Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representative John James (MI-10) announced that he is co-leading the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act. The legislation is being led by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), along with Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Andy Harris (R-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-RI), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). This legislation preserves U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter force structure and prioritizes the recapitalization of the 39 service-retained, combat-coded fighter squadrons available to the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to respond globally to world events across the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve fighter fleets.

The bill establishes requirements for future fighter procurement to restore and modernize our aging fighter fleet and directs robust reporting requirements to ensure close congressional oversight of USAF fighter modernization. It also prioritizes recapitalization of USAF Active Duty, Guard and Reserve units that are based in the homeland to improve the readiness of our Total Force fighter formations.  Over the last thirty years the Air Force fighter force structure has been reduced by nearly sixty percent while the average age of fighter aircraft has increased by two hundred percent.  

Rep. James issued the following statement regarding the legislation:

"This bill mandates that the Pentagon adopt smarter strategies now. As a combat veteran but also the father of 3 young sons, we must refocus on sparing the next generation from bearing a heavier burden in future conflicts. The National Guard is a proven asset worthy of investment, not reduction. Representing just 4% of the budget while providing 25% of the force, the Guard delivers unmatched value. In an era of escalating global threats and mounting national debt, it would be shortsighted to scale back the nation's most cost-effective and lethal defense solution."

The sponsors of the bill also issued a joint statement:

“The Department of Defense is simply not buying enough fighters to replace our aging aircraft that must be retired. The Air Force fighter fleet is currently in crisis, which now threatens our ability to project power and defend the skies over our homeland and along our borders. This legislation will stop the decline and stabilize the Air Force fighter force structure across the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve components. The brave men and women that protect the skies over our nation need the best equipment to do the job, and our legislation will give them the tools to do just that."

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