Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) issued a statement celebrating the announcement that the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard will be receiving 8 new C-130J transport planes.

“We are entering a new era for the 133rd Airlift Wing. There is no better home for the C-130J than right here in Minnesota. For years, we’ve worked with the congressional delegation and the Minnesota National Guard to secure these planes and I’m thrilled to have played a part in this effort. Thanks to the dedication and bravery of the Minnesota National Guard’s men and women, our state and the United States are safer. We thank the U.S. National Guard and Air Force leadership for their continued support of the 133rd Airlift Wing,” Congressman Emmer said.

Background:
Congressman Emmer has been a longtime advocate for the 133rd Airlift Wing’s C-130 mission, some of his efforts included:

• In August, Congressman Emmer spoke directly with U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in support of the Minnesota National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing’s C-130 mission and to advocate to bring the C-130J transport planes to Minnesota.
• In June, Congressman Emmer joined the entire Minnesota delegation in a letter advocating for the 133rd Airlift Wing to receive the new C-130J transport planes.
• In February, Congressman Emmer toured and spoke with leadership at the 133rd Airlift Wing at the Minneapolis-St Paul Joint Air Reserve Station.
• In August of 2021, Congressman Emmer led a letter to Secretary Kendall, with the entire Minnesota delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives, expressing support for the C-130 mission at the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing.
• In October 2020, Congressman Emmer sent a letter to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, signed by the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation, urging the Administration to maintain the C-130J fleet.

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