Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, will remain the top House Democrat on aviation issues after a vote today by his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Larsen will keep his position as the Ranking Member on the Aviation Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation including safety, infrastructure, labor, commerce and international issues, and oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“The Pacific Northwest is the aerospace capital of the world, and I am looking forward to continuing to make sure our country invests in a safe and strong aviation system for today and into the future.

“The aviation industry generates jobs and economic activity in Northwest Washington and across the country that cannot be overstated. Airplanes that thousands of workers build in Puget Sound carry passengers all over the world. These planes also carry goods overseas, from apples and cherries to energy technology, helping our businesses grow into new markets and create jobs here at home.

“The Aviation Subcommittee will be writing legislation this year to update and make changes to our federal aviation programs, and the bill will need to address several challenging issues. Just today, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing about how the FAA reviews and approves aviation products and processes. As part of the aviation bill, Congress needs to encourage the FAA to improve its certification processes, while maintaining the highest level of safety.

“The FAA is making progress toward opening parts of the airspace for unmanned aircraft systems, and the Subcommittee needs to keep these efforts moving forward with safety as the top priority. We also must maintain focus on the timely implementation of NextGen air traffic management to facilitate safer, more efficient air travel.

“I will be working to make sure the aviation bill supports growth and safety in the Puget Sound and across the country.

“The Aviation Subcommittee addressed important issues facing the industry in the last Congress under the leadership of Chairman Frank LoBiondo. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. LoBiondo to strengthen the safety and growth of our country’s aviation system,” Larsen said.

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