[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1861-H1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THREATS NONESSENTIAL HELICOPTERS POSE TO PUBLIC SAFETY

  (Mr. Menendez of New Jersey was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, last month, an air tourism helicopter 
crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City killing six people, 
including three young children.
  This tragedy is yet another example of the threat that nonessential 
helicopters pose to public safety, especially in the congested airspace 
over New Jersey and New York.
  Since 1983, there have been at least 30 helicopter crashes in our 
region, resulting in at least 31 fatalities. We also continue to hear 
from countless New Jersey residents whose lives are upended by the 
constant, incessant noise of helicopters traveling at low altitudes 
over our neighborhoods.
  Since taking office, we have consistently worked to address these 
challenges, from the noise and nuisance they cause to the safety risks 
that have been well documented.
  In the 118th Congress, we introduced two pieces of legislation and 
directly engaged with the FAA to address these issues, hosting a 
workshop in Jersey City with stakeholders and local leaders, but this 
crash is a clarion call to every level of government that further 
urgent action is needed.
  That is why, along with my colleagues from New Jersey and New York, I 
introduced the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, which bans all 
nonessential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue 
of Liberty.
  It is clear that the helicopter industry is not a good actor or one 
willing to proactively take measures to protect our communities. In the 
wake of this most recent tragedy, one air tourism

[[Page H1862]]

company offered discounts to their customers for flights in our region. 
They are clearly more interested in profit than public safety, making 
it abundantly clear that they should no longer be allowed to operate.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this bill 
so that we can protect lives in our communities and ensure that 
tragedies like this one never happen again.


     Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Buddy Baseball in Bayonne

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 10th 
anniversary of Buddy Baseball in Bayonne.
  Every year, more than 100 children and young adults with special 
needs gather for a season of Buddy Baseball, giving everyone the 
opportunity to succeed, play, and enjoy this incredible game.
  This year, I was proud to march in the parade to celebrate their 
opening day and commemorate the opening of their brand-new field. 
Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to cheer on this year's 
players, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together for 
such a great cause.
  The city of Bayonne is leading the way in bringing communities 
together in an inclusive way, lifting up those around us, and showing 
what we can achieve when we work together.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone who made this dream a reality and for 
reminding us what we can do when we come together as one in a 
community.

                          ____________________