Sponsors (4)
The bill preserves Army aviation positions, aircraft, and near-term readiness with targeted funding and planning requirements, but does so by limiting Army flexibility and imposing near-term costs that may divert resources from other defense priorities.
Servicemembers in Army aviation units keep existing ECAB positions and aircraft, and combat aviation readiness is protected by requiring a sustainment and modernization plan and certification before any reductions.
Servicemembers and taxpayers receive $35 million in FY2027 funding to support ECAB aircraft operations, training, and flight hours, sustaining current training and operational tempo.
Servicemembers, local bases, and surrounding communities gain short-term stability and predictability in force structure and training schedules, reducing disruption from unit retirements or drawdowns.
Taxpayers and Army leadership lose flexibility: the bill restricts the Army's ability to reallocate funds or restructure aviation forces, which can raise costs and limit longer-term modernization choices.
Taxpayers and servicemembers may face substantial near-term spending and logistical burdens because the bill mandates reinstatement of previously reduced or retired brigades within one year.
Taxpayers and other defense priorities could see funds diverted because the $35 million earmark for ECAB operations reduces flexible resources available for other readiness or modernization needs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Blocks Army reductions of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades FY2027–FY2031 unless the Secretary certifies recapitalization and submits a restoration plan; requires reinstatement of previously deactivated ECABs within one year and authorizes $35M for FY2027.
Official title: To limit the use of certain funds for the deactivation of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 14, 2026 by Morgan Luttrell · Last progress May 14, 2026
Prohibits the Army from retiring, deactivating, or otherwise reducing any Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (ECAB) from FY2027 through FY2031 compared with levels at enactment, unless the Secretary of the Army certifies to congressional defense committees that affected aircraft will be recapitalized and capabilities/personnel restored and provides a plan. Requires the Army to reinstate any ECAB deactivated prior to enactment within one year, submit a plan to sustain and modernize ECAB aircraft within 180 days, report implementation progress to congressional defense committees, and provides $35 million for ECAB aircraft operations and related training for FY2027.