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For Immediate Release
12/14/07
Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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President Signs Stevens Bill to Allow Commercial Pilots to Fly until Age 65
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
– President George W. Bush late yesterday signed into law the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (H.R. 4343). The U.S. Senate passed this legislation, which will have a dramatic impact on
Alaska
’s aviation industry, unanimously Wednesday night. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has led the efforts for this reform for more than a decade.
H.R. 4343 will allow commercial airline pilots to fly until age 65. Since 1960, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations have specified that commercial airline pilots must retire upon reaching 60 years of age.
Senator Stevens made a statement on the floor of the Senate commending the President’s action. His statement, as delivered, follows:
“I come to the floor today to thank Congress for finally passing the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline pilots from age 60 to 65. This language was included as part of the ‘Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act,’ and allows our most experienced commercial pilots to continue to provide safe air transportation for the nation. This bill was approved by the House unanimously.
“Since 1960, the FAA ‘Age 60 Rule’ has restricted pilots age 60 and older from serving on any commercial flight operations. Under the rule, it’s estimated that our aviation system has lost 50 pilots every week.
“Many in the aviation community, the FAA, and now Congress, have reacted to the realization that the Age 60 rule has become outdated and discriminatory against one of Alaska’s greatest resources, and that’s our experienced and seasoned pilots.
“Alaska, as a state, is more dependent on aviation than any other state. The lack of highway infrastructure creates a situation where aviation serves as the traditional road system. More than 70 percent of our communities can only be reached by air year-round, making aircraft essential for personal, commercial, cargo, and mail transportation to almost every part of our state. Having experienced pilots to deliver goods and services to our communities is essential for Alaskans.
“Many of our pilots contacted me and told me how the age 60 rule was impacting them.
“In fact, on Tuesday, I met with Gary Miller, a Vietnam veteran and currently a FedEx pilot based in Anchorage. If Congress had not have acted on this outdated regulation, he would have been forced to retire in February.
“In addition, there are pilots like Captain Bill Green, one of Alaska’s best Hercules pilots. The Hercules aircraft are used for transporting large cargo shipments in our state. Captain Green turns 60 next April and would have been forced into retirement, despite the need for qualified, experienced pilots in Alaska.
“And then there’s Mike Redmond, who has experience flying every type of aircraft used in Alaska. In two years he will be 60 years old and under the ‘Age 60 rule’ Alaskans would have lost his wealth of knowledge and experience.
“I have supported changing this rule now for more than a decade, and I applaud the Congress’ actions in finally taking hold and raising this age to 65.
“These pilots are our most experienced aviators and a valuable resource for the commercial aviation industry. Our action today will allow them to continue serving our nation.
“It is rare that Congress passes legislation that has such an immediate personal impact on our citizens and I am proud to say the President signed this bill immediately when he received it last night. I believe, this is a proud moment for me, for the Congress, and for the nation.”
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19th - |
Senate Approves Nominees for DOC, STB, PHMSA, USCG, and NOAA
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved nominees reported from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Surface Transportation Board, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Senate confirmed nominees include:
Mr. Todd Zinser, Nominated to be Inspecto...
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18th - |
Commerce Committee Approves STB and Amtrak Nominees, USCG Promotions
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today unanimously approved nominees and promotions for positions within the Surface Transportation Board, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Board of Directors (Amtrak), and the United States Coast Guard.
The Committee approved nominees include:
Mr. Francis Mulvey, Reappointment to be a Member ...
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17th - |
FMCA, ATA, Teamsters among Witnesses for Truck Driver HOS Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety. The witnesses are listed below.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier...
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14th - |
Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from STB, Amtrak, PHMSA Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Nominations Hearing for Francis Mulvey, nominated for reappointment to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board; Denver Stutler, Jr., Nancy A. Naples, and Thomas C. Carper, nominated to be Members of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Board of Directors (Amtrak); and Ca...
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14th - |
Coast Guard, NOAA, GAO among Witnesses for Oil Spills Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on Oil Spills from Non-tank Vessels: Threats, Risks, and Vulnerabilities. The witnesses are below.
In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing will examine the oil spill threats, risk...
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14th - |
current Press Release |
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13th - |
New Date Set for Truck Driver HOS Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a new date for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) int...
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13th - |
Inouye Applauds Senate Passage of Historic Fuel Economy Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) delivered the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. Senate just before passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
“Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Renewable Consumer and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. After months of constructive negotiations, we have successfull...
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13th - |
Inouye Introduces Bill to Correct Flawed FCC Forbearance Process
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) introduced legislation today that will prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting telecommunications companies regulatory forbearance by default.
Under the Communications Act of 1934, a telecommunications company may petition the FCC for forbearance from regulatory and statutory requireme...
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13th - |
Inouye Calls for Transparent Regulatory Process at FCC
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today at a Federal Communications oversight hearing:
“It’s an exciting time for communications. We are seeing dramatic changes in the way we communicate, conduct business, educate, and entertain ourselves in this country. The future of communications holds tremendous pro...
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12th - |
Senate Approves Changes to Age 60 Rule
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement upon full Senate approval of a bill that raises airline pilot retirement age from 60 to 65.
“I am pleased the U.S. Senate recognized the need to raise the pilot retirement age to 65. Forcing our nation’s pilots t...
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12th - |
Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from FAA Administrator, DOT Assist. Secretary Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Nominations Hearing for Robert A. Sturgell, nominated to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and Simon Charles Gros, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Governmental Affairs at the Department of Transportation.
Nominations Hearing
Full Com...
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11th - |
Commerce Subcommittee to Examine Oil Spill Threats
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on Oil Spills from Non-tank Vessels: Threats, Risks, and Vulnerabilities.
In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing will examine the oil spill threats, risks, and vulnerabilities posed by large non-...
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4th - |
Inouye Leads Commerce Committee Approval of Climate Change and Ocean Acidification Legislation
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement upon Commerce Committee approval of three bills on climate change and ocean acidification from carbon emissions.
“Today as world leaders are meeting in Bali, Indonesia for the United Nations Framework Convention on C...
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4th - |
Inouye: Media Ownership Act Provides Transparency in FCC Proceedings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement upon Committee approval of S. 2332, the Media Ownership Act of 2007:
“Transparency in the FCC’s media ownership proceedings is not only fair, it is right. This bill encourages the FCC to provide a forum for meaningful discussion and brings us a step closer to balanced med...
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4th - |
Transportation Subcommittee to Examine Truck Driver Safety
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) soon to be publ...
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Audio Clip | Video Clip
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