WASHINGTON – After listening to the concerns of the Kansas aviation industry regarding the entry of several foreign government backed aircraft manufactures in to the business jet market, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI), requesting that he ask U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct an investigation of the global competitiveness of the U.S. business jet industry. 

The following statements were released in response to the letter to Chairman Camp:

Congresswoman Jenkins: “In a down economy, which has been particularly hard on the aviation industry,  it is very concerning that foreign government backed companies have launched new product lines into the business aviation market,” Jenkins said. “It is important that we know whether these foreign companies are receiving illegal governmental subsidies to alter the playing field.  The aviation industry is important to both the Kansas and the American economy and we must ensure their competitive edge is not being unfairly diminished.”

Congressman Pompeo: “As a former aerospace business owner and now the U.S. Representative from Wichita, I have a keen understanding of the needs and the challenges facing businesses in the general aviation industry.  We must stay informed of the actions taken by foreign competitors in order for Wichita to maintain its status as the premier aerospace manufacturing hub in the world.  Through the many years of grappling between Boeing and EADS, we’ve seen how damaging illegal subsidies can be in the aviation industry.  It’s timely and appropriate that the U.S. International Trade Commission conduct this investigation, and I look forward to the arrival of their report in 15 months.”

Governor Sam Brownback:  “The American aerospace industry and its workers design and build the finest aircraft in the world and are not afraid of vigorous competition.  But that competition needs to be fair and consistent with international trade law.  I support Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins and Congressman Mike Pompeo’s request for an investigation of the global competitiveness of our country’s jet industry and appreciate their taking the lead on protecting an industry that is so important to the Kansas economy.”

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