AFA Commends Rep. Austin Scott for Legislation Supporting Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va., July 22, 2026 — Leaders from the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) met with Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) at his Capitol Hill office to thank him for his work to improve Air Force readiness and warfighting capability in the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization bill. 

Scott, a member of the House Armed Services Committee with seats on the Readiness, Intelligence and Special Operations subcommittees, secured provisions in the House version of the legislation that would extend today’s minimum fighter aircraft inventory until 2035, preserving F-22s fighters now while paving the way to grow the F-15EX fighter fleet to beyond 267 jets. 

AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), and AFA Chair of the Board Kathleen Ferguson thanked Scott for his support of one of AFA’s top legislative priorities on behalf of AFA’s 350,000 members.

“At a time when the Air Force is operating its oldest and smallest fighter fleet in the service’s 78-year history, your Amendment 5921 directly addresses both deficiencies,” Ferguson said. “Your provisions will be critical to ensuring our nation remains able to dominate the skies.”

“Congressman Scott’s legislation would increase the capacity and capability the Air Force needs to match up to the challenge of our adversaries,” said Field, a former F-22 pilot. “Preserving our older F-22s and getting more F-15EXs on the ramp will help ensure our Airmen can project airpower wherever and whenever it’s needed.”

“We must preserve proven combat power, strengthen our fighter force, protect critical electronic warfare capabilities, and maintain the airlift capacity needed to fight across vast distances,” said Scott. “I am proud of the continued efforts to ensure our Air Force remains capable and ready to conduct its mission.”

AFA has long argued for preserving current Air Force capability and capacity while developing future platforms, like the B-21 bomber and F-47 fighter. “We are grateful that Rep. Scott stands with us in supporting our warfighters and deterring our adversaries,” Ferguson said.

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.