The General Aviation (GA) Caucus in the Senate, co-chaired by Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), has reached 17 members, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association.

The most recent member to join is Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee.

“We are thrilled that Sen. Grassley continues to support general aviation with his membership in the Caucus,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

A similar caucus in the House of Representatives has grown to 80 members from 35 states, according to caucus co-chairs Reps. Vernon J. Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Allen Boyd (D-Fla.). “NBAA is pleased to see that the GA Caucus has seen so much growth in such a short time, and that elected officials recognize the vital transportation link general aviation provides to communities in every state,” Bolen said. An updated list of caucus members can be found here.