[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 1502-1507]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF THE PILOT, CREW, AND RESCUERS OF US 
                          AIRWAYS FLIGHT 1549

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 84) honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, 
crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 84

       Whereas US Airways Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia 
     Airport in Queens, New York, on January 15, 2009, bound for 
     Charlotte, North Carolina, and lost engine power shortly 
     after takeoff;
       Whereas Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III and First 
     Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles recognized the need to land the 
     plane quickly and sought out the Hudson River as the best 
     option to avoid populated areas;
       Whereas Sullenberger and Skiles displayed quick thinking 
     and skillful control of the aircraft, setting the plane down 
     in a controlled landing in the water;
       Whereas flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and 
     Donna Dent of Flight 1549 reacted swiftly to prepare 
     passengers for impact in a minimal amount of time;
       Whereas local ferry boats, official police boats, and U.S. 
     Coast Guard crafts were able to reach the airliner quickly 
     and rescue the passengers and crew from the near-freezing 
     water;
       Whereas Dail, Welsh, and Dent evacuated all 150 passengers 
     onto the awaiting U.S. Coast Guard, ferry boats, and official 
     police boats within minutes;
       Whereas even as the plane began sinking in the Hudson 
     River, Sullenberger remained in the plane surveying the aisle 
     twice to make sure all passengers had gotten out safely 
     before he exited the aircraft; and
       Whereas due to the heroic efforts of the flight crew of 
     Flight 1549, and the rescue boats, all 155 passengers and 
     crew survived, without serious injury: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) applauds the skill, quick thinking, and bravery of 
     Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey 
     B. Skiles;
       (2) commends the quick response by the flight attendants 
     Doreen Welsh, Donna Dent, and Sheila Dail of Flight 1549 to 
     prepare passengers for impact and rapid evacuation; and
       (3) praises the quick response from the boats, first 
     responders, and private citizens that arrived at the scene to 
     aid and rescue passengers.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Costello) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 84.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 84, a 
resolution honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers 
of US Airways Flight 1549.
  I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Crowley, for introducing this 
resolution. LaGuardia Airport is in the congressional district 
represented by Congressman Crowley, and he has represented that 
district for some time. I know that he is very proud of all of the men 
and women whose actions resulted in a safe outcome for everyone. It is 
truly remarkable and a testament to all involved in the emergency 
landing and rescue that all passengers and crew got out safely, without 
serious injuries or death.
  On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 was departing LaGuardia 
Airport for Charlotte, North Carolina and, within minutes, lost engine 
power. Captain Chesley Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey 
Skiles realized the seriousness of the situation, and immediately 
sought a safe place to land.
  The Hudson River was their only option, and these two pilots, as well 
as flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, worked 
together to prepare the 150 passengers for the emergency landing. The 
crew did an excellent job on the controlled landing in the Hudson 
River. The flight crew and flight attendants did exactly what they were 
trained to do, and they did it superbly.
  This incident demonstrates the importance of training and 
preparation, showcases the skill of our aviation and first responder 
workforce, and reinforces the importance of consistent vigilance and 
oversight of our aviation safety.
  I also want to commend the emergency crews in New York City who 
reached the crew and passengers in record time and immediately began 
rescue operations.
  Again, we honor the crew, passengers, and emergency responders 
involved in US Airways Flight 1549, and I urge my colleagues to 
strongly support H. Res. 84.

[[Page 1503]]

