WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) released the following statement after Airlines for America filed an emergency petition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stay the deployment of 5G technologies, which is scheduled for January 5, 2022, around certain designated airports.

“In light of the fast-approaching deadline for deployment, Airlines for America has taken the prudent step of filing an emergency petition to stay 5G deployment. I support their efforts and urge both the aviation and telecom industries to continue working together to find a safe way to deploy 5G technologies. For years-and as recently as this fall -I have urged the FCC to put aviation safety first and thoroughly examine all risks involved. We can’t afford to experiment with aviation safety. I’ll continue to work with the federal government and the aviation community to make sure we’re not putting corporate profits above the safety of our skies."