Feenstra Applauds House Passage of Historic Funding for 185th Air Refueling Wing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) applauded the passage of $38.5 million in Fiscal Year 2027 funding for the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Today, we are following through on commitments made over twenty years ago by passing one of the largest military construction investments approved this year for the 185th Air Refueling Wing,” said Rep. Feenstra. “When I came to Congress five years ago, I promised Iowans that I would be a strong voice for them in Washington. That meant working with my colleagues to deliver on this essential, decades-long commitment. This project will strengthen military readiness and modernize critical infrastructure that has been neglected for far too long. I look forward to the swift passage of this funding in the U.S. Senate so we can deliver this vital investment for Northwest Iowa.”
The 185th Air Refueling Wing executes the KC-135 refueling mission, a critical component of U.S. national security and global defense operations. As demonstrated in recent overseas missions, the KC-135 plays an essential role in supporting fighter aircraft and protecting both American forces and allied partners.
For more than two decades, the 185th has carried out its mission without adequate runway infrastructure to support the KC-135’s maximum takeoff weight. This has resulted in repeated runway degradation, costly repairs, and ongoing operational waivers. Despite these challenges, the 185th has consistently fulfilled its mission with professionalism and resilience.
Last December, Rep. Feenstra led the Iowa congressional delegation in urging leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to authorize military construction projects at Sioux Gateway Airport and the 185th Air Refueling Wing in the final conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). That request was ultimately included in the final legislation and enacted into law.
In April, Rep. Feenstra also secured inclusion of these funds in the House Appropriations Committee passage of the funding package for Fiscal Year 2027.
Watch Rep. Feenstra’s full statement on the initial committee passage HERE.
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