Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion C. Blakey calls on Congress and President Obama to use the upcoming budget cycle to reverse sequestration budget cuts.
AIA welcomes President Obama’s submission to Congress of a proposed budget for fiscal year 2014 as a step towards ensuring the U.S. industrial base and America’s technological leadership remain second to none. This request and the upcoming budget cycle in Congress provide an opportunity for our elected leaders to roll up their sleeves and work together on a comprehensive budget agreement that will trim federal spending wisely, while also allowing for the long-term investments that make our nation strong.
AIA calls for elimination of the sequestration caps and enactment of predictable and stable budgets for DOD, FAA, NASA and NOAA. It is essential to provide a sufficient level of investment in infrastructure, R&D, and acquisition of assets to support our national security and economy.
AIA remains concerned that like last year, the budget caps imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011 would not permit government agencies across all sectors to execute their missions. As Congress debates appropriate levels of funding for government programs, the continued climate of uncertainty poses tremendous risk for our member companies wrestling with short- and long-term decisions to allocate scarce resources while trying to recruit, train and retain a skilled workforce. Without predictable and stable budgets, it will be impossible to maintain a robust industrial base and reliable supply chain.
We understand that tough choices must be me made to address our long-term debt and deficit issues, but critical investments that spur growth and security are not the place to cut. We look forward to continued dialogue between industry and government on a reasoned and sensible approach.