Rick Allen: “I am most pleased to be joined by our esteemed colleague, Senator Dodd of Connecticut, to introduce the Aeronautics…”

“I am most pleased to be joined by our esteemed colleague, Senator Dodd of Connecticut, to introduce the Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act. This legislation is the foundation for ensuring that the United States remains the preeminent Nation in the design, engineering and production of military and civilian aircraft. The last 5 years have seen the NASA budget for aeronautics research and development literally cut in half from $1 billion to its current level of $500 million. In making these cuts, the United States has been rendered more vulnerable to foreign competition in the field of aeronautics. The nations of Europe have moved in the exact opposite direction--dramatically increasing such funding in an effort to control the world's aviation market. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal documents the rise of Airbus as the largest producer of civilian aircraft in the world. If forecasts for this year hold true, Airbus will deliver more aircraft than Boeing for the first time. In light of these disturbing developments it is obvious that the U.S. is in grave danger of losing its position as the world leader in aeronautics and aviation.”