[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 75 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H2292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  APPROVAL OF NORWEGIAN AIR INTERNATIONAL'S FOREIGN AIR CARRIER PERMIT

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, on April 15, the Department of 
Transportation tentatively approved the Norwegian Air International's 
request for a foreign air carrier permit, which would enable it to 
operate flights in the United States.
  This decision is inconsistent with the intent of the United States-
European Union Air Transport Agreement and threatens thousands of U.S. 
jobs by undercutting American wages and working conditions.
  While Norwegian Air International is owned by a Norwegian company, it 
operates under a flag of convenience, which allows it to dodge Norway's 
collective bargaining laws, tax regime, and regulatory climate. The 
application should be denied.
  I have cosponsored legislation to permit the issuance of this permit 
and will continue to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to 
ensure a level playing field for U.S. businesses and American workers.

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