WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Barrasso’s (R-WY) bipartisan amendment to ensure the Air Force maintains at least 271 C-130 aircrafts across all components of the Air Force will be included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These planes are used to carry out critical missions at home and overseas, and are essential to Minnesota National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing. This amendment would ensure the National Guard maintains its full fleet of C-130 aircrafts.
The NDAA authorizes spending for the U.S. military and other critical defense priorities. The Senate began voting on the NDAA this week.
“C-130 aircrafts are the backbone of Minnesota’s 133rd Airlift Wing and support the Air Force’s readiness to carry out essential missions,” said Klobuchar. “We need to maintain these fleets for our service members who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to our nation’s values every single day. That’s why it’s so important that our bipartisan amendment to protect these aircrafts will be included in the NDAA.”
“Our Air National Guard C-130 flying wings provide nearly half of the Air Force’s tactical airlift capability,” said Barrasso. “For more than 50 years, C-130’s have brought Americans into combat, provided humanitarian relief around the globe, and helped fight forest fires across the country. Our bipartisan amendment will make sure the Air Force maintains access to these critically important and versatile aircraft.”
Klobuchar has long worked to support the National Guard and its air capabilities.
In last year’s NDAA, Klobuchar secured language that required the Air Force and Reserves to operate at least 271 C-130 aircrafts, ensuring the Minnesota National Guard did not lose any C-130 aircrafts.
Klobuchar met with the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Airlift Wing in June 2022 and the 133rd Airlift Wing in May 2022 to highlight her support for maintaining its fleet of C-130s and discuss her successful efforts to secure propeller upgrades for eight aircrafts.
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