Tucson, Ariz.– Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva will tour the Charles E. Gillman military manufacturing facility in Rio Rico, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 2 to discuss upcoming federal defense funding legislation and Rep. Jeff Flake’s effort to halt Abrams M1 tank production for three years. Rep. Flake, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, called during committee deliberations earlier this year for a three-year freeze on Abrams production followed by a startup after the freeze ended, which analysis has shown would cost the federal government approximately $200 million.

This year’s military funding legislation – some of which deals with paying for multi-year contracts the military has already signed – has yet to be finalized. Rep. Grijalva took an early lead in the effort to support a compromise that would continue Abrams production throughout the relevant budgeting years and ensure the military receives the tanks for which it has already contracted.

“I think we have to call a spade a spade in this case,” Grijalva said. “Rep. Flake’s plan would have put Arizonans out of work for three years and cost the government more money than it would have saved. That didn’t sound like a good deal to me, and I was proud to help round up my colleagues and find a solution that keeps Arizonans on the job. This visit is an extension of that conversation and a chance to meet some hard-working Southern Arizonans, and I’m very much looking forward to it.”

For more information, contact the Charles E. Gillman plant at (520) 281-1141.

What

Rep. Grijalva site tour of Abrams M1 tank production facility

When

Friday, Sept. 2
2:00 p.m.

Where

907 East Frontage Road
Rio Rico, Ariz.