The following are the statements of Transportation and Infratructure Committee Republican Leader John L. Mica (R-FL) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Petri (R-WI) upon the passage of H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009.

“This bill is an important step towards making the skies safer for passengers who board commuter airlines,” said Rep. Mica. “While large passenger aircraft in the United States are experiencing an unprecedented safety record, without a fatality since November 2001, commuter airlines have suffered a number of fatal crashes since January 2003 which have tragically taken 155 lives. Airline passengers need to know they can board any commercial aircraft in America and that the pilots in the cockpit are equally qualified.”

“The bill increases commercial pilot training standards, including the number of flight training hours, academic instruction and operational experience in multicrew, high altitude and adverse weather environments. It also requires the FAA to establish a consolidated and secured electronic pilot records database to screen pilot candidates, and requires stricter prescreening standards for airline pilots,” Mica said.

Watch Rep. Mica's entire statement on YouTube.

"Although the U.S. airline industry's safety record is the envy of the world, recent events offer proof that this safety legislation is needed. It has been crafted in an open, bipartisan manner in keeping with my belief that aviation safety is, and always should be, a nonpartisan issue," said Rep. Petri.

Watch Rep. Petri's entire statement on YouTube.