Super Hornet Resources Included in Senate Defense Bill Shaped by McCaskill
Committee-approved defense bill includes resources for F/A-18 Super Hornets requested by U.S. Navy
WASHINGTON – Sweeping legislation approved today by a key Senate panel—and shaped by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill—includes provisions that would help maintain St. Louis’ leadership in strengthening America’s national security.
The annual National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the nation’s defense funding and priorities, was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
The bill includes resources for 12 new F/A-18 Super Hornets for the U.S. Navy, matching the Navy’s request contained in its “unfunded requirements list.” The Navy continues to rely on the F/A-18 Super Hornet due in part to massive delays and cost overruns in the F-35 program, and McCaskill has consistently highlighted the Hornet’s tested capabilities and cost-effectiveness for taxpayers.
“While we watch other military aircraft suffer setbacks, the Super Hornet has been tested in combat, and it remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective aircraft in the world,” said McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee.
The annual defense bill also included several other of McCaskill’s priorities, such as:
- A provision authorizing TRICARE beneficiaries to seek care from non-military contracted health care providers if they cannot get an appointment within wait time goals. This provision also requires public reporting of wait times at military treatment facilities, a metric not currently available.
- A repeal of authority for the Army’s Recruitment Assistance Program—while funding for the referral bonus program was eliminated due to McCaskill’s efforts, this provision takes the program officially off the books and prevents it from becoming active again.
- A prohibition of funding for sports sponsorships and advertising until the Pentagon reviews these activities and determines their return on investment—coming in the wake of the scandal McCaskill uncovered showing the Army National Guard’s sports sponsorships yielded zero recruits.
- Language codifying the requirement for adoption of military working dogs by former handlers. Existing language is not directive, and in some cases resulted in dogs being given away to people with no connection to the military.
- Several provisions to bolster already-historic protections for survivors of sexual violence in the military
Visit mccaskill.senate.gov/defense to learn more about McCaskill’s work to strengthen American national security.
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