The Warren Sun

Representative John James (MI-10) and a bipartisan coalition of Michigan House members have sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriators, urging them to maintain the $122.6 million funding for Aircraft Procurement for the Air Force, specifically for the F-15EXs to be sent to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act. The letter emphasizes the importance of bringing a new fighter mission to Selfridge and highlights the unity among Michigan's House delegation in supporting this endeavor.

In a statement, Representative James expressed his determination to secure the funding for the F-15EXs, stating, "Michigan’s 10th Congressional District elected a battle-tested fighter to fight for them, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing." He highlighted the successful inclusion of the funding in the House Defense Appropriations bill, despite the slim House majority. Representative James also expressed his commitment to working with appropriators to advocate for the funding level and ultimately bringing a new fighter mission to Selfridge.

However, it is worth noting that the senators from Michigan declined to join the bipartisan letter and did not support the House efforts. This follows the Senate Defense Appropriations bill's failure to secure the same level of funding for F-15EX fighters to Selfridge as Representative James had achieved in the House.

The letter serves as a call to action for House and Senate Appropriators to prioritize funding for F-15EXs for Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The bipartisan coalition of Michigan House members, led by Representative James, is determined to ensure the success of this initiative and bring a new fighter mission to Selfridge. Their efforts reflect their commitment to serving the interests and security of Michigan and the nation.

For more information and to read the full letter, click [here](link to the letter).

To learn more, click on this link: https://james.house.gov/media/press-releases/james-bipartisan-coalition-michigan-house-members-send-letter-house-and-senate