Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this motion from Chairman Oberstar. I would like to commend Chairman Jim Oberstar and Chairman Jerry Costello for their leadership and for making FAA reauthorization and aviation safety top priorities of our committee and of this House. We've held over 20 hearings and five roundtables on the FAA reauthorization in the last couple of years. The House-passed FAA reauthorization will not only modernize our Nation's air transportation system--which is crucially needed right now--but will also significantly boost safety and enhance protections for consumers and the environment. I was especially pleased to work with the chairman to incorporate a number of pro-consumer/pro-environment provisions into the bill, including holding airlines more accountable for delayed passenger bags; requiring airports to consider the implementation of recycling programs; establishing a Federal research center to develop alternative jet fuel; funding research to eliminate the use of lead in aviation gas; and requiring an open, competitive process for airport projects with the use of QBS. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Oberstar, Chairman Costello, and the ranking member as we move to conference with the Senate. Right now we have to continue to look forward, especially with NextGen. We need to get this done for the American flying public, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”