Press Releases

Contact: Abby Mitch

Rep. John James and a bipartisan coalition of representatives introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act (H.R. 3392). This legislation would prevent the elimination of Air National Guard fighter squadrons at a time when pilot and maintenance manning are at critically low levels.

Rep. James has long been a vocal advocate for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is located in Michigan’s Tenth District. H.R. 3392 would require the Air Force’s air inventory to include 25 fighter squadrons, which include Selfridge. The bill would also require the Air Force to submit to Congress a detailed strategy for securing this inventory after three months of enactment.

“Michigan is a military powerhouse and Selfridge Air National Guard Base is its crown jewel,” James said. “My district has long been a strong advocate of replacing the current A-10 Thunderbolts with a next generation fighter. I will not rest until Selfridge is home to a mission worthy of its stature and strategic position.” 

The Air Force has recently struggled with a personnel shortage, which has created an unsustainable workload for pilots and maintenance technicians. The legislation is an important step toward addressing this issue by requiring the Air Force to maintain 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons across 22 states. This would ensure that America retains the combat air power necessary to defend the homeland and prevail in any future conflicts. A significant percentage of the Air Force’s most experienced and talented personnel are stationed in the Air National Guard.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act is available here.

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