WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced that as a result of funding he helped secure in the Fiscal Year 2026 defense appropriations bill, Bell Textron Inc. was awarded a contract to support the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program, a critical modernization effort that will enhance the performance and longevity of the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopter fleet.

Rep. Jackson has consistently championed funding for this program during his time in Congress, recognizing both its importance to our national defense and the significant economic impact it has at Bell and in the Texas Panhandle.

The funding will sustain the highly skilled workforce at Bell's Amarillo facility, support advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs, continue to strengthen the region's defense industrial base, and reinforce Amarillo's longstanding role as a premier hub for military aviation production and modernization. It also underscores the enduring partnership between Bell, the U.S. Marine Corps, and industry partners in providing next-generation capabilities to America's warfighters and ensuring the H-1 fleet will remain relevant to the Joint Force for decades to come.

This $300 million investment will tangibly increase lethality and survivability for Bell’s AH-1Z and UH-1Y platforms while delivering real results for Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle,” said Rep. Jackson. “I am proud to continue to support the SPINE program, which will help sustain highly skilled jobs at Bell, reinforce our region's critical role in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps, and ensure our servicemembers have the modernized aircraft they need to accomplish their mission. While in Congress, I will continue fighting to bring defense investments home to Texas Thirteen while ensuring our military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force in the world."

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