[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 26, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION ON JANUARY 25, 2021

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Blumenthal, and 
        Mr. Markey):
  S. 36. A bill to require certain helicopters to be equipped with 
safety technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Kobe 
Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act''.
  I'm pleased to be joined today by Senators Schumer, Blumenthal, and 
Markey in reintroducing this bill.
  Nearly one year ago today, on January 26, 2020, a helicopter carrying 
nine Californians flew into foggy weather and crashed minutes later. 
Los Angeles and the world soon learned that among the crash victims 
were basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
  After the crash, we soon learned the names and stories of John, 
Alyssa, and Keri Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Chester; Christina Mauser; 
and Ara Zobayan. These were spirited friends and family members 
connected by their love of sport, traveling to a weekend basketball 
tournament.
  The sudden and shocking nature of the accident touched many, and the 
public remembrances in Los Angeles and around the world to honor the 
victims are proof that their memories will not soon be forgotten.
  But this tragedy is one that could have been averted. A preliminary 
report and investigatory documents released by the National 
Transportation Safety Board indicate the helicopter was flying through 
thick clouds and fog, yet was not equipped with a terrain awareness and 
warning system. This technology provides pilots with real-time, 
inflight warning signals and an image of surrounding terrain.
  Since 2006, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended 
to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that all new and existing 
helicopters capable of carrying six or more passengers be equipped with 
terrain awareness and warning system technology. However, FAA has only 
required these warning systems for air ambulances.
  Nevertheless, this technology has become standard on new helicopters 
from Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky since December 2018. But 
older helicopters remain vulnerable.
  Our bill also requires crash-resistant flight data and voice 
recorders. Otherwise known as black boxes, this technology is important 
for when accidents do happen and mistakes are made. It would allow 
agencies like the NTSB to have a better understanding of the incident 
and provide more information to the FAA to prevent future accidents.
  It is clear that additional steps are needed to ensure that 
helicopters can fly safely, both for the sake of passengers and those 
on the ground.
  Our bill offers a common-sense approach to preventing further 
accidents like this one. It would simply direct the FAA to implement 
the NTSB's recommendations to require terrain awareness and warning 
systems and flight data and voice recorders on all helicopters carrying 
six or more passengers.
  I appreciate the hard work of the National Transportation Safety 
Board in developing these important recommendations, and it is long 
past time that the FAA heeds its call.
  My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their loved ones 
impacted by this heartbreaking accident. It is critical that Congress 
pass our bill swiftly to ensure that such loss of life was not in vain.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.

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