Jay Rockefeller: “today, along with Senator Hollings, I am introducing the Administration's legislative proposal for reauthorizing the…”

“today, along with Senator Hollings, I am introducing the Administration's legislative proposal for reauthorizing the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration. I do so at the request of Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater who is eager to have the Senate consider his key initiatives. Among other provisions, the bill includes a number of initiatives that will be beneficial to small communities, modeled in part after S. 379, the Air Service Restoration Act, which I introduced earlier this year, along with Senators Dorgan, Wyden, Harkin, and Bingaman. Several of these provisions also have been incorporated into the FAA reauthorization bill, S. 82, which has been favorably reported by the Commerce Committee. Many of my colleagues share my own commitment to addressing the critical needs and concerns of small communities--the challenges they face in general, and the lack of air service in particular. I am very pleased that the Secretary's bill offers leadership in this area. I must also point out, however, that there are other areas of the Administration's bill that I am reserving judgment on and may not be able to support. The Secretary is aware of my concerns, and I want to work with him and my colleagues on crafting a meaningful legislative package to reform the FAA, strengthen the Airport Improvement Program, enhance aviation competition and address the needs of small communities.”