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Referenced Laws
Public Law 118–31
Public Law 114–328
Public Law 117–263
10 U.S.C. 3453
Public Law 116–283
10 U.S.C. 113
50 U.S.C. 98e-2
50 U.S.C. 98b(a)
Chapter 303
15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(2)
10 U.S.C. 4841
Public Law 115–232
15 U.S.C. 3715(c)
42 U.S.C. 19221(a)
10 U.S.C. 4001
20 U.S.C. 1002
10 U.S.C. 2364
Public Law 116–92
15 U.S.C. 9401
15 U.S.C. 8801
section 45K(c)(3)
Public Law 117–81
10 U.S.C. 2701
16 U.S.C. 666c-1(a)(4)
42 U.S.C. 17231(b)(6)
15 U.S.C. 6402(6)
33 U.S.C. 1342(p)
21 U.S.C. 321(ff)
10 U.S.C. 525
Chapter 806
Chapter 933
chapter 5
chapter 55
chapter 75
50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.
50 U.S.C. 3802
8 U.S.C. 1101
50 U.S.C. 3803
50 U.S.C. 3806(a)
50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(3)
50 U.S.C. 3811
50 U.S.C. 3813(a)
chapter 31
20 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.
10 U.S.C. 520
20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)
Chapter 102
10 U.S.C. 806b
Chapter 79
section 1552
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.
20 U.S.C. 1001
10 U.S.C. 1142
Public Law 94–437
25 U.S.C. 1603
Public Law 109–163
20 U.S.C. 7703b
Public Law 106–398
20 U.S.C. 7703a
20 U.S.C. 7713(9)
20 U.S.C. 7703(a)
20 U.S.C. 7801
42 U.S.C. 12102
Chapter 57
chapter 40
Public Law 113–66
10 U.S.C. 1475
Public Law 111–84
10 U.S.C. 1781
42 U.S.C. 675
Chapter 54
chapter 147
section 1074o
10 U.S.C. 1076a
10 U.S.C. 1071
section 1076f
section 1091
section 501(c)
7 U.S.C. 1991(a)
37 U.S.C. 352
10 U.S.C. 1090
Chapter 363
10 U.S.C. 971
Chapter 365
10 U.S.C. 1781b
Public Law 114–92
10 U.S.C. 3201
22 U.S.C. 2765
chapter 271
Chapter 10
41 U.S.C. 3701
Public Law 85–804
50 U.S.C. 1431(e)
chapter 87
10 U.S.C. 4571
section 1748
10 U.S.C. 3241
10 U.S.C. 4811
section 4067
15 U.S.C. 638(r)(2)
42 U.S.C. 18741(a)
10 U.S.C. 4291
Public Law 110–417
15 U.S.C. 644(g)(1)
15 U.S.C. 657f(c)(2)
15 U.S.C. 632
15 U.S.C. 3703(3)
10 U.S.C. 632
5 U.S.C. 301
10 U.S.C. 4901
15 U.S.C. 657b
Public Law 117–58
41 U.S.C. 8301
10 U.S.C. 4501
50 U.S.C. 3003
chapter 85
15 U.S.C. 4651(8)
Chapter 4
8 U.S.C. 147
10 U.S.C. 147
Chapter 131
Chapter 707
section 7081
chapter 21
10 U.S.C. 111
Public Law 115–91
chapter 138
Public Law 112–81
10 U.S.C. 801
10 U.S.C. 2661
8 U.S.C. 1189
Chapter 2
section 118c
50 U.S.C. 1549
50 U.S.C. 1550
Public Law 110–413
42 U.S.C. 274i–4
6 U.S.C. 104
Public Law 106–65
Chapter 159
Chapter 903
Public Law 117–283
10 U.S.C. 2911
5 U.S.C. 3330d
Public Law 109–234
chapter 88
22 U.S.C. 611
22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)(B)
50 U.S.C. App. 453
10 U.S.C. 311
10 U.S.C. 168
Public Law 113–291
50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.
Public Law 98–525
Public Law 118–50
Public Law 98–373
10 U.S.C. 321
Public Law 96–8
22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.
Public Law 115–135
50 U.S.C. 1521
50 U.S.C. 98h-6(a)(1)
50 U.S.C. 98h–3
42 U.S.C. 4370m
Public Law 117–180
24 U.S.C. 401(5)
10 U.S.C. 503
10 U.S.C. 167b
47 U.S.C. 251(e)(4)
10 U.S.C. 2224
10 U.S.C. 394
Chapter 963
chapter 271
10 U.S.C. 2276
Public Law 118–71
10 U.S.C. 2271
10 U.S.C. 205
10 U.S.C. 4205
chapter 25
50 U.S.C. 3711
16 U.S.C. 1371(f)(1)
21 U.S.C. 387j
21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.
21 U.S.C. 387
Chapter 19
section 3001
47 U.S.C. 1601(c)
42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)
Public Law 116–207
6 U.S.C. 650
2 U.S.C. 1602
42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.
42 U.S.C. 15801 et seq.
42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.
42 U.S.C. 2215
Public Law 104–321
42 U.S.C. 5122
22 U.S.C. 8606
section 1009
10 U.S.C. 1791
section 1798
Chapter 9
section 226
section 2856
section 2801
section 2679
section 101
section 1074d
chapter 74
chapter 105
section 2112
10 U.S.C. 1784
section 427
chapter 173
chapter 1803
Public Law 101–510
10 U.S.C. 2687
Public Law 112–239
Chapter 855
Section 2391(d)(1)(B)(iii)
section 2805(d)
section 2684a
10 U.S.C. 2821
Chapter 141
section 2391
Chapter 54
Public Law 109–13
49 U.S.C. 30301
Public Law 110–181
chapter 3061
chapter 169
42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)
15 U.S.C. 272
Public Law 104–113
Public Law 86–323
Public Law 101–645
41 U.S.C. 11411
42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.
50 U.S.C. 2652
50 U.S.C. 2401(b)
50 U.S.C. 2566(a)(3)
42 U.S.C. 2286 et seq.
chapter 869
chapter 531
chapter 537
section 54301(a)
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
chapter 577
Section 53411
Chapter 571
16 U.S.C. 1860
46 U.S.C. 57100
46 App. U.S.C. 1242
chapter 515
chapter 541
Section 1
1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Any reference in this or any other Act to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
Section 2
2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents This Act is organized into four divisions as follows: Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations. Division B—Military Construction Authorizations. Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations. Division D—Funding Tables. The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Section 3
3. Congressional defense committees In this Act, the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 4
101. Authorization of appropriations Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for procurement for the Army, the Navy and the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Space Force, and Defense-wide activities, as specified in the funding table in section 4101.
Section 5
111. Pilot program on the use of robotic targets to enhance the lethality of the reserve components of the Army The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary incorporates the use of moving robotic target systems into live fire training provided to select infantry units of the reserve and National Guard components of the Army. The pilot program under subsection (a) shall be known as the Lethality and Warfighting Enhancement Program. The Secretary of the Army shall select not fewer than three military installations at which to conduct the pilot program under subsection (a). The objectives of the pilot program under subsection (a) shall be— to increase the lethality of the combined fighting force of the Army by providing reserve component and National Guard infantry units with the opportunity to conduct realistic live fire training on state-of-the-art moving robotic target systems; and to demonstrate the effect of such training on small arms proficiency and lethality in ground combat operations. The Secretary of the Army shall select infantry units of the reserve components of the Army to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a) taking into consideration— the past performance of the unit; the readiness status of the unit, with an emphasis on providing training to those units designated as preparing to deploy or at a similarly designated readiness status; and the likelihood that a unit would be actively deployed or commanded to conduct decisive action. The Secretary of the Army shall commence the pilot program under subsection (a) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than 90 days after concluding activities under the pilot program at a military installation selected under subsection (c), the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing that includes a description of— the manner in which the program was conducted at such installation; and any results achieved under the program at such installation. The Secretary of the Army is authorized to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of moving robotic target systems for use in the pilot program under subsection (a). Robotic target systems procured under paragraph (1) shall be capable of— conducting multiple realistic offensive and defensive scenarios in a single training session that are consistent with combat operations; operating in an unpredictable, realistic, and reactionary fashion; objectively scoring trainee performance; maneuvering across diverse geographic landscapes, including snow, ice, soft soils, extreme heat, extreme cold, wooded terrain and offroad areas; operating at distances greater than 100 yards from the range operator; surviving live fire from 6.8 mm rounds and the Next Generation Squad Weapon of the Army; and fully functioning in all reasonably expected weather conditions.
Section 6
112. Limitation on procurement of end items containing energetic materials pending certification on domestic production capacity The Secretary of the Army may not procure, from a covered source, an end item containing energetic materials that are in production at a Federal Government-owned production facility until the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees— a certification from the Secretary indicating that Federal Government-owned production facilities for such materials in the United States have reached production capacity; a summary of the information on which such certification is based. The Secretary of the Army may waive the limitation under subsection (a) with respect to an end item for a period of up to one fiscal year if the Secretary determines that the waiver is necessary for reasons of national security. Whenever the Secretary makes such a waiver, the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees of the waiver and the reasons for the waiver. In this section: The term covered source means any provider of energetic materials outside of the United States. The term end item has the meaning given that term in section 4863(m) of title 10, United States Code. The term energetic materials means critical chemicals and formulations that— release large amounts of stored chemical energy; and are capable of being used as explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and reactive materials that create lethal effects in warheads in kinetic weapons components and systems.
Section 7
113. Report on Black Hawk helicopter program Not later than 30 days after the date on which the budget of the President for fiscal year 2026 is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on Modernization of the Black Hawk helicopter program of the Army. The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following: Identification of the program elements and level of funding requested for the Black Hawk Modernization program for the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 set forth separately by fiscal year and appropriations account. Requirements for the program that are sufficient to ensure the Black Hawk helicopters of the Army are systematically modernized to address obsolescence, improve performance, and provide capabilities that ensure relevance in the joint all domain operational environment. A program acquisition strategy for Black Hawk Modernization.
Section 8
114. Plan for providing certain aircraft to the Army National Guard Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for providing the aircraft described in subsection (b) to relevant aviation units of the Army National Guard in a manner that is concurrent with and in proportion to the manner in which such aircraft are provided to active duty Army aviation units. The aircraft described in this subsection are the following: AH–64E aircraft. MQ–1C M25 aircraft. CH–47 aircraft. UH–60M aircraft. Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.
Section 9
115. Development of requirement for shipping container production facility at domestic Army installation Congress finds the following: House Report 118–301 accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) directed the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General, Army Materiel Command and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology to provide a briefing on the costs and estimated funding profile as it relates to the organic industrial base modernization strategy, and facility efforts required to support opportunities for organic industrial base augmentation at Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky. The briefing was directed to explore Blue Grass Army Depot as a potential site for the production of metal shipping containers. Limited domestic production, coupled with the concentration of global shipping container manufacturing in and around China, is a strategic deployment and sustainment risk for United States forces. China produces most shipping containers and the Department of Defense sources nearly all containers from Asia or assembles container kits in the United States from foreign-producers. Establishing a domestic source for metal shipping containers would reduce reliance on foreign sources. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Commanding General of the Army Materiel Command, and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, shall develop a requirement for the establishment of a shipping container production facility within the United States at an Army installation found to meet feasibility and readiness goals.
Section 10
131. Modification of annual report on cost targets for certain aircraft carriers Section 126(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2035) is amended— in the subsection heading, by striking and CVN–81; and inserting CVN–81, and subsequent carriers; in paragraph (1) by striking and the CVN–81 and inserting the CVN–81, and each subsequent Ford-class aircraft carrier; in paragraph (2)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking and the CVN–81 and inserting the CVN–81, and each subsequent Ford-class aircraft carrier; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: A comparison of the ship cost baseline to the most recent budget estimate available as of the date of the report, set forth separately for costs related to— development; procurement; and operations and sustainment. For each contract that requires the production of a contract performance report, estimates from the contractor and program manager of— the total cost of the ship at completion, taking into account any changes in costs known or anticipated as of the date of the report; and the schedule for completion of the ship, taking into account any variances to such schedule known or anticipated as of the date of the report. by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The requirement to submit a report with respect to a Ford-class aircraft carrier under paragraph (1) shall— begin in the year following the first fiscal year for which funds are appropriated for the procurement of the carrier; and end on the date the carrier reaches its obligation work limiting date. (H)A comparison of the ship cost baseline to the most recent budget estimate available as of the date of the report, set forth separately for costs related to—(i)development;(ii)procurement; and(iii)operations and sustainment.(I)For each contract that requires the production of a contract performance report, estimates from the contractor and program manager of—(i)the total cost of the ship at completion, taking into account any changes in costs known or anticipated as of the date of the report; and(ii)the schedule for completion of the ship, taking into account any variances to such schedule known or anticipated as of the date of the report.; and (3)Commencement and termination of reportingThe requirement to submit a report with respect to a Ford-class aircraft carrier under paragraph (1) shall—(A)begin in the year following the first fiscal year for which funds are appropriated for the procurement of the carrier; and(B)end on the date the carrier reaches its obligation work limiting date..
Section 11
132. Procurement authorities for certain amphibious shipbuilding programs Section 129(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by inserting across programs after advance procurement.
Section 12
133. Multiyear procurement authority for CH–53K aircraft and T408 engines Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2025 program year, for the procurement of the following: CH–53K aircraft. T408 engines for such aircraft. A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2025 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year. The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2025, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft and engines for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft or engines when cost savings are achievable.
Section 13
134. Recapitalization of tactical fighter aircraft of the Navy Reserve The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that all covered F–18 aircraft are— provided only to the Navy Reserve; and used only to recapitalize and maintain, within the Navy Reserve— a deployable tactical strike-fighter capability; and a threat representative adversary support capability that may be used in support of training activities of the Department of Defense. In this section, the term covered F–18 aircraft means any F/A–18E/F Super Hornet aircraft procured using funds appropriated for the Navy for fiscal year 2022 or fiscal year 2023.
Section 14
135. Designation of official responsible for autonomous surface and underwater dual-modality vehicles Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall designate an appropriate official within the Department of the Navy to have primary responsibility for the development and acquisition of dual-modality, advanced autonomous vehicles, consistent with warfighter requirements. The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure, within budget program elements for the Navy, that there is a dedicated program element for the development and acquisition of dual-modality, advanced autonomous vehicles.
Section 15
136. Limitation on availability of funds for Medium Landing Ship pending certification and report None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Navy may be obligated or expended to procure a Medium Landing Ship until the date on which the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees— a certification from the Secretary confirming that not more than 35 percent of the design requirements for the Medium Landing Ship are based on military specifications (as determined based on the capabilities development document for the ship); and a report that includes a comparison of the difference in construction costs and delivery timelines, on a per vessel basis, between— constructing the Medium Landing Ship using military specifications; and constructing such ship using commercial standards and commercial design elements.
Section 16
137. Limitation on structural improvements and electrical power upgrades for AH–1Z and UH–1Y helicopters The Secretary of the Navy may not carry out covered upgrades to AH–1Z Viper and UH–1Y Venom helicopters at a location other than a facility owned by the original equipment manufacturer for such helicopters until the date on which the Secretary certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that the plan for carrying out covered upgrades at location other than a facility owned by the original equipment manufacturer is expected— to result in greater performance, survivability, lethality, interoperability, mission execution, and overall safety of the helicopter platform than would otherwise be achievable by completing such upgrades at a facility owned by the original equipment manufacturer for the model of helicopter involved; to provide improved onboard electrical power capacity and ensure adequate power margin for integrating future capabilities; to improve and expand future weapons interfaces; and to allow for improved ease of maintenance. In this section, the term covered upgrades means any structural improvements or electrical power upgrades for AH–1Z viper or UH–1Y venom helicopters.
Section 17
138. Sense of Congress on aircraft carrier procurement Congress finds the following: The aircraft carriers of the Navy are a cornerstone of the Nation’s ability to project its power and strength. Construction of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers represents a national effort which requires predictable and stable build schedules and alignment of purpose between the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, and the aircraft carrier industrial base. The aircraft carrier industrial base includes more than 2,000 companies in 44 states that contribute to the construction and maintenance of these complex and technologically advanced ships. The benefits of stable, executable aircraft carrier procurement plans extend throughout the aircraft carrier industrial base, promoting the development and retention of highly-skilled workforces and capital investments in world-class manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities throughout the Nation. Aircraft carrier procurement plans accompanying the President’s budget request for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 forecast procurement of CVN–82 in fiscal year 2028, however, the fiscal year 2025 plan defers procurement until fiscal year 2030, creating a significant and destabilizing production gap for the aircraft carrier industrial base. It is the sense of Congress that— the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy should implement aircraft carrier acquisition strategies that maximize benefits to operational commanders while simultaneously protecting the interests of the taxpayer and supporting the national nuclear shipbuilding industrial base; the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy should review and revise the acquisition strategy, including a two-ship buy of CVN–82 and CVN–83, for Ford-class aircraft carriers in the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2026 to ensure it is consistent with accepted shipbuilding industrial base analyses, prior Department recommendations, reports to Congress, congressional resolutions, section 8062 of title 10, United States Code, and national security interests; and the Secretary of Defense should request procurement of the CVN–82 carrier not later than fiscal year 2028.
Section 18
151. Modification of minimum inventory requirement for air refueling tanker aircraft Section 9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 466 each place it appears and inserting 474. The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2024. None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force. In this subsection, the term primary mission aircraft inventory has the meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 19
152. Modification of certain primary mission aircraft inventory requirements for the combat air forces of the Air Force Subsection (i)(1) of section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 1,145 fighter aircraft and inserting 1,106 fighter aircraft. Section 134(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2038) is amended by striking 135 A–10 aircraft and inserting 96 A–10 aircraft.
Section 20
153. Extension of requirements relating to C–130 aircraft Section 146(a)(3)(B) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as amended by section 134(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), is amended by striking 2024 and inserting 2025. Section 146(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as amended by section 134(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), is amended by striking During fiscal years 2023 and 2024 and inserting During the period of fiscal years 2023 through 2025.
Section 21
154. Limitation on retirement of F–15E aircraft pending fighter aircraft capabilities and requirements study The Secretary of the Air Force may not retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or on backup aircraft inventory status any F–15E aircraft until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of Defense provides to the congressional defense committees the reports and briefing required under subsection (b)(3). The prohibition under paragraph (1) of shall not apply to individual F–15E aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a case by case basis, to be no longer mission capable and uneconomical to repair because of aircraft accidents, mishaps, or excessive material degradation and non-airworthiness status of certain aircraft. Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, as most recently amended by sections 131 and 132 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), is amended— by striking subsection (l); and by redesignating subsection (m) as subsection (l). The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research and development center pursuant to which the center shall carry out— an analysis of the fighter aircraft procurement, fielding, and divestment plan of the Department of the Air Force, as submitted to Congress in accordance with section 148 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 178); and a fighter aircraft capability and requirements study that estimates the number of fighter aircraft needed by the Air Force to meet the requirements of combatant commanders. The federally funded research and development center that carries out the study and analysis under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of such study and analysis. Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall— submit to the congressional defense committees an unaltered copy of the report received by the Secretary under paragraph (2); submit to such committees a separate report on the views of the Secretary with respect to the results of the study and analysis carried out under paragraph (1), which shall include— a detailed explanation of the strategy and methodology used to conduct the study and analysis, including any force sizing and shaping constructs, scenarios, and assumptions used as part of such study and analysis; and assessed operational risk based on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff risk management classifications set forth the most recent version of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 3105.01A, titled Joint Risk Analysis Methodology; and provide a briefing to the committees on such results. In this section, the term fighter aircraft means— F–15, F–16, F–22, and F–35 aircraft; and the Next Generation Air Dominance piloted combat aircraft.
Section 22
155. Limitation on use of funds pending submission of report on plan for long-term Air Force fighter force structure Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 for the Secretary of the Air Force for official travel, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional defense committees the report required under section 148(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31).
Section 23
156. Recapitalization of air refueling tanker aircraft of the reserve components of the Air Force The Secretary of the Air Force shall replace each covered reserve tanker aircraft with an aircraft that has capabilities equivalent to or exceeding the capabilities of the aircraft being replaced. The Secretary of the Air Force may waive the requirement to replace an air refueling tanker aircraft under subsection (a), on a case by case basis, if the Secretary determines that such replacement would degrade the readiness of the air refueling capability of the Air Force. This section shall terminate on October 1, 2025. The term covered reserve tanker aircraft means an air refueling tanker aircraft of the reserve components of the Air Force.
Section 24
157. Consolidation of authorities relating to Air Force landing gear The Secretary of the Air Force shall transfer to the Air Force Sustainment Center supply chain management, item management, and delegated engineering authorities for landing gear systems of F–15EX, F–22, F–35, and T–7A aircraft. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall develop and initiate an implementation plan for the transfers required under subsection (a). Not later than 30 days after completing the development of the implementation plan required under subsection (b), the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report that includes a description of— the planned milestones for execution of the implementation plan; any data, staff, and funding needed to effectively carry out such plan; and the progress of the Secretary in meeting such milestones as of the date of the report.
