Amarillo Gazette

Yesterday, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) supported Texas’ defense priorities during the House Armed Services Committee’s (HASC) markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Jackson issued a statement in support of the legislation, which passed out of committee by a vote of 57-1. The NDAA is expected to be considered on the House Floor in the coming weeks.

Rep. Jackson stated: "I am proud to announce that the House Armed Services Committee markup conducted this week for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act was extremely beneficial for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District, including measures that seek to strengthen and modernize Pantex, support crucial work done at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, and facilitate vital improvements at Sheppard Air Force Base. This year’s NDAA also takes significant strides toward improving the quality of life for our servicemembers by drastically improving compensation and upgrading living quarters. This bill will bolster our defense capabilities, modernize the force, and ensure that we are prepared to deter and, if necessary, defeat China in an armed conflict. Thank you to Chairman Mike Rogers for his exemplary leadership in shepherding an extremely strong NDAA that once passed, will have a lasting impact for our warfighters, their families, and the overall strength of our military."

HASC Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said: "Rep. Jackson is a fierce advocate for the brave men and women who serve at Sheppard Air Force Base. I thank Rep. Jackson for his continued leadership on the House Armed Services Committee to strengthen our military, improve the quality of life for military families, support Army aviation, and bolster the modernization of our nuclear deterrent."

Topline Wins:

- Drastically improves the quality of life for servicemembers by boosting compensation, improving housing, expanding access to health and childcare, and providing support for military spouses.

- Fully supports modernization of our nuclear deterrent, greatly benefiting Pantex.

- Provides the military with resources necessary to confront China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

- Bolsters Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District’s role in national security.

Amarillo:

- Authorizes funding and provides support for Pantex Plant:

- $15 million for completing High Explosive Science & Engineering Facility.

- $20 million continuing development of High Explosive Synthesis facility.

- $36 million constructing new Analytic Gas Laboratory.

- Reviews material staging needs; directs plan construction new Material Staging Facility.

- Addresses maintenance delays at Pantex.

- Modernizes defensive infrastructure; implements counter-drone technologies.

- Updates protocols dealing with natural disasters like polar vortexes.

- Funds critical nuclear modernization priorities including Sentinel and B-21 Raider programs.

Provides strong support workforce at Bell Helicopter:

- Ensures U.S. Marine Corps H-1 Structural Improvement work happens in Amarillo.

- Fully funds U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program; continues development Bell V-280 Valor.

- Directs Navy/Air Force/Special Operations Command review opportunities utilize Bell V-280 Valor.

- Supports additional $125 million safety upgrades V-22 Osprey aircraft.

Includes funding/language unmanned aircraft development Amarillo.

Requires briefing DOD/USDA efforts counter threats nation’s food supply.

Kevin Carter (President/CEO Amarillo Economic Development Corporation): "Thank you to Congressman Jackson for his steadfast leadership delivering for people Amarillo once again in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act."

Lisa Atherton (President/CEO Bell Flight): "Bell truly appreciates Congressman Jackson’s unwavering support FY25 NDAA."

Wichita Falls/Sheppard Air Force Base:

Directs establishment Technical Training Center Excellence part Airman Development Command; Sheppard AFB well-positioned selected.

Mandates detailed update Congress construction child development center Sheppard AFB.

Authorizes funding continued development T-7A Red Hawk.

Reviews undergraduate pilot training initiatives modernizing Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

Highlights Basic Allowance Housing issues Sheppard AFB; requires update Secretary Defense BAH rates Wichita Falls area.

Explores opportunities utilize large-scale 3D printing structures Sheppard AFB provide modern facilities without delays formal military construction process.

Ensures U.S. Air Force continues utilizing predictive analytics as Air Education/T raining Command transitions Airman Development Command

Updates TRICARE policies provide better notification processes beneficiaries/sponsors

Empowers military spouses better access required TRICARE information children

Requires Department Defense update housing policies pregnant servicemembers

Allows servicemembers participate patriotic displays prior major sporting events like Super Bowl World Cup

Glenn Barham (President Sheppard Military Affairs Committee): "Once again Congressman Jackson's work on NDAA includes numerous provisions directly benefit Sheppard Air Force Base."

Modernizes Force Confronts Adversaries:

Reestablishes position Medical Officer Marine Corps

Brings Surgeon General Navy same rank Surgeons General Army/Air Force

Requires study how support industrial base workforce building maintaining naval vessels

Mandates study implementation naval blockade shipments fossil fuels China event armed conflict

Includes important provisions supporting development/acquisition new technologies addressing rapidly emerging threats

Supports efforts Department Defense collaborate universities like Texas A&M key research modernization efforts developing hypersonic weapons

Prohibits any funds provided Taliban under any circumstances Requires all military officers receive training U.S. Constitution Studies Navy’s new policy reduced educational requirements enlistment standards long-term impacts Correctly restores apolitical nature Office Attending Physician Congress Creates pathway service academy applicants denied admission apply six Senior Military Colleges including Texas A&M John Sharp (Chancellor Texas A&M University System): "We appreciate Congressman Jackson's efforts supporting national security education innovation." Support Israel: Establishes United States Israel Trauma Amputee Rehabilitation Education Training Program providing critical medical expertise/support both countries regarding general trauma care/amputee care States policy United States work Israel ensure Israel’s defense against Iran/military proxies like Hamas Hezbollah Palestinian Islamic Jihad Requires information maintained about Israel air/missile defense needs requirements American resupply Highlights concerns South Africa adversarial behavior towards Israel South Africa growing relationship Iran Russia China Confronts Iranian influence foreign governments requires information actions taken Iranian military proxies Middle East Advocating Special Operations Forces: Prohibits cuts special operations forces two years explains risk incurred if cuts take place Requires update force structure Air Force Special Operations Command fleet CV-22 Osprey aircraft Provides support special operations forces operating Middle East/Africa ensuring adequate resourcing logistical support Highlights critical missions conducted USSOCOM ensures issues regarding compensation addressed timely manner Reviews USSOCOM crisis response budget seeks address funding deficiencies creating cost-sharing between USSOCOM other combatant commands Seeks ensure USSOCOM budget not negatively impacted operations other combatant commands Authorizes critical military construction projects special operations forces