Dear Friends,

Today, we took another successful step forward in the effort to reach a solution on the Wright Amendment.

I've been involved with this issue for more than 15 years; in fact, I dealt with this issue back when I was mayor of Fort Worth. I can tell you that there has been no other issue, both during my time as mayor and in my 10 years in Congress, more contentious and with both sides digging their heels in more, than on the Wright Amendment. In fact, I appreciate Southwest Airlines CEO Herb Kelleher's joke, that if all parties can come to an agreement on this issue, "there surely must be hope for world peace."

The same energy and dedication exhibited by local stakeholders to reach a compromise has also been seen here in Washington, and on a truly unprecedented level.

As a result, I, along with other Texas Members, and the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, introduced the House's version of the Wright Amendment Reform bill. It was considered and unanimously approved today by the Transportation and Infrastructure's Aviation Subcommittee. The Senate approved their version of the bill in committee today as well. The next step is for both bills to be considered by the full House and Senate.

There are some minor differences between the two approaches, which we believe can be resolved as we move the bills through both chambers. Once approved by both bodies, we will be working with each other for the earliest possible approval to meet the December deadline set by the Joint Agreement.

There has been a good faith effort by all parties to work out the differences and reach a compromise. I want you to know that I, along with my staff, have been working tirelessly to facilitate this agreement for Fort Worth and the good of North Texas. We will continue to work hard to get the bill approved this year so we can finally put this issue to rest.

Sincerely,

Kay Granger