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 veterans. We support funding and programs that allow for the protection of our current missions and the acquisition of new ones.
Transportation Funding: The City seeks funding that will support the infrastructure needs associated with the significant population growth expected over the next 25 years.
In anticipation of this growth the City developed a multimodal transportation plan which takes into account all modes of transportation including; auto, freight, rail transit, biking, and walking. The plan will serve as a tool to prioritize and meet the community’s transportation infrastructure goals.
B. Legislative & Agency Initiatives
Legislative and agency initiatives focus on issues that align with City priorities and enhance the City’s continued commitment to leverage national resources and partnerships. The City’s federal legislative efforts include the protection of municipal interests, identification of federal funding to support local investments, and advocacy to ensure that federal resources continue to be available for San Antonio.
On January 20, 2017, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. The new administration has advanced its agenda since that time, providing a break from many of the previous administrations’ policies and budget priorities.
Additionally, Congress is facing a difficult legislative schedule in the month of September, needing to pass a budget for the next fiscal year, raising the debt ceiling, and reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Adminstration.
ISSUE:
The federal landscape has changed since the Federal Program was adopted by City Council as the new presidential administration has rolled out new policy and budget priorities. Amendments to the Federal Program may be appropriate based on the Administration’s focus.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes.