Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson applauded passage of H.R. 5293, the Fiscal Year (FY) 17 Defense Appropriations bill.  This legislation funds the Department of Defense, and fulfills the constitutional responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense.

“I am very pleased this bill recognizes the importance and invaluable contribution of the A-10 to the armed forces,” said Simpson. “The airmen from the Idaho Air National Guard are using the unique capabilities of the A-10 Thunderbolt II in close air support missions in the fight against ISIS in Syria.  It is essential we continue support our men and women in combat and this bill provides for the necessary tools to accomplish their mission at home and abroad.”

Crucially, the bill provides funding for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which currently operates at Gowen Field in Boise, and is essential to the mission there.  The House-passed FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contained language preventing the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The bill also provides for a 2.1% pay raise for over 1.3 million active-duty and 830,000 Guard and Reserve troops.

H.R. 5293 passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 282-138.