[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 12 (Thursday, January 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ULTRALIGHT AIRCRAFT SMUGGLING PREVENTION ACT OF 2012
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the consideration of H.R. 3801.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (H.R. 3801) to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to
clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized
under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and
for other purposes.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I have worked to expedite the Senate's
passage of Congresswoman Giffords' legislation. This action today shows
what we can do when we work together. The Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling
Prevention Act, H.R. 3801, is intended to help ensure that smugglers
who use ultralight aircraft along the United States border are held
accountable for their actions. Its passage today is an appropriate
tribute to the courage and outstanding work of Congresswoman Giffords.
Congresswoman Giffords has long been committed to securing the border
against drug smugglers. This legislation is intended to keep Americans
who live and work along the border safe.
I was part of the tribute to Congresswoman Giffords at the joint
session of Congress to hear the President's State of the Union address
earlier this week. I was saddened to learn of Gabrielle Giffords'
decision to resign from Congress. I know that her commitment to the
citizens of Arizona is unwavering. I look forward to working with her
in the future, and wish her a continued speedy recovery. She is an
inspiration to all.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be
read three times and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the
table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related
to this matter be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The bill (H.R. 3801) was ordered to a third reading, was read the
third time, and passed.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is my understanding this is legislation
that has been pushed by Gabrielle Giffords who resigned from the House
yesterday.
What wonderful statements made by Members of the House yesterday
signifying the way the whole country feels about the courage of this
gallant woman. We all wish her the very best in her future with her
heroic husband standing by her side, an astronaut. I am sure they will
fare better than we can imagine.
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