On the recordMarch 31, 2011
I urge my colleagues to support the Garrett- Himes-Andrews-Engel amendment. In it, the FAA's New York/New Jersey/ Philadelphia airspace redesign plan would redirect thousands of flights per year over the houses of many of my constituents and, actually, the constituents of the other sponsors of the bill as well. In looking at this, we realize this has a very real and negative impact on the region, including a possible decrease in home values. The new flight patterns, which would be considered here, over the region should not be implemented until a thorough study of alternatives is actually presented to Congress. This amendment prohibits the FAA from continuing implementation of the airspace redesign until it has conducted a study on alternative designs to reduce delays at the four airports considered in the redesign. Finally, it is imperative that the FAA consider the concerns of the people that are and have been afflicted by this action. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.
