This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA), which includes an amendment from House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) to extend protections for the B-1 Lancer bomber fleet at Dyess Air Force Base through September 2030. The measure comes as Dyess prepares for the future arrival of the B-21 Raider.
Arrington commented on the amendment’s significance, stating, “The B-1 Lancer has been the workhorse of America’s long-range strike force for decades, and it continues to play a vital role in our national defense as we transition to the next-generation B-21 Raider.
“My amendment in this year’s NDAA extends protections for the B-1 fleet through 2030 — ensuring our airmen at Dyess and across the force have the resources, manpower, and support they need to keep this aircraft flying at full strength.
“This is about preserving readiness, preventing a dangerous gap in capability, and maintaining peace through strength. As we prepare for the B-21 to come online, the B-1 will remain an indispensable part of America’s arsenal — and I will continue to fight for the airmen and families at Dyess who are the tip of the spear in defending our nation.”
In recent years, Arrington has played a role in securing significant investments for Dyess Air Force Base. In 2019, he helped establish Dyess as the only base nationwide to house both operational test squadrons and weapons training school facilities for the upcoming B-21 Raider bomber. Funding efforts continued with $10 million secured in 2022 for hypersonic integration on B-1 bombers and $4.9 billion allocated that year toward development of the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber.
In 2024, Arrington delivered over $30 million—the largest investment at that time under a National Defense Authorization bill—for infrastructure supporting B-21 deployment at Dyess. This included funding for logistics readiness labs and refueler truck yards.
This year’s NDAA saw an increase in funding with more than $90 million directed toward infrastructure improvements supporting future operations at Dyess Air Force Base. Projects include a mission planning facility valued at $78 million and additional funds earmarked for utilities upgrades and site improvements.
Arrington’s ongoing efforts come after several successful election campaigns; most recently in 2024 he won reelection against Nathan Lewis with over 80% of votes cast.
