Rep. Sherrill Statement on the Army’s Modernization Funding in the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2020

Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Defense released the details yesterday of the president’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2020. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, praised the inclusion of key Army modernization initiatives.

“I will work to secure the critical Army research funding requested by the Department of Defense to protect our warfighters and ensure they have a qualitative edge against any adversary. The development of new technology, from Long Range Precision Fires to improved howitzers, are among the Army’s top modernization priorities.

“As neighbors of Picatinny are well aware from occasional testing, this military equipment is developed through the ingenuity and engineering prowess of Picatinny Arsenal. Congress must secure funding for these programs, as well as pay raises for our troops, without the gimmicks or severe cuts to other equally vital programs that keep our country strong.”

The President’s FY 2020 budget request includes $12.193 billion for the Army’s Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation programs, an increase over the $11 billion provide last year. This funding drives modernization in several critical areas for our nation’s defense, including more than $214 million for improvements to the howitzer and over $412 million to support Long Range Precision Fires, one of the Army’s top modernization priorities.

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District includes Picatinny Arsenal, home of the Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition.

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