U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, today traveled the 13th Congressional District on an aviation listening tour making stops at the Decatur Airport, University of Illinois-Willard Airport, Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal, and the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Davis held roundtables with airport personnel, pilots, owners and operators, and industry leaders discussing issues related to the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization and highlighting the important role aviation plays in each community.

“Aviation is a critical part of our economy in Central Illinois,” said Davis. “So, it’s important that when Congress reauthorizes the FAA, the administration that regulates aviation, the voices of our local industry leaders are heard. I plan to take the ideas and concerns raised today back to Washington so we can pass an aviation bill that ensures safety, continues investments in our infrastructure and allows for the type of innovation that will keep our economy moving forward.”

“Decatur Airport plays a vital role in connecting our community with the rest of the nation,” said Tim Wright, Director, Decatur Airport. “This morning’s roundtable discussion hosted by Congressman Davis allowed us the opportunity to highlight the importance of local air transportation for individuals, businesses, and future economic development. We thank Congressman Davis for his hard work on the FAA Reauthorization Bill and his continued support of Decatur Airport and the entire Decatur community.”

“I really appreciate Congressman Davis’ visit to Champaign-Urbana’s Willard Airport this morning,” said Stephen Wanzek, Airport Manager, University of Illinois-Willard Airport. “He has a good understanding of the issues facing small commercial airports like Willard Airport. I know his interest and energy towards aviation policy will have an impact during the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration this summer.”

“We are honored to host Congressman Davis as he engages the aviation community on his Listening Tour in the region today,” said Carl Olson, Executive Director, Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal. “The Congressman’s advocacy and consideration in not only issues surrounding aviation but that involve our entire community have been invaluable and the Bloomington Normal Airport Authority has a deep appreciation for his efforts on our behalf.”

“We appreciate the time Congressman Davis invested today at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, hearing and learning the various concerns our local aviation stakeholders have with certain FAA initiatives, the Pilots Bill of Rights, airline customer service, aviation safety and the pending FAA Reauthorization legislation that is currently being contemplated in Washington,” said Mark Hanna, Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. We feel it is important to ensure our voices are heard and that our concerns are considered when decisions are made on policies and priorities that affect us locally.”