Political Quotes

“I rise today in strong support of the General Aviation Revitalization Act. This legislation, which I am cosponsoring, should improve the American general aviation industry for manufacturers, employees, and consumers. The American general aviation industry, which produces small planes designed for private use, has suffered a dramatic downturn in recent years. Deliveries of this type of aircraft dropped from nearly 18,000 in 1978 to less than 900 last year. Because of this decline, more than 100,000 jobs have been lost in manufacturing, sales, service, and related industries. Much of the problem stems from laws which hold manufacturers liable for planes that were built decades ago. This open-ended liability has driven up the cost of insurance and made it increasingly expensive for American manufacturers. Not surprisingly, foreign manufacturers who are not constrained by these product liability laws have captured a growing share of the market. This legislation should help restore the competitive balance and provide new opportunities for American workers.”