U.S. Reps Schrier and Larsen Tour Auburn’s Orion Industries, Meet with Local Aerospace Manufacturers

ISSAQUAH, WA – U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) today toured Orion Industries in Auburn and met with local aerospace manufacturers to hear how the pandemic has affected them and how Reps. Schrier and Larsen can best advocate for them in Washington, DC. In March, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, comprehensive pandemic relief Schrier and Larsen supported which included Larsen's language to help prevent aerospace manufacturing supply chain furloughs and recall workers who were furloughed due to the pandemic.

"I'm proud to be a sponsor of Rep. Larsen's Aviation Manufacturers Job Protection Act. In the 8^th District and in Washington state more broadly, we are proud to be the leaders in aerospace manufacturing and innovation," said Rep. Schrier. "The aerospace industry, whether it is the large companies or the small businesses that supply them, is one of the largest job sectors in Washington state, supporting over 250,000 workers. I will continue to work with Rep. Larsen and our whole delegation to keep aerospace jobs in Washington state."

"In the Pacific Northwest, the highly skilled aviation manufacturing and maintenance workforce drives the economy and helps the U.S. remain competitive abroad," said Rep. Larsen, Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "The American Rescue Plan provides critical relief to help sustain the aerospace supply chain until the nation gets to the other side of the pandemic. I am committed to protecting these jobs and working with Rep. Schrier to support the dedicated women and men who keep the supply chain and the economy moving during such challenging times."

Washington state is home to more than 1,300 aerospace-related companies and Washington's supply chain is the largest in the United States. The state's aerospace industry has produced more than 31,000 commercial and military aircraft over the last century.

The Aviation Manufacturers Job Protection Act, that Reps. Schrier and Larsen touted during their meeting today, establishes a temporary relief program to provide 50% federal cost-share to help cover costs of pay and benefits for aerospace supply chain employees at risk of being involuntarily furloughed or who were furloughed due to the pandemic. The 2021 version of the bill:

• Establishes the program under the Department of Transportation, instead of the Treasury Department.
• Adds employee training as eligible for funding assistance under this program.
• Adds that eligible employers have experienced at least a 15% decline in revenues from Oct. 2019 to Oct. 2020, and will provide written justification of the need for assistance.
• Clarifies the existing provision on protecting collective bargaining agreements.
• Restores the rights and protections for returning employees as if they weren't involuntarily furloughed.
• Authorizes $15 billion for the year-long program

Photo Caption: Reps. Larsen and Schrier with Rosemary Brester from Hobart Machined Products and Tom Brosius from Orion Industries