On the recordMarch 10, 2010
I rise in support of the FAA reauthorization bill that has been put forward by Senator Rockefeller and Senator Hutchison. Both have worked hard on this legislation. I have worked on this legislation for a number of years as well. My general aviation industry is centered in Wichita KS. It has had a lot of difficulty lately with markets and the recession and problems overall, and it needs a bit of good news. This would be a bit of good news, having FAA reauthorization. This is an industry that is roughly $150 billion in size. It is located primarily in the United States. It has created over 1.3 million jobs. It is key. It goes across a broad array of disciplines. It is a high-tech manufacturing business that we are very good at. This is something we need to have. Implementation of the NextGen technology for navigation and travel across the United States is in the bill. Also in the bill is maintaining inspection procedures that are important for the safety of aircraft, increased funding for essential air service for a State such as mine that has a need for essential air service in places where it is tough to get in and out of and the population pool is not large. It needs that to move forward. It expands passenger rights and provides increased Federal support for small airports. I think it also important that this legislation does not include language imposing disproportionate and onerous user fees on the general aviation industry.
