Bill · H.R. 9119· House(119-HR-9119)
To provide a prohibition on certain reductions to MQ-9 aircraft units, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 6/3/2026
- Last activity
- 6/3/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Babin
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill stops the Secretary of the Air Force from cutting, retiring, or reducing MQ-9 aircraft units and their personnel until September 30, 2032. It protects the number of aircraft assigned to the Air National Guard and the Air Force. The bill allows exceptions if an individual aircraft is unsafe or uneconomical to repair. It also allows exceptions if a unit goes through a mission conversion approved by the applicable governor and Congress is notified. Additionally, the bill requires a report on the plan to recapitalize the MQ-9 aircraft fleet within 180 days.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
Protects military readiness, unit capabilities, and personnel levels associated with the MQ-9 fleet.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The legislation supports military readiness and protects Air National Guard infrastructure and personnel capabilities.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates a detailed report and recapitalization plan submitted to congressional defense committees within 180 days.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 1(a) prevents the reduction of MQ-9 aircraft units, capability statements, and personnel numbers, which may help keep people employed and maintain current defense capabilities.
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Section 1(c) allows the Secretary of the Air Force to assign a new primary mission to an MQ-9 unit with the approval of the applicable governor, which could bring new missions and updates to local units.
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Section 2(a) requires a report on the recapitalization plan for the MQ-9 fleet to be submitted to congressional defense committees, which holds officials accountable for planning the future of the fleet.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 1(b) allows the Secretary of the Air Force to retire individual MQ-9 aircraft if they are determined to be unsafe, uneconomical to repair, or no longer mission capable, which could reduce operational assets available to units.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increase States Rights+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2
- 6/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania