We received tremendous support from across the political spectrum.

Hundreds of elected officials endorsed our initiative, including Republicans such as former Governor and United States Senator Pete Wilson and Senate Republican Leader Jim Brulte.

America is the shining city on the hill. Welcome all who enter to follow their dreams.

Unfortunately, that bill never saw action on the Senate floor during the 107th Session of Congress.

I want to focus my comments on two areas. One is on the aviation industry itself.

I would urge it. I have got an issue I will submit to you for the record of short line railroads.

This has been an industry that has been decimated in recent times.

It seems to me Mr. Secretary that these numbers in terms of cost savings for our highway system are compelling.

If I could ask you, because the time is so short, if your agency could really start a study of what is taking place, because if other countries are doing this, then we should start a trade action against them.

They are needing research money to develop the next wave of products.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for holding this hearing today and inviting The Honorable Secretary Mineta to testify before us.

Additionally, an issue that should be of importance to all of us in the room is the future of 'short line' local freight railroads.

This bill would create a national office to coordinate aviation and aerospace research activities within the U.S. Government and encouraging public-private cooperation.

They are having countries come to them and saying, we will pay for the research and the development.

We should be taking trade actions against Airbus.

I would like to highlight a bill I recently introduced with Senator Hollings, S.788, the Second Century of Flight Act.

I hope we can focus on the value that has been provided through the settlement.

It is more important, though, because of the need to restore investor confidence and redress the wrongs.