Section 25
158. Notification of delays in delivery of MH–139 aircraft Not later than 30 days after becoming aware of an expected delay in the delivery date of an MH–139 aircraft, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives written notice of such delay together with an explanation of the reasons for such delay. In this section, the term delivery date, when used with respect to an MH–139 aircraft, means the date on which such aircraft is expected to be delivered to the Air Force under the most recent schedule for such delivery in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 26
159. Plan for establishment and maintenance of F–16 simulators at Air National Guard training centers The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Director of the Air National Guard, shall develop and implement a plan to fully fund the establishment and maintenance of F–16 simulators at training centers of the Air National Guard as described in subsection (b). The plan under subsection (a) shall include— an estimate of the costs of maintaining F–16 simulators at Air National Guard training centers that have such simulators as of the date of the plan; an estimate of the costs of establishing F–16 simulators at all Air National Guard training centers that are required to, but do not, have such simulators as of the date of the plan, including training centers for Air National Guard units converting from the A–10 aircraft to the F–16 aircraft; and a plan for allocating funding to pay the costs described in paragraphs (1) and (2), including the proportion of such funding expected to be provided by the Air Force and the Air National Guard, respectively. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— the plan developed under subsection (a); and an assessment from the Secretary and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau evaluating how the readiness of Air National Guard Units requiring F–16 simulators may be affected if such simulators are not established and maintained at mission training centers as required under the plan. Not later than June 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the Air National Guard shall commence implementation of the plan developed under subsection (a).
Section 27
160. Funding for C-130 modular airborne firefighting system Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 101 for aircraft procurement, Air Force, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4101, for other aircraft, C-130, line 049, is hereby increased by $20,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to be used for the modular airborne firefighting system). Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test and evaluation, Air Force, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for system development and demonstration, VC–25B, line 114, is hereby reduced by $20,000,000.
Section 28
161. Requirement for minimum number of air logistics complexes Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 154(a)(3) of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Secretary of the Air Force shall continuously operate not fewer than three air logistics complexes. For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘air logistics complex’ means an air logistics complex operated by the Air Force as of January 1, 2024. (m)The Secretary of the Air Force shall continuously operate not fewer than three air logistics complexes. For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘air logistics complex’ means an air logistics complex operated by the Air Force as of January 1, 2024..
Section 29
171. Modification to Air Force and Navy use of commercial dual-use parts in certain aircraft and engines Section 161 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 3453 note) is amended— in the section heading, by striking used; in subsection (a)(1), by inserting new, before used; and in subsection (b)(2), by inserting , or from a certified production approval holder pursuant to part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations before the period at the end.
Section 30
172. Policy on qualifications of contractors for into-plane fuel deliveries for heavy-lift aircraft Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall develop and implement a policy that establishes factors for determining the qualifications of fixed-based operators bidding on contracts to provide into-plane fuel deliveries for heavy-lift aircraft at airports with weight-bearing capacity to serve such aircraft. With respect to the policy required under subsection (a), the factors for determining whether a fixed-based operator is qualified to provide into-plane fuel deliveries for heavy-lift aircraft may include the following: The fixed-base operator is able to maintain a minimum onsite fuel storage capacity equal to twice the preceding year’s peak day of fuel demand at the airport, at least half of which is comprised of fixed tanks. Evidence that the fixed-base operator’s total number of employees is sufficient to service military customers 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. The fixed-based operator is capable of performing a full range of cargo on-load, off-load, and handling operations, including for dangerous goods and cargo, for military aircraft of all sizes. The fixed-base operator possesses an onsite, certified maintenance and repair station. The fixed-based operator has an operational history of providing services to heavy-lift aircraft at the airport involved for at least three years preceding the operator’s bid to perform into-plane fuel deliveries. Any other factors the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency determines appropriate. In this section, the term heavy-lift aircraft means aircraft larger than 107,000-pound maximum gross takeoff weight. The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall consult with relevant heavy-lift aircraft mission planners in developing and implementing the policy required under this section.
Section 31
173. Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made light detection and ranging technology The Secretary of Defense shall not operate or enter into or renew a contract for the procurement of— a covered light detection and ranging technology (referred to in this section as LiDAR technology) that— is manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; uses operating software developed in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or uses network connectivity or data storage located in or administered by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or a system or systems that incorporates, interfaces with, or otherwise uses LiDAR technology as described in paragraph (1). The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the purposes of intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary certifies, in writing, to the congressional defense committees that the operation, procurement, or contracting action is required in the national interest of the United States. The prohibition under section (a) shall take effect on June 30, 2026. In this section: The term covered foreign country means any of the following: The People’s Republic of China. The Islamic Republic of Iran. The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea. The Russian Federation. The term covered LiDAR company means any of the following: Hesai Technology (or any subsidiary or affiliate of Hesai Technology). Any entity that produces or provides LiDAR and that is included on— the Consolidated Screening List maintained by the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce; or the civil-military fusion list maintained under section 1260h of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Any entity that produces or provides LiDAR and that— is domiciled in a covered foreign country; or is subject to unmitigated foreign ownership, control or influence by a covered foreign country, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program or any successor to such program. The term covered LiDAR technology means LiDAR technology and any related services and equipment manufactured by a covered LiDAR company. The terms light detection and ranging and LiDAR mean a sensor that emits light, often in the form of a pulsed or modulated laser, and scans or flashes the environment to detect and measure the range of its surroundings.
Section 32
174. Limitation on procurement of F–35 aircraft pending certification on improvements and correction of deficiencies The Secretary of Defense may not accept or take delivery of covered F–35 aircraft in excess of the maximum quantities specified in subsection (c) until the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary is in compliance with each of the following requirements: The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to develop and field F–35 aircraft and mission systems digital-twin models across the F–35 enterprise. The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to procure at least one new cooperative avionics flying test bed aircraft for the F–35 enterprise. The Secretary has developed and will implement an acquisition strategy, with appropriate actions and milestones, to procure and construct a new F–35 mission software integration laboratory to enable concurrent testing of TR–2 and TR–3 mission system hardware, software, and any existing or new F–35 capabilities. The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all deficiencies and recommendations identified in the 2024 F–35 Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation report submitted to Congress by the Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation. The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to minimize F–35 new aircraft production interruptions and resolve all programmatic deficiencies with F–35 APG–85 radar hardware and software related to the development, testing, acceptance, certification, production, and fielding of the radar as identified by the Director of the F–35 Joint Program Office. The Secretary has developed and will implement a plan of corrective actions and milestones to resolve all deficiencies and recommendations identified in the report of the F–35 software Independent Review Team commissioned by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Director of the F–35 Joint Program Office. The Secretary has developed and will implement a corrective action plan with appropriate actions, milestones, necessary technical data and other resources, and metrics for measuring improvements, to address long-standing sustainment challenges and improve fleetwide mission capable and full mission capable rates for F–35 aircraft. At a minimum, such plan shall provide for— completing the set-up of military service depots and attaining the required production capacity; addressing and mitigating corrosion, particularly in the F–35B and F–35C variants, including the necessary parts, equipment, technical data, and any necessary adjustments to squadron staffing to effectively conduct corrosion inspections and work; improving the visibility and availability of assets and parts that detract from mission capable rates; and developing mechanisms to surge supply support for the air vehicle and engine and ensure continuity of F–35 logistics and operations in contested environments. The Secretary has submitted all acquisition strategies and corrective action plans described in paragraphs (1) through (7) to the congressional defense committees as required under subsection (b). The Secretary has met the requirements of subsections (b)(5) and (c) of section 226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 196). The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees all acquisition strategies and corrective action plans described in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a). Each strategy and plan submitted under paragraph (1) shall include— an estimate of the total amount of funds required to complete implementation of the strategy or plan; realistic, event-driven schedules to achieve the objectives of the strategy or plan; and a schedule risk assessment to a minimum of 80 percent confidence level. Each strategy and plan described in paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. The maximum quantities of covered F–35 aircraft specified in this subsection are the following: Thirty F–35A aircraft. Nine F–35B aircraft. Nine F–35C aircraft. Not later than April 1, 2025, and on an annual basis thereafter for the following five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes a comprehensive update on all corrective action plans and acquisition strategies that— were developed pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a); and are being implemented by the Secretary as of the date of the report. Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. In this section, the term covered F–35 aircraft means new production F–35 aircraft— that are authorized to be procured using funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense; and the procurement of which is fully funded by the United States.
Section 33
175. Assessment of air-to-air missile inventory requirements and related capabilities The Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the commanders of the combatant commands, shall jointly conduct an assessment of the sufficiency of established inventory requirements for air-to-air missiles within the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretaries. In conducting the assessment required under paragraph (1), the Secretaries shall evaluate— for each year through the end of 2029— the numbers and types of air-to-air missiles expected to be delivered to the Department of the Air Force and the Department of the Navy in such year; and the total inventory of air-to-air missiles expected to be available for use in such year, considered separately for each type of missile; the inventory levels of air-to-air missiles needed to support the operational plans of the United States Central Command, the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the United States Northern Command, and the United States European Command, assessed separately for each command at low, medium, and high risk levels; emerging requirements for surface-to-air defense and collaborative combat aircraft capabilities, and how such emerging requirements are expected to impact inventory requirements for air-to-air missiles; whether the numbers and types of missiles expected to be delivered through 2029, as determined under subparagraph (A), are sufficient to meet all testing, training, and operational requirements of the military departments and combatant commands; whether extending the AIM–120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile program of record through 2029 would enhance available inventories of air-to-air missiles during such period; and recommendations to adjust the planned missile mix, to include development and fielding of an AIM–120D Extended Range missile and procurement quantities to support combined combatant command requirements at a medium-level of operational risk. In conjunction with the assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall conduct a cost-benefit and technical risk assessment of developing and procuring an extended range AIM–120D missile. In conducting the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Air Force shall— assess the costs, benefits, and technical risks presented by the potential development and procurement of an extended range AIM–120D missile as described in paragraph (1); evaluate how new propellants, binding agents, and other enhancements may increase the capabilities of such a missile; consider how the procurement of such a missile could hedge against current or future air-to-air missile inventory, capacity, capability or shortfall risks; and develop a budget profile and schedule that would support expedited fielding of such a missile. Following the completion of the assessments required under subsections (a) and (b), but not later than April 1, 2025— the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy shall jointly submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a), which shall include a summary of the results of the assessment with respect to each element specified in subsection (a)(2); and the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (b), which shall include a copy of the budget profile and schedule required under subsection (b)(2)(D).
Section 34
176. Modification to multiyear procurement authority for certain critical minerals Section 152 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 180; 50 U.S.C. 98e-2) is amended— in the heading, by inserting strategic and after domestically processed; in subsection (a), by striking the procurement of and all that follows and inserting the following: the procurement of strategic and critical materials that are mined, processed, or produced in the United States.; in subsection (c), by striking the domestically processed critical minerals and inserting the strategic and critical materials; by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: In carrying out the activities described in this section, the Secretary may give priority to the procurement of strategic and critical materials that are derived from recycled and reused minerals and metals to the maximum extent practicable, and from terrestrial mines that do not cause harm to the natural or cultural resources of Tribal communities or sovereign nations or result in degraded ground or surface water. in subsection (f), as so redesignated— by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: The term strategic and critical material means a material determined to be a strategic or critical material under section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)). by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term produced means formed, assembled, manufactured, or systems integrated. (e)PriorityIn carrying out the activities described in this section, the Secretary may give priority to the procurement of strategic and critical materials that are derived from recycled and reused minerals and metals to the maximum extent practicable, and from terrestrial mines that do not cause harm to the natural or cultural resources of Tribal communities or sovereign nations or result in degraded ground or surface water.; and (1)The term strategic and critical material means a material determined to be a strategic or critical material under section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)).; and (4)The term produced means formed, assembled, manufactured, or systems integrated..
Section 35
177. Sense of Congress on domestic procurement of defense articles for AUKUS partnership It is the sense of Congress that— researching, producing, and procuring defense articles for the AUKUS partnership from within the United States boosts local economies and improves national security by enhancing domestic defense article production capabilities; and therefore, the Secretary of Defense should promote and prioritize domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and research for defense articles intended for use by members of the AUKUS partnership. In this section, the term AUKUS partnership means the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced in September 2021.
Section 36
178. Study to identify sources of secure parts for unmanned aircraft systems The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall conduct a study to identify sources of secure parts for unmanned aircraft systems. For purposes of the study, a part shall be considered secure if it— is not produced or sold by a Chinese military company (as defined in section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note)); will not be used for a sensitive platform, such as the F–35 aircraft; does not connect to wireless or other data networks; and meets such other criteria as may be established by the Under Secretary. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
Section 37
201. Authorization of appropriations Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the use of the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding table in section 4201.
Section 38
202. Funding for National Defense Education Program Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for basic research, National Defense Education Program, line 6, is hereby increased by $5,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 4301 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for Washington Headquarters Services, line 480, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Section 39
211. Modification of certain requirements relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office Section 148 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsections: The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Office is budgeted for and funded in a manner sufficient to ensure the Office has the staff and other resources necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c). In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary of Defense shall include a dedicated budget line item for the implementation of subsection (a) and for the testing and evaluation of energetic materials and technologies by the Office. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall include, within the program management and engineering curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University, instruction in standards and best practices for the development of energetic materials and ensuring the safety of explosives. In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretaries shall consult with— the President of the Defense Acquisition University; and individuals and organizations in academia and industry with relevant expertise in the field of energetics. (d)Budgeting and funding requirements(1)The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Office is budgeted for and funded in a manner sufficient to ensure the Office has the staff and other resources necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).(2)In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary of Defense shall include a dedicated budget line item for the implementation of subsection (a) and for the testing and evaluation of energetic materials and technologies by the Office.(e)Standards and best practices curriculum(1)The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall include, within the program management and engineering curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University, instruction in standards and best practices for the development of energetic materials and ensuring the safety of explosives.(2)In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretaries shall consult with—(A)the President of the Defense Acquisition University; and(B)individuals and organizations in academia and industry with relevant expertise in the field of energetics..
Section 40
212. Modification to annual report on unfunded priorities of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering The second section 222e of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by striking the Secretary of Defense shall and inserting the Secretary of Defense, after coordinating with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall; and in subsection (e)— in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: in the case of military construction project, has reached a stage of planning and design that is sufficient to support a reliable cost estimate. (3)in the case of military construction project, has reached a stage of planning and design that is sufficient to support a reliable cost estimate..
Section 41
213. Modification to defense laboratory education partnerships Section 2194(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (6), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: entering into contracts or cooperative agreements with, or making grants to, the institution to provide financial assistance for activities conducted under such partnership agreement. (8)entering into contracts or cooperative agreements with, or making grants to, the institution to provide financial assistance for activities conducted under such partnership agreement..
Section 42
214. Use of partnership intermediaries to promote defense research and education Chapter 303 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense or the head of another department or agency of the Federal Government concerned, the head of a Federal laboratory or research center may— enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or other transaction with a partnership intermediary that provides for the partnership intermediary to perform services for the Department of Defense that increase the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative or joint activities of the laboratory or center with industry or academic institutions; and pay the Federal costs of such contract, memorandum or understanding, or other transaction out of funds made available for the support of the technology transfer function of the laboratory or center. In this section: Term Federal laboratory or research center means— a Federal laboratory; or a federally funded research and development center that is not a laboratory. The term laboratory has the meaning given that term in section 12(d)(2) the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(2)). The term partnership intermediary means an agency of a State or local government, or a nonprofit entity owned in whole or in part by, chartered by, funded in whole or in part by, or operated in whole or in part by or on behalf of a State or local government, that— assists, counsels, advises, evaluates, or otherwise cooperates with industry or academic institutions that need or can make demonstrably productive use of technology-related assistance from a Federal laboratory or research center; facilitates technology transfer or transition from industry or academic institutions to a Federal laboratory or research center; assists and facilitates workforce development in critical technology areas for prototyping or technology transition activities to fulfill unmet needs of a Federal laboratory or research center; or facilitates improvements to intellectual property owned by the Federal laboratory or research center, such as improvements to the quality, value, flexibility, utility, or complexity of such intellectual property. Section 4124 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking subsection (f); and by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively. 4128.Use of partnership intermediaries to promote defense research and education.(a)In generalSubject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense or the head of another department or agency of the Federal Government concerned, the head of a Federal laboratory or research center may—(1)enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or other transaction with a partnership intermediary that provides for the partnership intermediary to perform services for the Department of Defense that increase the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative or joint activities of the laboratory or center with industry or academic institutions; and(2)pay the Federal costs of such contract, memorandum or understanding, or other transaction out of funds made available for the support of the technology transfer function of the laboratory or center.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Term Federal laboratory or research center means—(A)a Federal laboratory; or(B)a federally funded research and development center that is not a laboratory.(2)The term laboratory has the meaning given that term in section 12(d)(2) the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(2)).(3)The term partnership intermediary means an agency of a State or local government, or a nonprofit entity owned in whole or in part by, chartered by, funded in whole or in part by, or operated in whole or in part by or on behalf of a State or local government, that—(A)assists, counsels, advises, evaluates, or otherwise cooperates with industry or academic institutions that need or can make demonstrably productive use of technology-related assistance from a Federal laboratory or research center;(B)facilitates technology transfer or transition from industry or academic institutions to a Federal laboratory or research center;(C)assists and facilitates workforce development in critical technology areas for prototyping or technology transition activities to fulfill unmet needs of a Federal laboratory or research center; or(D)facilitates improvements to intellectual property owned by the Federal laboratory or research center, such as improvements to the quality, value, flexibility, utility, or complexity of such intellectual property..
Section 43
4128. Use of partnership intermediaries to promote defense research and education. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense or the head of another department or agency of the Federal Government concerned, the head of a Federal laboratory or research center may— enter into a contract, memorandum of understanding, or other transaction with a partnership intermediary that provides for the partnership intermediary to perform services for the Department of Defense that increase the likelihood of success in the conduct of cooperative or joint activities of the laboratory or center with industry or academic institutions; and pay the Federal costs of such contract, memorandum or understanding, or other transaction out of funds made available for the support of the technology transfer function of the laboratory or center. In this section: Term Federal laboratory or research center means— a Federal laboratory; or a federally funded research and development center that is not a laboratory. The term laboratory has the meaning given that term in section 12(d)(2) the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3710a(d)(2)). The term partnership intermediary means an agency of a State or local government, or a nonprofit entity owned in whole or in part by, chartered by, funded in whole or in part by, or operated in whole or in part by or on behalf of a State or local government, that— assists, counsels, advises, evaluates, or otherwise cooperates with industry or academic institutions that need or can make demonstrably productive use of technology-related assistance from a Federal laboratory or research center; facilitates technology transfer or transition from industry or academic institutions to a Federal laboratory or research center; assists and facilitates workforce development in critical technology areas for prototyping or technology transition activities to fulfill unmet needs of a Federal laboratory or research center; or facilitates improvements to intellectual property owned by the Federal laboratory or research center, such as improvements to the quality, value, flexibility, utility, or complexity of such intellectual property.
Section 44
215. Modification to personnel management authority to attract experts in science and engineering Section 4092 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital may carry out a program of personnel management authority provided in subsection (b) in order to facilitate recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for the Unit. in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (D), by striking 5 scientific and engineering positions in the Office and inserting 20 scientific and engineering positions in the Office, of which not more than 5 such positions may be positions of administration or management of the Office; in subparagraph (E) by striking 5 scientific and engineering positions in the Unit and inserting 35 scientific and engineering positions in the Unit, of which not more than 5 such positions may be positions of administration or management of the Unit’’; and in subparagraph (H), by striking 15 and inserting 25; in subparagraph (I), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (J), by adding and at the end; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: in the case of the Office of Strategic Capital, appoint and rescind appointments of individuals to a total of not more than 30 positions in the Office; in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: in the case of employees appointed pursuant to subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), (H), and (K) of paragraph (1), at a rate to be determined by the head of the organization concerned up to the amount of annual compensation specified in section 102 of title 3; (11)Office of Strategic CapitalThe Director of the Office of Strategic Capital may carry out a program of personnel management authority provided in subsection (b) in order to facilitate recruitment of eminent experts in science or engineering for the Unit.; and (K)in the case of the Office of Strategic Capital, appoint and rescind appointments of individuals to a total of not more than 30 positions in the Office;; and (A)in the case of employees appointed pursuant to subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), (H), and (K) of paragraph (1), at a rate to be determined by the head of the organization concerned up to the amount of annual compensation specified in section 102 of title 3;.
Section 45
216. Modification to consortium on use of additive manufacturing for defense capability development Section 223(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended— in paragraph (5), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: develop a rapidly deployable additive manufacturing system that is capable of fabricating replacement safety-critical parts for military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles in environments where access to traditionally manufactured replacement parts is severely restricted. (7)develop a rapidly deployable additive manufacturing system that is capable of fabricating replacement safety-critical parts for military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles in environments where access to traditionally manufactured replacement parts is severely restricted. .
