AIA: Poll Shows Public Demand for Increased National Security Spending

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Aerospace Industries Association released data today from a study conducted on their behalf by Harris Poll showing that after discussing present and future security threats facing the United States, more than two thirds of registered voters (69 percent) say that given the evolving and increased threats to America's security, the U.S. government should increase spending on America's national security relative to the caps set more than three years ago. The same number (69 percent) says they would be more likely to support a candidate for public office who supports increased spending on national security. The study was conducted by telephone in November among over 800 registered voters.

"These numbers don't surprise me one iota – the public understands the need to invest in national security, and the aerospace technologies that help provide that security and propel economic advancement," said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. "The new Congress should sit up and listen to them attentively."

A majority of voters across party lines (83 percent of Republicans, 63 percent of Independents and 60 percent of Democrats) share the sentiment that the U.S. government should increase national security spending relative to current budget caps. In addition, nearly four out of five voters (78 percent) say they believe threats to American security raised by increased activity from ISIS/ISL, al Qaeda and other groups in Syria and Iraq are increasing, including majorities of Republicans (90 percent), Independents (75 percent) and Democrats (69 percent). Finally, 73 percent say they believe the United States is less secure due to cuts of nearly $1 trillion over the 2012-2022 timeframe in planned budgets for the military, including majorities across the entire political spectrum (Republicans – 90 percent, Independents – 71 percent, Democrats – 55 percent).

"Public polls are at historic lows in terms of voter perceptions of Congress," Blakey said. "If this new Congress is to restore any faith in our political process, they can start in January by revisiting the budget caps to reflect today's national security needs."

The study was conducted November 13 – 16^th, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of AIA among 818 registered voters nationally, with a sampling error of +/-3.6%. A full methodology is available upon request. Results are weighted to be representative of voters demographically and geographically across the United States.

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Founded in 1919 shortly after the birth of flight, the Aerospace Industries Association is the most authoritative and influential trade association representing the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems, space systems, aircraft engines, homeland and cybersecurity systems, materiel and related components, equipment services and information technology.

Results From A Survey Conducted By Harris Poll On Behalf Of The Aerospace Industries Association Among 800 Registered Voters

"Knowing about the changes in the international security situation, do you believe America is more or less secure than we were one year ago?"

American voters understand that the threat to our security is increasing – and awareness of the situation is reinforcing the belief that the US is less secure than it was one year ago.

There is support for INCREASED FUNDING to respond to the current threat level:
"Given the evolving and increased threats to America's security, do you believe the U.S. government should increase spending on America's national security, relative to the current caps set over three years ago?"
69% of registered voters would increase spending on America's national security.
(83% Republicans;  63% Independents;  60% Democrats)

"Would you be more or less likely to support a candidate for public office who supports increased spending on America's national security?"
69% of voters say they would be more likely to support a candidate for public office who supports increased spending on national security.

"Do you believe threats to American security raised by increased terrorist activity from ISIS/ISL, al Qaeda and other groups in Syria and Iraq are increasing or decreasing?"

These threats to American security are seen as increasing. Nearly four-out-of-five voters, 78%, say they believe threats to American security are increasing due to increased activity from ISIS/ISIL, al Qaeda and other groups in Syria and Iraq.

Majorities believe the threat is increasing.
(90% Republicans; 75% Independents; 69% Democrats)

"For the following statement, please tell me if it makes you think America is becoming more or less secure:

The military had planned budgets for the Department of Defense that have now been cut by nearly $1 trillion over the 2012-2021 timeframe. In the past three years, America's total defense budget was reduced 10%."

Knowing that the military budgets have been cut by nearly $1 trillion since 2012. 73% believe the US is less secure due to cuts in budgets for the military.
(90% Republicans; 71% Independents; 55% Democrats)

"For the following statement, please tell me if it makes you think America is becoming more or less secure:  

A wide range of top military officials have said publicly that they will be unable to fulfill their missions and protect the country unless these spending caps are raised."

69% say they believe the US is less secure because military officials said they will be unable to fulfill their missions and protect the country unless these spending caps are raised.
(82% Republicans; 65% Independents; 58% Democrats)
And the impact (U.S. seems less secure) seems real to most voters.

*The study was conducted November 13 – 16^th, 2014 by telephone by Harris Poll on behalf of AIA among 818 registered voters Nationally, with a sampling error of +/-3.6%. A full methodology is available upon request. Results are weighted to be representative of voters demographically and geographically across the United States.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aia-poll-shows-public-demand-for-increased-national-security-spending-300011173.html

SOURCE Aerospace Industries Association

Related Links

http://www.aia-aerospace.org/