On the recordMarch 31, 2011
I do rise in opposition to the amendment. Both the gentleman from Tennessee and the distinguished gentleman from Missouri have raised some excellent points about excessive fees that some of the unsuspecting renters are forced to pay sometimes. When you rent a car, sometimes the fees look like more than the car rental; but many of the communities and airports are committed to building facilities. They make those decisions through elected local and State bodies, and we have to recognize some of their independence. I appreciate the goal of the gentleman on this amendment. I believe he is going to withdraw it, but I do pledge to work with him to see how we can put in some limitations in the future that are reasonable and not impair the proper development and also take the burden off taxpayers for improvement that someone who comes in and rents a car experiences. A lot of local taxpayers end up footing some of the bill for the conveniences that are accorded some of these visitors and car renters. So we need to seek a proper balance, and I pledge to work with the gentlemen in that regard, both Mr. Graves and Mr. Cohen. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Missouri has 2 minutes remaining.
