Bill · S. 4161· Senate(119-S-4161)
Maverick Act
- Introduced
- 3/23/2026
- Last activity
- 5/4/2026 — Held at the desk.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Sheehy
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Awaiting House
What this bill would do
This Act, known as the "Maverick Act," authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. The transfer is to be made without consideration through a conditional deed of gift. These aircraft lack combat capabilities or the ability to launch munitions. The Secretary may provide specific maintenance manuals and potentially excess spare parts to facilitate a static display or flight. The Commission is responsible for all costs related to operation, maintenance, and conveyance.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+5
The bill transfers surplus aircraft to the Commission at no cost to the United States, removing the Navy's burden for their upkeep.
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?+3
The act disposes of surplus aircraft that are excess to the operational requirements of the Navy.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
The aircraft transfer supports public display and airshows which can benefit local communities and tourism in Huntsville.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Preservation of History: The Secretary may authorize the Commission to work with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, airshows, and commemorative events to preserve naval aviation heritage (Section 2, subsection e).
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Aircraft Readiness: The Secretary has the option to provide excess spare parts to help make one of the aircraft flyable or able to complete a static display (Section 2, subsection d, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Burden on the Commission: The Commission is responsible for all costs associated with the conveyance, as well as all costs of operation and maintenance of the aircraft (Section 2, subsection g).
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Liability Restrictions: The United States shall not be liable for any death, injury, loss, or damage resulting from the use of the aircraft by anyone other than the United States (Section 2, subsection h).
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Risk of Asset Loss: If the Commission fails to comply with specific maintenance requirements or attempts to transfer ownership without approval, the aircraft will revert to the United States (Section 2, subsection f).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Reduces Military Spending+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+2
| Updated | Bill | Title | Policy Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 months ago | To clarify the provision of excess spare parts to the Commission. |
- 5/4/2026
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 5/1/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 4/28/2026
- Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2075)
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2075)
- 3/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona