[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23297]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE CONFERENCE REPORT FOR H.R. 3150

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate my 
colleagues, especially the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), on reaching an aviation 
security agreement that will provide unprecedented protection to our 
Nation's passengers and airways.
  As we enter the holiday season, it is essential that the flying 
public feel confident about air travel, and today's agreement will 
restore full faith in flying. Aviation security is of particular 
concern in Rhode Island, where our State airport is located in a 
populated urban area. We must safeguard this facility and all of our 
Nation's airports from potential threats, not only for the benefit of 
passengers and workers, but also to allay the fears of people in 
neighboring homes and businesses. H.R. 3150's provision requiring all 
checked baggage to be screened by explosive-detection devices is an 
important step to enhance security and guarantee peace of mind to the 
traveling public.
  H.R. 3150 will also provide a well-timed and much needed boost to the 
travel and tourism sector, which is the second largest industry in the 
State of Rhode Island. I have heard the concerns of airline employees 
and passengers, hotel workers, rental car companies, travel agents, and 
restaurant owners. We all agree that Congress must restore confidence 
in air travel in order to boost our nation's flagging economy.
  Finally, this legislation includes a provision to federalize airport 
security, which is one of the most important commitments we can make to 
air travelers. Countless constituents have contacted me in support of a 
federal aviation screening force, and I am pleased that H.R. 3150 
reflects the will of the American people.
  Today's bipartisan legislation is an example of good government at 
work, and I urge my colleagues to vote for final passage.

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