Durbin Discusses Importance Of Air Service In Downstate Communities At Senate Confirmation Hearings

Statement

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today discussed the importance of air service in rural communities while introducing Susan Kurland of Chicago, Illinois to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee which was holding a hearing on her nomination by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of Aviation and International Affairs. Durbin has introduced three Presidential nominees to this committee: Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood; Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, Joe Szabo; and General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, Bob Rivkin.

"Susan's work at the FAA gave her a keen understanding of the impact airports have on cities big and small. She knows firsthand how crucial airports and reliable air service are to the economic success of our communities," said Durbin. "Susan, if confirmed, will be directly responsible for the Essential Air Service Program. With [her] Midwest roots and experience at the local and national level, I am confident she will work with this Committee to breathe new life to Essential Air Service Program and the many communities who depend on it."

Kurland has over twenty years of experience in senior level government and private sector aviation roles - including airport, airline, local government, federal government, and airport infrastructure financing. She spent the first several years of her career as an attorney both in government and private practice, and later as general counsel for one of the country's major airport systems. Later, she served as Associate Administrator for Airports for the Federal Aviation Administration, leading the FAA's national airport program. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois working in public finance - dealing with airport infrastructure financing and municipal finance.

[Text of remarks as prepared below]

Senator Durbin Remarks on the Nomination of Susan Kurland
Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

Chairman Rockefeller, Ranking Member Hutchison and Members of the Commerce Committee, thank you for the opportunity to introduce Susan Kurland for her nomination to the Department of Transportation.

This is the third time this year I've had the privilege of appearing before this Committee to introduce a nominee from Illinois to serve the President in the Department of Transportation.

Like those who came before her, Susan has a long record of public service in aviation, both in Illinois and here, as part of federal government. Her experience will serve her well in her new post.

Susan began her public service career with the City of Chicago, where she was general counsel to one of the nation's largest aviation systems.

Susan was responsible for overseeing all legal issues at O'Hare airport, the busiest airport in the country.

Her experience in Chicago caught the attention of President Clinton, who asked Susan to serve as the Associate Administrator for Airports at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Susan's work at the FAA gave her a keen understanding of the impact airports have on cities big and small.

She knows firsthand how crucial airports and reliable air service are to the economic success of our communities.

Commercial air service and modern airports have a direct impact on a city's ability to create and attract new businesses.

That is why this Committee and many of our colleagues in the Senate have consistently supported the Essential Air Service program - the federal program created to keep rural communities connected to our national and international aviation system.

Susan, if confirmed, will be directly responsible for the Essential Air Service Program.

With Susan's Midwest roots and experience at the local and national level, I am confident she will work with this Committee to breathe new life to Essential Air Service Program and the many communities who depend on it.

Chairman Rockefeller and Members of the Commerce Committee, I want to thank you again for the opportunity to introduce Susan Kurland.

As you conduct this hearing, and the strong oversight this committee is known for, I can assure you, you will find Susan Kurland shares your understanding of the critical role our national aviation system plays to the health of our economy, our environment, and our future. Thank you.

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