[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 56 (Tuesday, March 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SHORE UP OUR AVIATION WORKFORCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Collins) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, as I have said on many occasions on the 
floor, I am a businessman, and we face a myriad of challenges out 
there, not just small business but medium and large business, as well.
  I also sit on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and 
Aviation Subcommittee and, in doing so, have been talking with numerous 
people in the aviation industry, either talking to them or listening to 
them in hearings. There is one thing that has been a common theme out 
there, and that is workforce challenges.
  It seems that the cost of joining the aviation family is keeping a 
lot of people out of choosing this vital career. As the demand for 
passenger and cargo transportation increases, pilot and mechanic 
recruitment isn't keeping up.
  That is why, today, I am proud to introduce the Aviation Workforce 
Development Act. It is a commonsense proposal to give Americans who 
want to pursue a career in aviation, on the ground or in the air, the 
same tools as those seeking 4-year degrees, with zero increased cost to 
taxpayers.
  This bill will allow Americans with 529 plans to use their money to 
attend FAA-certified pilot and mechanic training programs. That is it. 
It is just another way for students to save for a career in aviation.
  I thank Representatives   Jimmy Panetta and   Mike Kelly and Aviation 
Subcommittee Ranking Member   Steve Cohen for co-leading on this 
effort. I also give a big thank-you to Drew Ferguson, Lucy McBath, 
Julia Brownley, and Russell Fry for joining us as original cosponsors.
  Mr. Speaker, I am calling on all Members to join us to help empower 
more Americans to take to the skies and shore up our aviation 
workforce.

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