Washington | May 27, 2010 - Today, during the U.S. House of Representatives consideration of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2011, Delaware Congressman Mike Castle addressed the House in opposition of the proposal to transfer C-130 aircraft from Air National Guard units across the country, including one from Delaware, to an active duty facility in Arkansas.  The Department of Defense proposed this transfer in the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request.  H.R. 5136 includes language that delays this transfer from taking place until a study on the impact of such a transfer is conducted.

Rep. Castle made the following statement:

"I rise today to express concern with Section 346 of the bill before us today, H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.  While H.R. 5136 authorizes important funding for our brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces, I am concerned with the proposed impact of shifting C-130 aircraft away from Air Reserve Components across the country, as proposed in the President's Budget for FY11.

"The bill before us today prevents the move of any C-130s until Congress receives written agreement between the Director of the Air National Guard, the Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force regarding the amount of aircraft to be transferred on a temporary basis, and a schedule of when the aircraft will be returned to the Air National Guard.

"While I think this provision is an important step, I believe we should consider implementing a time limitation on duration of the loans as Congress moves forward with this process.  Such a limitation would ensure that the Air Reserve Components are not without their full air capabilities for more than 18 months, for example.  

"As a former Governor, I understand the important role the Air National Guard provides in meeting our homeland security needs.  I know that any aircraft reductions may significantly impact each State's ability to quickly respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.  However, if this body does choose to move forward with a C-130 loan agreement, we should at least set up a regime to ensure this is truly a temporary transfer."