NAVAL AIR Weapons Station

July 15, 2019 - Updated from the Office of Michael Fresquez

Senior Advisor-Communications Director

Congressman Paul Cook | Eighth District of California 

1027 Longworth | Washington, DC 20515

         “Rep. Cook has been working with Representative McCarthy and California’s Senators to secure a federal disaster declaration from the administration. Monday, July 8^th a disaster declaration was signed by President Trump, which starts the process of getting federal aid to Trona and other impacted communities. Last week, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included Representatives Cook and McCarthy’s amendment to provide up to $100 million for rebuilding efforts. While this money would primarily go to funding reconstruction on affected military facilities, it is only the first down payment in what will hopefully be a significant package of federal aid.”    

Military Bases Damaged by Earthquakes

  Congressman Paul Cook Ensures Readiness

July 10, 2019, Washington D.C. ____ U.S. Congressman Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) announced Wednesday that he is co-sponsoring an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to repair any damages to military bases caused by the earthquakes that occurred in the Ridgecrest, California area this past week. Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) introduced the amendment, which will be considered by the House this week. 

The language in the amendment includes any damages sustained at Edwards Air Force Base, Fort Irwin, and Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. This amendment calls on the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress within ninety days detailing what corrective actions need to be undertaken to ensure our military readiness. It also requires an explanation as to how the construction projects will incorporate ways to minimize the threat from natural disasters in the future. 

Representative Paul Cook said, “Last week’s earthquakes damaged key military installations in the area. Congress has a duty to ensure these bases are operational and mission ready. We owe it to our men and women in uniform that they have the best tools possible to defend our national security. I thank Leader McCarthy for joining me in recognizing the importance of this amendment and hope that the House will pass it this week.” 

Representative Kevin McCarthy said, “Having seen some of the damage firsthand, last week’s earthquakes were devastating to NAWS China Lake and our community of Ridgecrest. Despite the destruction, our American Spirit has prevailed in the face of adversity, with people from all over the state coming together to help our neighbors. But we are still recovering. 

Photo credit to: www.airport-data.com  www.concordnws.com

Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake

NAWS China Lake, along with Edwards Air Force Base and Fort Irwin, are national assets. With the epicenter of the earthquakes on China Lake, the Navy is still assessing damage, but we need to ensure that we are not only rebuilding this important base to address the threats facing our nation today, but also emerging threats in the days ahead.

My amendment authorizes $100 million to help address China Lake’s pressing needs and requires the Department of Defense to modernize infrastructure and facilities at China Lake as part of the efforts to return the base to mission-capable status. We will rebuild China Lake, stronger and better. 

“These bases are critical to the region and our national security, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment to provide much-needed assistance to areas most impacted by the earthquakes in Ridgecrest.” 

U.S. Congressman Paul Cook