Blackburn Voices Fort Campbell's Priorities in Budget Process

Statement

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today testified before the House Budget Committee regarding Ft. Campbell's priorities in the FY2017 Department of Defense budget.

"Ft. Campbell has been one of the most deployed posts in the country and provides critical services and capabilities necessary for the national defense and security of our country.

"At a time when threats such as the Islamic State, China, and Russia are threatening American interests around the globe, we simply cannot afford further reductions to Army end strength. Our military needs continued certainty that can only be provided by a budget that allows the necessary resources for training, equipment and deployment. The brave men and women serving Ft. Campbell put their lives on the line to defend our freedom and we need to make sure they have the support they need to do their jobs and return home to their families.

"It is important to point out that the budget this committee crafts is critical to things like the Army Flying Hours Program. It only takes a few weeks for our nation's pilots and crewmembers to lose currency -- which puts their lives and our nation's security at risk. Considering the work being done by America's military aviators across the world, we need to make sure they have the training they need to be effective, efficient and safe.

"Further reducing our nation's Armed Forces and training programs will hamstring their readiness, put American lives at greater risk, and diminish our ability to meet the unforeseen threats posed by an increasingly destabilized world," Blackburn said.

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