Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force

(U.S. Senate) – Members of the Senate Air Force Caucus met with U.S. Air Force leaders at the caucus’ biannual breakfast in Washington to discuss upcoming priorities and challenges of the Air Force.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein, Vice Chief General Steven Wilson, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody were among the senior Air Force leaders at the breakfast. The session afforded Members the opportunity to talk about a wide range of topics, from modernization and manning issues to the future of cyber operations and budgetary challenges.

U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and John Hoeven (R-ND) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus.

“Our Air Force plays a unique and unparalleled role in ensuring our national security,” Senator Jon Tester said. “The Airmen at Malmstrom and around the world ensure our freedoms are protected and our families are safe. I am proud to co-chair the Air Force Caucus, which helps ensure these brave men and women have the resources and support they need to keep this country and its citizens safe.”

“National security must be a top priority. To ensure our Air Force personnel have the resources needed to accomplish their missions Congress and the Air Force must maintain an open dialogue. I’m proud to be a leader of the Senate Air Force Caucus and serve as a voice for the brave men and women who serve our country in uniform and protect us every day,” Senator John Boozman said.

The bipartisan group includes 49 members and oversees issues impacting the U.S. Air Force. The caucus sponsors specialized briefings, base visits and outreach opportunities with Air Force stakeholders throughout the year

“Our men and women in uniform work hard to protect our country and keep American families safe, and I’m proud to work with the Senate Air Force Caucus to support them,” Senator Heidi Heitkamp said. “In the U.S. Senate, I’ve pushed for tough, smart national security strategies to strengthen Air Force bases in North Dakota and beyond. Airmen and women make valuable contributions to our communities each day in addition to their lasting contributions to our national security.”

“Our Air Force has been engaged in combat operations for over 25 years, the average age of our aircraft is at an all-time high, readiness rates are at all-time lows, and costs to sustain legacy aircraft are increasing,” Senator Jim Inhofe said. “Our Air Force has suffered through eight years of budget, procurement, development and personnel cuts. It is time to grow, rebuild and modernize our Air Force and I look forward to working with my fellow Senators on this caucus and the United States Air Force to achieve these goals.”

“I thank Air Force leaders for taking time out of their day to discuss steps we can take to make sure our Air Force has every tool it needs to be successful,” said Senator Mike Rounds. “From critical missions being conducted at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to important aerospace research being done to assure U.S. air superiority, the Air Force plays an important role in our long-term defense strategy. As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee and the Senate Air Force Caucus, I remain committed to fully supporting our Air Force.”