Washington, D.C. - American Airlines today said it applauds the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for unanimously approving H.R. 3479, the National Aviation Capacity Expansion Act of 2002, that is sponsored by Illinois Congressman Bill Lipinski of Chicago. The legislation codifies a plan agreed to by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Illinois Governor George Ryan to modernize and improve O’Hare International Airport.

“Much credit goes to Congressman Lipinski, who led other members of the Illinois delegation and the Transportation Committee to favorably report to the full House this vitally needed legislation,” said Will Ris, American’s senior vice president-Government Affairs. “The unanimous vote in the Transportation Committee comes on the heels of a 19 - 4 vote on similar legislation in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. These votes highlight the overwhelming bi-partisan support for the O’Hare legislation.”

The Senate bill, sponsored by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, is awaiting action by the full Senate.

American urges both the House and Senate leadership to take up this much-need legislation at the earliest possible date.

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