Democratic Congressman Retiring At The End Of This Term

The NBAA has publicly thanked Rep. Jerry Costello (D-12-IL) his for his tireless work to promote the interests of the entire general aviation community, including business aviation. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen expressed his appreciation for the Congressman's service shortly after Rep. Costello's October 4 announcement that he would retire following his current term in office.

"Congressman Costello (pictured) has been a highly effective advocate for general aviation," Bolen said. "He has always demonstrated a readiness to work with all of his colleagues to promote policies that help foster general aviation, so that it can continue to create jobs, connect cities and towns, and optimize the mobility and efficiency of travel. Although his presence in Congress will surely be missed, we very much appreciate his service to our industry and the nation as a whole, and we wish him all the best for the future."

Rep. Costello has served Illinois' 12th congressional district since 1988. For a number of years, he has continually served as chairman or ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Aviation Subcommittee. In those capacities, he has been key to the House passage of legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration without implementing user fees for general aviation. Earlier this year, he called on President Obama to keep user fees out of the administration's fiscal year 2012 budget proposal for funding federal agencies. Rep. Costello has served as a member of the House General Aviation Caucus since its formation in 2009.

FMI: www.nbaa.org