Policy

The aviation system plays a critical role in our national economy.  It employs millions of workers both directly and indirectly; it generates nearly $900 billion in economic activity annually; and it is responsible for 9 percent of our GDP.  As stewards of our aviation network, Congress and the Administration have a responsibility to advance federal…

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The President and Congress should work together to pass a robust surface transportation bill into law.  This reauthorization will define our national surface transportation priorities and play a critical role in boosting economic growth, increasing prosperity and creating good jobs in transportation, construction and manufacturing.  After several extensions of the expired authorizing legislation over the…

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Amtrak plays an essential role in our national transportation network.  The time to invest in the railroad’s operating and capital needs, support its skilled and dedicated employees, and ensure that our national passenger rail carrier plays a central role in delivering on the promise of high-speed rail is now.  We are heartened by President Obama’s…

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Transit systems in hundreds of communities face a crisis fueled by the devastating recession, the budget cutting it inspired and inaction in Washington on a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill.  Transit providers of all sizes – urban, suburban and rural – have already slashed service and jobs and many more are executing major plans to…

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A vibrant maritime industry capable of accommodating growing cargo demand and sustaining U.S. jobs is integral to both our economic recovery and nation’s security interests.  Recently, the industry has suffered from a combination of ideological attacks on labor, imprudent budget cuts, inadequate port investments, and misinterpretations of cargo preference requirements.  It is imperative that policymakers…

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Fire is the most serious threat to an aircraft in flight.  The situation is even more critical if the fire is of unknown origin or cannot be controlled.  As extensive testing and incident data have shown, lithium batteries have the potential to self-ignite or propagate a fire.  In order to ensure the safety of the…

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While laser illuminations of aircraft have been a concern for more than a decade, the startling increase in reported incidents in the last year represents an escalating threat to aviation safety and should raise concerns in all modes of transportation.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this year announced that nationwide reports of lasers pointed…

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