[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1745-E1746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      AIR 2001 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND SYSTEM STABILIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2926, 
legislation that will help our nation's air infrastructure recover from 
the shocking terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  The September 11 tragedy dealt a dual blow to the airline industry; 
not only did American and United Airlines lose highly esteemed pilots 
and flight attendants in these violent hijackings, the subsequent 
federal shutdown of the airways also had a severe financial impact on 
carriers and led to the layoffs of more than 100,000 workers. Our air 
infrastructure supports the American economy by transporting goods and 
people across this great nation, and its continued strength is 
essential to the ongoing economic health of the United States. However, 
airlines also provide an opportunity to exercise the American freedom 
of movement. Every year, millions of Americans use air travel to visit 
their friends and families, take vacations, and conduct business 
throughout the country. Congress is now poised to bolster the airlines 
and restore confidence in our ability to fly.
  H.R. 2926 will provide $5 billion in immediate cash assistance to 
airlines to compensate for losses incurred during the federal grounding 
order. The measure also includes $10 billion in loan guarantees to help 
airlines adjust to the lingering effects of the September 11 attacks. 
By promoting the continued viability of air travel, this legislation 
will also assist other businesses reliant on the airline industry such 
as aircraft manufacturers, travel agents, rental car agencies, hotels, 
and other travel- and tourism-related companies--all of whom have been 
adversely affected by the recent slowdown in air travel. Coupled with 
significant improvements in airline and airport safety, which I urge 
Congress to address in the immediate future, H.R. 2926 will stabilize 
and restore confidence in air travel.
  However, I am quite dismayed that this legislation contains no 
provisions to help the 100,000 workers in the airline and airline-
related sectors who have lost their jobs in the aftermath of September 
11. If we truly hope to boost our nation's economy, we must ensure that 
these men and women receive unemployment benefits, as well as the 
educational and retraining assistance needed to minimize the transition 
time between jobs. Additionally, Congress must enact legislation to 
provide these families federally-subsidized COBRA health insurance 
during this difficult time.

[[Page E1746]]

  Finally, it is critical that we move quickly to adopt a legislative 
response to the need for enhanced security in our airports and on our 
aircraft. The federal government must play a major role ensuring the 
safety of our travel, and we must act soon. I understand that the House 
leadership intends to address these concerns in the near future, and, 
in the spirit of bipartisanship, I stand ready to work with them in 
these efforts.

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