[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 122 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H7266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 FOREIGN AIR CARRIER FAMILY SUPPORT ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Guam [Mr. Underwood] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce the Foreign Air 
Carrier Family Support Act which would require foreign air carriers to 
implement a disaster family assistance plan should an accident 
involving their carrier take place on American soil.
  As many of my colleagues know, the accident involving Korean Air 
flight 801 has spurred the momentum for this legislation. Two hundred 
and twenty-eight individuals perished from that tragic episode, and 
countless friends and families have been affected by the loss of a 
loved one.
  Various civil, military, and Federal personnel were involved in the 
search and rescue mission, as well as assisting family members on Guam 
and those who traveled from South Korea and the continental United 
States. Under the conditions at the time, all personnel contributed 
their time and energy to preserving life, searching for remains, and 
helping families cope with their grief.
  However, I do point out that there were many criticisms made on 
behalf of family members regarding the search and rescue efforts as 
well as media involvement in the aftermath of the Korean Air crash. My 
legislation will aim to coordinate the complex procedures associated 
with an airline accident.
  The foreign air carrier's clear delineation of responsibilities will 
clarify and streamline efforts when providing assistance to family 
members. This regulation is already required for our domestic airlines, 
as mandated in the passage of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance 
Act of 1996. And, after close consultation with the Department of 
Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board, I am ready 
to introduce the Foreign Air Carrier Family Support Act.
  I am pleased that two of my colleagues have chosen to support me in 
this important matter. Representative Jimmy Duncan, chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Aviation, and Representative Lipinski, ranking member 
of the subcommittee, demonstrated their commitment to airline safety by 
electing to be original cosponsors of this legislation. I have also 
received support from the administration and Members of the Senate.
  The overwhelming endorsement for this bill is not surprising. More 
and more of our own citizens take domestic and foreign air carriers to 
various destinations. We must work to ensure their safety as well as 
peace of mind.
  The crash of Korean Air flight 801 demonstrated the need for this 
legislation. Although Korean Air did all that they could to assist 
victims' family members, their efforts could have been more efficient 
had a prearranged plan been in effect. With prior arrangements there 
could have been greater coordination not only with family members but 
with NTSB officials and military personnel.
  I encourage my colleagues to support the Foreign Air Carrier Family 
Assistance Act. This bipartisan legislation assures us that victims' 
family members of a foreign air carrier accident will not receive not 
merely sufficient assistance but efficient assistance as well.

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