U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA) on Feb. 3 announced the launch of a congressional caucus dedicated to policy issues important to the fighter pilot community.
Rep. Garcia, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and is a former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot, joined U.S. Reps. August Pfluger (R-TX), Scott Franklin (R-FL), and Jake Ellzey (R-TX) to launch the MACH 1 Caucus, which will educate lawmakers about fighter pilot-related policy issues.
Rep. Garcia and Rep. Ellzey flew in combat operations together during the Global War on Terror. Rep. Pfluger, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, served as a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot, and Rep. Franklin graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and is a retired naval aviator.
“I’m thrilled to join my fellow fighter pilots in Congress in launching this new caucus,” said Rep. Garcia. “The work done within this caucus will not only benefit the fighter pilot community itself but will help advance our nation’s national security.”
Rep. Garcia, among the first in the U.S. Navy to fly F/A-18 Super Hornets, flew more than 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom while on active duty, according to his staff.
“Not only is the fighter pilot community near and dear to my heart, but my district is home to a thriving hub of aerospace industries,” said Rep. Garcia, referring to Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., among others.
The congressman’s district is also “home to many fighter pilots stationed at the neighboring Edwards Air Force Base,” Rep. Garcia said. “I look forward to working in Congress to improve policies impacting our supersonic community.”