Lawmakers Secure Appropriation Provision to Support Cal Poly/Air Force Research Laboratory Partnership

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Grace Napolitano (CA-32) and Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today announced that their provision to increase federal funding by an additional $10 million to support U.S. Air Force Educational Partnership Agreements (EPA) is included in the fiscal year 2022 House Defense Appropriations Bill.

The funding would allow the Air Force to increase engineering assistance to accelerate strategic proficiency in novel advanced agile air platform technologies. California universities, such as Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, could participate in the program to create new and innovative laboratories to test subsonic Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technologies, accelerating AFLR's strategic initiatives for autonomous logistic systems and advancing efforts in development, analysis, and operations of high-speed systems via a new flight-testing platform.

"I'm pleased that our provision to support this exciting partnership between Cal Poly and the U.S. Airforce is included in the House Defense Appropriations bill," Rep. Norma J. Torres said. "This partnership creates hands-on learning opportunities for students in the Inland Empire as they help develop and test high-speed systems. I'm proud to partner with Reps. Napolitano and Carbajal on this provision in the House bill, and will work to ensure it remains in any final package. Cal Poly's STEM education programs are vital in developing the next generation workforce that is prepared for high-technology careers, and that's something that lawmakers of both parties and both legislative chambers should be eager to stand behind."

"This forward-looking, dynamic partnership between the Cal Polys and the Air Force is a true testament to the brilliant students and faculty at two of our nation's premier applied research institutions," Rep. Grace Napolitano said. "Additional funding will further drive innovation and educate the next generation of aerospace engineers, while assisting the Air Force in research, development, and evaluation of aviation technologies. As always, I am proud to join Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Carbajal in securing new funding opportunities to strengthen this vital partnership between our universities and the Air Force."

"Military-educational partnerships like the one between the Air Force and Cal Poly enhance our national security capabilities and provide Cal Poly students with hands-on learning opportunities that set them up for successful careers when they graduate," Rep. Carbajal said. "I am proud to have partnered with Reps Napolitano and Torres to advocate for this additional funding to drive innovation and support the next generation of aerospace leaders."

Reps. Torres, Napolitano, and Carbajal have previously announced additional funding for EPA's between California Polytechnic State Universities and the Airforce Research Laboratory as part of last year's appropriations process.

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