Sen. Peters Issues Remarks on FAA Reauthorization Act
* * *
Peters worked to include provisions in the bill to bolster airport security, support the educational use of unmanned aircraft systems, and help remove harmful PFAS chemicals from airport firefighting foams. Below is video and text of his remarks as prepared for delivery:
"I rise today in support of the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. After six short-term extensions, ranging from one week to over a year, the
"I am a member of the
"This bill makes critical investments in airport infrastructure, promotes
"I will never stop fighting to ensure that
"This bill includes provisions I authored that will help prepare our students for the high-tech jobs of today and tomorrow, secure public spaces in our airports and remove the outdated federal requirement that airports use firefighting foams containing fluorinated chemicals that contaminate groundwater and cause disastrous human health effects.
"The
"Whether it this technology is used for inspecting critical infrastructure or boosting crop yields at our farms, UAS technology will create tens of thousands of new jobs in the coming years, and we need American students and workers ready to fill them.
"This is why I worked across the aisle with
"In my home state of
"Ultimately, whether we are talking about UAS, passenger planes in the air, or travelers making their way through an airport, this is all about safety. In recent years we have seen high-profile attacks at airports around the world, but also here at home in
"I heard from our international airport in
"A critical provision was incorporated into this reauthorization bill that will now allow airports to use Airport Improvement Program funds on state-of-the-art surveillance cameras in these public areas, which will help monitor, prevent and respond to potential attacks at airports across our nation.
"Finally, I'd like to discuss what could be our nation's defining public health challenge for generations, a group of harmful chemicals known as PFAS. The PFAS class is a group of over forty-seven hundred man-made chemicals that have been used nationwide and internationally. These chemicals do not break down in the human body or the environment. They can accumulate over time and cause more harm.
"We already know there are several health effects associated with exposure to certain PFAS - compromised immune system function, cancers, endocrine disruption and cognitive effects. I've listened to the families exposed to PFAS in
"In addition to all these uses, Mr. President, they have also been used in firefighting foams for decades. These foams have been used on military bases and commercial airports. They have been used near businesses and neighborhoods, near groundwater and surface water, near lakes and streams.
"Last week, I worked with Senator
"While there is a lot of work to be done related to remediation, human health research, filter technology and more we must stop making the problem worse. This is why I worked with Senators Sullivan, Stabenow, Rubio, Shaheen, Gillibrand and Hassan to lead a common sense addition to this
"Using fluorine-free foams is not a novel idea, but it is an idea whose time has come. Over 70 airports around the world are already using fluorine-free foams that have passed the most challenging tests, and they have seen real success combating fires. These airports include major international hubs such as
"I want to thank Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson, as well as Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer, for their work to pass this important bipartisan legislation.
"I urge my colleagues to support this critical long-term
* * *
View video his remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-fapwUnPM
Rep. Donovan’s Hurricane Recovery Provisions Head to President’s Desk
Two More Rep. Maloney Provisions to Be Signed Into Law
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News