WASHINGTON, DC — The MACH 1 Caucus, a coalition of former military pilots and current lawmakers including Representatives August Pfluger (TX-11), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Mike Garcia (CA-27), and Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter Wednesday to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the Biden Administration to expedite the delivery of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers to Israel.

In the letter, the Members say: "Following the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, the United States has shown the world that we stand side-by-side with Israel, our greatest partner in the Middle East. Yet, in addition to the ongoing threats posed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from Gaza, Israel faces rising threats from Hizballah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed proxies in Syria. To complicate the situation, the Iranian regime has threatened, 'Iran cannot stand idly by and watch this situation unfold' signaling additional confrontation will occur. Conflicts on multiple fronts would put even more civilians in harm’s way and weaken the Israeli Defense Forces’ ability to defend their country."

"Air superiority, of not only American forces but of our partner’s, is a critical component to regional security and stability."

Read the full letter here.