{"id":"a5c61a7c-0b54-431b-8cd6-f548cfd581d2","feedVisibility":"normal","congress":119,"billType":"s","billNumber":4161,"title":"Maverick Act","displayTitle":"Maverick Act","abstract":"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.","displaySummary":"<p><strong>YVN Summary</strong></p>\n\n<p>Most people would see no change in daily life. The Navy could hand three retired F-14D Tomcat fighter jets to a museum in Huntsville, Alabama. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission would get them as a free gift. The Commission would cover every cost to move, fix, and keep the jets. Taxpayers would pay nothing.\n\nThe jets have no combat gear left on them. The Commission could hire nonprofits to restore the jets and fly them at air shows and public events. If it breaks the rules, the jets would go back to the Navy. Once the jets change hands, the United States could not be sued for harm they cause.</p>","status":"INTRODUCED","topics":["DEFENSE"],"introducedAt":"2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00","latestActionAt":"2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00","congressGovUrl":null,"accountabilityFlags":{"civil_liberties":["↓ Your right to sue the U.S. — barred for the donated jets"]},"tldr":"Three old Navy Tomcat jets could go to a museum in Alabama — the museum pays, not you.","summaryStandard":"v2","flagExplainers":{"civil_liberties":["Once the Navy hands over the jets, the United States is no longer liable for harm they cause. Someone hurt at an air show would have to sue the museum group or its partners."]},"flagValence":{"civil_liberties":["contested"]},"needsResummary":false,"displaySummaryHtml":null,"rawStatusText":"Passed Senate","chamber":"SENATE","policyArea":"Armed Forces and National Security","legislativeSubjects":["Alabama","Aviation and airports","Military history","Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers"],"lawStatus":null,"lawNumber":null,"latestActionText":"Held at the desk.","latestTextVersion":"Engrossed in Senate","textVersionUsed":null,"dateAdded":"2026-05-20T00:00:00+00:00","summarizedAt":"2026-08-20T00:00:00+00:00","recordId":"a5c61a7c-0b54-431b-8cd6-f548cfd581d2","feedIdentityKey":"119/s/4161","websiteBillId":"S-4161","yourvoiceSummary":"Most people would see no change in daily life. The Navy could hand three retired F-14D Tomcat fighter jets to a museum in Huntsville, Alabama. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission would get them as a free gift. The Commission would cover every cost to move, fix, and keep the jets. Taxpayers would pay nothing.\n\nThe jets have no combat gear left on them. The Commission could hire nonprofits to restore the jets and fly them at air shows and public events. If it breaks the rules, the jets would go back to the Navy. Once the jets change hands, the United States could not be sued for harm they cause.","updatedAt":"2026-10-24T10:57:22.978123+00:00"}