Almost seven years after 50 people died in the crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, the victims' families are still fighting to protect the flying public. They were joined Tuesday by every member of Western New York's congressional delegation in Washington.
Since the February 12, 2009 crash in Clarence Center, the Families of Flight 3407 have made more than 80 trips to Capitol Hill. With a new FAA reauthorization bill on the way this week, the safety improvements they've fought for are once again in jeopardy.
Family members are vowing to return to Washington, for as long as it takes, to protect the airline safety improvements that they have fought for.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, one of Washington's most powerful Democrats, says he is convinced people are alive today because of airline safety improvements.
Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand both said they will block any attempt to dilute the legislation. Gillibrand said aviation is safer because of the Families' work.
"Our next challenge is to implement these regulations and stand firm against any attempt to undermine them in this year's reauthorization. Senator Schumer is right when he says, 'If there is any attempt to water down these regulations we will block them.' Now, we have such a strong bipartisan coalition in the House, I have every faith that they will make sure that their colleagues do not attempt that," said Gillibrand.
Rep. Chris Collins, who lives near the crash site, was Erie County Executive at the time.
Collins said he was was among the first on the scene and he insists the safety regulations "won't be watered down."