[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 69 (Friday, April 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2018

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4) to 
     reauthorize programs of the Federal Aviation Administration, 
     and for other purposes:

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer my common sense 
amendment that will protect consumers by creating the position of the 
Aviation Consumer Advocate at the FAA.
  More than nine million flights take off and land in the United States 
every year. In my home state of Oregon, nearly 20 million people passed 
through the Portland International Airport last year, and that number 
will continue to grow.
  Unfortunately, many passengers have experienced inconveniences such 
as lost luggage and delayed flights that result in missed connections. 
Some passengers have experienced much worse, including being forcibly 
removed from flights when seats are oversold, or sitting on a tarmac 
for hours.
  With more than two and a half million people flying U.S. skies every 
day, it is critical that they have somewhere to turn if things go 
wrong. They deserve to be treated with dignity and to have a reliable 
advocate who is on their side.
  My simple amendment would enhance the FAA's existing Aviation 
Consumer Protection Division by creating the position of the Aviation 
Consumer Advocate.
  This will provide travelers a dedicated person at the FAA to help 
navigate the Aviation Consumer Protection Division and try to resolve 
problems that arise with airlines.
  In addition to helping travelers, the Aviation Consumer Advocate 
would provide the FAA with recommendations on how best to enforce 
consumer protection rules and improve the flying experience.
  The Aviation Consumer Advocate would also evaluate the FAA's response 
to complaints, and provide a report to Congress about the volume and 
frequency of complaints, as well as recommendations on how Congress can 
take action to bolster consumer protections for fliers.
  This is a common sense amendment to protect all our constituents.
  I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in 
strengthening consumer protections and supporting the millions of 
Americans who fly every day.

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