Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) voted with his colleagues in the House of Representatives to approve H.R. 5900, the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act, achieving a legislative victory for the Families of Flight 3407 who fought patiently and persistently to make aviation in American safer and to prevent others from experiencing any similar losses.
"A year and a half ago, Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed 5 miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, tragically taking fifty lives in an accident that could have been prevented," said Congressman Higgins. "With this law, we are finally able to achieve reforms which directly address these very preventable issues such as increasing the required training hours to six times its current level.
"To the families of Flight 3407, we extend our appreciation, respect and admiration for your patience and perseverance to make these reforms a reality. The passage of time will never fully heal the tragedy of your personal loss however your tireless efforts move aviation safety to unprecedented levels so that your tragedy will not be repeated.
"We have reached this finish line much in part to the unwavering leadership of Chairman Oberstar, whose commitment to safety across all modes of transportation is unchallenged, Chairman Costello, and Ranking Members Mica and Petri. Many thanks also to my Western New York colleagues Chris Lee and Louise Slaughter who have joined me in this fight, and Representatives Nadler, Bishop, Arcuri, McMahon and Hall for their support on the Transportation Committee."