Alford, Mark RSS Articles

Alford Secures F-15E Strike Eagle Mission in Historic Victory for Whiteman Air Force Base and the 442d Fighter Wing

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

RAYMORE, MO — Congressman Mark Alford today announced a major victory for Whiteman Air Force Base, the 442d Fighter Wing, and communities across Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District following the Department of the Air Force’s approval of the enterprise definition, site survey criteria, and candidate location for the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) F-15E Strike Eagle basing action.

Based on the approved enterprise definition, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, has been identified as the sole candidate location for the F-15E Strike Eagle mission — a decision that marks a critical step toward securing the future of the 442d Fighter Wing and continuing its decades-long tradition of excellence.

“This is more than four years of nonstop hard work, persistence, and determination — and against all odds, it paid off,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “Long before I ever had the privilege of representing Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District, I was hearing from friends, neighbors, Airmen, veterans, and families throughout our community who were deeply concerned about what the future held for the 442d Fighter Wing.”

“They told me about the uncertainty surrounding the A-10 mission. They told me about the pilots, maintainers, civilian employees, and families who had dedicated their lives to Whiteman. They made it clear that this was not just about an aircraft — it was about protecting a mission, a workforce, and a community," Alford continued.

“When I came to Congress, I carried those voices with me. I made it my mission to fight for the 442d and ensure the Air Force understood what Whiteman brings to our nation’s defense.”

Over the past several years, Congressman Alford worked alongside community leaders, Airmen, military advocates, and Department of the Air Force leadership to advocate for a follow-on mission for Whiteman Air Force Base. His efforts includedengagement with senior Air Force officials, advocacy through the House Armed Services Committee, and continued support for maintaining a combat-ready fighter presence in Missouri.

The Department of the Air Force’s decision supports its broader goal of increasing fighter capacity, modernizing the fighter force, and replacing aging aircraft with a capable and sustainable platform. The planned transition will bring 24 F-15E Strike Eagles to Whiteman Air Force Base, preserving a critical Air Force Reserve combat-coded fighter unit and the experience of the 442d Fighter Wing.

“This decision saves the 442d,” Alford said. “It saves countless jobs for our Airmen, our civilian workforce, and the surrounding communities. It keeps families here in Missouri. And, most importantly, it ensures the proud tradition of excellence at Whiteman Air Force Base continues.”

Congressman Alford also expressed hisgratitude to the leaders and Airmen across the Department of the Air Force who listened to the concerns of the community and worked toward a solution that preserves critical combat capability.

“I want to sincerely thank the leaders throughout the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, Governor Kehoe for bringing this matter to President Trump's attention, Missouri's State Senators for their efforts, and the many Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen who took the time to give their concerns and help make this mission possible,” Alford continued. “This outcome reflects what can happen when a community comes together, when our military leaders listen, and when we work toward a shared goal.”

“The men and women of the 442d Fighter Wing have proven for decades that they are among the finest Airmen in the world. Their professionalism, readiness, and dedication earned this opportunity. Missouri is proud of them, and we will continue standing behind them.”

The AFRC F-15E basing action represents the recommended course of action for an economical, timely, and effective fighter replacement. The current plan anticipates aircraft arrival in Fiscal Year 2031, followed by the establishment of initial and full operational capability as the mission transitions forward.

“This is a new chapter for Whiteman Air Force Base — but it is built on the same foundation of excellence that has defined the 442d for generations,” Alford said. “The mission continues.”

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Alford Introduces Bill to Protect Federal Employees During Government Shutdowns

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of today’s House Appropriations Committee hearing on government shutdowns and the federal funding process, Congressman Mark Alford introduced the Federal Employee Financial Protection Act to protect federal employees from financial harm caused by delayed pay during a lapse in appropriations.

During a government shutdown, federal employees can face missed payments and financial uncertainty through no fault of their own. The Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would provide temporary protections by preventing credit reporting agencies from reporting shutdown-related missed payments that could damage a federal employee’s creditworthiness.

The legislation would also require forbearance and fee waivers on federally backed loans for impacted federal employees during periods of delayed pay.

“Federal employees should not be punished financially because of circumstances outside of their control,” said Rep. Mark Alford. “When Washington fails to complete the funding process on time, hardworking federal workers should not be left dealing with lasting consequences. This legislation ensures a temporary disruption in pay does not become a long-term financial burden.”

The Federal Employee Financial Protection Act would:

Prevent adverse credit reporting tied to missed payments resulting from a shutdown-related pay delay;
Require temporary forbearance protections for federally backed loans held by impacted federal employees; and
Waive certain fees and penalties associated with delayed payments during a lapse in appropriations.

