Hudson, Ellmers Amendment to Prohibit Inactivation of 440th AW Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) issued the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016 (H.R. 1735), including an amendment he cosponsored with Rep. Renee Ellmers (NC-02) to protect the 440^th Airlift Wing at Fort Bragg from inactivation:

“As turmoil explodes across the globe and barbaric terrorist like ISIS and murderous regimes like Iran seek to destroy our country, America must maintain a strong system for defense. Today’s legislation is a step in the right direction to address the growing threats we face and our shrinking position on the global stage.

“Additionally, it continues the fight to keep the 440^th operating and forces the Secretary of Defense to prove that the closure will not hinder our readiness – an impossible feat. This air wing puts the ‘air’ in the Airborne and is vital to ensure our rapid reaction forces are prepared for deployment at a moment's notice. I applaud Congresswoman Ellmers’s leadership and will continue to be steadfast in my efforts to keep the doors at the 440^th open and prevent devastating cuts to our forces at Fort Bragg."

Click hereto read the amendment that prohibits funds from being used to deactivate the 440^th Airlift Wing until the Secretary of Defense certifies that this movement will have no impact on Airborne and Special Operations units readiness.

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