House Air Force Caucus Co-Chairs joint release on the confirmation of Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson

Press Release

Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Heather Wilson as Secretary of the Air Force. Secretary Wilson is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a U.S. Representative from New Mexico from 1998 to 2009.

The Co-Chairs of the House Air Force Caucus released the following statements.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA) said: "As the nation continues to ask more and more of our Air Force, I look forward to working with Secretary Wilson to provide the service with the resources and policies they need to remain safe and successful at home and abroad. Over the past several years, the Air Force has been a leader in developing policies aimed at recruiting and retaining our nation's best and brightest, such as implementing a 12-month maternity leave and championing efforts to increase opportunities for women and minorities. The Air Force also has a longstanding tradition of being on the cutting edge of technological innovation. I hope to see Secretary Wilson build upon the progress in these areas and encourage her to keep open lines of communication with our Caucus."

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) said: "I congratulate Heather Wilson on her confirmation as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force. We worked together on the House Armed Services Committee and I know her experiences having helped pave the way for women in service and her commitment to the Air Force will be assets moving forward. As a co-chair of the Congressional Air Force Caucus, I look forward to again working closely with her to advance the Air Force mission and support our Airmen, their families, and the Air Force community around the world."

Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) said: "As a 29-year Air Force veteran and former POW, I congratulate my friend and colleague, Heather Wilson today on her confirmation to serve as the next Secretary of the Air Force. I had the pleasure of serving alongside Secretary Wilson in the House and I know that she will do a tremendous job as our new Secretary. As a former Air Force officer herself, Secretary Wilson brings with her an important skill set as she sets about her work in support of our Airmen and the mission of the U.S. Air Force."

Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) said: "Congratulations to my friend, former colleague in the U.S. House of Representatives, and newly confirmed Secretary of the Air Force, Heather Wilson. Secretary Wilson's military and congressional experience will benefit our airmen, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and our nation as she leads the effort to ensure our air superiority. Her experience on the House Intelligence Committee will also be an asset to NASIC. I look forward to working with her in my capacity as Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Air Force Caucus co-chair and a member of the House Intelligence Committee."

About the House Air Force Caucus

The House Air Force Caucus seeks to educate other Members of Congress on the Air Force's role in national defense and raise pertinent issues related to Air Force manpower, capabilities, and missions. The Caucus hosts events throughout the year with Air Force leaders, and holds discussions with members and staff about current issues affecting the Air Force and ways to shape policies that enhance the Air Force's ability to carry out its role protecting American national security interests.