Originally Posted by
ChalupaBatman
For the first time in my life I have given to a Democrat, and by the looks of things it won't be the last. We are all royally prison raped if this bill passes. For those who may have missed the blastmail, here you go.
February 27, 2018
Help Stop the Push to Relax Foreign Ownership Limits and Change CRAF Rules
Rep Dave Brat (R-VA) Attacks U.S. Aviation Jobs
In a move that threatens the long-term career viability of all U.S. pilots, last week a bill was introduced in Congress by Representative Dave Brat, (R, VA-07) which would greatly expand the ability of non-U.S. interests to exert control over our aviation sector. Congress.gov has posted the complete text of the bill, H.R. 5000 - Free to Fly Act. The ironically named "Free to Fly Act" would:
- Significantly relax current protective limits on foreign ownership and foreign control of U.S. carriers
- Allow a U.S. "citizen or other person" to apply for an air carrier certificate, unlike the current language requiring the certificate be held by "a citizen of the United States"
- Allow a waiver of the U.S. citizenship requirement for air carriers or aircraft involved in CRAF flying
There is significant power lining up behind this bill, and both the U.S. Travel Association and the Business Travel Coalition – outspoken supporters and lobbyists for the ME3 carriers - have come out and publicly endorsed this legislation. These are lobbyist for the same foreign companies and countries who have been steadily seeking inroads to the U.S. market with low-cost labor that will undermine our jobs.
There is a "Pro-Pilot Partisan" Alternative:
Fellow United pilot and ALPA member DCA 777 First Officer Dan Ward is running against Dave Brat in the VA 7th District. Regardless of where you live or which political party you favor, this race matters to all United pilots and our careers. If you believe in putting "America first" when it comes to the U.S. aviation industry, it is worth making an investment in supporting Dan Ward for Congress.
Please consider a donation of one hour's pay to help elect a fellow United pilot to Congress in 2018.
All the modern Republican Party really cares about, is taking more money from all of us and giving it to their very wealthy donors.
If you don't want to get totally screwed, you should not be voting for Republicans.
On the other hand, Democrats are marginally more interested in helping the average person than the Republicans. Hopefully, the Dems can REALLY CHANGE, and get more progressive, so that their first consideration is US, the voters. If the Dems start changing laws so the 0.1% don't get everything, then maybe I'll start supporting the Democrats.