OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Keeping Our Flying Public Safe

Floor Speech

Date: April 25, 2012
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Transportation

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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