August 03,2011

Press Contact:

Julia Lawless, Antonia Ferrier, 202.224.4515

Hatch Statement on Senate Democrats Causing FAA Shutdown By Refusing to Take Up House-Passed Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement as the FAA faces a continued shut down due to Senate Democrats’ refusing to take up a House-passed bill that would fund the agency:

                “Yesterday, the distinguished Senate Majority Leader said that ‘what’s best for country’ is for the Senate to act to ensure this situation with the FAA is resolved by taking up the House passed bill.   Republicans have laid out what’s best for the country by providing a reasonable resolution, but Democrats have repeatedly objected.  They apparently can’t take yes for an answer.  Saying no to this solution makes no sense to me or to anyone in America. The record is clear, a Democratic Senator blocked Senator Coburn’s attempt yesterday to pass the House bill. With the House out of session, this was the only way to ensure FAA has continued access to the trust fund.”


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