[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     KEEPING OUR FLYING PUBLIC SAFE

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, just over 3 years ago, Continental 
Connection Flight 3407 crashed in my western New York community and 
that of Congresswoman Cathy Hochul. Sadly, all aboard were killed.
  In the wake of this tragic crash, the families of the passengers on 
board Flight 3407 joined together and successfully fought for the 
inclusion of strong airline safety provisions in the Federal Aviation 
Administration's reauthorization, which was signed into law in August 
of 2010.
  Crewmember screening and qualifications, in addition to pilot 
certification requirements, were factors that, if properly monitored, 
could have prevented the crash. We must see to it that the FAA follows 
through on the implementation of the reforms passed by this Congress.
  Madam Speaker, keeping our flying public safe should be a top 
priority. I am committed to continuing the fight on behalf of the 
memory of those we lost on that day, and I urge my colleagues to join 
our efforts to achieve safer skies for all Americans.

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