Tom Petri

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution before us sponsored by my colleague from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan), congratulating the National Air Transportation Association for celebrating the organization's 70th anniversary. The resolution also applauds the association's efforts over the years to improve general aviation safety and bolster the general aviation industry. NATA represents over 2,000 member companies that provide millions of jobs in the United States that support the general aviation industry. NATA member companies provide for many of the behind the scenes support for general aviation, including fuel sales, aircraft maintenance, parts sales, storage, and flight training, just to name a few. These sectors of the general aviation industry support jobs for millions of Americans and contribute $150 billion to the United States economy. NATA played a big role in the resurgence of aviation after World War II and continues to play an important advocacy role for its member companies. Most importantly, the association plays an active role in improving safety for its member companies and the traveling public. I support the resolution, and urge my colleagues to adopt the resolution.

Mr. PETRI. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, while there are several issues that we would like to continue working on as this bill moves forward, I want to voice my support for H.R. 4714, the ``National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act of 2010.'' The NTSB is a small, but important, part of the federal government and makes critical contributions to our nation's transportation safety each year. In 1967, Congress formed the NTSB as an independent agency to investigate civil aviation accidents and significant transportation accidents in the surface modes--railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline--as well as assisting victims of fatal accidents. Since its creation in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 132,000 aviation accidents and more than 10,000 accidents in other transportation modes. As a result of these investigations, the Board has issued a total of almost 13,000 safety recommendations and over 82 percent of those have been adopted. In making safety improvement recommendations based on world-class investigations, hundreds of NTSB professionals as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation industry have helped create the safest aviation system in the world. With its current resources, NTSB continues to do a tremendous service to this Nation and the traveling public in all modes of transportation. H.R. 4714, as amended, provides for a four-year reauthorization-- fiscal years 2011 through 2014. Given the size of the federal deficit and the improvement in aviation safety resulting in fewer aviation accidents requiring NTSB's attention, we are concerned with the level of funding authorized in this bill. We believe that a better starting point for the NTSB's funding levels is $100.4 million, the amount requested in the fiscal year 2011 President's budget. The NTSB both supports and is comfortable with the President's budget Request. Despite the state of the federal budget, as introduced, H.R. 4714 would have authorized a twenty percent increase over current levels from 2010 to 2011. Even a ten percent increase in authorization levels, as included in the amended version of H.R. 4714, raises concerns due to the Federal deficit. H.R. 4714, as amended, would authorize a total of a 27 percent increase in funding over 4 years. We remain concerned with the authorization levels contained in the bill and look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues on this issue should H.R. 4714 go to conference. This bill also expands the NTSB's authority to investigate ``incidents'' in all modes of transportation. The bill directs the NTSB to define the term ``incidents'' in a rulemaking. It is our understanding that the Department of Transportation will be given the opportunity to comment on and influence the NTSB's rulemaking. This bill would also require the formulation of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each appropriate modal agency to describe and reach understanding on the roles and responsibilities of each party in the event of an NTSB incident investigation. We believe that the inclusion of ``incidents'' in the definition of ``accidents'' will require close oversight by Congress to ensure that there are no negative impacts on the ability of each modal transportation agency to investigate and conduct enforcement activities. The potential for the NTSB to obtain evidence voluntarily from the parties involved in an incident may limit the evidence available to the modal agencies in the pursuit of an enforcement action. We also remain concerned about the impact of a provision prohibiting the disclosure of information by party representatives during an investigation. While the intent of the provision is sincere, its impact may severely harm the party representative system, a system that has served the Nation well over the years. We would like to work with the Chairman and Rep. Carnahan to ensure the provision achieves its intended result without unintended consequences. Finally, we would like to thank the Chairman for trying to address the concerns raised at markup regarding the language in the bill on interim recommendations. Unfortunately, despite these changes to the bill, we are still concerned that there may be some confusion with the issuance of both interim safety recommendations and final recommendations. Again, we hope the Chairman will continue to work with us to address these concerns as this bill moves forward. While these are several issues that we would like to continue working on in a bipartisan manner, we do support H.R. 4714 and look forward to working together to improve the bill. I thank the Chairman as well as my other colleagues for their work on this bipartisan bill.