Maverick Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8331
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-27T08:06:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Maverick Act of 2026 (H.R. 8331) authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer three specific F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama, free of charge. The goal is to preserve U.S. naval aviation heritage through public display, airshows, or commemorative events.
Key Provisions
- Transfer Details:
- Applies to three F-14D Tomcat aircraft (Bureau Numbers: 163283, 164602, 159437).
- Transfer via a conditional deed of gift (a legal document that can include reversion rights if conditions are violated), with no payment required from the Commission.
- Aircraft delivered as-is (in current condition, no repairs by Navy); Commission covers all costs for transfer, compliance checks, operation, and maintenance.
- Navy Support:
- Optional provision of operations manuals and excess spare parts/equipment needed for restoration, operation, or display.
- Navy may allow Commission to partner with qualified nonprofits for restoration.
- No obligation for additional support beyond specified items.
- Strict Conditions:
- Aircraft must lack any combat capabilities (e.g., no munitions launch).
- Limited to static public display, airshows, or commemorative events.
- Must follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety and maintenance rules.
- If violated (e.g., unauthorized transfer or misuse), ownership reverts to U.S. with immediate possession rights.
- Additional terms possible for U.S. interests, like demilitarization (removing military features) or liability protections.
- Liability and Laws:
- U.S. relieved of liability for any death, injury, loss, or damage after transfer.
- Subject to federal/state laws, including export controls (e.g., Arms Export Control Act, International Traffic in Arms Regulations) to prevent misuse.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Provides specific statutory authority for this transfer, which may not have been permissible without congressional approval due to military asset disposal rules.
- Introduces tailored conditions for museum-grade aircraft, including optional spares/manuals and nonprofit partnerships, not typically standard in military surplus transfers.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Navy divests surplus aircraft at no cost, reducing storage/maintenance burdens; ensures national security via controls and reversion rights.
- Citizens/Public: Enhances educational access to rare historical aircraft at a public museum (U.S. Space and Rocket Center), promoting aviation heritage.
- No notable international relations impact, as transfers are domestic and tightly regulated to prevent export risks.
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (primary recipient; bears all costs and responsibilities).
- Secretary of the Navy/Department of the Navy (handles transfer and oversight).
- Potential nonprofits (for restoration work).
- Public visitors and aviation enthusiasts (benefit from displays).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strong protections for U.S. interests via reversion, demilitarization, and export law compliance; clarifies no U.S. liability post-transfer, shielding taxpayers.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's Article I authority over military property disposal.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (multiple representatives); symbolic preservation of military history without fiscal burden, potentially aiding museum funding/tourism in Alabama. No major controversies evident in the bill text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-04-16: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-16: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Maverick Act — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (6 pages)