Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Department of Transportation nominees Ryan McCormack and Daniel Edwards regarding their commitment to maintaining rural air service during a recent hearing.

Fischer emphasized the Essential Air Service (EAS) program's significance for Nebraska’s small communities and rural America. She also urged that future reductions in EAS funding should not disadvantage rural areas and called for prompt consideration of Alliance Municipal Airport’s EAS petition by the Department of Transportation.

“My home state of Nebraska is home to seven communities that are served by Essential Air Service (EAS). Rural communities rely heavily on a central air service program to provide connectivity and access to critical services. In addition to providing these services, EAS also helps these communities attract business and visitors, driving our local economies," Fischer said. "I was very disappointed to see significant funding cuts for EAS in DOT's budget proposal for FY26. Mr. McCormack and Mr. Edwards, will you both commit to working with me to ensure that my Nebraska communities and the rest of rural America are not harmed by reductions in EAS funding.”

McCormack responded: “Of course, would like to continue working with you and your staff on that issue. EAS funding is a priority of Secretary Duffy's. When he was a congressman, he had two EAS airports in his district, and I think that you've seen, as we've dealt with this difficulty and lapse in appropriation, the Department has really been doing all that we possibly can in order to keep EAS funded through this difficult time. So again, would love to continue working with you and your staff in that vital issue.”

Edwards added: “Senator, you also have my commitment. EAS is a critical program to our small and rural communities, and we find ourselves in a situation that aviation is truly gravitating towards large hubs and toward the coasts.

“We need to ensure that there's opportunity for every American to access commercial flights and get to where they want to go. So not only do you have my commitment to support it, but you have my commitment to make sure that those dollars are executed much, much more efficiently.”

Addressing concerns about Alliance Municipal Airport’s pending petition with the Department of Transportation’s EAS office, Fischer stated: “Another one of my communities in my state, Alliance, they filed a petition for reconsideration on a recent EAS order. As of today, Alliance, Nebraska, has still not received an answer to that petition from [DOT] EAS office. And I know that my staff has been in contact with DOT on the petition, and I have concerns about how Alliance has been treated throughout this process.

“Mr. McCormack, I would encourage you to ensure that Alliance's petition is considered in a timely fashion. And Mr. Edwards, should you be confirmed, I would like you to carefully consider that petition as well.”