[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FAA REAUTHORIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BETSY MARKEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2009

  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the 
record that had I been present for the vote on H.R. 915, I would have 
voted in favor of the FAA reauthorization. As my daughter and son are 
graduating from college and high school, respectively, I am unable to 
be present for the vote. As a member of the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, I was proud to approve the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2009 in our committee.
  Being from Colorado, I fly in and out of Denver International 
Airport. Denver has struggled recently with a dearth of properly 
trained air traffic controllers. Denver TRACON is struggling with 
staffing problems because of: retirements, resignations, trainee 
failures and an inability to recruit and retain both the experienced 
veteran workforce and high quality trainees that have the ability to 
succeed in the training program. Air traffic controllers are required 
to retire by age 56, and of late, 98 percent of controllers have 
retired before that age because their salaries are not competitive. I 
am pleased that H.R. 915 addresses the mediation issues between the 
National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the FAA.
  Additionally, the inclusion of funding to accelerate the 
implementation of the NextGen system is critical. It is important that 
we seize any opportunity that we have to make our airways not only 
safer but also more efficient.
  I am also pleased to see that the bill increases funding for 
Essential Air Service. Coming from a rural district, I understand how 
critical EAS is to economic development. Rural communities across 
America count on EAS to preserve affordable, reliable air service. The 
EAS program is a major piece of our rural transportation infrastructure 
and greatly enhances the ability of these communities to attract and 
retain new business investment. I support continued efforts to maintain 
this vital program and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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