Tom Udall: “I urge my colleagues to stay here and address these issues: the worker employment issues and the safety issues and…”

“I urge my colleagues to stay here and address these issues: the worker employment issues and the safety issues and security issues we have talked about. There is no doubt that the airline industry is in need of assistance. This industry is vital to our nation's economic strength, and its current struggles have far-reaching implications for all segments of American society. Therefore, at this time of national emergency, I agree that we should help stabilize this important cog in the American economic wheel. However, I do not believe that we should simply provide a ``bailout'' bill for airline companies at the expense of American taxpayers. As we consider the amount of assistance we are providing, we also need to ensure that there are sufficient provisions to assist everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. First, we must compensate the victims of the September 11th attack. Second, we need to take steps to prevent future tragedies. Third, we need to help the airline industry, but we also must remember those hard working airline employees who have lost their jobs. Finally, we need to provide support for smaller airports throughout the country. In providing assistance to the beleaguered industry, we must be mindful of these objectives. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I have reservations about whether or not this bill is mindful of those objectives.”