WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are calling on members of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Committee to provide funding for Black Hawk helicopters at the highest level possible to address urgent Army readiness concerns and provide substantial savings by procuring at efficient rates.

“Black Hawks continue to be the backbone of Army Aviation, and its modernization strategy is incredibly important to all aspects of combat operations,” the Senators wrote. “By supporting strong funding for Black Hawks during conference, we will meet pressing Army readiness concerns to take advantage of unit cost savings that benefit the Army and the taxpayers.”

In March, Menendez sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter, led by Blumenthal, to both the Senate and House Armed Services and Appropriations Committees requesting additional Black Hawk funding for the Fiscal Year 2017.

Full text of the letter is available here.