NBAA Applauds "Solid Grasp Of Transportation Policy"
Three of the largest aviation "letter groups" weighed in
Thursday on the expected nomination of Illinois Congressman Ray
LaHood as Transportation Secretary.
As ANN reported, President-elect Barack Obama
is expected to announce LaHood's name for the top job at the
Department of Transportation Friday.
"Aviation in the United States faces a number of critical issues
including the need to boost investment in infrastructure and
modernization of our outdated air traffic control system. These
issues cry out for the kind of bipartisan action and leadership
that have been the hallmark of Congressman LaHood's career." said
Greg Principato, president of Airports Council International-North
America. "Upon confirmation, we look forward to working with him to
solve these problems and build an air transportation system that
will support economic growth in the 21st century.”
National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed
Bolen noted LaHood "is widely recognized as an effective public
servant, with a solid grasp of transportation policy, as
demonstrated by his work on the House Appropriations Committee.
"NBAA congratulates him on his nomination as Transportation
Secretary, and we look forward to working with him to continually
strengthen and transform the nation's aviation system, so that it
remains the world's largest, safest and most efficient."
Craig
Fuller, incoming president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association, noted LaHood currently is a member of the House
Appropriations Committee. "That’s a good sign for general
aviation," said Fuller. "The Appropriations Committee has adamantly
opposed aviation user fees, and with that experience, his input at
the White House should be helpful to GA. And his past efforts in
supporting GA airports indicate that he understands the importance
of general aviation to the national transportation
infrastructure."
Fuller also called LaHood a "leading advocate" for improving the
state of Illinois’ transportation infrastructure, including
being a proponent for improving local airports. The moderate
Republican is known for consensus building and has long-term
relationships with both Obama and his chief of staff, Rahm
Emanuel.
"That's a critical relationship in Washington," said Fuller. "It
means LaHood would have great access to the President and his full
confidence."
LaHood's nomination is subject to confirmation by the US Senate.
"If LaHood is confirmed as Transportation Secretary, AOPA would
look forward to working closely with him to pick the right leader
for the FAA and to address the challenges of aviation safety;
modernizing the nation’s air traffic control system;
establishing a fair, long-term financing system; and responding to
energy and environmental issues," Fuller said.