U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (file photo)

Rep Karen Bass (CA-37) issued the following statement regarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s  (FAA) decision to keep Santa Monica Airport (SMO) open through 2023, concluding the city must meet its federal grant obligations put into effect in 2003.

“The decision of the FAA to use a bureaucratic loophole in order to keep SMO open through 2023 is appalling and unjust.  We cannot stand by while the FAA acts as judge and jury, throwing out the city’s appeal and deciding to keep open an airport that has caused disruptions, and health and safety issues — not only to the people of Santa Monica but the people in the 37th congressional district. I look forward to seeing city officials, on the right side of this issue, continuing appeals in the federal court system.”