Press Releases
Arrington Leads Effort to Defend Military Installations, Bolster Security at Dyess Air Force Base
Washington,
August 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at increasing security at military installations and delivering critical investment to Dyess Air Force Base. “Our airmen at Dyess AFB serve as the tip of the spear of our air arsenal and require the tools, infrastructure, and support necessary to carry out their critical mission effectively,” said Chairman Arrington. “As we continue to prepare for the arrival of the B-21 Raider — the next-generation stealth bomber that will proudly fly out of the Big Country — we must continue to invest in Dyess. I'm proud to introduce two bills — one to improve physical defenses and another to strengthen security — to safeguard the mission at Dyess, support our men and women who serve there, and ensure the base has everything it needs to continue the successful beddown of the B-21.” Dyess Air Base Access Infrastructure Design Act Dyess Air Force Base has been selected as the third base to receive the B-21 Raider, the first sixth-generation aircraft with stealth capabilities that can deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. This aircraft will eventually replace the B-1 Lancer and the B-2 Spirit. Two gates at Dyess, Arnold and Tye, need upgrades to improve base security. With the introduction of nuclear technology at Dyess, it is imperative that the security of these two gates be upgraded to prevent unauthorized access to our nation’s most technologically advanced aircraft. Arrington’s Bill: directs the Secretary of the Air Force to use appropriated planning and design funds to complete the planning and design requirements for the project to continue. In September 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials had recorded as many as 100 instances of Chinese nationals, posing as tourists, entering DOD installations and other secured facilities. This large number of incidents points to a centralized and focused espionage effort. Other instances include two Jordanian illegal immigrants that attempted to drive a box truck through the main gate at Marine Corps Base Quantico in May 2024 and more. Arrington’s Bill: establishes a new federal criminal offense for those who enter restricted DOD property without authorization.
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