Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to introduce the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2013. This legislation, which I introduce with Senator Boxer, would require the Federal Aviation Administration to prescribe regulations for helicopter operations in the skies above Los Angeles in order to reduce helicopter noise pollution in residential areas. In addition to addressing noise, the FAA's regulations would have to increase safety, minimize commercial aircraft delays, and exempt first responders and military aircraft from their limitations. The bill also would direct the FAA to consult with local communities and local helicopter operators when developing the regulations. This legislation is necessary because today the citizens of Los Angeles County suffer intrusive and disruptive low-flying helicopter traffic above their neighborhoods to an unprecedented degree. The unique terrain of Los Angeles, with its many canyons and valleys, often concentrates the high decibel level noise from low-flying helicopters on many of the millions of homes in the county. The noise interrupts daily life for Los Angeles County's residents, drowning out conversations and disrupting sleep cycles. Despite multiple efforts from several community and homeowner organizations in Los Angeles County to address these disturbances over many years, helicopter traffic in Los Angeles County is not currently regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration or any other agency.…”