WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will serve as the next co-chair of the U.S. Senate Aerospace Caucus. The future of aerospace and aviation is especially important to the state of Kansas and the community of Wichita, known as the “Air Capital of the World.” Roughly 32,000 Kansans support more than 450 aerospace companies – from large companies like Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier and Textron, to hundreds of smaller suppliers – and their work contributes more than $7 billion annually to Kansas’ economy.

Sen. Moran joins U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) as co-chair and replaces U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) who has served as co-chair since 2011 and is retiring at the end of this Congress.

"Safeguarding our nation for future generations means both a strong national defense and a strong economy,” Sen. Moran said. “The aerospace industry is where these two priorities converge. That is why I am proud to be co-chairing the Senate Aerospace Caucus. Promoting education, workforce and research development, as well as increasing manufacturing within the aerospace industry is vital to our Kansas and national economies. I look forward to continuing my work to make certain this historical and innovative American industry remains strong, secure and competitive globally."

"When a Navy P8 pilot takes off from Whidbey Island, Washington, he is flying not only one of the most advanced maritime surveillance aircraft in the world, but also a product of both Wichita, Kansas, and Renton, Washington,” Sen. Murray said. “When an Air Force KC-46 pilot launches from McConnell Airbase in Wichita, she’s seated in a cockpit made in Kansas and assembled into a modern air to air refueling platform in Washington. I have always respected Senator Moran for his integrity and energy and I look forward to working with him to ensure that these kinds of productive collaborations can continue as we fight to ensure a strong and competitive American aerospace sector."

"I can think of no one more appropriate to take my place as co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus than Senator Jerry Moran,” said Sen. Chambliss. “He is a strong and passionate advocate for the industry and, alongside Senator Murray, he will lead this caucus to even greater heights. The United States has the most robust aerospace and defense program in the world, and I know that Senator Moran will continue to serve as a great champion for this important industry."

"AIA welcomes Senator Jerry Moran’s selection to co-chair the Senate Aerospace Caucus,” said Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Kansas is a major center for aerospace innovation, and we know Senator Moran will continue advocating for strong U.S. leadership in this field.  Our industry makes an important contribution to our nation’s economy and national security, and we look forward to working with Senator Moran to keep our nation second to none.”

Founded in 2010, the Senate Aerospace Caucus provides a forum for Senators and aerospace industry representatives to discuss issues of importance to the nation’s defense, civil aviation and space sectors. The aerospace caucus:

• Provides critical oversight of the U.S. government’s aerospace defense industry program;

• Promotes increased government investment in U.S. aviation infrastructure and development;

• Ensures a competitive industrial base; and

• Promotes education and workforce development programs that prepare Americans for careers in the aerospace industry.

Kansas serves as a crossroads for global aerospace. According to the Kansas Aviation Museum, Kansas aviation workers have supplied 74 percent of all general aviation aircraft since the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Hawk. Today, roughly 32,000 Kansans support more than 450 aerospace companies – from large companies like Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier and Textron, to hundreds of smaller suppliers – and their work contributes more than $7 billion annually to our state’s economy. General aviation is Kansas’ largest industry and generates nearly $2.9 billion in exports each year.

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