Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. Con. Res. 61, a resolution which recognizes the many contributions of private pilots and the general aviation industry to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts and encourages the continued generosity of general aviation pilots and operators in ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti. On January 12, 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, leaving up to 300,000 dead and 300,000 injured. Private pilots and businesses banded together to conduct an estimated 4,500 relief flights during the 30-day period following the earthquake. Business aircraft transported approximately 3,500 passengers and delivered over 1 million pounds of cargo and supplies to the Haitian people. General aviation aircraft were vital for getting help to smaller communities that otherwise faced great difficulty in receiving aid. Media accounts described pilots ferrying supplies between nearby countries, like the Dominican Republic, to small towns in Haiti. They would often land on not much more than dirt roads. General aviation aircraft transported critical supplies like food, blankets, medication, and medical equipment as well. The fuel from these aircraft was even used in some cases to help generators continue running.…”