Press Releases
Ellmers Fights Senseless 440th AW Proposal with 4 Amendments to NDAA
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after submitting 4 amendments for consideration to House Rules Committee for H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016:
Fort Bragg’s Representative Submitted 4 Amendments to Prohibit Closure of the 440th Airlift Wing
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02) released the following statement after submitting 4 amendments for consideration to House Rules Committee for H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016: “At a time when there is turmoil abroad, the decision to disband an airlift wing that provides essential training for some of our nation’s most unique and foremost rapid deployment forces is not only unsound—it’s unsafe. Recognizing this misguided decision, I have submitted four amendments to be considered before the Rules Committee that will prevent deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing and provide the Army with the input they deserve.” “I firmly believe there needs to be accountability for this short-sighted decision, which is why I submitted an amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense to certify that this proposal will, in fact, have no negative impact on training forparatroopers at Fort Bragg.” “Additionally, I believe it was a mistake that the Army was not consulted by the Air Force in a thorough manner before this drastic and senseless decision was made. Because of this, I have also requested that a study be completed by the Army proving that deactivation will have no impact on the critical forces the 440th Airlift Wing provides.” “This partnership has provided unparalleled training for not only the XVIII Airborne Corps but more specifically, the 82nd Airborne Division’s Global Response Force – a brigade that is unrivaled in the U.S. Army and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice “It is my duty and responsibility to do everything within my power to prevent the Air Force from moving forward with this irresponsible decision. These four amendments signal that I do not –and will not—take this threat to Fort Bragg and our paratroopers lightly.” Click here to see the amendment prohibiting the use of funds for deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing. Click here to see the amendment requiring a study be completed by the Army to certify that deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing will not affect military readiness. Click here to see the amendment requiring the Secretary of Defense to certify that the decision to deactivate the 440th Airlift Wing will not impact military readiness. Click here to see the amendment requiring the Chief of Staff to certify that the decision to deactivate the 440th Airlift Wing not impact military readiness. # # # Congresswoman Renee Ellmers serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She represents the Second District of North Carolina, which includes all of Fort Bragg.
ellmers.house.gov | 202.225.4531 |