Budd, Shaheen Lead Three-Bill Package to Enhance American Airpower and Boost Defense Industrial Base
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led several of their colleagues in introducing a robust bipartisan legislative package of three bills focused on elevating and preserving the dominance of American military airpower in modern warfare.
The Airpower Acceleration Act would ensure strategic and generational investment in American air superiority by expanding fighter aircraft production, providing financial stability to the Defense Industrial Base, saving taxpayer dollars, and recapitalizing aged aircraft with modern fighters to ensure our combat aviators prevail in conflict. Read the full bill text HERE.
The Retention Enhancements for Tactical Aircrew Initiative (RETAIN) Act would focus on retaining mid-career Air Force aviators by increasing Aviation Incentive Pay for more experienced pilots, authorizing greater and more flexible Aviation Bonus options, and expanding non-monetary incentives, such as minimizing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Read the full bill text HERE.
The Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act would establish a program that permits a one-time career intermission for Fighter Pilots and Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs). The purpose of this program is to permit targeted service intermissions to reduce the number of fighter aircrew separating from active duty and correct the most acute pilot manning challenges for the Air Force. Read the full bill text HERE.
U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) joined in co-sponsoring the legislative package.
“The future of American military dominance relies on maintaining our air superiority, and the path forward is clear – rebuild our Defense Industrial Base through restoring our combat aircraft forces and retaining experienced aviators. We cannot afford to fall behind China, and that is why Senator Shaheen and I have brought forward a robust, bipartisan legislative package that gives the U.S. a fighting chance to preserve our airpower to be the most lethal fighting force in modern warfare, while also retaining our nation’s most elite pilots,” said Senator Budd.
“If the Administration truly views China as the pacing challenge to our nation, we need to get serious about curbing their growing global influence – and that includes air dominance. Our commonsense, multi-pronged approach will make an overdue investment in American fighter capacity to help ensure the United States keeps our competitive edge for generations to come,” said Senator Shaheen.
“Our nation’s defense relies on the men and women in uniform who answer the call to serve. This legislative package is another step forward for some of the most elite members of the military who just need a little bit more flexibility to balance their personal lives and responsibilities while remaining in active duty. It would also provide a significant investment into American airpower – a key component of American defenses. I am grateful to every member of the military who serve our nation dutifully and faithfully, and thank my bipartisan colleagues for working on their behalf,” said Senator King.
“America’s aviators contribute significantly to our military’s air power and our warfighting capabilities in a decisive way. The risk incurred by retiring aircraft without follow-on platforms and not properly caring for the needs of pilots and operators complicates operational readiness. I was proud to support these measures to help bolster America’s air dominance, and to care for our aviators and servicemembers who provide invaluable contributions to the Total Force,” said Senator Schmitt.
“Airpower is the backbone of American strength. If we want to maintain our edge, we must invest in both our people and our platforms. The Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act and the RETAIN Act immediately respond to some of our most acute challenges: retaining our best fighter pilots and providing them with the state-of-the-art equipment. The Airpower Acceleration Act reinforces our industrial base, strengthens production, and accelerates fleet modernization. Together these efforts ensure we have the pilots and the tools to dominate in any future conflict,” said Senator Cramer.
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) joined in co-sponsoring the Airpower Acceleration Act and the RETAIN Act.
“American air dominance is pivotal to our victory on any battlefield. This bipartisan legislative package will help keep our dagger sharp,” said Senator Sheehy.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) joined in co-sponsoring the RETAIN Act and the Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act.
“There is no air force in the world that can do what the United States Air Force does. But in order to maintain this superiority, we need to make sure we are retaining our best aviators. Over the past decade, we’ve seen more and more mid-career pilots leave for better pay in the commercial airline industry or private sector. That’s why I’m joining my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan RETAIN Act and Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act to help address these pilot shortages,” said Senator Kaine.
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) joined in co-sponsoring the RETAIN Act
BACKGROUND
Airpower Acceleration Act:
Authorizes multi-year procurement for F-15EX and F-35 aircraft.
Mandates a higher minimum inventory of fighter aircraft by raising the level to 1,369 by 2030 and 1,558 by 2035.
Boosts F-15EX production by authorizing the Air Force to procure an additional 200 F-15EXs to recapitalize the aging F-15E fleet.
RETAIN Act:
Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to offer non-monetary incentives to the maximum extent that is practical, such as: assignment at the duty location of the officer's preference, the opportunity to perform a non-flying staff assignment remotely or remain in active flying status, and the opportunity to transition indefinitely to a non-combat aviation service career path.
Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to pay the maximum Aviation Incentive Pay (AVIP) authorization to eligible officers with more than eight years of service.
Mandates that bonus contract lengths and monetary incentives for the Active Component must, at a minimum, match those available to the Reserve Component.
Increases the maximum authorization for the Aviation Bonus to match the recommendation from a 2019 RAND report on aviator retention.
Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act:
Permits a one-time career intermission for eligible Air Force fighter aircrew to last from four months to one year.
Allows aviators to spend time in the civilian workforce and still return to active duty.
