[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18421]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  SAFETY AND SYSTEM STABILIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Air 
Transportation System Stabilization Act. This is far from an ideal 
bill, because it does not address the crisis faced by tens of thousands 
of air travel industry workers who have also been devastated by the 
terrorist acts of September 11. But as we know, America is in crisis 
and these are not ideal times.
  The fact is that our aviation industry is a vital part of a strong 
and robust economy and it is facing unique and dire consequences as a 
result of the recent brutal terrorist attacks on our nation. It is 
therefore important that Congress take action now to stave off the 
financial calamity facing this industry and the resulting impact it 
could have on the entire nation.
  This bill, however, must only be the first step. To succeed in 
strengthening our economy, it is essential that we address the needs of 
related businesses, and America's hard working men and women, who have 
also been devastated by the tragic events of September 11. Just as we 
are helping our ailing aviation industry today, we must also help the 
tens of thousands of workers affected by the economic impact of this 
national tragedy.
  We must provide assistance to workers who have lost or will lose 
their jobs because of the crisis--assistance such as worker retraining 
programs, health insurance and unemployment insurance.
  It is only because Congressional leaders have committed to quickly 
bring forth legislation to address the needs of workers that I will 
support this legislation. And I challenge our leaders to keep their 
word.
  Mr. Speaker, America's workers deserve the same quick attention we 
are providing the aviation industry today. We must answer this moral 
call and come to their aid.


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