Late last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the House Appropriations bill on Defense. Included in the bill were three amendments introduced by Representative John James (MI-10) that will directly benefit Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. The amendments include:
Increasing capacity by $122,600,000 to build eight additional F-15EX fighter jets to be based at Selfridge.
Investing $15,000,000 in a hypersonic testing facility at Selfridge.
Funding $10,000,000 to an updated transmission for Army ground vehicles to help with next generation capabilities.
James released the following statement regarding this accomplishment:
“Growing Michigan’s economy and strengthening national security are among my top priorities. There is no better way to serve both than by investing in the Arsenal of Innovation and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. Michigan is shorted billions in defense spending each year, and it’s our community that pays the price! The nearly $150 million in House Defense Appropriations I just secured is the first step in the right direction. I will keep fighting for our district in Washington like I fought for our nation in war,”said James.
Other provisions in this legislation include a historic 30% pay increase for junior-enlisted service members, investments in cooperation with our allies in the Indo-Pacific and an increased capacity to counter China. James voted in favor of this legislation.
