John James Pens Letter to House Leadership Urging Support for Selfridge

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman John James (MI-10) authored a letter urging House Leadership to secure full funding for critical runway upgrades at Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB), following President Trump's directive to assign the next-generation F-15EX fighter fleet to the Macomb County installation.

The new F-15EX fighter mission at Selfridge requires a $90 million runway extension and associated infrastructure upgrades. The Senate took an important step by including partial funding, and James is urging for House Leadership to secure the full amount necessary in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.

"Selfridge ANGB is a national treasure," wrote James. "As the only Air National Guard installation with a 100 percent federally owned flightline, its strategic location near the northern border, its proven joint-force integration with DHS, the Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection, and its unparalleled access to Great Lakes airspace make it indispensable to our homeland defense."

James highlighted that the runway extension and associated infrastructure upgrades must be fully funded and completed without delay in order to host the F-15EX fleet and prevent a dangerous capability gap once the A-10 retires at the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

"anything less than the full $90 million risks delaying construction timelines and jeopardizing mission readiness," James continued. "I urge you to make full funding for Selfridge a priority in conference and beyond, as part of our shared commitment to rebuilding American military strength, ensuring readiness, and delivering on President Trump's vision for U.S. air dominance."

Selfridge's location provides additional advantages for military and homeland security missions, including proximity to major highways, railways, maritime routes, critical infrastructure, and cross-border trade. Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population lives within 500 miles of the base, making it uniquely suited as a force projection platform for air superiority, disaster response, and border security operations.

From his first day in office, James has championed Selfridge as the crown jewel of Macomb County, supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic strength in the region. He remains fully committed to ensuring the base is prepared for the timely arrival of the F-15EX fighter fleet and stands ready to assist with legislative or interagency support to secure the base's future.

View the full letter below.

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