Harry Reid: “It is unfortunate we cannot get consent to move forward with this bill. It is a bill that enjoys strong bipartisan…”

“It is unfortunate we cannot get consent to move forward with this bill. It is a bill that enjoys strong bipartisan support. In April, the Commerce Committee voted 19 to 4 in favor of this very important legislation. More than 60 Senators indicated their support by sending a letter to the two leaders asking for this bill to come before the Senate immediately. I simply believe this is a national priority. I have flown into O'Hare many times and understand how busy and important that airport is for the country, not just for the people of Illinois. I believe we have the votes to pass this bill and to do so very quickly. I say to my friend, the junior Senator from Illinois, to object to this point only delays the inevitable and stands in the way of addressing a national aviation capacity problem in the Chicago region which affects the whole country. It jeopardizes jobs and stalls economic development. I am very disappointed.”