The first and most important responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. This year’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill delivers on that duty by strengthening America’s military readiness and advancing President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda.
I’m especially proud this legislation delivers the largest investment in the history of Dyess Air Force Base — providing more than $164 million for critical B-21 Raider infrastructure and security upgrades, nearly double the previous record appropriated investment we secured just last year.
When I met with Airmen and base leadership at Dyess Air Force Base, we discussed the urgent need for these exact infrastructure improvements to support the B-21 bed-down mission, strengthen operational readiness and ensure Dyess remains at the forefront of America’s long-range strike capability.
From securing Dyess as the future home of the B-21 Raider and protecting the B-1 mission through 2030 to delivering year after year of historic investments in infrastructure and modernization, strengthening and safeguarding Dyess’ mission for generations to come has remained one of my top priorities. These investments will help ensure the Big Country remains the tip of the spear of America’s air arsenal and a cornerstone of our national defense.
This bill also fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, invests in mental health and suicide prevention programs, and strengthens the military infrastructure needed to deter our adversaries and defend the homeland.
I will never stop fighting to ensure our warfighters have what they need to succeed on the battlefield, our veterans receive the support and resources they deserve, and the Big Country remains at the forefront of America’s national defense mission.
U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington is a Republican serving the 19th Congressional District of Texas and chairman of the House Budget Committee. His district covers Lubbock and Abilene as well as much of the South Plains, Big Country and surrounding region.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Dyess Air Force Base secures historic funding boost | Opinion
Reporting by Jodey Arrington, U.S. representative, Texas 19th Congressional District / Abilene Reporter-News
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