep. Bergman implored his colleagues to vote against this amendment designed to eliminate the Essential Air Service (EAS), the critical funding which sustains rural American airports.

In his speech, Rep. Bergman said, “As one of only two commercial pilots in Congress with three-plus decades in the air, I understand very personally the importance of having a strong FAA Reauthorization Bill…[but] I have significant concerns about several amendments…, especially one aimed squarely at Michigan’s First District and other rural areas by eliminating the Essential Air Service and I implore all members to oppose the McClintock amendment number 62."

Congressman Bergman also released the following statement:

"The Essential Air Service (EAS) is just that, essential. Without this critical program, Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula would be cut off from the enormous benefits of being a part of the National Air Transportation System. This week, the House voted on an amendment to shut down the EAS, cutting off this critical lifeline from the thousands of Americans who rely on EAS flights. In Michigan’s First District alone, we have seven of the nine EAS eligible airports. I have worked to educate my colleagues on the importance of EAS to rural communities like ours and thankfully the amendment was defeated, 49-386. I will continue to advocate for commonsense programs, like EAS, that bring opportunities and options to Northern Michigan and the Upper Penisula."

Because of Rep. Bergman’s staunch defense of small community and regional airports which heavily depend on EAS, the amendment failed with a vote of 49-386, thus safeguarding EAS funding and ensuring that airports relying on this resource remain properly supported.

Watch the full speech from Representative Bergman here.