Thomas Foley: “let me share in the congratulations to the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and, of course, the gentleman from…”

“let me share in the congratulations to the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and, of course, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) for his leadership on this issue. Let us make sure we do not do what we did with the 1990 bill, simply pass it. We need to enforce it. We need to make sure we carry out the mandates of this bill. There is a provision to secure the cockpits, $500 million. Let us make sure we secure the cockpits. If the airlines had their way, they would put a paper clip in the lock and say it is secure. We must make certain that not only the aircraft but all perimeters are secure. This bill was worth the couple weeks we waited. A lot of politics was made out of it. In fact, disparaging remarks were made about our side of the aisle not caring about safety. We care deeply about airline safety, passenger safety. And due to the leadership of both sides of the aisle, I can say to the American public today, as cochairman of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, we are well on our way to safer skies, a better traveling modality, and certainly a better economy for all Americans. I congratulate the House.”