Threats Nonessential Helicopters Pose to Public Safety

Floor Speech

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Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, last month, an air tourism helicopter crashed into the Hudson River near Jersey City killing six people, including three young children.

This tragedy is yet another example of the threat that nonessential helicopters pose to public safety, especially in the congested airspace over New Jersey and New York.

Since 1983, there have been at least 30 helicopter crashes in our region, resulting in at least 31 fatalities. We also continue to hear from countless New Jersey residents whose lives are upended by the constant, incessant noise of helicopters traveling at low altitudes over our neighborhoods.

Since taking office, we have consistently worked to address these challenges, from the noise and nuisance they cause to the safety risks that have been well documented.

In the 118th Congress, we introduced two pieces of legislation and directly engaged with the FAA to address these issues, hosting a workshop in Jersey City with stakeholders and local leaders, but this crash is a clarion call to every level of government that further urgent action is needed.

That is why, along with my colleagues from New Jersey and New York, I introduced the Improving Helicopter Safety Act, which bans all nonessential helicopter traffic within a 20-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty.

It is clear that the helicopter industry is not a good actor or one willing to proactively take measures to protect our communities. In the wake of this most recent tragedy, one air tourism company offered discounts to their customers for flights in our region. They are clearly more interested in profit than public safety, making it abundantly clear that they should no longer be allowed to operate.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this bill so that we can protect lives in our communities and ensure that tragedies like this one never happen again. Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Buddy Baseball in Bayonne

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Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Buddy Baseball in Bayonne.

Every year, more than 100 children and young adults with special needs gather for a season of Buddy Baseball, giving everyone the opportunity to succeed, play, and enjoy this incredible game.

This year, I was proud to march in the parade to celebrate their opening day and commemorate the opening of their brand-new field. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to cheer on this year's players, and it was heartwarming to see our community come together for such a great cause.

The city of Bayonne is leading the way in bringing communities together in an inclusive way, lifting up those around us, and showing what we can achieve when we work together.

Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone who made this dream a reality and for reminding us what we can do when we come together as one in a community.

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