Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-15

RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES

TaxesInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-15, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered infrastructure. It referenced legislation: S1781.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1781] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and commend the employees of American Airlines on the remarkable occasion of its 100th anniversary of service. For a century, American Airlines has played a pivotal role in connecting communities, strengthening the U.S. economy, and advancing the aviation industry at home and abroad. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, American Airlines plays a key role in driving the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area's rapid development. As one of the State's largest private employers, American Airlines contributes to economic activity, with a multiplier effect across tourism, trade, and local businesses. Today, the airline operates more than 6,000 daily flights, serving nearly 350 destinations across more than 60 countries, and safely transporting more than 200 million passengers each year. Throughout its history, American Airlines has been at the forefront of innovation and industry leadership. One example of the airline's ingenuity and leadership was the introduction of its AAdvantage program, the world's oldest and largest frequent-flyer program, which has transformed the way Americans travel, allowing millions to use its services and travel across the globe. American Airlines currently operates 10 airport hubs, the largest of which is at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This hub drives Texas tourism, business travel, investment, and international connectivity, contributing billions of dollars annually to both the regional economy and the State of Texas. American Airlines has distinguished itself through a commitment to safety. It leads the industry in equipping its mainline fleet with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In), enhancing pilots' situational awareness in the national airspace system. The airline's entire fleet of more than 300 Airbus A321 aircraft is equipped with ADS-B In, more than any other airline worldwide. Reaching 100 years of continuous service is a milestone achieved by only a select few companies, and it is a testament to the vision, leadership, and hard work of the generations of employees who have made American Airlines what it is today. On behalf of the people of Texas and in my capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I congratulate American Airlines' employees on this historic achievement and extend my best wishes to them for the company's continued success in Texas in the years ahead. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 66 (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1781] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING AMERICAN AIRLINES Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and commend the employees of American Airlines on the remarkable occasion of its 100th anniversary of service. For a century, American Airlines has played a pivotal role in connecting communities, strengthening the U.S. economy, and advancing the aviation industry at home and abroad. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, American Airlines plays a key role in driving the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area's rapid development. As one of the State's largest private employers, American Airlines contributes to economic activity, with a multiplier effect across tourism, trade, and local businesses. Today, the airline operates more than 6,000 daily flights, serving nearly 350 destinations across more than 60 countries, and safely transporting more than 200 million passengers each year. Throughout its history, American Airlines has been at the forefront of innovation and industry leadership. One example of the airline's ingenuity and leadership was the introduction of its AAdvantage program, the world's oldest and largest frequent-flyer program, which has transformed the way Americans travel, allowing millions to use its services and travel across the globe. American Airlines currently operates 10 airport hubs, the largest of which is at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This hub drives Texas tourism, business travel, investment, and international connectivity, contributing billions of dollars annually to both the regional economy and the State of Texas. American Airlines has distinguished itself through a commitment to safety. It leads the industry in equipping its mainline fleet with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In), enhancing pilots' situational awareness in the national airspace system. The airline's entire fleet of more than 300 Airbus A321 aircraft is equipped with ADS-B In, more than any other airline worldwide. Reaching 100 years of continuous service is a milestone achieved by only a select few companies, and it is a testament to the vision, leadership, and hard work of the generations of employees who have made American Airlines what it is today. On behalf of the people of Texas and in my capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I congratulate American Airlines' employees on this historic achievement and extend my best wishes to them for the company's continued success in Texas in the years ahead. ____________________