Political Quotes

“I rise today in support of S. 2024, to temporarily authorize expenditure under the Airport Improvement Program so that grants may be made for airport construction and improvement projects. This legislation comes at a critical time to airports in my district. As you know, the Aviation Infrastructure Investment Act of 1993 passed the House on October 13, 1993, with my support. It authorizes $28 billion in fiscal year 1994-96 for improving and operating our nation's airports and airways, and reauthorizes the Airport Improvement Program. The Senate's companion bill, S. 1491, was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar, but has not come to the Senate floor for consideration. Instead of considering S. 1491, the Senate passed S. 2024, which provides temporary, 60-day obligational authority for the Airport Improvement Program, on April 19, 1994. If enacted into law, the bill would enable the Federal Aviation Agency to release $800 million over the next 60 days. Maine has a very short construction season of just 162 days. Consequently, it is essential that AIP funds be released by May 27, 1994. For example, the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport has two projects that depend on AIP funding: a three year runway reconstruction project and a land purchase project. If AIP funding is not reauthorized soon, the construction project will be delayed by 1 year and the land purchase project will be jeopardized.”