YOUNG DISCUSSES AVIATION SECURITY WITH HOUSE COMMITTEE
Rep. Don Young, R-Ala., told the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday the nation's airline transportation system is “facing a serious crisis” in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks.
Young lobbied the committee for a bill he introduced, H.R. 2891, which he said is designed to “keep the U.S. air transportation viable” during the turbulence the air industry has suffered.
“The reductions in schedules and flights have started and layoffs are expected. We are seeing the ripple effect in our economy as layoffs occur in other related industries,' Young said. 'Certainly the airports, the general aviation sector, the air cargo industry, and the manufacturers all have valid concerns which need to be considered in the future.”
H.R. 2891, Young said, authorizes the president to provide loans, loan guarantees, and other assistance to the air carriers and also to compensate those who can document direct losses because of the government’s action to protect national security.
Young mentioned that Congress has scheduled hearings to discuss airline security and other issues.