[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3150-S3151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     AVIATION SAFETY PROTECTION ACT

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to join Senator 
Kerry in introducing the ``Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1999.'' 
This legislation will grant whistleblower protection to aviation 
workers, thus helping to increase the safety of the aviation industry 
and the traveling public.
  I have long been a supporter of whistleblower protection for 
government workers. This act will extend that protection to aviation 
workers. Airline employees play a vital role in the protection of the 
traveling public. They are the first line of defense when it comes to 
recognizing hazards and other violations which can threaten airline 
safety. These dedicated employees should not have to choose between 
saving the public or saving their own jobs. The extension of 
whistleblower protection will eliminate that unfair choice and will 
allow them to do what is right. What is right is to be able to tell 
airline management of aviation safety problems without fear of 
retaliation or losing their job.
  I have been working with Senator Kerry and flight attendants on this 
vital legislation for the past several years. It was included in the 
last Congress in the FAA reauthorization bill. Unfortunately that bill 
was not passed into law. We are looking forward to working closely with 
Senator McCain and Congressman Shuster this year as the FAA 
reauthorization legislation moves through the Congress.
  The traveling public expects and deserves the safest air travel 
system possible. Granting aviation employees whistleblower protection 
will fill a gap in the air travel system.
  I join with Senator Kerry in urging my colleagues to cosponsor this 
legislation.

[[Page S3151]]



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