Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise today to speak about this critical legislation we have before us--The Federal Aviation Administration Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. I wish to thank Chairman Rockefeller, Chairman Dorgan, Ranking Members Hutchison and DeMint for their hard work on this critical legislation. I share the concerns raised by Chairman Dorgan, as he spoke on the floor about the need to advance this legislation, and implement a number of vital improvements to the safety and security of our aviation system On the night of February 12, 2009, Continental flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air, departed Newark Airport bound for Buffalo, NY. The 45 passengers and 5 crewmembers were just miles from the airport when a series of events resulted in the death of all aboard as well as a father on the ground whose home was the unfortunate final resting place of flight 3407. Over this last year, I have gotten to know many of the families of the victims very well. They are a constant presence here in Washington, DC, working to improve safety conditions so that others are spared from the horror and loss that they have experienced. Sitting in my office last spring, as the NTSB began to release information on the crash, I discussed with the families the tremendous value of their advocacy. For decades the system has been slow to change and in the mean time innocent lives have been lost.…”