John Mica: “Mr. Speaker, indeed, this legislation is important to the success of aviation in this country. This particular industry…”

“Mr. Speaker, indeed, this legislation is important to the success of aviation in this country. This particular industry is one of the great job creators, and no nation relies on safe and independent operation of aircraft more than the United States. I disagree on the point that has been raised here in closing. We do not change in any way the current status of contract towers. We do not mention privatization. We have taken out some 69 airports that were identified in the previous conference report. I believe that this bill strikes many carefully proposed compromises that address the many needs of our aviation system while providing for its future. I believe that this will also be a boon to many of our communities, to restore jobs, to provide economic opportunity in an industry that has been hard hit by the effects of September 11. So we have an opportunity to help small communities. We have an opportunity to continue a safe and cost-effective system.”