John Chandler: “I rise today to express the support of the Science Committee for this bill. I am especially pleased that this…”

“I rise today to express the support of the Science Committee for this bill. I am especially pleased that this legislation includes the FAA Aviation Safety Research Assessment Act, which I introduced this past June. This bill is now section 913 of H.R. 2881. Aviation safety is extremely important to me, particularly after the tragic Comair crash that occurred in my own district in Lexington, Kentucky last August, which saw 49 dearly loved people lose their lives. The Comair crash made it clear that improved safety measures are needed to save lives. Section 913 calls for an independent assessment of the FAA's aviation safety-related research programs, in particular, those that focus on preventing runway incursions and lessening air traffic control workloads. The NTSB's investigation of the Comair crash brought to light several safety advisories that were not being followed, including the FAA's recommendation that two controllers should have been in the tower instead of one. Repeatedly, I have called for enhanced safety measures, better staffing, and improved working conditions for our air traffic controllers.”