NEW RULE ALLOWS PATIENTS TO USE THEIR OXYGEN BOTTLES IN FLIGHT

Washington, Jul 15, 2005 - "I am pleased that the Federal Aviation Administration has adopted a new rule easing the way for people who rely on bottled oxygen," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL). "The new rule allows airlines to permit patients to travel with and use oxygen bottles during their flight."

"Before this rule, patients had to rent oxygen equipment from the airlines for use during the flight, and they had to make other arrangements for oxygen before and after their flights," explained Stearns. "This is not a mandate, but I am hopeful that the airlines will respond to the needs of over one million Americans who need oxygen concentrators."

Stearns is Co-Chairman of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Caucus. John L. Kirkwood, President of the American Lung Association, stated, "The American Lung Association thanks the Caucus and Rep. Stearns for his tireless effort to make this new rule a reality."