John Mica: “and my colleagues, I want to be polite, but let me just say that this is a terrible amendment. It is short-sighted. It…”

“and my colleagues, I want to be polite, but let me just say that this is a terrible amendment. It is short-sighted. It is special interest legislation. It is a red herring to prevent, quite frankly, the implementation of an agreement between the United States and the European Union to have open skies. Now, Mr. Chairman, and my colleagues, if you want to increase jobs in your district, on both sides of the Atlantic, this is not the amendment to vote for. If you want to increase service and have some shot at some international service to your district or your region, you vote for this amendment and you are killing those chances. The great opportunities for job and expansion of aviation markets in an industry that has been so hard hit from September 11 is expanding these markets, and for the first time we can open those doors and that opportunity. This is all a red herring about investment, trying to tie this to Dubai. The current limitation of 25 percent foreign ownership continues. It has not changed at all. In fact, we have a guarantee under this that matters of safety and security are off the table to foreign investors. You know, I am thinking about this. If we use this mentality, Mr. Chairman, and my colleagues, if we used this mentality in the past we would still be trading beads with the Indians. We wouldn't be taking advantage of opening jobs and markets and expanding opportunities for the people in this country.…”