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, as the House considers H. Con. Res. 319 recognizing the anniversary of the shootings at Fort Hood last November, I would like to pay tribute to all of the 43 shooting casualties and recognize two of my constituents. Staff Sergeant Amy Krueger of Kiel, Wisconsin, was one of those who lost their lives that day. Following the 9/11 terrorists attacks, she was moved to join the Army because she wanted to help keep America safe. She was proud of her military service and returned to Kiel High School to share her experiences with current students. Staff Sergeant Krueger had been to Afghanistan previously and, like others in the Soldier Readiness Processing Center that day, was about to be deployed again. In his remarks at the Fort Hood memorial service shortly after the shooting, President Obama shared a story that symbolizes Staff Sergeant Krueger's energy, drive and determination. He said, ``When her mother told her she couldn't take on Osama bin Laden by herself, Amy replied `Watch me.' '' That spirit was evident to all who knew her. In the small Wisconsin town of Kiel, the news of Staff Sergeant Krueger's death was met with an outpouring of love and support for her family and friends, as well as respect for her service to our country. On Memorial Day this year, the town unveiled a memorial in her honor that includes words that meant so much to her: ``All Gave Some--Some Gave All.'' As we mark this sad day one year later, we remember Staff Sergeant Krueger and send our thoughts and prayers to her loved ones. Private First Class Amber Bahr of Random Lake, Wisconsin, is a Sixth District resident who was injured in the shootings. As the events unfolded that terrible day, Amber immediately reacted to help her injured comrades and did not even realize that she too had been shot. This generous spirit was also cited by President Obama as an example of the bravery and caring of these soldiers for one another. Our service men and women have joined the military to serve their country; many, like Amy, to join the fight against terrorism. I am sure they did not expect that they would be fighting it here on U.S. soil. I join my colleagues in supporting H. Con. Res. 319 as we take time to remember and pay our respects to those lives lost, as well as commend and thank the civilian and military law enforcement personnel, the medics and all others who helped those in need that day.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. I thank my colleague from Louisiana. In May 2009, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. In March of this year, the Senate passed its own FAA reauthorization bill which the House took up, amended, passed and sent back to the Senate. Since that time, we have been in informal discussions to reconcile the two versions of the bill. While these discussions have led to tentative agreements on nearly all of the provisions, a few controversial issues have stalled progress on a final agreement. Therefore, with the FAA's authorities set to expire on September 30, we again find it necessary to consider another extension bill. Likes the 15 earlier extensions over the past 3 years, H.R. 6190 would provide a short-term extension of the taxes, programs, and funding of the FAA, this time through the end of this year, 2010. I remain very disappointed that a few issues in the reauthorization package are holding up final agreement on a comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill. However, in order to ensure the safe operation of the national airspace system while Congress continues to debate a full reauthorization package, I support passage of today's extension. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I support passage of H.R. 4195, a bill that would authorize the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work to honor the formation of the Peace Corps and the ideals upon which it was founded. I served in the Peace Corps in Somalia in 1966-67, just 5 years after the program's founding, and saw first hand the contribution that Peace Corps volunteers make to the communities they serve. Fifty years later, the continued selfless and noble service outside our borders remains a testament to the timeless American ideals embodied by the Peace Corps volunteers I served with and those that are serving today. Indeed, the creation of the Peace Corps by Congress and President John F. Kennedy in 1961 marked a fundamental turning point in American foreign policy. The values and ideals of America were put into action to help meet the needs of people in developing countries through volunteer service abroad. The memorials and commemoratives of Washington, DC, tell the story of the people and events that have shaped our nation's history and our fundamental ideals. The founding of the Peace Corps was an expression of those ideals and will continue to inspire new generations of Americans to embrace the belief that we can and should reach out to uplift those around us. As such, I believe the Peace Corps's founding, and the American ideals it represents, deserve an essential and meaningful part of the national capital landscape to commemorate the preeminent, lasting significance of a watershed moment in the nation's history, the founding of the Peace Corps 50 years ago. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4195.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of the resolution currently before us, our colleague from the State of Montana, Representative Dennis Rehberg.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I support the resolution before us, H. Res. 1473, recognizing the value of recreational aviation in backcountry airstrips. Aviation provides access, as we've heard, to the most remote and scenic areas of our national landscape, and not just for recreational users. Backcountry airstrips also provide access for those who do not have the physical ability to get to these areas any other way. The airstrips also serve an important safety function as emergency landing sites in the event of severe weather or another emergency. Sustaining these airstrips is critical to preserving safe flight and access to the American wilderness. It is important to promote and maintain the public use of backcountry airstrips for future generations. Additionally, we should be proud of the individuals and private organizations that donate their time and resources in order to sustain these airstrips for public use and benefit. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution and urge its passage by the House today.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York, Chris Lee.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the senior Republican on the full committee, my colleague, John Mica from Florida.