Torres Small Delivers for Holloman Air Force Base in NDAA

July 2, 2020
Press Release
Secures National Security Win for Next-Generation Weapon Testing, Ensures Support for Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life

Washington, D.C. –Today, U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after successfully delivering for Holloman Air Force Base in the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year’s NDAA stands to bring resources back to Holloman Air Force Base through studying critical infrastructure shortfalls and upgrades needed to ensure the High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) is ready for next-generation testing, as well as by securing a report to support service members who are transitioning back into civilian life in rural communities.

In May, Rep. Torres Small also announced that Holloman AFB will remain home to three permanent F-16 training units. This decision came after months of advocacy by Rep. Torres Small and deliberation by the Air Force on deciding the permanent home for the 8th Fighter Squadron. These FTUs are critical in addressing the shortage of fighter pilots in the military. 

“As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m committed to working with our bases and local communities to best position New Mexico’s military installations, like Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range, to have the resources to confront new threats and challenges. These installations are essential to our national security, and I’ve fought to secure the resources our bases need through this year’s defense authorization bill to meet growing demand and support the presence of the Armed Services in southern New Mexico,” said Torres Small.

Specifically, FY2021 NDAA will direct DoD to study two critical projects that serve Alamogordo’s Holloman Air Force Base:

  1. Require an assessment of the shortfalls and upgrades needed to improve the HHSTT and ensure it can meet the testing requirements for the nation’s next-generation weapons systems. The HHSTT continues to be the longest, most precisely aligned test track for testing, however the last major upgrade hasn't occurred since 2002.
  2. Requires reporting from the Comptroller General of the United States on participation in the Transition Assistance Program at small and remote military installations, as part of efforts to ensure service members transitioning to civilian life are supported.

To read in further detail about the specific provisions Congresswoman Torres Small successfully included in H.R. 6395, the FY2021 NDAA, please visit torresmall.house.gov.

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Each year, the House Armed Services Committee crafts the nation’s military budget to support the United States’ national security, veterans, and service members. New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District is home to both Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range, which both utilize the largest restricted airspace over land in the country to complete their missions. This airspace over White Sands is also heavily used by both Cannon and Kirtland Air Force Bases as well as Fort Bliss Military Base in their missions.