Tester Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force

Senator serves as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense

U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today introduced a resolution commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the United States Air Force as an independent military branch. Tester, who is also co-Chairman of the Senate Air Force Caucus, was joined by his colleagues, Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.)

“The Airmen at Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana National Guard go above and beyond every day to keep this country safe,” said Chairman Tester. “This resolution pays tribute to the selfless service of the members of our Air Force over the last 75 years, and looks ahead to the critical national security role they will continue to play in maintaining America’s place as the world’s leading military power. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I’ll keep working to give our Airmen the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and safely in the face of evolving threats from adversaries like China and Russia.”

The Air Force was established on September 18, 1947 as part of the National Security Act of 1947.

Tester took the gavel of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in early 2021. Last year, Tester secured critical funding and priorities in the fiscal year 2022 Department of Defense Appropriations legislation to ensure America’s national security, provide essential resources to our troops, and invest in the readiness and capabilities of critical military installations like Malmstrom Air Force Base. The legislation also included $159.3 million for Montana defense priorities. In response to Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, Tester also secured billions in military and humanitarian resources for American allies in Europe.

The Subcommittee on Defense is responsible for providing nearly $800 billion annually to the Department of Defense and related agencies. This is more than 95 percent of the military’s yearly budget, and includes matters ranging from pay and benefits for millions of service members and civilians to the development of advanced technologies and next-generation weapons. The Subcommittee also oversees funding for nearly all major U.S. intelligence agencies.