CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — The House Armed Services Committee has passed budget legislation that aims to prevent the Air Force from closing the 911th Airlift Wing, which is based just outside Pittsburgh.
Rep. Mark Critz, a western Pennsylvania Democrat, says in a statement Thursday that the budget bill, which hasn't become law yet, would increase funding and stop the Air Force from retiring or transferring aircraft such as the C-130 used by the 911th.
Republicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania's congressional delegation have been trying to persuade the Air Force to keep the unit open.
The Air Force wants to close the base because it says the seven C-130 refueling planes there are among the oldest in the fleet. The proposed changes are part of a long-term plan to reduce military budgets.