Tillis unveils bipartisan, bicameral FLIGHT Act to increase military’s diversity

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would require flight training programs in connection with Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) units at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority institutions.

“We should work to boost diversity in our military,” Sen. Tillis said, “and this is an outstanding opportunity to do so by investing additional resources for our ROTC programs at our HBCUs.”

Sen. Tillis cosponsored the Fostering Leadership and Inclusion by Growing HBCU Training (FLIGHT) Act of 2020, S. 3953, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), with the goal of having the bill included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The companion bill will be introduced by U.S. Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) in their chamber.

“I’m proud to work across the aisle to support this bipartisan legislation that will provide more access to pilot training and help advance the promising military careers of young men and women who are serving our nation,” said Sen. Tillis.

If enacted, S. 3953 would help expand diversity in the U.S. military by increasing opportunities at HBCUs for aspiring military aviators by establishing two new programs, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.

The bill would authorize funding and resources to encourage partnerships between HBCUs and nearby military bases, and would supplement flight training costs for ROTC members enrolled at HBCUs. While the funds appropriated by the FLIGHT Act could be used at commercial flight schools, priority would be given to students who receive their flight training at HBCUs, according to the summary.