View the bill here.

“Federal workers show up every day to serve our country, and they should not have to worry about whether a political standoff will harm their financial future,” continued Rep. Alford. “Congress has a responsibility to keep the government funded, and in the meantime, we must make sure our federal workforce is protected.”

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Reps Alford and Escobar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Burdensome Tape and Accelerate Military Construction

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), alongside Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX), introduced the bipartisan Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act, legislation to help the Department of Defense complete minor military construction projects faster, reduce unnecessary delays and make better use of existing partnerships with state and local governments.

Military installations across the country rely on timely infrastructure improvements to support servicemembers, strengthen readiness, and maintain mission capabilities. The legislation would examine how the Department of Defense can expand the use of Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs) to deliver these projects more efficiently and at a lower cost to taxpayers.

“Modernizing our military infrastructure doesn’t always require reinventing the wheel — it requires using the tools we already have in smarter ways,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “This legislation takes a practical approach to identify where stronger partnerships between military installations and local communities can help complete projects faster, reduce costs, and improve quality of life for our servicemembers. I’m proud to work across the aisle on this commonsense effort to strengthen readiness and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.”

“Military families and servicemembers deserve the facilities and infrastructure they need without unnecessary delays caused by outdated processes,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. “This legislation builds on proven partnerships to make military construction more efficient, less costly, and more responsive to the needs of our installations and communities.”

Intergovernmental Support Agreements allow military installations to partner with state and local governments to provide services and support installation needs. The Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act would direct the Department of Defense to assess whether expanding the use of these agreements for certain minor military construction projects could help reduce delays, lower costs, and address infrastructure needs more quickly.

Specifically, the legislation would:

Require the Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of using IGSAs for unspecified minor military construction projects;

Examine increasing project thresholds under IGSA authority from $9 million to $18 million for laboratory revitalization projects and from $4 million to $8 million for projects funded through Operation and Maintenance accounts; and

Require the Department of Defense to identify up to 10 military construction projects that could be eligible to use expanded IGSA authority.

To view the full bill text, click here.

The Streamlining Military Infrastructure Act builds on ongoing efforts to improve military readiness, strengthen partnerships with communities surrounding installations, and ensure the Department of Defense can meet infrastructure needs efficiently and effectively.

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Congressman Mark Alford Advances Effort to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, House Passes Stop Insider Trading Act

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Stop Insider Trading Act, marking a significant step forward in efforts to prohibit Members of Congress from trading individual stocks while serving in office.

For years, Americans have raised concerns about whether lawmakers should be allowed to personally trade stocks while making decisions that directly impact the economy and financial markets.

Congressman Mark Alford has been a leading voice on this issue, introducing the Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act to establish a stronger ethical standard.

Alford’s proposal was grounded in a straightforward principle: Members of Congress should not be permitted to profit from the same markets they influence through their official duties. His efforts helped elevate the issue in Congress and contributed to broader discussions on restoring public trust and strengthening accountability.

The Stop Insider Trading Act reflects many of the same principles championed by Congressman Alford. The legislation prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing individual publicly traded stocks and imposes additional transparency requirements for stock sales.

“Public service is a privilege, not a pathway to personal profit,” said Congressman Alford. “The American people deserve confidence that their representatives are making decisions based on what is best for the country, not what benefits their personal portfolios.”

Alford emphasized that the bill represents meaningful progress toward rebuilding trust between Congress and the American people.

“Members of Congress should be focused on serving the people who sent them here, not managing a stock portfolio,” Alford added. “When we hold ourselves to a higher standard, we strengthen faith in our institutions.”

With House passage secured, the Stop Insider Trading Act now moves to the Senate as lawmakers continue efforts to address concerns surrounding congressional ethics, transparency, and accountability.

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Congressman Mark Alford Celebrates $34 Million Investment in Kansas City BioHub, Highlights Continued Work to Strengthen America’s Supply Chains

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, MO—Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) celebrated the announcement of a $34 million federal investment through the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs Program for the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub) — a major step forward in strengthening America’s biomanufacturing capabilities, creating high-quality jobs, and securing critical supply chains.

“This has been a long time coming. Back in 2024, we started making the case for KC BioHub and put in the work to see it through—including leading a letter advocating for federal support because I believed Kansas City has what it takes to lead in biomanufacturing and strengthen America’s supply chains. This $34 million investment is the result of strong partnerships and steady, consistent effort to get this done.

