Rick Larsen

Congress has an obligation to the traveling public, and the victims of these accidents and their families, to ensure the safety of air travel.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Well, it happens to be my opinion as well. It may not be the majority opinion, but it is----

Neither have I. Thank you.

It may not be the majority opinion, but it is----

By withdrawing much of our own industrial base in the global market, we restrict the competitive environment for our own domestic firms, which over time has the effect of eroding technological advantage we want to protect.

So would it be fair for me to conclude that we gave up something for nothing as a result?

The sufficiency of the proposed software updates and pilot training to address known issues for grounding the aircraft.

The traveling public needs assurances that the FAA will only recertify the aircraft for flight if and when the FAA, outside safety and technical experts, and pilots agree the aircraft is safe to fly.

Tragedies like these should not happen. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is committed to ensuring the safety of our transportation system.

Urging the agency to engage an independent, third-party review composed of individuals with the technical skills and expertise

Congress must act to address these growing infrastructure needs.

As chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I recognize the importance of robust investment in airport infrastructure to ensure safety, foster innovation, improve U.S. competitiveness and enhance the air travel experience for passengers.

Thank you, Chairman DeFazio for calling today's hearing on 'The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Investing in our Nation's Airports Matters.'

We have also requested the inspector general provide us with a status report on any corrective actions undertaken by the FAA since the first accident.

Tragedies like these should not happen.

This must all be done before the 737 MAX is certified to return to service.

I would disagree with you, although we sit in different spots in making these decisions.

The SOCAC is required to advise the Transportation Secretary on policy-level issues related to FAA safety certification and oversight programs.

But Congress must play an important role to ensure the FAA takes steps to outline today in a timely manner, so U.S. companies can continue to innovate and remain globally competitive.

Communities have already seen and experienced the significant impact of emerging technologies, and we must prepare for what is to come.

U.S. innovation is the backbone of the Nation's economy and culture, and aviation 2050 is the next chapter in our leadership in this field.

I do want to start today by acknowledging the tragedy of Sunday's crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The subcommittee will come to order. I will start with my opening statement.

As noted, without the Jones Act and if we treated American domestic commerce the same as international commerce, cargo moving along our coasts and inland rivers would be carried by foreign carriers using foreign vessels and foreign…