[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2619]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      REINTRODUCTION OF THE AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                           REVITALIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today the Distinguished 
Gentleman from Virginia Mr. J. Randy Forbes and I reintroduced bi-
partisan legislation designed to revitalize an industry that is 
essential to maintaining this country's economic growth, technological 
superiority, and military preeminence.
  Since Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneering flight almost 100 years 
ago, aviation technology in the United States has reached a level of 
success and development unparalleled in world history. According to a 
recent report on ``The National Economic Impact of Civil Aviation,'' 
the total economic impact of civil aviation exceeded more than $900 
billion and 11 million jobs to the U.S. economy in the year 2000, 
roughly 9 percent of the total U.S. gross domestic product. However, 
despite the historical strength of this industry, it is clear that the 
United States is involved in a difficult struggle to maintain our 
preeminence in the aerospace field, both commercially and militarily.
  In January of 2001, the European Union unveiled its plan for gaining 
dominance in the global aerospace market entitled, ``European 
Aeronautics: A Vision for 2020.'' This plan lays out an ambitious, $93 
billion, 20-year agenda for winning global leadership in aeronautics 
and aviation. In stark contrast to the vision set by the Europeans, the 
U.S. has cut by half its expenditures on aeronautics research & 
development (R&D) over the past two decades. This downward trend has 
coincided with a similar trend in the U.S. share of the world aerospace 
market, which declined from about 70 percent of the global market to 
less than 50 percent now. In fact, the recently completed report of the 
Presidential Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry echoed 
these concerns and stated that ``The United States must maintain its 
preeminence in aerospace research and innovation to be a global 
aerospace leader in the 21st century,'' and that ``government policies 
and investments in long-term research have not kept pace with the 
changing world.'' In fact, the Commission recommended that ``the 
federal government significantly increase its investment in basic 
aerospace research, which enhances U.S. national security, enables 
breakthrough capabilities, and fosters an efficient, secure and safe 
aerospace transportation system''.
  It was as a result of these negative trends and the importance for 
the long-term economic and security interest of the United States, that 
Mr. Forbes and I joined with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to 
introduce the Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act 
of 2003. This bill, which last year received strong support in the 
other body as well as in the House, establishes a broad-based agenda to 
reinvigorate America's aeronautics and aviation R&D enterprise and 
maintain America's competitive leadership in aviation by:

  Reversing the trend of declining Federal investments in aeronautics 
and aviation R&D by doubling funding over five years. Funding is 
increased to $900 million in 2006 (approximately the level they were in 
1998), and $1.15 billion in 2008.
  Following the recommendations of the FAA's Research, Engineering and 
Development Advisory Committee, doubling funding over 5 years to $550 
million in 2008.
  Establishing a focal point for aeronautics R&D by re-establishing an 
Office of Aeronautics reporting directly to the NASA Administrator.
  Establishing an R&D initiative to develop technologies within a 
decade to build commercial no-noise, low-emissions, and be highly-
energy efficient.
  Establishing an R&D initiative directed at reinvigorating the 
nation's rotorcraft R&D that will address the nation's civil and 
military needs for decades to come.
  Addressing the need for a long-term Federal R&D effort to develop 
technologies for an environmentally-friendly, commercially-viable 
supersonic transport capable of flight over land.
  Including independent review mechanisms to ensure that the agency is 
pursuing technology concepts in a cost-effective manner.
  Authorizing the establishment of one or more university-based centers 
for research in aviation training for flight crews and air traffic 
controllers as new technology and procedures are added to the nation's 
infrastructures.
  Establishing a program of scholarships to help replenish the nation's 
pool of aeronautical engineers.
  Tackling the problem of delays in and unreliability of the air 
transportations system directly by authorizing funds for NASA to work 
with NOAA on research to improve significantly the reliability of 2 to 
6 hour aviation weather forecasts.
  Providing a significant funding to allow increased attention to 
environment and energy-related projects and for research on increasing 
the capacity, efficiency and safety of the air traffic system.

  The basic premise of the legislation is that the U.S. can best meet 
the R&D challenge mounted by the Europeans and others through focused 
R&D investments that will enable future aircraft and rotorcraft 
technologies that are extremely quiet, fuel-efficient, and low in 
emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The development of 
such aircraft will enable the U.S. aviation industry to dominate 
anticipated aviation markets, as well as create new markets in cities 
and regions whose airports have been underutilized because of perceived 
negative environmental impacts. In addition, the new aviation 
capabilities could allow innovative approaches to meeting the future 
demand for travel by the American public, open up new possibilities for 
the future national air traffic management system, and make aerospace 
technologies more environmentally friendly.
  This year marks the 100th anniversary of Ohio's own Wilbur and 
Orville Wright achieving the world's first successful powered flight, 
thus leading the way for 100 years of American domination in aviation. 
But now, facing new and serious challenges, leadership will be required 
to sustain our aerospace industry to make it as vibrant a symbol of 
America's might in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. This 
legislation is an opportunity for the country to signal its commitment 
to a strong and robust aviation sector and its intent to revitalize it 
in the face of new global challenges. America has long recognized that 
its long-term strength and security, and its ability to reach and 
sustain high levels of economic growth, depends on maintaining its edge 
in scientific achievement and technological innovation. If we lose our 
edge in the areas where we are most vibrant, as it is happening now, 
our economic prospects will be dimmed and our security will be 
threatened. Aviation was born in America nearly 100 years ago; it is 
not slipping to number 2 on our watch.

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