What does Preamble of SUSTAIN Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'A BILL To provide a prohibition on certain reductions to MQ-9 aircraft units, and for other purposes,' aims to prohibit certain reductions to MQ-9 aircraft units.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SUSTAIN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection Act.

What does PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN REDUCTIONS TO MQ-9 AIRCRAFT UNITS. of SUSTAIN Act do?

This section prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing the mission capability of MQ-9 aircraft or MQ-9 aircraft units in existence on the date of the Act's enactment. Prohibited actions include divesting, deactivating, redesignating, consolidating, transferring, retiring, or placing MQ-9 aircraft in backup inventory status. The prohibition also extends to reducing the total primary aerospace vehicle authorization (PAA) number for Air National Guard units or the primary mission aircraft inventory of the Air Force. Modifying the operational capability statement of an MQ-9 aircraft unit to reduce its capabilities is also prohibited. Reducing personnel assigned to MQ-9 operation and maintenance units that would affect operational capability is restricted. An exception exists if the Secretary determines an individual MQ-9 aircraft is unsafe, uneconomical to repair, or mission incapable due to specific issues. Another exception allows for mission conversion with the approval of the applicable governor and certification to congressional defense committees, including a detailed plan. The Secretary of the Air Force must consult with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Director of the Air National Guard before modifying MQ-9 aircraft or units assigned to the Air National Guard.

What does REPORT ON RECAPITALIZATION PLAN. of SUSTAIN Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Director of the Air National Guard, to submit a report to the congressional defense committees. The report must be submitted within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The report's focus is on the Department of the Air Force's plan to recapitalize the MQ-9 aircraft fleet. The report must assess the current operational status, projected service life, and mission requirements of the MQ-9 fleet. It must describe planned modernization efforts, sustainment activities, and capability upgrades through fiscal year 2035. The report should assess options for recapitalization or modernization of the MQ-9 aircraft. The report must detail the Air National Guard's role in the future MQ-9 force structure and recapitalization strategy. It must include a projected timeline and estimated funding requirements for MQ-9 recapitalization. The report must identify any legislative authorities needed to implement the recapitalization plan.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SUSTAIN Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Congressional defense committees” is defined by reference to section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code. The “covered period” begins on the enactment date of this Act and ends on September 30, 2032. “Designed operational capability statement” is defined by reference to Air Force Instruction 10-201.

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SUSTAIN Act

Last updated: 6/3/2026 · Introduced: 6/3/2026

Author: Ted Cruz (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from reducing the mission capability of existing MQ-9 aircraft units, including actions like divestment or deactivation, with limited exceptions for safety or mission conversion.
The Secretary of the Air Force must submit a report to Congress within 180 days outlining a plan to recapitalize the MQ-9 aircraft fleet through fiscal year 2035, detailing modernization efforts and funding requirements.
The bill mandates consultation with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Director of the Air National Guard before any modifications to MQ-9 aircraft or units assigned to the Air National Guard.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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