[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H6123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1430
ENSURING TRAVELING PUBLIC'S SAFETY
(Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Members fly a lot, Mr. Speaker, and so I am
delighted to know that we have moved on saving and coming together
around the FAA extension.
Just a few weeks ago, I gathered at the airport that I represent,
Houston Intercontinental Airport, to listen to the workers and those
who secure our Nation's airports. From flight attendants to flight
pilots or airline pilots, to machinists, to friends who were supporting
them, the seafarers and communication workers, and an array of workers
who work every day led by leadership from the AFL-CIO, those who work
at the airport, city officials were all saying: I cannot believe that
you would allow $90 million to go awry and construction on airports
around America to be unutilized.
It is time that we move forward with the FAA authorization. It is
also time to appreciate collective bargaining, which is an important
element of this, and to recognize and respect the various needs of the
FAA.
I still believe there should be mandatory two air traffic controllers
at every airport and mandatory time of rest. We need to ensure the
traveling public's safety on the Nation's airlines. It is about time,
and I congratulate this House for moving forward on the FAA
authorization.
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