[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        AVIATION TRAFFIC SAFETY

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, in light of the recent plane crash 
yesterday, I contacted the appropriate committee to call for 
comprehensive hearings on aviation safety.
  It is too early to conclude the specific cause of that tragic 
accident and I certainly point no finger of blame.
  I think the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] is working hard, 
but I would like for the Senate to hold, either now or in February or 
March, comprehensive hearings on Federal aviation safety policy, 
particularly as to how the National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB] 
works with the FAA.
  There was a serious crash last year claiming the lives of several 
citizens from my home State of South Dakota, including our Governor. 
Then there was a deadly crash earlier this year, and now we have this 
crash of the USAir flight 427 in Pennsylvania. These are terrible 
tragedies.
  Let me be clear. I point no finger of blame at anyone for this most 
recent crash. I do not know all the facts. Indeed, the NTSB and FAA are 
working hard to determine its cause. However, we should focus on this 
serious matter and work with our safety agencies to prevent future 
tragedies. In my view, we need congressional oversight to be sure that 
our congressional committees are doing what we are supposed to be doing 
to promote air safety in this country and protect the safety of the air 
traveling public.
  I yield the floor.

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