Dear Mr. 80Knts:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) recent decision to tentatively issue Norwegian Air International (NAI) a foreign air carrier permit. Hearing from my constituents is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your views.

As you know, on December 3, 2013 NAI filed an application for a foreign air carrier permit in order to conduct commercial operations in the United States under the Open Skies Agreement between the U.S. and the European Union (EU). On April 15, 2016, the DOT granted tentative approval for NAI’s application. This decision has been criticized by many within the US airline industry who have expressed concerns with NAI’s inadequate safety and labor standards. Specifically, these stakeholders allege that NAI’s labor practices violate article 17 bis of the U.S.-EU Open Skies Agreement, which states that participating air carriers must meet certain labor standards.

In response to these concerns, Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced H.R. 5090, which would prevent the DOT from issuing foreign air carrier permits to airlines that do not satisfy the requirements set forth in article 17 bis of the agreement. H.R. 5090 is currently awaiting consideration by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Should this legislation come before the full House for a vote, please be assured I will keep your thoughts in mind.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.walters.house.gov) to sign up for my newsletter or contact me with any other concerns you may have.



Sincerely,

Mimi Walters
Member of Congress