Arlington, Va. (April 4, 2022) – Today, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is continuing to call for the Senate to confirm Alan Estevez as Under Secretary of the Bureau Industry and Security (BIS) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Last month, AIA sent a letter to Senate leadership supporting his confirmation, but as President Biden proposed a $30 million increase in export control funding to the Commerce Department’s BIS, AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning is urging the Senate to immediately confirm Estevez to administer the funds and lead BIS through this critical time.
“The role of BIS is paramount to our industry, especially in light of recent global events like the invasion of Ukraine, export control actions against the Russian Federation, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Fanning said. “The Senate must act immediately to confirm Alan Estevez to this position so he can quickly begin the important work of leading BIS, ensuring the export control system remains responsive to partners and allies, and providing the U.S. government the ability to counter global aggression.”
Full text of the letter sent to Senate leadership is available here and below.
March 7, 2022
Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell:
On behalf of more than 320 member companies from across the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector, I am writing to express our strong support for the immediate confirmation of Alan Estevez as Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
We have reached a critical time for increased cooperation with U.S. partners and allies, and export controls is inextricably linked to our nation’s continued success. With the recent invasion of Ukraine, and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring the export control system remains responsive to partners and allies while also providing the U.S. government the ability to counter global aggression is critical. A Senate-confirmed appointee for BIS is vital, and Alan Estevez is an outstanding choice.
During an extensive career with the Department of Defense (DoD), Mr. Estevez has a proven track record of navigating the complexities of national security and technology, particularly when he served as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. In previous roles, he focused on increasing the DoD’s warfighting capabilities, managing efficiency in the department, and increasing buying power. Mr. Estevez will no doubt apply these experiences to strengthen U.S. export controls while also working to build improved technology partnerships with U.S. allies.
The role of BIS in the post-COVID recovery of the aerospace and defense industry cannot be understated. The value of all U.S. aerospace and defense exports in 2020 totaled $90.6 billion, down 39 percent from the previous year. While the industry was able to maintain a positive trade balance of $40.6 billion COVID’s impact continues to be felt across the industry. BIS will play a significant role in ensuring our industry returns to full strength post-pandemic.
Mr. Estevez has had a tenured career with the U.S. government and is widely recognized as a distinguished public servant. It’s these qualifications and breadth of knowledge that set him apart. We urge you to move swiftly to confirm Mr. Estevez as Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, and our industry looks forward to working closely with his office to aid in the complex challenges facing our nation.
Sincerely,
Eric Fanning
President and CEO
Aerospace Industries Association
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