July 27, 2010 -- Congresswoman McCollum's Statement on expressing gratitude for the contributions of the air traffic controllers of the United States PDF Print
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1401, a resolution expressing gratitude for the contributions of the air traffic controllers of the United States.

The women and men who work as air traffic controllers are dedicated to the protection of the flying public. On a daily basis, their work requires quick and skilled reactions to complex and dangerous situations. The safety of our air space is required all day, every day of the year--including holidays. More than 15,600 Federal air traffic controllers, 1,250 civilian contract controllers, and more than 9,000 military controllers are committed to meeting this demand. Air traffic controllers allow all Americans to travel with assurance of safety and speed of travel.

These individuals are quiet heroes deserving of recognition. With continued growth in air travel, the United States must invest in the modernization of our air traffic control system. These dedicated workers require the resources to carry out their mission.