Political Quotes

“two stories were reported last week in the Washington Post that I would like to call to your attention. One is the Nissan Motor Corp., U.S.A. buy-back offer of its flawed 1987-90 minivans, the other is about Dr. Jeffrey Wilkerson, a native of Maryland, who discovered a lost city in Mexico. The Nissan story is remarkable because of the people who have banded together to seek justice for the van owners who have suffered through four recalls and incurred financial loss with their vans. Remember this 1987-90 minivan had mechanical problems which led to excessive engine heat, including catching fire and burning while being driven. A few even caught fire and burned while parked. It has been a tough job to attract Nissan's attention and that of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]. But all of us have persevered. From the Connecticut businessman, George Pasiakos, who first brought documentation of the burning vans to my attention, to the van owners, particularly those in Florida who demonstrated in the street to attract the attention of Nissan--and the attorney generals of 21 States who, early last spring, petitioned NHTSA to buy back the vans or conduct an independent test. Neither was done. After working with the van owners, last spring I participated in a hearing of the Transportation subcommittee of Appropriations in order to ask specific questions of NHTSA.”