Senate BillS 4161Aviation and airportsMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Maverick Act
INTRO MAR 23· LAST ACTION MAY 4
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it provides a mechanism to preserve significant pieces of American naval aviation history, specifically the F-14 Tomcat, by making them available for public display rather than remaining in storage or being scrapped. It offers the U.S. Space and Rocket Center an opportunity to enhance its educational programs and exhibits, allowing more people to learn about the history and technology of these aircraft.
If this bill becomes law, these F-14s will be accessible to the public, potentially inspiring interest in aerospace, engineering, and military history among visitors. If it does not pass, these particular aircraft might remain in a less accessible status, representing a missed opportunity for historical preservation and public engagement with a key part of the nation's defense heritage.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer three specific surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission without charge.
This directly enables the museum to acquire significant historical aircraft for public display and educational purposes.
PROVISION 02
Requires the aircraft to be demilitarized, meaning they cannot retain any combat capabilities, and the Navy is not obligated to repair them before transfer.
This ensures the aircraft are solely for display and educational purposes and limits the Navy's upfront costs and responsibilities.
PROVISION 03
Stipulates that the Space and Rocket Center must cover all costs related to the transfer, maintenance, and operation of the aircraft.
This ensures the transfer does not create new financial burdens on the U.S. government for the care of these aircraft.
PROVISION 04
Includes a condition that the aircraft will revert to U.S. ownership if the Commission fails to comply with maintenance or transfer rules.
This protects the government's interest and ensures the aircraft are properly cared for and used as intended.
PROVISION 05
Allows the Secretary to authorize the Commission to partner with qualified non-profit organizations for restoring and operating the aircraft for public display and airshows.
This provides flexibility for the museum to manage the aircraft and promote naval aviation heritage more broadly.
This bill matters because it provides a mechanism to preserve significant pieces of American naval aviation history, specifically the F-14 Tomcat, by making them available for public display rather than remaining in storage or being scrapped. It offers the U.S. Space and Rocket Center an opportunity to enhance its educational programs and exhibits, allowing more people to learn about the history and technology of these aircraft.
If this bill becomes law, these F-14s will be accessible to the public, potentially inspiring interest in aerospace, engineering, and military history among visitors. If it does not pass, these particular aircraft might remain in a less accessible status, representing a missed opportunity for historical preservation and public engagement with a key part of the nation's defense heritage.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to transfer three specific surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission without charge.
This directly enables the museum to acquire significant historical aircraft for public display and educational purposes.
med
Requires the aircraft to be demilitarized, meaning they cannot retain any combat capabilities, and the Navy is not obligated to repair them before transfer.
This ensures the aircraft are solely for display and educational purposes and limits the Navy's upfront costs and responsibilities.
high
Stipulates that the Space and Rocket Center must cover all costs related to the transfer, maintenance, and operation of the aircraft.
This ensures the transfer does not create new financial burdens on the U.S. government for the care of these aircraft.
med
Includes a condition that the aircraft will revert to U.S. ownership if the Commission fails to comply with maintenance or transfer rules.
This protects the government's interest and ensures the aircraft are properly cared for and used as intended.
low
Allows the Secretary to authorize the Commission to partner with qualified non-profit organizations for restoring and operating the aircraft for public display and airshows.
This provides flexibility for the museum to manage the aircraft and promote naval aviation heritage more broadly.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Conveyance
The legal act of transferring ownership of property from one party to another.
Without Consideration
Refers to a transfer of property or assets where no money or equivalent value is exchanged; essentially, it's a gift.
Surplus Aircraft
Military aircraft that are no longer needed for active duty or operational requirements by the armed forces.
Conditional Deed of Gift
A legal document that transfers ownership of an item, but includes specific requirements or conditions that must be met by the recipient, or ownership may return to the original owner.
Revert
To return to a former owner or state; in this context, the aircraft would return to U.S. government ownership if specific conditions of the transfer are not met.
Demilitarized
To remove or disable the military capabilities of equipment, such as weapons systems or combat functions, making it suitable for non-military use or display.
Bureau Numbers
Unique identification numbers assigned to military aircraft for tracking and administrative purposes.
ACTION TIMELINE
11 EVENTS
MAY 4
Received in the House.
FLOOR
MAY 4
Held at the desk.
FLOOR
MAY 1
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
FLOOR
APR 28
Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.