WASHINGTON—The Utah Congressional delegation has announced its full support of the Direct Capital Access (DCA) Act, legislation to add 28 additional in- and beyond-perimeter flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in the 2023 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill. U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Mike Lee (R-UT) today joined on as co-sponsors of the Senate’s version of the DCA Act, which was originally introduced by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) in the House.
“Travel to our nation’s capital should be affordable, accessible, and convenient so Utahns are able to easily access the government that represents them,” said Senator Romney. “Unfortunately, due to an antiquated perimeter rule imposed on the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, that is not currently the case—particularly for those who live in Western states. I’m proud to join my Utah colleagues in cosponsoring the DCA Act to modernize the airspace and reduce barriers for all Americans to visit the home of democracy.”
“Government by the people should be accessible by the people,” said Senator Lee. “I’m proud to support Representatives Owens and Johnson’s efforts to expand the number of flights out of Reagan National Airport. More options will reduce ticket prices and generate millions in economic benefits, making our nation’s capital more accessible and affordable for all Americans.”
“Thanks to a 60-year-old, federally-imposed perimeter rule, Washington, D.C. has some of the highest domestic ticket prices in the nation,” said Representative Owens. “Our nation’s capital should be convenient, affordable, and accessible to all Americans. I’m proud to lead the DCA Act to modernize the perimeter rule, promote market competition, increase consumer choices, and lower costs so that families in Utah and across the country have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.”
“Our nation’s capital should be easily accessible for all Americans,” said Representative Stewart. “Expanding the number of flights at Reagan National Airport will increase market competition, lower prices, and benefit consumers nationwide. I’m proud to support the commonsense efforts to increase more options for American travelers.”
“I’m excited to support efforts that make visiting our nation’s capital easier and more affordable,” said Representative Curtis.“Opening DCA to more flights out West reduces emissions, shortens travel distances, and improves efficiency, making it a win for both travelers and the environment.”
“I am proud to join the push for more flights connecting Utahns and our fellow western Americans to our nation’s capital,” said Representative Moore. “The perimeter rule at DCA has proven to be outdated and no longer necessary, and allowing more flights will positively impact the west’s economy, tourism, and family travel.”
The full text of the legislation is available here.