[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        FLIGHT 3407 FAMILIES' ADVOCACY IMPROVING AIRLINE SAFETY

  (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, for 11 years now, the 
families of Continental Flight 3407 have come to Capitol Hill with the 
heart-driven goal of improving airline safety.
  Thanks to their efforts, and with bipartisan support from Congress, 
the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill of 2010 
included measures to improve transparency and safety for the flying 
public.
  At long last, the Pilot Records Database, one of the final elements 
to be implemented, is moving forward.
  The captain of Flight 3407 had only 600 hours of flight experience 
and failed three practical tests known as check rides. Still, 
Continental and its regional carrier, Colgan Air, hired him.
  The National Transportation Safety Board found that pilot error had 
caused the crash.
  Led by the courageous family and friends of the victims of Flight 
3407 and their tragic yet awe-inspiring public advocacy to protect the 
flying public, this success, in a deeply personal way, belongs to them 
and those they loved and lost.

                          ____________________