Political Quotes

“this is not a perfect bill, but it is an important first step toward protecting the viability of our Nation's air transportation system. For that important reason, I am going to support these rules and support this legislation today. But, Mr. Speaker, I also want to send a very clear message to the airlines that will receive these taxpayers' funds today. That is that those of us who represent hundreds of thousands of people from mid-sized cities and rural areas will be watching to see whether they take our Federal tax dollars in one hand and with the other hand cut off service to middle America. That should not happen, it cannot happen; and if it were to happen, I think when the second round of this airline support legislation inevitably comes back before this House, it would be very difficult to encourage and convince the taxpayers of middle America and rural America to continue supporting airline viability if there is no viability in rural areas because they have already cut off service. With that caveat, we will support this legislation, and hope Members on both sides of the aisle will do so, as well.”