AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning has expressed approval for the agreement reached by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The announcement was made from Arlington, Virginia.

Fanning emphasized the importance of the defense industrial base in U.S. national defense, highlighting its role as a deterrent. He stated, “As the cornerstone of U.S. national defense and a key element of deterrence, the defense industrial base relies on Congress to provide clear demand signals so we can invest in next-generation technology, expand our capacity to produce mission-critical equipment at speed, and expand our competitive advantage over our adversaries.”

He also praised bipartisan support for U.S. national security under the leadership of Senators Reed and Wicker, along with Representatives Rogers and Smith. “It’s encouraging to see continued bipartisan support for U.S. national security under the leadership of Senators Reed and Wicker and Representatives Rogers and Smith," Fanning noted.

The Aerospace Industries Association acknowledged that several of their priorities were included in the bill, which they believe will promote innovation and enable faster delivery of capabilities to military personnel. Fanning added that they are looking forward to the final passage of the bill.