June 11, 2025
Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Cornyn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To authorize the Secretary of the Navy to integrate nacelle improvement modifications into the CMV–22 aircraft fleet to improve readiness and reliability and sustain the tiltrotor industrial base, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the CMV–22 Reliability and Readiness Enhancement Act
.
Sec. 2. Integration of nacelle improvement modifications into CMV–22 aircraft fleet
(a) Authority
The Secretary of the Navy may integrate nacelle improvement modifications into the CMV–22 aircraft fleet to enhance operational readiness, reduce maintenance burdens, and support contested logistics operations.
(b) Implementation objectives
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall seek to—
(1)
reduce aircraft downtime and increase reliability through structural, wiring, and systems improvements;
(2)
incorporate lessons learned and performance data from the Air Force’s nacelle improvement modernization effort for CV–22 aircraft;
(3)
ensure operational availability of CMV–22 aircraft platforms in support of distributed maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region; and
(4)
sustain the specialized tiltrotor industrial workforce and supplier base during the transition from V–22 aircraft to future long range assault aircraft production.
(c) Priority
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall prioritize nacelle improvement modifications for CMV–22 aircraft produced or maintained in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
(d) Industrial base considerations
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall coordinate with relevant defense industrial base stakeholders to preserve workforce capacity, maintain supply chain continuity, and minimize production gaps.
(e) Use of existing funds and authorities
The Secretary of the Navy shall carry out this section using funds and authorities otherwise available to the Secretary.
Sec. 3. Report to Congress
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—
(1)
the status and scope of nacelle improvement modifications implemented for CMV–22 aircraft;
(2)
readiness and performance metrics compared to pre-modification benchmarks;
(3)
impacts to the industrial base and workforce; and
(4)
recommendations regarding further sustainment, procurement, or legislative authority needed for fleet-wide implementation.