Arlington, Va. (Feb. 17, 2023) – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) welcomes the announcement of the reestablishment of the House Aerospace Caucus. Chaired by Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas), the House Aerospace Caucus will work to maintain U.S. global aerospace leadership, highlight the critical work that organizations and employees perform, engage members and staff on challenges facing the industry, and address legislative issues impacting aerospace.
“With a workforce 2.1 million strong and a footprint in every state, the U.S. aerospace and defense industry is one of America’s most enduring, strategic assets – well-deserving of the attention of the revamped House Aerospace Caucus. As Congress prepares FAA reauthorization legislation and our industry continues to navigate pandemic recovery and economic challenges, we look forward to working with the caucus to ensure that our workforce thrives and the U.S. continues to lead the world in aviation safety, innovation, and sustainability,” said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association. “We appreciate Chairman Estes’ leadership and commitment to our industry.
“As the representative of the Air Capital of the World, I take great pride in my fellow Kansans’ innovative work in the aerospace industry,” said House Aerospace Caucus Chairman Estes. “The House Aerospace Caucus is comprised of a bipartisan group of members that understand the importance of U.S. aerospace excellence. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop legislative solutions and showcase the achievements of the aviation, defense and space industries and workforce.”
“The aerospace industry makes significant contributions to the economic strength and national security of the U.S.,” said Tom Gentile, President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, and Aerospace Industries Association Chairman. “The reinstitution of the House Aerospace Caucus provides an opportunity to further advance an industry that is creating technological innovation and well-paying jobs in engineering and manufacturing for the U.S. economy. I am excited to work with Chairman Estes and caucus members to promote American aviation.”
As the birthplace of flight, the House Aerospace Caucus promotes the critical work of the United States aviation, defense, and space industries and supports our global aerospace leadership. U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) employs more than 2.1 million skilled Americans, with employees in every state. A&D powers the U.S. economy, generating $892 billion in combined sales in 2021, in addition to $391 billion in economic value – representing 1.7% of total nominal GDP in the U.S.
###
