McCarthy Statement on Importance of Edwards & China Lake to National Security

Washington D.C. – Congressman Kevin McCarthy today issued the following statement after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined defense budget priorities:

"Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake are world-class military installations that are vital to our national security. The research, development, testing and evaluation that is conducted at these bases cannot be replicated anywhere in the world, and are absolutely essential to ensuring our men and women on the ground have the support they need to safely and effectively defend our country. These installations have one of the largest restricted airspaces in the country and unmatched terrain and human capital. Based on the outline presented by Defense Secretary Panetta, the work done at our bases will only become more critical to our nation's new defense strategy. I will make sure that everyone in Washington understands that these installations are strategic national assets. A strong military is vital to our nation's continued success, and I will fight to ensure that our nation is defended with the help of the cutting-edge work being done at Edwards and China Lake."