Washington, DC- (Monday, May 14, 2012) – Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released a statement acknowledging the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) selection of Austin, Texas to receive non-stop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

“I am pleased that Southwest Airlines will now be offering service from Austin, Texas to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).  The order will provide daily non-stop round trip flights from DCA to Texas through Southwest Airlines.  This news is excellent for the state of Texas, as I believe this will help boost tourism and economic development in our region. Southwest Airlines is an important economic staple to our community.

“Today’s announcement will mean new, convenient, low-fare service between Washington, DC and Austin,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.  “Along with the other new services from Reagan National, we can look forward to increased competition for airlines serving our nation’s capital, which can lead to lower fares for consumers.”

Congresswoman Johnson  supported  H.R. 658, the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which allows for increased direct access to Washington National Airport by adding additional round-trip flights.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek,Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.