Chamber Congratulates Congresswoman Martha McSally for Work on 2017 National Defense Authorization Act

Representatives of the Tucson Metro Chamber and 12 local business leaders were in Washington, DC for four days last week working with federal elected officials and officials at the Pentagon on a variety of issues.

On Thursday, April 28, the House Armed Services Committee passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, funding military expenditures into the next year.  Arizona Congresswoman Martha McSally led an effort that is important to Southern Arizona and phoned our delegation as we were preparing to leave with some very good news:

• A-10 retirement from Davis Monthan AFB is delayed until at least 2019 or whenever the comparison testing with the new F-35 is finished.
• The current fleet of A-10s will receive $218 million needed for upgrades.
• No EC-130H aircraft can be retired this year.
• The HH-60 rescue helicopter at DM will receive upgrades.
• Provisions to retain and help expand missions at Ft. Huachuca were included.
• Language to address pharmacy wait times at military medical treatment facilities was included.
• 196 new Tomahawk missiles will be produced by Raytheon Missile Systems.
• The process of streamlining the hiring of veterans as Customs and Border Protection Officers and Agents was included.

Since being elected to office Congresswoman McSally has not only demonstrated her commitment to Southern Arizona but has been one of the most accessible and available representatives in Washington.

The Tucson Metro Chamber congratulates Congresswoman McSally on her most recent efforts and her dedication to America’s men and women in uniform.