Reps. Ruben Gallego and Ann Kirkpatrick Applaud Full Funding for the A-10 Warthog in the FY2020 Defense Authorization Bill
WASHINGTON, DC – Early this morning, the House Armed Services Committee passed the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which will fully fund the A-10 Warthog program. If signed into law, this authorization will ensure that the A-10 – which for decades has provided exceptional close-air support to troops on the ground – will continue its mission.
In 2017, the Air Force told Congress that nearly half of the A-10 fleet was at risk of being permanently grounded unless funding was provided to restart production and re-wing those aircraft. This bill ensures that the A-10 will continue to fly into the future with full support from Congress and the Air Force.
"The A-10 Warthog has immeasurable value to our U.S. troops on the ground and plays a critical role in our military strategy in the Middle East and around the world," said Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. "I'm glad that we were able to keep this fleet fully operational, and I will continue to fight to preserve this aircraft to ensure that the warfighter on the ground gets their air support."
"The A-10 Warthog has been a vital fixture to Southern Arizona for over 40 years and is instrumental to our military operations around the globe," said Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), whose district is home to the A-10 fleet. "The Warthog is a primary mission at Davis Monthan Airforce Base, employing hundreds of airmen and it contributes millions of dollars to our local economy. Preserving this aircraft has been one of my top priorities in the Appropriations Committee, and I am proud to work alongside Rep. Gallego to ensure that this fleet is fully funded and receives the support it needs to complete the necessary missions."
Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran and serves on the House Armed Services Committee.