To provide a prohibition on certain reductions to MQ-9 aircraft units, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9119
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T19:12:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation seeks to temporarily restrict the U.S. Air Force from reducing or eliminating MQ-9 aircraft units (unmanned aerial vehicles commonly known as drones) to maintain current operational levels through a defined timeframe.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on Reductions: From the date of enactment until September 30, 2032, the Secretary of the Air Force may not divest, retire, transfer, or reduce the capabilities of existing MQ-9 units, including limits on the number of aircraft assigned or personnel supporting them.
- Exceptions for Individual Aircraft: The ban does not apply to single aircraft deemed unsafe, uneconomical to repair, or damaged beyond use, provided other conditions are met.
- Exceptions for Mission Changes: Units may shift to a new primary mission if approved by the relevant state governor, with certification that it maintains or improves overall capability, plus submission of a detailed transition plan to Congress.
- Consultation Requirement: The Secretary must consult with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Director of the Air National Guard before making changes to units assigned to the Air National Guard.
- Recapitalization Report: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary, working with the Air National Guard Director, must submit a report to congressional defense committees covering the fleet's status, modernization plans through 2035, recapitalization options, the Guard's role, timelines, funding needs, and any needed legal changes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces new, time-limited restrictions on the Air Force's ability to adjust its MQ-9 fleet structure, which were not previously required under general military management authorities.
- It adds mandatory consultation and reporting obligations specific to MQ-9 units, extending beyond standard procedures for aircraft inventory decisions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Limits flexibility for the Department of the Air Force in managing aircraft and personnel, potentially requiring more detailed planning and approvals for any fleet adjustments.
- Citizens: Affects Air National Guard units, which rely on state-based part-time service members, by protecting their current missions and staffing levels.
- International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard components responsible for operating and maintaining the aircraft.
- Congressional defense committees, which receive required reports and certifications.
- State governors, who must approve any mission conversions for Guard units.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: The bill represents Congress exercising its constitutional role in overseeing military organization and resource allocation, temporarily limiting executive branch discretion in this area.
- Political: Introduced on a bipartisan basis, it focuses on preserving capabilities in reserve forces without altering broader defense policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To provide a prohibition on certain reductions to MQ–9 aircraft units, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (6 pages)