[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 60 (Monday, May 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4285-S4287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 110--HONORING THE HEROISM AND COURAGE
DISPLAYED BY AIRLINE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ON A DAILY BASIS
Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Daschle,
Ms. Cantwell, Ms. Collins, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Reid, Mr. Warner, Mr.
Bayh, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Torricelli, Mr. Durbin, Mr.
Graham, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Dayton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Reed, Mr.
Specter, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Bond, Mr. Craig, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Kerry,
Mr. Dodd, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Wellstone, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Rockefeller,
Mr. Wyden, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Bunning,
Mr. Santorum, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Allen, Mr. Hollings, Mr. DeWine, Mrs.
Clinton, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Smith of New Hampshire, Mr. Schumer, Ms.
Snowe, Mr. Cleland, Mr. Breaux, Mrs. Carnahan, Mr. Domenici, Ms.
Mikulski, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Lieberman) submitted the following
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation:
S. Con. Res. 110
Whereas over 100,000 men and women in the United States
serve as flight attendants;
Whereas flight attendants dedicate themselves to serving
and protecting their passengers;
Whereas flight attendants react to dangerous situations as
the first line of defense of airline passengers;
Whereas safety and security are the primary concerns of
flight attendants;
Whereas flight attendants evacuate passengers from an
airplane in emergency situations;
Whereas flight attendants defend passengers against
hijackers, terrorists, and abusive passengers;
Whereas flight attendants handle in-flight medical
emergencies;
Whereas flight attendants perform routine safety and
service duties on board the aircraft;
Whereas 25 flight attendants lost their lives aboard 4
hijacked flights on September 11, 2001;
Whereas 5 flight attendants helped to prevent United Flight
93 from reaching its intended target on September 11, 2001;
Whereas flight attendants provided assistance to passengers
across the United States who had their flights diverted on
September 11, 2001;
Whereas flight attendants on American Airlines Flight 63
helped to subdue Richard
[[Page S4286]]
Reid on December 22, 2001, thereby preventing him from
detonating an explosive device in his shoe intended to bring
down the airplane and kill all 185 passengers and 12 crew
members on board; and
Whereas flight attendants helped to prevent Pablo Moreira,
a Uruguayan citizen, from breaking into the cockpit on
February 7, 2002 during United Flight 855 from Miami to
Buenos Aires: Now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives
concurring), That Congress--
(1) expresses its profound gratitude for the faithful
service provided by flight attendants to make air travel
safe;
(2) honors the courage and dedication of flight attendants;
(3) supports all the flight attendants who continue to
display heroism on a daily basis, as they had been doing
before, during, and after September 11, 2001; and
(4) shall send a copy of this resolution to a family member
of each of the flight attendants killed on September 11,
2001.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a concurrent
resolution honoring flight attendants for the courage, dedication, and
heroism they display on a daily basis as the first line of defense
against trouble and terror in our skies.
From the events of September 11, we have all taken great pride in the
heroism and courage displayed by rescue workers, firemen, and first
responders. These were the men and women running into the burning and
collapsing buildings to help those who were running out get to safety.
Who knows what the death toll would have been that dreadful day without
the help of these brave heroes.
Since September 11, the United States has rallied behind the courage
and dedication of our troops abroad who are rooting out terrorism.
American soldiers are protecting the United States from future
terrorist attacks and as we all know, lives have been lost.
I cannot say enough about what the policemen, firemen, rescue
workers, and the men and women of our armed services have done to
protect all of us.
However, one group of American heroes that I also want to make sure
receive their proper recognition are the approximately 100,000 men and
women who serve as flight attendants in the United States today.
Flight attendants dedicate themselves to serving and protecting their
passengers.
Flight attendants react to dangerous situations on airplanes as the
first line of defense of airline passengers and the pilots in the
cockpit.
Flight attendants evacuate passengers from the airplane in emergency
situations.
Flight attendants have defended passengers against hijackers,
terrorists, and abusive passengers.
Flight attendants handle in-flight medical emergencies.
And as we all know, many flight attendants lost their lives on
September 11 as they fought with terrorists.
Clearly flight attendants do more than serve food and drinks on the
plane.
They are the police, the fire department, the paramedics, and the
bomb squad at 30,000 feet above ground. Just one of these
responsibilities would overwhelm most people. Yet, flight attendants
manage to balance these roles day in and day out.
Flight attendants have enormous responsibilities and they face
tremendous dangers in flight.
To honor the dedication, courage, and commitment flight attendants
made everyday, I am offering this resolution to: 1. Express the
gratitude of Congress for the faithful service provided by flight
attendants to make air travel safe; 2. Honor the courage and dedication
of flight attendants; 3. Support flight attendants as they continue to
display heroism on a daily basis; and 4. Send a copy of this resolution
to a family member of each of the flight attendants killed on September
11, 2001.
