Political Quotes

“on August 5, 1997, Korean Air flight 801 crashed into a hillside on Guam, killing 228. We worked with Chairman McCain and our House colleagues last year to enact legislation requiring U.S. air carriers to develop plans to address the needs of families following an aviation disaster. The 1996 Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] Reauthorization Act (P.L. 104-264), however, did not impose a similar requirement on foreign carriers serving the United States. Section 703 of the FAA Reauthorization Act specifically requires that the air carrier submit disaster plans to the Secretary of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board. The plans must include items such as a means to publicize toll-free telephone numbers for the families, a process for notifying families, an assurance that the families be consulted on the disposition of remains and personal effects, and a requirement that the carrier work with other organizations in dealing with the disaster. Congressman Underwood of Guam originally introduced H.R. 2834 on the House side, and a corresponding bill, S. 1196, was introduced in the Senate to subject foreign carriers serving the United States to the requirements mentioned above. The Senate bill was considered and reported by the Commerce Committee. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2834 so the President can sign this bill.”