[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E260-E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF THE PILOT, CREW, AND RESCUERS OF US 
                          AIRWAYS FLIGHT 1549

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers who risked their lives to save 
the passengers of Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009.
  US Airways Flight 1549 lost engine power and began to fail shortly 
after its take off from LaGuardia Airport in Queens, headed to 
Charlotte, North Carolina. The lives of 155 passengers and crew were at 
risk. Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffery B. 
Skiles acted with immense valor and dexterity to land the plane in the 
best option available, the Hudson River. The actions of both of these 
men demonstrate that they were cognizant of the lives on and off of the 
plane and choose to avoid populated areas. Additionally, the skilful 
control of the aircraft and decisions made by Sullenberger and Skiles 
allowed for the effective assistance of flight attendants Shelia Dail, 
Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, to prepare passengers for the impact in a 
short amount of time. In this time, passengers had to prepare for their 
landing and from all reports they did so with great discipline and 
concern for each other. Local ferry boats, official police boats and 
U.S. Coast Guard craft were incredibly quick in their response, 
rescuing passengers and crew from the near freezing water in minutes. 
Thanks to the heroic efforts of all parties responsible for the 
passengers of Flight 1549, 155 passengers and crew survived without 
serious injury.
  As a result of the courageous initiatives taken place by these 
individuals, I urge that the House of Representatives give recognition 
and credit where it is due by passing the Resolution introduced by our 
colleague from New York, Joseph Crowley. In doing so we applaud Captain 
Chesley B. Sullenberger III,

[[Page E261]]

First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, flight attendants Doreen Walsh, Donna 
Dent, and Sheila Dail, rescue boats, and private citizens for their 
quick thinking, and bravery amongst many other heroic actions 
demonstrated.

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