Political Quotes

“after weeks of delay I am pleased that the House leadership has finally decided to act on this vitally important issue, that of improving the security at our nation's airports, but I am disappointed that they have chosen to move forward with a bill that squanders our opportunity to make a substantive difference in enhancing aviation safety and security. Tonight, we have a chance to do this right and that is why I rise in opposition to the underlying bill, H.R. 3150, and in strong support of Mr. Oberstar's substitute amendment. The fundamental flaw with H.R. 3150 as brought to this floor is that it comes up short of restoring America's confidence in the security of our airports and airplanes. The bill fails to reassure the public that it is safe to fly and that is why I urge passage of the Oberstar substitute, a measure which is identical to S. 1447, the Aviation Security Act, passed unanimously by the Senate three weeks ago. The Oberstar substitute would place responsibility for aviation security with the Federal Government to ensure that professional law enforcement agents are in charge of securing our nation's airports. A competent, well equipped, well trained, and well qualified law enforcement force is what is so desperately needed to restore the confidence of the American public in flying.”