"By placing this hold, I intend to get the attention of members of Congress who are key to increasing airline competition," Grassley said. "We came very close in the 105th Congress. My goal is to set the stage for success in the next Congress just three months away."
A bill from Sen. John McCain of Arizona to increase competition passed the Senate almost unanimously in the 105th Congress, but failed in the House of Representatives due to objections from a handful of members in the leadership, Grassley said.
The McCain bill would have created landing and take-off slots at slot-designated major airports to increase flights from low-fare airlines, Grassley said. The additional slots would have increased flights to and from mid-size cities such as those in Iowa. One of the slot-designated airports is Ronald Reagan National Airport, controlled by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
The legislative hold is designed to get the attention of key members of the Virginia congressional delegation by creating a financial incentive for action, Grassley said. An incomplete Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will have difficulty spending money for improvements and expansions, he said.
The move most likely delays the nominations until at least January, when the 106th Congress convenes, Grassley said.
This is the latest move in Grassley's two-year fight for more airline competition in Iowa. He has worked to find a solution with the federal Departments of Transportation and Justice, Iowa officials, community leaders, and representatives of low-cost airlines, airports statewide and the large airlines themselves.
"I'll continue to fight for more airline competition in Iowa via any opportunity that becomes apparent," Grassley said. "More flights and lower air fares are critical for the fair treatment of Iowa travelers and our state's economy."