Paul Coverdell: “I rise today on a matter of vital concern to the economic well-being of thousands of Georgia families. I think we all…”

“I rise today on a matter of vital concern to the economic well-being of thousands of Georgia families. I think we all remember the tragedy of the event in May, May 11, when ValuJet 592 plunged into the Florida Everglades. And, forever, as with any incident like this, we all are grieving over the families that were affected. However, following this investigation, ValuJet airlines was grounded and went through the most thorough, grinding analysis of every aspect of their procedures possible. Because, obviously, safety is first and foremost, the center of any question as to whether the airlines could return to the air. I do not think it is generally known that on August 29, at 3:45 p.m., after having gone through this arduous procedure, the Federal Aviation Administration returned ValuJet airline's carrier operating certificate. In their own press release it says, ``This action will permit ValuJet to resume operations at a future date if the airline is found to be managerially and financially fit by the Department of Transportation.'' The point I want to make here is that 4,000 employees have been unable to draw a paycheck; 4,000 homes, not to mention the hundreds of business associated with the peripheral support of the airline, they have not been able to draw a paycheck. The FAA settled the preeminent question, is the airline safe? And they returned the certificate.…”