In 2006 I worked to create a compromise between local municipalities and the Texas Congressional delegation to put an end to the penalizing Wright Amendment.

What is the Wright Amendment?

Congress passed the Wright Amendment to protect the then-fledgling DFW Airport from competition within the Metroplex. As a result, Dallas Love Field could only operate flights within Texas and to states touching the Lone Star State. I sought to remove the outdated restrictions by repealing the antiquated, protectionist provision.

How does the Wright Amendment Repeal affect me?

Before the law was changed, you only could fly from Dallas Love Field to states touching Texas. Until 2014, you may fly out of Dallas Love to a surrounding state and then continue on. After 2014, you'll be able to fly from Dallas Love directly to Seattle or New York City for work or pleasure. Ideally, sparking competition between DFW airport and Dallas Love will drive down ticket prices and make your personal travel plans easier. This is free enterprise at its best and is a huge win for Texas.

State Sales Tax Deduction
If you’re allowed to deduct state and local property taxes from your income tax return, then you should be able to deduct your state sales tax, which is why I worked hard to help pass this important relief in 2004.

This is common-sense relief that not only benefits hardworking Texans but also Texas ’s economy. Since this relief first became law, I have succesfully worked to prevent it from expiring.

Pension Protection
As the former Subcommittee Chairman of the Employer-Relations Committee on Ways & Means (the committee that has jurisdiction over employee benefits and tax aspects of pension law), I helped implement “phased retirement,” which allows individuals to receive distributions from their pension plans after age 62, while also continuing to work.

I also played a key role in writing and passing landmark pension reform legislation that among other things better ensures that companies make good on their pension promises and makes it easier for workers to save for retirement by making permanent increased contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs.

Social Security benefits
As the Ranking Republican on the Social Security Subcommittee, it has been one of my highest priorities in Congress to make sure that retirees receive their Social Security benefits.

Seniors have worked a lifetime to collect these benefits and are entitled to them regardless of whether they choose to continue working past retirement.

I wrote and helped pass legislation to repeal the senior's “earnings penalty,” which penalized seniors for working past the standard retirement age by limiting their Social Security payments.

Prior to my bill’s passage, 800,000 seniors were affected by this discriminatory regulation. Now seniors are certain that if they choose to work past retirement, they don’t have to worry about the government stepping in and garnishing their hard-earned benefits.

Federal Courthouse
From day one in Washington I have advocated for a federal courthouse in Plano. Year after year I pushed legislation that passed in the House but continually stalled in the Senate.

Thanks to my friend and colleague, Senator John Cornyn, we were able to push this legislation forward in the Senate and the bill became law in 2003. Now, rather than making the long trip to Grayson County, the residents of Collin County can participate in federal court proceedings right here in Plano.

A legacy of leadership
Always looking out for our best interests, here is information about other bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Sam Johnson.

Learn more about Congressman Sam Johnson:

• Quick biographical facts
• 2010: A year of important choices
• Profile of leadership
• Top issues facing the Third District ... and America
• Photo gallery

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• Many ways you can help re-elect Sam Johnson
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