S 4375 — RETAIN Act of 2026

Summary

The RETAIN Act of 2026 is a proposed law aimed at improving support and resources for military members and their families. It is currently under review by the Committee on Armed Services, which will decide whether to move forward with it.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html April 22, 2026

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill enhances aviation incentive pay for officers with over 8 years of service and modifies retention incentives for Air Force rated officers.

• 37 U.S.C. § 334(c)(1)(A)

  subject to paragraph (5),

  This change introduces a condition linking aviation incentive pay to a new provision for officers with more than 8 years of service.

• 37 U.S.C. § 334(c)

  Maximum amount for officers with more than 8 years of aviation service.--An officer who is entitled to aviation incentive pay under subsection (a) and has completed more than 8 years of aviation service shall receive the maximum monthly amount of such pay under paragraph (1)(A).

  This creates a new entitlement for aviation officers with more than 8 years of service to receive the maximum monthly aviation incentive pay.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  and not less than one year

  This change reduces the minimum service commitment required for eligible officers in the retention demonstration program.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  under section 653 of title 10, United States Code

  This removal allows the Secretary more flexibility in determining eligibility without strict reference to the existing training commitments.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  four years → one year

  This change allows a significantly shorter written agreement obligation for officers participating in the demonstration program.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  under section 653 of title 10, United States Code

  This further removes the need for reference to section 653, allowing greater program flexibility.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  Retention Incentives.--

  This section's heading is replaced to more accurately reflect new content regarding retention incentives.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  the Secretary may pay to a rated officer described in subsection (b) an aviation bonus not to exceed an average annual amount of $100,000. → notwithstanding section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary may pay to a rated officer described in subsection (b) an aviation bonus not to exceed an average annual amount of $100,000.

  This significant change allows the Secretary to offer a higher aviation bonus to retain officers beyond existing statutory limitations.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  the maximum amount payable under subparagraph (A) is offered to any rated officer described in subsection (b) who executes a written agreement under subsection (c) to remain on active duty for one or more years after the completion of the active duty service obligation of the officer;

  This requires that officers who commit to staying active duty be offered the highest bonus amount available.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  in an amount that is equal to or exceeds the amounts offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.

  This ensures the aviation bonuses are competitive with other branches to help attract and retain personnel.

• 37 U.S.C. § 301b note

  2028 → 2031

  This change extends the duration of the demonstration project, allowing more time to assess its effectiveness.

Action History

1. April 22, 2026

   Introduced in Senate

2. April 22, 2026

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Sponsors

• Jeanne Shaheen · Cosponsor
• King, Angus S., Jr. · Cosponsor
• Eric Schmitt · Cosponsor
• Tim Sheehy · Cosponsor
• Mike Rounds · Cosponsor
• Kevin Cramer · Cosponsor
• Tim Kaine · Cosponsor
• Ted Budd · Primary

Subjects