A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The RETAIN Act of 2026 aims to amend title 37 of the United States Code regarding aviation officers. It requires that officers with more than 8 years of aviation service receive the maximum monthly amount of aviation incentive pay. Additionally, the bill enhances the Air Force Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program. This includes offering more flexibility in duty locations and assignments. It also establishes an aviation bonus of up to an average annual amount of $100,000. Finally, it extends the duration of the demonstration project through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +2
Would high-income households be better off under this?
The bill increases the income potential for high-earning aviation officers through maximum incentive pay and bonuses.
- Scored +2
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill improves the career structure and compensation for experienced military aviation officers.
- Scored +1
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill enhances retention and incentives for current aviation officers to remain in their roles.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Pay for Experienced Officers: Officers who have completed more than 8 years of aviation service will receive the maximum monthly amount of aviation incentive pay (Section 2).
-
Greater Assignment Flexibility: Under the demonstration program, the Secretary may offer rated officers assignments to their preferred duty locations, including consecutive assignments at the same location (Section 3(c)(1)(A)).
-
Alternative Duty Options: Officers may be offered staff assignments that do not require flying remotely, allowing them to avoid relocation or stay in active flying status (Section 3(c)(1)(B)).
-
Career Transition Opportunities: The bill provides the opportunity for officers to transition indefinitely to a non-combat aviation service position (Section 3(c)(1)(C)).
-
Aviation Bonuses: Rated officers under the demonstration program may receive an aviation bonus of up to an average annual amount of $100,000 (Section 3(c)(2)(A)).
-
Competitive Incentives: The Secretary is required to ensure that contract length options and aviation bonuses are equal to or better than those offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve (Section 3(c)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would high-income households be better off under this? — The bill increases the income potential for high-earning aviation officers through maximum incentive pay and bonuses. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill improves the career structure and compensation for experienced military aviation officers.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill enhances retention and incentives for current aviation officers to remain in their roles.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill increases pay and flexibility for active duty aviation officers which supports long-sought career stability.
- 4/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana