"This

year, Congress passed historic legislation, known as AIR21, which restructured

the FAA to allow an increased level of funding for the computer system

and other critical aviation programs and to ensure stability for years

to come," he added.

For the first

year of funding under the new structure, the House has approved a 70 percent

increase over last year for airport development, a $600 million increase

in facilities and equipment, and an 11 percent increase in the operations

and maintenance functions. Collins cited his experience that sometimes

one has to pay more to get more capabilities, and that one has to be careful

in cost-cutting when safety is involved.

"Sometimes,

the lowest bidder is not the best," Collins said. "We have the

best air traffic control system in the world, and we should not lose sight

of that. But there is a long way to go. I am committed to continuing to

work with air traffic controllers, the FAA and my colleagues in Congress

to ensure that we provide the resources needed to meet the heavy demands

of our air traffic system and provide the highest possible level of safety

for the traveling public in the 21st century."