Moran introduces bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. aeronautics industry

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on June 4 cosponsored bipartisan legislation to secure the technological edge of the United States in civil and military aviation.

“The future of our aerospace industry depends on our commitment today in aviation research, testing and manufacturing,” Sen. Moran said last week.

Without a sufficient strategy and investment, the United States could fall behind other industrialized nations in developing and advancing the next generation of aircraft, according to information provided by Sen. Moran’s office, which noted that global demand for passenger aircraft having more than 100 seats is estimated to double over the next two decades, requiring new plane orders worth more than $5 trillion by 2035.

Sen. Moran introduced the Aeronautics Innovation Act, S. 1713, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) to authorize a five-year funding commitment to advance innovation and supplement research in the field, according to a summary released by his office.

“Across the country — with the proper resources and the ability to continue attracting a strong workforce — the industry is poised to make groundbreaking discoveries, perfect new technology and build better and more efficient aircraft,” said Sen. Moran, a co-chairman of the Senate Aerospace Caucus. “The investment that can be made by passing this legislation will make certain that our successes can continue into the next generation.”

S. 1713 already has garnered endorsements from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Spirit AeroSystems, and the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.