Section 1 Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that—
as noncontiguous States, Alaska and Hawaii are burdened with unique transportation challenges without viable alternatives;
communities in Alaska and Hawaii are reliant on air transportation, making it an essential lifeline for conducting business, receiving healthcare, and obtaining an education;
the people of Alaska and Hawaii historically have been exempt from essential air service eligibility requirements under subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, due to the necessity of air transportation; and
proposed changes to the essential air service program must consider this historical exemption for Alaska and Hawaii and recognize their reliance on air transportation.