Maverick Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3899
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-13T22:30:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Maverick Act," aims to authorize the U.S. Department of the Navy to transfer ownership or control of certain retired F-14 Tomcat aircraft—iconic fighter jets from naval aviation history—to a museum commission in Alabama. The goal is to support the preservation and public display of these aircraft as part of naval heritage efforts, without any financial burden on the federal government.
Key Provisions
- Short Title (Section 1): The act is officially named the "Maverick Act."
- Transfer Authority (Section 2(a)): The Secretary of the Navy can transfer one or more F-14 Tomcat aircraft currently held by the Navy or Department of Defense to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. Transfers can occur via sale, gift, loan, or other means, under terms set by the Secretary. These terms may require:
- Demilitarization: Removing any weapons or military capabilities to make the aircraft safe for civilian use.
- Indemnification: Agreements where the recipient protects the U.S. government from legal liability.
- Restrictions on future sales, transfers, or uses to prevent misuse.
- Restoration and Public Use Agreements (Section 2(b)): The Secretary can allow the Commission to partner with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore the aircraft and use them in public displays, airshows, and commemorative events focused on preserving naval aviation history.
- No-Cost Transfer (Section 2(c)): The U.S. government incurs no costs for the transfer. The Commission must cover all related expenses, including compliance checks, operations, and maintenance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a targeted authorization for transferring specific F-14 Tomcat aircraft to a non-federal entity for educational and historical purposes. Previously, such transfers might have required broader approvals or been limited by general military surplus laws (e.g., those governing disposal of defense property under Title 10 of the U.S. Code). It streamlines the process by explicitly allowing loans or gifts at no cost, with built-in safeguards like demilitarization, which could expand options for preserving military artifacts outside active government control.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Navy and Department of Defense can dispose of surplus historical aircraft efficiently, reducing storage and maintenance costs while fulfilling congressional directives on heritage preservation. This may set a precedent for similar transfers of other retired equipment.
- On Citizens: Enhances public access to aviation history through museum exhibits and events in Alabama, potentially educating visitors (including students and aviation enthusiasts) about U.S. naval achievements. No direct costs or burdens on taxpayers.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as the bill focuses on domestic preservation of U.S. military assets with no foreign involvement mentioned.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of the Navy and Department of Defense: Responsible for executing the transfer and ensuring compliance with security terms.
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (Huntsville, Alabama): Receives the aircraft and bears all costs; operates as a key player in space and aviation education.
- Qualified Nonprofit Organizations: Eligible to partner with the Commission for restoration and public programming.
- General Public and Aviation Heritage Groups: Benefit from increased opportunities for educational displays and events, promoting awareness of naval history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Provides clear statutory authority to avoid potential disputes over military property disposal, emphasizing safety through demilitarization requirements. Indemnification clauses shield the government from lawsuits related to the aircraft's future use.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under Article I (e.g., regulating the military and appropriating funds), as it directs executive branch actions without infringing on separation of powers.
- Political Implications: Introduced by Senators Sheehy and Kelly on February 24, 2026, and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee, the bill reflects bipartisan support for military heritage initiatives. The "Maverick" title nods to cultural references (e.g., the film Top Gun), potentially aiding public and congressional appeal, but it remains a narrow, non-controversial measure focused on preservation rather than policy overhaul.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-02-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Maverick Act — issued 2026-02-24 — PDF (2 pages)