Washington, D.C.— Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $115.8 million for Recruit Housing & Training Facilities, a Military Ambulatory Care Center, and F-16 Mission Training Center at the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in the fiscal year 2022 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MILCONVA) Appropriations bill. This funding, an increase of nearly 75% over the FY21 funding, will provide JBSA and the broader military with the resources and facilities to train our Airman, provide optimal care, and increase our military’s readiness and preparedness.   

This bill passed the Appropriations Committee and now goes to the House Floor for consideration.    

“The people who protect our nation deserve our full support,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will provide JBSA—and the broader military—the necessary equipment and resources to prepare for future challenges and strengthen our overall national security.”   

“As a senior Member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to funding projects that continue to be a critical asset to our national defense. I want to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member Kay Granger, MILCONVA Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Ranking Member John Carter for supporting our military and Veterans. I also want to thank Congressman Tony Gonzales for helping me secure this critical funding for JBSA.”    

Funding for Joint Base San Antonio    
Congressman Cuellar secured $71 million to construct a Recruit Housing & Training (RH&T) facilities for Basic Military Training (BMT) at JBSA. These RH&T facilities will accommodate 1248 recruits; 48 recruits per flight, 24 flights per squadron, with four reserve bed spaces per flight in order to address surges, gender separation, and injured recruits. These new facilities will replace the original facilities constructed in the 1960s and 1970s.    

Ambulatory Care Center
In addition, Congressman Cuellar secured $35 million for the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Ambulatory Care Center in San Antonio, Texas. This Center provides critical medical services to include urgent healthcare treatment for common illnesses. The U.S. Air Force’s flagship medical facility for outpatient care serves approximately more than 55,000 patients. The Ambulatory Care Center is in the final stages within phase 4, which will demolish the existing 1.2M square footage medical center to restore the site entirely and construct parking to accommodate patients throughout the community.   

F-16 Mission Training Center
Further, Congressman Cuellar secured $9.8 million for a new F-16 Mission Training Center for the Air National Guard at JBSA. The Center will house simulators capable of housing four simulator bays, training rooms, and administrative support areas. JBSA is scheduled to receive mission training systems; however, the base does not possess an excess of suitable space to bed down the simulator devices and conduct supporting training and maintenance activities. Therefore, with these funds, the Air National Guard will be able to gain maximum efficiency in training, proficiency, and mission readiness for its fighter pilots. Realistic multi-aircraft, multi-platform combat training directly increases mission effectiveness and combat readiness.  

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