Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning commended the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025. In a statement released today, Fanning emphasized the importance of timely and sufficient appropriations for national defense.

"Timely and sufficient appropriations for national defense are the bedrock of our nation’s security and the vitality of the defense industrial base. The Aerospace Industries Association welcomes the passage of the House’s Department of Defense Appropriations Act, a critical vote to provide the resources needed to equip our troops, build the base’s capacity, and defend the homeland and our allies and partners around the world," Fanning said.

Fanning also expressed concerns about whether this budget aligns with current global deterrence strategies. "However, as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East boils, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise, AIA is concerned that this budget does not match our deterrence strategy or support the demand industry is facing. AIA continues to urge Congress to increase the defense topline as this bill continues to move through the process."

He thanked key congressional leaders for their roles in advancing this legislation. "We thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, sub-committee Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum, and Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries for their leadership, and we look forward to continued partnership to enact this legislation into law by September 30."