[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the National 
Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act. This important 
legislation will give NTSB the tools it needs to investigate 
transportation accidents and make timely recommendations to improve 
safety.
  NTSB is the federal agency responsible for determining the probable 
cause of aviation, railroad, marine, and selected highway accidents. 
They assist victims and families and make recommendations aimed at 
addressing systemic issues and improving safety of all transportation 
modes. NTSB recently completed a year-long investigation into a 
catastrophic accident on the Red Line of the Washington Metro. 
Throughout the process, I was impressed by the knowledge and 
professionalism of the Board and its staff.
  Today's legislation will help NTSB complete its mission--expanding 
its staff, clarifying its authority to identify multiple causes of 
accidents, and ensuring that it can conduct necessary on-scene fact-
finding and access the information it needs. Importantly, the bill also 
allows NTSB to release urgent and interim safety recommendations so 
that transportation agencies can address safety issues quickly.
  Mr. Speaker, when accidents happen, NTSB is there to determine the 
cause and provide expert advice to strengthen transportation safety. I 
urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this reauthorization.

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