Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., asked lawmakers on Tuesday to consider the Navy’s request for 14 additional F/A-18 Super Hornets in fiscal 2017, citing the capabilities they provide.
“As an Army mom who has a son who’s fighting as a captain and has served in the Middle East, I can’t tell you what these kinds of aircraft can do in terms of the capabilities on the front end as soldiers move forward,” she said.
In addition to providing capabilities for troops, the Missouri congresswoman said buying more of the Boeing aircraft also keeps production lines open and more people employed in St. Louis.
The Navy’s unfunded priorities list asked for 14 more aircraft in fiscal 2017 to address a fighter jet shortfall as operations against the Islamic State have ramped up.
Wagner urged the House Appropriations defense subcommittee to fulfill the request at a member’s day hearing where lawmakers not on the committee can present their priorities. She said the Super Hornets have been the “backbone” of the current fighting in the Middle East.
“Any shortfall is dangerous to the Navy’s ability to project force around the world. This unfunded requirement request helps mitigate shortfall,” Wagner said.
“The Super Hornet is providing that critical capability today at the most affordable cost, so I ask that you urgently consider the Navy’s unfunded request,” she continued.
Wagner also inserted a letter into the record supporting the request for 14 more planes that had been signed by bipartisan members from Illinois and Missouri.
