WASHINGTON – Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26), Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today called passage of H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009, a strong first step forward to improve the safety of air travel in the United States. This bipartisan legislation includes a number of long overdue reforms that address aviation safety and passenger confidence in the wake of the Continental Connection Flight 3407 tragedy that claimed the lives of 50 people on February 12, 2009. Among the key provisions of the bill are measures to combat pilot fatigue, increase commercial pilot licensing requirements, improve training practices and establish an electronic pilot records database.

“I am pleased that the House of Representatives was able to come together and support these important reforms to airline safety,” said Congressman Lee.  “The strong bipartisan cooperation and the swift action to pass this legislation is a testament to the courage and strength of the Flight 3407 families, who have worked tirelessly to enact these meaningful reforms.”

“The tragedy of Flight 3407 awakened Western New Yorkers to the lack of training and standards in the regional airline industry,” said Congresswoman Slaughter. “Today I’m proud that the House is moving forward with legislation that I believe includes a strong new set of guidelines for improving passenger and crew safety. With vital input from the families of Flight 3407, measures in this bill mean safer flights for all of us.”

“H.R. 3371 represents the hard work and collaboration of our group and the many parties involved in the House, particularly the Western New York delegation,” said Kevin Kuwik, who lost his girlfriend Lorin Maurer in the crash. “We are disappointed with the potential loophole in regards to pilot qualifications. But on the whole the bill contains many positive measures and we will continue to fight for the Airline Transport Pilot license requirement.”