[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING GENERAL AVIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Res. 508. I'm a proud member of the General Aviation Caucus and 
have been a long time supporter of general aviation. My husband was a 
fighter pilot in Vietnam, and now we fly an RV-8 aircraft, which he 
built in our garage.
  More than 75% of all flights in the United States are general 
aviation. America relies on general aviation for business, medical 
delivery services, sightseeing and for just plain fun and a love of 
flying.
  General aviation contributes high-skill jobs in aircraft 
manufacturing, avionics and technology development, and flight 
training. This is a vital industry in America's economy. Currently 
there are 19,000 airports nationwide that provide jobs for 1.3 million 
Americans and bring in more than $100 billion dollars annually.
  According to a 2006 report from the General Aviation Manufacturers 
Association, general aviation contributes more than $4.1 billion in 
value to the state of Michigan alone. And there are more than 200 
general aviation airports in Michigan--these airports are a vital link 
to rural communities.
  After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the General Aviation community 
responded by partnering with the TSA to develop a nationwide Airport 
Watch Program that uses pilots as eyes and ears for observing and 
reporting suspicious activity.
  The General Aviation Community has made impressive contributions to 
our nation's economy and security. So I am proud to support this 
resolution. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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