Joe Crowley: “I rise today in reluctant support of the measure before us today. While I support the goal of the legislation and…”

“I rise today in reluctant support of the measure before us today. While I support the goal of the legislation and compliment the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for their good work in moving expeditiously on this important authorization extension, I fear this measure will undergo substantial and dangerous changes in the other body or during conference. Madam Chairman, I object to efforts to increase takeoff off and landing slots at existing high density airports, such as La Guardia in my district. As such, I strongly oppose any efforts to add language that would accomplish this goal. As my colleagues may know, it is an open secret that legislation to increase takeoffs and landings at the Nation's four high density airports will likely be accepted in any conference on the FAA short term extension. I would strongly encourage the chairman and ranking member not to go outside of the normal legislative process by adding in conference any legislation or proposals that would increase takeoffs and landings at the four high density airports. This is an issue which deserves to be considered separately on its own merits in a full and open debate. Madam Chairman, increased competition in the airline industry, reduction of fares and expansion of the market to allow small, low fare airlines to compete with larger carriers are all worthy goals that deserve to be fully reviewed.”