Maxwell Frost: “I rise to express apprehension regarding the passage of H.R. 661. This bill, which bans the Concorde from operating in…”

“I rise to express apprehension regarding the passage of H.R. 661. This bill, which bans the Concorde from operating in the United States, was introduced to deter the European Union (EU) from adopting a proposed regulation that would limit the use of hushkitted aircraft in Europe. American companies are worldwide suppliers of hushkits, which are fitted on older aircraft to reduce their noise level to meet worldwide noise pollution standards. The EU regulation discriminates against U.S. companies, and will cost American industry millions of dollars in losses. I strongly oppose the EU's regulation to restrict hushkitted aircraft, and support efforts to propel the EU to reassess their hushkit regulation. Last week, the EU did just that. The EU decided to postpone its decision on banning hushkitted aircraft until the end of March 1999. Originally, the EU was scheduled to pass the regulation on March 9, 1999. This delay gives U.S. negotiators a chance to make our case to the EU, and us a chance to carefully consider a reasoned and appropriate U.S. response if one proves necessary. I have some concerns that this particular proposal is neither effective nor risk free for U.S. interests.”