[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 22596]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        CONGRESS MUST MOVE QUICKLY TO SAFEGUARD AIRLINE SECURITY

  (Ms. WATSON of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, our airline industry is vital 
to America's economic health. Our airlines not only employ over 1 
million Americans, but they also provide the mobility upon which our 
modern economy and society is based.
  In the wake of September 11, Congress passed a short-term boost for 
the airline industry. But the only way to ensure the long-term 
stability of our air transport system is to reassure the public that 
air travel is safe.
  In contrast to the speed with which this Congress enacted the $15 
billion quick-fix for airlines, the House dragged its feet on passing 
an airline security bill.
  This week, another aircraft accident has caused further alarm for the 
flying public. While there is no reason to believe terrorism was 
involved, Americans need assurances that air travel is safe.
  Mr. Speaker, please urge the conferees to finish their work this week 
and give us an aviation security bill that, like the original Senate 
version, can be passed unanimously into law.

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