Section 46
217. Modification to continuous capability development and delivery program for F–35 aircraft Section 225(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 195) is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking designate two F–35A aircraft, two F–35B aircraft, and two F–35C aircraft and inserting designate a total of not fewer than nine F–35A, F–35B, or F–35C aircraft; and in paragraph (2)(A), by striking Lot 19 and inserting Lot 18.
Section 47
218. Modification of CVN–73 to support fielding of MQ–25 unmanned aerial vehicle Section 219 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1680) is amended by striking shall and all that follows and inserting shall modify the compartments and infrastructure of the aircraft carrier designated CVN–73 to support the fielding of the MQ–25 unmanned aerial vehicle before the planned deployment date of such vehicle..
Section 48
219. Agility Prime Transition Working Group Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall establish a working group to be known as the Agility Prime Transition Working Group (referred to in this section as the Working Group). The duties of the Working Group shall include the following: To develop and implement a strategy to transition capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program of the Air Force to program executive offices of the covered Armed Forces, as appropriate. To provide a forum for members of the Working Group to coordinate activities relating to hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program, including— research, development, testing, and evaluation activities; demonstration activities; and activities to transition such capabilities from the research and development phase into operational use within the covered Armed Forces, as appropriate. To identify programs, projects, activities, and requirements of the covered Armed Forces that may be supported by technologies and capabilities developed under the Agility Prime program, including hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, advanced air mobility platforms, autonomous flight capabilities, test and evaluation software, and related technologies. To identify requirements of the combatant commands and the covered Armed Forces relating to distributed and contested logistics, mobility and sustainment, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, strike, and other operational use cases that align with previous, ongoing, or planned efforts under the Agility Prime program. To assess whether previous, ongoing, or planned efforts under the Agility Prime program and other vertical take off and landing aircraft capability development efforts align with other current, planned, or future acquisition programs of the covered Armed Forces. Identify any changes to doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities, and policy (commonly known as DOTMLPF–P) required to successfully integrate hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft platforms into future force design. To assess how the authorities and resources of the Department of Defense may be used to support the advanced air mobility and hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft industries, including support in the form of loans, loan guarantees, private investment matching programs, and other financial mechanisms. To assist the Secretary of the Air Force in preparing the briefing and reports required under subsection (g). The Working Group shall be composed of the following members or their designees: The Secretary of the Air Force. Each Secretary of a military department. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital. A representative from the United States Special Operations Command. A representative from the United States Transportation Command. Representatives of such other organizations and elements of the Department of Defense as the Chairperson of the Working Group determines appropriate. The Secretary of the Air Force, or the designee of the Secretary, shall serve as the Chairperson of the Working Group. The Working Group shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the call of the Chairperson. The working group shall terminate on September 30, 2027. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of the Working Group, which shall include information on the organization, activities, plans, actions, and milestones of the Working Group as of the date of the briefing. Not later than September 30, 2025, and not later than September 30 of each year thereafter through 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the efforts of the Working Group. Each report shall include, with respect to the year covered by the report, information on— any funding under the categories of research, development, test, and evaluation, procurement, or operation and maintenance that is expected to be used for further development or procurement of hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities in the fiscal year of the report and the in the following fiscal year; any planned transitions of hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing technologies to— acqusition programs of the covered Armed Forces; or research, development, test, and evaluation programs of the covered Armed Forces. any actions taken by the Working Group; any milestones achieved by the Working Group; and such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The term Agility Prime program means the program of the Air Force under which the Air Force is developing hybrid and electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities in collaboration with partners in commercial industry and other sectors. The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Section 49
220. Measures to advance quantum information science within the Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense shall develop a strategic plan to guide the research, development, test, and evaluation, procurement, and implementation of quantum information science (referred to in this section as QIS) technologies within the Department of Defense, including the covered Armed Forces, over the period of five years following the date of the enactment of this Act. The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: Identification of— QIS technologies that have the potential to solve operational challenges faced by the Department of Defense; and the technology readiness levels of those QIS technologies. Plans to transition technologies identified under subparagraph (A) from the research, development, and prototyping phases into operational use within the Department. Plans for allocating the resources of the Department to ensure such resources are focused on QIS technologies with the potential to solve operational challenges as identified under subparagraph (A). Plans for the continuous evaluation, development, and implementation of QIS technology solutions within the Department. Plans for the development, review, performance evaluation, and adoption of a fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computer and the transition of that capability to appropriate organizations and elements of the Department of Defense and such other departments and agencies of the Federal Government as the Secretary determines appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— the strategic plan developed under paragraph (1); and an assessment of whether the budgets proposed for QIS-related activities of the Department of Defense and each of the covered Armed Forces appropriately balance the use of research, development, test, and evaluation funds designated as budget activity 1 (basic research), budget activity 2 (applied research), and budget activity 3 (advanced technology development) (as those budget activity classifications are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14–R)) to achieve the objectives of the strategic plan over near-, mid-, and long-term timeframes. The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Quantum Computing Center of Excellence (referred to in this subsection as the Center) at a research laboratory of a covered Armed Force with requisite experience in quantum computing, integrated photonics and photon qubits, superconducting and hybrid systems, and trapped ions. The Center shall carry out the following activities: Accelerate the transition of advanced quantum and quantum hybrid computing technology from the research and development phase into operational use. Facilitate quantum computing workforce development. Conduct outreach to enhance government, industry, and academia’s understanding of— national security-related use cases for quantum computing and quantum hybrid technology; and operational challenges faced by the Department of Defense that may be addressed using such technology. Conduct prototyping of quantum computing and quantum hybrid applications. Undertake efforts to advance the technology readiness levels of quantum computing technologies. Carry out such other activities relating to quantum computing as the Secretary determines appropriate. For purposes of carrying out the activities of the Center under this subsection, the research laboratory selected under paragraph (1) may partner with one or more of the following: Other research laboratories of the covered Armed Forces. The Defense Innovation Unit. Federally funded research and development centers. University affiliated research centers. Private sector entities with expertise in quantum computing. Such other organizations as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate. Subject to availability of appropriations, Secretary of Defense may make grants and enter into contracts or other agreements, on a competitive basis, to support the activities of the Center. The Center shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section: The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force. The term quantum computing means computing algorithms and applications that use quantum mechanics through quantum processing units, including— quantum-classical hybrid applications which are applications that use both quantum computing and classical computing hardware systems; annealing and gate systems; and all qubit modalities (including superconducting, trapped-ion, neutral atom, and photonics). The term quantum information science means the use of the laws of quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, or measurement of information.
Section 50
221. Authority to temporarily detail employees of the Office of Strategic Capital to certain private-sector organizations Using the authority provided under section 1599g of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office of Strategic capital, may carry out a program under which the Director arranges for the temporary assignment of an employee of the Office to a qualifying private-sector organization. The objectives of the program under subsection (a) shall be— to enable the Office of Strategic Capital and other organizations and elements of the Department of Defense to rapidly acquire industry-specific context and technical competence across high priority technology and industrial focus areas through immersion in highly relevant emerging technology and business ecosystems across the United States; and to enhance, among personnel of the Department— understanding of, connectivity with, and access to knowledge about critical and emerging defense industrial base capabilities; and understanding of the strategic role that venture capital and private equity operations have in shaping future sustainment and modernization requirements for the defense industrial base. In carrying out program under subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Strategic Capital shall— use an information technology system to optimize the identification, assessment, and placement of participants within the program, which shall include the use of such system to match private-sector organizations with employees of the Office participating in the program in a manner that aligns the priorities, needs, and expertise of such employees, organizations, and the Office; and establish a database or other capability that— enables the Office to identify and track current and former participants in the program; documents the nature of the experience such participants had while in the program; and is suitable for further development and expansion to other organizations of Department of Defense in the event the Secretary of Defense determines such expansion is appropriate. In this section, the term qualifying private-sector organization means a private-sector organization within the defense industrial base that has functions and expertise relevant to the responsibilities of the Office of Strategic Capital, which may include organization such as a venture capital firm, private equity firm, emerging technology company, or other such organizations as determined appropriated by the Director.
Section 51
222. Pilot program on establishment of a test and evaluation cell within the Defense Innovation Unit The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit shall carry out a pilot program under which the Director— develops an alternative testing and evaluation pathway to accelerate the testing and evaluation of technologies that have the potential to provide warfighting capabilities to the Department of Defense in the near-term and mid-term timeframes; and establishes a cell of dedicated personnel within the Unit to manage and implement the alternative testing and evaluation pathway developed under paragraph (1). In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit shall— conduct continuous and iterative test and evaluation of technologies that have the potential to provide warfighting capabilities to the Department of Defense in the near-term and mid-term timeframes, including— commercial dual use technologies; technologies that are not integrated into an established program of record; technologies that have not been fully fielded; software-based technologies; and such other technologies as the Director determines appropriate; use tools and technologies to emulate operationally relevant threat scenarios and conditions; and integrate the development of concepts of operations and concepts of employment with testing and evaluation activities conducted under the program to ensure early alignment between capability development and future concepts of operations and concepts of employment. The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a), in consultation with— service-level innovation organizations; research laboratories of the Armed Forces; the combatant commands; the Joint Staff; the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation; the Director of the Test Resource Management Center; industry partners; and Federal, State, local, and international partners with test and evaluation infrastructure. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter through the termination date specified in subsection (e), the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the pilot program under subsection (a). The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2028.
Section 52
223. Dismantlement of Chinese drone aircraft of to identify the origin of components and security vulnerabilities Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the head of the Defense Technology Security Administration and in coordination with the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit, shall— fully disassemble a drone aircraft made by the Chinese technology company Da Jiang Innovations (DJI); and determine the origin of each component of such drone aircraft. After completing the actions required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes— a list of each component found in the drone, including the origin of the component and manufacturer information; a description of any security vulnerabilities that were identified in the course of disassembling the drone. The report required under subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 53
224. Program on limited objective experimentation in support of Air Force operations The Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, acting through a partnership intermediary, shall establish a program— to carry out limited objective experiments in operationally relevant environments; to develop persistent instrumentation and infrastructure for field experimentation and other innovation activities supporting the Air Force and joint service multi-domain mission set; and to identify capabilities for the Air Force multi-domain operations enterprise that have the potential to generate life-cycle cost savings and provide data-driven approaches to resource allocation. In this section, term partnership intermediary has the meaning given that term in section 23(c) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3715(c)).
Section 54
225. Prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any fiscal year for the Department of Defense may be provided to a covered institution of higher education that fails to comply with the prohibition under subsection (b). Beginning on January 1, 2026, a covered institution of higher education may not enter into a contract with a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern. A covered institution of higher education that desires to enter into a contract with a foreign entity of concern or a covered nation may submit to the Secretary of Defense, not later than 120 days before the institution enters into such a contract, a request to waive the prohibition under subsection (b) with respect to such contract. A waiver request submitted by a covered institution of higher education under clause (i) shall include— the complete and unredacted text of the proposed contract for which the waiver is being requested, and if such original contract is not in English, a translated copy of the text into English (in a manner that complies with subsection (f)); and a statement that— is signed by the President or compliance officer of the institution designated in accordance with subsection (g); and includes information that demonstrates that such contract is for the benefit of the institution’s mission and students and will promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States. A covered institution of higher education that has entered into a contract pursuant to a waiver issued under this section, the term of which is longer than the 1-year waiver period and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver, may submit, not later than 120 days before the expiration of such waiver period, a request for a renewal of such waiver for an additional 1-year period (which shall include any information requested by the Secretary). If a covered institution of higher education fails to submit a request under clause (i) or is not granted a renewal under such clause, such institution shall terminate such contract on the last day of the original 1-year waiver period. The Secretary of Defense— not later than 60 days before a covered institution of higher education enters into a contract pursuant to a waiver request under paragraph (1)(A), or before a contract described in paragraph (1)(B)(i) is renewed pursuant to a renewal request under such paragraph, shall notify the institution— if the waiver or renewal will be issued by the Secretary; and in a case in which the waiver or renewal will be issued, the date on which the 1-year waiver period starts; and may only issue a waiver under this section to an institution if the Secretary of Defense determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, that the contract for which the waiver is being requested is for the benefit of the institution’s mission and students and will promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States. Not later than 2 weeks prior to issuing a waiver under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives written notice of the intent of the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a justification for such waiver. A waiver issued under this section to a covered institution of higher education with respect to a contract shall only— waive the prohibition under subsection (b) for a 1-year period; and apply to the terms and conditions of the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver. In the case of a covered institution of higher education that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern prior to January 1, 2026, and which contract remains in effect on such date— the institution shall, not later than 120 days before such date, submit to the Secretary a waiver request in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(A)(ii); and the Secretary shall, upon receipt of the request submitted under subparagraph (A), immediately issue a waiver to the institution for a period beginning on the date on which the waiver is issued and ending on the sooner of— January 1, 2027; or the date on which the contract terminates. A covered institution of higher education that has entered into a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the contract submitted as part of the request required under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(B). In the case of a covered institution of higher education that enters into a contract with a foreign source that is not a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern but which, during the term of such contract, is designated as a covered nation or foreign entity of concern, such institution shall terminate such contract not later than 60 days after the Secretary notifies the institution of such designation. Any information required to be disclosed under this section with respect to a contract that is not in English shall be translated, for purposes of such disclosure, by a person that is not an affiliated entity or agent of the covered nation or foreign entity of concern involved with such contract. Each covered institution of higher education applying for a waiver under subsection (c) or (d), shall identify a compliance officer, who shall— be a current employee or legally authorized agent of such institution; and be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for personally certifying— compliance with the prohibition under this section; and the truth and accuracy of any information contained in such a waiver request. Not later than 90 days after issuing a waiver under subsection (c) or (d), the Secretary of Defense shall publish a copy of the order granting the waiver and the contents of the waiver request on a publicly available website of the Department of Defense. Such information shall be made available on such website in the form of a searchable database that includes links to the text of all contracts to which the waiver pertains. Not later than June 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes a description of— the terms and contents of any waivers issued under this section in the period covered by the report; any trends in— the number of waivers issued under this section over time; and the types of contracts to which such waivers pertain; and the processes used by the Secretary to verify that covered institutions of higher education are in compliance with the requirements of this section. In this section: The term contract means— any agreement or memorandum of understanding for the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services by or from a covered nation or foreign entity of concern; or any affiliation, agreement, or similar transaction with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern that involves the use or exchange of the name, likeness, time, services, or resources of a covered institution of higher education. The term covered institution of higher education means an institution of higher education that conducts research funded by the Department of Defense. The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign entity that is identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). The term covered nation has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code. The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
Section 55
226. Limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain institutions Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for any fiscal year for the Department of Defense may be provided to an institution of higher education for any principal investigator who conducts fundamental research in collaboration directly or indirectly with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern. The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation under subsection (a), on a case-by-case basis, with respect to a principal investigator at an institution of higher education, if the Secretary of Defense determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States. As a condition of receiving funds from the Department of Defense, an institution of higher education shall certify to the Secretary of Defense that the principal investigator of the project of the institution that is applying for funding from the Department of Defense— is not conducting fundamental research in collaboration with an entity described in subsection (a) as of the date of the certification; and will not conduct fundamental research in collaboration with such an entity during the period for which such funding is received. As a condition of maintaining a contract with the Department of Defense, an institution of higher education shall— using publicly available information, perform due diligence on any academic institution or laboratory the institution is collaborating with, or intends to collaborate with, under the contract; and certify to the Secretary of Defense that the principal investigator of the project of the institution to which the contract pertains— has not conducted fundamental research in collaboration with an entity described in subsection (a) at any time during the period in which such contract was in effect, up to and including the date of the certification; and will not conduct fundamental research in collaboration with such an entity during any period in which such contract is in effect. An institution of higher education shall— submit the certification under paragraph (1) on an annual basis during each year in which the institution receives funds from the Department of Defense; and submit the certification under paragraph (2) on an annual basis during each year in which a contract is in effect between the institution and the Department. On an annual basis, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the compliance of the Department of Defense and institutions of higher education with the requirements of this section. Each report shall include, for each waiver issued under subsection (b) in the period covered by the report— a justification for the waiver; and a detailed description of the type and extent of any collaboration between an institution of higher education and an entity described in subsection (a) allowed pursuant to the waiver, including identification of the institution and entities involved, the type of technology involved, the duration of the collaboration and terms and conditions on intellectual property assignment, as applicable, under the collaboration agreement. Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form and shall be made available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense. The limitation under subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the first fiscal year that begins after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and to any subsequent fiscal year. In this section: The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign entity that is identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002) and includes— any department, program, project, faculty, researcher, or other individual, entity, or activity of such institution; and any branch of such institution within or outside the United States. The term fundamental research means basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are expected to be published and shared broadly within the scientific community. Such term does not include research that is proprietary or classified and subject to access restrictions under other provisions of Federal law. The term collaboration means any level of coordinated activity between an institution of higher education and an entity described in subsection (a), whether direct or indirect, formal or informal, and includes— sharing of research facilities, resources, or data; transfer, sharing, or dissemination of technology, information, or any technical know-how; any financial or in-kind contribution intended to produce a research product; sponsorship or facilitation of research fellowships, visas, or residence permits; joint ventures, partnerships, or other formalized agreements for the purpose of conducting research or sharing resources, data, or technology; inclusion of researchers as consultants, advisors, or members of advisory or review boards; and such other activities as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretary of State and Director of National Intelligence. The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. The term covered nation has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 56
227. Disclosure requirements for persons performing research or development projects for the Department of Defense Section 4001 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Whenever issuing a statement, press release, request for proposals, bid solicitation, or other document describing a project or program that is funded in whole or in part with Federal funding, a person performing a research or development project under paragraph (1) or (5) of subsection (b) shall clearly state the following: The percentage of the total costs of the program or project financed with Federal funding. The dollar amount of Federal funds obligated for the project or program. The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed from nongovernmental sources. Section 4026 of such title is amended— by striking The Secretary of Defense and inserting the following: The Secretary of Defense in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking Technology may and inserting the following: Technology may by adding at the end the following new subsection: Whenever issuing a statement, press release, request for proposals, bid solicitation, or other document describing a project or program that is funded in whole or in part with Federal funding, a person performing a research or development project pursuant to a cooperative research and development agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall clearly state the following: The percentage of the total costs of the program or project financed with Federal funding. The dollar amount of Federal funds obligated for the project or program. The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed from nongovernmental sources. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should direct the operating divisions of the Department of Defense to design and implement processes to manage and administer grantees’ compliance with the requirements added by this section, including determining to what extent to provide guidance to grantees on calculations. (e)Disclosure requirementsWhenever issuing a statement, press release, request for proposals, bid solicitation, or other document describing a project or program that is funded in whole or in part with Federal funding, a person performing a research or development project under paragraph (1) or (5) of subsection (b) shall clearly state the following:(1)The percentage of the total costs of the program or project financed with Federal funding.(2)The dollar amount of Federal funds obligated for the project or program.(3)The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed from nongovernmental sources.. (a)AuthorityThe Secretary of Defense; (b)Technology transferTechnology may; and (c)Disclosure requirementsWhenever issuing a statement, press release, request for proposals, bid solicitation, or other document describing a project or program that is funded in whole or in part with Federal funding, a person performing a research or development project pursuant to a cooperative research and development agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall clearly state the following:(1)The percentage of the total costs of the program or project financed with Federal funding.(2)The dollar amount of Federal funds obligated for the project or program.(3)The percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed from nongovernmental sources..
Section 57
228. Modification to innovators information repository in the Department of Defense Section 220 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 2364 note) is amended— in subsection (a), by inserting Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, Defense Innovation Unit, and before Defense Technical Information Center; in subsection (b), by inserting in accordance with subsection (e) before the period at the end; in subsection (c)— by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: be coordinated across the Department of Defense enterprise to focus on small business innovators that are small, independent United States businesses, including— those participating in the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program; those participating in the Pilot Program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies and the Rapid Defense Enterprise Research program; and nontraditional defense companies that are working with research, innovation, and advanced project entities; in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: the date of the initial award to the participant from the Department of Defense; and the dates of any additional awards made to the participant, including the dates of any contracts or other agreements entered into between the participant the Department of Defense; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: Not less frequently than once each fiscal quarter, the head of the Defense Technical Information Center, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall update the innovators information repository established under this section. Not later than 30 days after making an update to the innovators information repository under paragraph (1), the head of the Defense Technical Information Center shall submit to the congressional defense committees notice of such update together with instructions for electronically accessing the updated repository. (1)be coordinated across the Department of Defense enterprise to focus on small business innovators that are small, independent United States businesses, including—(A)those participating in the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program;(B)those participating in the Pilot Program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies and the Rapid Defense Enterprise Research program; and(C)nontraditional defense companies that are working with research, innovation, and advanced project entities;; and (E)the date of the initial award to the participant from the Department of Defense; and(F)the dates of any additional awards made to the participant, including the dates of any contracts or other agreements entered into between the participant the Department of Defense; and; and (e)Updates required(1)In generalNot less frequently than once each fiscal quarter, the head of the Defense Technical Information Center, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall update the innovators information repository established under this section.(2)Notice to CongressNot later than 30 days after making an update to the innovators information repository under paragraph (1), the head of the Defense Technical Information Center shall submit to the congressional defense committees notice of such update together with instructions for electronically accessing the updated repository..
