Hartzler, HASC Pass 2016 Defense Funding Bill

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and House Armed Services Committee colleagues today passed the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect Americans at home and abroad, and give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to address both the mounting threats of today and the potential threats of tomorrow.

“This country is facing a vast array of threats – from both state and non-state actors – and I am pleased that this NDAA provides for the resources needed to address those threats while also preparing for those of tomorrow,” Hartzler said.  “Providing for a strong national defense is our primary obligation in Congress.  Through much needed reforms, significant waste-cutting measures, and full authorization for essential programs, this bill recognizes a new future for our military – an efficient and prepared force capable of ensuring the U.S. remains the best in the world.”

“This bill is good news for our men and women at Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base,” Hartzler continued.  “One of my top priorities since I got to Congress has been to support Whiteman commanders’ requests for construction of the Consolidated Stealth Operations and Nuclear Alert Facility.  This facility is included in this NDAA and will bring substantial immediate and long-term benefits to the base and its B-2 operations.  I am glad we were able to secure this needed facility for our B-2 mission.”

The NDAA also provides vital training dollars for our soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood and funding for the A-10 to support our ground troops.  Furthermore, this bill once again prohibits another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) proceedings.  With limited defense dollars and the uncertainty of future troop levels, we don’t need to expend precious resources closing bases.”

“Additionally, I requested the provision to authorize 12 additional F/A-18F Super Hornets,” Hartzler added.  “These aircraft will not only fill an immediate need in the fight against ISIL and allow them to be converted to airborne electronic attack Growlers later; but they will be built in Missouri, bringing jobs and an economic boost with them.”

Congresswoman Hartzler is the Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation; and the only Republican to serve on both the House Budget and Armed Services Committees in addition to serving on the House Agriculture Committee.  She represents Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Highlights of the FY 2016 NDAA include:

F/A-18F Super Hornet

• As older legacy Hornets (A-D models) reach the end of their service life, Super Hornets are being utilized in wartime operations at a higher rate than planned. This pressure on the inventory will create a shortfall.  Procuring 12 additional Super Hornets will reduce near-term strike fighter inventory shortfalls.
• The Navy is the only provider of tactical aircraft for airborne electronic attack (AEA).  Wiring the Super Hornets with the option to be converted to Growlers will allow the Navy flexibility to increase the Growler inventory as it continues to analyze joint AEA mission requirements.

Consolidated Stealth Operations and Nuclear Alert Facility at Whiteman AFB

• Current facilities are inadequate, spread across a large area of the flight line, and create inefficiencies and additional risks when air crew attempt to report to their aircraft.
• The proposed 79,000 square foot facility will consolidate all sortie‐essential entities into a single mission‐focused building.
• The new facility will co‐locate all of the mission elements required for the 509th Bomb Wing’s essential mission.

B-2 and Long Range Strike Bombers

• The B-2 stealth bomber is fully funded at requested levels, including important upgrades, such as the Defensive Management System.
• This bill contains robust funding for the new Long Range Strike Bomber program, a key element in the Department of Defense’s planned investment in long range strike.

Guantanamo Detainee Transfers

• In response to concerns over the lawfulness of previous transfers, the FY 2016 NDAA rescinds the President’s authority to unilaterally transfer detainees.
• Due to heavy redactions on documents my Oversight and Investigations subcommittee needs to fully investigate transfers like the “Taliban 5” transfer, the NDAA proposes to withhold 25 percent of the funding for the Office of the Secretary of Defense until the DoD provides the requested documents.