Jim Langevin: “I rise to urge quick action to address a crisis in our country. The number of workers displaced from the airlines and…”

“I rise to urge quick action to address a crisis in our country. The number of workers displaced from the airlines and related industries since the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11 have been steadily growing and now stretches beyond 100,000. Our air infrastructure is, in many ways, the backbone of our economy; and its strength is essential to the economic health of the United States. The September 11 tragedy and subsequent shutdown of the airways had a severe financial impact on carriers and led to massive layoffs. In response, this House passed, with my support, a $15 billion package of cash assistance and loan guarantees to help the airlines weather this recent storm. It continues to be my strong hope that by promoting the continued viability of air travel this aid will also help other businesses relying upon the airline industry, businesses like aircraft manufacturers, travel agents, rental car agencies, hotels and restaurants, all of which have been affected by the recent shutdown in air travel. Unfortunately, the airline assistance package is unlikely to help the thousands of workers who have lost their jobs in recent weeks, and we must not turn our backs on them in this critical time.”