Section 58
229. Prohibition on availability of funds for canine and feline research None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to conduct biomedical research or testing using canines or felines. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary— determines that the waiver is in the national security interest of the United States; and not later than the date on which the waiver is invoked, submits a notification of the waiver and a justification of the reason for seeking the waiver to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Section 59
230. Expansion of participation in the Digital On-Demand Program The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary— to expand participation in the Digital On-Demand Program to— all organizations and elements of the Department of Defense; and all members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department; and to actively promote the Program throughout the Department. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter through 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the progress of the Secretary in expanding and promoting the Digital On-Demand Program as described in subsection (a). In this section, the term Digital On-Demand Program means the program overseen by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer pursuant to which educational resources on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, data literacy, and related topics are made available to personnel of the Department of Defense through a digital platform on an on-demand basis.
Section 60
241. Plan for establishment of secure computing and data storage environment for testing of artificial intelligence trained on biological data The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, shall develop a plan for the establishment of a secure computing and data storage environment to facilitate— the testing of artificial intelligence models trained on biological data; and the development and testing of products generated by such models. The plan under subsection (a) shall provide as follows: The secure computing and data storage environment described in subsection (a) shall be known as the AIxBio sandbox. The AIxBio sandbox shall consist of a secure computing and data storage infrastructure to be used for the testing and development activities described in subsection (a). To the extent feasible, such infrastructure shall be assembled from the existing computing and data storage infrastructure organizations and elements of the Department of Defense with relevant capabilities, such as the Test Resource Management Center and the AI Accelerator of the Department of the Air Force. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall be responsible for— managing and overseeing the activities of the sandbox; coordinating the efforts of the organizations of the Department involved in the activities of the sandbox; selecting projects for development and testing using the sandbox in accordance with paragraph (4); and arranging partnerships in accordance paragraph (5). The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall— identify projects funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of Defense that— have demonstrated a proof-of-concept or another similar indicator of early success or feasibility; and involve the development of a model, technology, or product at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology that has potential defense applications, such as a project using artificial intelligence and biological data— to direct and produce medical countermeasures; to predict and produce new or enhanced biological materials for military purposes; or to analyze how biology could fulfill different components of the supply chain, including by improving the domestic supply chain through the use of biomanufacturing; and from projects identified under subparagraph (A), select projects for further development and testing using the AIxBio sandbox. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall establish mechanisms through which organizations and entities involved in projects of the AIxBio sandbox may work with Department of Defense laboratories and Department-funded laboratories of academic institutions to carry out activities in support of such projects, including biological testing and experimentation and testing and experimentation to validate artificial intelligence models in development. In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Under Secretary shall establish streamlined processes to facilitate efficient collaboration between laboratories, organizations of the Department of Defense, and private entities for purposes of developing products for national security purposes and carrying out activities in support of projects under AIxBio sandbox, including testing and experimentation. The plan shall address— the manner in which existing computing and data storage infrastructure of the Department of Defense shall be made available for the AIxBio sandbox in accordance with paragraph (2); the development of any mechanisms needed to facilitate collaboration among individuals and organizations involved in projects under the AIxBio sandbox, including any necessary agreements concerning intellectual property, funding, and the transfer of materials or other resources; the process for selecting projects for development and testing using the sandbox in accordance with paragraph (4); and the process for determining the amount of funding needed for projects under the sandbox, including the length of time each project is expected to receive such funding. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall— submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the plan developed under subsection (a); and provide to the Committees a briefing on the plan.
Section 61
242. Study and report on foreign capital disclosure requirements of certain Department of Defense organizations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an independent study on the foreign capital disclosure requirements of organizations of the Department of Defense that routinely engage with commercial entities backed by private equity or venture capital funds. The study under subsection (a) shall include the following: A comparative analysis of current foreign capital disclosure requirements used by organizations within the Department of Defense that engage with commercial entities backed by private equity or venture capital funds, including the Defense Innovation Unit, National Security Innovation Capital, and other such organizations within the Department. An assessment of any business intelligence, due diligence information, classified information, and other information sources available to such organizations to assist the organizations in formulating and executing foreign capital disclosure requirements. An assessment of the extent to which such foreign capital disclosure requirements are shared with commercial entities. An assessment of best practices for foreign capital disclosure requirements across the Department of Defense, including best practices for flexibly implementing such requirements based upon real or perceived risks. An assessment of the feasibility of harmonizing the best practices as described in paragraph (4) across the Department of Defense in a responsive manner. An analysis of foreign capital disclosure requirements that are used elsewhere within the Federal Government and in the Governments of international allies and partners of the United States. An assessment of such other factors as may be relevant to inform the implementation of coordinated, effective foreign capital disclosure requirements across the Department of Defense and the Governments of international allies and partners of the United States. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 62
243. Biotechnology roadmap The Secretary of Defense shall develop a biotechnology roadmap to guide the efforts of the Department of Defense relating to biotechnology. In the roadmap required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall— clearly articulate the strategic objectives of the Department of Defense relating to biotechnology; for each strategic objective, establish specific goals and milestones for the achievement of such objective, including timelines for meeting such goals and milestones; in the case of each updated version of the roadmap following submittal of the initial roadmap under subsection (d)(1), include— a review of the goals and milestones established under paragraph (2) to ensure such goals and milestones continue to align with strategic objectives under paragraph (1); and a description of any goals and milestones that changed as a result of such review; separately identify each biotechnology effort covered by the strategy, including any programs, projects, or other activities associated with such effort within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Armed Forces, and other organizations of the Department, and for each such effort provide— a description of the effort; an estimate of the funding dedicated to the effort; a timeline for carrying out the effort; and an explanation of how the effort aligns with the strategic objectives under paragraph (1); identify and describe the role of each organization of the Department with responsibilities relating to biotechnology under the strategy; establish metrics to measure the progress of the Department in meeting the objectives, goals, and milestones under the strategy; based on such metrics, assess the progress of the Department in meeting such objectives, goals, and milestones; based on the results of such assessment, make any necessary adjustments to the planning and execution of the roadmap to ensure the Department makes continuous progress toward achieving the objectives under paragraph (1); assess the overall risk to the security of the United States of the biotechnology efforts covered by the strategy; analyze any requirements of the Federal Government that hinder the ability of the Department to advance and use biotechnology; provide for the development and support of the biotechnology workforce of the Department, including personnel with responsibilities relating directly to biotechnology and personnel who indirectly support the biotechnology efforts of the Department such as personnel involved program management, acquisition, investment, and legal matters; with respect to the biotechnology workforce described in paragraph (11)— identify the total number of biotechnology positions required to support the objectives of the roadmap— as of the date of the road map; and over the periods of five and 10 years following such date; indicate the number of such positions that have been filled as of the date of the roadmap; describe the positions included in the biotechnology workforce, including a description of— the role of each position in supporting the objectives under paragraph (1); and the qualifications required for each position, including any qualifications relating to seniority level, education, training, and security clearances; identify any challenges affecting the ability of the Department to develop the biotechnology workforce and propose solutions to those challenges; assess whether the codes used to define positions and roles within the workforce of the Department adequately cover the range of positions and personnel that comprise the biotechnology workforce, such as personnel in research, engineering, and testing; identify mechanisms to enable the Department to access outside expertise relating to biotechnology, including mechanisms to assemble a pool of outside experts who have been prequalified (including by obtaining any necessary security clearances) to provide advice and assistance to the Department on matters relating to biotechnology on an as-needed basis; assess whether personnel occupying existing positions in the Department could be used to meet biotechnology workforce needs with additional training and, if so, the nature and scope of the training required; address collaboration between the Department and international partners to advance research on biotechnology, which shall include— a description of any international partnerships under which the United States is collaborating with partners to conduct biotechnology research and development for defense purposes; a description of any new international partnerships that may be entered into, or existing partnerships that may be modified, to provide for such collaboration; and identification of any challenges affecting the ability of the Department engage in such collaboration with international partners, including— any limitations on co-investments within international partnerships; any United States export controls or other technology protections that hinder information sharing within such partnerships; and any other challenges that may prevent the full utilization of such partnerships for such collaboration. In preparing the roadmap required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall consult with— the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; the Secretaries of the military departments; and such other officials of the Department of Defense as the Secretary determines appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees the roadmap developed under subsection (a). Not less frequently than once every two years following the submittal of the initial roadmap under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— review and update the roadmap; and submit an updated version of the roadmap to the congressional defense committees. Each version of the roadmap required to be submitted under this subsection may be submitted in classified form, but if so submitted, shall include an unclassified executive summary. On annual basis, the Secretary shall make an unclassified version of the most recent roadmap submitted under subsection (d) available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense. In this section, the term biotechnology means the application of science and technology to living organisms and to parts, products and models of such organisms to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods, or services.
Section 63
244. Authority for Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement for an assessment of biotechnology capabilities of adversaries of the United States Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct an assessment related to biotechnology and provide recommendations to the Secretary. Under an agreement between the Secretary and a federally funded research and development center under this section, the center shall agree to— conduct an assessment of— scientific topics related to biotechnology; scientific capabilities of potential adversaries of the United States, such as China, Iran, and the Russian Federation, related to biotechnology; and the current gaps and future scientific and technological needs for adversaries of the United States to be successful with respect to biotechnology capabilities; and develop recommendations with respect to useful indications of any advancement of such adversaries regarding such capabilities. Under an agreement between the Secretary and a federally funded research and development center under this section, the Secretary shall agree to— appoint appropriate Department of Defense employees as liaisons to the center to support the timely conduct of the assessment described in subsection (b)(1); provide the center with access to materials relevant to the conduct of such assessment, consistent with the protection of sources and methods and other critically sensitive information; and ensure that appropriate members and staff of the center have the necessary clearances, obtained in an expedited manner, to conduct such assessment. If the Secretary enters into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center under this section, not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology a report that includes the findings and recommendations of the center developed pursuant to the assessment described in subsection (b)(1). The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. The Secretary shall transmit to relevant offices of the Department of Defense, including the offices of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and the Office of Net Assessment, a copy of the report under paragraph (1).
Section 64
245. Sense of Congress on research and development of solid rocket motor mixing technology and the missile industrial base Congress finds the following: Domestic production capabilities for solid rocket motors have inherent limitations due to the mixing technology that is currently in use, a technology that hasn’t changed for over 60 years, for which there is a single supplier, and which is particularly vulnerable to foreign object debris. New, efficient, and ecologically friendly solid rocket motor mixing technologies have the potential to assist in ramping-up tactical missile production in anticipation of increased global instability. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Air Force should pursue efforts to research, develop, and demonstrate advanced propellant mixing technologies for solid rocket motor propulsion systems that can be inserted into current or planned production facilities in order to provide additional surge capabilities to meet near-term supply needs.
Section 65
246. Funding for demonstration of high-pressure waterjet cut and capture system to demilitarize underwater munitions Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test and evaluation, Army, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for advanced component development and prototypes, environmental quality technology—DEM/VAL, line 060 (PE 0603779A) is hereby increased by $5,000,000 (to be available for the demonstration of high-pressure waterjet cut and capture system to demilitarize underwater munitions). Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for basic research, defense research sciences, line 002 (PE 0601101E) is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Section 66
247. Modification to artificial intelligence education strategy Section 256 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1290) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, each Secretary of a military department shall provide personnel in that Secretary’s department with distance education courses on— the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning; and the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the Secretaries of the military departments in implementing paragraph (1). (d)Artificial intelligence and machine learning education platforms(1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, each Secretary of a military department shall provide personnel in that Secretary’s department with distance education courses on—(A)the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning; and(B)the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.(2)ReportNot later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the Secretaries of the military departments in implementing paragraph (1). .
Section 67
248. Report on artificial intelligence workforce of the Department of Defense Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— an assessment of the effectiveness of the artificial intelligence workforce of the Department of Defense; identification of any gaps in the skills and training of such workforce; and a description of any actions that may be carried out to preserve and enhance such workforce to ensure the global technological competitiveness of the United States. In this section, the term artificial intelligence workforce means members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department Defense with responsibilities relating to the research, development, procurement, or operational use of artificial intelligence technology.
Section 68
249. Increase in funding for high-hypersonic detonation propulsion research and technology Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for RDT&E, Air Force for Aerospace Propulsion, line 008 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for high-hypersonic detonation propulsion research and technology is hereby increased by $5,000,000; and Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for O&M, Air Force for Administration, line 410, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for program decrease is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Section 69
250. Increase in funding for adaptive and intelligent adversary-threat models Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for RDT&E, Army for Soldier Lethality Technology, line 010 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for adaptive and intelligent adversary-threat models is hereby increased by $5,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for O&M, Army for Other Personnel Support, line 470 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for program decrease is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Section 70
251. Funding for surface and shallow water mine counter-measures Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test and evaluation, Navy, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for advanced component development and prototypes, surface and shallow water mine countermeasures, line 035 (PE 0603502N), is hereby increased by $9,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test and evaluation, Navy, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for advanced component development and prototypes, chalk coral, line 063 (PE 0603734N), is hereby reduced by $9,000,000.
Section 71
252. Report on potential inclusion of Israel in the national technology and industrial base The Secretary of Defense shall assess the feasibility and advisability of including Israel in the national technology and industrial base. The assessment under subsection (a) shall include the following: A detailed assessment of the potential benefit to the national security of the United States of including Israel in the national technology and industrial base. An assessment of how Israel’s inclusion in the national technology and industrial base may affect research and development projects on which Israel and the United States are collaborating. Detailed delineation of the specific steps Israel must take to facilitate eligibility for inclusion in the national technology and industrial base. An analysis of the progress Israel has made, as of the date of the assessment, with respect to the steps described in paragraph (3). Analysis of how Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base could aid United States strategic competitiveness with China. An assessment of any barriers— to expansion of the national technology and industrial base generally; and to Israel's inclusion in the national technology and industrial base specifically. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a). The report required under subsection (c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section, the term national technology and industrial base has the meaning given that term in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 72
253. Plan on hacking for defense expansion Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the expansion of the Hacking for Defense program of the Department of Defense over the period of three fiscal years following the date of the plan. The plan required under subsection (a) shall include measures— to increase the number of institutions of higher education participating in Hacking for Defense programs; to expand support for certain elite teams after Hacking for Defense course completion; to expand opportunities after Hacking for Defense course completion in countries that are members of— the AUKUS partnership; the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue; or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; to partner with other organizations and elements of the Department of Defense to expand the Hacking for Defense curriculum to a second semester prototyping course; and to support the development of professional military education programs in the National Defense University system that are similar to the Hacking for Defense program. In this section: The term AUKUS partnership means the enhanced trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced in September 2021. The term Quadrilateral Security Dialogue means the strategic security dialogue between— India; Japan; Australia; and the United States.
Section 73
254. Report on potential strategic partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit and the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense The Secretary of Defense shall assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing a strategic partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit and the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense, pursuant to which the Unit and the Ministry would— coordinate on defense industrial priorities; collaborate on the development of dual-use defense capabilities. establish mechanisms to streamline emerging defense technology research and development and microchip supply chain security; create additional pathways to market for relevant defense technology startups; and carry out other activities to— enhance market opportunities for United States-based and Taiwan-based defense technology companies; bolster Taiwan’s defense industrial base; harmonize global security posture through emerging technology; and counter the development of dual-use defense technologies by the Chinese Communist Party. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a).
Section 74
255. Sense of Congress on the continuing need for innovation in the Armed Forces It is the sense of Congress that Congress encourages the Armed Forces to continue innovating, including by using technological methods that incorporate artificial intelligence, quantum information science, advanced air mobility, and counter-UAS systems to ultimately maintain, bolster, and augment military readiness, wartime preparedness, and ensure the overall national security of the United States. In this section: The term advanced air mobility means a transportation system that transports people and property by air between two points in the United States using aircraft with advanced technologies, including electric aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401). The term counter-UAS system has the meaning given such term in section 44801(5) of title 49, United States Code. The term quantum information science has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801).
Section 75
256. Funding for alternative domestic source C-130J IRSS Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for operational system development, Aviation Systems, line 281 (PE 1160403BB) is hereby increased by $6,000,000 (with the amount of such increase to be made available for Alternative Domestic Source C–130J IRSS). Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for research, development, test, and evaluation, Defense-wide, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for operational system development, industrial base analysis and sustainment support, line 214 (PE 0607210D8Z) is hereby reduced by $6,000,000.
Section 76
257. Funding for virtual engineering for army readiness and sustainment Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology, line 43, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Virtual Engineering for Army Readiness and Sustainment, is hereby increased by $7,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for the office of the Secretary of Defense, line 470, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $7,000,000.
Section 77
258. Funding for humanitarian airborne mobile infrastructure capability Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army for Ground Advanced Technology, line 38, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Humanitarian Airborne Mobile Infrastructure Capability, is hereby increased by $4,200,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for the office of the Secretary of Defense, line 470, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $4,200,000.
Section 78
259. Funding for fuel cell multi-modular use utilizing hydrogen Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 201 for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army for Ground Advanced Technology, line 38, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4201, for Fuel Cell Multi-Modular Use (FC-MMU) Utilizing Hydrogen, is hereby increased by $10,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for the office of the Secretary of Defense, line 470, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, is hereby reduced by $10,000,000.
Section 79
301. Authorization of appropriations Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for operation and maintenance, as specified in the funding table in section 4301.
Section 80
311. Extension of requirement to establish a schedule of black start exercises to assess the energy resilience and energy security of military installations Section 2920(d)(2)(C)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 2027 and inserting 2032.
Section 81
312. Extension of prohibition on required disclosure Section 318(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking one-year period and inserting five-year period.
Section 82
313. Modifications to pilot program on use of sustainable aviation fuel Section 324(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs: The term applicable material means the following: Monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides. Free fatty acids. Fatty acid esters. Municipal solid waste. Renewable natural gas. The term biomass has the meaning given such term in section 45K(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The term lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage means, with respect to non-petroleum-based jet fuel, the percentage reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions achieved by such fuel as compared with petroleum-based jet fuel, as determined using the following: The most up-to-date Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation which has been adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization with the agreement of the United States. The most up-to-date determinations under the model known as the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies model developed by Argonne National Laboratory. The term sustainable aviation fuel means the portion of liquid fuel that is not kerosene and that— meets the requirements of— ASTM International Standard D7566; or the Fischer Tropsch provisions of ASTM International Standard D1655, Annex A1; is not derived from coprocessing an applicable material (or materials derived from an applicable material) with a feedstock which is not biomass; is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum; and has a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50 percent. (2)The term applicable material means the following:(A)Monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides.(B)Free fatty acids.(C)Fatty acid esters.(D)Municipal solid waste.(E)Renewable natural gas.(3)The term biomass has the meaning given such term in section 45K(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(4)The term lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage means, with respect to non-petroleum-based jet fuel, the percentage reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions achieved by such fuel as compared with petroleum-based jet fuel, as determined using the following:(A)The most up-to-date Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation which has been adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization with the agreement of the United States.(B)The most up-to-date determinations under the model known as the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies model developed by Argonne National Laboratory.(5)The term sustainable aviation fuel means the portion of liquid fuel that is not kerosene and that—(A)meets the requirements of—(i)ASTM International Standard D7566; or (ii)the Fischer Tropsch provisions of ASTM International Standard D1655, Annex A1;(B)is not derived from coprocessing an applicable material (or materials derived from an applicable material) with a feedstock which is not biomass;(C)is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum; and (D)has a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50 percent..
Section 83
314. Modification of temporary moratorium on incineration by Department of Defense of perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, and aqueous film forming foam Section 343(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: or issues an interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of PFAS substances and materials containing PFAS substances.
Section 84
315. Initiative to control and combat the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii The Secretary of Defense shall enhance efforts to manage, control, and interdict the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations in Hawaii. The efforts required under subsection (a) shall include the following: Carrying out science-based management and control programs to reduce the effect of the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations and to prevent the introduction or spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle to areas where such beetle has not yet been established. Providing support for interagency and intergovernmental response efforts to control, interdict, monitor, and eradicate the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Pursuing chemical, biological, and other control techniques, technology transfer, and best practices to support management, control, interdiction and, where possible, eradication of the coconut rhinoceros beetle from Hawaii. Establishing an early detection and rapid response mechanism to monitor and deploy coordinated efforts if the coconut rhinoceros beetle, or another newly detected invasive alien species, is detected at new sites on military installations in Hawaii. Carrying out such other activities as the Secretary determines appropriate to manage, control, and interdict the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations in Hawaii. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for each of the next three years, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the implementation of this section, which shall include detailed information about the efforts of the Secretary to manage, control, and interdict the coconut rhinoceros beetle on military installations in Hawaii.
