King Votes to Halt Air National Guard Cuts in Iowa

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement today after voting for H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The NDAA sets national defense policy for the upcoming fiscal year and sets up funding authorization for defense and national security programs for FY13. Importantly, the bill included provisions preventing the Air Force from following through on its plans to remove the 132nd Fighter Wing's F-16s from Des Moines and a KC-135 tanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.

"I voted for the 2012 NDAA reauthorization to show my support for our military, and specifically the Iowa Air National Guard," said King. "President Obama's proposal to scale back the mission of the Iowa Air National Guard with the removal of the F-16s from Des Moines and a KC-135 from Sioux City made no sense from a financial or security stand point. I appreciate the efforts of Governor Branstad and Major General Orr of the Iowa National Guard who helped to galvanize support for Congressional action amongst other Governors and Adjutant Generals from across the county.

I was pleased to support the NDAA on the floor today to ensure that these aircraft stay in Iowa, that the ranks of Iowa's Air National Guard are not diminished, and that the National Guard continues to remain a vibrant component of our national defense."