Political Quotes

“I join my chairman in his remarks. I thought they were excellent and to the point. I agree with Senator McCain that we ought to work with the Senator from Oklahoma to see if we can get something in the bill that will at least recognize the problem that he has brought forth here this afternoon. As of now, I will join with my colleague and oppose Senator Inhofe's amendment. It is my understanding that GAO, FAA, and the Department of Transportation IG have all looked at FAA's use of its emergency authority. There are only a few cases where the FAA has been reversed. GAO found that FAA used its authority in only 3 percent of its enforcement cases from 1990 to 1997. It shows a great deal of restraint that they only use it in cases where they think it is an emergency. And, as my friend from Arizona has said, most of those cases have been upheld. So FAA must have the authority--must have the authority--to revoke certificates on an emergency basis. The National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, and GAO all oppose any change.”