U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced Wednesday a Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) amendment increasing funding to Army vehicles produced in Oshkosh, Wis.
The action would apply to the heavy wheeled vehicles and add $109 million as a means of avoiding steep budget cuts to tactical wheeled vehicles (TWVs), which lawmakers maintain would exert pressure on the hundreds of small- and medium-sized businesses making up the TWV industrial base.
“It is essential to maintain a manufacturing base that can supply our defense needs,” Johnson said. “I support this amendment that will maintain important manufacturing capabilities in Wisconsin to help keep our nation safe and secure.”
Per the amendment, Oshkosh would continue to produce the Army’s Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) at a rate needed to ensure uninterrupted production lines.
The TWV industrial base consists of 557 suppliers and generates $1.33 billion in FY20 economic activity. Additionally, officials noted 318 small businesses generated almost $700 million in FY20 economic activity.
“The mobility of the U.S. military and safety of U.S. service members is highly dependent on this key platform,” Baldwin said. “The military will also need to maintain an ability to safely transport troops, fuel, and supplies which these vehicles specialize in doing. Wisconsin manufacturers like Oshkosh Defense strengthen our national defense and create jobs.”