NBAA welcomed action last week by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to advance the Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act, and applauded the inclusion of an amendment promoting diversity and workforce development in business aviation, and all transportation sectors vital to the nation’s economy.
Transportation has been pivotal to America’s safety and security during the COVID-19 pandemic, with business aviation key to the delivery of medical supplies, and a crucial connection for thousands of communities across the country without commercial airline service. As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, the trucking, maritime and general aviation sectors also reminded congressional leaders of transportation’s essential role in our lives, and highlighted the need to strengthen the country’s supply chains to enhance disaster-response preparedness.
The INVEST in America Act recognizes the importance of the U.S. transportation industry with the addition of the bipartisan Promoting Service in Transportation Act (H.R. 5118) as part of the Manager’s Amendment. The legislation supports and strengthens the transportation industry by authorizing the Department of Transportation to develop a series of targeted broadcast, digital and print public service announcements to attract a new, diverse and inclusive generation of transportation workers.
“On behalf of NBAA and the broader transportation community, I thank Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee Rick Larsen (D-2-WA) for his dedication to H.R. 5118, and commend the work of the bill’s original co-sponsors, Don Young (R-AK) and Angie Craig (D-2-MN), to help build a brighter future for the transportation industry in the INVEST in America Act,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
“It is imperative that all of us protect the future of our nation, and by providing people of all races, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic status an opportunity to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career in transportation, we ensure the future success of a vital part of our economy,” Bolen added. “NBAA members have been vocal supporters for H.R. 5118, and I encourage all of our members to continue this advocacy by engaging with members of Congress to support the transportation workforce.”
Now that the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has completed its markup of INVEST in America Act, the bill will continue moving through the legislative process.
