Rep. Doggett Releases Video Message as Doggett Amendment on Hot Air Balloons, in Honor of Lockhart Victims, Passes House
***Press Release***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2018 | Contact: Kate Stotesbery 202-225-4865 |
Rep. Doggett Releases Video Message as Doggett Amendment on Hot Air Balloons, in Honor of Lockhart Victims, Passes House
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) released the following video message as his amendment to require pilot medical certificates for commercial hot air balloon operators passed the House of Representatives. Rep. Doggett authored this legislation after the 2016 crash in Lockhart, Texas, where 16 people lost their lives in the deadliest commercial balloon crash in our history, the worst aviation disaster in America this decade. After years trying to get FAA to act, and repeated efforts to get his hot air balloon safety amendment attached to a must pass bill that never seemed to move, finally—over 2 years after this tragedy—the legislation for which the survivors petitioned will become law and other families may be spared such pain.
"Passage of my passenger safety bill is the result of the dedicated work of the families and all who petitioned for this belated action," Rep. Doggett said. "For the many who prayed and mourned the loss resulting from this unnecessary tragedy, know that you have been heard. We cannot bring these precious lives back. But now, with today's progress, we hope no more families will be exposed to the horror of a crash from an impaired pilot."
View his video message to constituents and the victims' families:
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