Washington, D.C.– Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) helped secure $25 million for Defense Manufacturing Communities Support Program in the final spending bill. The program will improve our country’s defense industrial base, including the manufacturing industry that supports Joint Base San Antonio, to help meet our military’s needs and strengthen our local economies.

“A strong manufacturing base is critical for both our country’s national security and economic prosperity,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “Under the program, a defense manufacturing community, such as San Antonio, can apply for funding in equipment and facility upgrades, workforce training, recruitment and retention, advanced research, supply chain development, and small business assistance. These investments will help increase our global competitiveness as well as improve our military’s ability to respond quickly to national security threats and strategic adversaries.”

“As a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fund programs that ensures that our military is robust, resilient, and ready. I would like to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Kay Granger, as well as Defense Subcommittee Chairman Pete Visclosky and Ranking Member Ken Calvert for funding priorities that make our country safer and stronger.”

# # #