NBAA welcomed the announcement yesterday that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) will serve as the new ranking member of the Senate aviation subcommittee, replacing Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who last week announced plans to retire by year-end. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over a wide range of aviation issues including the FAA reauthorization legislation currently circulating through Congress. “We are pleased to learn that Senator Hutchison will be serving as the ranking member of the aviation subcommittee,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “The senator is very knowledgeable on aviation issues and has an in-depth understanding of general aviation.” GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce was equally enthusiastic, saying Hutchison “has exceptional experience in aviation policy, understands industry issues and represents a state with a strong general aviation tradition. We look forward to working with her to address the critical need to modernize the air traffic control system and other challenges that lay ahead for both government and industry.” Hutchison previously held a leadership post on the subcommittee, serving as its chair from 2001 to 2002. She also served as vice chairman of the NTSB from 1976 to 1978.