On the recordFebruary 1, 2011
I am pleased we are starting on the FAA bill and having an open amendment process so everyone can be heard. Let me go back to where I was on the part of the FAA reauthorization bill that addresses aviation safety. We do limit the ability of FAA inspectors to work for air carriers over which they have had oversight, and we will require the conducting of independent reviews of safety issues identified by employees. We also need to require enhanced safety oversight of foreign repair stations, including a minimum of two FAA inspections annually, with exceptions for those that have comprehensive bilateral aviation safety maintenance agreements with the United States, and requiring alcohol and drug testing at any foreign facilities that perform maintenance on U.S. commercial aircraft. Finally, the bill also provides infrastructure investment to our Nation's airports. This bill contains many important provisions and deserves the support of the Senate. We have been operating under short-term extensions for far too long.
