Rep. Wagner Statement on Omnibus Bill

Congresswoman Ann Wagner released the following statement on the inclusion of 7 EA-18G Growlers and 5 F-18E/F Super Hornets in the Omnibus Spending bill:

"This is a big win for St. Louis, national security, and most importantly, our warfighters. By securing 7 EA-18G Growlers and 5 F-18E/F Super Hornets, we are helping to fill an acute Navy shortfall and a crucial national security need. These planes are a workhorse of naval combat operations and play a critical role in the fight against the Islamic State. By keeping this important production line operating, we are protecting thousands of St. Louis jobs and putting our local stamp on national defense."

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Background on Rep. Wagner support of Growler and Super Hornet:

Fiscal Year 2014

• Worked with House Armed Services Committee and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to obtain advanced procurement funding for future additional Super Hornets
• Fought to protect full funding allocations for Growlers amid sequestration cuts to defense spending

Fiscal Year 2015

• 15 Growlers included in spending bill
• Led Congressional letter to appropriations and armed services committee signed by over 100 Members of Congress
• Testified before House Armed Services and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on importance of Growlers to the warfighter

Fiscal Year 2016

• 7 Growlers and 5 Super Hornets included in spending bill
• Led Missouri and Illinois delegation letter to appropriations and armed services committee requesting more fighter jets
• Testified before House Armed Services and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on importance of Growlers and Super Hornets in the fight against the Islamic State