SUSTAIN Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4677
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T21:52:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to prevent reductions in MQ-9 aircraft units and personnel through September 30, 2032, while requiring a plan for future fleet modernization. It protects existing Air National Guard and active-duty capabilities during this period.
Key Provisions
- Prohibition on reductions: The Secretary of the Air Force may not divest, deactivate, transfer, retire, or reduce the mission capability of any MQ-9 aircraft or unit in existence on the date of enactment. This includes limits on lowering primary aerospace vehicle authorization numbers or primary mission aircraft inventory below current levels.
- Exceptions: Individual aircraft may be retired if deemed unsafe or uneconomical to repair. Units may convert missions if the Secretary obtains governor approval, certifies maintained or enhanced capability, and submits 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 any modifications to Air National Guard MQ-9 units.
- Recapitalization report: Within 180 days, the Secretary must submit a report to the congressional defense committees covering fleet status, modernization plans through 2035, Air National Guard roles, timelines, funding needs, and any required legislative changes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces new statutory restrictions on Air Force actions regarding MQ-9 units that did not previously exist in permanent law. It adds requirements for governor approval and congressional reporting on mission conversions, expanding oversight beyond standard Department of Defense processes.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Limits the Department of the Air Force's flexibility to adjust force structure, potentially affecting budget allocations and operational planning through 2032.
- Citizens: Indirect effects may include sustained defense spending levels and maintained readiness for missions supported by MQ-9 aircraft.
- International relations: No direct changes, though preserved units could support ongoing overseas operations involving unmanned systems.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of the Air Force and Air National Guard units operating MQ-9 aircraft.
- State governors with Air National Guard MQ-9 units.
- Congressional defense committees.
- Personnel assigned to MQ-9 operation and maintenance roles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill reinforces the dual federal-state nature of the National Guard by requiring state governor consent for mission changes. It creates a temporary statutory freeze on certain executive branch decisions, shifting some authority to Congress through reporting and approval mechanisms. The legislation contains no explicit constitutional provisions but operates within existing Title 10 and Title 32 authorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-06-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection Act — issued 2026-06-03 — PDF (6 pages)