Air National Guard Cuts

I have joined several of my colleagues in sponsoring another House Resolution to oppose the Air National Guard spending cuts that have been proposed at the federal level. Representative Jeremy Taylor has authored a resolution urging the United States Congress and the President to protect Iowa’s Air National Guard.

The proposed budget cut requests the removal of twenty-one F-16 fighter jets from the 132nd Fighter Wing. The 132nd has participated in numerous actions including World War II, the Korean Conflict, and many of the support functions in Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. They have also received numerous awards, including eight Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and have been part of exercises and deployments around the world. Since 1941, the Iowa Air National Guard has been part of the nation’s defense and Iowa’s emergency defense system. In Iowa these cuts would result in a loss of 500 of the 132nd’s 1,000 personnel.

Governor Branstad, along with 48 other governors, is protesting the proposed spending cuts. This past Tuesday, Governor Branstad released a letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlining his objections to the spending cuts. His letter was signed by Major General Tim Orr who is the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard as well as adjutant generals from all other states.

Our congressional delegation has also been very active in trying to save the F-16s in Des Moines. It is encouraging to see strong bi-partisan support for the 132nd.

Regional Child Protection Center

The House Public Safety Committee was fortunate last week to have representatives visit from the Regional Child Protection Center at Blank Children’s Hospital. This clinic provides examination and assessment of abused children and works closely with law enforcement and the court system to help protect abused and neglected children.

In 2010, Iowa had 12,595 children confirmed as being abused. Over 50% of these victims of child abuse were under 6 years old. Iowa’s Child Protection Centers operate under a nationally recommended, multi-disciplinary model incorporating the Department of Human Services, law enforcement officials, county attorneys, victim advocates and medical and mental health professionals.

The folks at the Regional Child Protection Center do a tremendous job with these children who are exposed to heart-breaking abuse. Treating and caring for victims of child abuse should be a priority for state government.

Iowa Air National Guard

Several other legislators and myself had the privilege of spending this morning at the Des Moines International with the 132nd Fighter Wing (F-16C Fighting Falcon) and the 185th Air Refueling Wing (KC-135E Stratotanker) of the Iowa Air National Guard.  The highlight of the morning was our trip in the KC-135 refueling tanker on a training mission with four F-16′s.

These squadrons have played a key role in our nation’s war on terror and are an tremendous asset to our community.