Washington, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) voted in support of a significant defense funding package during the U.S. House Armed Services Committee’s first-ever budget reconciliation markup, reinforcing his commitment to national security, military personnel, and economic development in eastern North Carolina.
“One of my top priorities has been preventing the retirement of the F-15E aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and securing increased F-15EX procurement,” said Congressman Davis. “Preserving jobs and investing in Seymour Johnson is vital to our readiness and national defense. I believe this defense package moves us in the right direction.”
The package passed the committee by a vote of 35–21 and includes major investments critical to North Carolina and national defense strategy:
Key Funding Highlights:
- $127.5 million to prevent retirement of F-15E fighter jets, 94 of which are based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
- $3.15 billion to procure next-generation F-15EX aircraft.
- $678 million to accelerate development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft—semi-autonomous drones designed to fly alongside piloted fighters.
- $34 billion to support shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base, including:
- $4.6 billion for a second Virginia-class submarine in FY2027.
- $450 million for maritime workforce development, benefiting job markets in shipyards like Newport News.
Quality of Life and Security Enhancements:
- $9 billion for servicemember quality of life improvements, including $1.2 billion for military housing and $100 million for childcare.
- $5 billion for border security and counter-drug operations.
- $11 billion to strengthen deterrence in the Pacific region.
A Record of Advocacy for Seymour Johnson AFB
Congressman Davis, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Air Force veteran, has consistently defended Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB), which employs more than 6,200 personnel. His legislative provision in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibits the divestment of F-15E aircraft through at least Fiscal Year 2027.
Davis has taken multiple steps to safeguard the base:
- Nov. 20, 2023: Toured SJAFB with a congressional delegation to assess operational needs.
- Mar. 13, 2024: Delivered House floor remarks opposing F-15E divestment and job cuts.
- Mar. 29, 2024: Sent a letter to President Biden urging protection of the F-15E squadron.
- Apr. 17, 2024: Questioned the Air Force Secretary on community impact and transparency.
- Dec. 11, 2024: Voted for the FY2025 NDAA, which includes his divestment protection provision.
- Mar. 7, 2025: Submitted FY2026 NDAA priorities supporting fighter jet upgrades and future technologies.
Congressman Davis serves as Vice Ranking Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and sits on both the Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittees. His leadership continues to focus on modernizing national defense while protecting North Carolina’s military assets and workforce.
Eastern North Carolina is home to multiple strategic military installations, including Seymour Johnson AFB, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg.
