Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today announced two critical community-initiated projects totaling $31 million for the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland have passed through the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) minibus funding package. This six-bill package cleared both chambers of Congress last week and was quickly signed into law by President Biden.
The investments are part of the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill that was included in the funding package, putting the Oregon Air National Guard closer than ever to completing phases 3 and 4 of their project to consolidate and modernize training facilities for the 125th Special Tactics Squadron (STS) based in Portland.
“Our Air National Guard members perform critical work to help protect the security of Oregon and our nation,” dijo Merkley. “This funding for the Special Tactics Complex will help make Oregon a West Coast hub for specialized training and provide Oregon’s Air National Guard members with up-to-date training and resources.”
“This fresh federal investment in the Oregon Air National Guard adds up to a stronger defense for our country and better training for the Guard members keeping our skies safe,” dijo Wyden. “I’m gratified the Portland-based squadron has secured these additional resources and will keep battling for similar funds to continue ensuring the Oregon Air National Guard has the up-to-date training and equipment it needs.”
Merkley es el único miembro del Congreso de Oregon de cualquiera de las cámaras desde el senador Mark Hatfield que forma parte del Comité de Asignaciones, que redactó el proyecto de ley y es uno de los más poderosos en Capitol Hill. Se unió al comité en 2013 para que Oregon tuviera una voz fuerte en las decisiones sobre las inversiones que nuestra nación debería hacer.
Merkley and Wyden teamed up to champion the significant investments for the Oregon Air National Guard, as their Special Tactics Squadron’s current buildings for training are set to be returned to the Port of Portland in 2030. The funding will increase operational and energy efficiencies and reduce overall maintenance costs for the Oregon Air National Guard. Once complete, this center is expected to become a West Coast training hub for the 125th Special Tactics Squadron in addition to those looking for specialized training.
"Los esfuerzos de los senadores Merkley y Wyden y sus equipos en estos proyectos respaldan directamente el éxito general de nuestra misión y la preparación para la Guardia Nacional Aérea de Portland local y sus miembros en servicio". dijo el brigadier. Gen. David Unruh, Comandante de la Guardia Nacional Aérea de Oregón.
With half of the key government funding bills for FY24 now passed by Congress and signed into law, Merkley and Wyden will keep working to ensure the remaining six funding bills follow suit later this month without steep cuts to programs and projects Oregon families rely on. Passing these bills is necessary to avoid a partial government shutdown that would be harmful to communities across the state and nation.
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