Press Releases
U.S Senate Unanimously Approves Congressman Hamadeh’s Effort to Preserve F-14 Tomcat Legacy
Washington,
May 1, 2026
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the companion bill to Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s Maverick Act of 2026. Congressman Hamadeh’s bill will preserve the last three F-14 Tomcats for public display and educational purposes. The Maverick Act of 2026 creates a narrow exception to the post-retirement restrictions that have destroyed nearly all F-14s, ensuring that its legacy is preserved. The Maverick Act allows three of the world’s final Tomcats to be demilitarized and transferred for public display and education under strict national security safeguards. It does not restore combat capability or reopen foreign transfer. “I want to thank Senator Sheehy and his colleagues for passing this legislation aimed at preserving for history one of the most iconic aircraft ever flown,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “As a former U.S. Army officer, I know that many of the men and women I served with felt the same way. That is why I proudly introduced this legislation.” “I am also grateful to the cosponsors of the bill in the House, who have already offered their enthusiastic support,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. Original cosponsors of Congressman Hamadeh’s bill include Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA), Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU). BACKGROUND: In an amendment to the FY26 defense bill signed into law by President Trump, Congressman Hamadeh also secured five T-37 jet trainer aircraft from Tucson’s boneyard, saving them from final destruction. These jets trained aces, astronauts, and our first female aviators and now, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group will bring one back to its former glory, promoting historical preservation, STEM, aviation education, and recruitment. From Naval History and Heritage Command: The F-14, a carrier-based aircraft, entered the U.S. Navy inventory in 1972 and retired in September 1996. Known for its AIM-54 Phoenix missile system and its portrayal in Top Gun, it saw extensive service in the Gulf War, the Balkans, and Iraq. |