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In May 2009, the House passed H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009. Four months ago, the Senate passed its own FAA reauthorization bill, which the House took up, amended, passed, and sent back to the Senate. Since that time, staff from both Chambers have been in informal discussions to reconcile the two versions of the bill and bring a negotiated FAA reauthorization to the floor. While these discussions have led to tentative agreements on nearly all of the provisions, a few controversial issues have stalled progress on a final agreement. Therefore, with the FAA's authorities set to expire on Sunday, we, again, find it necessary to extend those authorities. Like the 14 earlier extensions, H.R. 5900 would extend the taxes, programs and funding of the FAA, this time through September 30, 2010. This bill will ensure that our National Airspace System continues to operate, and that the FAA continues to fund important airport projects while Congress completes action on a final reauthorization bill. I remain very disappointed that a few issues in the reauthorization package are holding up final agreement and delaying important safety improvements. That's why I support the inclusion of the bipartisan and bicameral airline safety and pilot training provisions in this clean FAA extension bill. The airline safety and pilot training provisions are in response to the terrible loss of life resulting from the crash of Colgan Flight 3407 in February of 2009. Among other improvements, these provisions strengthen pilot screening and training standards, increase flight hour minimums, and require the FAA to conduct a comprehensive study on pilot fatigue. The FAA is also directed to create a consolidated database of pilot records, and all air carriers will be required to access this database and pre-screen pilot candidates before making hiring decisions. The families of Continental Flight 3407 must be recognized for their tireless efforts to see this legislation pass. I'm very grateful for their work and their dedication over the past 17 months since that terrible crash. I want to thank Representative Chris Lee, Representative Louise Slaughter, and Representative Brian Higgins for their work in getting these safety provisions enacted. And I'd also like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica, as well as my chairman, Jerry Costello. The airline safety and pilot training provisions were drafted in an open, bipartisan fashion. And we all agree that adding these safety provisions to this extension is the right thing to do, both in memory of those who lost their lives on Flight 3407, and in honor of their families and friends who have dedicated themselves to seeing that the aviation safety improvements are made the law of the land. Finally, I want to recognize Ryan Boyce and his hard work and service on the Aviation Subcommittee. Ryan is headed off to law school, and I want to wish him all the best. I'd urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5900. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for the resolution before us, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor. While I am pleased we are considering House Resolution 1401, I am disappointed that none of the suspensions we are considering today are Republican bills. However, I understand that the chairman of the full committee has scheduled three Republican bills for markup this coming Thursday. House Resolution 1401 congratulates our Nation's air traffic controllers for their service and their dedication to protecting the flying public. Aviation safety is the product of many professionals in all sectors of the industry who are performing their best at all times. With nearly 87,000 flights operating over the United States daily, keeping the system safe is no small feat. The hard work and commitment of air traffic controllers play a key role in our exceptional record of aviation safety. Over the past decade, nearly 1 billion passengers have successfully traveled aboard 93 million commercial flights. Thanks in part to the commitment of air traffic controllers, our Nation's air transportation system is the safest in the world. As air traffic demand is forecasted to rebound and grow, it is important to sustain investments to modernize air transportation technologies and procedures. According to the FAA, NextGen infrastructure and procedures will change the role of air traffic controllers, equipping them with the tools they need to manage the anticipated growth in air traffic demand. Air traffic controllers are an important part of improving air traffic control efficiency through NextGen, and I welcome their input in advancing these efforts. I honor the hard work and dedication of our 25,000-plus air traffic controllers, and I join in commending their service to the Nation's air travelers. I fully support the adoption of the resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking Republican on the full committee, my colleague, the gentleman from Florida, Mr. John Mica.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to our colleague from the State of Washington, Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1504, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we commemorate the 20th anniversary and enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and we celebrate also the positive changes in our workplaces, our public facilities and, indeed, in our Nation's understanding of the challenges and the triumphs of individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act is an example of bipartisanship at its best. Members on both sides of the aisle came together 20 years ago to craft meaningful protections for members of our society who, up until this law's enactment, had too often been denied the opportunities and accommodations necessary for them to thrive. In the 20 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, we have seen firsthand the contributions made by individuals with disabilities when obstacles are removed and ignorance gives way to understanding. By simply leveling the playing field, our society is richer. This law has been a remarkable success, but with the passage of time came the need for improvements. That is why Members on both sides of the aisle came together once again in 2008 to modernize the law and ensure its protections today fulfill its promise made 20 years ago. I applaud the brave individuals who 20 years ago fought to shine a light on the discrimination and lack of basic access afforded to many individuals with disabilities. I applaud the legislators on both sides of the aisle who heard those stories and who responded with this landmark legislation. I also applaud the employers, State and local governments, and facilities owners across the Nation that have taken the letter and the spirit of this law to heart and opened their doors and extended their opportunities to all Americans, regardless of disability. Today, we take the time to appreciate how this House and, indeed, how our Nation as a whole has benefited from the Americans with Disabilities Act. I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Wisconsin, F. James Sensenbrenner.

Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of House Resolution 1048, honoring and praising the Sojourn to the Past organization on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Since 1999, Sojourn to the Past, a nonprofit organization, has taken thousands of students out of the classroom and across the country for a life-changing educational experience via hands-on lessons on the civil rights movement. Through a sometimes emotional and eye- opening 10-day journey through a period of segregation in the Deep South, students learn the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. Sojourn to the Past is the longest-running civil rights education and outreach program in the United States. It has conducted 55 sojourns and introduced over 5,000 high school juniors and seniors to the history of the civil rights movement. This organization teaches high school students how the lessons of the civil rights movement are still relevant today. We recognize Sojourn to the Past for teaching younger generations of people about the history of the civil rights movement and challenging them to make a difference in their schools and their communities, and I support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the resolution before us, House Resolution 1543, honoring the educational significance of Dr. Jane Goodall's work on this, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of her work in Tanzania, Africa. Dr. Goodall is one of the world's foremost authorities on chimpanzees, having closely observed their behavior for the past quarter century in the jungles of the Gombe Game Reserve in Africa, living in the chimps' environment and gaining their confidence. Her observations and discoveries are internationally heralded. Her research and writings have made revolutionary inroads into scientific thinking. Dr. Goodall received her Ph.D. from Cambridge University in 1965. She's been the science director of the Gombe Stream Research Center since 1967. In 1984, Dr. Goodall received the J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize for ``helping millions of people understand the importance of wildlife conservation to life on this planet.'' Her other awards and international recognitions fill pages. Dr. Goodall's scientific articles have appeared in many issues of National Geographic magazine. She has written scores of papers for internationally known scientific journals. Dr. Goodall has also written two books, ``Wild Chimpanzees'' and ``In the Shadow of Man.'' Dr. Goodall has expanded her global outreach with the founding of the Jane Goodall Institute based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She now teaches and encourages young people to appreciate the conservation of chimpanzees and of all creatures, great and small. She lectures, writes, teaches and continues her missions in many inventive ways, including the Chimpanzee Guardian Project. Today, we honor Dr. Jane Goodall for the significant role that her research has played in recognizing the behavioral differences in humans and other animal species. I support this resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1456, congratulating the University of Dayton's men's basketball team for winning the 2010 National Invitation Tournament basketball championship. On April 1, 2010, the University of Dayton Flyers defeated the University of North Carolina Tarheels 79-68 in the finals of the National Invitation Men's Basketball Tournament. The Flyers men's basketball team now holds 40 all-time victories in the National Invitation Tournament, or NIT, the second-most victories in tournament history. Flyers Coach Brian Gregory led the team to victory in his seventh season as Dayton's head coach, every season of which has been a winning season. Head Coach Brian Gregory has also led the team to two NCAA tournaments and two National Invitation Tournaments. Flyers player Chris Johnson earned the 2010 NIT most outstanding player, and Marcs Johnson was selected to the NIT All-Tournament team. The Dayton Flyers finished the 2009-2010 season with 29 wins and 14 losses, ending the season with the team's third NIT title. Although we are celebrating the University of Dayton's athletic excellence, we should take a moment to recognize the quality of the University of Dayton's academic programs as well. The University of Dayton is a top-tier national doctoral-level university, and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the Nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1850, the University of Dayton's offerings include 70 high-quality undergraduate programs in four divisions and graduate programs at the master's and doctoral level, as well as a law degree. The largest private university in Ohio, the University of Dayton, is a leader in higher education. So I extend my congratulations to University of Dayton President Daniel Curran, Head Coach Brian Gregory and his staff, the hardworking players, and of course the fans. I wish all continued success and ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of the resolution, a representative of Dayton and surrounding areas in Ohio, Mike Turner.

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PETRI

Mr. PETRI. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 275, expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the second Sunday of September as Arts in Education Week. Arts in Education Week highlights the benefits of exposing students to the arts, and it recognizes that arts can play a role in educating youth. Many localities have rich art communities. Exposing youth to the museums, artists, and workers of art within these communities can help to provide cultural experiences, foster creativity, and support classroom learning about the arts. Many States and communities are taking efforts to ensure students are exposed to the arts. Most States, specifically 43 States, require schools to provide art instruction, and many schools have integrated art education into their other areas of study. Many instructors in schools take advantage of the local art industry by introducing students to the various points of access to the arts within their communities. Parents play a vital role in exposing youth to the arts as well. Weekend trips to a local art museum or a night out to see a local play are just two examples of ways in which parents can educate their children about and ensure their children's participation in the arts. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.