With the annual passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema are celebrating victories for Arizona and its military and defense priorities.
The senators worked to help secure a $25 billion increase in defense spending above the Biden Administration’s original budget request. They successfully protected the A-10 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and authorized key infrastructure upgrades at Davis-Monthan and Luke Air Force Bases, Fort Huachuca, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Yuma Proving Ground, the Barry M. Goldwater Range, and the Arizona National Guard. Additionally, the Brandon Act was added to the legislation, which will focus on mental health for service members and to reduce military suicides.
Kelly stated in a press release, “As a Navy combat veteran, I know how important it is to not only invest in strengthening our national security but to support the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our country. This defense bill will bring needed upgrades to Arizona’s military bases while raising servicemember pay and addressing head on the issue of military suicides with our bill the Brandon Act. Critically, this also boosts the research, development, and testing of advanced technologies needed to keep our competitive edge over adversaries like China.”
“Arizona servicemembers and our military community are critical to America’s national security, and I remain committed to ensuring they get the resources and support needed to keep Arizona and America safe and secure,” Sinema stated.
“As we face evolving global threats, this NDAA recognizes Southern Arizona’s unique capabilities for our nation’s defense,” said Robert Medler, Chair of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance. “I would like to thank Senator Kelly for his leadership as a member of the Armed Services Committee. As a Navy veteran he knows not only the mission needs throughout Southern Arizona, but the strategic investments of over $1.5 billion ensures that Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, MCAS Yuma, the Guard’s 162nd Wing, and Fort Huachuca remain the best locations to test, train, and operate for our military.”
Some of the funding included in the NDAA includes are listed below.
Luke Air Force Base
$4.4 billion for F-35 Aircraft
$28 million for new Aircraft Maintenance Unit facility to support the 6th Squadron of F-35 Aircraft
$21 million for a new facility to support the operations of the 6th Squadron of F-35 Aircraft
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Protects the A-10
Secures $270 million for state-of-the-art COMPASS CALL Aircraft
Provides $13.4 million in funding for South Wilmot Gate, creating a new entry point on the south side of Davis-Monthan
Fort Huachuca
Secures $50 million for Defense Community Infrastructure Program
Secures $150 million for Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration
MCAS Yuma
Requires assessment of flight safety risks posed by the location of the Yuma County Fairgrounds in the flight path of MCAS Yuma, and the feasibility of relocating the fairgrounds
Provides $29.3 million for Combat and Water Survival Training Tank training complex
