CELEBRATING NATIONAL AEROSPACE WEEK 2026

On 2026-09-16, Representative Ron Estes (R-KS-4) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING NATIONAL AEROSPACE WEEK 2026" in the House.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL AEROSPACE WEEK 2026

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E938] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING NATIONAL AEROSPACE WEEK 2026 ______ HON. RON ESTES of kansas in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Aerospace Week. There is no better way to celebrate this week each year than to highlight how aerospace is woven into Kansas' past, present, and future. For more than a century, Kansas' aerospace trailblazers have propelled the United States to the forefront of aviation. Aviation is central to the history and identity of Wichita and south central Kansas. Nearly 100 years ago in 1928, Wichita was designated as the ``Air Capital of the World,'' thanks to aviation pioneers like Clyde Cessna, Olive Ann Beech, and Lloyd Stearman. Since then, aviation has continued to flourish here, and hardworking Kansans have worked tirelessly to design and manufacture the airplanes and components that fly much of our world. Most everyone from Kansas, and especially Kansas' 4th Congressional District, has a connection to aviation. From the production lines in Wichita to the shop floors in small towns across our state, Kansas is home to the fifth largest aerospace workforce in the country. The industry supports over 100,000 American jobs that added over $20 billion to our state's GDP last year alone. The economic impact can be seen across our state's A&D suppliers who manufacture the parts and components that keep our skies safer and connected. As co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus, I am proud to represent the Air Capital in Washington. I am humbled to represent the people that help build the technologies keeping American aerospace at the forefront of innovation and safety each day. ____________________