San Antonio Standard

Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) has commended the U.S. Senate for passing a 5-year FAA reauthorization package. The legislation includes a provision that could potentially lead to direct flights between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is currently limited to a perimeter of 1,250 miles for direct flights under federal law unless an exception is made.

"We are one step closer to connecting San Antonio directly to the Nation’s Capital," said Congressman Gonzales. He has been working with the San Antonio delegation in Congress to establish this connection, which would link America's seventh-largest city and Joint Base San Antonio - employing over 82,000 active-duty military members and civilian employees - to DCA. This airport is conveniently located near key government locations such as the U.S. Capitol Building and the Pentagon.

"Last year, I supported legislation that would have added new slots to DCA, but the bill was shot down in the House. In true Texan style, we didn’t give up on our mission. I look forward to supporting this legislation on the House floor in the coming days," added Gonzales.

During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Congressman Gonzales highlighted the need for a direct flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C., bringing it to the attention of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

In July 2023, Congressman Gonzales backed legislation aimed at adding new slots to DCA.