WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (D-MN) and Representative Angie Craig (D-MN), announced that a provision to maintain a fleet of 271 C-130 aircraft across the Air Force fleet passed the Senate and House as part of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
“C-130 aircraft are the backbone of Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing and support the Air Force’s readiness to carry out essential missions,” said Klobuchar. “We need to maintain the full fleet for our servicemembers who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to our nation’s values every single day. That’s why it’s so important that the bipartisan defense bill included our provision to ensure there are at least 271 C-130 aircraft in the Air Force fleet.”
“Our C-130s are vital to Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing and the Air Force’s capability to carry out their missions,” said Smith. “I am glad to see them included in our defense policy bill. Ensuring the Department of Defense maintains enough of these aircraft means stability for the men and women of Minnesota’s National Guard as they carry out their duties at home and overseas.”
“With the passage of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, we support the mission of the 133rd Airlift Wing and Minnesota National Guard. We have worked with our congressional delegation and the Minnesota National Guard for years to secure the future of the C-130 and are thrilled to have played a role in this team effort. The Minnesota National Guard’s future is bright,” said Emmer.
“I’m committed to doing everything I can in Congress to give American troops the equipment and resources they need to keep our country safe – and that’s why I was proud to help secure a win for the 133rd Airlift Wing in the NDAA today. This could not happen without bipartisan work from the entire Minnesota delegation, and I’ll keep pushing to secure results like this that protect our national security,” said Craig.
The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes significant funding to support our armed forces, including resources for military acquisitions, military construction projects, security assistance, and implementation of the National Defense Strategy.
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