Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) both celebrated the inaugural non-stop flight from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Both of the Republicans thanked Texas Democrats in the House of Representatives for their help in making the flight happen.
During a celebratory event for the inaugural flight, Sen. Cruz shared that passing the FAA Authorization Act was one of the most hard-fought pieces of legislation he's seen while in Washington, despite bipartisan support.
The biggest roadblock? The flight from SAT to DCA.
“On that new flight, you had millions of dollars of lobbying trying to prevent that flight from happening," Sen. Cruz said. "It was as bare-knuckle a fight as I've seen in Washington. You had the senators from Virginia and Maryland both lobbying vigorously against it. The battle ended up delaying the entire bill on the floor of the Senate for two days. Now, we ended up having, thankfully, the entire congressional delegation united."
Cruz then thanked Texas Democrats in the House, Rep. Roy, and local leadership for their efforts regarding the new flight.
“In the House, you had Chip Roy, who did a phenomenal job. You had Joaquin Castro, Greg Casar, Tony Gonzales, and Henry Cuellar all working together — Republicans and Democrats, hand in hand. In San Antonio, you had the city, the elected leadership, the business community — all standing as one — united. In the Senate, John Cornyn and I worked hand in hand, whipping the votes. I have, if you come to my office, and Mayor, I’ll show you the whip sheet for the slots, which I have framed, back-to-back, with every one of the Senators because it was literally hand-to-hand combat to get the votes. At the end of the day, Texas prevailed," Cruz said.
Moreover, Rep. Roy also thanked Cruz, Texas Democrats, and local leadership for their efforts as well.
"Today, the people of San Antonio saw the results of the San Antonio delegation's work toward achieving this priority. I am proud to know that the men and women of Military City, U.S.A will finally be able to fly directly to the airport next door to the Pentagon and that all those in the region can visit their nation's capital more easily," said Rep. Roy.
The Texas congressman concluded, "I’d like to thank Senator Ted Cruz for his steadfast leadership and work on this effort. I would also like to thank Senator Cornyn, Rep. Henry Cuellar, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Tony Gonzales, and Mayor Nirenberg for banding together to deliver this priority. Safe travels."
