Wednesday, September 27, 2000
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Wednesday, September 27, 2000 |
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Collins is first Republican to address controllers' group U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, who represents Fayette and nine other counties, became the first Republican to address the National Air Traffic Controllers Union annual convention last week. The Hampton Republican spoke about air safety and general government budgetary issues NATCA's Georgia state legislative coordinator, Gary Morgan, introduced Collins, expressing appreciation for Collins' understanding of the air traffic controller's job and for helping controllers on safety and staffing issues. Speaking during and after the meeting, Collins attributed his strong interest in air traffic control and other aviation issues to the fact that Georgia's 3rd congressional District borders Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the nation, with the majority of the individuals who work at the airport living in the 3rd District. In addition, the regional air traffic control center is in Hampton, and Peachtree City is home to the new Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, which will have state-of-the-art air traffic radar equipment. "Congress fully recognizes the critical role air traffic controllers play in aviation safety," said Collins. "It does not take an expert on aviation to realize that there is perhaps no other profession whose members are responsible for the number of lives at any one time as air traffic controllers. Therefore, it is vital that Congress provide the resources to ensure the safety of air travel in the United States." Collins noted that several years ago, Congress made fundamental changes in the procurement and personnel policies of the Federal Aviation Administration. "The changes made by Congress and the FAA mean the agency is no longer tied to wasteful procurement and personnel policies of the past, so progress on its long-overdue computer modernization program can now be accelerated." Collins continued. "This year, Congress passed historic legislation, known as AIR21, which restructured the FAA to allow an increased level of funding for the computer system and other critical aviation programs and to ensure stability for years to come," he added. For the first year of funding under the new structure, the House has approved a 70 percent increase over last year for airport development, a $600 million increase in facilities and equipment, and an 11 percent increase in the operations and maintenance functions. Collins cited his experience that sometimes one has to pay more to get more capabilities, and that one has to be careful in cost-cutting when safety is involved. "Sometimes, the lowest bidder is not the best," Collins said. "We have the best air traffic control system in the world, and we should not lose sight of that. But there is a long way to go. I am committed to continuing to work with air traffic controllers, the FAA and my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we provide the resources needed to meet the heavy demands of our air traffic system and provide the highest possible level of safety for the traveling public in the 21st century."
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