Rep. LeBlanc offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 177.

            A resolution to express support for the application by Northwest Airlines to operate direct flights between Detroit and Shanghai and Beijing, China.

            Whereas, International air transportation is the modern bridge between cultures and peoples. In the spirit of international cooperation and goodwill, the United States and China have amended their international trade agreement to allow the addition of six new direct air passenger routes between the United States and China. The Northwest Airlines WorldGateway Hub at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport serves the economic and geographical heart of the Midwest. It is in a pivotal position to offer a broad network of connections and related air services. Clearly, Northwest Airlines stands ready to act as one of the key transportation links between our two nations. It already offers three daily flights to China through Tokyo, is ready to offer direct flights within two months of the United States Department of Transportation decision, and, by 2009, will be offering air service via Boeing 787 Dreamliners; and

            Whereas, The addition of direct flights from Detroit to Shanghai in 2007 and Detroit to Beijing in 2009 would further promote the tourism, cultural exchanges, and, most importantly, the business growth and development that are key to our two nations' shared future. Indeed, Detroit is the "Motor City," the automotive high technology capitol of the world and China is the world's fastest growing economic power. The potential for economic cooperation between these complimentary economic engines is indeed staggering; and

            Whereas, Michigan and the entire Midwest have a proud, historic connection with the people of China. As the United States Department of Transportation looks to base its decision on the new direct US-China flights on the maximization of public benefits, this relationship between peoples is a harbinger of the true potential these direct flights would have on mutual growth and development; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we hereby express our strong support for the application by Northwest Airlines to operate direct flights between Detroit and Shanghai and Beijing, China; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation.