Arlington, Va. (August 10, 2023) – The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) today welcomed the announcement of Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) as the new co-chair of the recently re-established House Aerospace Caucus, alongside Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas).
“Playing a crucial role in the U.S. economy with a workforce over 2.1 million strong, the aerospace and defense industry has always looked to Congress for strong bipartisan support and representation,” said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association. “As Democratic lead of the House Aerospace Caucus, Rep. Carbajal will be an asset to the Caucus’ mission of maintaining America’s enduring global aerospace leadership and addressing ongoing challenges faced by the aerospace industry.”
“California’s Central Coast has a robust aerospace industry from civilian and military to airplanes and rocket launches. I am thrilled to be Co-Chairing the House Aerospace Caucus alongside fellow Co-Chair, Rep. Ron Estes,” said Rep. Carbajal. “The aerospace industry is essential to our everyday lives – whether you are traveling by plane or using GPS to navigate. I am excited to use this role to help maintain U.S. leadership across this sector.”
“The House Aerospace Caucus has proven to be an asset to lawmakers and the aerospace industry, and I’m pleased to have my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal join me in co-chairing this robust, bipartisan caucus,” said Rep. Estes. “The United States already leads the world in aerospace manufacturing and innovation, and the House Aerospace Caucus will serve as a conduit for lawmakers and the industry to advance legislation and education that supports the many workers and businesses in American aviation, space and defense.”
The House Aerospace Caucus works 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. The U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) industry 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 percent of total nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the U.S.
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