This week, the House will consider the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act (H.R. 658).  Congressman Brian Higgins spoke in opposition to an amendment to the bill which would make it more difficult for the FAA to implement aviation safety reforms, including the pilot fatigue regulations, previously won at the urging of Flight 3407 families.

Below are Congressman Higgins’ remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong opposition to an amendment made in order under this rule, which would block the implementation of regulations to prevent pilot fatigue.

“Our current pilot fatigue regulations are outdated and have been on the books for decades.  In that time we have seen many preventable accidents occur due to pilot fatigue, including the crash of Flight 3407 near Buffalo in which 50 people died two years ago.

“In response to that tragedy and after over a year of consideration, last year the House and the Senate unanimously passed legislation to update our pilot fatigue rules.  They are pending implementation by FAA.  These reforms have been on the National Transportation Safety Board’s most wanted list for the past 20 years.  They are based on science and circadian rhythms, and the input of the aviation community.

“However, the Amendment offered by Mr. Shuster would have the effect of blocking their implementation.

“Mr. Speaker, pilots are people.  It doesn’t matter whether they are flying a cargo plane, a regional plane, or a large passenger plane -- they need adequate rest to perform their duties.  Quite simply these pilot fatigue reforms will save lives.

“Fifty lives were needlessly lost 2 years ago.  Last year we voted unanimously to enact these reforms due to the dogged advocacy of the families who lost their loved ones in that crash.  These families want nothing more than to make our airways safer, and to prevent this tragedy from happening again.

“I urge my colleagues to stand with these families, to stand with aviation safety, and to please vote against the Shuster Amendment.”