Section 85
316. Review and plan regarding biosecurity protocols for Hawaii Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with each Secretary of a military department, the commanders of United States Indo-Pacific Command and its component commands, and State, local, and non-governmental organizations, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on biosecurity protocols and procedures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species to the State of Hawaii. The report required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following: A review of current Department of Defense protocols and procedures, including gaps and differences between military installations, for biosecurity and to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in the State of Hawaii. A review of the efforts and progress of the Department of Defense in implementing the relevant recommendations of the 2015 Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii. A plan to— improve coordination and alignment between Department of Defense components in Hawaii to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, including through early detection on Department of Defense assets; develop and implement best practices to improve biosecurity protocols while minimizing the effects on military operations, including during military exercises; and improve coordination with State and local government entities and non-governmental organizations to enhance biosecurity and to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. Not later than five years after the date of the submission of the report required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees an update on the progress of the Department of Defense in implementing the plan referred to in subsection (b)(3). In this section: The term invasive species has the meaning given such term in section 10(a)(4) of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 666c-1(a)(4)). The term biosecurity means measures taken to protect against biological agents that pose a threat to public health, plant or animal health, or the environment.
Section 86
317. Pilot program to install propane-powered generators at a domestic defense industrial base facility Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and the Environment shall carry out a pilot program under which the Assistant Secretary shall install propane-powered generators at an organic industrial base facility. Under the pilot program, such generators shall— be used in tandem with an on-site microgrid in order to improve the resiliency and redundancy of power generation at the facility; and be powered by conventional or renewable propane. In this section: The term microgrid has the meaning given such term in section 641(b)(6) of the United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17231(b)(6)). The term propane has the meaning given such term in section 3(6) of the Propane Education and Research Act of 1006 (15 U.S.C. 6402(6)). The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 87
318. Prohibition on implementation of regulation relating to minimizing risk of climate change None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 may be used to finalize or implement any rule based on the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking titled Federal Acquisition Regulation: Minimizing the Risk of Climate Change in Federal Acquisitions (October 15, 2021; 86 Fed. Reg. 57404).
Section 88
319. Stormwater discharge permits for Department of Defense facilities Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, with respect to each permit under section 402(p) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342(p)) that applies to a Department of Defense facility, the Secretary of Defense shall request from the State that issued the permit, or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as applicable, approval of a modification to such permit, or a revision to an applicable stormwater management plan, to require— monitoring of discharges of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances not less frequently than quarterly; and implementation of appropriate best management practices or control technologies to reduce such discharges consistent with the requirements of such Act.
Section 89
320. Extension of period for cooperative agreements under Native American lands environmental mitigation program Section 2713(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking two calendar years and inserting five calendar years.
Section 90
331. Plans regarding condition and maintenance of prepositioned stockpiles of Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, the Secretary of the Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps shall each develop a plan to— improve the required inspection procedures for the prepositioned stockpiles of the Armed Force concerned, for the purpose of identifying deficiencies and conducting maintenance repairs at levels necessary to ensure such prepositioned stockpiles are mission capable; and with respect to the Navy and Marine Corps, provide an analysis of the readiness of ships that hold or facilitate the off-loading of prepositioned stocks and suggestions for improving inspection procedures of such ships. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary or the Commandant completes the development of a plan under subsection (a), and not less frequently than twice each year thereafter for the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary or the Commandant shall inspect the prepositioned stockpiles of the Armed Force concerned in accordance with the procedures under such plan. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Commandant shall each provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan developed under subsection (a). Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter for the three-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Commandant shall each provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status and condition of the prepositioned stockpiles of the Armed Force concerned. In this section, the term Armed Force concerned means— the Navy, with respect to the Secretary of the Navy; the Marine Corps with respect to the Commandant of the Marine Corps; and the Air Force, with respect to the Secretary of the Air Force.
Section 91
332. Pilot program on improving marine corps supply chain and logistics through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning software solutions Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps may select a unit within the Marine Corps to carry out a pilot program to improve military supply chain readiness, budget efficiency, and logistics productivity through the integration and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning software solutions. The Commandant of the Marine Corps shall seek to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) in partnership with a federally funded research and development center, a University Affiliated Research Center, a center of excellence, a military service laboratory, or 1 or more private-sector entities with experience in machine learning-driven logistics planning and decision support tools in an effort to streamline and modernize the Marine Corps logistics operations and any other partners the commandant deems necessary. The goals of the pilot program are to leverage AI solutions to— optimize logistics operations and inventory management, specifically within the United States Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility; improve military force readiness; streamline materiel distribution and logistics optimization; improve situational awareness by providing predictions driven by a modular, probabilistic simulation of logistics processes in the face of uncertainty; enhance productivity by minimizing and, where possible, automating reporting and inter- actions with data systems; and scale Marine Corps integration of AI-enhanced logistics and supply chain solutions to solve operational challenges. By December 1 of each year in which the pilot program is carried out, the Commandant of the Marine Corps shall provide to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— a description of the logistics and supply chain problem sets that were evaluated by the pilot program; an assessment of the impact of using AI to solve supply chain and logistics challenges, including any changes to readiness, budget efficiency, and productivity of military equipment and materiel; any barriers identified to using AI to solve supply chain and logistics challenges; recommendations regarding how the Department of Defense can better leverage artificial intelligence to address supply chain and logistics challenges in a contested environment; an assessment of the impact of AI software solutions on visibility of materiel at different levels of command within the Marine Corps; and the viability of expanding these software solutions to other units and areas of responsibility. The pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date on which the Marine Corps enters into the first agreement with a qualified entity under subsection (b).
Section 92
333. Responsiveness testing of Defense Logistics Agency pharmaceutical contracts The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall modify Defense Logistics Agency Instructions 5025.03 and 3110.01— to require Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support to coordinate annually with customers in the military departments to conduct responsiveness testing of the Defense Logistics Agency’s contingency contracts for pharmaceuticals; and to include the results of such testing, as reported by customers in the military departments, in the annual reports of the Warstopper Program.
Section 93
334. Investment plan for Department of Defense depots and industrial facilities It is the sense of Congress that— the current state of Department of Defense depots and industrial facilities is concerning; charged with maintaining critical equipment and complex weapons systems, these Government-owned, Government-operated installations are vital to supporting military readiness and conflict deterrence; robust funding should be provided for sustained facilities modernization; and facilities and equipment modernization will cost hundreds of billions and require sustained management attention over many years. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of each of the military departments, shall submit to the congressional defense committees an investment plan that includes detailed information about the minimum annual investment in Department of Defense depots and industrial facilities that is needed to prevent further infrastructure deterioration. The minimum investment level included in the plan shall reflect a percentage of the 3-year rolling average of maintenance, repair, and overhaul workload funded at all Department depots and industrial facilities. Modernization efforts addressed in the plan shall account for future technological demands, labor needs, and threats to facility security including those posed by extreme weather and natural disasters.
Section 94
341. Joint Safety Council report and briefing requirements Section 185 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (k)— in paragraph (1)— by striking Chair and inserting Chairperson; and by striking semi-annual and inserting biannual; and in paragraph (2)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— by striking , 2023, and not later than and inserting and; by striking thereafter; and by inserting biannual before report; in subparagraph (A), by striking and after the semicolon; in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: for the year covered by the report— releasable information regarding any mishap that occurred during such year; and an identification of any corrective or preventative action implemented pursuant to a recommendation made in a safety or legal investigation report of such a mishap. by adding at the end the following new subsection: Not later than March 31 and December 31 of each year, the Chairperson of the Joint Council shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the contents of the report required under subsection (k) for the corresponding date. (C)for the year covered by the report—(i)releasable information regarding any mishap that occurred during such year; and(ii)an identification of any corrective or preventative action implemented pursuant to a recommendation made in a safety or legal investigation report of such a mishap.; and (j)Biannual briefingsNot later than March 31 and December 31 of each year, the Chairperson of the Joint Council shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the contents of the report required under subsection (k) for the corresponding date..
Section 95
342. Change in timeframe for report on ability of Department of Defense to meet requirements for energy resilience and energy security measures on military installations Section 2920(g) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 2029 and inserting 2027. Not later than June 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the progress of the Secretary in meeting the requirements under section 2920(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 96
343. Modifications to Comptroller General annual reviews of F–35 sustainment efforts Section 357 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended— in subsection (a)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 and inserting 2025, 2026, and 2027; in paragraph (1)— by striking (including and inserting , which may include; and by striking the closing parenthesis; and in paragraph (2), by striking as a result of such review; and in subsection (b) by striking of the following: and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting of matters regarding the sustainment or affordability of the F–35 Lighting II aircraft program that the Comptroller General, after consulting with staff from the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, determines to be of critical importance to the long-term viability of such program..
Section 97
344. Study on firefighter rapid intervention team training and equipment at Department of Defense facilities The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study of the training standards for firefighter rapid intervention teams and the use of equipment by such teams at Department of Defense facilities. Such study shall include— an identification of such training standards and equipment that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are in use by such teams and the extent to which such training and equipment is standard across firefighter rapid intervention teams located at different Department facilities; an identification of such training standards and equipment that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are in use by such teams at Department naval and port facilities and a determination by the Secretary of whether such training and equipment is sufficient to prepare such teams for fires on the various ships that dock at such facilities; and a description of any incident that— occurred during the ten-year period preceding the date of the enactment of this Act in which a firefighter was injured or killed at a Department facility; and the Secretary finds could have been prevented if the firefighters involved had received different training or equipment; and Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study required under subsection (a). In this section, the term firefighter rapid intervention team means a designated firefighting crew that serves as a stand-by rescue team at the scenes of fires and other emergencies and is available for the immediate search and rescue of missing, trapped, or injured firefighters if required.
Section 98
345. Joint Safety Council review of Comptroller General report on fatigue of members of the Armed Forces Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Safety Council established under section 185 of title 10, United States Code, shall review the issues identified in the report of the Comptroller General of the United States titled Military Readiness: Comprehensive Approach Needed to Address Service Member Fatigue and Manage Related Efforts (GAO-24-105917), including— insufficient oversight authority at the Department of Defense level; a lack of assigned leadership on fatigue-related matters within the Armed Forces; and fragmented fatigue-related research efforts across the Department; Not later than September 1, 2025, the Joint Safety Council shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the steps the Council is taking to address the findings of the Comptroller General and to reinvigorate efforts to limit the fatigue of members of the Armed Forces.
Section 99
346. Study on use and presence of toxic chemicals in Panama Canal Zone Not later than December 31, 2025, the Armed Forces Pest Management Board shall conduct a study on the use and presence of herbicide agents and toxic chemicals by the Department in the Panama Canal Zone during the period beginning on January 1, 1958, and ending on December 31, 1999. The study conducted under subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment to determine the degree to which herbicide agents, including those known as rainbow herbicides, and other toxic chemicals were used, tested, stored, or otherwise dispensed within the Panama Canal Zone while members of the United States Armed Forces were stationed there. An assessment of how many members of the United States Armed Forces may have been affected by the usage of herbicide agents and other toxic chemicals. In this section: The term herbicide agent means a chemical in an herbicide. The term rainbow herbicide means herbicides known as Agent Pink, Agent Purple, Agent Blue, Agent Green, Agent White, and Agent Orange. The term toxic chemicals means persistent organic pollutants, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Section 100
347. Report on wildfire fighting capabilities of the Department of Defense in Hawaii Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that contains— an assessment of the wildfire fighting capabilities of the Department of Defense in Hawaii, including any shortfalls in firefighting equipment, facilities, training, plans, or personnel; a determination of the feasibility of establishing a wildfire training institute on O‘ahu; an identification of any additional authorities or resources required to integrate the capabilities of the Department of Defense with the capabilities of other Federal, State, and local emergency responders; and an identification of any memoranda or other agreements between the Department and State, local, Federal, or other disaster response organizations regarding wildland fire mitigation, prevention, response, and recovery.
Section 101
348. Briefing on Army organizational clothing and equipment used in cold and extreme cold weather environments Not later than March 31, 2025, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the modernization and sustainment plans of the Army for organizational clothing and equipment used in cold and extreme cold weather environments. The briefing shall include the following topics: The planned requirement of the Army for organizational clothing and equipment used in cold and extreme cold weather environments. The current inventory of the Army of such clothing and equipment. The modernization plan of the Army with respect to such clothing and equipment. Any relevant investments currently programmed for such clothing and equipment in the Future Years Defense Program. The cost and timeline associated with implementing such plan, including any additional outlays by Congress necessary to fulfil the plan. Such other matters as the Secretary finds appropriate. In this section, the term organizational clothing and equipment used in cold and extreme cold weather environments includes extreme cold weather clothing, footwear, handwear, shelters, sleep systems, sleep mats, snowshoes, and skis.
Section 102
351. Expanded license reciprocity for Department of Defense veterinarians Section 1060c of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by striking in emergencies; in subsection (a), by striking for the purposes described in subsection (c); and by striking subsection (c).
Section 103
352. Provision of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to members of the Armed Forces The Secretary of Defense may use amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for Operation and Maintenance for the procurement of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and the distribution of such foods and supplements to members of the Armed Forces. The Secretary shall authorize registered dietitians and health care providers of the Department at the operational unit level to acquire sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and to distribute such foods and supplements to members of the Armed Forces. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to— augment morale, welfare, and recreation funds or activities; or augment or replace the budget or services of dining facilities of the Department. The Secretary shall require that any dietary supplements and sports foods procured under this section are tested by an appropriate non-Department of Defense entity to ensure that product labels for content type and amount are accurate and that the product is free of substances banned by the Department. In this section: The term dietary supplement has the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)). The term sports food means a product with a nutrition facts label that is meant to support daily macronutrient and caloric needs in support of fueling and hydration of members of the Armed Forces to enhance combat readiness, which may be used to improve physical performance and long-term cognitive health and optimize recovery.
Section 104
353. Funding for base support Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for operating forces, line 090 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301 for Operations and Maintenance, for base support, is hereby increased by $5,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 301 for Administration and Service-Wide Activities for line 410 as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4301, for Administration is hereby reduced by $5,000,000.
Section 105
354. Availability of operation and maintenance appropriations for software Section 2241(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Acquisition, development, modification, and sustainment of software. (8)Acquisition, development, modification, and sustainment of software..
Section 106
401. End strengths for active forces The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2025, as follows: The Army, 442,300. The Navy, 332,300. The Marine Corps, 172,300. The Air Force, 320,000. The Space Force, 9,800.
Section 107
411. End strengths for Selected Reserve The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of September 30, 2025, as follows: The Army National Guard of the United States, 325,000. The Army Reserve, 175,800. The Navy Reserve, 57,700. The Marine Corps Reserve, 32,500. The Air National Guard of the United States, 107,700. The Air Force Reserve, 67,000. The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000. The end strengths prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by— the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year. Whenever units or individual members of the Selected Reserve of any reserve component are released from active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of such units and by the total number of such individual members.
Section 108
412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, as of September 30, 2025, the following number of Reserves to be serving on full-time active duty or full-time duty, in the case of members of the National Guard, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components: The Army National Guard of the United States, 30,845. The Army Reserve, 16,511. The Navy Reserve, 10,132. The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400. The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,736. The Air Force Reserve, 6,311.
Section 109
413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status) The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2025 for the reserve components of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall be the following: For the Army National Guard of the United States, 22,294. For the Army Reserve, 6,492. For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,744. For the Air Force Reserve, 6,697.
Section 110
414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for operational support During fiscal year 2025, the maximum number of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who may be serving at any time on full-time operational support duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United States Code, is the following: The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000. The Army Reserve, 13,000. The Navy Reserve, 6,200. The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000. The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000. The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.
Section 111
421. Military personnel Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for military personnel, as specified in the funding table in section 4401. The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2025.
Section 112
431. Annual defense manpower profile report: expansion of justifications for end strengths Section 115a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by striking Congress and inserting to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and furnish to any Member of Congress upon request,; and in subsection (b)— by inserting (1) before The Secretary; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The justification and explanation required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: An assessment of the most important threats facing the United States, disaggregated by geographic combatant command. An explanation of how personnel end strength level requests address threats described in subparagraph (A). The rationale for recommended increases or decreases in active, reserve, and civilian personnel for each component of the Department of Defense. The rationale for recommended increases or decreases in active, reserve, and civilian personnel for each of the geographic combatant commands. The primary functions or missions of active, reserve, and civilian personnel in each geographic combatant command. An assessment of any areas in which decreases in active, reserve, or civilian personnel would not result in a decrease in readiness. The actual end strength number for each armed force for the prior fiscal year, compared to authorized end strength levels. The shortfall in recruiting by each armed force as a percentage, as the Secretary determines appropriate. The number of applicants who were found to be ineligible for service in the Department of Defense during the prior fiscal year as a result of current enlistment standards, disaggregated by armed force and reason for disqualification. (2)The justification and explanation required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:(A)An assessment of the most important threats facing the United States, disaggregated by geographic combatant command.(B)An explanation of how personnel end strength level requests address threats described in subparagraph (A).(C)The rationale for recommended increases or decreases in active, reserve, and civilian personnel for each component of the Department of Defense.(D)The rationale for recommended increases or decreases in active, reserve, and civilian personnel for each of the geographic combatant commands.(E)The primary functions or missions of active, reserve, and civilian personnel in each geographic combatant command.(F)An assessment of any areas in which decreases in active, reserve, or civilian personnel would not result in a decrease in readiness.(G)The actual end strength number for each armed force for the prior fiscal year, compared to authorized end strength levels.(H)The shortfall in recruiting by each armed force as a percentage, as the Secretary determines appropriate.(I)The number of applicants who were found to be ineligible for service in the Department of Defense during the prior fiscal year as a result of current enlistment standards, disaggregated by armed force and reason for disqualification..
Section 113
501. Grade of Surgeon General of the Navy Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)(3)(B) by striking 34 and inserting 35 ; and in subsection (a)(3)(C) by striking 49 and inserting 48 . Section 8077 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Surgeon General, while so serving, shall hold the grade of O–9. (c)GradeThe Surgeon General, while so serving, shall hold the grade of O–9..
Section 114
502. Redistribution of general officers of the Marine Corps on active duty Section 525(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subparagraph (B), by striking 17 and inserting 18; and in subparagraph (C), by striking 22 and replacing with 21.
Section 115
503. Removal of exemption relating to Attending Physician to the Congress for certain distribution and grade limitations Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking subsection (f); and by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).
Section 116
504. Authority to exclude additional positions from limitations on the number of general officers and flag officers on active duty Section 526 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsections (g) through (j) as subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and by inserting, after subsection (f), the following new subsection (g): The Secretary of Defense may designate up to 45 general officer and flag officer positions for exclusion from the limitations in subsection (a) and in section 525(a) of this title. Paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of section 501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 525 note) is hereby repealed. (g)Secretary of Defense adaptive force accountThe Secretary of Defense may designate up to 45 general officer and flag officer positions for exclusion from the limitations in subsection (a) and in section 525(a) of this title..
Section 117
505. Modification to grade of Attending Physician to the Congress Section 715 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: An officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of O–6. 715.Attending Physician to the Congress: gradeAn officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of O–6..
Section 118
715. Attending Physician to the Congress: grade An officer serving as Attending Physician to the Congress, while so serving, holds the grade of O–6.
Section 119
506. Authority to separate a regular officer after a board of inquiry recommends retaining such officer Section 1182(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking If and inserting (A) Subject to subparagraph (B), if; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: If the board determines that there is a substantiated basis for separating the officer and the Chief of the armed force concerned recommends separation, the Secretary of the military department concerned may determine, pursuant to the process under subparagraph (C), whether to involuntarily separate the officer under subparagraph (D). The process under this subparagraph shall include the following: The provision of notice to the officer regarding such process. An opportunity for the officer to present evidence to the Secretary of the military department concerned. Subject to subparagraph (E), the Secretary of the military department concerned may involuntarily separate the officer if, after reviewing all the evidence in the record, such Secretary determines that— the recommendation of the board is clearly contrary to the substantial weight of such evidence; the officer’s conduct— discredits the armed force concerned; adversely affects good order and discipline; or adversely affects the officer’s performance of duty; and separation is essential to the interests of justice, discipline, and proper administration of the armed force concerned. The least favorable characterization of a separation under subparagraph (D) shall be general (under honorable conditions). The Secretary of the military department concerned may delegate the authority to make a determination under subparagraph (D) only to a civilian official of such military department who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (B)If the board determines that there is a substantiated basis for separating the officer and the Chief of the armed force concerned recommends separation, the Secretary of the military department concerned may determine, pursuant to the process under subparagraph (C), whether to involuntarily separate the officer under subparagraph (D).(C)The process under this subparagraph shall include the following:(i)The provision of notice to the officer regarding such process.(ii)An opportunity for the officer to present evidence to the Secretary of the military department concerned. (D)Subject to subparagraph (E), the Secretary of the military department concerned may involuntarily separate the officer if, after reviewing all the evidence in the record, such Secretary determines that—(i)the recommendation of the board is clearly contrary to the substantial weight of such evidence;(ii)the officer’s conduct—(I)discredits the armed force concerned;(II)adversely affects good order and discipline; or(III)adversely affects the officer’s performance of duty; and(iii)separation is essential to the interests of justice, discipline, and proper administration of the armed force concerned.(E)(i)The least favorable characterization of a separation under subparagraph (D) shall be general (under honorable conditions).(ii)The Secretary of the military department concerned may delegate the authority to make a determination under subparagraph (D) only to a civilian official of such military department who was appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. .
