S.Amdt. 6461

SA 6461, submitted by Mr. Hickenlooper, aims to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to take certain actions against the 70th Flying Training Squadron of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

The amendment adds a new section that prevents the Secretary from performing a covered action—which includes defunding, reducing personnel or aircraft, eliminating, or deactivating the squadron—until 180 days after a required report is submitted to congressional defense committees.

The required report must include:

• An assessment of how the action affects the capacity to train cadets at USAFA.
• A plan to maintain training capacity, including evaluator pilot functions, simulator training, and advanced mission sets.
• An analysis of alternatives, such as reallocating vacant billets within Air Force Reserve Command.
• A cost comparison between continuing operations, using contracted support, or using active-duty personnel.
• A plan to keep institutional knowledge and instructional capacity.
• A plan to sustain the squadron until the 180-day period ends.