WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement regarding cracks found in the fuselages of three Southwest Airlines aircraft:

“I am very relieved that no one was harmed in this very alarming situation. As the details of this unusual incident unfold, we will get a better understanding of what caused the plane's fuselage to tear open. I expect the FAA to be painstakingly diligent in reviewing the safety of all aircraft, and to conduct a careful investigation into what caused the cracks that have been discovered on the bodies of these planes. I think the American public wants some answers so we can have confidence in all commercial airline travel. The FAA reauthorization bill now headed to conference takes steps to strengthen the inspection process of passenger aircraft, and I hope we can move that bill quickly to a resolution.”

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