Trent Lott: “let me explain why I offered this amendment. Senator Specter raises some very legitimate concerns, and we need to know…”

“let me explain why I offered this amendment. Senator Specter raises some very legitimate concerns, and we need to know what the situation is with regard to safety standards and the conditions of the workers in these foreign repair stations. First, I was not aware of this amendment or the committee was not aware of this amendment until about an hour ago. We have not had a chance to find out more about what the ramifications are, the need for it, or what we need to do. We have had no hearings on this matter. There is no question we need to make sure these foreign repair stations for airlines are good ones and the workers at these stations meet certain qualifications. They are doing good work basically. I am offering this amendment on behalf of Senator Inhofe who has some experience in this area, has been to some of these foreign repair stations and has some concerns. Being a pilot himself, having served on the committee of jurisdiction in the House, this is something we would like to know his feelings about and make sure of what the situation is today. He thought, though, we needed to look into it and understand what is happening. For instance, we may, by doing this, be imposing more requirements on these foreign repair stations that do not need certain laws or regulations in the various countries. We may be taking actions that would drive up costs.…”