Wendell Ford

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the Air Service Restoration Act. Over the last several months, there has been a growing debate about the airline industry, competition, slots and service. This Act seeks to reshape this debate by focusing on problems that small communities have with a deregulated aviation system. Deregulation has provided many benefits to many communities. But, as the General Accounting Office has noted, there are many small communities which have been left behind. Some of these communities, these ``pockets of pain'' as noted by the GAO, would like nothing better than for the Congress to re-regulate the industry. However, Mr. President, I do not believe that is the answer-- and that is not what this bill seeks to do. Rather, our legislation proposes to facilitate public-private actions which focus on developing market opportunities for small communities. In this way, communities can develop air service that fits the needs and desires of the community; rather than Washington regulating service. This bill is not about competition, but rather the lack of service. As the General Accounting Office noted, since deregulation, communities have seen a decline in the types of service and quality of service. That decline can be attributed to a variety of factors: airports nearby with better, or cheaper, service, the loss of a major employer in the community, or a lack of information about what it takes to create a market. But, there are ways to reverse these trends. Let me give you an example. One town in Virginia had about 18,000 enplanements annually, but gradually declined to under 10,000. The airport set out very aggressively to find out what happened, and why. Ultimately, the enplanements went back up, and service is now increasing. Unfortunately, Mr. President, not all our communities have the resources to aggressively pursue or create market needs. The Federal government must play a role in helping our small communities. It can not stand by as communities lose service, or get cut off from the national air transportation system. Travel, tourism and businesses are too dependent on the system, and each of our small communities must be a part of the system. This legislation brings together the Federal government, local government, airports, air carriers and the business communities in partnership to develop ways to increase the use of our nation's small airports. Without these services, small communities can not attract new jobs. It is that simple. We have too much invested in our small towns to let them simply lose their access to the national air transportation system. In Owensboro, Kentucky, our airport, in conjunction with community business leaders, is developing an air park: attracting businesses, and creating jobs. That type of activity should be encouraged. There are a number of carriers that will not like some of the provisions in the bill--for example, the bill gives DOT the authority to require joint fares and interlining. These provisions may be necessary to make sure that a small community has the ability to connect with major hubs. Such authority would only be required in limited circumstances. Mr. President, we need to begin to look at solutions to the problems faced by our small communities--and the need for these communities to have access to our national aviation transportation system. The economic survival of these communities in a global marketplace depends on the ability to connect to the marketplace. It is my hope and belief that this legislation re-focuses the debate on this issue--connecting America's small communities to the greatest, most efficient, and safest air transportation system in the world. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) and the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) are necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) would vote ``aye.''

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) and the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) are necessarily absent. I further announce that, if present and voting, the Senator from New York (Mr. Moynihan) would vote ``no.''

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Madam President, on April 22nd, Louisville will honor one of its foremost, but often forgotten leaders, James Guthrie. Guthrie, was one of Louisville's most prominent citizens in the 19th Century, described as the city's ``first and foremost mover and shaker.'' During his distinguished business and political career, he served as President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the University of Louisville. As a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, he successfully ushered through Kentucky's first city charter elevating Louisville from a town to a city. He was instrumental in the founding of Cave Hill Cemetery, lighting the streets with gas lights, building the first bridge across the Ohio River, and founding what would become the University of Louisville's medical college. Mr. Guthrie left his mark on the national level as well. Under President Franklin Pierce he served as Secretary to the U.S. Treasury and in 1865 he was elected to the U.S. Senate. A 19th Century railroad tycoon, Guthrie was a product of the frontier. Born in Bardstown, Kentucky, he rose from modest means to a position of great prominence, including building a reputation as an outstanding lawyer. And while he may have failed in his efforts to see Louisville named the state capital, there is little else at which he didn't succeed once setting his mind to it. One of his most noted accomplishments was improving transportation, including development of railroad transportation from Louisville to Frankfort, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, even when it meant playing hardball to reach his goal. Despite his long list of contributions to Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation as a whole, there is relatively little in the way of historical markers to remind people of his tremendous influence. To remedy that situation, an historic marker will be dedicated at the intersection of Fourth and Guthrie Streets. Madam President, it certainly seems fitting that we take time to assure someone who contributed so much is remembered by future generations. And I know I join all Kentuckians in lending my support to the City of Louisville's efforts at memorializing a man so committed to Kentucky and the nation.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. I thank the Chairman. There is one point I want to make about the bill. The report accompanying the House version of H.R. 2843, House Report 105-456, notes that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the discretion not to require defibrillators on aircraft with a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds, or at small airports. The report goes on to indicate that the smaller aircraft, less than the size of major carrier jets, typically have ``relatively narrow aisles and limited open floor space at the entry door and in the service areas.'' Is it the Senator's understanding that the FAA has the discretion not to require defibrillators on small aircraft typically used by the regional airlines? Senator McCAIN. That is my understanding. Senator FORD. So for example, the FAA could require the use of defibrillators on board a Boeing 747, but has the discretion not to do so for classes of aircraft, like regional jets or turbo prop aircraft. Is that correct? Senator FRIST. If I could indicate to the Chairman and other members, it is the intention of the authors of the bill to provide the FAA with the ability to make just that sort of determination. The bill clearly gives the FAA the ability to use its judgement, to take into account many factors, in determining the size and type of aircraft, subject to any defibrillator requirement. For example, the report accompanying the House bill talks about the ability of smaller aircraft to land in the event of an emergency more quickly than larger aircraft because they need shorter runways. The report ``urges the FAA to consider these factors in deciding where to draw the the line''. Senator McCAIN. I appreciate the comments of my colleagues to clarify the intent of the bill. Senator FORD. I thank the Chairman and my colleagues.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, how am I recorded?

Mr. FORD. Mr. President, may we have order?

Mr. FORD. One minute. Mr. HUTCHINSON addressed the Chair.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I think the Senator from North Dakota should have some of his time back because nobody has heard him.

Mr. FORD. Mr. President. You can't do that there, come on.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Louisiana (Ms. Landrieu) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I object.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye), is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD. I announce that the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. Inouye) is necessarily absent.

Mr. FORD

Mr. FORD. Will the acting leader yield?

Mr. FORD. We are attempting to get an answer on a question I have. I don't want to hold the Senate here any longer, but there is a possibility. Could we have a quorum call, if the Senator would like to leave, with a motion that when I get my answer we will go out, or something like that? I will be more than pleased to do that.