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  I would like to just begin by commending and thanking the chairman of 
our Aviation Subcommittee for giving all of the members of the 
subcommittee an opportunity to meet some of the people who were 
involved in this, what could have been tragic, and turned out to be a 
heroic day, on February 24 when we have tentatively scheduled a 
subcommittee hearing to meet and find out what worked, what didn't 
work, and what could be done even better in the future.
  But I certainly on this day rise in support of the resolution before 
us, House Resolution 84, honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, 
crew, and the rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.
  Like so many flights leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport on January 
15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 pushed back late from the terminal 
with passengers ready to get to their destination in Charlotte, North 
Carolina. What happened next was anything but normal.
  Shortly after takeoff, the airplane, carrying some 155 passengers and 
crew, unexpectedly struck a flock of large birds, causing both engines 
to fail.
  Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, a veteran pilot with decades of 
experience in both the commercial airline industry and the United 
States Air Force, was forced to ditch his aircraft in the icy cold 
waters of the Hudson River.
  That every person onboard the flight survived the dual engine failure 
and the aircraft's controlled ditch into the frigid waters of the 
Hudson River is an extraordinary testimony to the hard work of all 
aviation safety personnel. I applaud the quick actions of pilot and 
crew alike, and commend their actions as critical to the survival of 
all 150 passengers.
  Also to be commended are those who so quickly responded to rescue 
those precariously balanced on the wings of the sinking plane. Indeed, 
even after surviving impact of a skillfully executed ditch effort, 
survivors of this accident still face the perils of hypothermia in the 
cold waters of the Hudson River. The quick action of police, Coast 
Guard, ferry operators, and other first responders ensured the survival 
of all involved in the accident, and their efforts are to be commended.
  The robust training programs within the airline industry, Federal 
Aviation Administration safety oversight efforts, as well as the 
equipment improvements by aircraft manufacturers, all contributed to 
the survival of those aboard Flight 1549.
  January 15 could have been a day stained by tragedy, but thanks to 
individual actions of Captain Sullenberger, the crew onboard, and the 
ongoing safety efforts of so many within the industry, we will remember 
that day differently. The outcome of Flight 1549 affirms the value of 
the hard work of the aviation safety professionals, but also renews the 
call for continual improvements in aviation safety.
  I salute those safety professionals and crew who played a role in 
that day's events, support House Resolution 84, and look forward to the 
opportunity on February 24 for us to meet some of the heroes of that 
day and to learn from their testimony.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York, the sponsor of the resolution, Congressman Crowley.
  Mr. CROWLEY. I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding me this 
time.
  Madam Speaker, the successful landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on 
Thursday, January 15, 2009, was nothing short of a miracle, and I rise 
to honor and thank all those who were involved in this rescue and 
recovery effort.
  Shortly after takeoff on Thursday, January 15, US Airways Flight 1549 
departed LaGuardia Airport in my district in Queens, was struck by a 
flock of birds, and lost power in both engines. After the collision, 
the pilot and copilot literally had seconds to determine how to get 
that plane back to the ground. Captain Chesley B. ``Sully'' 
Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles thought about 
trying to land back at LaGuardia or even getting over to Teterboro 
Airport, New Jersey, but realized that there was not enough power to 
get that far. Instead, they decided to attempt an emergency landing in 
the least populated area of New York City, the Hudson River.
  Water landings, also referred to as ditching, are incredibly 
difficult, and any minor error could cause the landing to end in 
tragedy. But the tremendous skills of the captain and the first officer 
were on display that day, and they successfully glided the plane down 
and safely landed it on the river. In the meantime, the flight 
attendants, Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, and Sheila Dail, prepared 
passengers for impact.
  When the plane came to a complete stop, Ms. Dent, Ms. Walsh, and Ms. 
Dail quickly opened the doors of the plane and started to evacuate 
passengers safely and efficiently. Within minutes, all the passengers 
were evacuated onto the wings of the plane, where boats, ferries, and 
others on the scene approached the sinking jet and began helping the 
passengers and crew off the wings and safely away from the near 
freezing Hudson River waters. They were not just New Yorkers; there 
were folks from New Jersey as well helping in this rescue effort.
  Still, as the plane continued to sink into the freezing waters, 
Captain Sullenberger walked the cabin not once, but twice, to make sure 
everyone was safely off the plane before deplaning himself.
  Due to the skill and coordinated efforts by the pilots, crew, and 
first responders on the scene, everyone on the plane is alive and well 
today.
  Madam Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to the crew of Flight 1549 
and all the first responders who helped evacuate passengers.
  Madam Speaker, some people call this event ``the miracle on the 
Hudson.'' I say this was no miracle. This was the skillful flying of 
two veteran pilots, the quick reaction of highly trained flight 
attendants, and the responsiveness of Coast Guard ships, ferries, and 
private citizens. These people showed to the world the best of our 
aviation and first responder system. I am proud of the heroic actions 
of everyone involved.
  I hope you will join me in honoring Captain Sullenberger, First 
Officer Skiles, Flight Attendants Dail, Welsh, and Dent, and all the 
men and women who came to the aid of the passengers, and the passengers 
themselves, the cooperation they demonstrated that day, those 
passengers stuck on the wing of a sinking plane in the middle of a 
freezing Hudson River. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this 
resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I would just add, as the congressional representative 
of LaGuardia Airport where Flight 1549 took off, I often have to answer 
complaints, particularly from my constituents, about the airport and 
those who fly through or live by the airport. It is not often we get to 
say good things about LaGuardia Airport.
  Like any airport, LaGuardia produces noise, but on January 15, the 
crew of Flight 1549 made all of us and LaGuardia Airport proud.

