Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I would yield the floor, but I don't see anyone else here. I would like to comment on the FAA reauthorization bill. I had a couple of amendments to it, and I want to mention that both of my amendments have now been accepted. I feel very good about that. I think we are currently considering a bill that is very necessary to go ahead and get passed. I again commend Senator Thune and Senator Nelson for working yesterday to get through a number of important amendments that were approved by the Senate. Included in the group was an amendment I offered that would direct the FAA to establish rules to allow critical infrastructure owners and operators to use unmanned aircraft systems to carry out federally mandated patrols and to perform emergency response and preparation activities. This is one I feel very strongly about because there is a lot of controversy around drones, but we do know there are some things that have to be done--pipelines, for example. It is just as easy for a drone to do it, and it can be done in all kinds of weather. This amendment would apply to energy infrastructure, such as oil and gas and renewable electric energy. It would apply to power utilities and telecommunications networks. It would apply to roads and bridges and water supply systems operators. This amendment provides needed congressional direction to the FAA where there is a clear and articulable need, and I am glad it was accepted yesterday.…”