Andy,
If you look at the legislative history on this issue dating back a few years, you will find that your analysis above is incorrect. There are several people in Congress on both the House side as well as the Senate side that have made this their pet project for years. Do a little research on this issue going back a few years and you will see what I am talking about...this stuff has been going on a lot longer than Prater's short tenure.
-Neal
Neal, I'm FULLY aware of the Congressmen who have made this their pet project. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM are members of the GOP. The GOP no longer has control of either house of congress; you might want to do a little research on which party currently controls the various committees in the House and Senate. There are a lot of 'friends of ALPA' on committees (including chairmanship) who have a great deal of influence over this matter. And they've suddenly gotten a change of heart on this matter without ALPA approval? That's a tough sell.