WASHINGTON – Today the House Aerospace Caucus announced the addition of Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) as co-chair. He joins Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas), who re-established the caucus earlier this year after several years of dormancy.

"The House Aerospace Caucus has proven to be an asset to lawmakers and the aerospace industry, and I'm pleased to have my friend and colleague Rep. Carbajal join me in co-chairing this robust, bipartisan caucus," said Rep. Estes. "The United States already leads the world in aerospace manufacturing and innovation, and the House Aerospace Caucus will serve as a conduit for lawmakers and the industry to advance legislation and education that supports the many workers and businesses in American aviation, space and defense."

"California's Central Coast has a robust aerospace industry from civilian and military to airplanes and rocket launches. I am thrilled to be Co-Chairing the House Aerospace Caucus alongside fellow Co-Chair, Rep. Ron Estes," said Rep. Carbajal. "The aerospace industry is essential to our everyday lives – whether you are traveling by plane or using GPS to navigate. I am excited to use this role to help maintain U.S. leadership across this sector."

"Playing a crucial role in the U.S. economy with a workforce over 2.1 million strong, the aerospace and defense industry has always looked to Congress for strong bipartisan support and representation," said Eric Fanning, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association. "As Democratic lead of the House Aerospace Caucus, Representative Carbajal will be an asset to the Caucus' mission of maintaining America's enduring global aerospace leadership and addressing ongoing challenges faced by the aerospace industry."

The House Aerospace Caucus now has 35 members in addition to the two co-chairs – 16 Republicans and 19 Democrats. So far this year, the caucus has served as an honorary co-host to several information sessions for staff and encouraged American aerospace innovation through education and collaboration between industry and lawmakers. Under the leadership of Reps. Estes and Carbajal, the Caucus will provide further learning opportunities and continue promoting U.S. aviation, space and defense.