U.S. Rep. August Pfluger is continuing his push for greater investment in American airpower as Congress begins work on this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, according to a June 1 news release published by Pfluger’s congressional office.
Pfluger, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, retired Air Force colonel and former fighter pilot, recently helped convene a bipartisan roundtable focused on Air Force readiness, aircraft modernization and maintaining U.S. air superiority. The discussion included retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula and members of the For Country Caucus, according to the June 1 news release.
The congressman has also endorsed a package of airpower legislation sponsored in the U.S. Senate and is advocating for its inclusion in the final defense authorization bill, according to the congressional announcement.
The issue carries particular significance in West Texas, where military installations play a role in training the next generation of Air Force personnel. Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio serves as one of the Air Force’s primary pilot-training installations, while Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo trains intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and firefighting personnel, according to information published by the U.S. Air Force.
West Texas has longstanding ties to military service, with students from communities throughout the region pursuing careers through Air Force ROTC programs, military academies and enlisted service pathways, according to information published by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Pfluger, who represents Texas’ 11th Congressional District, which includes Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and much of West Texas, said strengthening the Air Force and maintaining long-term readiness remain priorities as Congress considers this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, according to the June 1 news release published by his congressional office.
Pfluger’s advocacy builds on previous efforts to increase attention on Air Force readiness and modernization. Earlier this year, he testified before the House Armed Services Committee and called for additional investment in the Air Force as lawmakers began drafting the annual defense legislation, according to information published by his congressional office.
The congressman is also scheduled to discuss airpower policy and military readiness during an upcoming Aerospace Nation Podcast hosted by the Mitchell Institute alongside retired Lt. Gen. Deptula, according to the June 1 news release published by Pfluger’s congressional office.
The National Defense Authorization Act establishes annual defense spending priorities and policies for the U.S. military and is expected to be considered by Congress later this year.