For once i consent. It is not so much a matter of protectionism, but with sticking to a contract, something EK drivers are passionately holding against their company who doesn't care very much about complying!
The purpose of the Fly America Act is to ensure that passengers whose travel is paid for by the U.S. government will fly on U.S. airlines.
If it costs the taxpayer too much, then he should have his representatives
change the contract, not
violate it.