Bridenstine Challenges DoD Meeting with Mikey Weinstein
Press Release
Congressman Jim Bridenstine applauded the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee for including language supportive of the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). The AMP is based out of Oklahoma City. The Seapower Subcommittee passed their markup for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week.
The President's FY14 budget request inexplicably cancelled the AMP program after years of investment and successful development, testing, initial production, and integration. Mr. Bridenstine said, "Inclusion of the AMP in the budget became my top priority for the NDAA markup process. This is a big win for Oklahoma and an efficiency for the Air Force."
If enacted by the NDAA, the language in the Seapower Mark would do three things:
· Stop the Air Force from cancelling or modifying AMP
· Recommend additional funding above the President's request specifically to complete AMP upgrade installations
· Direct the Air Force to obligate and expend money that Congress has previously appropriated for AMP
Prior to the Seapower mark, Congressman Bridenstine sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley demanding answers on why the Air Force chose to ignore clear Congressional direction and cancel AMP. Congress required the Air Force to study the alternatives for C-130H upgrades in the FY13 NDAA and report out before making a decision. The Air Force ignored Congress in the FY14 request because the analysis is still pending. AMP has already delivered 5 upgrades aircraft to Little Rock AFB in Arkansas. Four additional AMP "kits" were produced and waiting to be installed at Warner Robins AFB in Georgia.
Congressman Bridenstine said the following: "The C-130H is the workhorse of Air National Guard airlift units that ferry troops and equipment around the globe. AMP is a cockpit upgrade that will replace 1960's technology and keep the C-130H fleet vibrant into the future. As a Navy pilot, I recognize the importance of upgrading and standardizing cockpit electronics. Ultimately, this is about the safety of our pilots. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to supporting AMP throughout the NDAA markup and final passage process."
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