Political Quotes

“Mr. President, this week, the Senate is finally considering the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, and I am glad we are here--even if belatedly. Our Nation depends on a safe, efficient, and robust national aviation system. The bill before us today will help strengthen aviation safety, address the pilot shortage, and improve airport infrastructure--all of which will contribute to a better experience for the traveling public. I am particularly pleased that my proposal to create an enhanced qualification program for prospective airline pilots was included in the bill. The United States is facing a serious pilot shortage, which has resulted in reduced air service at airports around the country. This has real impacts on the flying public, particularly for those in rural States like South Dakota since smaller, regional airports have tended to see the greatest reduction in flights. To help address this shortage and improve the quality of pilot training, Senator Sinema and I introduced a proposal to create an enhanced qualification proposal for prospective airline pilots. Our proposal was a direct response to a recommendation from the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee--a body of industry, labor, and safety representatives who meet regularly under the auspices of the FAA's Office of Aviation Safety--which recommended the implementation of such a program to create a structured pathway for pilots to obtain intensive training.…”