Two U.S. Senators launched an aerospace caucus in Washington Wednesday, outlining an ambitious plan to promote a wide ranging menu of aerospace issues.
Sens. Patty Murry (D-Wash.) and Kit Bond (R-Missouri) officially launched the caucus and will serve as co-chairs. The senators said 22 other senators have so far signed up to be a part of the bi-partisan group. Murray said the group will focus on promoting aerospace education, reforming the defense acquisition process, and promoting continued investment in FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).
"For far too long we have shared in the many common problems that face this critical sector. This caucus is a step forward in working on shared solutions," Murray said.
The event Wednesday, which included an audience of congressional staffers, defense contracts, airframe manufacturers, avionics compaies and others, also included the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and featured an address by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, who called the aerospace industry "an economic engine for the United States."
"The American Air Force will have a strong stake in your work," Donley added.