I think about where do we stand vis a vis other countries in terms of our tax code.

I have previously supported the Export-Import Bank.

More than 80 percent of the banks' financing benefits major firms.

As someone who strongly supports free trade, I find this to be very encouraging for the industry.

Clearly, this is an industry that is an important driver of our economy in terms of not only the growth of the economy but also the creation of jobs.

I think that is really important, because I think that is a question that many of my colleagues often have about the Export-Import Bank.

I think this is obviously a very important issue for the safety of our airways.

I think an issue that does need to be addressed is this issue I raised about support for smaller and medium-sized companies.

What is our overall tax rate? Does that impede our competitiveness in a global economy when we are competing against countries that have lower tax rates?

This certification process, that we do need to very much improve how the FAA handles this process because it makes us less competitive.

I want to thank Chairwoman Cantwell for holding this hearing to discuss the challenges facing domestic and global competition in aviation manufacturing.

But I am also thinking of the businesses that aren't necessarily suppliers, but are on their own seeking financing, and how easy are we making it for them to be able to use this tool.