Kelly: We Must Invest in the Capabilities that Project American Power Across the Globe

Washington, DC, May 13, 2026
"In today’s constantly evolving threat environment, our adversaries are investing heavily in advanced capabilities as they try to close in on our lead. It is critical that we ensure that never happens."

Seapower and Projection Forces (SPF) Subcommittee Chairman Trent Kelly (R-MS) delivered the following remarks at a hearing on the Air Force FY27 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces

 

Chairman Kelly's Statement as Prepared for Delivery:
Good afternoon. I’d like to thank the witnesses for being here at today’s hearing as we discuss the Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. I look forward to hearing how this budget will get at the challenges of our increasingly complex security environment.

I want to start by acknowledging the brave servicemen and women who are serving so honorably overseas to make the world a safer place for us all. I speak for everyone when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

One of my most important responsibilities as chairman of this subcommittee is ensuring that our airmen have the resources, training, and capabilities that maintain and grow our edge over our adversaries. Today’s discussion of fleet modernization, strategic deterrence, and emerging technologies will inform our work towards that goal as we head into the heart of this year’s NDAA cycle.

I also want to thank President Trump for this year’s historic budget request, which will not only get our servicemen and women the tools they need to succeed, but also boost the ongoing revitalization of our defense industrial base.

I want to focus today’s hearing on the role of the bomber and mobility platforms that help us overcome the tyranny of distance and project American power across the farthest reaches of the globe. Our bomber fleet is the cornerstone of our strategic deterrent, and our mobility platforms are the backbone of our operational effectiveness, allowing us to move personnel, equipment, and supplies around the world with unmatched efficiency.

In today’s constantly evolving threat environment, our adversaries are investing heavily in advanced capabilities as they try to close in on our lead. It is critical that we ensure that never happens.

I look forward to hearing from our distinguished witnesses as we work to find solutions to ensure that our Air Force remains the best in the world.