Matt Salmon: “Mr. Chairman, Air Force One and related aircraft have a noble history. These special aircraft were first put into…”

“Mr. Chairman, Air Force One and related aircraft have a noble history. These special aircraft were first put into service for President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. In 1961, the designation Air Force One was first used on behalf of President John F. Kennedy. President Lyndon Johnson took the oath of office on Air Force One in 1963. Air Force One also provides all presidents with the security and the communications equipment they would need in case of an international crisis, a noble history now sullied. President Clinton and Vice President Gore created a new use for Air Force One and Air Force Two, taxpayer-funded boondoggles for fat-cat contributors and toys for special interests. According to the Boston Globe, President Clinton flew aboard Air Force One with 56 major contributors during 1996 and 1997, often with government picking up the tab. Donors who gave $5,000 or raised at least $25,000 for the Clinton-Gore campaign accompanied Clinton aboard the presidential aircraft. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is very straightforward. It requires the President to make available via the Internet the name of any nongovernment person who is a passenger on an aircraft designated as Air Force One or Air Force Two no later than 30 days after that person is a passenger. An exception is made if there are national security concerns.”