June 11, 2025
Mr. Cruz introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To authorize the Secretary of the Navy to incorporate nacelle improvements 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 Readiness Enhancement and Industrial Sustainment Act
.
Sec. 2. Authorization for integration of nacelle improvements into CMV–22 aircraft
(a) Authority
The Secretary of the Navy may incorporate nacelle improvements into the CMV–22 aircraft fleet as part of a readiness and reliability enhancement initiative.
(b) Objectives
In carrying out the initiative under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall—
(1)
enhance mission readiness and reliability of CMV–22 aircraft to meet the operational demands of distributed maritime operations and contested logistics in the Indo-Pacific;
(2)
build upon the proven performance of nacelle improvement integration in the CV–22 aircraft fleet, which has demonstrated substantial increases in aircraft availability and reductions in maintenance man-hours; and
(3)
sustain the Nation’s only tiltrotor industrial base, including the retention of skilled workers in Amarillo, Texas, during the transition between the conclusion of V–22 aircraft production and the ramp-up of the future long range assault aircraft program.
(c) Implementation
The Secretary of the Navy shall—
(1)
prioritize incorporation of nacelle improvement kits into CMV–22 aircraft produced or maintained in fiscal years 2025 and 2026;
(2)
leverage existing installation expertise and performance data from CV–22 aircraft upgrades; and
(3)
coordinate closely with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to preserve key supply chain capabilities and minimize risk during the transition from V–22 aircraft to future long range assault aircraft.
(d) Funding limitation
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the appropriation of additional funds. Implementation of this section shall be subject to the availability of appropriations provided in advance by appropriations Acts.
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 schedule for nacelle improvement kit integration into the CMV–22 aircraft fleet;
(2)
observed readiness and performance metrics compared to baseline aircraft; and
(3)
the impact on the workforce and production capability of the tiltrotor industrial base.