In this resolution, we mention three specific instances where flight
attendants have courageously intervened to save the lives of others.
We all know about the heroic passengers and crew of Flight 93 on
September 11, 2001. The flight from Newark, New Jersey to San Francisco
was hijacked that dreadful morning. Yet the terrorists were prevented
from crashing the airplane into its intended target by brave passengers
and crew. Among the crew that sacrificed their lives were five United
Airlines flight attendants.
A few months later, terrorist Richard Reid tried to blow up American
Airlines Flight 63. He too was stopped with the help of flight
attendants as he tried to light explosives in his shoes.
Speaking of the flight attendants aboard flight 93, one passenger
said, ``There's no question that all of us on board owe our lives to
them. [Reid] was fighting to the death.''
And in February of this year, flight attendants and pilots aboard
United Airlines Flight 855 prevented a passenger from breaking into the
cockpit while the plan was traveling from Miami to Buenos Aires.
There are only a few examples of times when flight attendants have
stepped forward to risk their lives to protect others. And
unfortunately there will always be a tremendous amount of risk for the
men and women who work aboard airplanes every day.
I want to point out that this resolution is the result of a letter by
a flight attendant in Sacramento, California who wrote to me. I would
like to insert the letter into the Record and read some of it aloud.
Heather Lauter-Clay, a United Airlines flight attendant, wrote,
From the deepest part of my heart, I am asking for your
support in carrying a resolution to honor Flight Attendants.
It would mean so much to Flight Attendants to be given the
respect and support that they so deserve.
Heather, I completely agree and I am proud to offer this resolution
to honor our flight attendants.
I also want to enter this note into the Record. It was given to me by
Kristin Spivey, a United flight attendant, on my trip home over the
weekend. I was especially touched by Ms. Spivey's note, which was
written on an airplane cocktail napkin. The note reads:
``Senator Feinstein: I am so pleased to have you on our
flight today. It has been an honor to serve you--just to meet
you. Thank you for sponsoring the bill to acknowledge flight
attendants's contributions on September 11th. It was very
difficult to lose so many flying partners to something so
senseless.
In the aftermath it was hard to go on, despite the fact
that I love my job and would not give it up, because so few
seemed to understand my sense of loss. It is also comforting
to believe that all those onboard flight 93 died for a
reason--to save many others in Washington.
You do then a great honor in remembering that. I know you
can help others understand all this. Thank you for speaking
for us. I know my fallen colleagues would be proud.
Kristin Spivey (D.C. based)
I think this note from Ms. Spivey makes it clear that this resolution
is very important and I hope the Congress will pass this legislation
soon.
To the flight attendants serving today and every day: Thank You.
I ask unanimous consent that letters of support for this resolution
be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the letters were ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Davis, CA.
Dear Senator Dianne Feinstein: I am a United Airlines
Flight Attendant. On September 11th, our United Family was
forever changed. In the weeks and months following the
tragedy, we have been mourning the loss of our colleagues and
loss of ourselves. Our world as we knew it has been forever
changed.
On that fateful day, the grief was immense for us. We lost
16 or our crewmembers in one hour, on one day. We were
stricken with feelings of sadness, fear, confusion and panic.
Many of us were stranded, away from home. As the unknown
lingered, we still held onto the thoughts of what our
colleagues faced in their last moments. Meanwhile, knowing
that we too would soon be boarding an airplane.
As a flight attendant, we have taken an oath ``to provide
comfort, care and safety'' to our passengers. On September
1th, our flight attendants were doing their job. All of the
previous protocols that were in place for hijacking
situations failed them. They died protecting their passengers
in the best way that they knew how. As we know, in the last
moments of flight, they were unselfishly caring for others.
Flight Attendants assisted in bringing down UAL 93 by boiling
water to throw on the hijackers and others were on the phones
to supervisors detailing what was transpiring on the planes.
As we approach 4 months since Sept. 11th, our flight
attendants are still continuing to be faced with sadness,
grief, and mourning. The skies as we now know them, are a
host to uncertainty. Possible terrorist threats are
continually present. Airline safety is still compromised.
United has layed off thousands of flight attendants and job
security is wavering.
Over these past months, firefighters, policemen, postal
workers and others have
[[Page S4287]]
been honored for their heroism and dedication to Sept 11th.
Flight Attendants have not and this hurts us. We too, go to
work each day, to serve and protect, knowing that we may not
come home to our loved ones. We too know the importance of
carrying on with our job, despite what we may encounter, even
the possibility of death. Our commitment, bravery and
dedication to the public have never ceased during and after
the events of September 11th. Our crews of UAL 93 and UAL 175
died unsung heroes.
