WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today joined the newly formed bipartisan Senate Aerospace Caucus to ensure a strong, secure and competitive American Aerospace sector.

“I am pleased to join my colleagues to work on behalf of an industry critical to my state,” Senator Roberts said. “Over half of the world’s general aviation aircraft are built in Kansas. We are the ‘Air Capital of the World.’

“In 2008, the aviation industry employed over 40,000 people in Kansas. While that number came down a bit due to the economy, we’re starting to see the signs of growth.

“The Aerospace industry faces critical challenges today in a competitive global economy. We must work together to ensure a level playing field in the global market place and within our own defense procurement process. One only needs to look at the problems with the next generation aerial refueling tanker to see that we have room for improvement.

“We must also invest in the education of the next generation of workers, and in cutting edge research. I am pleased to see this partnership on display at the National Center for Aviation Training in Sedgwick County and the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University.

“I look forward to tackling these issues with the help of the Caucus.”

The Senate Aerospace Caucus will be chaired by Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA).

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