Honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding me this time.

Madam Speaker, the successful landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on Thursday, January 15, 2009, was nothing short of a miracle, and I rise to honor and thank all those who were involved in this rescue and recovery effort.

Shortly after takeoff on Thursday, January 15, US Airways Flight 1549 departed LaGuardia Airport in my district in Queens, was struck by a flock of birds, and lost power in both engines. After the collision, the pilot and copilot literally had seconds to determine how to get that plane back to the ground. Captain Chesley B. ``Sully'' Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles thought about trying to land back at LaGuardia or even getting over to Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, but realized that there was not enough power to get that far. Instead, they decided to attempt an emergency landing in the least populated area of New York City, the Hudson River.

Water landings, also referred to as ditching, are incredibly difficult, and any minor error could cause the landing to end in tragedy. But the tremendous skills of the captain and the first officer were on display that day, and they successfully glided the plane down and safely landed it on the river. In the meantime, the flight attendants, Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, and Sheila Dail, prepared passengers for impact.

When the plane came to a complete stop, Ms. Dent, Ms. Walsh, and Ms. Dail quickly opened the doors of the plane and started to evacuate passengers safely and efficiently. Within minutes, all the passengers were evacuated onto the wings of the plane, where boats, ferries, and others on the scene approached the sinking jet and began helping the passengers and crew off the wings and safely away from the near freezing Hudson River waters. They were not just New Yorkers; there were folks from New Jersey as well helping in this rescue effort.

Still, as the plane continued to sink into the freezing waters, Captain Sullenberger walked the cabin not once, but twice, to make sure everyone was safely off the plane before deplaning himself.

Due to the skill and coordinated efforts by the pilots, crew, and first responders on the scene, everyone on the plane is alive and well today.

Madam Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to the crew of Flight 1549 and all the first responders who helped evacuate passengers.

Madam Speaker, some people call this event ``the miracle on the Hudson.'' I say this was no miracle. This was the skillful flying of two veteran pilots, the quick reaction of highly trained flight attendants, and the responsiveness of Coast Guard ships, ferries, and private citizens. These people showed to the world the best of our aviation and first responder system. I am proud of the heroic actions of everyone involved.

I hope you will join me in honoring Captain Sullenberger, First Officer Skiles, Flight Attendants Dail, Welsh, and Dent, and all the men and women who came to the aid of the passengers, and the passengers themselves, the cooperation they demonstrated that day, those passengers stuck on the wing of a sinking plane in the middle of a freezing Hudson River. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I would just add, as the congressional representative of LaGuardia Airport where Flight 1549 took off, I often have to answer complaints, particularly from my constituents, about the airport and those who fly through or live by the airport. It is not often we get to say good things about LaGuardia Airport.

Like any airport, LaGuardia produces noise, but on January 15, the crew of Flight 1549 made all of us and LaGuardia Airport proud.

Congressmen Nadler, McMahon, and McNerney and I introduced this legislation because we wanted to pause and recognize the heroic efforts of the first officer, the captain, the flight attendants, as well as all the first responders. They deserve our thanks and applause. We have heard it said in the past, boy, that was a close call. I think in the future you're going to hear it said, boy, that was a 1549. At least I like to think that that will be catchy.

I urge all of my colleagues to please support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, today I speak in strong support of H. Res. 84, and thank my colleague Congressman Joseph Crowley, for authoring this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, the first week of January Americans witnessed no shortage in heroic activity, from the dramatic rescue of an elderly woman by Houston Metro officer Eliot Swainson, to what we recognize here today. The heroic efforts by everyone involved in the emergency landing of flight 1549. This was one of many events this year alone where the world once again recognized the U.S. as a country of doers.

Flight 1549 is now known as the Miracle on the Hudson. A miracle it may be, but what are not surprising or any less miraculous are the coordinated efforts by the pilot, crew and rescuers, who under immense pressure proved that even a battered and bruised American spirit has the strength to overcome indescribable odds.

Captain Chesley Sullenberger ``Sully'' pilot of the U.S. Airways flight, is no stranger to heroism. A former Air Force officer, he has served the United States proudly for many years. Through his calm and confident ways he successfully maneuvered an enormous aircraft onto the still and icy Hudson River, saving the lives of over 155 passengers.