                              {time}  1800

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Congressmen Nadler, McMahon, and McNerney and I 
introduced this legislation because we wanted to pause and recognize 
the heroic efforts of the first officer, the captain, the flight 
attendants, as well as all the first responders. They deserve our 
thanks and applause. We have heard it said in the past, boy, that was a 
close call. I think in the future you're going to hear it said, boy, 
that was a 1549. At least I like to think that that will be catchy.
  I urge all of my colleagues to please support this resolution.
  Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time and 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York, Congressman Hall.
  Mr. HALL of New York. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

[[Page 1504]]

  Madam Speaker, I rise today also to pay tribute to a heroic 
achievement. It's nearly unimaginable that a commercial airliner would 
be forced to land in a busy river. And as a sailor who has sailed 
through New York Harbor on the Hudson River on all different sizes and 
shapes of power and sailboats, I can only imagine what it's like to try 
to land a 55-ton glider, which is in effect what Captain Sullenberger 
had. And fortunately he was not only trained in flying gliders, but he 
was an instructor in flying gliders and had that experience to call on 
and was able to land softly without catching a wing tip. We've all seen 
those terrible water landings, which of course George Carlin used to 
call ``a crash,'' but the water landings where one wing tip catches and 
the plane winds up somersaulting and coming apart, it really is 
miraculous, but it's also the most amazing demonstration of aviation 
skill, one of them, that I have ever seen.
  And because of the actions of Captain Sullenberger, First Officer 
Skiles and their uncommon bravery, despite the loss of both engines, 
they were able to land where they would not cause casualties on the 
ground in the Hudson River. And the fact that he checked the plane 
twice behind every seat, looking up and down the aisles twice to make 
sure that no one was left before he left his aircraft is another sign 
of his professionalism and bravery, as was the demonstration of 
coolness and professionalism by Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh and Donna 
Dent, the flight attendants and the 150 passengers who remained on 
board and held hands and bonded with each other, including my 
constituent, Diane Higgins of Goshen, New York, and her 85-year old 
mother who were led to safety. They were all heroes on that plane, but 
there were also the first responders, the ferry boat captains, the 
police and Coast Guard who brought the passengers and crew safely to 
land from that near freezing water. This is what our first responders 
are trained to do. And like the crew on board Flight 1549, they did so 
perfectly and without incident.
  Madam Speaker, the quick thinking and the heroic actions of the 
flight crew and first responders are something we are all proud of. I 
urge support of this resolution.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to my 
friend from New Jersey, Congressman Albio Sires.
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
work by rescue and nonrescue workers in the New York and New Jersey 
region in responding to January 15's emergency water landing of US 
Airways Flight 1549. I commend them for their amazing efforts to safely 
rescue the flight's 155 passengers.
  I would like to publicly thank Captain Chesley Sullenberger and the 
flight crew whose heroism and guidance helped everyone survive the 
water landing. Secondly, the quick reactions from New York Waterways 
ferry operators and the area's first responders should be recognized 
and commended. Their quick response allowed all passengers to exit the 
plane before it was fully submerged and to be quickly retrieved from 
the frigid waters. New York Waterways, a ferry company based in 
Weehawken, New Jersey, that usually shuttles commuters back and forth 
across the Hudson River, played a critical role in the rescue efforts. 
Boats were able to reach the crash site within minutes of impact and 
deliver passengers safely to the shores of New York and New Jersey 
where they could receive medical attention if necessary. Fortunately, 
