Thursday, June 4, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District spoke on the House floor today in support of H.R. 2200, the TSA Reauthorization bill, which will provide vital safety training for flight attendants and support general aviation that is critical to a world-class destination like Las Vegas.  Below are her remarks as delivered.

“Thank you Mr. Chairman.  I rise today in support of the TSA Reauthorization bill and to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership on this important issue.  I also would like to highlight two elements of the bill that I particularly support.

“It has been over seven years since the attacks of September 11th and there are still no guidelines for security training for flight attendants.  H.R. 2200 requires that these individuals undergo mandatory and standardized security training.

“Flight attendants are the only working group in the cabin aboard every commercial flight.  They are literally on the front lines.  They are an integral part of air security.  This legislation provides for meaningful training that will equip these flight attendants with danger detection, self defense techniques, and other important skills needed in the event of a crisis.  This mandatory security training, which is needed and wanted by flight attendants, is an important step in ensuring our skies are as safe as they can be.

“The second aspect of this legislation that I would like to address is general aviation.  In 2008, there were more than 400,000 general aviation flights from the Las Vegas area, serving an estimated 1.3 million passengers.  From our three local airports, you can take one of these flights to view the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the desert which surrounds our city.  General aviation flights are also critical to supplying goods to Las Vegas, and they also are an efficient means for businesses travelers to reach our great city, one of the most popular business travel destinations.   This is a vital industry to my district and I will be a voice for it here in Congress. 

“I am hopeful that the TSA will involve this important industry in rule making and I am confident that they will.”

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Tags: Homeland Security, Las Vegas