Press Releases

The United States House of Representatives passed legislation today to protect the A-10 Thunderbolt. The Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits the A-10 from being retired or placed in storage. Additionally, the legislation requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 171 A-10 aircrafts designated as primary mission aircraft inventory and prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from making any significant reductions to manning levels with respect to any A-10 aircraft squadron or division until reports are submitted to Congress on the comparison examining the capabilities of the A-10 and the F-35.

Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), who represents Moody Air Force Base in Congress, has been a leader in the fight to protect the A-10. During budget discussions, Carter testified on the importance of the A-10 Thunderbolt to our national security. 

"This is a big win in the fight to ensure our troops have the vital close air support they need for the dangerous challenges they face today," Carter said. "The NDAA passed today will ensure the A-10 can keep flying without facing any premature attempts at retirement without a viable alternative to take its place. The A-10 is battle tested in the fight against ISIS and critical to protecting our troops on the ground. The safety of our troops must be our top priority and I am pleased this legislation has made sure of this today."

The Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House today with Carter's support. The NDAA is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligations to "provide for the common defense." The legislation sets defense policy for the year and offers a $610.5 billion defense spending blueprint. The legislation increases troop pay and benefits, supports missions to defeat ISIS, and restores the readiness of our military.