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| October 19, 2006 | Beth Frigola
Press Secretary
(202) 225-4236
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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) today asked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CPB) to extend San Antonio International Airport’s (SAIA) designated port of entry status. The status, which applies to private aircraft, expires in November.
“Without port of entry status, many international flights into San Antonio may be diverted,” explained Congressman Smith.
SAIA, which is located in the 21st Congressional District, was designated as a U.S. port of entry in 2001 through Congressional action. Congress acted again in 2004 by extending the designation to November 2006.
Said Smith, “I am concerned that allowing this designation to lapse will have a significant, adverse economic impact on San Antonio.”
In a letter to the CPB Commissioner, Congressman Smith requested a six-month extension of the port of entry designation for SAIA. Such an extension gives Congress time to consider an additional long-term extension. It also allows CBP time to grant a permanent designation to SAIA.
“I will work to secure permanent designation that will provide economic certainty and expand trade between the U.S. and Mexico,” pledged Congressman Smith.
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Congressman Smith is the Chairman of Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. Read more about Congressman Smith's positions on high technology.
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