On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
I will vote in support of S. 223, of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act and I urge its adoption and enactment. The Senate is already on record in support of the contents of this bill. This is because the bill we are voting on today is almost identical to the FAA authorization bill that passed the Senate 93-0 in March of 2010. The last reauthorization bill expired at the end of fiscal year 2007 and since then we have passed 17 short-term extensions. We are well overdue to enact a long-term reauthorization of FAA's programs in order to provide important funding increases and program improvements that will enhance the safety and efficiency of our Nation's aviation system. In so doing we will make key investments in our nation's aviation infrastructure as well as create good jobs in the process. Our global economy depends on the smooth and efficient movement of goods, services and people from city to city and across international borders. A safe and efficient aviation system goes hand in hand with a strong economy. We are fortunate to have the best aviation system in the world and we must continue to make the necessary investments and upgrades to retain that high standard. The FAA reauthorization bill helps us to do this by addressing problems of capacity, congestion and delays. This will ensure our aviation system can handle the projected growth in airlines passengers.