major injuries were few. And I am extremely thankful for the response 
of New Jersey hospitals, including Christ Hospital, Palisades Medical 
Center, Hoboken Medical Center and Jersey City Medical Center, that 
treated the injured and those suffering from exposure to extremely cold 
temperatures.
  I am inspired by the heroic efforts of all involved that led to the 
rescue of all 155 passengers. And I am impressed by the teamwork that 
contributed to this successful rescue mission.
  I would also like to recognize the following New Jersey-based 
organizations that came to the aid of Flight 1549: Weehawken and all 
Regional Emergency Management Services, Office of Emergency Management 
and Hudson County, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, Police 
Departments of Weehawken, Union City, Guttenberg, West New York, Port 
Authority of New York New Jersey, and New Jersey Transit, Hudson County 
Sheriff's Department.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.
  Mr. SIRES. Hudson County Sheriff's Department, Weehawken Parks and 
Recreation and Senior Center Staff, Arthur's Landing Restaurant of 
Weehawken, Sheraton Hotels of Weehawken, Modell's Sporting Goods Store 
of West New York, and the Office of Mayor Richard Turner of Weehawken 
and Mayor Brian Stack of Union City.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, 
Mr. McNerney.
  Mr. McNERNEY. I thank the gentleman from Illinois.
  And I rise this evening to add my voice to the chorus of praise for 
Captain Sullenberger, who on January 15 safely set down a US Airways 
Flight 1549 on the icy waters of the Hudson River. Captain Sullenberger 
is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and spent years as 
an Air Force pilot before going to US Airways. He was always a 
proponent of safety and training. Captain Sullenberger wasn't one who 
looked for trouble, but he was one who was ready when trouble came. And 
on January 15, trouble found Captain Sullenberger and Flight 1549.
  Captain Sullenberger and the crew of Flight 1549 were ready with less 
than 2 minutes, the time that I'm speaking here right now, made 
critical decisions and safely set down the plane on the Hudson River. 
Because of the heroic action of Captain Sullenberger and the crew of 
Flight 1549, 155 American citizens are home safe with their families 
tonight. There wasn't one fatality and not one critical injury.
  This Saturday, in Captain Sullenberger's hometown of Danville, 
California, in my congressional district, more than 5,000 people came 
out on a dark, windy, cool day, a damp day to give praise and to give 
honor to Captain Sullenberger. And Captain Sullenberger is a true 
American hero. He is not an action figure from a movie. He is a true 
American hero.
  I commend Captain Sullenberger and the crew of 1549 and urge my 
colleagues to join me by passing House Resolution 84.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).
  Mr. NADLER of New York. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution honoring the 
heroic actions of the pilot, crew and rescue teams with respect to US 
Airways Flight 1549. When that flight suffered catastrophic engine 
damage shortly after takeoff, Captain Chesley B. ``Sully'' 
Sullenberger, III, took prompt action. Faced with the very real 
prospect of losing the lives of all the passengers and crew, he 
maintained his calm and executed a textbook water landing. His flawless 
technique and quick judgment allowed him to bring the plane down in one 
piece and to avoid collisions with any of the countless vessels sailing 
the river. There is no doubt that his years of service as a decorated 
pilot in the U.S. Air Force helped prepare him for the difficult task 
that he confronted that day.
  His efforts were aided by the heroic actions of his crew, who quickly 
completed an orderly evacuation of the frightened passengers, and of 
the very many people from the local organizations, such as New York 
Waterways, the fire department, the police department, the Coast Guard 
and others who all rallied to the rescue.
  The bravery and the selflessness on the part of Captain Sullenberger 
and his crew were matched by the swift response from local police and 
fire departments. The first responders were able to reach the plane 
within 2 minutes and begin to rescue the stranded

