(WASHINGTON, DC) – This morning, Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), along with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), introduced H.R. 3033, the Aeronautics Innovation Act of 2017, which would create funding and programmatic stability for NASA to mature and demonstrate new aeronautics technology that will continue to secure the nation’s position as the world’s leading air and economic power.

“The Aeronautics Innovation Act helps NASA in their advancement of aviation technology,” Rep. Knight said. “By supporting NASA in these projects for innovation, we can ensure the United States remains the leader in transforming the aircraft industry that will also strengthen our military capabilities.”

The Aeronautics Innovation Act assures sustained support for the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate’s Strategic Implementation Plan and encourages NASA to continue pursuing this strategy and sets authorization levels for the Aeronautics Directorate for five years: $790 million in FY 2018, $880 million in FY 2019, $924 million in FY 2020, $946 million in FY 2021, and $980 million in FY 2022.

If passed, this bill will also finally establish a national policy for aeronautics research that will maintain U.S. superiority in air capabilities and aviation industrial leadership.

“Internationally, our aircraft competitors are always challenging the norm and looking for new, more efficient ways of flight. This bill will support our team here in the United States so we can continue to compete with international innovation and remain on top of the curve,” Knight said.

“The work NASA does should always enjoy bipartisan support in Congress,” Congresswoman Kaptur said. “For Ohio and its aerospace industry, NASA is a jobs and ideas engine that contributes to local economies across the state and to national scientific knowledge. This bill will bolster investments in the science of space and as well as to technology that benefits daily life on Earth including advancements in everything from transportation to the operating room. Investments in NASA and science are investments in jobs and a better quality of life.”

This legislation has already received support from many aeronautics organizations, including the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the Small UAV Coalition, and NASA Aerospace Support Team, the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.

“The Aeronautics Innovation Act properly invests in the critical NASA research that allows our aerospace industry to continue as the global leader in aeronautics research and technology development,” said Delma C. Freeman, president of NASA Aerospace Support Team.

The Antelope Valley Board of Trade said, “This Act will go a long way to help ensure that the first ‘A’ in NASA, Aeronautics, is no longer regarded as a priority lower than Space. A strong, robust Aeronautics Research and Development certainly sustains both military and civil air transportation dominance for the United States. NASA is much more than Space Exploration. The Agency is all about life on Earth as well, and Aeronautics is the pinnacle to future of this planet’s skies.”