Section 120
507. Inclusion of service in SROTC in the computation of length of service of an officer appointed for completing SROTC Subsection (c) of section 2106 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking August 1, 1979, as a member of the Selected Reserve and inserting an em dash; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: August 1, 1979, as a member of the Selected Reserve; or the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, regardless of the component in which the officer performed such enlisted service. (1)August 1, 1979, as a member of the Selected Reserve; or(2)the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, regardless of the component in which the officer performed such enlisted service..
Section 121
508. Improvements relating to Medical Officer of the Marine Corps position Chapter 806 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: There is a Medical Officer of the Marine Corps who shall be appointed from among flag officers of the Navy. The Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, while so serving, shall hold the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Section 525 of such title is amended— by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g): A naval officer while serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps is in addition to the number that would otherwise be permitted for the Navy for officers serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) under subsection (a). Section 526 of such title is amended— by redesignating subsections (g) through (j) as subsections (h) through (k), respectively; and by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g): The limitations of this section do not apply to the flag officer who is serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps. 8048.Medical Officer of the Marine Corps(a)There is a Medical Officer of the Marine Corps who shall be appointed from among flag officers of the Navy.(b)The Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, while so serving, shall hold the grade of rear admiral (lower half).. (g)A naval officer while serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps is in addition to the number that would otherwise be permitted for the Navy for officers serving on active duty in the grade of rear admiral (lower half) under subsection (a).. (g)Exclusion of Medical Officer of Marine CorpsThe limitations of this section do not apply to the flag officer who is serving as the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps..
Section 122
8048. Medical Officer of the Marine Corps There is a Medical Officer of the Marine Corps who shall be appointed from among flag officers of the Navy. The Medical Officer of the Marine Corps, while so serving, shall hold the grade of rear admiral (lower half).
Section 123
509. Repeal of requirement of one year of active duty service for original appointment as a warrant officer in the Department of the Air Force Section 9160 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Section 124
509A. Pilot program on peer and subordinate evaluations of certain officers Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall implement, in an Armed Force, a five-year pilot program, pursuant to which— an officer described in subsection (b) shall be anonymously evaluated by peers and subordinates; and the results of such evaluations shall be furnished to a command selection or command qualification board concerned; and the command selection or command qualification board shall consider such results in determining whether to recommend such officer for such selection or qualification. An officer described in this subsection is a regular officer— eligible for consideration for command; in grade O-5 or O-6; and in a career field— specified in subsection (c); or determined by the Secretary concerned. The career fields specified in this subsection are the following: In the Navy, surface warfare, submarine warfare, special warfare, or explosive ordnance disposal. In the Marine Corps, infantry, logistics, or field artillery. In the Air Force, operations or logistics. In the Space Force, space operations. In the Coast Guard, afloat or engineering and command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence. The Secretary concerned may select an individual to evaluate an officer under the pilot program if the Secretary determines such individual has worked with the officer closely enough to have an informed opinion regarding the officer’s leadership abilities. An officer may not have any input regarding the selection of an individual who shall evaluate such officer. Not later than three months after the termination of a pilot program, a Secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding the pilot program. Elements of each such report shall include the following: The determination of the Secretary concerned whether the pilot program improved the command selection or command qualification process of the Armed Force. The determination of the Secretary concerned whether to continue to use peer or subordinate evaluations in the command selection or command qualification process of such Armed Force. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. The terms regular and Secretary concerned have the meanings given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 125
511. Grades of certain chiefs of reserve components Section 7038(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Chief of Army Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general. Section 8083(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Chief of Navy Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of vice admiral. Section 8084(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general. Section 9038(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Chief of Air Force Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general. The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the day that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to appointments made after such date. (4)The Chief of Army Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.. (4)The Chief of Navy Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of vice admiral.. (4)The Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.. (4)The Chief of Air Force Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general..
Section 126
512. Expansion of authority to continue reserve officers in certain military specialties on the reserve active-status list Section 14701(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (A), by inserting (including an officer described in subparagraph (C)) after or a reserve officer; by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and by inserting, after subparagraph (B), the following new subparagraph (C): An officer described in this subparagraph is a reserve officer in a grade above O-2 who has a military occupational specialty, rating, or specialty code in a military specialty designated, in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, as subject to a shortage of personnel. by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively; and by inserting, after paragraph (5), the following new paragraph (6): A reserve officer described in paragraph (1)(C) and continued on the reserve active-status list pursuant to this section shall, if not earlier retired, transferred to the Retired Reserve, or discharged, be separated in accordance with section 14513 or 14514, as applicable, on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 40 years of commissioned service. (C)An officer described in this subparagraph is a reserve officer in a grade above O-2 who has a military occupational specialty, rating, or specialty code in a military specialty designated, in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned, as subject to a shortage of personnel.; and (6)A reserve officer described in paragraph (1)(C) and continued on the reserve active-status list pursuant to this section shall, if not earlier retired, transferred to the Retired Reserve, or discharged, be separated in accordance with section 14513 or 14514, as applicable, on the first day of the month after the month in which the officer completes 40 years of commissioned service. .
Section 127
513. Feasibility of establishing a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands The Secretary of Defense shall determine the feasibility of establishing— a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa; and a unit of the National Guard in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In making the feasibility determination under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall consider the following: The allocation of National Guard force structure and manpower to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the event of the establishment of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the impact of this allocation on existing National Guard units in the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia. The Federal funding that would be required to support pay, benefits, training operations, and missions of members of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, based on the allocation derived from paragraph (1), and the equipment, including maintenance, required to support such force structure. The presence of existing infrastructure to support a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the requirement for additional infrastructure, including information technology infrastructure, to support such force structure, based on the allocation derived from paragraph (1). How a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island would accommodate the National Guard Bureau’s Essential Ten homeland defense capabilities (i.e., aviation, engineering, civil support teams, security, medical, transportation, maintenance, logistics, joint force headquarters, and communications) and reflect regional needs. The manpower cadre, both military personnel and fulltime support, including National Guard technicians, required to establish, maintain, and sustain a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the ability of American Samoa and of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to support demographically a unit of the National Guard at each location. The ability of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to maintain unit readiness and the logistical challenges associated with transportation, communications, supply/ resupply, and training operations and missions. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the results of the feasibility determination made under subsection (a). If the Secretary determines that establishment of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (or both) is feasible, the Secretary shall include in the notification the following: A determination of whether the executive branch of American Samoa and of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has enacted and implemented statutory authorization for an organized militia as a prerequisite for establishing a unit of the National Guard, and a description of any other steps that such executive branches must take to request and carry out the establishment of a National Guard unit. A list of any amendments to titles 10, 32, and 37, United States Code, that would have to be enacted by Congress to provide for the establishment of a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A description of any required Department of Defense actions to establish a unit of the National Guard in American Samoa and in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A suggested timeline for completion of the steps and actions described in the preceding paragraphs.
Section 128
514. Amendment to extend time period for transfer or discharge of certain army and air force reserve component general officers Section 14314 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) as subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D), respectively; by striking Within and inserting (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), within; and by inserting at the end the following new paragraph (2): For any general officer covered by paragraph (1) who is released from a joint duty assignment or other non-joint active-duty assignment, the Secretary concerned shall complete the transfer or discharge required by paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the officer’s release. in subsection (c), by striking subsection (a)(3) and inserting subsection (a)(1)(C). (2)For any general officer covered by paragraph (1) who is released from a joint duty assignment or other non-joint active-duty assignment, the Secretary concerned shall complete the transfer or discharge required by paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the officer’s release.; and
Section 129
521. Transfer to the Space Force of covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States During the transition period, the Secretary of the Air Force may transfer to the Space Force the covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States. Any such transfer shall occur subject to section 104 of title 32, United States Code, and section 18238 of title 10, United States Code. Upon the transfer to the Space Force of the covered space functions of a unit of the Air National Guard of the United States, the Secretary of the Air Force may change the status of the unit from a unit of the Air National Guard of the United States to a unit of the United States Space Force; During the transition period, the Secretary of Defense may, with the officer’s consent, transfer a covered officer of the Air National Guard of the United States to, and appoint the officer in, the Space Force. During the transition period, the Secretary of the Air Force may transfer each covered enlisted member of the Air National Guard of the United States to the Space Force, other than those covered enlisted members who do not consent to transfer. Upon such a transfer, the covered enlisted member so transferred ceases to be a member of the Air National Guard of the United States and is discharged from the enlistment of such covered enlisted member as a Reserve of the Air Force. Each transfer under this subsection shall be effective on the date specified by the Secretary of Defense, in the case of an officer, or the Secretary of the Air Force, in the case of an enlisted member, but not later than the last day of the transition period. Not more than 580 members of the Air National Guard may be transferred under this subsection. Transfers under subsection (c) shall be carried out under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. In the case of an officer, applicable regulations shall include those prescribed pursuant to section 716 of title 10, United States Code. In the case of a covered enlisted member who is transferred to the Space Force in accordance with subsection (c), the Secretary of the Air Force may accept the initial enlistment of the enlisted member in the Space Force for a period of less than two years, but only if the period of enlistment in the Space Force is not less than the period remaining, as of the date of the transfer, in the enlisted member’s term of enlistment in a reserve component of the Air Force. During the transition period, upon the transfer to the Space Force of a covered space function of the Air National Guard of the United States— the end strength authorized for the Space Force pursuant to section 115(a)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, for the fiscal year during which the transfer occurs shall be increased by the number of billets associated with that mission; and the end strength authorized for the Air National Guard of the United States pursuant to section 115(a)(2) of such title for such fiscal year shall be decreased by the same number. For purposes of the transfer of covered members of the Air National Guard of the United States in accordance with subsection (c)— the Air National Guard of the United States and the Space Force shall be considered to be components of the same Armed Force; and the Space Force officer list shall be considered to be an active-duty list of an Armed Force. If a covered member of the Air National Guard of the United States does not consent to transfer to the Space Force in accordance with subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide the covered member retraining and reassignment within a reserve component of the Air Force. In order to reduce the cost of transferring to the Space Force the covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States, and to reduce the impact of such transfer on the affected State, the following provisions apply: After a covered space function is transferred to the Space Force from the Air National Guard of the United States, the Space Force shall continue to perform the covered space function within the affected State; Except when the Secretary of the Air Force determines that it would not be in the best interests of the United States, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Governor of an affected State, to provide for the Space Force to become a tenant organization on an installation of the National Guard of the affected State at which a covered space function was executed. Not later than January 31 of each year during the transition period, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the progress of the transfer of covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States to the Space Force. Each such report shall include the following elements with respect to the year preceding the date of the report: A detailed description of actions taken to transfer the covered space functions to the Space Force. An assessment of the effect of the transfers on the readiness and capabilities of the Space Force and the Air National Guard. A summary of any challenge encountered during the transfer and steps taken to overcome such challenge. The number of officers and enlisted members transferred to the Space Force. Any recommendation of the Secretary, including additional legislation, to improve such transfer. In this section: The term covered space functions of the Air National Guard of the United States means all Federal missions, units, personnel billets, equipment, and resources of the Air National Guard of the United States associated with the performance of a space-related function that is (as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations)— a core space-related function of the Space Force; or otherwise integral to the mission of the Space Force. The term affected State means a State or territory the National Guard of that would be affected by the transfer of covered space functions to the Space Force. The term covered, with respect to a member of the Air National Guard of the United States, has the meaning provided in section 1733(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 676). The term transition period means the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the last day of the fourth fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 130
522. Authority to designate certain separated members of the Air Force as honorary separated members of the Space Force Chapter 933 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe regulations that authorize an eligible individual to be designated as an honorary separated member of the Space Force. An eligible individual so designated may be referred to as a Legacy Guardian. Regulations prescribed under this section may include the following elements: Eligibility criteria, including applicable dates of service and constructive service credit, for designation under this section. An application process through which an eligible individual, or a survivor of a deceased eligible individual, may apply for such designation of such eligible individual. A certificate, approved device, or other insignia of such designation. Designation of an eligible individual under this section shall not be construed to entitle such eligible individual to any benefit in addition to those established by this section or pursuant to regulations prescribed under this section. In this section, the term eligible individual means an individual— whom the Secretary of the Air Force determines served in support of space operations as a member of the Air Force; and who separates (or previously separated) from the armed forces as a member of the Air Force. 9254.Authority to designate certain separated members of the Air Force as honorary separated members of the Space Force(a)AuthorityThe Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe regulations that authorize an eligible individual to be designated as an honorary separated member of the Space Force. An eligible individual so designated may be referred to as a Legacy Guardian.(b)ElementsRegulations prescribed under this section may include the following elements:(1)Eligibility criteria, including applicable dates of service and constructive service credit, for designation under this section.(2)An application process through which an eligible individual, or a survivor of a deceased eligible individual, may apply for such designation of such eligible individual.(3)A certificate, approved device, or other insignia of such designation.(c)Rule of constructionDesignation of an eligible individual under this section shall not be construed to entitle such eligible individual to any benefit in addition to those established by this section or pursuant to regulations prescribed under this section.(d)Eligible individual definedIn this section, the term eligible individual means an individual—(1)whom the Secretary of the Air Force determines served in support of space operations as a member of the Air Force; and(2)who separates (or previously separated) from the armed forces as a member of the Air Force..
Section 131
9254. Authority to designate certain separated members of the Air Force as honorary separated members of the Space Force The Secretary of the Air Force may prescribe regulations that authorize an eligible individual to be designated as an honorary separated member of the Space Force. An eligible individual so designated may be referred to as a Legacy Guardian. Regulations prescribed under this section may include the following elements: Eligibility criteria, including applicable dates of service and constructive service credit, for designation under this section. An application process through which an eligible individual, or a survivor of a deceased eligible individual, may apply for such designation of such eligible individual. A certificate, approved device, or other insignia of such designation. Designation of an eligible individual under this section shall not be construed to entitle such eligible individual to any benefit in addition to those established by this section or pursuant to regulations prescribed under this section. In this section, the term eligible individual means an individual— whom the Secretary of the Air Force determines served in support of space operations as a member of the Air Force; and who separates (or previously separated) from the armed forces as a member of the Air Force.
Section 132
523. Merit-based principles for military personnel decisions in the Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each personnel decision regarding a covered member, including military accession, promotion, and command selection, is— based on the individual merit and demonstrated performance of the covered member; without regard to the political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or marital status, of the covered member; and with proper regard for the privacy and constitutional rights of the covered member. The Secretary shall protect a covered member against— arbitrary action, personal favoritism, and coercion for partisan political purposes; and reprisal for the lawful disclosure of information by a covered member that the covered member reasonably believes to evince— a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, or an abuse of authority. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe new regulations to carry out this section not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section, the term covered member means— a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force; or an individual who has an active application to be a member described in paragraph (1).
Section 133
524. Next of kin of deceased members of certain Armed Forces: database; privacy Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations that establish and maintain a database of the Department of Defense that contains up-to-date contact information for the next of kin of members of the covered Armed Forces. Such regulations shall ensure that— a commander in a grade higher than O-5 may access the contact information for the next of kin of a member who died while a member of the unit under the command of such commander, regardless of whether such member served under such commander; and an individual named in such database may— elect to not be contacted by an officer described in paragraph (1); and change such election at any time. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) used in a covered Armed Force complies with the terms of section 552a of title 5, United States Code. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 134
525. Marine Corps permeability pilot program The Commandant of the Marine Corps (hereinafter Commandant) may carry out a pilot program under which a member may move between the active component and reserve components of the Marine Corps more easily, in accordance with the following: Up to 50 officers and 200 enlisted members of the regular component of the Marine Corps may be transferred to the Selected Reserve of the Marine Corps and returned to active duty at the end of the period of transfer under subsection (b). An officer in a grade below O-6 who returns to active duty at the end of such period of transfer shall be reappointed as a regular officer by the President. The Commandant may not approve a transfer under the pilot program after September 30, 2028. The period of transfer from active duty under a pilot program under this section shall be such period as the Commandant shall specify in the agreement of the member under subsection (c), except that such period may not exceed three years. Any service by a transferred reserve officer while participating in a pilot program under this section shall be included in computation of the total years of service of such officer pursuant to section 14706(a) of title 10, United States Code. Any period of participation of a transferred member in a program under this section shall count toward— eligibility for retirement or transfer to the Ready Reserve under chapter 841 or 1223 of title 10, United States Code; or computation of retired or retainer pay under chapter 841 or 1223 of title 10, United States Code. Each member of the Marine Corps who participates in a pilot program under this section shall enter into a written agreement with the Commandant, under which the member shall agree to terms including the following: To undergo, during a period of transfer under subsection (b), such training as the Commandant shall require, including requirements under section 10147 of title 10, United States Code. Following completion of a period of transfer under subsection (b), to serve up to two months as a member of the Marine Corps on active duty for each month of such period of transfer. Following completion of an initial period of transfer, a member may request a waiver of the period of obligated service under this paragraph. If the Commandant waives such period of obligated service, the member shall remain in the Selected Reserve, entitled to pay, allowances, and benefits of a member of the uniformed services in the grade and years of service of such member. During a period of transfer under subsection (b), a member shall receive any applicable pay or allowance other than a travel and transportation allowance under title 37, United States Code, for a reserve member of the uniformed services in the grade and years of service of the member. A member who participates in a pilot program under this section shall not be determined to violate an existing agreement to remain on active duty relating to special or incentive pay under chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code, solely on the basis of such participation. The period of such agreement shall be suspended for the period of transfer under subsection (b), resume at the end of such period of transfer, and be in addition to any period of obligated service under subsection (c). If, at the end of a period of transfer under subsection (b), the special or incentive pay relating to an existing agreement to remain on active duty described in subparagraph (A) is no longer authorized by law, the member shall not be entitled to such special or incentive pay. A member who is ineligible for payment of a special or incentive pay described in subparagraph (B) shall be subject to the requirements for repayment of such pay or bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement of the member under chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code. A member who participates in a pilot program under this section is entitled to travel and transportation allowances under section 452 of title 37, United States Code, to relocate— from the residence of the member at the beginning of a period of transfer under subsection (b), to the location in the United States designated by the member as the residence of such member during such period of transfer; and from the residence designated under subparagraph (A) to the residence of the member after the end of such period of transfer. A member who participates in a pilot program is entitled to carry, in accordance with section 701 of title 10, United States Code, the leave accrued by such member until the day before the beginning of a period of transfer under subsection (b). An officer participating in a pilot program under this section may be eligible for consideration for promotion as a member of the reserve component in accordance with section 14005 and 14305 of title 10, United States Code, during the period of transfer under subsection (b). Upon the return of an officer to active duty after completion of a period transfer under subsection (b)— the Commandant may adjust the date of rank of the officer to a date as appropriate in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; and the officer shall be eligible for consideration for promotion when officers of the same competitive category, grade, and seniority are eligible for consideration for promotion. An enlisted member participating in a pilot program under this section may be eligible for consideration for promotion as a member of the reserve component during the period of transfer under subsection (b). A member participating in a pilot program under this section shall, while participating in the pilot program, be treated as a member of the Marine Corps on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of— the entitlement of the member and of the dependents of the member to medical and dental care under the provisions of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code; retirement or separation for physical disability under the provisions of chapters 55 and 61 of title 10, United States Code; the entitlement of the member and of the survivors of the member to all death benefits under the provisions of chapter 75 of title 10, United States Code; the provision of all travel and transportation allowances for the survivors of deceased members to attend burial ceremonies under section 453(f) of title 37, United States Code; and the eligibility of the member for general benefits as provided in part II of title 38, United States Code. Before carrying out a pilot program under this section, the Commandant shall prescribe regulations under this section. Such regulations shall include additional terms of an agreement under subsection (c), including instructions to a member regarding the obligations of a member during a period of transfer under subsection (b). Under regulations prescribed by the Commandant, a member of the Marine Corps participating in a pilot program under this section may, at the discretion of the Commandant, be required to terminate participation in the pilot program and return to active duty.
Section 135
526. Restoration of retired rank of General John D. Lavelle Not later than December 31, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a recommendation to the President and the Senate regarding the restoration of the retired rank of General John D. Lavelle based on recently declassified records and the most recent recommendation of the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records.
Section 136
527. Prohibition of requirement in the Department of Defense to wear a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19 The Secretary of Defense may not require an individual to wear a mask while on a military installation in the United States to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Section 137
528. Elimination of offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion and personnel of such offices Every office of the Armed Forces and of the Department of Defense established to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion is eliminated and the employment of all personnel of each such office is terminated.
