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Nebraska airports connect us to the things that matter most: our families, our friends, and our communities. They also allow us to explore the country and the world, run successful businesses, and spread Nebraska kindness all around the globe. Our regional and small airports let us compete in a global economy while feeding the world. Without these facilities, many Nebraskans would be hundreds of miles and hours away from their next flight.

Regional airports bring opportunity to Americans all across our country, and I’m working to protect programs that will help ensure Nebraskans can continue to access air travel. The Essential Air Service (EAS) is one of those programs. It incentivizes air carriers to continue providing service to rural areas. Our small and community airports in Alliance, Chadron, Grand Island, McCook, North Platte, Kearney, and Scottsbluff utilize this program to get Nebraska travelers where they need to go.

Congress must recognize the importance of regional and community airports and work together to get things done for those who use them.

We’ve done it before. During the reauthorization of the FAA last year, I worked with a number of my colleagues to help small airports. Members of both parties joined forces to include the continuation of the EAS. We also attached the Small Airport Regulation Relief Act to the reauthorization, which created a temporary exemption for small airports so they could continue receiving Airport Improvement Program funds despite downturns in air service.

Leaders from rural areas need to shore up support for the EAS program and remind Congress how important it is to agricultural states. I’m going to make sure we’re heard. Additionally, as my colleagues and I consider a long-term reauthorization of the FAA this year, the EAS program, and rural air service in general, will be a priority for me.

The best way to keep valuable and effective programs is to participate in the work of negotiating resolutions to differences in policy. That’s why in a recent Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, I questioned Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao about expanding the access to air services for rural communities and the EAS program in particular. In her response, Secretary Chao informed the committee that she was working toward a solution to continue full funding of the EAS program.

Following Secretary Chao’s testimony, and to underscore the importance of the EAS program for Nebraskans, I led a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to the secretary highlighting our concerns about the administration’s proposed cuts. We asked her to keep us informed about the discussions she’s having with the administration on a solution for this critical program.

The bipartisan group of senators also pledged to work with the White House to ensure that the EAS program remains in place. I look forward to joining with my colleagues, Secretary Chao, and the president, to secure access to air travel for Nebraskans.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.