A bit late now for this suggestion, but a visit from Mr Sullenberger to the inquiry explaining where the US has gone wrong and the path taken here is the same would no doubt have generated mass public attention. In addition to that he makes a very good presenter of the facts.
It's worth bringing in a consultant some times, and when you need buckets of public credibility to get the greater community worked up it's worth it.
Might be worth sponsoring Senator X a trip to meet Sully to discuss. Sure it's a bit of a publicity stunt as well but that's what you need to keep the heat turned up.