Just like every hero there is a team of people working with them ensure that no task is left undone and that all measures are taken, even in the most terrible situations. His honorable crew, First Officer Jeffrey B. Skiles, Flight

Attendant Sheila Dail, Flight Attendant Doreen Welsh and Flight Attendant Donna Dent, along with Captain Sullenberger worked tirelessly upon the aircraft's landing to insure that all 155 passengers aboard the aircraft were evacuated and ready to be boarded onto one of the various boats sent to the landing site to assist in the rescue. The strength and sheer will of the entire crew aboard Flight 1549 is what caused this miraculous landing to occur.

As subcommittee chair of Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection I have been an advocate for both the TSA and the FAA for many years. I am particularly proud of the ability of these organizations to prepare those affiliated with them in the best way possible. Crew members are highly trained.

Once the passengers exited the cabin of the plane they were met instantly by the Coast Guard, Harbor Patrol, water taxis, and other various watercrafts. Passengers were transported to a fleet of ambulances and emergency personnel waiting by the shores of the river to assist in anyway possible. Once again New Yorkers demonstrate in the face of devastating circumstances they will respond in ways that almost seem impossible to the average human being. New Yorkers, just as people of my district have done in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, with that helpful nature and American courage to take on any task all things are doable.

Most importantly the common variable in this impressive act of heroism is the strength of a united American spirit. This spirit, that when directed toward a problem no matter how immediate or great in scale, can be handled through a combined effort by a unified American people behind one common goal. This spirit is exactly what the United States needs right now.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the heroic actions of pilot Chesley Sullenberger, crew members Donna Dent, Doreen Welsh, Sheila Dail, Jeffrey B. Skiles, as well as all of the rescuers standing by for U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the shores of the Hudson. These heroes on the Hudson are examples of the common humanity that flows through the veins of this Nation.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 84) honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 84.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 84, a resolution honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Crowley, for introducing this resolution. LaGuardia Airport is in the congressional district represented by Congressman Crowley, and he has represented that district for some time. I know that he is very proud of all of the men and women whose actions resulted in a safe outcome for everyone. It is truly remarkable and a testament to all involved in the emergency landing and rescue that all passengers and crew got out safely, without serious injuries or death.

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 was departing LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte, North Carolina and, within minutes, lost engine power. Captain Chesley Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles realized the seriousness of the situation, and immediately sought a safe place to land.

The Hudson River was their only option, and these two pilots, as well as flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, worked together to prepare the 150 passengers for the emergency landing. The crew did an excellent job on the controlled landing in the Hudson River. The flight crew and flight attendants did exactly what they were trained to do, and they did it superbly.

This incident demonstrates the importance of training and preparation, showcases the skill of our aviation and first responder workforce, and reinforces the importance of consistent vigilance and oversight of our aviation safety.

I also want to commend the emergency crews in New York City who reached the crew and passengers in record time and immediately began rescue operations.

Again, we honor the crew, passengers, and emergency responders involved in US Airways Flight 1549, and I urge my colleagues to strongly support H. Res. 84.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York, the sponsor of the resolution, Congressman Crowley.

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York, Congressman Hall.

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to my friend from New Jersey, Congressman Albio Sires.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, Mr. McNerney.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon).

(Mr. McMAHON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I would ask how much time we have left on our side.

I yield 30 seconds to my friend.

Madam Speaker, I yield the remaining 2 minutes on our side to the Congresswoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 84, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

To the chairman and to my colleagues from New York led by Joe Crowley, Congressman Nadler, Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Hall and our colleague across the water, Congressman Sires, as well as Congressman McNerney, who hosts this great pilot in his district, I'm honored to cosponsor House Resolution 84 honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

When Flight 1549 landed in the cold, icy waters of the Hudson River on the afternoon of Thursday, January 15, 2009, many of us in New York feared the worst. What started out as a routine flight from LaGuardia to Charlotte, North Carolina, quickly turned into a nightmare. Passengers heard a loud bang just after takeoff and were told to brace for impact as the plane ditched into the Hudson.

