The Federal Aviation Administration has not modernized our air traffic control system. Our airports do not have an adequate number of gates or runways to accommodate future growth and competition. It is obvious that something needs to be done to make sure our national aviation system is ready for the 21st Century. A strong aviation system is key to our strong economy. Aviation and aviation-related activities account for six percent of the United States' Gross Domestic Product.
Businesses depend on aviation as the fastest way to move both people and goods.
In addition, the tourism industry, which is one of the fastest growing, most successful industries in the world, would not survive without a strong national aviation system. I look forward to the year ahead as we work to take the aviation trust fund off budget in order to significantly increase capital investment in aviation. We do not have much time. The Airport Improvement Program, one of the most important federal aviation capital investment programs, will expire on March 31, 1999. For this reason, I am proud to again join Chairman Shuster, Chairman Duncan and Ranking Member Oberstar in introducing a bill to authorize the AIP program through Fiscal Year 1999.