Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) today announced the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives with a project request they made jointly for $10,200,000 for the 183d Wing of the Illinois National Guard based in Springfield.
On September 3rd, Reps. LaHood and Davis announced the project had passed 57-2 out of the House Armed Service Committee. Details from the previous announcement can be found here. The NDAA bill will now likely go to conference after consideration in the Senate to reach a final agreement.
The funding would be used to construct a base civil engineer complex. More detailed information on the project can be found here. The project was requested by Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Major General Richard Neely and has the approval of the Department of Defense. It also had the support of Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport Executive Director Mark Hanna.
“The men and women in the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Wing deserve up to date resources to continue providing exceptional emergency response and support services,” said Rep. LaHood. “I was proud to vote in support of the FY22 NDAA and work with Congressman Davis, and my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, to ensure funding was included in the NDAA to help build and upgrade the Base Civil Engineer Complex for the 183rd. This funding will enhance training efforts, and modernize the facilities for better operations and maintenance productivity of our military. In Congress, I’ll continue to work with Rodney to ensure the men and women in the 183rd have the resources they need.”
“This project is a top priority of our military leaders at the Illinois National Guard and I am proud to support their mission,” said Rep. Davis. “Congressman LaHood and I’s NDAA project request would fund a new Base Civil Engineer Complex for the 183d Wing of the Illinois National Guard. Our troops here in Central Illinois deserve to have a proper facility to meet their maintenance and preparedness needs. This project would support their important mission. I’m hopeful that this project will eventually be included in legislation that is signed into law and will continue to advocate on its behalf.”
“The federal funding requested for this project will provide the much needed resources for the Illinois Air National Guard 183d Wing to operate efficiently while enhancing emergency response capabilities,” said Langfelder. “Our community supports this project, and we appreciate all your [the Congressmen’s] efforts in championing this important initiative.”
“Completion of this project ensures the continued growth and sustainment of the 183d Wing and supports our own efforts to provide the best aviation facilities to the City of Springfield and its residents and visitors,” said Hanna. “We look forward to working with the ILANG to gain authorization and funding to construct this project.”
Background on the NDAA:
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the annual budget for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the military. During his time in Congress, Rep. LaHood has been a consistent supporter of the NDAA and advocated for the inclusion of funding for the Illinois National Guard, the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and the 183rd Wing in Springfield. In addition, to funding this important project for the 183rd, this year's NDAAs:
- Authorizes a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers and extends military recruitment and retention bonuses and special pay authorities
- Focuses investment in new and emerging weapon systems capable of penetrating denied operating environments such as China
- Authorizes $250 million to conduct counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and prohibits DoD from providing any financial support to the Taliban
- Requires the DoD to immediately submit a plan to Congress on how it will support the evacuation of American citizens from Afghanistan, maintain air superiority, conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and carry out counter-terrorism operations
- Prohibits the transfer of terrorists housed at Guantanamo Bay to any country that is a state sponsor of terrorism
- Prohibits the use of DoD funds to conduct research, including biomedical, infectious disease, and genomic research in China
- Requires DoD and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to assess the involvement of the Chinese Communist Party in the origins of COVID-19
- Requires biennial reporting on Russian influence operations and campaigns targeting U.S. military alliances and partnerships and continues prohibitions on military cooperation with Russia and any activities that recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea
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