FLORENCE, S.C. – Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) yesterday visited the Florence Regional Airport to discuss federal COVID-19 relief for the airline industry. It remains a top priority to ensure the tourism and travel industries in the 7th District have the resources needed to successfully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Congressman Tom Rice meets with leadership at the Florence Regional Airport. 

Photo courtesy: Matt Christian, SC News

“Tourism and travel were amongst the industries hardest hit from the pandemic. I advocated in Congress for federal relief funding to come to the 7^th District. Because of the Payroll Support Program included in the CARES Act, American Airlines was able to restore service into Florence and keep employees on the payroll. I will continue to listen to the needs of these industries in the district and help in any way I can to ensure a smooth recovery.”

Congressman Rice signed onto a Congressional letter to American Airlines asking for reinstated services to Florence and several other airports throughout the country whose services were terminated as a result of COVID-19. Congressman Rice also helped to facilitate an extension of Payroll Support Funds for the airline industry, provided American Airlines reinstated their service to Florence. The airline returned service to Florence, SC on January 5, 2021.