St. Joseph business and community leaders are taking part this week in lobbying on behalf of St. Joseph residents in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said she met Tuesday with representatives from the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and the Community Alliance to discuss the shared goal of increased economic development in northwest Missouri, including the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri National Guard and Missouri River levees.

“It was great to discuss how we can help the city and the 139th Airlift Wing achieve their priorities and support them in enhancing the local economy,” said McCaskill.

McCaskill, who recently returned to work after receiving treatment for breast cancer, also said she was “moved” when the group presented her with a certificate of a contribution to the American Cancer Society in McCaskill’s honor.

Last year, McCaskill teamed up with fellow Missouri Senator Roy Blunt at the Air National Guard Base for a roundtable discussion with 30 community leaders and leadership from the 139th Airlift Wing to talk about the C-130, the role of Missouri’s military bases in national defense and the impact of possible Pentagon budget cuts. McCaskill said she has also urged the Air Force to bring additional C-130 aircraft to Rosecrans, touting the base’s personnel, expertise, and exceptional training facilities.