2 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Mar 23, 2026)

A substantive modification. Section 2(d)(3) was changed from mandating the Secretary of the Navy to provide excess spare parts to making it discretionary. Additionally, it now requires the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission to replenish any transferred parts at fair market value, shifting the financial burden for spare parts from the Navy to the Commission.

S. 4161119th CongressIntroduced Mar 23, 2026

Maverick Act

Passed SenateArmed Forces and National SecurityNarrow

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
Committees: Armed Services Committee (primary)
Last action: May 4, 2026

Bottom line

This bill authorizes the no-cost transfer of three F-14D Tomcat aircraft from the Navy to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission for public display and preservation of naval aviation heritage, subject to strict conditions on their use and maintenance.

What it actually does

This bill 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, without monetary consideration. The transfer is subject to several conditions, including that the aircraft must not retain any combat capability, the Commission must bear all associated costs, and the aircraft are intended for public display and the preservation of naval aviation heritage. The bill also outlines conditions for maintenance, potential agreements with nonprofit organizations, and reverter clauses if conditions are breached.

Section 2(a)

Authority to Convey F-14D Tomcat Aircraft

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision grants the Secretary of the Navy the authority to transfer three specific surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft (Bureau Numbers 164341, 164602, 159437) to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. The transfer is to be made without requiring any payment from the Commission, as these aircraft are considered excess to the Navy's operational needs.

Section 2(c), 2(d), 2(f), 2(g), 2(h)

Conditions for Transfer, Maintenance, and Reverter

mentioned in summarymoderately complex

This set of provisions establishes various conditions governing the transfer and subsequent use of the aircraft. Key conditions include that the aircraft must be rendered incapable of combat use, the Navy is not obligated to repair them but will provide manuals and potentially spare parts (if replenished by the Commission), and the Commission must comply with FAA regulations. The Commission is prohibited from transferring ownership without the Secretary's approval and must bear all costs related to the conveyance, operation, and maintenance. Crucially, if the Commission fails to meet these conditions, ownership of the aircraft reverts to the United States. Additionally, the U.S. is explicitly absolved of liability for any incidents resulting from the aircraft's use by others.

Section 2(e)

Authorization for Agreements with Nonprofits

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This provision allows the Secretary of the Navy to authorize the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations. The purpose of these agreements would be to facilitate the restoration and operation of the transferred aircraft for public display, airshows, and commemorative events, thereby contributing to the preservation of naval aviation heritage. The Secretary can impose additional terms and conditions to protect the interests of the United States in any such agreements.

FOUND

This subsection mandates that the transfer and subsequent use of the F-14D aircraft are subject to a comprehensive list of federal and state laws and regulations. These include the Arms Control Act, the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Foreign Assets Control Regulations, and chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the "Espionage Act").

Section 2(i)

Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure that even decommissioned military assets, which may contain sensitive technology or information, remain subject to critical national security and export control frameworks. It is a thorough, rather than evasive, measure to maintain governmental oversight and prevent potential misuse or unauthorized dissemination.

Case for: Supporters would argue that this provision is essential for national security, ensuring that sensitive military technology, even in decommissioned aircraft, remains under strict federal control. It prevents any potential unauthorized transfer or exploitation of the aircraft or their components, aligning with existing arms control and espionage laws.

Case against: Critics might contend that for a domestic transfer of non-combat-capable aircraft intended solely for museum display, such extensive legal compliance requirements could be overly burdensome or costly for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission, potentially complicating the process and increasing administrative overhead.

Estimated impact: Ensures continued federal oversight and control over sensitive military technology, even in a decommissioned state, preventing potential misuse or unauthorized transfer and reinforcing national security protocols.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.