Arlington, Va. – President and CEO of the Aerospace and Defense Policy Coalition Institute (APA-CI), Eric Fanning, today called on Congress to pass comprehensive appropriations legislation for the fiscal year and to reject any long-term continuing resolutions that lack necessary updates to protect critical technology and programs.
“With the impending funding deadline looming, the Aerospace and Defense Policy Coalition Institute emphasizes our steadfast support for full-year appropriations for all 12 government funding bills,” stated Fanning. “This includes fully funding the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, and other essential federal operations that are vital to the American aerospace and defense industry. These bipartisan priorities require funding that reflects current realities, and we implore Congress to unite where consensus can be achieved.”
“Given the global threats we confront and the ongoing advancements in space and aviation technology, the necessity of up-to-date funding cannot be overstated,” Fanning added. “Industry depends on clear demand signals established by current funding levels to effectively plan and prioritize their production, recruitment, and strategic investments needed to promptly equip our armed forces and enhance American leadership in defense technologies. Moreover, continued full-year funding will facilitate essential regulatory development, propelling our aviation and space systems into the next generation and reinforcing American preeminence in aerospace.”
“If a full-year continuing resolution is deemed the only viable option, we urge Congress to thoughtfully consider any updates or ‘anomalies’ necessary to safeguard the Defense, Transportation, and NASA budgets, ensuring the protection of critical national security initiatives, aviation modernization, and advancements in space technology,” Fanning remarked. “Protecting our homeland and our airspace must always be a top priority, and without a comprehensive budget, we risk falling significantly behind our adversaries.”
APA-CI has consistently cautioned against the use of continuing resolutions, urging Congress to reject the trend of relying on full-year CRs.