Wendell Ford: “Today, we are considering a 3-year authorization of the National Transportation Safety Board. The amendment in the…”

“Today, we are considering a 3-year authorization of the National Transportation Safety Board. The amendment in the nature of a substitute to S. 1588, the Independent Safety Board Act Amendments of 1994, will provide sufficient funds for the NTSB to continue its work protecting the traveling public. As we attempt to address safety problems, Congress and the executive branch could not begin to adequately review all of the issues without the painstaking work of the NTSB. This year I anticipate a large turnover in the members of the NTSB. Earlier this year, a good friend, Jim Hall, joined the Board and I welcomed him to the agency. Susan Coughlin, after serving as the vice chair, recently left. Her efforts and dedication will be missed. Carl Vogt has provided steady and thoughtful leadership as Chairman, and his term as Chairman expires later this year. Finally, to my good friend John Lauber, who is recognized as a world leader in human factors, his humor, dedication, and thoroughness will be greatly missed. Together those folks leaving the board have left a tough act to follow. The 3 year authorization should be provide the next set of board members ample time to focus their energies in making transportation even safer. It is interesting to note that the last 3 years have been the safest on record. I know the NTSB played a significant role in the record and those efforts are greatly appreciated.”