WARNER ROBINS, GA – Today, Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), and U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) visited Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins to meet with base leadership and examine key missions critical to our nation’s national defense. After the visit, Rep. Scott released the below statement:

“From its critical systems to its renowned depot facility, Robins plays a key role in our nation’s national security and defense. I appreciate base leadership, including Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, for meeting with Sen. Loeffler and me today to provide an update on base missions and needed resources to perform their duties and keep our Air Force the best in the world,” said Rep. Austin Scott. “As Congress continues to work through the defense budget for Fiscal Year 2021, Georgians can rest assured that I remain committed to supporting our bases, bolstering our national defense, and supporting our brave men and women in uniform.”

Last week, HASC passed out of committee the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets funding levels and authorizes programs for the Department of Defense (DOD). Highlights of the legislation include providing a 3% pay raise for our troops, investing in emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, and enhancing U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening partnerships, missions, and training in the region. The legislation also addresses the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure DOD has the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipment necessary to protect our Armed Forces.

For Robins specifically, the legislation passed out of Committee included a provision submitted by Rep. Scott to prohibit the retirement of 16 critically important JSTARS aircraft at Robins. The E–8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) is a joint Air Force and Army program that provides critical airborne surveillance, intelligence, and command and control to our military through on-board radar and computer subsystems equipment that gathers and distributes detailed battlefield information. Combatant commanders utilize the JSTARS fleet around the world. Rep. Scott was also able to secure an increase of $27 million above the President’s budget request for much-needed modernization upgrades to the JSTARS aircraft to ensure the system can continue to support combatant commanders’ needs. Click here to read more.

Following passage of the legislation out of committee, Rep. Scott joined “Fox and Friends First” to discuss the bill. You can click here to watch his interview on “Fox and Friends First”.

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