Senators Kelly, Sinema and Reps. Kirkpatrick, Gallego, O’Halleran and Stanton Express “Grave Concern” to President Biden Over Budget Proposal to Retire the A-10 “Warthog”

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, alongside Rep. Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Rep. Gallego (AZ-07), Rep. O’Halleran (AZ-01), and Rep. Stanton (AZ-09) wrote to President Biden expressing serious concerns with the Administration’s budget plans to retire a vital national security asset, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the “Warthog.”

In their letter, the lawmakers wrote: 

“We are writing to express grave concern with your administration’s plans to retire a vital national security asset, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the ‘Warthog.’

“…While we support the Administration’s modernization goals, we cannot support the premature retirement of one of our most vital military assets, which could in turn put the lives of service members at unnecessary risk. The A-10 has proven its usefulness in combat time and time again, and we look forward to working with you to ensure this vital national security platform remains part of our arsenal.”

The Arizona lawmakers have remained focused on the protection of the aircraft for years, citing its unparalleled role in close air support missions. Immediately following the release of the President’s budget a bipartisan group of Arizona’s delegation spoke out against the proposed cuts to the A-10. Last December, Senators Kelly and Sinema voted to pass the bipartisan defense bill that included provisions to protect the A-10. In April, Senators Kelly and Sinema, along with Rep. Kirkpatrick, led the introduction of the bipartisan A-10 Resolution in the House and Senate. Shortly after, the lawmakers sent a letter urging Acting Secretary John Roth to continue supporting the A-10 program. Senator Kelly continues working with Republicans and Democrats to ensure the A-10 continues flying and serving U.S. troops.

For the full text of the letter, click here.