North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) have written a letter to the Biden Administration expressing their support for the ongoing negotiations and swift finalization of a modernized United States—Dominican Republic (US-DR) Open Skies Agreement.

The co-chairs of the Congressional Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus highlighted the potential benefits of a modernized agreement in their letter. They emphasized that it would increase flights and flight routes between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, lower airfare costs for travelers, and promote tourism and economic growth for both nations.

Representative Salazar, in her statement, pointed out the difficulties faced by thousands of Dominican Americans living in Miami who are unable to visit their families in the Dominican Republic due to high airfare prices and limited flights. She expressed her pride in joining her colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to finalize a modern Open Skies agreement with the Dominican Republic to expand opportunities for increased flights and lower airfare prices.

Representative Espaillat, on behalf of their numerous Dominican American constituents, highlighted the frustration caused by the current state of limited flight routes and exorbitant prices on flights from the United States to the Dominican Republic. He stressed that a modernized Open Skies Agreement would provide new flight options, lower fares, and better service among more airlines in the market. This would support the booming tourism economy and allow deserving Dominican American families to travel to and from their nation of origin. The letter respectfully requested that the administration continue to prioritize the finalization of this important agreement on behalf of their constituents and their families.

In addition to Representatives Salazar and Espaillat, the letter was also signed by Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), who are members of the Congressional Friends of the Dominican Republic Caucus.

The letter emphasizes the urgent need for a modernized United States—Dominican Republic Open Skies Agreement to address the challenges faced by Dominican Americans and promote bilateral relations between the two countries. The full letter can be read here.

Representative Salazar represents over 20,000 Dominican Americans in Florida's 27th congressional district.

Click this link to access more information: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/salazar-and-espaillat-urge-administration-finalize-us-dr-open-skies-agreement