[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 43 (Thursday, March 6, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1601-S1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO PETE BUNCE

 Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, today, I want to recognize Pete 
Bunce, the president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers 
Association, GAMA, who is retiring next month. Pete is a dedicated 
leader and a stalwart in the aviation industry. He has done a 
remarkable job advocating for the interests of general aviation 
manufacturers, many of which call Kansas home.
  I first met Pete during my time in the House of Representatives, when 
he was the Director of the U.S. Air Force Congressional Budget and 
Appropriations Liaison in the House. We worked together on military, 
veterans, and transportation issues. When he went over to GAMA, I knew 
the association would be in good hands, and he has taken it to new 
heights during his illustrious 20 years at the helm.
  Throughout his storied career, Pete has engaged regulators, 
policymakers, and elected officials to promote general aviation. As 
part of his legislative affairs efforts, he led GAMA during the passage 
and implementation of the Small Airplane Revitalization Act, which 
modernized the certification standards and methods for small aircraft. 
He and his team have also provided valuable industry insights through 
numerous FAA reauthorizations, including the latest bill passed last 
Congress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pete and his team strongly 
advocated for the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) 
program, which I helped successfully manage through Congress to 
strengthen the aviation industry's fragile supply chain and keeping 
highly skilled workers in the industry.
  Pete and his GAMA team were also was intimately involved with 
consideration and passage of the Advanced Air Mobility and Coordination 
Act. I hope that report, which should be delivered by the 
administration in the near term, will help lay the foundation for this 
critical industry and the innovations it will bring.
  Pete has been recognized for his noteworthy service to the general 
aviation industry with many accolades including being named the 2007 
Aviation Industry Leader of the Year by the Living Legends of Aviation, 
awarded the ICAS Sword of Excellence in 2009, inducted as one of the 70 
Living Legends of Aviation in 2010, inducted into the Wisconsin 
Aviation Hall of Fame, presented with the NAA Wesley L. McDonald 
Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award in 2022, and bestowed with 
the EAA's Freedom of Flight Award in 2024.
  Pete has done so much to advance the welfare of the general aviation 
industry, one which he has loved and cherished since first learning to 
fly as a teenager and working at his local airport.
  Thank you, Pete, for your steadfast service to the general aviation 
industry, especially within the great State of Kansas. I wish you 
``Blue Skies and Tailwinds'' during your well-earned retirement. I hope 
you enjoy retirement and spending more time with your lovely wife 
Patty.

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