Arlington, Va. – Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement after the President’s Budget Request was unveiled earlier today.
“Every year, as the President prepares his budget request, the Aerospace Industries Association champions investments that will strengthen our national defense, keep our skies safe, and reaffirm our position as leaders in space exploration and innovation,” Fanning said.
“While we await further budget details, we are initially encouraged by the President’s proposed budget increase for the Federal Aviation Administration, which will enhance the safety of the flying public and modernize our airspace. We also appreciate the administration’s focus on artificial intelligence and workforce development — priorities for our industry’s future.
“At the same time, we are concerned by significant proposed cuts to civil space funding, particularly to key NASA spaceflight and science programs that sustain a healthy space supply chain and thousands of skilled jobs. These programs are vital for maintaining our global innovative edge and should be enhanced.
“We are also troubled by the lack of increased investment for the Department of Defense at a time when bold action is needed,” Fanning continued. “This budget falls short of President Trump’s vision of peace through strength and does not support the production capacity, military readiness, and technological innovation our military and defense industrial base need to defend the homeland and secure priority theaters like the Indo-Pacific.
“AIA will continue to work with President Trump, his Administration, and Congress to arrive at the right funding levels to deliver for our industry and the United States.”
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