(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) has succeeded in adding a
provision to extend unemployment insurance to workers in the airline and related industries
who have been hardest hit by the downturn in air travel. The provision, which could help
as many as 200,000 men and women, was added to an airline assistance package in the
FY 2003 Senate Supplemental Appropriations bill.
Murray’s provision added:
– $225 million to provide an additional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance for workers
in the airline and related industries.
– $100 million to reimburse airlines for federally-mandated security requirements, like
reinforcing cockpit doors, employee credentialing, employee fingerprinting and
background checks, and other new costs since 9/11.
– $375 million to reimburse airports for operating and capital security costs including
infrastructure, perimeter security and other expenses.
“This is great news for those who have been hardest hit by the downturn in air travel – the
men and women who keep the industry running,” said Murray. “While Congress provides
assistance to airlines, we cannot forget the men and women whose lives and livelihoods
have been directly impacted by the downturn.”
Murray’s amendment added $700 million to Sen. Ted Stevens’ (R-Ak.) airline assistance
package, to bring the total up to $3.5 billion. The next step is a House-Senate conference
committee where Sen. Murray is optimistic that her colleagues will retain the important aid
for workers.
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