U.S. Reps. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Cook (R-CA) this week unveiled an amendment to a sweeping defense bill that would hasten the provision of federal funds to fix recent earthquake damages at Edwards Air Force Base, Fort Irwin, and Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake in their home state.
“Last week’s earthquakes damaged key military installations in the area,” said Rep. Cook. “Congress has a duty to ensure these bases are operational and mission ready. We owe it to our men and women in uniform that they have the best tools possible to defend our national security.”
The congressmen’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, H.R. 2500, would prioritize necessary repairs and modernization work at the bases and would request that the U.S. Secretary of Defense submit a report to Congress within 90 days detailing necessary corrective actions, as well as ways to minimize future threats from natural disasters.
“Having seen some of the damage firsthand, last week’s earthquakes were devastating to NAWS China Lake and our community of Ridgecrest,” Rep. McCarthy said. “Despite the destruction, our American spirit has prevailed in the face of adversity, with people from all over the state coming together to help our neighbors. But we are still recovering.”
The amendment would authorize $100 million to help address China Lake’s most immediate needs, Rep. McCarthy added, noting that the epicenter of the earthquakes hit NAWS China Lake, where the U.S. Navy continues to assess damages.
“We need to ensure that we are not only repairing this important base to address the threats facing our nation today, but also making necessary investments to counter emerging threats in the days ahead,” said Rep. McCarthy.
Both lawmakers urged their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support their amendment and quickly pass it as part of the NDAA.