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.

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

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.

Congress must act to address these growing infrastructure needs.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Just say it is going to be higher than zero. That is all I am asking.