OSHKOSH — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) lauded the announcement Monday of year-round scheduled international flights from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport by the Mexican carrier Volaris after having played a key role in helping move negotiations forward.

“I am always pleased to see more options for Wisconsinites traveling for business or pleasure,” said Johnson. “The cooperation between Mitchell International, Milwaukee County and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that enabled this development will serve Wisconsin well in any future expansions of international service from Milwaukee. Wisconsin businesses benefit from better access to customers in world markets. Customs agent staffing is crucial for providing foreign travelers with direct access to Wisconsin. I am pleased to have played a role in bringing that about.”

Johnson, who is chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has oversight of Customs and Border Protection. He wrote to the agency’s commissioner, R. Gil Kerlikowske, in May 2016 urging that the agency cooperate with Milwaukee airport officials in arranging for customs agent staffing that would permit the flights.

In addition, Johnson was one of five cosponsors of the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, which allows airports to reimburse Customs and Border Protection for its services, allowing cities without international air services to more readily attract it. The House version of the bill passed Congress on Saturday.

Johnson’s letter to Kerlikowske can be seen here.

###