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Aviation and Space Stakeholders Brief House Aerospace Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 7 - Citing layoffs and losses in the aviation industry and in the economy in general, the Aviation and Space Stakeholders asked the House Aerospace Caucus yesterday to focus on the benefits that would accrue to the nation by expanding and modernizing the nation's aviation infrastructure. The Stakeholders, a group of more than 50 aviation and space associations, told members of the Caucus that the importance of the nation's air transportation system to the nation was made readily apparent by the events of September 11.

John W. Douglass, AIA President and CEO, commended Caucus Chair Dave Weldon (R-FL) for his leadership, and praised the work of the bipartisan caucus to ensure that disparate aviation and space constituencies were effectively represented and coordinated in the House of Representatives. He added that the House Aerospace Caucus would follow through on recommendations made by the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry to develop a modern air transportation system. The commission has 12 members appointed by Congress and the President and is expected to issue a series of reports to Congress this year on ways to modernize the nation's aviation and space infrastructure.

Other stakeholder representatives briefing the caucus included: Carol Hallet, President of the Air Transportation Association, Ed Bolen, President of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and Owen Hernstadt, International Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In the briefing, Hallet expressed her gratitude to the Congress for its rapid action on behalf of the airlines and the aviation industry in the aftermath of September 11.

Members of the caucus who were present included Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Norman Dicks (D-WA), Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), Melvin Watt (D-NC), and Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

P.A. Rel 2002-08

02.04.02

-AIA-

Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA
(202) 371-8548
matt.grimison@aia-aerospace.org