Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 33, prohibiting changes to existing air tour management plans, or ATMPs. This amendment would prohibit air tour management plans for national parks from completely banning air tour operations over the parks. Additionally, this amendment requires an air tour management plan to take into consideration the economic viability of commercial air tour operators. While the ATMPs do real economic harm to the operators, it is also discriminatory against visitors who choose to experience the national parks by aerial sightseeing. As we move past the pandemic years, many national parks saw their resources strained by the large number of visitors as the public began to travel again. Air tours are an important option for many visitors conducting a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see such famous landmarks. Visitors taking advantage of air tours benefit by avoiding traffic, wait times, and walking trails that are inaccessible for the disabled or elderly, while reducing congestion and demand on park infrastructure. The national parks should be available for all visitors to see. Limiting flights over the park unfairly limits the elderly, very young, disabled, and others to experience the park. Limiting flights over the parks is discriminating to those who might not have the resources, time, and physical ability to see them any other way.…”