[[Page 1505]]

passengers. This rapid response was crucial to the survival of the 
passengers and the crew as the plane had landed in the middle of a busy 
waterway with air temperatures well below freezing.
  I would point out that since World War II, there are a number of 
cases of aircraft that had to land in the water, commercial aircraft, 
major commercial airlines that had landed in the water, and in every 
case except this one, at least half the passengers died. In this case, 
not one single passenger, not one single crew member died. There was 
not even a really serious injury because of the flawless performance of 
the pilot in bringing the plane down in one piece, even so it didn't 
tip over, making sure it missed the George Washington Bridge and still 
landed right next to the ferry terminals where there were ferry boats 
waiting.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.
  Mr. NADLER of New York. There could have been no better expertise and 
display of heroism and skill than that shown by the pilot and his crew 
and by passengers, too.
  And finally the staff of the many hospitals that cared for the 
injured passengers deserve our praise as well. We thank the staff at 
St. Vincent's Hospital, New York Downtown Hospital, St. Luke's 
Hospital, Jersey City Medical Center and Meadowlands Hospital.
  So, Madam Speaker, I'm proud that we have convened here today to 
honor all those involved in the safe return of 155 people. Acting with 
no small measure of heroism, these ordinary citizens lived up to the 
highest ideals of their professions and deserve the most sincere 
admiration and respect of this Congress.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. McMahon).
  Mr. McMAHON. To the chairman and to my colleagues from New York led 
by Joe Crowley, Congressman Nadler, Congresswoman Maloney and 
Congressman Hall and our colleague across the water, Congressman Sires, 
as well as Congressman McNerney, who hosts this great pilot in his 
district, I'm honored to cosponsor House Resolution 84 honoring the 
heroic actions of the pilot, crew and rescuers of US Airways Flight 
1549.
  When Flight 1549 landed in the cold, icy waters of the Hudson River 
on the afternoon of Thursday, January 15, 2009, many of us in New York 
feared the worst. What started out as a routine flight from LaGuardia 
to Charlotte, North Carolina, quickly turned into a nightmare. 
Passengers heard a loud bang just after takeoff and were told to brace 
for impact as the plane ditched into the Hudson.
  What forced the plane to make an emergency water landing remains 
under investigation. But what is clear is that the 155 people aboard 
Flight 1549 owe their lives to the quick maneuvering and skill of the 
pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger, III, commonly known as ``Sully,'' and 
the flight crew that allowed every person on board to survive the 
impact.
  When both engines failed, Mr. Sullenberger's critical decision to 
land in the river and avoid densely populated areas on land not only 
allowed the people on board the plane to survive, but also saved 
countless lives of people on the ground. In addition, the crew of 
Flight 1549 showed the utmost professionalism and training by quickly 
getting the passengers off the plane and into waiting rescue 
watercraft.
  In addition to the heroes on the plane, the passengers and crew owe 
their lives to the quick actions of ferry boat operators and the first 
responders in New York and New Jersey who evacuated everyone from the 
downed plane and rescued those people who had fallen into the frigid 
water. Today we honor and commend the crews of the New York Waterways 
ferry boats, other commuter lines and the numerous boats from the New 
York City Fire Department, the New York City Police Department, the 
Coast Guard, practically every city, State and Federal agency that 
patrols the waters around New York for springing into action so fast, 
and of course all the heroic men and women who work so hard every day 
in our hospitals.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I would ask how much time we have left on our side.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois has 2\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. COSTELLO. I yield 30 seconds to my friend.
  Mr. McMAHON. It is nothing short of a miracle that everyone on US 
Airways Flight 1549 survived. The families of the passengers and crew 
and all of us owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the extraordinary 
work and heroism of people that helped save lives, from the skill of 
the flight crew and air traffic controllers who performed a near 
perfect landing, to the crew, who evacuated the cabin and cared for the 
passengers, even giving their own clothes off their own backs to keep 
passengers from developing hypothermia, to the first responders and 
good Samaritans on the commuter ferries who helped bring people to 
safety, and to the pilot who did not even leave the plane until he 
walked the aisles of the cabin twice to be sure everyone had been 
evacuated. The rescue demonstrated to the world once again the bravery 
and goodness of our people, the best of New York and the best of 
America.
  I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically support this resolution and 
offer my personal thanks for the hard work, courage and kindness that 
saved so many lives and brought a happy ending to a story that could 
have turned out so much differently.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield the remaining 2 minutes on our 
side to the Congresswoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

                              {time}  1815

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong and enthusiastic 
support for this resolution which was led by my Queens colleague, 
Congressman Crowley.
  On January 15, we all stood in awe as we watched as events transpired 
on the Hudson River. Today, we honor the crew of US Air Flight 1549. 
Their presence of mind and the extraordinary circumstances on that day 
led to a miraculous outcome. The more we learn about the details of the 
flight, the more we can admire what New Yorkers are now calling the 
miracle on the Hudson River.
  We must praise the captains and crew of each of the New York Waterway 
ferryboats which were on the scene next to the plane within minutes of 
it hitting the water. It reminded us of the rapid response of 9/11, 
selflessly giving of your time, your effort, and your possessions to 
help those in need.
  Captain Sullenberger, First Officer Skiles, and flight attendants 
Dail, Dent, and Welsh all reacted with their brains and heart, using 
their training and vast experience. They average over 54 years of 
flight experience, and they swiftly and safely prepared the passengers 
for impact and evacuated them safely into waiting vessels, saving 150 
lives.
  The outcome here could not be better, and that is a testimony to the 
crew and the rescuers. We learned again this month, as we learned on 9/
11, that ordinary people doing their jobs are the true American heroes 
and heroines.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 84, which 
praises the pilots and flight crew of US Airways Flight 1549, and the 
first responders who assisted on the scene. Captain Chesley B. 
Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles reacted quickly to 
engine failure following takeoff, and masterfully glided the plane to 
an emergency water landing. Flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen 
Welsh, and Donna Dent quickly prepared passengers for landing and 
assisted in a speedy evacuation.
  Captain Sullenberger expertly utilized his training and experience to 
land the plane in the Hudson River, so as to avoid an emergency landing 
in a densely populated area. This resolution commends the bravery of 
Captain Sullenberger, who walked up and down the aisles of the aircraft 
twice to ensure that all passengers left the aircraft safely. He was 
the last to exit the plane.
  After landing on water, the flight attendants and passengers removed 
the emergency doors, and exited onto the wings of the plane. Minutes 
after, ferry boats, the U.S. Coast

