Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on the announcement today by Spirit AeroSystems:

"I have had numerous discussions with the Trump administration, the FAA, the governor, Boeing and other stakeholders about the impact these layoffs will have on employees at Spirit and various other industry suppliers throughout our region. I will continue to work with the FAA to ensure grounded aircraft causing these layoffs can safely return to the skies without any unnecessary delays. In the meantime, my office in Wichita is available to help connect affected employees with the Department of Labor and other resources. I am fully confident that thanks to our skilled workforce and industry partners, our region will remain the Air Capital of the World."

Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) also released a statement, saying, "While I know these furloughs will affect a large part of the aerospace workforce in Wichita, I know the community is prepared to assist in every way possible. Wichita is the Air Capital of the World and I am committed to making sure that does not change."

Rep. Estes has been in constant communication with the FAA since the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX and is encouraging the agency to use a defined process to recertify the MAX in a timely manner that upholds safety standards. Rep. Estes and his office are also actively involved in the newly formed Aviation Task Force comprised of a broad array of industry stakeholders, local, state, and federal government representatives, the Wichita Regional Chamber, WSU Tech, Workforce Alliance, the Greater Wichita Partnership, the United Way and the Wichita Community Foundation to support the region's workforce and aviation industry and mitigate impacts of today's announcement.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.