Spirit AeroSystems CEO: Attack on Sen. Moran for budget vote is a misguided missile | Commentary

I was disappointed some have criticized U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran for his decision to support the Omnibus spending bill passed at the end of 2022.

Moran has a long history of fighting to limit the role of government and control spending, and at the same time, working to ensure Kansas interests are prioritized.

That’s exactly what he did by voting to support critical fiscal year 2023 funding, and we should be applauding his leadership on behalf of Kansas.

Yes, the bill allocated $1.7 trillion in spending, which is a lot of money. But the bill contains many provisions absolutely essential for our nation’s defense in a more dangerous world.

Almost half of the bill, $818 billion, was to fund our military and the budget for the Department of Defense. Without the funding, the Defense Department would have had to use a continuing resolution to fund itself, which would have effectively stalled new programs.

Among the programs contained in the bill is the modernization of the decades-old nuclear triad, including strategic bombers, missiles and nuclear submarines.

The new strategic bomber, the B-21, is critical for U.S. defense and to project power to our adversaries. Today, the U.S. bomber fleet numbers only 123, and 58 of those are B-52s built before 1962 (all made in Wichita by the way).

Spirit AeroSystems is one of seven named suppliers on the B-21 program, which can now remain on track, thanks to funding Moran supported in December.

Moran ensured the bill brings taxpayer dollars back to Kansas through investments across the state, including $15 million for Fort Riley, $13 million for Kansas law enforcement, $43 million for the University of Kansas Cancer Center and tens of millions of dollars for Kansas roads – such as the widening of Highway 69.

He secured funding to advance research in health care, animal science, aerospace, veterans care, and defense initiatives.

As an example, Moran strategically secured funding that gives Kansas businesses the opportunity to contribute to the development of hypersonic missiles, an important military capability where the U.S. currently trails both China and Russia.

The bill also contained provisions that will enable Boeing to certify the 737 MAX-7 and MAX-10, which represents over 1,200 orders.

The MAX is America’s biggest export product. Spirit is proud to make over 70% of the structure for the MAX, and the certification of the MAX-7 and the MAX-10 will support thousands of jobs at Spirit in Wichita and for dozens of aerospace suppliers across Kansas.

None of us, including Moran, will ever agree to every provision in such a complex bill.

But on balance, there is no doubt the bill passed in December with Moran’s leadership was beneficial to Kansas and our national security interests.

Moran is one of the hardest working senators in Congress. He is a champion for every community across Kansas.

I commend him for fighting to control spending, and then when it makes sense, supporting funding that prioritizes national defense and critical investments in Kansas.

Thomas C. Gentile III is president and chief executive officer of Wichita-base Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of commercial and defense aircraft structures with approximately 11,000 employees in Kansas and 18,000 worldwide.