H.R. 9119, Defense Contractor Mandate. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net cost — and names who bears it.
H.R. 9119 · Net cost
What it does
This bill prohibits the U.S. Air Force from reducing, retiring, or downgrading MQ-9 drone aircraft units or their operational capabilities through 2032, with narrow exceptions for unsafe or damaged aircraft and mission conversions approved by state governors. It also requires the Air Force to submit a detailed report on plans to modernize and sustain the MQ-9 fleet over the next decade.
The analysis names General Atomics (MQ-9 manufacturer) — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The cost
The seven-year freeze on MQ-9 reductions prevents the Air Force from retiring aging aircraft even if newer platforms become available, potentially locking in obsolete technology and inflating lifecycle costs.
The analysis put a high warning level on this bill. Transparency scores 75%, and the analysis found no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by Brian Babin. Cosponsored by Chrissy Houlahan.