C-17 Current Funding Status
Current Funding Status
October 29, 2009 -- The $680 billion Defense Authorization Act, signed into law by President Obama on October 28, addresses the immediate needs of the Department of Defense. Congressional action on funding for defense-related programs, such as the C-17, is set to take place in the FY10 Defense Appropriations Act, which will be finalized in December.
The U.S. House and U.S. Senate have both passed their versions of the appropriations bill, with the House approving funds for three C-17s and the Senate adding funds for 10 of the advanced airlifters. The House-Senate Conference Committee will reconcile both bills and send a final bill to both Houses for a vote, which will likely take place in December. Once both chambers pass a final bill, it will go to the President for his signature.
July 16 -- The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense completed and marked-up the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, which includes $674 million for the procurement of three C-17 airlifters.
June 25 -- President Obama signed the FY 2009 Supplemental Defense Spending bill, which included $2.17 billion in funding for eight C-17s. With this order, Boeing will be delivering a total of 213 C-17s to the U.S. Air Force.
February 6, 2009 - The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.95 billion contract for the 15 additional C-17s funded in the FY08 Wartime Supplemental Bill, extending the program through August, 2010. Boeing is now on contract to deliver a total of 205 C-17s to the USAF.
June 19 - The U.S. House approved a FY08 supplemental defense spending bill (Global War on Terror) that included $3.6 billion in funding for 15 C-17s. The bill is now pending approval in the U.S. Senate
May 7 - The House Armed Services Committee approved $3.9 billion in funding for 15 C-17s and supporting equipment in the fiscal year 2009 defense authorization bill. This includes language addressing the retirement of C-5 aircraft and replacing them with C-17s.
The Senate Armed Services Committee has not yet included funding for additional C-17s in its proposed FY09 budget. Further action is pending in the Senate and House.
May 1 - The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee added $3.6 billion for 15 C-17s to the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT) funding bill. Further action is pending in the Senate.
C-17 program nearing shutdown
- Unless additional funding is secured in the FY10 defense budget, the last C-17 delivery would take place in the summer, 2011.
Studies will show a need for more C-17s
- Troop increases in USA and USMC
- Rebasing of forces in U.S.
- Army modernization
Additional USAF buy needed
- Keep line open while requirements studies are completed
- Opportunities exist to bridge to affordable tactical C-17B if C-17A production continues