Political Quotes

“I acknowledge that the bill is not only about this issue, but the pressing issues that we have, the ones that you already talked about, I would say that the bill could do a lot more on those issues. Those are the things that concern the American people: safety, access, and canceled flights. I will tell you that it is great that we are mandating the FAA to do something. We are mandating that the American people have to do something. We are mandating that the FAA fully complement controllers. That doesn't mean controllers are coming out of school. That doesn't mean controllers want to take the job. You can mandate it all you want, but if the people aren't willing to do the job or are not available to do the job, they are not going to be there to do the job. I see that as a wholly inadequate response and solution to a pressing problem that I predict is going to get worse between now and the next 5-year reauthorization. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of this amendment. I think it is a good amendment. If we have to deal with the other problem directly, then let's deal directly with the other problem of the software and not punish everybody. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.”