Rep. Weinstein announces House Armed Forces Committee passes bipartisan bill to keep military project funding in Ohio

State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) yesterday announced the unanimous passage of House Resolution (HR) 77, bipartisan legislation joint-sponsored with state Rep. Rick Perales (R-Beavercreek) urging over $100 million in federal funding allocated to Ohio’s critical military construction projects to remain in-state instead of being diverted President Trump’s national security project at the U.S.- Mexico border.

“The President’s declaration of a national emergency was deeply concerning to me,” said Weinstein. “Not just because the very idea of a wall on the border defies the promise this country was built on, not just because it is a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars for a fake national emergency, but also because it is an undemocratic sham that will directly impact our actual national security, our military readiness, and the livelihoods of hardworking Ohioans both in and out of uniform.”

President Donald J. Trump, who has repeatedly called for a wall along the U.S.- Mexico border since 2015, declared a national emergency in March after he was unable to secure funding for the project through United States Congress. As part of that declaration, about $21 billion in military construction funds would become available, including over $100 million currently allocated for projects in Ohio.

“I was brought to Ohio through the United States Armed Forces when I was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and I know from personal experience just how important these projects are not only for the military, but the surrounding communities,” added Weinstein. “Right now the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), which provides essential intelligence information to the Air Force, is housed in a WWII-era building and well beyond capacity. We have to keep these funds in Ohio.”

Rep. Weinstein represents Ohio’s 37House District and is the lead Democrat on the House Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Committee.