Aerospace and defense is a powerful economic engine. We must keep the industry strong. As the U.S. economy enters uncertain times, America's aerospace industry remains a powerful, reliable engine of employment, innovation, and export income.>> Aerospace contributed $97 billion in export sales to America's economy last year.>> U.S. aerospace sales alone account for 1.5 percent of our country's gross domestic product, and every aerospace dollar yields an extra $1.50 to $3 in further economic activity.>> Aerospace products and services are pillars of our nation's security and competitiveness.>>> Click here for the memo (5 pages in PDF format) on the AIA website.>>> -ends->