Wagner Votes to Support National Security, Advance Missouri Priorities

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted in support of appropriations legislation to maintain the United States military as the best in the world: 

“Today’s Appropriations legislation strengthens our national defense at a time when our adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are seeking to grow their own power and destabilize the world.  These dictatorial nations put American lives at risk, both at home and abroad, and we must take immediate action to strengthen our defenses and confront them head on.  

“I worked with my colleagues to secure over $4.7 billion for St. Louis-area programs built right here by our fellow Missourians. This includes $3.1 billion for the cutting-edge F-47 aircraft, cementing St. Louis’s storied legacy in aviation innovation. This legislation also makes robust investments in established St. Louis-area programs, including $233 million for the procurement and development of F-15EX tactical fighter aircraft, which will support a total of 22 critically-needed new aircraft this year, $439 million for the MQ-25 Stingray aerial refueling drone, $400 million for F-18 Super Hornet sustainment and upgrades, $362 million for T-7A trainer aircraft, $187 million for Joint Direct Attack Munitions, and $90 million for the Small Diameter Bomb.

“My vote in support of these Missouri-made programs will reinforce American military strength and our region’s status as a central hub for the national defense industrial base. Resources are also increased to support our National Guard, secure the border, and protect our communities from terrorists and traffickers attempting to invade our nation. Across the United States, this bill will shore up missile defense programs, invest in advanced aircraft to maintain American air superiority, and ensure the brave men and women of our armed forces, as well as their families, get a much-needed raise for their many sacrifices.”

Additional Funding Secured through Rep. Wagner’s Efforts

• $145 million for peer-reviewed breast cancer research
• $20 million for peer-reviewed pancreatic cancer research
• $10 million for Military Burn Research

Additional provisions of note

• $49 billion for NIH research for cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases
• $1.9 billion for community health centers
• $418 million for rural health
• $22 billion for FAA, including $10 billion to allow FAA to hire 2,500 air traffic controllers