What forced the plane to make an emergency water landing remains under investigation. But what is clear is that the 155 people aboard Flight 1549 owe their lives to the quick maneuvering and skill of the pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger, III, commonly known as ``Sully,'' and the flight crew that allowed every person on board to survive the impact.

When both engines failed, Mr. Sullenberger's critical decision to land

in the river and avoid densely populated areas on land not only allowed the people on board the plane to survive, but also saved countless lives of people on the ground. In addition, the crew of Flight 1549 showed the utmost professionalism and training by quickly getting the passengers off the plane and into waiting rescue watercraft.

In addition to the heroes on the plane, the passengers and crew owe their lives to the quick actions of ferry boat operators and the first responders in New York and New Jersey who evacuated everyone from the downed plane and rescued those people who had fallen into the frigid water. Today we honor and commend the crews of the New York Waterways ferry boats, other commuter lines and the numerous boats from the New York City Fire Department, the New York City Police Department, the Coast Guard, practically every city, State and Federal agency that patrols the waters around New York for springing into action so fast, and of course all the heroic men and women who work so hard every day in our hospitals.

It is nothing short of a miracle that everyone on US Airways Flight 1549 survived. The families of the passengers and crew and all of us owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the extraordinary work and heroism of people that helped save lives, from the skill of the flight crew and air traffic controllers who performed a near perfect landing, to the crew, who evacuated the cabin and cared for the passengers, even giving their own clothes off their own backs to keep passengers from developing hypothermia, to the first responders and good Samaritans on the commuter ferries who helped bring people to safety, and to the pilot who did not even leave the plane until he walked the aisles of the cabin twice to be sure everyone had been evacuated. The rescue demonstrated to the world once again the bravery and goodness of our people, the best of New York and the best of America.

I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically support this resolution and offer my personal thanks for the hard work, courage and kindness that saved so many lives and brought a happy ending to a story that could have turned out so much differently.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

I would like to just begin by commending and thanking the chairman of our Aviation Subcommittee for giving all of the members of the subcommittee an opportunity to meet some of the people who were involved in this, what could have been tragic, and turned out to be a heroic day, on February 24 when we have tentatively scheduled a subcommittee hearing to meet and find out what worked, what didn't work, and what could be done even better in the future.

But I certainly on this day rise in support of the resolution before us, House Resolution 84, honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and the rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

Like so many flights leaving New York's LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 pushed back late from the terminal with passengers ready to get to their destination in Charlotte, North Carolina. What happened next was anything but normal.

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane, carrying some 155 passengers and crew, unexpectedly struck a flock of large birds, causing both engines to fail.

Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III, a veteran pilot with decades of experience in both the commercial airline industry and the United States Air Force, was forced to ditch his aircraft in the icy cold waters of the Hudson River.

That every person onboard the flight survived the dual engine failure and the aircraft's controlled ditch into the frigid waters of the Hudson River is an extraordinary testimony to the hard work of all aviation safety personnel. I applaud the quick actions of pilot and crew alike, and commend their actions as critical to the survival of all 150 passengers.

Also to be commended are those who so quickly responded to rescue those precariously balanced on the wings of the sinking plane. Indeed, even after surviving impact of a skillfully executed ditch effort, survivors of this accident still face the perils of hypothermia in the cold waters of the Hudson River. The quick action of police, Coast Guard, ferry operators, and other first responders ensured the survival of all involved in the accident, and their efforts are to be commended.

The robust training programs within the airline industry, Federal Aviation Administration safety oversight efforts, as well as the equipment improvements by aircraft manufacturers, all contributed to the survival of those aboard Flight 1549.

January 15 could have been a day stained by tragedy, but thanks to individual actions of Captain Sullenberger, the crew onboard, and the ongoing safety efforts of so many within the industry, we will remember that day differently. The outcome of Flight 1549 affirms the value of the hard work of the aviation safety professionals, but also renews the call for continual improvements in aviation safety.

I salute those safety professionals and crew who played a role in that day's events, support House Resolution 84, and look forward to the opportunity on February 24 for us to meet some of the heroes of that day and to learn from their testimony.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time and yield back the balance of my time.