Washington, D.C. —  Following the United States House of Representatives passage of H.J. Res. 117, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for 2013, which included a six-month extension of funding for the 911th Airlift Wing, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) today released the following statement.

Like the House-passed Defense Authorization and Defense Appropriations bills, the six-month government funding measure contains legislative language prohibiting funds from being used to retire or transfer any Air Force aircraft, including the seven C-130s stationed at the 911th and four KC-135 refueling tankers at the adjacent 171st Air National Guard station.

“Today’s passage of the continuing resolution puts one of our nation’s most accomplished and cost-effective bases on the path to a more secure future,” said Congressman Murphy. “Following critical upgrades for a new joint forces training facility, the 911th is now positioned for integrative training that will allow our service members to thrive and will further strengthen the strategic importance of the base. Beyond the 911th, this legislation ensures the continued safety of our nation by funding our military commitments and providing critical benefits to our veterans and service members. I urge my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to follow the House’s lead by working together to adopt these policies.”

About H.J. Res. 117:

H.J. Res. 117 would provide a six-month extension of appropriated funding for discretionary government operations, through March 27, 2013. Under current law, appropriated funding for discretionary spending is set to expire after September 30, 2012, the end of the fiscal year. According to CBO, H.J. Res. 117 would provide $1.047 trillion in regular appropriated funding for government operations on an annualized basis. The funding in the CR is consistent with discretionary spending caps contained in the Budget Control Act (BCA, S. 365). The bill is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President.

To learn more about H.J. Res. 117, click here.