Maverick Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4161
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-04: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T21:06:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 4161 - "Maverick Act" (119th Congress, 2d Session)
Purpose
This legislation 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, at no cost. The goal is to preserve naval aviation heritage through public display, airshows, and commemorative events.
Key Provisions
- Transfer Details: The Navy may give (via a "conditional deed of gift") all U.S. ownership rights in three specific F-14D aircraft (Bureau Numbers 164341, 164602, 159437), which are excess to Navy needs and lack any combat or munitions capabilities.
- Navy Responsibilities and Limits:
- No requirement to repair or modify aircraft before transfer.
- Provide available F-14D-specific manuals where intellectual property rights allow.
- Option to supply excess spare parts for one aircraft (for flight or static display), but the Commission must reimburse at fair market value from Navy stock—no new purchases by Navy.
- No further parts, support, or costs from Navy post-transfer.
- Commission Obligations:
- Bear all transfer, compliance, operation, and maintenance costs.
- Operate/maintain aircraft per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules.
- Cannot sell or transfer aircraft without Navy approval.
- Restoration and Use: Navy may allow Commission agreements with qualified nonprofits for restoration and operation for educational/public purposes.
- Reverter Clause: If conditions breached (e.g., FAA noncompliance or unauthorized transfer), ownership reverts to U.S., with immediate possession rights.
- Liability Shield: U.S. not liable for any death, injury, loss, or damage after transfer.
- Legal Compliance: Transfer/use subject to federal/state laws, including arms export controls (Arms Control Act, Export Control Reform Act), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), sanctions regs, and Espionage Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Provides specific congressional authority for this no-cost transfer, which may bypass standard surplus disposal processes.
- Introduces tailored conditions (e.g., reverter, liability limits, spare parts reimbursement) not universally applied to other military asset gifts.
- Explicitly clarifies demilitarization and ties to export control laws, ensuring non-operational aircraft still comply with sensitive tech regs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Navy disposes of surplus assets at zero cost, reducing storage burdens; minimal ongoing involvement.
- Citizens/Public: Enhances public access to historic aircraft at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (a museum), supporting education on naval aviation.
- No notable international relations impacts, as aircraft are demilitarized and export-controlled.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (primary recipient; gains assets for exhibits).
- Secretary of the Navy (handles transfer, enforcement).
- Nonprofit organizations (may assist in restoration/display).
- Naval aviation enthusiasts and museum visitors (benefit from preservation).
- Federal agencies (FAA for safety; export control enforcers for compliance).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strong protections for U.S. (reverter, no-liability) minimize risks; ensures demilitarized surplus doesn't violate export/sanctions laws despite museum use.
- Constitutional: Routine exercise of Congress's Article I spending/property powers; no broad rights infringements.
- Political: Symbolic nod to F-14's cultural fame (e.g., Top Gun "Maverick"); promotes heritage without fiscal burden. Passed Senate April 28, 2026.
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
- 2026-05-04: Held at the desk.
- 2026-05-04: Received in the House.
- 2026-05-01: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-04-28: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2075)
- 2026-04-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-04-28: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2075)
- 2026-04-28: Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-04-28: Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-03-23: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Maverick Act — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (8 pages)
- Maverick Act — issued 2026-03-23 — PDF (6 pages)