Rep. Tony Gonzales Applauds Senate Passage of FAA Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) released a statement following the U.S. Senate passage of a 5-year FAA reauthorization package. Under federal law, direct flights to and from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) are limited to a perimeter of 1,250 miles outside the airport, unless the federal government makes an exception. The Senate-passed legislation includes a provision that will make an exception to the rule by adding five new slots to and from DCA, which places San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in the running to obtain a direct flight to Washington, D.C.

"We are one step closer to connecting San Antonio directly to the Nation's Capital. I've worked alongside the San Antonio delegation in Congress to connect America's seventh-largest city and Joint Base San Antonio, which employs over 82,000 active-duty military members and civilian employees, to DCA-which is minutes away from the U.S. Capitol Building, Pentagon, and other relevant government agencies," said Congressman Tony Gonzales. "Last year, I supported legislation that would have added new slots to DCA, but the bill was shot down in the House. In true Texan style, we didn't give up on our mission. I look forward to supporting this legislation on the House floor in the coming days."

During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Congressman Gonzales brought the need for a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. to the attention of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In July 2023, Congressman Gonzales supported legislation that would add new slots to DCA.