Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) led Nevada’s Congressional delegation, including Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nev.-01), Congressman Mark Amodei (R-Nev.-02), Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-04), and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-Nev.-03), in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Congressional leadership requesting additional support for airports, airport concession small businesses, and airline workers.
The letter specifically requests that Congress authorize $32 billion for the clean extension of the aviation payroll support program (PSP), $10 billion to help airports to offset lost revenues and support future investment and $3.5 billion for concessionaires at airports in Nevada and across the country. In addition, the lawmakers are calling for Congress to address any challenges that may be preventing certain air carriers from utilizing any remaining CARES Act support for the aviation sector, including opening up the air carrier loan program for new applicants.
“As you know, aviation is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy accounting for over 7% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product and directly supporting the employment of millions of Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “In our state, the industry is a vital component of our tourism, travel, and hospitality based economy. In 2019, both of Nevada’s major airports saw record levels of travelers which helped support strong economic growth. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused dramatic decreases in air travel and the resulting economic crisis has harmed Nevada disproportionately.”
The lawmakers concluded, “we appreciate the work that you have done to support the aviation industry and the many workers whose jobs are supported by this key sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the economic situation in our state remains dire and additional measures are needed to help Nevadans through this crisis.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
BACKGROUND:
Last week Senator Cortez Masto held a virtual roundtable with individuals who work in the airline and travel industries to discuss the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry.
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