I'm like a harried monkey, having just arrived home from a trip to DC, but I simply most let you know the following:
The Senate commerce, science and transportation committee, which today marked up FAA reauthorization legislation, as hoped has opted not to include a ban on wireless voice communications in its bill.
In other words, the committee has hung up on the Hang-Up Act, which remains part of the House of Representatives' version of FAA reauthorization.
The Senate committee will next report the bill to the full Senate. Probably in September. Then comes reconciliation of the House and Senate bills.
It's a relief to know that the Senate at least doesn't intend to legislate in-flight manners.
on July 22, 2009 11:50 AM | Reply
The Sarge wants to know more details:
1) If a member of Congress wants to call his mistress from his flight, but the ban on inflight phone use in effect, can they still make the call (as a congressional privilege)?
2) What are some really classy, albeit irrelevant earmarks we can expect to see on the bill? Perhaps a $400,000 grant for the study on Randy "Macho Man" Savage's contribution to wrestling? Or maybe a $2.5 million grant for a soda machine in the Senate parlor?
Speaking of monkeys, Mary...let's all pray that Congress, despite their best efforts, gets this right.
on July 22, 2009 12:18 PM | Reply
Hmmmm....some truly probing questions. I'll have to think about these, but I'd imagine that fact-finding missions to Argentina will end up on the cutting-room floor. :)
on July 22, 2009 2:37 PM | Reply
The Senate's on a roll. First they kill the F-22 and now they've dropped the cell phone ban...
We'll see how this goes.
The Congressmen are easily startled, but they'll soon be back, and in greater numbers.
on July 22, 2009 4:33 PM | Reply
How can you tell, the Congress walks in a straight line to hide their numbers?
RWG-We've gone a few days without a new photo or video of you-what gives?
on July 22, 2009 4:44 PM | Reply
Hey Fellas
Not confident enough to use this in native "Klingon" but maybe Yossarian and Dave should set a play date at Comicon this weekend rather than nauseate the rest of us with famous lines from Star Trek 17: Revenge of Dress-up Clowns.
I am begging you...mercy.
And in compliance with making a relevant blog comment...
Can't wait to see the current Administration & Congress conjure up a nationalized airline. That will be priceless!
on July 22, 2009 5:06 PM | Reply
The federal government’s only job should be to regulate – only be the watchdog for capitalism. Serve the American people in that way, or the regular Joe, who’s not a corporate pirate like most of our CEOs. Having the government regulate, is better than having them going into business against you.
on July 22, 2009 5:09 PM | Reply
Bojay...it may be time to put your pajamas back on...
...cause you are dreaming, my friend.
on July 22, 2009 5:16 PM | Reply
Oh interesting. Play nice boys :)
on July 22, 2009 6:38 PM | Reply
This pork, too brazen for Senators. Only US Congressmen are so swinish.
The United States Congress. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.
on July 22, 2009 6:56 PM | Reply
I must say I did not take seriously DeFazio's initial bill, but when it was included by the House in its version of FAA reauthorization legislation, I looked at our Congress people in a different light. It is so blatant a piece of BS. If the question of whether to allow voice calls during flight must again play out in the court of public opinion via a FCC NPRM, then so be it. But don't impose a permanent ban on something you know nothing about.
on July 22, 2009 7:17 PM | Reply
Joined the Dark Side, DeFazio has. Lies, deceit, and douche-baggery are his ways now. Stopped he must be. On this all depends. Only a fully informed public with the facts as their ally will conquer DeFazio and his band of morons.
on July 23, 2009 8:56 AM | Reply
The retard is strong in this one. Were quoting Star Wars you P'tak!
Personally, I don't want phone usage on my flight, too many self important ashhats would ruin my flight with their constant droning.
on July 23, 2009 2:08 PM | Reply
I take it all back. Dave & Yossarian...you guys are making this a blog worth visiting.
US Goverment manifests douche baggery par excellence.