Critz: Six-Month Continuing Resolution Restricts Air Force Restructuring Plans

Statement

Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) announced today that the House of Representatives has introduced a temporary funding measure -- known as a Continuing Resolution (CR) -- to prevent a government shutdown and fund federal programs until March 27, 2013. Included within this six-month Continuing Resolution are provisions restricting the Department of Defense from its ability to 1) retire, divest, realign, or transfer aircraft of the Air Force; or 2) disestablish or convert any unit associated with aircraft of the Air Force or any unit of the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve.

"Congress has made it clear that the Air Force's unilateral restructuring decisions didn't take into account the widespread impact on our overall military readiness and on our local communities," said Congressman Critz, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee who fought to have similar restrictions included in the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. "I'm pleased that this Continuing Resolution restricts the Defense Department from shuttering Pittsburgh's 911th Airlift Wing and the 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron in Johnstown, as well as preventing the retiring of any KC-135 aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing of the Pennsylvania National Guard. This six-month pause will allow the Department to more fully examine the Air Force's proposals, while the entire western Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation continues the fight to demonstrate our region's strategic importance and proud history of military service."

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Continuing Resolution tomorrow, with the Senate expected to act in the coming days.

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