FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2003

PROVISIONS MIRRORING LARSON AERONAUTICS REVITALIZATION BILL PASS HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Space passed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill containing provisions modeled after the Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act, H.R. 586, introduced by U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01). The bill that passed the subcommittee authorizes over $1 billion over a three-year period for research and development of aerospace and aviation technology. The legislation focuses on air traffic management, noise reduction, projects to reduce weather-related delays, and aircraft safety.

Larson stated: "I am very pleased that this legislation before us today closely mirrors the FAA portion of my bill. From reduced market share to greatly decreased research and development expenditures, the U.S. is lagging behind international competitors in manufacturing and innovation of commercial aircraft. Our economic and national security have suffered and will continue to suffer unless we take appropriate action to ensure that the U.S. aeronautics industry remains the leader in the world market.

"I am, however, concerned that the authorization figures in the bill may be somewhat low, considering what is needed to reverse the decline in our aviation industry and to effectively contend with our global competitors. I hope we will be able to address this issue during the full committee mark-up," said Larson.

Larson's bill, which was first introduced in 2002, would address research and development needs for both NASA and the FAA, doubling NASA funding to $1.15 billion and FAA funding to $550 million over a five year period. The bill would focus spending on new aerospace technology, including noise reduction, improving air traffic management and environmental protection. Senators Christopher J. Dodd (CT) and George Allen (VA) are sponsors of the Senate version of the legislation.

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Congressman Larson is the Member of the House Science and Armed Services Committees