There is perhaps no issue more central to the economy of South-central Kansas than aviation. Not only is Wichita the "Air Capital of the World," but the whole area boasts many suppliers to the aviation industry including Independence, which has a crucial Cessna facility.

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Treasury, Todd has fought to make sure our nation's aviation needs are considered a priority. He also has worked hard not only to support FAA programs and our aviation companies but also the critical aviation and aerospace research being done at facilities such as the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Their research programs are critical to the future of the aviation system.

Todd also believes we need to ensure the security of our aviation system. He supported the Airport Security Federalization Act, which was signed into law by President Bush after the terrorist attacks of 2001. This act contains numerous new and expanded aviation security programs, including federal marshals on commercial airlines, law enforcement personnel at every airport screening location, and strict federal oversight of the nation's airline security screening programs. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring America's skies are safe for travel by addressing shortfalls in our airport security system. The same system that makes our pilots the best in the world should now give us the best baggage screeners in the world through high standards and flexible implementation.

South-central Kansas is home to the finest and hardest working aviation manufacturing workforce in the world, which makes it especially difficult to experience the economic realities of a global economy. American companies are now forced to compete with foreign companies on an uneven playing field as it relates to aircraft certification, government subsidies and taxes. These factors are certainly influencing business and hiring decisions, and Todd is working to get Congress to address those issues.

The best and most responsible approach Congress and state legislatures can take is to continue to pursue policies designed to get our economy growing again. In 2003 Congress passed a jobs and economic growth bill that included accelerated depreciation and expensing provisions, which according to industry analysts, helped spur an immediate increase in aircraft sales.

Todd believes companies are better off in the long term if they keep their manufacturing bases here in the United States, not just their final assembly points. He has spoken with numerous industry leaders in Wichita and around the nation about this issue and will continue to highlight the importance of keeping jobs here at home and not offloading them to Mexico and other foreign countries.