John Thune: “Today's hearing is a good opportunity to review the FAA's progress on a host of aviation safety issues.”

Odds are we plan on being here next week," said Thune.

The only conclusion one can draw is that the Democrats have concluded that it is good politics for them not to allow the Republicans to ‘get a victory’ or the president to ‘get a victory’ in the middle of a political season.

I just think, if you’re looking at issues that we want to get at the heart of what everybody seems to be saying, the Democrats and others are saying, are important, we're concerned about.

It’s a great message. I like the message. But it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars.