U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary ofTransportation

The Honorable Patrick Leahy United States Senate Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Leahy: Assistant Secretary



### APR 1 2 2010

Thank you for yourletter enclosing correspondence from yourconstituent. Mr. Jeffrey M. Resnick, supporting Secretary LaHood's efforts to fonn an Aviation Advisory Committee that 

### will examine significant industry issues and offerrecommendations to address the future ofaviation. I am responding on behalfofthe Secretary. The U.S. Department ofTransportation recognizes the importance ofa national air transportation policy that ensures access for all citizens to safe. efficient, and reliable air service and we believe the formation ofan Avjation Advisory Committee is a significant step towards achieving that vision. We appreciate your nomination ofKate I-Ianni to be a member ofthe Advisory Committee. Please be assured that your nomination 

### will receive due consideration. This is a matter ofconsiderable importance to the Secretary and we anticipate the formation of the committee in the near future. Again, thank you for sharing yourviews with us and for supporting the Department's efforts to improve and modernize ourNation's air transportation system. I f Ican be of further assistance. please feel free to contact me.

Sjpcerely yours,

# ~**Q1~~I.n~** V!U6f

I ssistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs ,'.-'-) -) ----\ :':!**C~_·J**

### SlO-IOOI26-017 PATRICK LEAHY COMMITIEES; AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY VERMONT 

# tinitrd**~tatrs ~rnQtr**  WASHINGTON, DC 20510-4502 APPROPRIATIONS JUDICIARY


### January 14,2010

The Honorable Ray H. LaHood Secretary ofTransportation US Department ofTransportation 1200New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary LaHood: I write to share with you an email I recently received from a constituent ofmine regarding the establishment ofa "Blue Ribbon Panel" on passengerrights within the aviation industry. Mr. Resnick would like to have aconsumerrights advocate represented on the panel, and Ihave told him that Iwould forward his request to your department.

Dear Honorable Ray LaHood,

Iam a citizen and frequent flyer. It has come to my attention that a "Blue Ribbon Panel" is being established to discuss the citizens' rights regarding the future ofthe United States Aviation Industry. As a former CEO ofa retail enterprise. I can't image how my government officials could form such a committee without the inclusion ofa consumerrepresentative. I suggest and urge that Kate Hanni, the founderlspokespersonlExecutive Director ofthe nonprofit Coalition and a stalwart-advocate ofairline passengers" rights, should have a seat atthis table to continue to advocate for us. As a taxpaying consumer Ibelieve that the input ofa dedicated airline passengers' rights advocate would be valuable asset to the DOT Advisory Committee and the American Way ofinclusion. Iam particularly concern that members ofCongress have a beneficial relationship with the airlines, in that they currently get a preference in ticketing and flying to their home destinations. Thanking you in advance for your kind consideration, might I request input as to the final choices and outcome ofthis most important decision.

Thank you Very truly yours, Jeffrey M. Resnick 211 Cider Hill Road Warren, Vermont 05674 imrxx@aol.com

VERMONT OFFICES; COURT HOUSE PLAZA. 199 MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON**1lO2J86~** 2525 FEDERAL BUILDING. ROOM 338, MONTPELIER 8021229-0559 OR DIAL TOLL FREE H,00l642-3193 SENATOR_lEAHY@LEAHY.SENATE.GOV PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER, > 

### SIO-IOOI26-017

Thank you in advance for your consideration ofthis matter. Please let me know ifyou have any questions. Sincerely,



### PATRICK

# L'!!-~ United States Senator ", - -;