From the deepest part of my heart, I am asking for your
support in carrying a resolution to honor Flight Attendants.
It would mean so much to Flight Attendants to be given the
respect and support that they so deserve. The crews of UAL
93, UAL 175, AA 11, and AA 77 died unsung heroes. The
countless Flight Attendants who have been flying since Sept.
11th continually display valor, gallantry, courage, and
bravery in the midst of a world that is forever changed.
Senator Feinstein, thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Heather Lauter-Clay.
____
Senator Feinstein: I am so pleased to have you on our
flight today. It has been an honor to serve you--just to meet
you. Thank you for sponsoring the bill to acknowledge flight
attendants' contributions on September 11th. It was very
difficult to lose so many flying partners to something so
senseless. In the aftermath it was hard to go on, despite the
fact that I love my job and would not give it up, because so
few seemed to understand my sense of loss. It is also
comforting to believe that all those onboard flight 93 died
for a reason--to save many others in Washington. You do them
a great honor in remembering that. I know you can help others
understand all this. Thank you for speaking for us. I know my
fallen colleagues would be proud.
L. Kristin Spivey,
D.C. based.
____
Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, Air
Transport Local 556,
Dallas, TX, May 13, 2002.
Senator Dianne Feinstein,
U.S. Senate, Hart Senate Building,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Feinstein: As President of Transport Workers
Union Local 556 representing the 7000+ hard working Flight
Attendants at Southwest Airlines, I am writing in support of
your proposed resolution honoring all Flight Attendants.
Before September 11, 2001, Flight Attendants insured the
safety and comfort of airline passengers. On September 11,
2001, Flight Attendants were the first to sacrifice their
lives for the safety of the aircraft and passengers. Since
September 11, 2001, Flight Attendants have been first in
enabling airplanes and passengers to the skies. For many
Flight Attendants, their only reward since September 11, 2001
has been a ``pink slip'' as they were also among the first to
lose their jobs in cutbacks related to the ``Attack on
America''.
Thank you for your leadership and for sponsoring a
resolution which will bring well-deserved recognition to the
over 100,000 Flight Attendants in America who make me proud
to wear my wings.
Respectfully,
Thom McDaniel,
TWU Local 556 President.
Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today with Senator Feinstein
and 50 of my colleagues to submit a resolution to honor the service and
professionalism of the men and women in the United States who serve as
flight attendants.
A career as a flight attendant requires a deep commitment. Their
schedules are unpredictable, their work hours are long and intense, and
the nature of the job causes long absences from the company of family
and friends. Not too many years ago, a flight attendant, or
``stewardess'', could be fired for getting married or becoming
pregnant. Happily, those dark ages are over, thanks to the sacrifices
made by generations of flight attendants who have served all of us.
Today's flight attendants are dedicated men and women who are charged
with many important responsibilities. Of course, they serve food and
beverages to passengers under cramped and difficult conditions. They
also assist children traveling alone, as well as elderly and disabled
passengers. When requires, they administer first aid, including CPR and
artificial respiration. Most of all, they are responsible for the
safety and security of the passengers from the time the aircraft pulls
away from the gate, and they are on duty until the plane arrives at its
destination.
On September 11, terrorism struck the United States as hijacked
aircraft were used as massive weapons of destruction. Despite being
trained merely to comply with the hijackers' demands and to calm the
passengers, many went above and beyond these limitations and displayed
great courage. Using cell phones to relay information to ground crews,
crews aboard American Airlines Flights 11 and 77 and United Airlines
Flights 93 and 175 assisted law enforcement officials in identifying
the hijackers and assessing the nature of the threats. Despite the
ultimate loss of their lives, the crews of these flights took heroic
steps trying to thwart the terrorists' intentions and prevented further
destruction. It is humbling to realize that many of our lives, as well
as our beloved Capitol building, may have been saved by the sacrifices
of the crew of flight 93.
On October 1, another potentially disastrous event was averted on
American Airlines Flight 1238 traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago,
when a passenger attempted to break through the cockpit door to attack
the flight crew. The cabin crew helped stop the attempt and ingeniously
placed serving carts to secure the cockpit.
On December 28, 2001, quick thinking flight attendants made the
difference on American Airlines Flight 63 en route from Paris to Miami,
when Richard Reid, an accused al Qaeda-trained terrorist, attempted to
light a powerful explosive concealed in his shoes. An alert flight
attendant led the rest of the cabin crew in a successful struggle to
prevent a devastating explosion. Reid was restrained and ultimately
arrested, but not before several flight attendants were injured in the
battle to subdue Reid.
I encourage flight attendants to continue to provide America's
travelers with the service and security we need to revive our aviation
industry. I urge my Senate colleagues to join with me in saluting and
honoring America's flight attendants and by passing this resolution.
____________________