Record numbers of people are flying. In 2006, more than 740 million passengers flew in the United States and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts that this figure will reach one billion by 2015.  This growth represents not only a dramatic increase in the demand on the air traffic control system as a whole, but will also result in a substantial and continuing increase in ground operations. Congestion and delay problems have increased with the growth in air traffic, which has negatively affected travelers and the economy. Last year, our aviation system had the worst delay record in its history.  Our system is rapidly approaching gridlock.  That is why I voted in February to extend the FAA's authority to collect aviation excise taxes and disburse funds from the Aviation Trust Fund (AIP) through June 30, 2008. It is critical to fund the AIP which affects important safety and capacity projects, including runway safety, enhanced taxiways, aircraft rescue initiatives, and firefighting and snow removal equipment.
 
Just last week, a federal appeals court ruling struck down a New York State air passengers' bill of rights law.  Last fall, I supported strong air passengers' rights provisions as part of additional legislation to reauthorize the FAA passed in the House of Representatives. The Senate should act quickly to consider its version so we can get to conference and pass a final bill.  Passengers should be able to expect that airlines and airports have a plan to avoid lengthy tarmac delays and that clean water, food, medical supplies, restroom facilities and adequate ventilation will be available when they do occur.  Plans of how facilities and gates will be shared and how passengers will be allowed to deplane following excessive delays must be filed within 90 days after enactment with the Secretary of Transportation. My constituents and air passengers across the country deserve no less.
 
Tax Credits for Middle-Income Brooklynites
 
In addition to enhancing airline efficiency, Congress has a duty to address the burgeoning economic woes of middle-income Brooklynites.  These hard-working Americans are working longer and longer hours each day, sometimes taking on second and third jobs, just to make ends meet.  According to the Census Bureau, 64,000 people in the New York City area already qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2005, reporting that they regularly work more than 40 hours per week.  The EITC is a refundable tax credit that primarily supplements the income of struggling single parents and couples.
 
That is why I fully support my colleague, Congresswoman Velazquez's legislation to create a tax benefit for overtime workers.  "The Overtime Restoration Act" of 2008 would include an additional percent point to a person's EITC for each week in which the recipient worked longer than 40 hours.  These additional EITC dollars will have a significant impact on the lives of Brooklyn's working people
 
Research shows that the EITC is highly effective in assisting low-income families.  The bill would dramatically increase those EITC payments for the hardworking Americans that need it most.  Rest assured that I will continue to support this initiative and others that promote upward economic mobility for every American.
 

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