Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Tragic Collison At LaGuardia Airport

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor offering condolences to the families of the two pilots who were killed in a collision at LaGuardia Airport. He also called for a full investigation into the incident. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

My deepest prayers are with the families of the two pilots who were killed in a terrible collision at LaGuardia Airport this morning. The video and audio of the collision were heart-wrenching. It is like a punch to the stomach when you listen to it. It leaves you gasping for air.

I spoke with Chairwoman Homendy of the National Transportation Safety Board, which has always done an outstanding job impartially in investigating these tragedies. And I spoke to her, I spoke to Chairwoman Homendy earlier today, and she told me the situation is under investigation. She told me that over 25 investigators are on their way to LaGuardia right now to get to the bottom of what happened.

We owe it to those pilots and their families to find out exactly how this accident was permitted to happen, and I will remain in constant communication with Chair Homendy and the NTSB as well as local authorities as this investigation unfolds.

My heart goes out to all those affected by this tragedy. My heart goes out to the two pilots who were killed and to all the passengers who were injured at LaGuardia.

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