Scanlon Leads Bipartisan Letter in Support of Chinook Program
Washington, DC,
September 27, 2019
Today, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon led a bipartisan letter addressed to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee Leadership requesting they honor the House position on funding for the Advanced Chinook program for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The CH-47F Block II program funds the production of this advanced capability aircraft, built in Ridley Park, which can lift more weight, fly at higher altitudes, and fly in hotter temperatures. This letter was signed by Representatives Matt Gaetz, Katie Hill, J. Luis Correa, Nanette Diaz Barragán, Brendan F. Boyle, and Ruben Gallego. “We have critical production facilities or key suppliers in our districts that are at risk of closure should the program lapse, and so are particularly concerned with the Army’s sudden change in its priorities,” the signers wrote. “Our Army deserves our support to provide the best heavy lift aircraft available, and the CH-47F Block II program is delivering on that front." Negotiations are still ongoing for the finalization of the FY20 NDAA. As of September, three of the four defense committees of jurisdiction have expressed strong support for the CH-47F Block II program in their FY20 marks. The final FY20 NDAA Conference Report is expected to be released and voted on later this Fall. A full copy of the letter can be found here. ### |
