Bill · S. 4375· Senate(119-S-4375)
RETAIN Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Budd
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The RETAIN Act of 2026 aims to amend title 37 of the United States Code regarding aviation officers. It requires that officers with more than 8 years of aviation service receive the maximum monthly amount of aviation incentive pay. Additionally, the bill enhances the Air Force Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program. This includes offering more flexibility in duty locations and assignments. It also establishes an aviation bonus of up to an average annual amount of $100,000. Finally, it extends the duration of the demonstration project through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would high-income households be better off under this?+2
The bill increases the income potential for high-earning aviation officers through maximum incentive pay and bonuses.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+2
The bill improves the career structure and compensation for experienced military aviation officers.
Is this likely to create jobs?+1
The bill enhances retention and incentives for current aviation officers to remain in their roles.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Pay for Experienced Officers: Officers who have completed more than 8 years of aviation service will receive the maximum monthly amount of aviation incentive pay (Section 2).
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Greater Assignment Flexibility: Under the demonstration program, the Secretary may offer rated officers assignments to their preferred duty locations, including consecutive assignments at the same location (Section 3(c)(1)(A)).
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Alternative Duty Options: Officers may be offered staff assignments that do not require flying remotely, allowing them to avoid relocation or stay in active flying status (Section 3(c)(1)(B)).
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Career Transition Opportunities: The bill provides the opportunity for officers to transition indefinitely to a non-combat aviation service position (Section 3(c)(1)(C)).
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Aviation Bonuses: Rated officers under the demonstration program may receive an aviation bonus of up to an average annual amount of $100,000 (Section 3(c)(2)(A)).
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Competitive Incentives: The Secretary is required to ensure that contract length options and aviation bonuses are equal to or better than those offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve (Section 3(c)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For High Income Households+2Good For Veterans+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 4/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 7 Cosponsors 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.
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana