Southwest is backing a bill, introduced in the U.S. Senate July 19 by Sen. John Ensign of Nevada, that would repeal the 26-year-old Wright Amendment. Ensign was joined by Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Sam Brownback of Kansas and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. The Senate legislation complements a House bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Jeb Hensarling and Sam Johnson of Texas and 23 House co-sponsors, called the Right to Fly Act.
      When asked how repealing the Wright Amendment would benefit companies considering doing business in Texas, Kelly said, "We have seen the Southwest Airlines stimulation effect everywhere we have gone in our 34-year history. It is not a question of whether that local economy will grow; it is only a question of 'how big is it?' What would opening Love Field mean for companies? It would be very healthy. You would see more choice from Love Field, lower fares to new destinations. Love would continue to be, by definition, a small, restricted airport, but we prefer to be at a smaller airport. We don't want to be at a big airport."
      Kelly added that "Dallas complains that they lose convention business because of high air fares. We can help them lower these fares and boost air traffic to Dallas. ... The economic benefits of allowing Southwest to expand service at Love Field are incalculable."