[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 72 (Wednesday, June 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  2002 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FURTHER RECOVERY FROM AND 
           RESPONSE TO TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE UNITED STATES

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                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R 4775) making 
     supplemental appropriations for further recovery from and 
     response to terrorist attacks on the United States for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the amendment 
offered by my colleague, Mr. Moran, to prevent the potential bankruptcy 
of the Nation's 6th largest and the eastern seaboard's second largest 
airline, US Airways.
  As the representative of New York's LaGuardia Airport, I know how 
important the preservation of this airline is, not only to the 
traveling public, but to the men, women and children in my district.
  Following the events of September 11, our Nation's airlines took a 
tremendous financial hit, resulting in the dismissal of approximately 
100,000 airline employees. As members of Congress, we felt we needed to 
do something to stop the bleeding. To that end, we passed a $15 billion 
aid package to save America's airline industry. This package included 
$10 billion in loan guarantees. Not recommendations, but guarantees.
  Now in one fell swoop, the commitments made by Congress have been 
undermined by a select few members of this House without the 
consultation or consent of a majority of the members. US Airways has 
dedicated itself to preparing documentation, including a new business 
plan, with contributions from its employees, communities and vendors, 
which should be finalized later this month to meet the imposed 
deadline. US Airways has followed the law in good-faith, expending 
money and energy, to meet the requirements set out by the Loan 
Stabilization Board, the Department of Transportation and the Office of 
Management and Budget. For Congress to suspend this line of credit and 
arbitrarily suspend the loan guarantee program runs counter to Airline 
Stabilization Act that President Bush signed into law just six months 
ago.
  This is not just about saving an airline; this is about protecting 
the livelihood of 40,000 American families. We must do everything we 
can to live up to our commitments, and stand by the hard working 
airline employees and their families during this difficult time.
  Therefore, I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.

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