WASHINGTON – The House Aerospace Caucus, the Aerospace Industries Association and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics hosted a policy luncheon on Thursday, May 25, to discuss space policy trends.
 
The well-attended luncheon featured a panel discussion among former astronaut Sandy Magnus, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Space Commerce; Clayton Swope, Amazon’s Project Kuiper; David Goldstein, SpaceX and Josh Forman, Slingshot Aerospace. Themes discussed included material in space, space in the national security realm and coordination with space agencies around the globe. Following the discussion, panelists took questions from the audience and spoke with attendees. 
 
"We wanted to relaunch the House Aerospace Caucus to provide events like the recent space policy luncheon that serve as a critical resource for congressional staff working on policy that advances U.S. aerospace and aviation," said Chairman Ron Estes (R-Kansas). "I’m grateful to the partners who co-hosted the event and for the speakers who generously shared their expertise."
 
The caucus continues to grow and recently added six new members. They are Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Nick Langworthy (R-New York), Barry Loudermilk (R-Georgia), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colorado), Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Ohio) and Ryan Zinke (R-Montana). The total membership for the caucus is 33, with 17 Democrats and 16 Republicans, including Chairman Ron Estes (R-Kansas).
 
"More representatives continue to join the House Aerospace Caucus, demonstrating the broad impact aviation, space and defense have in districts across the country," said Chairman Estes of the new members. "The new members represent Americans from varied parts of the United States with a common connection to the aerospace industry, highlighting the depth that aviation has in our great nation. I’m pleased to welcome these members to the House Aerospace Caucus."
 
"I’m thrilled to join the House Aerospace Caucus," said Rep. Escobar. "The aerospace and defense industry is crucial to El Paso. With strong ties to key institutions within my community like Fort Bliss and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), it was important to me that I join this key bipartisan group of legislators leading the way by providing legislative solutions and representing this industry in the House of Representatives. I have proudly fought for El Paso to be a force to reckon within the aerospace and defense areas, and I look forward to ensure our community has a prioritized seat at the table in Congress."
 
"From early flight pioneers Glenn Curtiss and Lawrence Bell to today’s innovation of Moog, Inc., I’m honored to represent Western New York’s rich aviation history and thriving industry as a member of the House Aerospace Caucus," said Rep. Langworthy. "I look forward to our work together to promote new advancements, support local aerospace businesses, and ensure our nation remains at the forefront of aerospace technology."

"Ohio is the 'Birthplace of Aviation,' and Ohio's 13th District continues to be a pioneer in the aviation and aerospace industry," said Rep. Sykes. "As a member of the bipartisan Aerospace Caucus, I am committed to growing our aerospace community, investing in airports big and small, from Akron-Canton Airport to Kent State University Airport, and strengthening workforce development programs to empower the next generation of technicians and pilots."