Presidential Airlift Security Act of 2025
The Presidential Airlift Security Act of 2025 would block the Department of Defense from using any funds in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to procure, modify, restore, or maintain aircraft that were previously owned by a foreign government, a foreign government–controlled entity, or a representative of a foreign government, if those aircraft would be used for presidential airlift. In short, the bill aims to ensure that the President’s transport options are not sourced from foreign-owned or foreign-controlled aircraft by prohibiting DoD funding for such aircraft during the two-year window. The bill is limited in scope to funding for the DoD and to aircraft tied to presidential travel. It does not specify any exceptions, waivers, or alternative procurement methods beyond the funding prohibition itself, nor does it detail how the DoD should meet presidential airlift needs if no foreign-owned aircraft are eligible under the rule.
Key Points
- 1Prohibits using DoD funds for FY2025 or FY2026 to procure, modify, restore, or maintain an aircraft previously owned by a foreign government, a foreign-government–controlled entity, or a representative of a foreign government for presidential airlift options.
- 2Applies specifically to aircraft used for presidential airlift (the transport needs of the President).
- 3Broad definition of “foreign” involvement includes aircraft formerly owned by foreign governments and entities or individuals affiliated with them.
- 4Funding prohibition targets only the Department of Defense; it does not establish new authorization for other agencies or broader policy changes beyond the two-year funding restriction.
- 5Lacks explicit exceptions, waivers, or enforcement mechanisms beyond the budgetary constraint, leaving questions about implementation and alternatives.