Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 5611, which extends the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and to extend authorizations for the Airport Improvement Program, and for other purposes. While I support passage of this bill today, I am hopeful that the House and Senate will soon agree on a full reauthorization of these important programs. This bill offers a necessary extension of one month of these two programs. The Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means Committees each approved these extensions. First of all, the Airport and Airway Trust Fund provides funding for the federal commitment to the nation's aviation system through several aviation-related excise taxes. These taxes are vital to fund the continued maintenance, expansion, and improvement of the nation's airports and airway system. The second program, the Airport Improvement Program, works to maintain and improve the safety and efficiency of air travel. I urge my colleagues to take advantage of the additional time that these extensions offer in order to reach a compromise with the other body regarding the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act. It is absolutely essential that the House and Senate resolve their differences quickly so that our nation's air travel system can function safely and efficiently. This year, Congress has passed legislation to create and maintain jobs in all different sectors in order to improve our economy.…”