U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) revealed last week at AOPA’s Aviation Summit in Long Beach, California, that U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.) will take over as co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus starting in January 2011.
The news was welcomed by the industry’s alphabet groups.
“NATA is thrilled that Congressman Graves has been chosen to succeed Rep. Vern Ehlers as the Republican Co-Chair of the House General Aviation Caucus,” said NATA President James Coyne. “A passionate aviator himself, we can always count on his steadfast support of the general aviation industry.”
“Rep. Sam Graves is a longtime supporter of and vocal advocate for general aviation among his congressional colleagues,” AOPA President Craig Fuller added. “We believe he is an excellent choice to succeed Congressman Vern Ehlers as the Republican co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.
“At the same time, I would like to extend my thanks to Congressman Ehlers on behalf of AOPA and all our members. His leadership in helping to found the House GA Caucus and his steadfast support of general aviation throughout his time on Capitol Hill have made a real difference in protecting our freedom to fly. Although he is retiring from Congress, I can’t imagine him sitting still for too long. The Caucus that he helped establish, and that Congressman Graves will now help lead, has grown to be one of the biggest on Capitol Hill. The work of its members will be vital as the next Congress attempts to pass a long-term FAA funding bill.”
The General Aviation Caucus was created to educate members of the U.S. House of Representatives on issues important to the general aviation industry. Since its creation in 2009, the GA Caucus has grown to include more than 100 members.
