FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION

House Resolution No. 4466

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

0039L.01T

            WHEREAS, Missouri has a proud history of supporting our military and strengthening our nation; and

            WHEREAS, Missouri has provided strategic air support to the nation's military since World War II; and

            WHEREAS, our military personnel and their families deserve the peace of mind that they have an unparalleled multi-role fighter to keep them safe, protect our nation, and secure peace around the world; and

            WHEREAS, the F-35 is critical to the modernization of our military because it will replace aging and obsolete aircraft and secure United States air superiority for the next generation; and

            WHEREAS, thousands of hard working, highly educated Missourians contribute to the success of Whiteman Air Force Base and the Marine Corp Mobilization Command; and

            WHEREAS, these Missourians depend on the economic impact of our military bases to support their jobs and thriving communities; and

            WHEREAS, the F-35 generates more than five hundred high technology, high paying jobs for Missouri; and

            WHEREAS, the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program already provides sustained economic impact to Missouri and its citizens of over thirty-five million dollars annually; and

            WHEREAS, the United States Congress is currently reviewing its commitment to the F-35 program and its full funding; and

            WHEREAS, the United States and its global partners have invested in the development of the F-35 for more than a decade; and

            WHEREAS, our military is currently testing the aircraft and we are on the verge of realizing the return on this long-term investment; and

            WHEREAS, to slow production would increase the marginal cost of each aircraft and curb the strategic security and economic benefits of the program: 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-sixth General Assembly, hereby urge the United States Congress to recognize the importance of the F-35 to the State of Missouri, our military, and our national security, and support high production and full funding of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation.

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