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Senate Republicans block Schumer's Qatar jet retrofit funding bill

Fox News • July 22, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

Senate Republicans blocked a bill proposed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aimed at preventing taxpayer funds from being used to upgrade President Trump’s new Air Force One, a Boeing 747-8 jet gifted by Qatar.
Democrats have criticized the jet’s costly retrofit, estimated to reach up to $1 billion, citing concerns over security risks and the financial burden on taxpayers amid economic hardships.
President Trump acknowledged the plane currently lacks full security enhancements, such as countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles, but stated upgrades are planned within about a month.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the plane is safe for travel but will undergo additional upgrades in the fall, during which Trump will use the older Air Force One.
Republican Senator Deb Fischer opposed Schumer’s bill, highlighting that it would also affect the Survivable Air Operations Center aircraft, a critical part of the nation’s nuclear command and control system, potentially compromising national security.

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