Front of the Capitol building

Feenstra Secures Future of 185th Air Refueling Wing by Passing the National Defense Authorization Act

December 10, 2025
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes language authorizing a runway repair and replacement, ADAL Aircraft Parking Apron, and a Warm-Up/Holding Pad at the Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City – the home of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing.

“I’m excited that the NDAA includes my work to authorize construction of a new runway, aircraft parking apron, and a warmup/holding pad for the KC-135 Stratotanker at the Sioux Gateway Airport, which is home to our incredible 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. This bill ensures that these projects are eligible for funding that will protect nearly 1,000 jobs, promote continued economic growth in the region, and strengthen our national security,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Since being elected to Congress, I have worked to secure the future of the 185th, ensuring that the men and women who keep this unit running can continue to support our communities, respond to disasters, and defend our state and nation. By authorizing these critical projects, we are honoring the hard work of the Iowa National Guard, protecting almost 1,000 jobs, and growing the local economy.”

Last month, Feenstra led the full Iowa congressional delegation in sending a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and the U.S. House Armed Services Committee urging that the military construction projects at the Sioux Gateway Airport included in the Senate-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) be retained in the final conference agreement for the Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA. This request was honored and cemented with Feenstra’s vote.

In addition to support for the 185th, this year’s NDAA:

  • Delivers a pay raise for U.S. servicemembers;
  • Supports military families through more affordable housing and childcare;
  • Eliminates red tape to streamline defense acquisition;
  • Strengthens nuclear deterrence and the Golden Dome Missile Defense System; and
  • Counters our adversaries by promoting U.S. shipbuilding and implementing cutting-edge technologies.

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