The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION ON JANUARY 25, 2021” mentioning Dianne Feinstein was published in the Senate section on page S150 on Jan. 26.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION ON JANUARY 25, 2021
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Blumenthal, and
Mr. Markey):
S. 36. A bill to require certain helicopters to be equipped with safety technologies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant Helicopter Safety Act''.
I'm pleased to be joined today by Senators Schumer, Blumenthal, and Markey in reintroducing this bill.
Nearly one year ago today, on January 26, 2020, a helicopter carrying nine Californians flew into foggy weather and crashed minutes later. Los Angeles and the world soon learned that among the crash victims were basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
After the crash, we soon learned the names and stories of John, Alyssa, and Keri Altobelli; Sarah and Payton Chester; Christina Mauser; and Ara Zobayan. These were spirited friends and family members connected by their love of sport, traveling to a weekend basketball tournament.
The sudden and shocking nature of the accident touched many, and the public remembrances in Los Angeles and around the world to honor the victims are proof that their memories will not soon be forgotten.
But this tragedy is one that could have been averted. A preliminary report and investigatory documents released by the National Transportation Safety Board indicate the helicopter was flying through thick clouds and fog, yet was not equipped with a terrain awareness and warning system. This technology provides pilots with real-time, inflight warning signals and an image of surrounding terrain.
Since 2006, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that all new and existing helicopters capable of carrying six or more passengers be equipped with terrain awareness and warning system technology. However, FAA has only required these warning systems for air ambulances.
Nevertheless, this technology has become standard on new helicopters from Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, and Sikorsky since December 2018. But older helicopters remain vulnerable.
Our bill also requires crash-resistant flight data and voice recorders. Otherwise known as black boxes, this technology is important for when accidents do happen and mistakes are made. It would allow agencies like the NTSB to have a better understanding of the incident and provide more information to the FAA to prevent future accidents.
It is clear that additional steps are needed to ensure that helicopters can fly safely, both for the sake of passengers and those on the ground.
Our bill offers a common-sense approach to preventing further accidents like this one. It would simply direct the FAA to implement the NTSB's recommendations to require terrain awareness and warning systems and flight data and voice recorders on all helicopters carrying six or more passengers.
I appreciate the hard work of the National Transportation Safety Board in developing these important recommendations, and it is long past time that the FAA heeds its call.
My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their loved ones impacted by this heartbreaking accident. It is critical that Congress pass our bill swiftly to ensure that such loss of life was not in vain.
Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
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