S. 4161 · Passed Senate · Armed Forces and National Security

Maverick Act

Sponsor: Tim Sheehy (R-MT)

What it does

• Transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama at no cost to the federal government.
• Prohibit the commission from conveying ownership of the aircraft to another party without Navy approval, with aircraft reverting to the United States if conditions are breached.
• Authorize the Navy to provide excess spare parts to the commission to make one aircraft flyable or complete for static display.
• Allow the commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, air shows, and commemorative events.

Official summary

Maverick Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Navy to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. (The F-14D Tomcat was a naval fighter aircraft that was retired from service in 2006.) The bill provides for certain conditions for the transfer, including that the transfer must be free of cost to the federal government. Additionally, the commission must not convey ownership interest in the aircraft to another party without Navy approval. If the commission breaches any conditions, the aircraft must revert to the United States. The bill also specifies that such aircraft may not have any combat capability. The Navy may provide excess spare parts to the commission to make one of the aircraft flyable or complete for a static display. The Navy may authorize the commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations to restore and operate the aircraft for public display, air shows, and commemorative events.

Latest action

May 4, 2026: Held at the desk.

Committee: Senate Armed Services