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IN WASHINGTON, ARNOLD COMMUNITY COUNCIL AND REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS FOCUS ON TENNESSEE AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Arnold Air Force Base Community Council, a group of Tennessee Valley elected officials, military officers and business leaders, visited Congressman Scott DesJarlais in the capital yesterday to support national security programs and local economic development.

    Hypersonic research would help protect the U.S. against adversaries, Council President Bruce Shaw, a retired Air Force officer, said. “The effort would also employ more Tennesseans in high-tech jobs. Arnold Air Force Base is at the center of a nationwide network of military facilities and private companies on the cutting edge of science.”

    “We appreciate the Congressman’s focus on our issues.”

    Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04) is a House Armed Services Committee member. His congressional district lies at the heart of the Aerospace and Defense Technology Corridor including Arnold Air Force Base, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Redstone Arsenal and Fort Campbell. Other military facilities, research universities and related industries call the region home.

    Hypersonic vehicles operate at speeds too fast for adversaries to evade or counter. The technology is still young. Council members underscored the need for improved scientific education and regular federal funding to achieve success.

    At a reception last night that included Tennessee Valley Authority representatives, Rep. DesJarlais took charge of the Congressional Range and Test Center Caucus to create public awareness. “The work they do at Arnold Air Force Base is amazing. Across Middle Tennessee, the private and public sectors are working together to innovate aerospace. The next great invention could happen in our own backyard,” he said.

    “It’s my job in Congress to make sure Middle Tennessee remains a global leader.” The bipartisan caucus will educate members of Congress and propose legislative solutions. Rep. DesJarlais thanked its former chairman Rep. Dianne Black (TN-06).

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