Feenstra Secures $38.5 Million to Begin Funding Critical Infrastructure for 185th Air Refueling Wing After 20 Year Commitment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R–Hull) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee approved $38.5 million sought by Rep. Feenstra in Fiscal Year 2027 funding for the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.

“Since elected to Congress, I have made securing critical funding for the 185th Air Refueling Wing a top priority and worked with my colleagues to honor a twenty-year-old commitment to our Air National Guard,” said Rep. Feenstra. “The 185th is a cornerstone of our community and a vital asset to our national defense. I am proud to help deliver this essential investment, which will strengthen military readiness and modernize key infrastructure. This funding represents one of the largest federal investments in a military construction project this year. I remain committed to supporting the 185th Air Refueling Wing and Sioux Gateway Airport and ensuring Northwest Iowa has the infrastructure needed to sustain its critical mission for our country.”

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 ongoing 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 led to repeated runway degradation, costly repairs, and operational waivers. Despite these challenges, the 185th has consistently met its mission requirements with professionalism and resilience.

Last December, Rep. Feenstra led the Iowa congressional delegation in urging leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to authorize military construction projects at Sioux Gateway Airport and the 185th ARW 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.

Watch Congressman Feenstra’s Full Statement HERE.

###