Washington’s aerospace industry has another ally in Congress.
Rep. Rick Larsen will serve as the ranking member of the aviation subcommittee after a vote Tuesday by other members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The aviation subcommittee has jurisdiction over aspects of civil aviation including safety, infrastructure, labor, commerce and international issues, and oversees the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The Pacific Northwest is the aerospace capital of the world, and I will work hard to make sure the United States invests in our aviation future,” Larsen said in a statement. “Aviation means jobs in Northwest Washington. Anything I can do to support the growth and safety of air travel will bring good jobs to our communities.
Washington’s 2nd Congressional District, which Larsen represents, includes the Boeing Everett Factory where Boeing manufactures the 747s, 767s, 777s, 787s and the new Air Force KC-46A tankers.
The district also is home to dozens of small to medium-sized aerospace suppliers.
“Small aerospace manufacturers are indispensable in the construction of aircraft, yet face unique challenges that we should work to lessen,” Larsen said. “I will work to put small businesses on an even playing field with larger suppliers by making sure the FAA streamlines its testing and safety certification process for new technology and equipment.”
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