Deeming it "a rural issue," a bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives allowed passage of a transportation and housing spending bill that would boost funding by 11 percent for a government program that subsidizes air travel to rural areas, an initiative long criticized by budget watchdogs as rife with waste. Democratic support was strong but lawmakers ultimately voted 261-163 to provide $214 million for the Essential Air Service program, which pays carriers to continue flights to more than 100 small communities, such as Dodge City, Kan., and Huron, S.D.
Bloomberg Businessweek reports that critics say the flights often are little-used and can cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars per passenger. The program “lavishly subsidizes some of the least essential air services in the country,” said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. Some Republicans, however, said their constituents depend on the service. “It is the only way some of these airports stay open,” said Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a freshman whose district covers 69 counties in central and western Kansas. Without the program, Huelskamp said, his constituents would have to drive hundreds of miles to the nearest airport.
Bloomberg Businessweek reports that critics say the flights often are little-used and can cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars per passenger. The program “lavishly subsidizes some of the least essential air services in the country,” said Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. Some Republicans, however, said their constituents depend on the service. “It is the only way some of these airports stay open,” said Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a freshman whose district covers 69 counties in central and western Kansas. Without the program, Huelskamp said, his constituents would have to drive hundreds of miles to the nearest airport.
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