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McCarthy secures new funding for China Lake Weapons Station

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House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) has announced that the Conference Report accompanying the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $1.152 billion for planning and projects to rebuild Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake following major earthquakes in July that damaged the base.

This matches the full authorization amount requested by the Navy for Fiscal Year 2020 earthquake recovery-related construction projects at NAWS China Lake. This bill also authorizes an additional $64.5 million for runway and taxi extensions at the base. Here is McCarthy’s statement:

“I am proud to announce that we have successfully secured the Navy’s full request for earthquake recovery efforts needed at China Lake this year,” McCarthy said. “China Lake is the top military installation that provides unique vital capabilities to our national defense, including weapons development and research. Unfortunately, earlier this year China Lake was hit hard by earthquakes that took a substantial toll on the base. After visiting the base the day after the first major earthquake and learning about the full scope of damage, it became my mission to ensure this year’s NDAA would authorize the necessary funds to make repairs to China Lake so the base is rebuilt even stronger.

“Additionally, the runway and taxi extensions project at NAWS China Lake will allow our dedicated men and women to meet high-performance operations and more effectively test and develop the weapons and systems necessary to keep our country safe for years to come. I look forward to continuing to work with Defense Secretary Esper, China Lake leadership, Senator Feinstein, Ridgecrest Mayor Breeden, and community stakeholders to ensure our community and the base remain strong and vibrant.

“China Lake plays an essential role in defending our national security, and I am pleased that this bill works to guarantee the base has the resources it needs to remain on the cutting edge of weapons technology development. The House is expected to vote on this bill tomorrow, and I look forward to supporting it so that President Trump can sign it into law.”

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