The amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin updates the 30-year slot system that determines who can land and take-off at various airports. It would open airline hubs like New York LaGuardia and Chicago to air carriers serving Iowa. The existing system gives major airlines an enormous advantage over start-up carriers and undermines competition in under-served markets.
The amendment to modernize the slot system was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee, but ran up against a filibuster in the Senate. As a member of the conference committee charged with reconciling the airport bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, Grassley was able to ensure the amendment he proposed with Harkin was included in the conference report. The amendment was supported by the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Sen. John McCain.
"This is a victory for Iowa. It will increase the options and hopefully reduce costs for people flying to and from our state. This means an increased chance of competition and services for cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, service to O'Hare from Sioux City, regional jet service from Dubuque and improved service from many of Iowa's smaller airline markets," Harkin said. "It's good news for our economy too. Affordable and accessible air service is important to businesses and the economies of smaller communities."
"Overall, the airport bill is key to improving crowded airports and streamlining air traffic congestion," Grassley said. "And for Iowa, the amendment we've gotten included in the bill is critical to fostering the competition needed to reduce high air fares and give Iowans more choices for air travel. The lack of meaningful airline competition in Iowa affects our ability to attract and keep a competitive business climate and unfairly impacts the traveling public."
The federal aviation bill would spend $40 billion over the next three years for structural improvements at airports and to air traffic management systems. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the conference committee report after next week's congressional recess. The Senate vote will follow the House vote. The President is expected to sign the airport bill.
