Rick Larsen: “This amendment would require the DOT inspector general to investigate the FAA's decision to increase the…”

“This amendment would require the DOT inspector general to investigate the FAA's decision to increase the electrocardiogram, or EKG, range that is permissible for pilots. This amendment follows a change made by the agency last October to increase the allowable range of an EKG result from 200 to 300 milliseconds without requiring further documentation from the pilot. The FAA's change in the allowable EKG result range was based on scientific data from cardiovascular experts documented in the public domain. Such data shows that an EKG result under 300 milliseconds indicates that the pilot has no real risk of sudden heart failure if there are no other medical issues. Medical standards and recommendations have always evolved over time as medicine becomes more advanced and health professionals learn new information. The FAA should take advantage of the latest guidance from medical experts to ensure these guidelines for pilots are as safe as possible. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”