Congressman Cohen Touts IIJA Investments in Memphis International Airport
Busiest air cargo airport in North America has a newly modernized terminal and improved energy efficiency
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, today touted major improvements made at Memphis International Airport because of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act and its $4 billion annual investment for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) at a hearing on airport infrastructure and safety.
In his opening statement, Ranking Member Cohen said in part:
“Memphis International Airport (MEM), the busiest cargo airport in North America and second busiest in the world, has leveraged IIJA funding and FAA grants to make meaningful improvements for cargo and passengers alike. The airport's newly modernized concourse has consolidated operations, enhanced accessibility, and significantly improved energy efficiency. It’s more than just a facelift. This is a next-generation facility that reflects Memphis’s role as a logistics leader and gateway to the world.”
See the entire opening statement here.
In his questions to hearing witnesses, Congressman Cohen concentrated on the impact of the airline decision to “de-hub” the Cincinnati airport, similar to what happened to Memphis; on the handling of mobility devices; and on the impact of the Trump-Musk Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). See those questions here.
Witnesses at today’s hearing were:
- Michael Landguth, President and Chief Executive Officer, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU)
- Lawrence Krauter, Chief Executive Officer, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Andre Sutton, International Vice President and Director of Air Division, Transport Workers Union of America (TWU AFL-CIO)
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