[[Page 1506]]

Guard, and police boats rushed to rescue everyone.
  All 155 people on Flight 1549 survived unharmed due to the swift 
action of the pilots, flight attendants, and rescuers. The passengers, 
families of those onboard, and all Americans--and those around the 
world who witnessed this remarkable event unfold, are extremely 
grateful.
  This event underscores the importance of vigilance in aviation 
safety, including flight crew training. In this case, the pilots and 
flight crew did what they were trained to do to keep everyone safe.
  I thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley, for bringing H. 
Res. 84 to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 84, honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers 
of US Airways Flight 1549.
  Madam Speaker, a jetliner, floating in the Hudson River in New York 
City, on a cold, January afternoon, was an incredible image. More 
incredible was that no lives were lost when Flight 1549 was forced to 
land on the river after running into a flock of birds. Through the 
steady skill and quick thinking of Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, 
First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, and the entire flight crew of Flight 
1549, serious injuries and fatalities were averted. Their 
professionalism and unflappability enabled them to overcome the direst 
of circumstances on January 15, 2009. Pilots Sullenberger and Skiles 
adeptly landed their crippled aircraft on a busy and churning river. 
Flight crew members Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent calmly 
and efficiently made it possible for all of the 150 passengers to exit 
the plane without major incident.
  Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, New Yorkers are no strangers to 
tragedy. I commend the flotilla of commercial and civil watercraft that 
so swiftly reacted to assist the passengers and crew. Once again, New 
Yorkers went, without hesitation, to the scene of an emergency without 
thought for their own safety. In addition, the first responders of the 
New York Police Department, Fire Department of New York, and of course, 
the U.S. Coast Guard, skillfully and quickly were able to come to the 
aid of Flight 1549. Their actions made it possible for the crew and 
passengers to escape any harm after leaving the plane.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that we all extend our deepest gratitude to the 
crew of Flight 1549, the first responders and those individuals who 
rushed to the scene. I strongly support H. Res. 84 and I urge all of my 
colleagues to also support this resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I speak in strong 
support of H. Res. 84, and thank my colleague Congressman Joseph 
Crowley, for authoring this important resolution.
  Madam Speaker, the first week of January Americans witnessed no 
shortage in heroic activity, from the dramatic rescue of an elderly 
woman by Houston Metro officer Eliot Swainson, to what we recognize 
here today. The heroic efforts by everyone involved in the emergency 
landing of flight 1549. This was one of many events this year alone 
where the world once again recognized the U.S. as a country of doers.
  Flight 1549 is now known as the Miracle on the Hudson. A miracle it 
may be, but what are not surprising or any less miraculous are the 
coordinated efforts by the pilot, crew and rescuers, who under immense 
pressure proved that even a battered and bruised American spirit has 
the strength to overcome indescribable odds.
  Captain Chesley Sullenberger ``Sully'' pilot of the U.S. Airways 
flight, is no stranger to heroism. A former Air Force officer, he has 
served the United States proudly for many years. Through his calm and 
confident ways he successfully maneuvered an enormous aircraft onto the 
still and icy Hudson River, saving the lives of over 155 passengers.
  Just like every hero there is a team of people working with them 
ensure that no task is left undone and that all measures are taken, 
even in the most terrible situations. His honorable crew, First Officer 
Jeffrey B. Skiles, Flight Attendant Sheila Dail, Flight Attendant 
Doreen Welsh and Flight Attendant Donna Dent, along with Captain 
Sullenberger worked tirelessly upon the aircraft's landing to insure 
that all 155 passengers aboard the aircraft were evacuated and ready to 
be boarded onto one of the various boats sent to the landing site to 
assist in the rescue. The strength and sheer will of the entire crew 
aboard Flight 1549 is what caused this miraculous landing to occur.
  As subcommittee chair of Transportation Security and Infrastructure 
Protection I have been an advocate for both the TSA and the FAA for 
many years. I am particularly proud of the ability of these 
organizations to prepare those affiliated with them in the best way 
possible. Crew members are highly trained.
  Once the passengers exited the cabin of the plane they were met 
