Wagner Commends Congressional Funding for Super Hornets

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02) commended the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee for providing funding for 16 F/A-18E Super Hornets in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The $1.35 billion in funding provided for the Super Hornets will allow for continued production and maintenance of the aircraft through the end of 2018 and into 2019, supporting approximately 5,000 jobs in the St. Louis area and more than 15,000 jobs across the state of Missouri.

While the Pentagon originally requested funding for just two Super Hornets, the Committee provided funding for 14 additional aircraft following the Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) declaration that the Navy faces a shortage of operational aircraft. Wagner recently met with several workers from the St. Louis plant responsible for building these jets to discuss the direct and indirect impact the Super Hornets have on the local economy in St. Louis and across the state, and as a necessary component within the Navy's strategy to protect our nation from foreign threats.

"Yesterday, I met with some of the men and women who are building these vital jets in St. Louis to thank them for the work they are doing for our nation and our warfighters," said Congresswoman Wagner. "With 16 additional Super Hornets ordered, these critical jets will address the Navy's shortfall and better protect our families. Additionally, we are protecting 5,000 direct jobs in St. Louis and tens of thousands of indirect jobs across Missouri for years to come. I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and the members of his committee for providing the necessary funding to ensure the Navy has the Super Hornets it needs to protect our country from rising terrorist threats and these vital Missouri jobs."
Background on Rep. Wagner's support of Super Hornets

As a leading proponent of the Boeing Super Hornets, Wagner testified before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee last month to underscore the shortage of aircraft and need for increased funding.
Fiscal Year 2016

7 Growlers and 5 Super Hornets included in spending bill
Led Missouri and Illinois delegation letter to appropriations and armed services committee requesting more fighter jets
Testified before House Armed Services and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on importance of Growlers and Super Hornets in the fight against the Islamic State

Fiscal Year 2015

15 Growlers included in spending bill
Led Congressional letter to appropriations and armed services committee signed by over 100 Members of Congress
Testified before House Armed Services and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on importance of Growlers to the warfighter

Fiscal Year 2014

Worked with House Armed Services Committee and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to obtain advanced procurement funding for future additional Super Hornets
Fought to protect full funding allocations for Growlers amid sequestration cuts to defense spending

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