[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 643]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 643]]

       1999--THE YEAR OF AVIATION CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED IN 3 MONTHS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, last year the Senate passed S. 2279, the 
Wendell H. Ford National Air Transportation System Improvement Act of 
1998. The Ford Act promised to bring much needed air service to under 
served communities throughout the Nation through policy changes and 
market-based incentives. Unfortunately, the Ford Act was not passed 
into law by the last Congress. I believe that Congress has an 
obligation to enhance the development of America's smaller air service 
markets. That is a promise that this Congress can fulfill. It is a 
promise that this session of Congress will fulfill.
  The First Session of the 106th Congress will prove to be critical for 
our Nation's air passengers. The top aviation policy priority remains a 
full FAA reauthorization--not just a quick extension of this important 
agency and the Airports Improvements Program (AIP). A full 
reauthorization--money plus policies. Commerce Committee Chairman 
McCain's aviation legislation, submitted this morning, reflects the 
bipartisan, fundamental provisions for rural air service built in the 
Ford Act.
  Last year, the FAA bill's informal conference was able to reach a 
consensus on almost all issues. I encourage my colleagues to continue 
the good work in addressing aviation policies by resuming where the 
105th Congress left off. If the provisions that were agreed upon late 
last year are adopted, Congress will be able to clear this bill before 
the March 31 deadline and guarantee a smooth, clean continuation of AIP 
funds.
  Mr. President, there is talk of an increase in airline user fees 
through the passenger facility charges (PFCs). I'm not a fan of user 
fees and I hope this mechanism is not used for aviation services. These 
are taxes, period. The goal of this Congress is to cut taxes, not 
increase them.
  Last year, tens of thousands of Mississippians used the skies to 
travel. Many of these passengers were new customers that chose air 
travel as a result of greater air service, options and lower fares from 
a new entrant. These changes allowed the jackson Airport to make 
several upgrades. I believe that a PFC increase will force passengers 
to reconsider their travel plans. An increase in the cost of air 
service, shouldered by the customer, will only serve as a detriment to 
the commercial airlines, airports and passengers.
  Mr. President, increasing regional jet competition and flight service 
to smaller markets is my focus. Most Americans do not live in hub 
cities and thus do not benefit from the range of choices through the 
concentration of air service options. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, and especially on the Commerce 
Committee to insure that rural and under served communities receive 
improved flight service options and more affordable airline tickets.
  Because Chairman McCain understands the needs of under served 
markets, and fully appreciates that adequate and affordable air service 
is a vital economic development issue for smaller cities and rural 
areas he has been a tremendous help. I am pleased that the chairman has 
crafted this year's FAA bill according to the principles as set forth 
in the Ford Act. He too wants to improve the quality and quantity of 
flights going to and from small airports. He also understands the 
bipartisan and constructive efforts that went into last year's FAA bill 
and the need for a full reauthorization.
  In addition to the leadership of Chairman McCain, two more of my 
colleagues have played a vital role in the advancement of this policy. 
Senator Slade Gorton of Washington, chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Aviation, has provided pivotal guidance and has been instrumental in 
bringing focus to the many aspects of aviation. Senator Bill Frist 
proved to be a great asset and a very effective advocate for the rural 
aviation community during this past session. His hard work and passion 
brought small and under served communities closer to receiving much 
needed public policy changes for flight service improvements. I look 
forward to again working with them this year.
  Aviation policy changes always affect the management and 
administration of our local airports, and this makes many of our 
airport executives nervous. I rely on their wisdom, because these are 
the managers who deal day-to-day, face-to-face with Mississippians. Mr. 
Dirk Vanderleest of Jackson's airport has counseled me on the needs of 
small and under served markets. His conference in 1998 was key to may 
aviation thinking, and his efforts to push Mississippi's aviation 
priorities are appreciated.
  I also rely on Mr. Gene Smith of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport 
in Columbus. He is a patriot who served our Nation during the Vietnam 
war and for more than 20 years has worked to ensure the east central 
pocket of Mississippi is involved in commercial aviation. He served as 
a member of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission where he 
again distinguished himself.
  It is my hope that the recommendations from this commission are not 
overlooked by this Congress. I implore my colleagues to seek out their 
Dirk or Gene to find out what their states need.
  Mr. President, this Congress does not need a year for aviation 
policy--it needs 3 months and the work left from the last Congress. 
Quality air service for all Americans must be the focus of any aviation 
legislation. Never forget that not everyone lives near a hub. Quality 
air service is essential for economic development. Quality air service 
will enable rural Americans to be competitive and spur economic 
development to under served communities in the 21st century.

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