“The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities."
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. This legislation prohibits the Air Force from reducing MQ-9 units or staffing levels in ways that would erode their current operational capabilities.
Sen. Cruz said, “The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. In Texas, they were invaluable after the devastating July 4, 2025 floods, when the Texas Air National Guard’s 147th Attack Wing deployed the MQ-9 to support search, rescue, and recovery operations along the Guadalupe River. I am proud to introduce this legislation to protect the MQ-9’s operational capabilities and preserve this vital asset.”
Sen. Kelly said, “This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions. We must invest in the best tools that strengthen our national security. With this bill we’re making sure servicemembers have the equipment they need at a time of growing global threats.”
Sen. Slotkin said, “Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House. The message is simple: don't take away missions from the National Guard until you have a plan to replace it. The same rule applies here. I’m glad to have bipartisan support to protect these missions and the servicemembers that form the backbone of our military, including at Battle Creek in Michigan. The SUSTAIN Act holds the Air Force to a basic standard: show us the plan before you start cutting people and planes. Our National Guard units deserve that, and our national security will be stronger because of it."
National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) President MG (Ret.) Francis McGinn said, “The Air National Guard's MQ-9 enterprise provides critical combat capability, homeland defense support, and operational experience that cannot be easily replaced. Two weeks ago, the Air Force Chief of Staff referenced the MQ-9 as the 'MVP' of the US air campaign against Iran in Operation Epic Fury. The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) fully supports Senator Cruz and Senator Kelly’s legislation. Any effort to retire or reduce MQ-9 aircraft and units must be accompanied by a clear, funded modernization or recapitalization strategy that preserves Air National Guard MQ-9 capacity and readiness. A recapitalization plan developed in partnership with National Guard leadership will help ensure Air National Guard MQ-9 units remain ready, capable, and part of the future force."
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Brian Freedman said, “Senator Cruz’s legislation provides a statutory firewall that halts the premature divestment of the MQ-9 fleet and preserves a critical and cost-effective platform vital to modern joint force operations. By establishing long-term inventory and personnel floors through 2032, this bill ensures the Air National Guard, including Ellington Field’s 147th Attack Wing, retains the baseline readiness required for both global threat deterrence and domestic emergency response. Thank you to Senator Cruz for introducing this important legislation and we hope that Congress moves quickly to pass it.”
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Babin said, “The 147th Attack Wing at Ellington Field in my district represents exactly why this effort is urgently needed. MQ-9 units have provided the nation with persistent ISR, strike, and other critical capabilities that strengthen our national defense. The platform that delivers this capability may evolve over time, but we cannot allow the capability, expertise, and readiness these Airmen provide to disappear without a clear and responsible path forward. I am proud to lead this effort in the House alongside Senators Cruz and Kelly to ensure these units are not left behind. At a time when our adversaries are growing more aggressive, we should not weaken our military or hollow out proven capabilities. I will keep fighting to protect Ellington Field, strengthen our Air National Guard, and ensure the United States remains the strongest and most feared military power on Earth.”
Read the bill text here.
BACKGROUND
The Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission
BACKGROUND
The Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing MQ-9 aircraft, units, or staffing levels from the date of enactment through September 30, 2032. The bill provides an exception for MQ-9 aircraft that are determined to be no longer mission-capable and too costly to repair due to a critical malfunction or if an MQ-9 unit undergoes a change of mission
