Political Quotes

“I rise today in support of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. After six short-term extensions ranging from 1 week to just over a year, the Senate will finally pass comprehensive legislation that will set FAA policy until 2023. These short-term extensions keep the lights on, but they deny us the opportunity to make meaningful changes and better serve the American people. I am a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and I am proud of our committee's work that made this long-term reauthorization possible, but I am especially thankful to our committee chairman, John Thune, and ranking member, Bill Nelson, for their leadership throughout this process. This bill makes critical investments in airport infrastructure. It promotes competition and leadership in aviation, increases safety in the National Airspace System, and strengthens customer service practices across the commercial aviation sector. The legislation delivers very strong support to our rural communities in Michigan and across the Nation by continuing the Essential Air Service, or EAS, Program. This program drives economic development and tourism while also connecting local residents to world-class healthcare. I will never stop fighting to ensure that Michigan's EAS airports--from Muskegon, to Houghton/Hancock, to Alpena--get the funding they need to continue to serve their communities.…”