NATION IN BRIEF : TEXAS : Skinner Won’t Alter His Traveling Plans

Transportation Secretary Samuel K. Skinner said he has no plans to stop using government planes and instructors for flying lessons, despite news reports that taxpayers are footing the bill. At a news conference in Texarkana, Tex., after a presentation on a proposed 500-mile link in the federal interstate system, Skinner said he will not change his flying status on government planes. “I am one of 65 participants in a program that allows decision-makers to truly analyze the systems by knowing exactly what they’re doing. I make better decisions on air safety because of this,” he said. CBS News had reported that Skinner has taken $40,000 worth of flying lessons on government jets with government instructors.