Bill Clinton

“ In 12 seconds of flight, they demonstrated to the world that mortals really could touch the sky in powered flight. In the decades since, Americans have continued to make history with countless achievements in aviation and aerospace technology. ”

“ America leads the world in aeronautics technology, and that leadership is directly reflected in the success of our aircraft industry. The legacy of the Wright brothers is clear: in the past year, the U.S. aeronautics industry sold more than $100 billion in products and employed more than a million people in high-quality jobs. Aircraft are the Nation's top manufactured export, with more than $40 billion in sales in 181 countries around the world. ”

“ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is working with industry to develop technologies that will make conventional aircraft safer, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly. Government and industry researchers are also working in partnership to transform the concept of affordable commercial supersonic flight into a reality early in the next century. These technological advancements in aviation and aerospace will continue to contribute to our success and prosperity. ”