Now we build on that progress, continuing this work in the months ahead and advancing legislation this fall to strengthen our critical manufacturing supply chains,” said Congressman Mark Alford.

This is not the finish line — it is the next step. Congressman Mark Alford will continue working with regional partners, industry leaders, and federal agencies to expand opportunities for American manufacturing, grow our workforce, and ensure Kansas City remains a leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

The award builds on years of collaboration and advocacy from regional leaders, businesses, researchers, and elected officials. In 2024, Congressman Alford submitted a letter of support to the U.S. Economic Development Administration advocating for KC BioHub’s Phase II Tech Hubs application.

In that letter, Congressman Alford highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains, particularly in animal health and biologics, noting that “Food Security is National Security” and emphasizing the need to reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical technologies and supplies.

The KC BioHub brings together businesses, research institutions, healthcare organizations, workforce partners, and government leaders to position the Kansas City region as a global hub for biologics manufacturing, medical innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

The $34 million investment will help accelerate the growth of the region’s biotechnology ecosystem, support workforce development, attract additional private investment, and strengthen domestic production of critical medical technologies.

Congressman Alford remains committed to advancing policies that bring more manufacturing back to America, protect national security, and create new economic opportunities for workers across the region.

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Rep. Mark Alford Applauds NSF’s $160 Million Kansas City Award Following His Push and Letter of Support

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Alford applauds the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) decision to award the University of Missouri-Kansas City-led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine up to $160 million in federal funding, following bipartisan advocacy efforts including a letter of support he sent to help secure the investment.

Rep. Alford joined colleagues in urging NSF to select the Kansas City region, highlighting its strong workforce, infrastructure and leadership in advanced manufacturing and research.

“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District and for America’s future,” said Mark Alford. “Rebuilding our domestic supply chains for critical materials strengthens our national security, supports energy independence and drives economic growth. I was proud to send a letter supporting this effort, and I’m glad to see that work deliver real results for Missouri.”

The Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, led by the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), brings together more than 260 partners across higher education, industry, government and workforce organizations. The initiative aims to expand domestic production of materials essential to modern technologies, including semiconductors, batteries, aerospace components and medical devices.

The investment positions the Greater Kansas City region as a national hub for critical materials innovation, commercialization and workforce development. According to regional estimates, the effort could create approximately 10,000 jobs by 2036 and generate up to $40 billion in economic output.

“This investment reinforces that the Heartland has the workforce, infrastructure and expertise to lead in rebuilding America’s industrial base,” Alford added.

“Kansas City is uniquely positioned to drive innovation and ensure the United States is no longer dependent on foreign adversaries for the materials that power our economy and national defense.”

The award includes an initial $15 million over two years, with the potential to grow to $160 million over the next decade if key milestones are met.

The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program supports cross-sector partnerships to accelerate critical technologies, strengthen regional economies and maintain U.S. leadership in innovation.

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Alford Highlights America First Wins in House-Passed FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“This FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “We’re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year’s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.”

Congressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including:

Cutting all federal funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to ensure American taxpayers are not bankrolling left-wing content that undermines our national interest, while creating new global broadcasting programs under the direct oversight of the State Department.
Language to ensure more foreign assistance provided by American taxpayers is Made in America by strengthening domestic procurement requirements.
Provisions to advance President Trump’s America First Health Policy to ensure partner nations are increasing their cost-sharing.
Provisions to ensure timely processing of visas and passports associated with the upcoming World Cup, which Kansas City will host this summer.
Appropriate funding of National Security Investment Programs under the State Department to ensure that all foreign assistance is supporting national security—not woke projects overseas.
Provisions urging the State Department to ensure that American defense manufacturing remains dominant and prevent foreign entities from undermining our defense industrial base.

A summary of the bill is available here.

Bill text is available here.

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Rep. Mark Alford Announces $18 Million Federal BUILD Grant for Belton Infrastructure Project

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) announced that the City of Belton has been awarded an $18 million federal BUILD grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the “Belton to AMERICA” infrastructure project.

Earlier this year, Rep. Alford wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing his strong support for the project and highlighting its importance to regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.

The funding will be used to construct a critical last-mile, multi-modal freight connection linking the Kansas City Inland Port to the interstate highway system. The project includes completion of the Markey Parkway and Bales Avenue connections and will enhance freight mobility, improve safety, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.

“I was proud to support this project because it delivers exactly what our region needs—stronger infrastructure, safer transportation, and more good-paying jobs,” said Rep. Alford. “This investment will help position Belton and the entire Kansas City region as a national logistics hub while supporting American manufacturing and economic growth.”

