Buffalo, New York- July 15, 2009 – The Families of Continental Flight 3407’s push for aviation safety reforms continued to gain momentum as Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Senator Mark Begich (D-AL) became the sixth and seventh senators to sign on to the Snowe-Boxer ‘Ensuring One Level of Aviation Act of 2009.’
“We are determined to do everything we can to prevent another group of families from having to go through an ordeal like this, and Senator Bayh’s support of this legislation is another positive step in that direction,” stated Kevin Kuwik of Indianapolis, who lost his girlfriend Lorin Maurer on Flight 3407. “Lorin grew up in Indianapolis and also worked at the NCAA, and between us, we have many friends in the Hoosier state, so Senator Bayh’s support is personally very meaningful. I also want to express my deep appreciation for everyone who weighed in with Senator Bayh on behalf of our efforts.”
Senator Begich’s support carries special significance as the Senator lost his father in a plane crash in Alaska in 1972.
“Senator Begich’s comments and questions at the recent aviation safety hearings were extremely supportive of our cause,” said Sue Pash of Stafford, Virginia, who lost her sister Mary ‘Belle’ Pettys in the crash. “Unfortunately, he shares a sad common bond with us having lost a loved one in a plane crash, but it is great to hear that he has come on board with this critical safety legislation.”
Senator Bayh and Senator Begich join Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) as the co-sponsors of the bill.
Next up for the group is another lobbying trip to Capitol Hill next week. The group will be focusing on the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill in the Senate, which was introduced by the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee leadership today.