Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to introduce the Safe and Secure Skies Act of 2003, a bill that would protect the safety and security of the…”

“I rise to introduce the Safe and Secure Skies Act of 2003, a bill that would protect the safety and security of the flying public by requiring that air traffic control remain a government function. This legislation is necessary because the Bush administration has taken several steps to privatize our Nation's air traffic control system. On September 11 air traffic controllers across the Nation performed heroically, as they guided thousands of aircraft out of the sky. From the tower at Newark International Airport, air traffic controllers in my State could see the Twin Towers burning as they worked to return tens of thousands of Americans to the ground safely. Like many public servants on that day, they are heroes. Along with police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel, these public employees gave 110 percent to secure the safety of the American people. In the aftermath of these tragic events, the American people demanded one thing in particular of their government: they wanted government personnel--not private contract firms--to perform security screening of baggage at our Nation's airports. And Congress complied with this request, as we turned the privatized baggage screening system over to Federal workers with the new Transportation Security Agency. That is why it is so surprising to me that the administration is now taking steps to privatize the air traffic control system in this country. It makes little sense, especially after September 11.”