H.R. 8820: Prohibit Deactivation of the ECABs Act of 2026

This bill would restrict the Army from using funds in fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to retire, deactivate, or otherwise reduce the strength of Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades (ECABs), unless the Secretary of the Army first provides Congress with:

• a certification that the Army intends to recapitalize the aircraft and restore any reduced capabilities, resources, or personnel, and
• a plan describing how that restoration would be carried out.

It would also require the Army to take action within one year after the bill becomes law to restore any ECABs that were already deactivated or reduced before enactment. That restoration could mean reinstating the brigade, reactivating it, or otherwise returning it to its previous level of capability, aircraft, resources, and personnel. The Army would also have to report to Congress within that same year on how it carried out this requirement.

Within 180 days of enactment, the Army would have to submit a broader plan to Congress on how it will sustain and modernize the aircraft used by ECABs.

The bill also authorizes $35 million for fiscal year 2027 for Army aircraft operations and training tied to ECABs.

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