[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 161 (Tuesday, November 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     GENERAL AVIATION INDUSTRY REPARATIONS ACT OF 2001 (H.R. 3347)

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2001

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the good work of 
Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica. Today, he introduced the 
``General Aviation Industry Reparations Act,'' in an effort to 
compensate general aviation businesses that were closed by government 
edict after the tragic events of September 11. I am pleased to join 
Chairman Mica as an original cosponsor of this much-needed legislation.
  As a result of the terrorist attacks, this segment of the aviation 
industry was grounded significantly longer and was saddled with greater 
flight restrictions than the larger air carriers. In some cases, 
certain general aviation airports are still unable to operate. On 
October 17th, the Aviation Subcommittee heard testimony from those 
affected by the government shutdown, where we learned that direct 
compensation is the only hope left for man small companies. Drawing 
from these hearings, Chairman Mica's legislation allows qualified 
companies that have suffered economic losses due to the government's 
actions, to ask for reasonable compensation. This legislation directly 
provides the much-needed cash infusion these small businesses require 
to stay in business, while making sure only eligible companies receive 
funds.
  This legislation will affect the constituents of almost every Member 
of Congress, because general aviation operates at more than 5,300 
public airports across America. More than 92 percent of the roughly 
225,000 civil aircraft registered in the United States are general 
aviation aircraft. More than 500,000 of the nation's 635,000 pilots fly 
general aviation aircraft. General aviation is compromised of private 
business owners, large and small, that rely on our national airspace 
for their livelihood. Many of these companies are mom and pop flight 
schools, parachute schools, scenic tour operators, and the people who 
gas up planes and tie them down at night.
  On October 3, I introduced the ``General Aviation Small Business 
Relief Act'' to help out the struggling industry. My bill would allow 
the Small Business Administration to provide direct grants and low-cost 
loans to general aviation small businesses directly affected by the 
terrorist attacks to help them make it through this tough time. I am 
proud to report that 50 of my colleagues, including Chairman Mica, have 
joined in the effort to provide relief to general aviation businesses.
  This is why I am pleased to join with Mr. Mica today, in trying to 
help out the general aviation industry. Congress acted swiftly to 
stabilize the large carriers after the tragic events of September 11. 
It is time to address the financial crisis facing the general aviation 
industry. I fully support Mr. Mica's efforts and am proud to be an 
original cosponsor of his legislation.

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