U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a key ally of the White House, is behind President Donald Trump’s proposal to send $124.8 million for Air Force Special Operations Command Military Construction in the Panhandle. Gaetz sits on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.
“President Trump has once again proven his deep and abiding commitment to the United States Armed Forces, especially Northwest Florida’s military mission,” Gaetz said on Monday. “This proposed budget includes $124.8 million for Air Force Special Operations in Northwest Florida. This is a tremendous victory for Florida’s First Congressional District, which remains America’s preeminent location for military training, testing, and development. I’m proud to have worked closely with President Trump in order to ensure our airmen will have the facilities they need to accomplish their missions.”
Gaetz’s office listed some of the provisions included in Trump’s proposed budget which still has to clear Congress. These include:
- $16.5 million in Special Operations Forces Combined Squadron Operations Facility for Eglin Air Force Base (Duke Field)
- $72.9 million in Special Operations Forces Aircraft Maintenance Unit Weapons Hangar for Hurlburt Field
- $16.5 million in Special Operations Forces Combined Squadron Operations Facility for Hurlburt Field
- $18.9 million for Special Operations Forces Maintenance Training Facility for Hurlburt Field
After serving in the Florida House, Gaetz was elected to Congress for the first time, replacing retiring U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., who led the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee.