Section 138
529. Posthumous commission as captain in the regular Army for Milton Holland Milton Holland, who, while sergeant major of the 5th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry, was awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his action on September 29, 1864, during the Battle of Chapin’s Farm, Virginia, when, as the citation for the medal states, he took command of Company C, after all the officers had been killed or wounded, and gallantly led it, shall be deemed for all purposes to have held the grade of captain in the regular Army, effective as of that date and continuing until his separation from the Army. Section 1523 of title 10, United States Code, applies in the case of the posthumous commission described in subsection (a).
Section 139
529A. Authorization of members awarded certain decorations to wear the uniform when not on active duty Section 772 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: A member awarded a decoration specified in paragraph (2) may wear the uniform prescribed by the Secretary concerned on the same basis as a retired officer under subsection (c) while such member attends a special event (including a wedding). The decorations specified in this paragraph are the following: The Purple Heart. The Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross. The Navy Cross. The Air Force Cross. The Coast Guard Cross. The Bronze Star. (k)(1)A member awarded a decoration specified in paragraph (2) may wear the uniform prescribed by the Secretary concerned on the same basis as a retired officer under subsection (c) while such member attends a special event (including a wedding).(2)The decorations specified in this paragraph are the following:(A)The Purple Heart.(B)The Medal of Honor.(C)The Distinguished Service Cross.(D)The Navy Cross.(E)The Air Force Cross.(F)The Coast Guard Cross.(G)The Bronze Star..
Section 140
529B. Review of adverse action against a chaplain who requested exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination mandate Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall establish a board under section 1552 or 1553 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable, to review the military personnel record, or the characterization of a discharge or dismissal, of a current or former chaplain in an Armed Force who suffered an adverse personnel action as a result of, arising from, or in conjunction with, requesting a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. A review under this section shall cover all adverse personnel actions against a chaplain on or after August 24, 2021. A board established under this section shall consider any adverse personnel action against a chaplain to be the result of such request. unless there is evidence such chaplain— was disciplined for a reason other than a request described in subsection (a); or breached good order and discipline. A board shall consider a request under this section before any other request on the docket of such board. No later than one year after enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the results of an investigation by the Inspector General during that one-year period regarding the compliance of the Secretaries concerned with the terms of this section. In this section: The term adverse personnel action includes— discrimination; a denial of promotion, schooling, training, or assignment; discharge; dismissal; separation; a lowered or noncompetitive performance report; revocation of permanent change of station; revocation of temporary duty travel orders; and any other restriction or negative consequence. The term performance report means a report of an Armed Force (including an officer efficiency report)— that measures the efficiency, leadership, and effectiveness of an officer; and is used as a basis for promotion selections.
Section 141
531. Selective Service System: automatic registration The Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.) is amended by striking section 3 (50 U.S.C. 3802) and inserting the following new section 3: Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System. This section shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101) for so long as he continues to maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States. Regulations prescribed pursuant to this section (a) may require— a person subject to registration under this section to provide, to the Director, information (including date of birth, address, social security account number, phone number, and email address) regarding such person; a Federal entity to provide, to the Director, information described in paragraph (1) that the Director determines necessary to identify or register a person subject to registration under this section; and the Director to provide, to a person registered under this section, written notification that— such person has been so registered; and if such person is not required to be so registered, the procedure by which such person may correct such registration. The Military Selective Service Act is further amended— in section 4 (50 U.S.C. 3803)— in subsection (a)— by striking required to register each place it appears and inserting registered; by striking at the time fixed for his registration,; and by striking who is required to register and inserting registered; in subsection (k)(2), in the matter following subparagraph(B), by striking liable for registration and inserting registered; in section 6(a) (50 U.S.C. 3806(a))— in paragraph (1)— by striking required to be; by striking subject to registration and inserting registered; and by striking liable for registration and training and inserting registered and liable for training; in paragraph (2), by striking required to be each place it appears; in section 10(b)(3) (50 U.S.C. 3809(b)(3)) by striking registration,; in section 12 (50 U.S.C. 3811)— in subsection (d)— by striking , neglecting, or refusing to perform the duty of registering imposed by and inserting registration under; and by striking , or within five years next after the last day before such person does perform his duty to register, whichever shall first occur; in subsection (e)— by striking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and inserting Federal agencies; by striking by a proclamation of the President and inserting to be registered; by striking to present themselves for and submit to registration under such section; and by striking by the Secretary; and by striking subsection (g) (50 U.S.C. 3811(g)); and in section 15(a) (50 U.S.C. 3813(a)), by striking upon publication by the President of a proclamation or other public notice fixing a time for any registration under section 3. The amendments made by this section shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 3.(a)(1)Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System.(2)This section shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101) for so long as he continues to maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States.(b)Regulations prescribed pursuant to this section (a) may require—(1)a person subject to registration under this section to provide, to the Director, information (including date of birth, address, social security account number, phone number, and email address) regarding such person;(2)a Federal entity to provide, to the Director, information described in paragraph (1) that the Director determines necessary to identify or register a person subject to registration under this section; and(3)the Director to provide, to a person registered under this section, written notification that—(A)such person has been so registered; and(B)if such person is not required to be so registered, the procedure by which such person may correct such registration..
Section 142
3. Except as otherwise provided in this title, every male citizen of the United States, and every other male person residing in the United States, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six, shall be automatically registered under this Act by the Director of the Selective Service System. This section shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101) for so long as he continues to maintain a lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States. Regulations prescribed pursuant to this section (a) may require— a person subject to registration under this section to provide, to the Director, information (including date of birth, address, social security account number, phone number, and email address) regarding such person; a Federal entity to provide, to the Director, information described in paragraph (1) that the Director determines necessary to identify or register a person subject to registration under this section; and the Director to provide, to a person registered under this section, written notification that— such person has been so registered; and if such person is not required to be so registered, the procedure by which such person may correct such registration.
Section 143
532. Prohibition on cannabis testing for enlistment or commission in certain Armed Forces Subject to subsection (a) of section 504 of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the military department concerned may not require an individual to submit to a test for cannabis as a condition of enlistment of such individual as a member, or the commission of such individual as an officer, of an Armed Force.
Section 144
533. Reimbursement of applicants to certain Armed Forces for certain medical costs incurred during military entrance processing The Secretary of Defense may reimburse an individual who applies to join a covered Armed Force for costs incurred by such individual for a medical appointment required for military entrance processing. The maximum amount an individual may be reimbursed under this section is $100. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 145
534. Modernization of recruitment for the Army Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Army shall modernize recruitment for the Army in order to attract and retain fit and ready individuals to serve as members of the Army. To carry out such modernization, the Secretary shall take steps including the following: Establish a military occupational specialty for enlisted members who specialize in talent acquisition. Establish a professional recruiting force of warrant officers who specialize in talent acquisition, data analytics, and other human resource functions necessary to develop expertise in recruiting and military accessions. Routinely determining which areas of the United States yield greater-than-average numbers of recruits and, with regard to each such area— build relationships with sources of such recruits, including schools; and assign additional recruiting personnel. Consider using a commercially available, off-the-shelf, recruiting platform. Not later than the last day of each quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of this section. Each such briefing shall include the following: An up-to-date timeline, milestones, resources used, and resources needed for such implementation. The number of enlisted members, officers, and civilian employees of the Army required to carry out this section. Policies altered or prescribed by the Secretary to carry out this section and recruit a capable and ready all-volunteer force. Related legislative recommendations of the Secretary.
Section 146
535 Recruitment strategy for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or dismissed on the sole basis of failure to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19 Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments or, with respect the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the department in which the Secretary is operating when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall develop and implement a strategy to specifically recruit covered individuals to be reinstated in the Armed Force concerned. In this section, the term covered individual means an individual discharged or dismissed from an Armed Force on the sole basis of failure to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19.
Section 147
536. Program of military recruitment and education at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with the entity that operates the National September 11 Memorial and Museum (in this section referred to as the Museum) under which the Secretary and such entity shall carry out a program at the Museum to promote military recruitment and education. A program under subsection (a) shall include the following: Provision of informational materials to promote enlistment in the covered Armed Forces, by the Secretary to such entity, for distribution at the Museum. Education and exhibits, developed jointly by the Secretary and such entity, and provided to the public by employees of the Museum, to— enhance understanding of the military response to the attacks on September 11, 2001; and encourage enlistment and re-enlistment in the covered Armed Forces. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 148
537. Military recruiter physical access to campuses Subpart 2 of Part F of title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7901 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 8528 the following: Each local educational agency receiving assistance under this Act shall provide military recruiters the same access to the campus of each secondary school served by the local educational agency for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years of age that is provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiter. The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. On an annual basis, the Secretary of Defense shall— collect information from military recruiters regarding the compliance of local educational agencies with the requirements of section 8528A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (as added by subsection (a)); and based on such information, prepare and submit to the Secretary of Education a report that— identifies each local educational agency that the Secretary of Defense determines to be in violation of such section; and explains the reasons for such determination. 8528A.Military recruiter access to secondary school campusesEach local educational agency receiving assistance under this Act shall provide military recruiters the same access to the campus of each secondary school served by the local educational agency for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years of age that is provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiter..
Section 149
8528A. Military recruiter access to secondary school campuses Each local educational agency receiving assistance under this Act shall provide military recruiters the same access to the campus of each secondary school served by the local educational agency for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years of age that is provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiter.
Section 150
538. Improving oversight of military recruitment practices in public secondary schools The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on military recruitment practices in public secondary schools during calendar year 2024 and each subsequent calendar year. Each such report shall include, for the year covered by the report— the zip codes of public secondary schools visited by military recruiters; the number of recruits from public secondary schools by zip code and local education agency; and a demographic analysis, including race, ethnicity, and gender, of recruits from public secondary schools by zip code.
Section 151
539. Expansion of report on future servicemember preparatory course Section 546(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 520 note) is amended— by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and by inserting, after paragraph (3), the following new paragraphs: The determination of the Secretary regarding the effectiveness of the preparatory course. Recommendations of the Secretary regarding— how to improve the preparatory course; whether to expand the preparatory course. (4)The determination of the Secretary regarding the effectiveness of the preparatory course.(5)Recommendations of the Secretary regarding—(A)how to improve the preparatory course;(B)whether to expand the preparatory course. .
Section 152
541. Increase to maximum funding for the Regional Defense Fellowship Program Section 345(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $35,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000.
Section 153
542. Expansion of international engagement authorities for Service Academies Section 347 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)(1)(B), by striking 60 and inserting 80.
Section 154
543. Reduction to minimum number of participating students required to establish or maintain a unit of JROTC Section 2031(b)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 100 and inserting 50.
Section 155
544. Number of foreign military medical students who may attend Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences under an exchange program Section 2114(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 40 persons and inserting 50 persons.
Section 156
545. Professional military education: technical correction to definitions Section 2151 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (b)(3), by striking National Defense Intelligence College and inserting National Intelligence University.
Section 157
546. Authority to accept gifts of services for professional military education institutions Section 2601(a)(2)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting or a professional military education institution after museum program each place it appears.
Section 158
547. Service Academies: appointments and additional appointees Section 7442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (k); in paragraph (1), by striking as established by competitive examinations and inserting as determined by candidate composite score rank; and in the matter following paragraph (10)— in the second sentence, by inserting (in which event selection shall be in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank) after without ranking; and in the third sentence, by inserting , including qualified alternates and additional appointees before the period at the end; by redesignating subsections (b) through (j) as subsections (c) through (k), respectively; by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 cadets selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Army from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter. in subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)— in paragraph (1), by striking one hundred selected by the President and inserting up to one hundred selected by the President in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank; in paragraph (2)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (3)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (4)— by inserting up to before 20 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; and by striking paragraph (5); in subsection (f), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c); in subsection (h), as so redesignated— by striking subsection (b) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c); and in paragraph (4), by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsection (f); and by adding at the end the following new subsections: Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates or selection for appointment. Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including— with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each cadet to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such cadet was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and for each cadet who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such cadet, including whether the cadet still at the Academy, the circumstances of such cadet’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such cadet. Section 7443 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by striking appointment and inserting additional appointments; in the first sentence— by inserting (a) before If it is determined; and by striking from other qualified candidates who competed for nomination and inserting from other qualified candidates who hold a nomination; in the second sentence, by striking (8) and inserting (10); by inserting after the second sentence the following: Subject to the preceding sentence, the first 100 such vacancies shall be filled with candidates who are selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank (as described in section 7442 of this title), after which all remaining vacancies may be filled with candidates who are selected out of merit rank order.; and by adding at the end the following: Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected; the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected. Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— by striking subsection (h) and inserting subsection (i); in paragraph (1), by striking as established by competitive examination and inserting as determined by candidate composite score rank; and in the matter following paragraph (10)— in the second sentence, by inserting (in which event selection shall be in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank) after without ranking; and in the third sentence, by inserting , including qualified alternates and additional appointees before the period at the end; by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively; by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 midshipmen selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Navy from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter. in subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)— in paragraph (1), by striking one hundred selected by the President and inserting up to one hundred selected by the President in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank; in paragraph (2)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (3)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (4)— by inserting up to before 20 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; and by striking paragraph (5); in subsection (f), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c) both places it appears; and by adding at the end the following new subsections: Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates, or selection for appointment. Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including— with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each midshipman to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such midshipman was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and for each midshipman who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such midshipman, including whether the midshipman is still at the Academy, the circumstances of such midshipman’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such midshipman. Section 8456 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by inserting additional appointments after Midshipmen; in subsection (b)— in the first sentence, by striking from other qualified candidates who competed for nomination and inserting from other qualified candidates who hold a nomination; in the second sentence, by striking (8) and inserting (10); and by inserting after the second sentence the following: Subject to the preceding sentence, the first 100 such vacancies shall be filled with candidates who are selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank (as described in section 8454 of this title), after which all remaining vacancies may be filled with candidates who are selected out of merit rank order.; and by adding at the end the following: Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected; the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected. Section 9442 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— by striking subsection (j) and inserting subsection (k); in paragraph (1), by striking as established by competitive examination and inserting as determined by candidate composite score rank; and in the matter following paragraph (10)— in the second sentence, by inserting (in which event selection shall be in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank) after without ranking; and in the third sentence, by inserting , including qualified alternates and additional appointees before the period at the end; by redesignating subsections (b) through (j) as subsections (c) through (k), respectively; by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 cadets selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Air Force from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter. in subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (B)— in paragraph (1), by striking one hundred selected by the President and inserting up to one hundred selected by the President in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank; in paragraph (2)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (3)— by inserting up to before 85 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; in paragraph (4)— by inserting up to before 20 nominated; and by inserting , selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank before the period at the end; and by striking paragraph (5); in subsection (f), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c); in subsection (h), as so redesignated— by striking subsection (b) each place it appears and inserting subsection (c); and in paragraph (4), by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsection (f); and by adding at the end the following new subsections: Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit rank order. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates, or selection for appointment. Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including— with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each cadet to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such cadet was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and for each cadet who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such cadet, including whether the cadet still at the Academy, the circumstances of such cadet’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such cadet. Section 9443 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by striking appointment and inserting additional appointments; in the first sentence— by inserting (a) before If it is determined; and by striking from other qualified candidates who competed for nomination and inserting from other qualified candidates who hold a nomination; in the second sentence, by striking (8) and inserting (10); by inserting after the second sentence the following: Subject to the preceding sentence, the first 100 such vacancies shall be filled with candidates who are selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank (as described in section 9442 of this title), after which all remaining vacancies may be filled with candidates who are selected out of merit rank order.; and by adding at the end the following: Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle— the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected; the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected. (b)There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 cadets selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Army from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter.; (l)Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates or selection for appointment.(m)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including—(1)with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(A)the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and(B)the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each cadet to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such cadet was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and(2)for each cadet who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such cadet, including whether the cadet still at the Academy, the circumstances of such cadet’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such cadet.. (b)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(1)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected;(2)the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and(3)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected.. (b)There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 midshipmen selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Navy from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter.; (j)Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates, or selection for appointment.(k)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including—(1)with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(A)the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and(B)the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each midshipman to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such midshipman was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and(2)for each midshipman who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such midshipman, including whether the midshipman is still at the Academy, the circumstances of such midshipman’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such midshipman.. (c)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(1)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected;(2)the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and(3)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected.. (b)There shall be appointed each year at the Academy 275 cadets selected in order of merit as determined by candidate composite score rank by the Secretary of the Air Force from qualified alternates nominated pursuant to paragraphs (3) through (10) of subsection (a) and all other qualified, non-selected candidates holding nominations from any other source pursuant to this chapter.; (l)Qualifications of candidates for admission shall be determined by use of, among others, a candidate composite score uniformly calculated for each applicant. Components of such composite score shall include the candidate’s standardized test scores, weighted at not less than 30 percent of the overall composite score. Any subjective component of such composite score shall be weighted at not more than 10 percent of the overall composite score. Candidates’ composite scores shall be used to determine order of merit rank order. Race and ethnicity shall not be considered in any component of the candidate composite score, evaluation of candidates, or selection for appointment.(m)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report including—(1)with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(A)the established minimum candidate composite score and college entrance examination rank (CEER) score used in such cycle; and(B)the total number of waivers of such minimum candidate composite score, including the candidate composite score and CEER score of each cadet to whom the waiver relates, a brief explanation of the reasons for such waiver, and the category of appointment under which each such cadet was appointed (and if congressional, the type of slate that nominated the waived appointee); and(2)for each cadet who, during the four-year period preceding the date of the report, received a waiver for the established minimum candidate composite score, the status of each such cadet, including whether the cadet still at the Academy, the circumstances of such cadet’s departure (if applicable), the cumulative academic GPA, cumulative military GPA, any major conduct or honor violations, any remedial measures undertaken, and any other noteworthy information concerning such cadet.. (b)Not later than October 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to the preceding admissions cycle—(1)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the lowest combined scores that were selected;(2)the total number of qualified and not selected candidates nominated under this section; and(3)the composite scores and college entrance examination rank scores of the ten candidates nominated under this section with the highest combined scores that were qualified and not selected..
Section 159
548. Alternative service obligation for a cadet or midshipman who becomes a professional athlete Section 7448 of title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows: Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the cadet obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the cadet shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4). Subsection (b) is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking The Secretary of the Army and inserting Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary of the Army; and by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Secretary of the Army may transfer a cadet who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Army— as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Army; and for a period not to exceed 10 years. Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows: that a cadet transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Army. Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation. Section 8459 of title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows: Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the midshipman obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the midshipman shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4). Subsection (b) is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking The Secretary of the Navy and inserting Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary of the Navy; and by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Secretary of the Navy may transfer a midshipman who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Navy or the Marine Corps— as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Navy; and for a period not to exceed 10 years. Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows: that a midshipman transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Navy and Marine Corps. Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation. Section 9448 of title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows: Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) is amended to read as follows: That if the cadet obtains employment as a professional athlete before completing the commissioned service obligation of such cadet, the cadet shall be subject to the alternative obligation under subsection (b)(4). Subsection (b) is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking The Secretary of the Air Force and inserting Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary of the Air Force; and by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: The Secretary of the Army may transfer a cadet who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Air Force or Space Force— as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force; and for a period not to exceed 10 years. Paragraph (2) of subsection (c) is amended to read as follows: that a cadet transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Air Force and Space Force. Subsection (f) is amended by striking the alternative obligation and inserting an alternative obligation. (4)The Secretary of the Army may transfer a cadet who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Army—(A)as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Army; and(B)for a period not to exceed 10 years.. (2)that a cadet transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Army.. (4)The Secretary of the Navy may transfer a midshipman who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Navy or the Marine Corps—(A)as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Navy; and(B)for a period not to exceed 10 years.. (2)that a midshipman transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Navy and Marine Corps.. (4)The Secretary of the Army may transfer a cadet who violates paragraph (5) of subsection (a) to the Selected Reserve of the Air Force or Space Force—(A)as a commissioned officer in an appropriate grade or rating, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force; and(B)for a period not to exceed 10 years.. (2)that a cadet transferred under subsection (b)(4) shall, as part of the alternative obligation under such subsection, participate in efforts to recruit and retain members of the Air Force and Space Force..
