DeLauro, Blumenthal Lead Bipartisan Letters Seeking Increased Black Hawk Funding Following Trump Proposed Cut

WASHINGTON, DC (June 13, 2017) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Co-Chair of the Army Aviation Caucus, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led letters to Senate and House of Representatives Defense Appropriations Subcommittee leaders seeking an additional $327 million above President Trump's budget request for 15 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for the National Guard. President Trump's proposed budget seeks 48 new helicopters, a reduction of 12 from what was planned for this year.

"Additional Black Hawks will address urgent Army readiness concerns, accelerate modernization of the National Guard fleet, and provide substantial savings by procuring at the most efficient rate," the Members wrote. "This versatile and vital aircraft is the core of Army Aviation and we must continue to support and modernize it."

The letter DeLauro led in the House of Representatives was signed by 20 other U.S. Representatives, including Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Elizabeth Esty (CT-05). The letter Blumenthal led in the Senate was signed by ten other U.S. Senators, including Chris Murphy (D-CT).

The full letters are available here and here.

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