New Leadership For GA Caucus
U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., will serve as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus when Congress reconvenes in January, it was announced this week. He will share the chairmanship with Sam Graves, R-Mo., who was named earlier this month. The two will replace Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., who is retiring, and Allen Boyd, D-Fla., who failed to win re-election. The new choices have won support from GA advocacy groups. “Congressman Barrow is very familiar with the essential role business aviation has in promoting job creation,” said Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association. “His congressional district includes Savannah, Georgia, which is home to Gulfstream, a major business aircraft manufacturer, and is also a base of operation for companies whose business model depends on access to general aviation airplanes.”
U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., will serve as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus when Congress reconvenes in January, it was announced this week. He will share the chairmanship with Sam Graves, R-Mo., who was named earlier this month. The two will replace Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., who is retiring, and Allen Boyd, D-Fla., who failed to win re-election. The new choices have won support from GA advocacy groups. "Congressman Barrow is very familiar with the essential role business aviation has in promoting job creation," said Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association. "His congressional district includes Savannah, Georgia, which is home to Gulfstream, a major business aircraft manufacturer, and is also a base of operation for companies whose business model depends on access to general aviation airplanes."
The caucus is only a year old, but it's one of the largest in the House, with more than 120 members. The aim of the group is to inform members and staff about the importance of GA to the national economy and transportation system. A top priority is to push for passage of a proper funding bill for the FAA. According to the NBAA, it's expected that the Senate GA Caucus will continue to be led by Senators Mark Begich, D-Alaska, and Mike Johanns, R-Neb.