By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-969760.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Flight 3407 families are celebrating another step forward in aviation safety reforms.
Jane Corwin, the republican candidate for the 26th Congressional District seat, issued a statement Friday alerting the media that the Shuster amendment to the Aviation bill has been dropped.
Coriwn said she received a call late Friday morning from Congressman Bill Shuster informing her that he has asked the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, John Mica, to withdraw his amendment from consideration in the conference committee.
"The Flight 3407 Families have been a driving force to implement long-overdue aviation safety reforms. These actions are proof that a community can come together and make a difference. The fight to fully implement these much-needed reforms has just begun, and I will continue to work to implement one level of safety' in our skies," said Corwin.
The Shuster amendment had the potential of railroading tough new aviation safety rules that families of the Flight 3407 crash fought long and hard to get approved in the FAA Reauthorization Bill.
Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed in Amherst two years ago killing everyone onboard and one person on the ground.
John Kausner, who lost his 24-year-old daughter Ellyce in the Flight 3407 tragedy is pleased.
"It really is gratifying. We have worked very, very hard. I'm not exactly sure of the inner workings of how it came about,' said Kausner.
More than a week ago Corwin arraigned for the Flight 3407 families to meet with House Speaker Boehner.
"We are very appreciative of Jane Corwin for supporting us and arranging the meeting with Speaker Boehner, and to the Speaker for hearing us out on the significant safety issues associated with the provision, especially with regards to the objections to it by the NTSB and FAA," said Kausner.
"We also would be remiss if we did not thank the entire Western New York congressional delegation and everyone else in Congress who came out against this provision and supported us from the get-go. We must remain vigilant as we move forward to ensure that the FAA is allowed to effectively implement the bipartisan aviation safety legislation from last Congress, "said Kausner.
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer released the following statement on the decision to pull Congressman Bill Shuster's amendment that would have obstructed tough air safety standards from the FAA reauthorization bill:
"This is a huge victory for the Flight 3407 families and all of those who are working to improve aviation safety. I am so proud to have stood side-by-side with the families on our long journey to turn a tragedy into landmark legislation, improvements in air travel safety, and safer skies across the country. Families, because of their strength, honesty, and integrity, always prevail. We have finally beaten back this short-sighted amendment that would have made it tougher to implement the new safety regulations that air passengers deserve. This is a great day, and I look forward to remaining vigilant and working with the 3407 Families to make sure that the new safety regulations become the law of the land for all sectors of the aviation industry."
Congressman Brian Higgins issued a statement on Reports that the Shuster Amendment Would Be Dropped From the FAA Bill:
"This is welcome news for the Flight 3407 Families, Western New Yorkers and all Americans concerned with aviation safety. It means the reforms and safety improvements we fought so hard for last year will be implemented. Defeating this amendment was a bipartisan effort that I was proud to help lead. I will continue to be vigilant on this matter until we confirm that this damaging amendment is in fact ultimately and officially dropped from the bill and all of our aviation safety reforms are implemented in full."
Corwin's democratic opponent in the 26th Congressionak race, Kathy Hochul weighs in. Hochul issued the following statement:
"Today's victory is not a Democratic or Republican victory, it is a victory for our entire community and the families of Flight 3407. The Shuster amendment would have put our nation and citizens at risk, and undone so much of the hard work that these families have put forth to increase airline safety. We should all join together and applaud the reversal of this terrible legislation. Once elected to Congress I will continue to work to ensure that these families' voices are heard and this legislation is never again revisited."
"I'd like to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Representatives Higgins and Slaughter for all of their hard work on behalf of the 3407 families. I look forward to continuing to join them in that work in Congress."