This effort champions the preservation of missions and servicemembers, like those at Battle Creek in Michigan.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Sustainment of Unmanned Systems, Total Force Aircraft Inventory, and National Guard Protection (SUSTAIN) Act. The legislation bars the Air Force from cutting MQ-9 units or personnel in any manner that would diminish their existing operational readiness.
“The MQ-9 is a proven, cost-effective platform that provides critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities,” said Senator Cruz. “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.”
“This aircraft is a critical platform for the Arizona National Guard to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform strike missions,” said Senator Kelly. “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.”
“Protecting Air National Guard missions has been a priority for me since my time in the House,” said Senator Slotkin.“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.”
Read the bill text here.
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