Larry Pressler: “as chairman of the conference on H.R. 3539, the Federal Aviation Authorization Act of l996, I rise to urge my colleagues…”

“as chairman of the conference on H.R. 3539, the Federal Aviation Authorization Act of l996, I rise to urge my colleagues to permit the Senate to immediately proceed to consideration of the conference report for this critically important legislation. H.R. 3539 is a bipartisan, omnibus aviation bill which reauthorizes the Airport Improvement Program [AIP], reforms the Federal Aviation Administration, improves aviation safety and security, and provides long overdue assistance to the families of victims of aviation disasters. Mr. President, it is absolutely imperative that the Senate approves this conference report before we adjourn and that the President signs the report. Yesterday, the House met its responsibility to the American traveling public by passing this legislation. If the Senate fails to approve this excellent legislation which represents another significant legislative accomplishment for this body, we will have failed to meet our responsibility to the American traveling public. For example, if we do not approve this report, airports across the country will not receive Federal funding which is vital for safety-related repairs and other improvements. If we fail to pass this report, the Senate will have neglected our responsibility to ensure the United States maintains the safest and most secure aviation system in the world.”