Political Quotes

“I rise to comment on the FAA authorization bill. Although I recognize the necessity to authorize certain FAA activities, such as the Airport Improvement Program [AIP], I am concerned with two provisions in the bill. I appreciate the hard work that the managers have put in on this legislation, and I thank them for the opportunity to speak on this bill. I support the reauthorization of FAA activities, believing that the managers have succeeded in funding the AIP program at the appropriate level. It is important to many airports and travelers around the country that Congress finish its work in this area. For example, in my home State of Arizona, officials from the airports in Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Yuma, and Tucson have contacted me in support of the AIP program. The FAA has projected that the number of passengers in the domestic aviation system will reach 800 million annually. The American Association of Airport Executives and the Airports Council International-North America recently completed a comprehensive study on the capital needs of U.S. airports. The study concluded that the Nation's airports have capital needs around $10 billion annually. So I urge my colleagues to support the authorization of the AIP program. While I support parts of the bill, I must comment on two provisions which I believe Congress must be careful in implementing.”