Prohibit Deactivation of ECABs Act

Summary#

This bill would stop the Army from using funds in fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to retire, deactivate, schedule to deactivate, or take other actions that would reduce the capabilities, resources, aircraft, or personnel of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs) unless the Secretary of the Army gives the congressional defense committees:

  • a certification that the Secretary plans to recapitalize any such aircraft for the ECABs and to restore any reduced capabilities, resources, or personnel levels; and
  • the Secretary's plan for those recapitalization and restoration actions.

The bill also requires the Secretary to reinstate or restore any ECAB that was retired or deactivated before the bill became law within one year, and to submit a report on that restoration to the congressional defense committees. The Secretary must also submit, within 180 days of enactment, a plan to sustain and modernize aircraft used by ECABs. The bill authorizes $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 for operation of ECAB aircraft and related training.

What it means for you#

  • For personnel in ECABs or communities that host them: the bill would limit deactivation and require previously deactivated brigades to be reinstated or restored within one year of enactment.
  • For Army planners: the bill requires certification and written plans to Congress before funds could be used to reduce ECAB capabilities during 2027–2031.
  • For Congress: the bill creates new reporting and planning requirements and a specific FY2027 funding authorization.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $35,000,000 to the Department of the Army for fiscal year 2027 for operation of ECAB aircraft and training.
  • No publicly available information on total costs for 2028–2031 or longer-term fiscal impacts is included in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

  • Sponsors (Rep. Morgan Luttrell, Rep. Derek Tran, Rep. Jeff Crank, and Rep. Brett Guthrie) introduced the bill to limit deactivation of ECABs and to require recapitalization, restoration, and planning for ECAB aircraft, personnel, and capabilities. The bill text sets the required certifications, plans, timelines, and reporting.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views is contained in the bill text or provided metadata.