Reps. Kirkpatrick and Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Affirming A-10 Warthog Support

Statement

Today, Rep. Kirkpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution that recognizes the A-10 aircraft as a critical component of America's national security and the most effective and cost-efficient Close Air Support attack aircraft in the Department of Defense (DoD) inventory. Cosponsored by Rep. Gallego (AZ-07), Rep. Simpson (ID-02), Rep. Fulcher (ID-01), Rep. Ruppersberger (MD-02), Rep. Mitchell (MI-10), and Rep. Hartzler (MO-4) the A-10 Aircraft resolution seeks Congress's continued support for the A-10 program in future fiscal years.

"The A-10 Warthog has been a vital fixture to Southern Arizona and the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for over 40 years and is instrumental to our military operations around the globe," said Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), whose district is home to the A-10 fleet. "The Warthog is a primary mission at Davis Monthan Airforce Base, employing hundreds of airmen, and it contributes millions of dollars to our local economy. Preserving this aircraft has been one of my top priorities. I am proud to work with this diverse group of members who represent districts with A-10 fleets to ensure the program is fully funded and receives the support it needs to complete the necessary missions."

"The A-10 Warthog is the infantryman's best friend in a firefight," said Rep. Gallego. "It's tireless work over decades to provide close air support to our troops in combat is unparalleled. That is why it is critical that it remains in our arsenal, why I have led the charge to keep it flying for many more years, and why I am proud to join Ms. Kirkpatrick and other Members of Congress in consponsoring this legislation."

"No current aircraft in our current arsenal can do the same job as the A-10, providing our troops on the ground with the security of knowing they have help and safety from the skies. Congress understands the importance of the A-10's critical mission and has supported funding for critical modifications to ensure the A-10 fleet remains operational. Our ground troops want to see the A-10 coming over the horizon," said Rep. Hartzler."As the Ranking Member on the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, I will continue to support that mission."

"Michigan's 10th District is proud to host the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and contribute to the invaluable and unmatched close air support capability A-10s provide to our troops," said Rep. Mitchell (MI-10). "This plane has served our Armed Forces for decades -- and I expect that it will continue to do so well into the future."

Earlier this month, the Air Force revealed plans to retire 44 of the oldest A10's. The reduction plan follows the President's FY2021 defense budget, the Pentagon said that it planned to retire "the oldest and least ready aircraft en route to a completely modernized and combat-capable fleet of 218 A-10s -- in seven squadrons -- that will continue to fly through the 2030s."