On the recordFebruary 8, 2011
I wish I could blame the Republicans for the impasse, but it is both parties. We have people on both sides of the aisle who are trying to take advantage, as they see it, on this slot issue. This is an extremely important piece of legislation. I know the slots to individual Senators is important. But it is not important enough to hold up this bill. We have been trying for years--years--to get this bill passed. This will create or save 280,000 jobs. It will improve the safety of our air travels. It will give rights to people who are flying who do not have those rights. We have a passengers' bill of rights. It is a shame this one issue is holding up this bill. I repeat, if we do not have this matter resolved Monday, I am filing cloture on this bill. We have to complete this legislation.
