Graves’ Amendment to Modernize C-130H Fleet, Protect 139th Adopted into FY16 Defense Authorization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Sam Graves issued the following statement after his amendment to upgrade and modernize the C-130H aircraft was adopted into the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Graves, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, represents the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.
"The C-130H aircraft has been a critical component of our military's fighting force for over 40 years, providing tactical airlift support that is second to none in the world," Rep. Graves said. "Modernizing this fleet will be vital toward maintaining the effectiveness of the Air National Guard, particularly the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe."
"I am glad to see the Air Force taking initiative to modernize and protect this fleet of aircraft, but I am concerned that its plans do not act quickly enough," Rep. Graves continued. "My amendment will accelerate the continued development and implementation of the Air Force's modernization plan, and I am pleased that it was adopted into this final bill."
BACKGROUND: Recently, the Air Force began initiating a plan to move forward on modernizing its Air National Guard C-130 H-model fleet. Rep. Graves' amendment, which passed through the House Armed Services Committee NDAA Markup with bipartisan support, would authorize $10 million for the continued development of the Air Force's modernization plan. Specifically, it will expedite the process and ensure all C-130H aircraft meet all airspace requirements by 2020, and that the fleet undergoes necessary modernization upgrades in a timely manner. This provision will now be included into the base FY16 NDAA bill, which will come before the whole House for a vote in mid-May.
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