The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 allows the Department of the Navy to transfer three retired F-14D Tomcat aircraft to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The transfer must not cost the federal government anything, and the center cannot sell or give away the planes without Navy permission. The aircraft cannot be combat-ready, and the Navy may provide spare parts to help restore one for display. The center can work with nonprofits to operate the aircraft for events and displays.
Supporters of the bill have praised it as a way to preserve military history and promote aerospace education. They highlight the potential for the aircraft to serve as educational tools and attractions that can draw visitors to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, enhancing local tourism and community engagement.
Critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of transferring military assets to a civilian entity, arguing that it may set a precedent for future transfers of military equipment. Some have also expressed skepticism about the costs associated with maintaining the aircraft and the potential for misuse if the conditions of the transfer are not strictly enforced.
Based on the available data, there appears to be a low risk of conflict of interest between Senator Roger Wicker's donors and the subject matter of S. 3791: Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026. There are no direct overlaps detected between the bill's subjects and the senator's top donor industries. However, there is significant lobbying activity in this bill's policy area. The most notable contributions come from the American Rivers Action Fund ($120,000) and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives ($30,000). It's important to note that while these organizations have lobbied in this bill's policy area, there is no direct evidence linking these contributions to Senator Wicker or indicating that these contributions have influenced the bill's content or the senator's support for the bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN RIVERS ACTION FUND | AMERICAN RIVERS ACTION FUND | $120,000 |
| COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES | COLLEGE OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVES | $30,000 |
| WINDOW COVERING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION | NORTHSTAR EK LLC | $30,000 |
| SHINE TECHNOLOGIES | NORTHSTAR EK LLC | $30,000 |
| PRIVATE CARE ASSOCIATION INC | HOLLRAH LLC | $10,000 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND ADVISORS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS AND ADVISORS | undisclosed |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKFORCE BOARDS | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKFORCE BOARDS | undisclosed |
| MYSTERY SHOPPING PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. | HOLLRAH LLC | undisclosed |
| COALITION TO PRESERVE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS | HOLLRAH LLC | undisclosed |
| TOBACCO-FREE KIDS ACTION FUND | SACHS MEDIA. INC. | undisclosed |
| NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY | THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY | undisclosed |
| SYENSQO USA LLC | RIDGELINE ADVOCACY GROUP LLC | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF JEMEZ | DENTONS US LLP | undisclosed |
| INVIVYD, INC. | KING & SPALDING LLP | undisclosed |
| EUROPORT, INC. | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
