Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions S788

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

By Mr. HOLLINGS (for himself, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Inouye, Ms. Cantwell, and Mr. Kerry):

S. 788. A bill to enable the United States to maintain its leadership in aeronautics and aviation; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to address a crucial issue that is affecting our competitiveness in the world economy. Since that first flight in 1903 when the Wright brothers took off on our great journey, the United States has piloted the course of aerospace and aviation technology development. Now that leading role is being threatened. The European Union has embarked on an ambitious plan to dominate the industry that historically we have led. Last year, for the first time, Airbus surpassed Boeing, by grabbing 54 percent of the market share in terms of aircraft units.

Air travel is critical to our competitiveness in the global economy. The movement of passengers and goods throughout our nation feeds American business and keeps us close to our families and friends. The impact of civil aviation on the U.S. economy exceeds $900 billion a year, which is 9 percent of the Gross National Product. In terms of jobs, civil aviation employs 11 million Americans. We can not sit idle as this important industry is threatened.

To compete we must have the most advanced and safest technology; yet the Air Traffic Management System in the United States is still reliant on ground-based technology that was developed over 30 years ago. Congress, FAA, NASA and the aviation industry must work together to update this system to accommodate future aviation demand and to take advantage of satellite navigation and advances in aircraft avionics. Historically upgrades to air traffic management have been slow and often come in over budget. We must focus on creating the next generation of air traffic management technology in a more efficient and effective manner that will enhance safety and increase capacity.

Aerospace and aviation advancement are also dependent upon a well-trained and skilled workforce. According to the Commission Report on Aerospace, 26 percent of the science, engineering and manufacturing workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years. New entrants to the aerospace industry are at a historical low as the number of layoffs have increased. In order to maintain our dominance in aerospace, we must continue to foster a qualified workforce.

Our international competitors have been persistent in providing government support to aerospace research and aeronautical advancement. The subsidies offered by our foreign competitors, hinder the U.S. companies that often bear the majority of the burden for research and development. In order to give our companies a competitive advantage and to ensure that advances in aviation and aerospace technology continue, Congress must invest ample resources in fundamental aeronautical research. The President's FY 04 budget proposal cuts investment in FAA and NASA research, engineering and development. This will only hasten our descent in this industry. During this time of competing interests for the Federal dollar we cannot be too quick to divest ourselves from needed research that will renew our aviation business and maintain our global dominance.

To turn an idea into a product, the process is often tedious and long. NASA and FAA must promote technological advancement and enable American industry to bring their products to market. Collaboration with government and industry is critical to ensure that research efforts lead to viable products that will enhance our aerospace and aviation industry.

As we reflect on the last 100 years of advancement in the aviation and aerospace fields we cannot help to be proud of our accomplishments. But, we cannot afford to be content with those successes. We must look higher, faster, and farther than we have before—that is the American prerogative. And so with the help of my colleagues Senators Brownback, Rockefeller, Inouye, Cantwell and Kerry, I have crafted legislation to increase aeronautical research, nurture our industry's workforce, and ensure a collaborative partnership between government and private industry with the goal of ensuring the "Second Century of Flight" is as exciting and awe inspiring as the first.