HR73 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jerry StarnesRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: URGING THE MEMBERS OF THE ALABAMA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO PROTECT ALABAMA’S GLOBAL NATIONAL DEFENSE MISSION BY SUPPORTING FUNDING FROM THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT TO EXPAND THE AIRCRAFT REFUELING PARKING RAMP FOR THE 117TH AIR REFUELING WING.
Summary: A House resolution urging Alabama’s congressional delegation to obtain NDAA funding to expand the 117th Air Refueling Wing’s parking ramp to meet 50-foot wingtip clearance and support KC-135/KC-46 operations.
What This Bill Does
If adopted, the resolution would express support for securing National Defense Authorization Act funding to expand the 117th Air Refueling Wing’s aircraft parking ramp. It specifies a goal of obtaining $33 million to expand the ramp so eight aircraft can park with 50-foot wingtip clearance, enabling ongoing refueling and defueling operations and positioning Alabama for the newer KC-46 tanker. It also requests that copies of the resolution be sent to Alabama’s U.S. Senators and Representatives.

Who It Affects
The 117th Air Refueling Wing (Alabama Air National Guard) at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base would benefit from expanded ramp capacity and proper wingtip clearance to support refueling/defueling operations.
Alabama residents and the state economy, which rely on the base’s presence and its estimated $100 million annual economic impact, would benefit from a strengthened national defense mission and related jobs.

Key Provisions
Urges Alabama’s U.S. Senators and Representatives to secure National Defense Authorization Act funding to expand the 117th Air Refueling Wing’s aircraft parking ramp.
Requests $33 million in NDAA funding to cover the ramp expansion.
Expansion would create 50-foot wingtip clearance between parked aircraft to support refueling and defueling operations and position Alabama for the KC-46 tanker.
Requires copies of the resolution to be provided to Alabama’s U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt and U.S. Representatives Jerry Carl, Jr., Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, Gary Palmer, and Terri Sewell.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: 117th Air Refueling Wing Fund, Supported