Political Quotes

“I rise to urge swift passage of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016 currently pending on the Senate floor. This legislation supports U.S. jobs and promotes competition while increasing safety in the national aerospace system. In the wake of the tragic attacks in Brussels, the bill includes a number of important airport security reforms. We are proposing to invest in our Nation's airports by authorizing a $400 million increase for the Airport Improvement Program, which airports across the Nation rely on to modernize their infrastructure. We are also seeking to preserve the Federal Contract Tower Program, which supports general aviation safety, commercial airports, law enforcement, and emergency medical operations. Michigan is a large State, and our rural airports keep smaller communities across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan competitive and connected. Maintaining the Essential Air Service Program supports airports that Michiganders rely on, such as the Alpena County Regional Airport, Muskegon County Airport, and Delta County Airport. This bill also advances responsible usage of unmanned aircraft systems--known more commonly as UAS or drones--by addressing safety and privacy issues, enhancing enforcement against irresponsible usage, and creating new opportunities for research, development, and the testing of these innovative technologies.…”