Arlington, Va. – As Washington braces for a possible government shutdown, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning called on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep the nation’s aerospace and defense engines running.
In a letter sent yesterday to Director Russell Vought, Fanning urged OMB to “except” functions and personnel critical to America’s national and economic security so that real-world missions—like air traffic control, aircraft certification, defense contract management, and spaceflight safety—don’t grind to a halt.
“Even when there is a lapse in government funding, many government activities performed in partnership with our industry remain vital for public safety, national security, and the protection of property,” Fanning wrote. “Government shutdowns only [make] it more difficult for our industry to manage and recruit effectively and provide the highest quality equipment and services to government agencies. We seek your help in minimizing this damage as much as possible.”
The letter includes a detailed list of agency-by-agency recommendations, from the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA to the Department of War and Homeland Security, outlining which roles and functions must be kept online to avoid catastrophic disruptions for the American people, economy, and warfighter.
To read the full letter, click here.
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