Mann Advocates for Rural Airports, Kansas Aviation Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to push for his priorities in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the FAA Reauthorization Act tomorrow.

“After agriculture, aviation has the second largest impact on my state's economy,” said Rep. Mann. “Over the past year I've advocated for an FAA Reauthorization that is cost-effective and invests in programs that are crucial to the aviation industry in Kansas and across the country. Most importantly, I've advocated for us to reauthorize an aviation bill that prioritizes the safety of the aviation industry. In order for the aviation industry to thrive we need an FAA that adopts to long-overdue policy changes and regulatory requirements. America has been and should continue to be the Gold Standard of aviation.”

Rep. Mann’s priorities include addressing increased global competition, rapid developments in technology, and the workforce shortage facing the aviation industry. Additionally, Rep. Mann continues to be a leading voice for Essential Air Service (EAS) airports in the Big First, which rural communities rely on to connect them to larger communities and the rest of the country.

You can watch Rep. Mann’s full remarks here.

In June 2023, Rep. Mannvoted to pass the FAA reauthorization bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In July 2023, Rep. Mann also supported the bill on the House Floor.

Rep. Mann represents the Big First District of Kansas, which is part the Air Capital of the World. Aviation has the second largest impact on Kansas’ economy after agriculture, bringing more than 91,000 jobs to the state. The Big First is home to seven commercial airports, six public-use airports, and five essential air service communities. Rep. Mann proudly serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Subcommittee on Aviation.

As stated in his Commitment to the Big First, Rep. Mann believes Kansans deserve an economy where innovation can thrive and is free of burdensome red-tape from the federal government.

Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First

Click here to download Rep. Mann’s full remarks 

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