Portman Says Defense Bill Includes Help for YARS

Thursday, December 04, 2014

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, says he welcomes the inclusion of language in the newly-drafted National Defense Authorization Act conference bill to provide for C-130 modernization, which would help ensure the viability of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

Portman co-sponsored an amendment to the defense spending bill with U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., that would allow the Air Force to use alternative programs and funding in addition to the Avionics Modernization Program to modernize the C-130 aircraft fleet. The language included in the conference bill requires the Air Force to move forward with the AMP program while permitting the service to make near-term airspace compliance improvements.

“I’m glad this provision was included in the conference bill,” Portman said in a prepared statement released Wednesday. “We must ensure we keep these planes compliant with upcoming airspace changes, but we can’t lose sight of the very real needs the aircraft have for more robust modernization. It’s important we keep the Air Force on track to ensure these planes in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are mission capable for decades into the future.”

In May, Portman pressed the Senate Armed Services Committee on the need for this C-130 modernization and securing important language in the defense bill to help the C-130 fleets located in Mansfield and Youngstown.

Last week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, visited the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna Township, where nine C-130 aircraft -- most of which in their second decade of service -- are stationed (READ STORY). The planes are used for airlifts and to spray insecticides and herbicides.

“It's in our domestic interest, our national interest and certainly Youngstown's interest that this base continues to prosper,” said Brown, who is co-chairman of the Senate Air Force Caucus. “We're concerned about the future of this plane because the Air Force seems to have moved away from doing what they need to do with these planes.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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