Washington, DC–Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), released the following statement on the death today of former U.S. Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN):

"On behalf of GAMA, I want to express our sadness at the passing of Congressman James ‘Jim’ Oberstar, former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the transportation infrastructure of the United States and also understood the importance of a healthy general aviation industry. He was proud to have Cirrus Aircraft in his congressional district and was a champion for their development and progress. As a graduate of the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, he also understood the importance of U.S.-European cooperation on aviation issues and the need to work with legislators and regulators globally to advance aviation safety. He will be greatly missed, and I join the entire GAMA family in extending our condolences to Jean and his family."