U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WASHINGTON, DC 20515

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 11, 2003

Contacts:

Jim Berard (Oberstar) 202-225-6260

Kristine Greco (DeFazio)(202) 225-6416

 

 

Oberstar, DeFazio Praise House

Passage of “Flight 100”

Bill provides $58 billion for aviation programs

 

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WASHINGTON—The Ranking Democratic Members of the House Transportation Committee and the Subcommittee on Aviation had good words today for the passage of H.R. 2115, the “Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (FLIGHT 100),” in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

“FLIGHT 100 will ensure that we continue to invest in our airport infrastructure needs and air traffic control modernization. This is imperative for the future of aviation,” said Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), ranking Democrat on the full committee.

 

The bill provides $58 billion for system capacity enhancements, technology modernization, and operation of the air traffic control system over the next four years.  This includes $14.8 billion for airport capacity improvements, and $12.3 billion to upgrade air traffic control technology.

 

“The United States is the only nation that enplanes over 600 million passengers a year.  Each day, our air traffic controllers manage approximately 200,000 take-offs and landings,” Oberstar said.  “We must ensure that we have a robust aviation program to meet all of our future challenges, including accommodating larger aircraft, addressing airport access and terminal expansion, and dealing with environmental issues.”

 

“The aviation industry is a cornerstone of our economy accounting for 12 percent of our gross domestic product.  The investments included in this bill will provide for vital improvements and upgrades that will help regenerate this struggling industry, stimulate local economies and anticipate future demand,” DeFazio said.  “Most notably, this legislation will provide improvements in air service to small communities, provide certification and improved security training for flight attendants, and begin the process of hiring the next generation of air traffic controllers.  Furthermore, FLIGHT 100 authorizes a long overdue study of cabin air quality.  A recent report by the National Research Council identified potential problems with the health and safety of cabin air.  The council recommended real time monitoring systems be put in place so suitable improvements can be made.”

 

FLIGHT 100 is the successor to the “Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21^st Century (AIR 21),” which expires at the end of the federal fiscal year, September 30, 2003.

 

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