Elise Stefanik: “While I will support this en bloc package, I stand in opposition to the provision to delay the transfer of Apaches from…”

“While I will support this en bloc package, I stand in opposition to the provision to delay the transfer of Apaches from the National Guard to the Active Army. In committee, Chairman Wilson of South Carolina and I worked very closely to authorize a congressional review, no less than 60 days, following the Commission's report release. The gentleman from Mississippi's (Mr. Palazzo) provision would scratch this and limit our review time. More importantly, this amendment would have devastating impacts on the Army's combat aviation brigades and on States like New York, Kansas, Hawaii, Arizona, and California. As the Representative of Fort Drum, home of the 10th Mountain Division, any delay would cause this high operational tempo unit to be left without an aviation brigade. Let me be clear. Any Apache delay will have grave consequences on Army's readiness, deployment schedule, and dwell time. And to clarify, in exchange for the Apaches, the National Guard is set to receive fully modernized Blackhawks. However, derailing, delaying, or limiting Apache transfers would halt Blackhawk modernization and would, consequently, inhibit lift and rescue operations, which are critical to a State's emergency response. Mr. Chairman, while I will not vote against this package, I will continue to fight for an on-time transfer of the Apaches from the National Guard to the Army.”