U.S. House defense appropriation preserves A-10

On a bi-partisan vote of 371-48, the U.S. House has approved the Fiscal Year 17 Defense Appropriations bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson said the measure fulfills the responsibility of Congress to provide for the common defense by funding the Department of Defense. It also provides funding for the A-10 Thunderbolt II, which currently operates at Gowen Field in Boise. The bill also including language preventing the retirement of the A-10. “This bill provides our troops with the tools necessary to keep us safe at home and abroad while providing service members and their families with the support they deserve,” said Simpson. “With an ever-changing enemy, we have to ensure our military is ready to protect us from those who want to do us harm.” Simpson said the bill also provides a 2.1 percent pay raise for over 1.3 million active-duty and 810,000 Guard and Reserve troops.