DEPARTMENT: Government and Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Program and the 115th U.S. Congress
SUMMARY:
Briefing on the City of San Antonio Federal Legislative Program and update on the first session of the 115th United States Congress.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Development of the City's federal initiatives began in August 2016 in collaboration with City Departments and the City's Federal Consultant team. The 115th Federal Legislative Program focuses on three City legislative priorities and twelve legislative and federal agency initiatives.
A. Priorities
The City's Federal Priorities include federal funding and/or legislative action for the following initiatives:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization: The City seeks a nonstop flight to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the U.S. and is the largest medium-hub market located outside the DCA perimeter that is not served by a non-stop flight to DCA. Non-stop access to DCA for markets beyond the perimeter is an important economic driver for business and tourism growth. A non-stop route serving the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to DCA is a key link for the federal government due to the significant presence of civilian and military agencies in San Antonio.
Military Protection: Protecting, enhancing, and growing the military missions in San Antonio is a priority of our City. Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) is comprised of four primary locations in the San Antonio region and is home to several high-priority missions. These include the 24th Air Force "Cyber Command," basic training for all enlisted Air Force personnel, the Medical Education and Training Campus, and instructor pilot and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training. San Antonio's military supports 266 military service mission partners, more than 80,000 personnel, and the region is home to more than 250,000 vetera...
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