The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) applauded the announcement that U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA) would join U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) as co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus.
The Caucus, which works to maintain U.S. global aerospace leadership, made the announcement Thursday after the caucus was re-established. The caucus will focus on addressing legislative issues that impact aerospace and highlighting the challenges facing the industry. The aerospace and defense industry employs more than 2.1 million American with employees in every state.
“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,” Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, said. “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.”
Aerospace and Defense generated $892 billion to the U.S. economy in 2021, officials said, representing 1.7 percent of the total nominal Gross Domestic Product in the country.
“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,” Carbajal said. “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.”