Casey Sends New Letter to Senate Appropriators Calling for the Delay on Transfer of Additional Apaches Until Well After the Release of the National Commission on the Future of the Army
Johnstown, PA- Following a tour, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Congressman Keith Rothfus (R-PA) discussed the importance of the Apache helicopters to Pennsylvania’s National Guard and the nation. Casey released a new letter to Senate Appropriators calling for a delay on the transfer of Apache aircraft from the National Guard until members of Congress have time to carefully consider the Commission on the Structure of the Army’s findings and legislate accordingly.
“Pennsylvania’s National Guard continues to play a vital role for our nation and it’s important that our guardsmen have the resources they need,” Senator Casey said. “As Congress considers recommendations from the Commission on the Structure of the Army I’ll fight to ensure that our National Guard has a seat at the table and continues to play a robust role in our nation’s defense.”
In the House of Representatives, Congressman Rothfus achieved passage of an amendment to delay any further asset transfers out of the National Guard. The amendment was included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, and would ensure the National Commission on the Future of the Army issues its recommendations to Congress before the Army is able to take any further harmful or irreversible action.
“Our focus is on advancing a strategy that represents the best way forward at both the federal and state level,” said Congressman Rothfus. “After a years-long effort in the House, we’ve made a number of strides forward and recently saw my amendment approved to delay further Apache transfers. Senator Casey’s engagement demonstrates that this issue crosses party lines and that we remain committed to keeping these critical assets in Johnstown and in the 1-104th.”
The full text of Casey’s letter is attached.
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