Quote of the Day: Capt. Chesley Sullenberger III

Capt. Chesley Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles receive standing applause before the start of a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. (Getty)

Testifying before a House aviation subcommittee this morning, Sullenberger, who became a national hero after a successful emergency landing in the Hudson River last month, says the pay and pension for the job he loves have been slashed, and the best pilots are quitting.

"I attempt to speak accurately and plainly, so please do not think I exaggerate when I say that I do not know a single professional airline pilot who wants his or her children to follow in their footsteps."

Sullenberger urged members of Congress to push for good faith negotiations between management, labor, and safety experts to keep airline travel safe and affordable while financially viable for pilots.