Norcross Presses for Answers Regarding Army Plan for Chinook Helicopter, Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, Chairman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) pressed witnesses at the House Armed Services Committee’s Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee hearing on the military’s plan for the Chinook Block II.

Norcross questioned Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr. Bruce D. Jette on advanced procurement of the Chinook Block II and foreign sales as it relates to keeping the production line open.

Since taking over as the Chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Norcross has led the fight to keep the Chinook production line open and ensure our Army has the heavy lift capability it needs for today and tomorrow. Last year, Norcross authorized $28 million for the Army in Advanced Procurement to keep the Chinook CH-47F Block II program on schedule after the President’s budget request proposed delaying the modernization program; after notifying Congress in 2017 that the program was essential.

“We must ensure our servicemembers have the heavy lift capabilities that they require – and the Chinook is a key factor,” said Congressman Norcross. “This year, I will continue the fight to keep the production line open as Congress works to craft a National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.”

Norcross has worked in tandem with Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), whose district houses Boeing’s Ridley Park facility, where the Chinook is manufactured. The plant employs over 4,000 skilled workers who build the Chinook and deliver the helicopter to the Army, on average, 53 days ahead of schedule.

“There is no suitable replacement for the Chinook, and delaying or ending this program would have significant consequences both in terms of cost and military readiness, not to mention jeopardizing jobs for people in my district.” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “Last year in FY2020, Congress assertively supported the continuation of the CH-47 F Block II program, and we must continue to do so. I commend Chairman Norcross and Ranking Member Hartzler for their attention to this critical matter and look forward to working with them further throughout this process.”

During Tuesday’s hearing, Norcross also questioned General Mike Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command for the Air Force about the military’s plan to prepare the industrial base and safeguard servicemembers around the world from coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Coronavirus – we see what it’s doing to the Italians right now. What contingency plans do you have in place to prepare for this?” Congressman Norcross inquired.

“We’re working to try to safeguard our military members and the communities where they live and also safeguard the readiness that we fought hard to gain through this process by thinking ahead and preparing for the next steps,” General Holmes responded.

You can view the full Q&A from the TAL hearing here.

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