Yuma Military Priorities Secured by Sinema in Annual Defense Bill

Press Release

Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema secured military priorities for Yuma's military community in the annual defense bill, which passed Congress with bipartisan support today.

"Arizona servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep us safe and secure, and it is our duty to ensure our troops have full access to critical resources. Today's passage of the annual defense bill strengthens support for servicemembers, increases resources to the Yuma community, and maintains Arizona's leadership in our national defense," said Sinema.

"The Yuma 50 is overwhelmed by the enormity of projects and efforts that are included in this defense bill. Funding for active duty and veterans as well as our Arizona facilities are all incorporated into this bill. Senator Sinema has truly listened to the needs and issues of our military, and this is a statement of her commitment to Arizona and those who serve. We are grateful to Senator Sinema for moving the needs of our military forward in a bipartisan manner in this year's National Defense Authorization Act," said Julie Engel, President, Yuma 50.

"I thank Senator Sinema for her efforts to provide for the current and future needs of the Yuma military installations as well as the needs of our men and women serving their country in Yuma. The appropriate facilities, equipment and services reinforce the world class military operations that occur at MCAS Yuma and at US Army Yuma Proving Ground," said Douglas J. Nicholls, Mayor, City of Yuma.

Sinema secured the following for Yuma's military community:

3 Percent Pay Raise for Arizona Servicemembers

Funding for Yuma Proving Ground's Free Fall School Ready Building

Sinema secured $14 million for military construction of a "Ready Building" the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground.
The Ready Building will consist of twelve 20-person sleeping bays, multi-purpose/dining area, day rooms, latrines, locker rooms and showers, laundry room, reception area, student luggage storage room, covered training area, and building support space. It will provide permanent facilities and infrastructure for living and sleeping areas for an average daily load of 202 students attending the Military Free Fall School at Yuma Proving Ground.
Funding for the Special Operations Forces Hangar at Yuma Proving Ground

Sinema secured $49.5 million for military construction of a Special Operations Forces Hangar at Yuma Proving Ground
Funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at MCAS Yuma

Sinema secured $1.1 billion for 10 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft used by servicemembers at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. MCAS Yuma is currently waiting for the arrival of a fifth squadron of F-35's.
Increased Coverage of Agent Orange Exposure for Vietnam Veterans

Sinema ensured Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyrodism were added to the diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.
VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act

Sinema secured inclusion of her VA Mission Telehealth Clarification Act. Sinema's bipartisan bill allows Department of Veterans Affairs health trainees to train on and utilize the VA telehealth system. During the coronavirus pandemic, many non-emergency medical services are now being conducted via telehealth. Increasing access to telehealth for Arizona veterans will reduce the spread of the coronavirus and help save lives.

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