The 108th Congress opened for business the first week in January with a few changes of note. The racial gaffe committed by Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) during the departure ceremonies for Sen. Strom Thurmond forced him out as the Senate Majority Leader. However, Lott will still retain some clout as he will take over as chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee and retain his seats on the Senate Finance, Commerce and Intelligence Committees. Lott used his seniority to claim chairmanship of the Senate aviation subcommittee, displacing Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) who moves over to the Senate Surface Transportation Committee. Lott has shown an interest in air service to small communities and improving the economics of small airports in his state.
Replacing Lott as majority leader will be Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a former heart surgeon and reputedly a good friend of President Bush. According to NBAA, Frist is an “able pilot who has exhibited a clear understanding and appreciation for the association’s views on behalf of the business aviation community.” That is a plus, for the aviation community certainly needs friends in high places.
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