SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, led a hearing to examine the President's fiscal year 2026 budget request for the Department of Commerce. Secretary Howard Lutnick testified before the subcommittee, addressing questions from Sen. Moran regarding efforts to protect American aviation and aerospace manufacturing from tariffs.

Senator Moran highlighted the importance of this industry in Kansas, stating: "In Kansas, we have lots of manufacturers, and the aviation and aerospace industry is a significant component of that." He further emphasized its positive trade balance: "That industry has a very positive trade balance, perhaps the best in our country."

The discussion also touched upon tariff provisions. Senator Moran inquired about maintaining zero-for-zero tariffs on aerospace parts and tools under an agreement dating back to 1979. He asked if this would be pursued to maintain the trade surplus.

Secretary Lutnick affirmed the value of protecting the nation's aircraft business: "Our nation’s aircraft business is, as you correctly say, a fantastic asset of our country." He noted previous negotiations with the UK resulting in zero tariffs and expressed willingness to extend similar offers to other countries contingent on reciprocal actions: "We have a 232 in the Commerce Department...if other countries play ball with us, then I would expect that’s an offer we’d make."