[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1458-E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE FREIGHT RAILROAD INDUSTRY

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1401, expressing gratitude for the contributions that the air 
traffic controllers of the United States make to keep the traveling 
public safe and the airspace of the United States running efficiently, 
and for other purposes. I must commend and thank Congresswoman McCarthy 
for her leadership on this legislation and her dedication to 
recognizing the brave work of air traffic controllers.
  Just last week, a plane taking off from my home state of Georgia was 
forced to make an emergency landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International 
Airport after a tire blew during takeoff. The plane circled the skies 
for several hours and with the help of air traffic controllers on the 
ground, the plane was able to land safely. No one was injured, and the 
passengers were routed to another flight.
  This example is just one of many describing the crucial job of air 
traffic controllers, a group that might remain unrecognized were it not 
for this resolution. Everyday air traffic controllers work to keep the 
traveling public safe and U.S. airspace running efficiently. They 
execute their job with the highest level of efficiency and maintain a 
calm and professional manner despite the stressful circumstances they 
may encounter.
  H. Res. 1401 serves as a small thank you and acknowledgement to air 
traffic controllers for their often heroic actions, dedication, and 
quick and skilled decision making to help avert many accidents and 
tragedies. Additionally, the resolution serves as an opportunity to 
encourage greater investment in the modernization of the air traffic 
control system so that

[[Page E1459]]

they have the resources and technology to better carry out their 
mission.
  Mr. Speaker I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. It 
serves as an opportunity to give air traffic controllers the 
acknowledgement they so deserve and encourage them to keep our skies 
safe for all.

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