Rep. Stevens Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Aeronautics Research
WASHINGTON— This week, the House Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology Chairwoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Rep. Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS-01) introduced the Aeronautics Innovation Act to provide the necessary continuity and budget stability for U.S. aeronautics research through administration change and political shifts in Congress.
The U.S. has long been a leader in the aerospace sector, and the state of Michigan has played a vital role in the industry’s development and long-term success. From manufacturing to innovation, aviation has been a backbone of the state’s economy and growth. But other countries have begun making significant investments and are accelerating their research and development in the industry. Forecasts show the world’s demand for larger passenger aircraft will double over the next 20 years, generating thousands of new plane orders and investments in new aviation technology. This means the U.S. needs a clear vision and set of priorities in furthering its leadership in the field of long-term aeronautics research.
“Michigan was home to one of the first aerospace engineering programs in the country, which began shortly after the Wright Brothers’ historic flight in Kitty Hawk,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “Today, Michigan’s aerospace supply chain consists of over 600 companies and organizations, powered by the highest concentration of engineers and manufacturing talent in the country. As Chairwoman of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, I know how important it is to continue investing in research and development to make our building materials stronger, lighter, more efficient and sustainable through innovative technologies such as composites manufacturing. The bipartisan Aeronautics Innovation Act will help us achieve these goals and maintain our leadership in the aerospace sector by establishing a national policy for aeronautics research.”
“Kansas is known as the Air Capitol of the World, manufacturing up to 70 percent of the world’s embedded aircraft fleet while creating nearly 50,000 jobs and approximately $10 billion in economic output,” said Rep. Marshall. “Growing up in South-Central Kansas, I was well aware of the impact and importance the aviation industry had on my state. The U.S. has been a world leader in aviation research and innovation, and it is vital to maintain that competitive advantage not only for continued economic growth but for national security, space and science technologies.”
"The composites industry is thrilled about expanding growth opportunities in aerospace. These next generation structures will require the superior performance that composites are poised to provide. The Aeronautics Innovation Act will enable NASA and major aerospace manufacturers to collaborate directly with the entire composites supply chain - shaping future technologies that will ensure America remains the world leader in this sector," said Tom Dobbins, President and CEO of the American Composites Manufacturers Association. "Our members commend Rep. Marshall and Rep. Stevens for introducing this bill in the House. We look forward to working with them, as well as Sens. Moran and Warner, to see this vision through to enactment."
The Aeronautics Innovation Act would strengthen U.S. aviation industry and workforce in the increasingly competitive commercial aircraft market by establishing a national policy for aeronautics research and by requiring NASA to create programs to modernize its aeronautics facilities, carry out a new series of experimental research, and continue to support unmanned aircraft system development.
This is the companion bill to bipartisan legislation introduced by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mark Warner (D-VA) in the U.S. Senate earlier this year.
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