The U.S. must maintain the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world.

it's unacceptable to me at any time, but especially at a time when our economy could benefit so much by passing this bill.

the country has changed, therefore our responsibilities have changed.

I had a very heavy role back in 1986 in creating the Authority.

Our bill includes a number of vital safety provisions.

I am proud to have played a central role in the development of Dulles.

No one understands or appreciates these issues better than I do.

this is an industry whose only constant is change.

the West needs to be served.

The ill effects of railroad consolidation and immunity from the antitrust laws are exemplified in the case of captive shippers.

they want to stretch this whole process out through the elections, hoping that they will gain advantage.

John Thune feels exactly the same way, as Byron Dorgan does and I do.

A comprehensive long-term plan for our rail system is long overdue.

It's about progress. It's about what's required to modernize our transportation system so our businesses and workers can stay competitive in the 21st century.

for the first time in 30 years, this committee reported out a bill, in a bipartisan manner, that would update our rail regulations.

I commend the Department and the Federal Railroad Administration for its good work on this issue.

We could save families money, we could lessen our dependence on that foreign oil, we'd create a lot of jobs in the United States.

this was a bipartisan bill that we passed.