Buffalo, New York- March 9, 2010 – Buoyed by the prospect of the long-awaited FAA Reauthorization Act and its critical aviation safety reforms finally coming to the Senate floor, the ‘Families of Continental Flight 3407’ were dealt a setback at the hand of Senator Bob Corker (TN), who placed a hold on the bill.
In response to that action, the group released the following open letter to Senator Corker:
The Honorable Bob Corker
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
March 9, 2010
Dear Senator Corker:
As family members who lost loved ones in the crash of Continental Flight 3407, we support S.1451, the FAA Reauthorization Act. We are writing out of grave concern that your recent introduction of a hold on the bill will jeopardize the passage of S.1451. It is inconceivable that anyone in good conscience would consider hindering implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act, delaying much-needed aviation safety improvements and upgrades to the air traffic control systems. Although you state that you fully support the bill, certainly no one would argue that actions speak louder than words. We strongly disagree with these divisive procedural tactics.
Each day that passes without implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Bill delays the implementation of some critical NTSB safety recommendations. The safety of the flying public is at risk, in particular at the regional airline level.
Tactics such as those you are utilizing send a signal to America that your priority is partisan politics, not protecting the American flying public. Both parties must work together to pass this critical legislation, and actions such as yours make this cooperation increasingly difficult to achieve. We, the undersigned, understand all too well the risk of failure to improve aviation safety.
Respectfully,
Karen Eckert – Sister of Beverly Eckert, age 58
Susan Bourque – Sister of Beverly Eckert,, age 58
Kevin Kuwik – Boyfriend of Lorin Maurer, age 30
Scott Maurer – Father of Lorin Maurer, age 30
ON BEHALF OF THE ‘FAMILIES OF CONTINENTAL FLIGHT 3407’
cc: Senator Harry Reid