Senator discusses bill with airport workers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan visited Kansas City International Airport Thursday to meet with workers who could lose their jobs as airlines deal with losses after the terrorist attacks.

More than 100,000 layoffs have been announced in airline and related industries, with many workers being let go without severance pay, health care and other benefits.

While at KCI, Carnahan held a news conference to discuss her proposed legislation to assist airline industry workers hit with layoffs.

Carnahan, D-Mo., said she was motivated by the more than 12,000 Missouri airline employees at risk. Carnahan said the workers are the heart and soul of the airline industry, and they need help.

Carnahan's $3.75 billion aid package for laid-off workers would extend employment benefits from 26 weeks to 78 weeks for those who are eligible, provide job training, and health care coverage.

"You've got to give something to employees to keep their confidence up," Carnahan said. "Those who are at risk or potentially at risk need a safety net."

Butch Sponaugle, president of Machinists Local 1650 -- which represents Kansas City-area Trans World Airlines employees -- said that with the anticipated loss of jobs at TWA's overhaul base at KCI, Carnahan's proposal is a positive step.

"This is a good bill," Sponaugle said. "We take our hats off to the senator for stepping forward and doing something for the working class people."

Carnahan said she hopes Congress will take action on the bill next week.