The project is expected to improve freight efficiency and expand access to markets, allowing goods to reach nearly half of the U.S. population within one day. It will also support future industrial development and job creation in the area, particularly at the Markey Business Park.

“We are so proud and excited to receive this grant,” said Greg Rokos, Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director. “We will use these funds to provide access to Markey Business Park that will help increase jobs in the City.”

In addition to freight improvements, the project includes multimodal enhancements such as a multi-use trail and sidewalk to ensure safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This is a big win for Missouri’s Fourth District. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and deliver lasting benefits for our communities,” Alford concluded.

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Alford Leads Missouri Delegation in Urging Transparency and Continued Investment in Fort Leonard Wood’s Critical Training Mission

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford announced he and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation have sent a formal letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll seeking clarity and transparency regarding any internal proposals that could affect the future of Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood.

The delegation emphasized that while it strongly supports Army modernization and force optimization efforts, that any changes affecting foundational training missions must be deliberate, fully vetted, and aligned with long-term readiness goals.

“Fort Leonard Wood is not just a Missouri installation—it is a national asset that underpins the Army’s ability to train and deploy a ready fighting force,” said Congressman Alford. “We fully support efforts to strengthen and modernize the Army, but that must include growing and sustaining the training footprint that produces the engineers, military police, and CBRN specialists our military depends on.”

Alford also underscored concerns that incremental personnel or mission shifts could, without proper oversight, effectively alter the installation’s role without congressional review.

“There must be full transparency with Congress when it comes to decisions of this magnitude. Any proposal that impacts Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood must be evaluated openly, with clear analysis of readiness, cost, and long-term training capacity to ensure we are strengthening—not weakening—the Army’s ability to fight and win,” concluded Alford.

The letter requests a detailed briefing from the Department of the Army and the Office of the Secretary of War regarding any ongoing assessments, including impacts on readiness, infrastructure investment, military construction needs, recruiting pipelines, and community effects.

The delegation reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Missouri remains a central hub for military training excellence and that Fort Leonard Wood continues to play a growing role in supporting Army readiness in the years ahead.

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Alford, Correa Introduce Bipartisan “Online Accessibility Act” to Expand Access & Protect Small Businesses

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) and Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) introduced the Online Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the digital age while protecting small businesses from abusive website lawsuits.

The legislation establishes clear, uniform accessibility standards for consumer-facing websites and mobile applications and creates a structured process to ensure issues are fixed—rather than exploited.

“Missouri small businesses want to do the right thing—they want their websites accessible to everyone,” said Congressman Alford. “What they don’t want is to be hit with vague demand letters or forced into costly settlements over technical issues they weren’t given a chance to fix. This bill brings clarity, fairness, and accountability to the system—protecting access for individuals with disabilities while also protecting small businesses from predatory lawsuits.”

The Online Accessibility Act:

Establishes clear federal accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications

Requires notice and an opportunity to fix accessibility issues before legal action
Creates a structured enforcement process through the Department of Justice
Provides flexibility for small businesses working in good faith to comply

Across Missouri and the country, small businesses have faced a growing wave of website accessibility lawsuits—often over minor or unclear violations—with little opportunity to correct issues before legal action is taken.

State-level efforts have also begun to address the issue. According to the Missouri Independent, more than 100 locally owned businesses in Missouri have been targeted by website-related ADA lawsuits, with some forced to pay significant settlements or shut down operations.

Accessibility matters, and it should be the goal, not an afterthought,” Alford continued. “This bill makes sure the focus is on fixing problems and expanding access, not enriching trial lawyers.”'

“Websites need to be accessible to all customers. Small businesses in Southern California work hard to be accessible to all, but for too long there’s been a lack of clarity and guidance for them,” said Congressman Correa. “This bill will increase accessibility while also providing clarity to small businesses and giving them a chance to fix issues before being hit with costly lawsuits.”

The legislation builds on growing bipartisan momentum at both the state and federal level to curb abusive litigation practices while strengthening accessibility protections.

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Agriculture Listening Session on The Farm Bill

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Event Date Monday, August 14, 2023 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Address
2503 W 16th St
Sedalia, MO 65301
United States

I'm excited to share with y’all that I’m hosting an Agriculture Listening Session on the Farm Bill on August 14 at the Missouri State Fair. We’re thrilled to have Governor Mike Parson and Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson join us.

Agriculture is the backbone of our Missouri economy, and I know that the perspectives of our hard-working farmers and ranchers are crucial to shaping effective farm bill policies.

I hope to see you all there!

Please find all details in the graphic and mark your calendars!