instantly by the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, water taxis, and other 
various watercrafts. Passengers were transported to a fleet of 
ambulances and emergency personnel waiting by the shores of the river 
to assist in anyway possible. Once again New Yorkers demonstrate in the 
face of devastating circumstances they will respond in ways that almost 
seem impossible to the average human being. New Yorkers, just as people 
of my district have done in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, 
with that helpful nature and American courage to take on any task all 
things are doable.
  Most importantly the common variable in this impressive act of 
heroism is the strength of a united American spirit. This spirit, that 
when directed toward a problem no matter how immediate or great in 
scale, can be handled through a combined effort by a unified American 
people behind one common goal. This spirit is exactly what the United 
States needs right now.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
heroic actions of pilot Chesley Sullenberger, crew members Donna Dent, 
Doreen Welsh, Sheila Dail, Jeffrey B. Skiles, as well as all of the 
rescuers standing by for U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the shores of the 
Hudson. These heroes on the Hudson are examples of the common humanity 
that flows through the veins of this Nation.
  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
the resolution honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and 
rescuers of U.S. Airways Flight 1549.
  What will be remembered in New York as the ``Miracle on the Hudson'' 
owes less to divine intervention than it does to the training, 
experience and quick thinking of Captain Sullenberger, his crew, and 
the first responders who bravely rescued every passenger aboard Flight 
1549.
  All too often we hear about delays, breakdowns, and disappointment in 
air travel. We frequently overlook how hours upon hours of flight 
training and simulation keep air crews sharp and prepared. And rarely 
do we stop and praise them for making the kind of good decisions every 
day that are surely responsible for saving lives and keeping us feeling 
confident when we fly, but that otherwise go unnoticed.
  On behalf of the pilots, flight attendants and first responders I 
represent, I thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley, for 
offering this resolution to make sure we recognize those heroic acts on 
and above the Hudson. This measure, Madam Speaker, like the crew of 
Flight 1549 and the first responders who answered the call that day, 
goes a long way to preserve our faith and confidence in air travel.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 84, legislation to honor the heroic efforts of Flight 1549's 
Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, his flight crew, the First 
Responders and private citizens that prevented a catastrophic engine 
failure on a commercial aircraft from resulting in a single loss of 
life.
  Just five minutes after lifting off on January 15, 2009, Captain 
Sullenberger's aircraft was struck by a flock of birds, resulting in 
the loss of two of his engines. The instant those engines failed, 
Captain Sullenberger, his crew, the passengers entrusted to his care, 
and residents of the 9th Congressional District of New Jersey who were 
in the plane's potential flight path were at grave risk. And yet, 
rather than give in to panic, Captain Sullenberger wrestled his damaged 
aircraft into a controlled water landing--an act described in the Wall 
Street Journal as ``one of the rarest and most technically challenging 
feats in commercial aviation.''
  When his plane hit the water Captain Sullenberger and his flight 
crew--including First Officer Jeffrey Sikes and Flight Attendants 
Doreen Welsh, Donna Dent, and Sheila Dail--worked quickly and calmly to 
evacuate their passengers, not stopping until every man, woman and 
child was out of harm's way. Outside, they were aided by a growing 
flotilla not just of Coast Guard and police boats, but civilian ferries 
as well.
  Once Flight 1549 was emptied of passengers, Captain Sullenberger 
walked up and down the aisles of the sinking aircraft twice, only 
exiting when he was absolutely certain that he had discharged his duty 
to completely evacuate the plane. His grace under pressure, as well as 
that of the rescue workers and flight crew, ensured that an emergency 
in the air did not become a disaster on the ground.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Resolution 84. The courage, level-headed professionalism and sheer 
heroism of the Captain and crew of Flight 1549 are an inspiration to 
all Americans.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res.

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84, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 84.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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