FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A $700 billion defense bill approved Wednesday night by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee makes a push to speed up a planned change of combat jets flown by Fort Wayne’s 122nd Fighter Wing.

The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act encourages the Air Force to make the change from A-10 attack jets to F-16s as soon as possible.

Indiana Republican Congressman Jim Banks made that amendment to the bill, and tells WOWO News he’s working to keep Fort Wayne’s air national guard base at the front of his colleagues’ minds:

“The important work being done in Fort Wayne is recognized by the Air Force and the Department of Defense. I have a strong believe that the 122nd is as strong as it’s ever been.”

Regardless of what happens, Banks and Senator Joe Donnelly have both been assured that A-10s will still be flown at the base for at least the next five years.