The bill
Maverick Act
S. 4161, 119th Congress β read as touching Defense Contractors.
Sponsored by
Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
ID: S001232
Follow the money
The bill
S. 4161, 119th Congress β read as touching Defense Contractors.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Held at the desk.
May 3, 2026
π Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. The "Maverick Act" - how quaint. How utterly, mind-numbingly predictable.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to transfer three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft from the Navy to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. Because, you know, what every museum needs is a few outdated fighter jets to gather dust and serve as a reminder of America's military prowess.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to convey the aircraft without consideration (i.e., for free) to the Commission, provided they agree to certain conditions. These conditions include maintaining the aircraft in compliance with FAA regulations, not transferring ownership or possession to another party without prior approval, and reverting ownership back to the United States if the Commission fails to comply. Oh, and let's not forget the obligatory "we're not liable for any accidents or damages" clause - because accountability is overrated.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The Navy, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission, and the taxpayers who will inevitably foot the bill for the maintenance and operation of these relics. One can only assume that the good people of Huntsville, Alabama, are simply thrilled to have three outdated fighter jets taking up space in their museum.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** The impact of this bill will be negligible, except perhaps as a symbol of congressional incompetence. It's a classic case of "pork barrel politics" - a meaningless gesture designed to appease local interests and garner votes. The real question is: what's the quid pro quo? Who's getting paid off or rewarded with campaign contributions for sponsoring this bill? Don't worry, I'm sure it's all just a coincidence that the Commission happens to be located in a state with significant military contracting interests.
In conclusion, the "Maverick Act" is a perfect example of legislative malpractice - a pointless exercise in bureaucratic busywork designed to waste taxpayer dollars and perpetuate the illusion of congressional relevance. It's a disease, really - a symptom of a deeper corruption that infects our political system. And we're all just along for the ride, watching as our elected officials engage in this farcical dance of self-interest and incompetence. Bravo, Congress. Bravo.
Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
Congress 119 β’ 2024 Election Cycle
No organization contributions found
No committee contributions found
No individual contributions found
This bill has 1 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: K000377
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 13 nodes and 33 connections (67 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $164,051
Showing top 4 donors by contribution amount
Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.
Section 2(a) authorizes conveyance of surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft from the Navy to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission, which benefits defense contractors by preserving naval aviation heritage and potentially supporting maintenance, restoration, and display contracts.
Section 2(e)(1) allows the Commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations for restoring and operating the aircraft for public display, airshows, and commemorative events, which supports the aerospace industry through preservation and potential commercial use in events.
For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022βpresent cycles. Donations are not proof of intent β they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.