CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — A top lobbyist representing the makers of corporate jets and other business aircraft is urging industry employees to tell President Barack Obama to stop criticizing their customers.
Pete Bunce, president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, told employees of Rockwell Collins during a rally in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday they need to speak out in defense of their jobs. He says the president needs to know "if you go after our customers, you go after every one of us."
Obama has often said in recent weeks that "corporate jet owners" and other wealthy individuals should sacrifice tax breaks as part of plans to reduce the nation's debt. Specifically, he has called for scaling back a tax break that allows companies who purchase business aircraft to write off the expense.