A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives defied a veto threat today to approve a measure that would keep the A-10 Thunderbolt flying. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes defense programs for Fiscal Year 2016, includes $466.7 million to fully support personnel and to preserve, modify and upgrade the A-10 fleet. The NDAA also prohibits the Air Force from placing A-10s in backup status or retirement.
Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), who represents Moody Air Force Base in Congress, has been a leader in the fight to block the Obama Administration’s effort to prematurely retire the A-10. Earlier this year, he sent a letter to every member of the House Armed Services Committee asking for support of the aircraft, detailing its unique capabilities, and urging the committee to prohibit the Air Force from taking further action to divest the aircraft. Carter also testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee highlighting the importance of the A-10 to our national security and requesting full funding for the fleet.
“The A-10 strikes fear in the hearts of our enemies while providing cover for our troops in the battlefield,” Carter said. “It is unparalleled in its ability to provide close air support and that has once again been reaffirmed in this vote. The NDAA represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on the best way to protect our national defense, meet the needs of our troops, and prepare for the threats of tomorrow. President Obama’s veto threat is disgraceful and dangerous and it is unbelievable that our president would attempt to derail this effort to support and protect our nation and those who put themselves in harm’s way defending us. The threats against America continue to increase around the world and now is not the time to play political games with our national security. I strongly urge the President to make the protection of our troops and our nation his top priority and abandon his misguided veto threat.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2016 is the primary way Congress meets its most important constitutional obligation to “provide for the common defense.” It advances the vital funding and authorities that America’s military requires. In an era of unprecedented threats, uncertainty, and technological change, the legislation ensures America’s Armed Forces are agile, efficient, ready, and lethal.
