Newsroom

Manzullo Awarded Prestigious ‘Wings of Liberty’

February 27, 2008

U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo's support for the aerospace industry, notably his efforts to improve the nation's export control system, have earned him the Wings of Liberty Award. The award is presented to leaders who have made significant contributions to bolster the industry, and Manzullo's work in Congress has been especially important, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said. "Congressman Manzullo has raised the profile of the importance of modernizing the export control system with his colleagues," Blakey said. "These efforts are key to our national security and economic strength." The current system of export controls has hampered the ability of our troops across the world to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends and allies, Blakey said. Manzullo's leadership has helped forge a better understanding of why we need to modernize the system to get rid of outdated policies and processes that are hindering our nation's security and competitiveness. Manzullo founded the Congressional Export Control Working Group in 2007 and is a co-sponsor of legislation currently under consideration to make the export control system more efficient, predictable and transparent. AIA presents the award periodically to members of Congress and others who have shown extraordinary support for the industry. Past honorees include former Transportation Secretary and Congressman Norman Mineta, Sen. John Warner, Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Congressman Norm Dicks.