Strengthening our Military

Our men and women in the military answer the call to defend, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect us. We have the strongest fighting force in the world. It’s critical we do everything we can to ensure our warfighters have the tools and resources they need to do their job. Earlier this month, we took the first step in doing exactly that. The House Armed Services Committee took up this year’s defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, with a focus on giving our military the tools they need to do the job. 

Our folks at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph play a key role in that. As a senior member of the Committee, I worked to ensure that we sustain the mission at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base.

The bill protects the C-130 aircraft and authorizes funding to procure 8 additional C-130J models, which could potentially be based at Rosecrans. Folks are fighting hard to get the new J models in St. Joe, and I’m doing everything I can to help make that happen. It’s critical we continue to modernize the base, which is why I also included funding for a new aircraft parking apron.

I also advocated for Joint Maritime Over-Water Training at Rosecrans, which builds on the 139th Airlift Wing’s expertise in advanced tactics, pushed to develop an Advanced Mobility Tactics and Survivability Center, which would be based at Rosecrans, and included funding authorization for a C-130J simulator.

As we continue to ensure that our warfighter has the tools to defend our country, I also included nearly $900 million for small arms ammunition, which is produced at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence. The bill also authorized funding for several fighter jets manufactured in St. Louis, as well as funding for B-21 long-range bombers, which will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base.

On top of all that, it delivers a hard-earned 5-7 percent pay raise for our service members, expands military bonuses and special pay, and strengthens oversight and funding for the revitalization of military housing and barracks.

Ultimately, we’re strengthening our military and ensuring that it’s happening right here in Missouri. It’s good for our state, and it’s good for the country. I’m proud to help get it done, and I look forward to the full House taking up this year’s defense bill.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves