Defense Appropriations Bill Mirrors Loebsack Amendment to Block National Guard Cuts
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the FY 2013 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which blocks cuts to the 132nd Fighter Wing and Air National Guard units across the country for one year and requires a Government Accountability Office cost-benefit analysis of the Air Force's proposal. This action builds on Loebsack's bipartisan amendment in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prevent cuts to the National Guard personnel and aircraft in Iowa and across the nation. His amendment was approved by the full House of Representatives as part of the NDAA in May.
"The passage of this legislation is another step in the right direction for the Airmen with the 132nd who are some of the most experienced, most cost effective, and best performing in the country. I have fought the Air Force's ill advised proposal from the beginning and I will continue to work to make sure the dedicated men and women of the 132nd do not see their positions eliminated."
Background:
February 9- Loebsack Statement on Iowa Delegation Meeting with Air Force Secretary
February 28- Loebsack Questions Air Force Leadership on Proposal to Retire Iowa Air National Guard F16s
March 6- Loebsack Statement Regarding 132nd Fighter Wing Staffing Announcement by the Air Force
May 9- Loebsack to Offer Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing
May 10- Loebsack Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing Passes Committee on Bipartisan Vote
May 18- Loebsack Amendment to Save 132nd Fighter Wing Passes House
July 12- Loebsack, Branstad Discuss Importance of Iowa's Air Guard During House Hearing
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