Kay Bailey Hutchison Will Replace Trent Lott

In a move met with measured cheers throughout the aviation industry, on Wednesday Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) was appointed as ranking member of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee.

Hutchison was named to replace outgoing Mississippi Senator Trent Lott, who announced last week he will resign at the end of this year.

A member of the Senate Commerce Committee for 14 years, Hutchison most recently served as Ranking Member of the Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences subcommittee. She also sponsored important aviation legislation, including the Aviation Security Improvement Act which was signed by the President in 2000 and the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 (S. 1447) which created the Transportation Security Administration.

Hutchison also served as Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board from 1976 to 1978.

American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey said the Fort Worth-based airline was "delighted" with the news. "For many years Senator Hutchison has been recognized as one of the most effective leaders in Congress on the complex technical, economic, and policy issues of aviation and aerospace," he said. "Having previously served as Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, there could have been no better choice by the Senate leadership to fill this important position."

Several general aviation groups also applauded Hutchison's appointment to a position previously held by Lott, who in recent months spoke out as a brash opponent to GA interests.

"We congratulate Senator Hutchison on her well-deserved appointment to ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee,” said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aircraft Manufacturers Association. “She has exceptional experience in aviation policy, understands industry issues and represents a state with a strong general aviation tradition. We look forward to working with her to address the critical need to modernize the air traffic control system and other challenges that lay ahead for both government and industry."

"We are pleased to learn that Senator Hutchison will be serving as the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee," added National Business Aviation Association President and CEO Ed Bolen. "The senator is very knowledgeable on aviation issues and has an in-depth understanding of general aviation."

FMI: http://commerce.senate.gov, www.senate.gov/~hutchison/