[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10537]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED BY PRESIDENT BUSH

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 17, 2002

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the 
Executive Order issued by President Bush that stated that air traffic 
control is no longer an inherently governmental function. I am deeply 
concerned that this is the first step in an unwise attempt to privatize 
our nation's air traffic control system. As we are considering 
consolidating federal agencies into the Department of Homeland 
Security, I believe it is unadvisable to make changes to successful 
federal organizations.
  Our nation has the best air traffic control system in the world. The 
professionalism of our air traffic controllers allowed for the rapid 
and safe clearing of American airspace after the events of the 11th. It 
seems to me that given the recent terrorist attacks and on-going 
threats to homeland security, it is imperative that we maintain our 
current system of air traffic controllers, who have done such a good 
job of keeping our air space safe.
  Three nations that have privatized their air traffic control 
operations have been disappointed with the results. Great Britain's 
experiment with privatization has left the air traffic control system 
facing bankruptcy and frequent performance setbacks. Canada is also 
facing revenue shortages in its air traffic control system as well as a 
potential strike by the employees because of working conditions. In 
Australia, air traffic controllers walked out of airports earlier this 
year to protest stalled pay talks and have continuing concerns about 
on-the-job stress and fatigue.
  Clearly, these are not systems that the United States should be 
striving to replicate. Privatizing air traffic control is a bad idea. 
Our government should not be looking to place profits over safety.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing opposition to the 
President's executive order stripping the inherently governmental 
designation from our air traffic control system. Our nation's air 
traffic control system is strong and safe; privatization will only make 
it weak.

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