Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today introduced the following legislation on the first day of the 111^th Congress:

 

Abolishing Aviation Barriers Act – Joined by Senator John Ensign, Senator McCain introduced the Abolishing Aviation Barriers Act to repeal the prohibition against nonstop air transportation between Ronald Regan Washington National Airport and any airport that is more than 1,250 statute miles away. The bill would also prohibit the obligation of federal funds to enforce the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey banning flights more than 1,500 statute miles from arrival or departure at New York La Guardia Airport.

 

Arizona National Scenic Trail Bill – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, Senator McCain introduced the Arizona National Scenic Trail Bill to designate the Arizona Trail a National Scenic Trail.  Approximately 807 miles long, the trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial on the United States-Mexico border and extends to the Arizona Strip bordering Utah.

 

Bennett Freeze Bill – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, Senator McCain introduced the Bennett Freeze Bill, which would repeal the Bennett Freeze ending the land-lock between the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe allowing more than 8,000 people living in the Bennett Freeze zone to update living conditions that haven’t changed since 1966.

 

Economic Growth Through Innovation Act of 2009 – The bill would make the current research and development tax credit permanent, which otherwise will expire on December 31, 2009.  A permanent, meaningful research and development tax credit will ensure that businesses keep funding research and development, which may lead to numerous new discoveries in the United States such as fuel-efficient vehicles, cancer treatment or the development of clean energy.  Additionally, a permanent credit would remove uncertainty now hanging over businesses as they make investment decisions for 2010 and beyond, which will increase our nation’s ability to innovate, create jobs and improve our sagging economy.

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, Senator McCain introduced the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act designating segments of Fossil Creek, a tributary to the Verde River in the State of Arizona, as a Wild and Scenic River. 

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments would expand federal investigative authority by authorizing other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Law Enforcement, in addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to investigate cases of misrepresentation of Indian arts and crafts.  The bill would also increase penalties for violating the act. 

Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2009 – Joined by Senator Byron Dorgan, Senator McCain introduced the Professional Boxing Amendments Act of 2009 to authorize a United States Boxing Commission to set minimum health and safety standards for professional boxers.  An identical bill was reported by the Senate Commerce Committee during the first executive session of the 110^th Congress, after having passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent in the 109^th Congress. 

Walnut Canyon Study Act – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, the bill would provide for a study and report on how to best manage public lands surrounding the Walnut Canyon Monument to ensure adequate protection of the canyon’s cultural and natural resources.  

 

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