Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) have agreed to co-chair the Senate General Aviation Caucus in the 114th Congress, succeeding Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), who retired, and Mark Begich (D-Alaska), who lost his election. Boozman and Manchin said they would recruit new caucus members and underscored their role to inform the Senate about general aviation’s importance to the national economy and transportation system.

“In Arkansas, general aviation airports support more than $500 million annually in economic activity, and nearly 10,000 Arkansans work in aviation and aerospace manufacturing,” Boozman said. “If you crunch the numbers, most of our colleagues would have a similar story to tell.”

“As a pilot myself, it has always been a top priority of mine to address the unique challenges faced by the general aviation sector,” Manchin said.

Both senators were praised for their grasp of the industry. GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce noted Boozman’s efforts on general aviation issues such as the third-class medical bill and Manchin’s background as an aviator. NATA president and CEO Tom Hendricks said, “Proven advocates for general aviation, Senators Boozman and Manchin understand the importance of our industry to the nation and the issues facing aviation businesses.”