S.Amdt. 6286

SA 6286, submitted by Mr. Cruz and Mr. Kelly, aims to add "Additional Protection for Air National Guard MQ-9 Aircraft Units" to section 134 of bill S. 4784.

The purpose of this amendment is to prohibit the Secretary of the Air Force from taking specific actions between the date the Act is enacted and September 30, 2031, including:

• Divesting, deactivating, redesignating, consolidating, transferring, placing in storage, or retiring any MQ-9 aircraft assigned to an Air National Guard unit, or otherwise reducing the unit's mission capability.

• Reducing the total primary aerospace vehicle authorization (PAA) number or the assigned aircraft authorization of any Air National Guard MQ-9 aircraft unit below the levels in effect on the date of enactment.

• Modifying the designed operational capability statement of any Air National Guard MQ-9 aircraft unit in a way that reduces capabilities below the levels in effect on the date of enactment.

• Reducing personnel assigned to the operation and maintenance of MQ-9 aircraft below the levels in effect on the date of enactment if it affects the ability to meet the capability specified in the operational capability statement.

The amendment provides exceptions for individual aircraft if the Secretary of the Air Force determines they are unsafe, uneconomical to repair, or not mission capable. Additionally, an exception exists if a new primary mission is assigned with the approval of the applicable Governor and certification to congressional defense committees that the new mission maintains or enhances operational capability, provided a plan describing personnel impacts, projected capability, timeline, and requirements is submitted.

The amendment also requires the Secretary of the Air Force to consult with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau before taking any of the prohibited actions.