Davids Hosts Chair of U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, Highlights Infrastructure Priorities in the Kansas Third

Statement

Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids welcomed Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure's Aviation Subcommittee, to Kansas' Third District. Davids and Larsen spoke with local aviation leaders and community partners and toured a manufacturing facility and the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Davids serves as the Vice Chair of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure.

Representatives Davids and Larsen touring Selex's aviation manufacturing facility.

Representatives Davids and Larsen in the new MCI terminal

"The Kansas City metro is perfectly situated geographically to lead our nation on the transportation of goods and services, and I'm glad Representative Larsen, a fellow self-proclaimed infrastructure nerd, got to observe that first-hand today," said Davids. "We saw the innovative spirit and opportunity we have right here in our backyard -- opportunity like new jobs and investments created through the bipartisan infrastructure law."

"In Kansas' Third District and across the country, aviation means jobs and is key to long-term economic recovery and growth," said Larsen. "I appreciate Rep. Davids telling me about Kansas' rich aviation history and showing me how aviation drives the regional economy, fosters trade and boosts local tourism. Together, Sharice and I will continue working to keep all Kansans, Washingtonians and Americans moving."

Davids hosted a roundtable at Garmin International Headquarters with Larsen, Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, and other key stakeholders to discuss Kansas' role in federal aviation issues including the future reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Larsen and Davids then toured Selex ES' aviation manufacturing facility, headquartered in Overland Park, where they met with employees who help manufacture parts domestically for air traffic control systems. Finally, Jade Liska, Deputy Director of Planning and Engineering at the Kansas City, Missouri Aviation Department, provided a construction update as the Representatives toured the new terminal at MCI.

Representatives Davids and Larsen touring Selex's aviation manufacturing facility.

Representatives Davids and Larsen touring Selex's aviation manufacturing facility

"I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with Congressional leaders how to best prepare for a new era of aviation," said Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. "Federal funds help the Kansas aviation industry make upgrades to take advantage of new aeronautical technologies which keep us at the forefront of global aviation and make important safety improvements to keep existing infrastructure safe."

Davids is the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote for bipartisan infrastructure law and bring $22 million to Kansas airports for future renovation projects. The bill is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings and has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Among its provisions for Kansas include:

$2.6 billion for highways
$225 million for bridge replacement and repairs
$272 million to improve public transportation options
a minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage
access to $3.5 billion flood mitigation assistance program
$454 million to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean drinking water across the state
$109 million for airports

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