On the recordJuly 21, 2022
I am proud to share the direct investments in Pennsylvania's Fifth District for workers and businesses provided by this year's National Defense Authorization Act. We worked hard to secure its continued funding for the CH-47F Block II Chinook and V-22 Osprey programs, which provide good-paying local jobs to over 4,000 skilled men and women who build those aircraft in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. In addition to supporting thousands of good-paying local jobs, the programs benefit dozens of small businesses and suppliers across Pennsylvania. I am also pleased that this year's NDAA includes my bill to support Federal firefighters in PA-05 and across the country. Federal firefighters, like those at Philadelphia's Navy Yard, have some of the toughest jobs in our communities, but budget cuts have forced them to operate without full crews, making their jobs more dangerous. My bill requires the Department of Defense to adhere to national fire protection staffing standards at the Navy Yard and elsewhere. I am proud that this year's defense bill recognizes the invaluable contributions of PA-05 workers and businesses to our national security, and I will continue to advocate for PA-05 priorities as the legislation makes its way to the President's desk. ____________________