Section 160
549. Service Academies: Boards of Visitors Section 7455 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)— in paragraph (2), by striking Vice President or the President pro tempore of the Senate, two of whom are members of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and inserting Majority Leader of the Senate (one of whom shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate) and three other members designated by the Minority Leader of the Senate (one of whom shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate); in paragraph (4), striking , two of whom are members of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and inserting (one of whom shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives) and three other members designated by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives (one of whom shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives); by striking paragraph (5); by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; by inserting (1) before A Board; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: At least one member designated by each Member of Congress specified in subparagraph (B) or (D) shall be a graduate of the Academy. Such section is further amended, in subsection (b)— by striking designated by the President and inserting designated under subsection (a); by striking appointed by the President and inserting appointed under subsection (a); and by striking the second sentence. Such section is further amended, in subsection (c)— by inserting (1) before If; by inserting or is terminated under paragraph (2) after resigns; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: If a member of the Board designated under subsection (a) fails to attend two consecutive meetings of the Board, unless such absence is approved in advance and for good cause by the Board chairman, shall be subject to termination from the Board. A member of the Board who is not a Member of Congress may be made terminated only by the chairman of the Board, as determined by the chairman. A member of the Board who is a Member of Congress may be made terminated only by the official who designated such member, as determined by such official. A member designated under subsection (a) shall be provided notice of the provisions of this paragraph at the time of such designation. Such section is further amended, in subsection (d)— by inserting twice before annually; by striking With the approval and inserting After consultation with; and by inserting or other personnel after Superintendent. Such section is further amended, in subsection (e)— by inserting , and make recommendations regarding, after inquire into; and by adding In accordance with any applicable law regarding the disclosure of information, the Superintendent shall provide information the Board requests. at the end. Such section is further amended, in subsection (f)— by striking its annual and inserting a; by striking report to the President and inserting report to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives; by striking submitted to the President and inserting submitted; by inserting (1) before Within; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Board shall publish a report under paragraph (1) on the same day it submits such a report. A member of the Board or a minority of the Board may elect to submit a report to the recipients under paragraph (1). Such section is further amended, in subsection (g), by striking Upon approval by the Secretary, the and inserting The. Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: Subject to subsections (a) through (d) of section 1009 of title 5, the Board shall adopt rules and procedures. The Chairman shall be elected by the members of the Board to serve a one-year term. Section 8468 of such title is amended to read identically to 7455 of such title, as amended by subsection (a). Section 9455 of such title is amended to read identically to 7455 of such title, as amended by subsection (a). (2)At least one member designated by each Member of Congress specified in subparagraph (B) or (D) shall be a graduate of the Academy.. (2)(A)If a member of the Board designated under subsection (a) fails to attend two consecutive meetings of the Board, unless such absence is approved in advance and for good cause by the Board chairman, shall be subject to termination from the Board.(B)A member of the Board who is not a Member of Congress may be made terminated only by the chairman of the Board, as determined by the chairman.(C)A member of the Board who is a Member of Congress may be made terminated only by the official who designated such member, as determined by such official.(D)A member designated under subsection (a) shall be provided notice of the provisions of this paragraph at the time of such designation.. (2)The Board shall publish a report under paragraph (1) on the same day it submits such a report.(3)A member of the Board or a minority of the Board may elect to submit a report to the recipients under paragraph (1).. (j)Subject to subsections (a) through (d) of section 1009 of title 5, the Board shall adopt rules and procedures.(k)The Chairman shall be elected by the members of the Board to serve a one-year term..
Section 161
549A. Inclusion of certain information in annual military service academy reports Section 7461(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. Section 8480(d)(2) of such title is amended— by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. Section 9461(d)(2) of such title is amended— by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B): The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. (B)The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. . (B)The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. . (B)The number of such substantiated cases for which there is a reason to believe that the victim was targeted, or discriminated against, or both, for status in a group. .
Section 162
549B. Naval Postgraduate School: function Section 8541 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking to provide advanced instruction and professional and technical education and research opportunities for commissioned officers of the naval service and inserting to conduct research, to conduct wargaming, to conduct innovation, and to provide advanced instruction, professional, technical, and research and education, and innovation opportunities for commissioned and noncommissioned officers of the naval service. Section 8542(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking professional and technical education and inserting professional, technical, and research and education; and by striking research opportunities and inserting research and innovation opportunities.
Section 163
549C. Required training on Constitution of the United States for commissioned officers of the Armed Forces The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all commissioned officers of the Armed Forces receive training on the Constitution of the United States prior to commissioning. The training shall include— education on the centrality of the Constitution to the commitment officers make to serve in the Armed Forces; emphasis on the loyalty of officers to the Constitution; and instruction on certain aspects of the Constitution relevant to military service, including— civil-military relations; separation of powers; and domestic use of military force.
Section 164
549D. Ensuring access to certain higher education benefits Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Education shall jointly complete a data matching process— to identify each individual who, while serving as a covered employee of the Department of Defense, made one or more student loan payments eligible to be counted for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program under section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)); and without requiring further information or action from such individual— to certify the total period of such employment for purposes of such program; and to count the total number of qualifying payments made by the individual for purposes of such program during such period. In this section, the term covered employee means an individual who, at any time beginning on or after October 1, 2007, was— a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or a civilian employee of the Department of Defense.
Section 165
549E. Service Academies: referral of denied applicants to the senior military colleges Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of Defense shall establish a system whereby a covered individual may elect to have the Secretary share information regarding such covered individual with a senior military college. In this section: The term covered individual means an individual whose application for an appointment as a cadet or midshipman at a Service Academy is denied. The term senior military college means a school specified in section 2111a of title 10, United States Code. The term Service Academy has the meaning given such term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 166
549F. Pilot program to provide graduate education opportunities for enlisted members of the Army and Navy The Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army shall jointly conduct a pilot program (referred to in this section as the Program) under which certain enlisted personnel of the covered Armed Forces may enroll in a master’s degree program at the Naval Postgraduate School. The Secretaries concerned shall carry out the Program— in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of the Program; and in a manner consistent with the Graduate Education Program–Enlisted pilot program of the Marine Corps. The Secretaries concerned shall establish criteria for determining the eligibility of enlisted members of the covered Armed Forces for participation in the Program. In establishing such criteria, the Secretaries concerned may consider the following criteria used under the Graduate Education Program–Enlisted pilot program of the Marine Corps: Eligibility may be limited to active duty members of the covered Armed Forces with no more than 16 years of service by end of degree completion and prior to being assigned to duties that use such degree. A member should not have been passed over for selection to the next higher grade. A member should meet reenlistment requirements established by the component of the Armed Force responsible for such requirements to ensure four years of service are attainable after degree completion. Any Primary Military Occupational Specialty may be eligible to apply. A minimum of four years should remain on the member’s contract at the time of completion of the degree program. A member should be willing to re-enlist or extend a contract to meet the requirements under this paragraph. A minimum of 24 months on station is recommended for applicants in assignments within the continental United States or 24 months for applicants in assignments outside the continental United States prior to the commencement studies at the Naval Postgraduate School, with the potential for exceptions. All applicants should possess an institutionally accredited baccalaureate degree and should have the Academic Profile Code prescribed for the requested curricula. The Naval Postgraduate School should determine the official Academic Profile Code for each applicant and such official Academic Profile Code should be used as the basis in determining academic eligibility for participation in the Program. The application criteria for the Naval Postgraduate School may be further described, promulgated, and updated on the website of the School’s admissions office. The member should hold, or be eligible for, a security clearance if required for— placement in a course of study under the Program; or the member’s duty assignment after completion of such Program. Applicants should have completed all necessary professional military education for their current rank prior to executing orders. The number of enlisted members selected for participation in the Program from each covered Armed Force shall be equal to the number of officers from that Armed Force who are enrolled in the Naval Postgraduate school at the time the selection is made. Such selection hall be based on consideration of— the eligibility criteria established under subsection (c); professional performance; promotion potential; retention potential; academic background, capabilities, and accomplishments; the needs of the Navy and Army; input from the admissions office of the Naval Postgraduate School; and input from the component within each Armed Force with primary responsibility for determining the duty assignments of enlisted members. Subject to such terms, conditions, and exceptions as the Secretaries concerned may establish, an enlisted member who receives a master’s degree under the Program, shall serve for a period of not less than two years in a duty assignment that is relevant to the degree obtained by the member under the Program. In conjunction with selecting enlisted members for participation in the Program as described in subsection (d), the Secretaries concerned shall establish a framework for assigning enlisted personnel who are not participating in the Program— to fill the billets of the members participating in the Program while such members are completing a course of study at the Naval Postgraduate School; and to fill the billets of members who received a master’s degree under the Program while such members are engaged in post-participation service as described in subsection (e). The Secretaries concerned shall coordinate with the President of the Naval Postgraduate School to identify specific master’s degree programs offered by the School in which Program participants may enroll. In identifying such programs, the Secretaries shall consider— the needs of the Navy and Army; the capacity of the Naval Postgraduate School; and the extent to which enrollment in a specific program is expected to have a positive effect on the career trajectories of participants. The Secretaries concerned shall take such actions as are necessary to notify and inform enlisted members about the Program. Before the expiration of the six-year period described in subsection (i)(1), the Secretaries concerned, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes— an assessment of whether and to what extent the Program has met the needs of the covered Armed Forces and had positive effects on participating enlisted members, including with respect to— career trajectory, including potential pay increases; retention; recruitment; job performance; merit-based promotions and merit-based promotion reorder; and compatibility with the objectives outlined in the 2022 National Defense Strategy to modernize the Armed Services, spur innovation, and outpace and outthink adversaries of the United States; the recommendations of the Secretaries regarding whether the Program should be extended or made permanent; an assessment of the funding and capabilities that may be needed to make the Program permanent; and any other matters the Secretaries determine to be relevant. Subject to paragraph (2), the Program shall terminate six years after the date on which the Program commences under this section. The Secretaries concerned may extend the Program beyond the six-year period specified in paragraph (1) if, not later than 30 days before the expiration of such period, the Secretaries, in consultation with the President of the Naval Postgraduate School, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives— notice of the intent of the Secretaries to extend the Program; and an explanation of the reasons for extending the Program. In this section: The term covered Armed Forces means the Army and the Navy. The term Secretary concerned means— the Secretary of the Army, with respect to matters concerning the Army; and the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to matters concerning the Navy.
Section 167
549G. Air Force rapid response language pilot program Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a pilot program to enable— agile response to sudden requirements for skills in new languages where capability is limited or non-existent; agile response to surge for any language required due to responses to conflict, humanitarian disaster, or other military requirements; and development of innovative language learning technologies for delivering synchronous and asynchronous language training for Air Force linguists and other Air Force language enabled personnel. Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, on the results of the pilot program, including the number of courses developed, the number of personnel trained, the languages taught, the proficiency levels attained, response time to develop courses and train personnel, and availability for training personnel while on the job. Not later than July 1, 2025, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on implementation of this section and plans regarding continuing language education described in subsection (a). The authority under this section shall expire on September 30, 2028.
Section 168
549H. Military training and competency database The Secretary of Defense shall establish— a centralized database, to be known as the Military Training and Competency Database (referred to in this section as the Database), to record and maintain information relating to training performed by members of the Armed Forces; and a process to make the information in the database available to States and potential employers to assist in determining if the training provided to a member or former member of the Armed Forces satisfies civilian licensing and certification requirements. The Database shall include following information for each member of the Armed Forces: Name, rank, and military service identification number. Branch of service and specialty. Details of completed training courses, certifications, and qualifications. Any other information the Secretary determines appropriate. The Secretary of Defense shall establish a process to make the information contained in the Database available to States and other employers upon request to assist such States and employers in verifying whether the training and qualifications of a member or former member of the Armed Forces satisfies relevant civilian licensing or certification requirements. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Database is secure, easily accessible, and regularly updated to reflect the training and qualifications acquired by members of the Armed Forces. Based on the information in the Database the Secretary of Defense shall provide to each member of the Armed Forces a document that outlines the training and qualifications acquired by a member while serving in the Armed Forces. Such document shall be known as a competency report. The Secretary of Defense shall develop a standardized format for competency reports, which shall include, at a minimum, the following information: Relevant personal details about the member. Description of training courses, certifications, and qualifications obtained. Date and duration of each completed training. Authorized signatures and other necessary authentication. Competency reports shall be provided to members of the Armed Forces upon their separation or retirement from the Armed Forces. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish the necessary regulations, procedures, and timelines for the implementation of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall allocate sufficient resources to ensure the effective establishment, maintenance, and accessibility of the Database and the development and distribution of competency reports to members of the Armed Forces. Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the Database and any recommendations of the Secretary for improving the Database. The report shall include feedback and recommendations from States and other employers regarding the usability and accuracy of the Database and the competency reports described in subsection (b).
Section 169
549I. Military vehicle operator training program Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a standardized training curriculum for military vehicle operations, encompassing both classroom and practical training components. The training curriculum under paragraph (1) shall be developed in collaboration with subject matter experts, experienced members of the Armed Forces, and relevant stakeholders, and shall cover essential topics such as vehicle dynamics, safety procedures, hazard recognition and avoidance, defensive driving techniques, and vehicle recovery methods. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the training curriculum under paragraph (1) is regularly updated to incorporate emerging best practices and technological advancements in military vehicle operations. The Secretary of Defense shall establish a certification program to validate the proficiency of members of the Armed Forces in military vehicle operations. The certification program shall be designed to ensure that all members of the Armed Forces, regardless of deployment status, receive adequate training in military vehicle operations before being assigned to operational duty. The certification program shall include written exams, practical assessments, and evaluations of demonstrated competence. Notice shall be issued to members of the Armed Forces who successfully complete the training program and meet the established proficiency criteria. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the development and implementation of the training curriculum under subsection (a) and the certification program under subsection (b). Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the training curriculum under subsection (a) and the certification program under subsection (b) shall be fully integrated into military training programs. In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall— develop a comprehensive and interactive training methodology that combines traditional classroom instruction with hands-on, practical training exercises: encourage the use of modern training technologies, simulators, and realistic training environments to enhance effectiveness of the training program; and ensure that training materials are up-to-date, accessible, and tailored to the specific vehicle types and operational environments members of the Armed Forces are likely to encounter. In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall— update reporting mechanisms used to collect and analyze data related to military vehicle incidents, including vehicle rollovers, and the causes of such incidents; conduct regular evaluations of the effectiveness of the training under this section in reducing incidents and improving the proficiency of military vehicle operators; and promptly implement any recommendations for program improvements based on the results of such data and evaluations.
Section 170
549J. Speech disorders of cadets and midshipmen The Superintendent of a military service academy shall provide testing for speech disorders to incoming cadets or midshipmen under the jurisdiction of that Superintendent. The testing under subsection (a) may not have any affect on admission to a military service academy. The Superintendent shall provide each cadet or midshipman under the jurisdiction of that Superintendent the result of the testing under subsection (a) and a list of warfare unrestricted line officer positions and occupation specialists that require successful performance on the speech test. The Superintendent shall furnish speech therapy to a cadet or midshipman under the jurisdiction of that Superintendent at the election of the cadet or midshipman. A cadet or midshipman whose testing indicate a speech disorder or impediment may elect to retake the testing once each academic year while enrolled at the military service academy.
Section 171
549K. Annual training on the prevention of sexual abuse for students in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall establish training for students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps regarding prevention of sexual abuse. The training established under this section shall— be age-appropriate; be evidence-based in polyvictimization research; be comprehensive, including elements regarding— grooming; bullying, including cyberbullying; appropriate relationships and interactions between such students and instructors; signs of inappropriate behavior between adults and adolescents; and digital abuse; and provide such students with the contact information of local resources through which a student may report alleged sexual abuse or receive treatment and support for such abuse. The Secretary shall ensure that each such student receives training established under this section— from an entity other than an administrator or instructor of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and once each year. The Secretary shall establish and maintain metrics regarding the effectiveness of the training established under this section. In this section, the term sexual abuse means an offense covered by section 920, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). 2037.Training on prevention of sexual abuse(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall establish training for students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps regarding prevention of sexual abuse.(b)ElementsThe training established under this section shall—(1)be age-appropriate;(2)be evidence-based in polyvictimization research;(3)be comprehensive, including elements regarding—(A)grooming;(B)bullying, including cyberbullying;(C)appropriate relationships and interactions between such students and instructors;(D)signs of inappropriate behavior between adults and adolescents; and(E)digital abuse; and(4)provide such students with the contact information of local resources through which a student may report alleged sexual abuse or receive treatment and support for such abuse.(c)ProvisionThe Secretary shall ensure that each such student receives training established under this section—(1)from an entity other than an administrator or instructor of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and(2)once each year.(d)MetricsThe Secretary shall establish and maintain metrics regarding the effectiveness of the training established under this section.(e)Sexual abuse definedIn this section, the term sexual abuse means an offense covered by section 920, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)..
Section 172
2037. Training on prevention of sexual abuse The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall establish training for students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps regarding prevention of sexual abuse. The training established under this section shall— be age-appropriate; be evidence-based in polyvictimization research; be comprehensive, including elements regarding— grooming; bullying, including cyberbullying; appropriate relationships and interactions between such students and instructors; signs of inappropriate behavior between adults and adolescents; and digital abuse; and provide such students with the contact information of local resources through which a student may report alleged sexual abuse or receive treatment and support for such abuse. The Secretary shall ensure that each such student receives training established under this section— from an entity other than an administrator or instructor of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and once each year. The Secretary shall establish and maintain metrics regarding the effectiveness of the training established under this section. In this section, the term sexual abuse means an offense covered by section 920, 920b, 920c, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, or 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
Section 173
549L. Expansion of authority to detail members to law education programs Section 2004 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— by inserting (1) before The Secretary; by striking the second sentence; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: The Secretary of the military department concerned may pay expenses incident to the detail, under this subsection, of an officer or enlisted member for a period of training described in paragraph (1). Not more than 25 officers and enlisted members from each military department may, in any single fiscal year, begin a period of training described in paragraph (1) for which the Secretary of the military department concerned pays expenses under this paragraph. The Secretary of the military department concerned may detail an officer or enlisted member under paragraph (1) without paying expenses under paragraph (2). in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1), by striking either and inserting in the case of a member for whose training the Secretary of the military department concerned pays expenses under subsection (a)(2), either; in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3)— by striking period of two years and all that follows and inserting an em dash; and by adding at the end the following new clauses: in the case of a member for whose training the Secretary of the military department concerned pays expenses under subsection (a)(2), two years; or in the case of a member described in subsection (a)(3), one year for each year or part thereof of legal training under subsection (a). by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2): in the case of a member described in subsection (a)(3), either— have served on active duty for a period of not less than two years nor more than eight years and be an officer in the grade of O–3 or below as of the time the training is to begin; or have served on active duty for a period of not less than four years nor more than ten years and be an enlisted member in the grade of E–5, E–6, or E–7 as of the time the training is to begin; in subsection (d), by striking under this section and inserting paid under subsection (a)(2) of. Section 403 of title 37, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsection (q) as subsection (r); and by inserting after subsection (p) the following new subsection (q): A member of the armed forces may not be denied an allowance under this section solely on the basis that such member has been detailed for a period of training under section 2004 of title 10. A member of the Armed Forces who, on or after August 1, 2023, the Secretary of the military department concerned determined, under section 502 of title 37, United States Code, was absent for a period that is longer than the leave authorized by section 701 of title 10, United States Code, because the member was detailed or assigned by the Secretary of the military department concerned as a full-time student to a civilian institution to pursue a program of education, is entitled to the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, to which the member would have been entitled if the member were not so absent. (2)(A)The Secretary of the military department concerned may pay expenses incident to the detail, under this subsection, of an officer or enlisted member for a period of training described in paragraph (1).(B)Not more than 25 officers and enlisted members from each military department may, in any single fiscal year, begin a period of training described in paragraph (1) for which the Secretary of the military department concerned pays expenses under this paragraph.(3)The Secretary of the military department concerned may detail an officer or enlisted member under paragraph (1) without paying expenses under paragraph (2).; (i)in the case of a member for whose training the Secretary of the military department concerned pays expenses under subsection (a)(2), two years; or(ii)in the case of a member described in subsection (a)(3), one year for each year or part thereof of legal training under subsection (a).; (2)in the case of a member described in subsection (a)(3), either—(A)have served on active duty for a period of not less than two years nor more than eight years and be an officer in the grade of O–3 or below as of the time the training is to begin; or(B)have served on active duty for a period of not less than four years nor more than ten years and be an enlisted member in the grade of E–5, E–6, or E–7 as of the time the training is to begin;; and (q)Rule of construction for certain detailA member of the armed forces may not be denied an allowance under this section solely on the basis that such member has been detailed for a period of training under section 2004 of title 10..
Section 174
549M. Dive school required element of qualification as a combat controller of the Air Force The Secretary of the Air Force shall require that training to qualify as a combat controller of the Air Force includes dive school.
Section 175
551. Authority of special trial counsel with respect to certain offenses occurring before effective date of military justice reforms Section 824a(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 531 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 258), is amended— in paragraph (1)(A), by striking section 920 (article 120), and inserting section 919a (article 119a), section 920 (article 120), section 920a (article 120a),; by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: After January 1, 2025, a special trial counsel may, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, exercise authority over the following offenses: The standalone offense of sexual harassment punishable under section 934 of this title (article 134) in each instance in which— the offense occurs after January 26, 2022, and on or before January 1, 2025; and a formal complaint is substantiated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned. A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81). A solicitation to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 882 of this title (article 82). An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80). in paragraph (3), as so redesignated— in subparagraph (A), by inserting or (2) after paragraph (1); and in subparagraph (B), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting subsection (c)(2)(A) or paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection. (2)The standalone offense of sexual harassmentAfter January 1, 2025, a special trial counsel may, at the sole and exclusive discretion of the special trial counsel, exercise authority over the following offenses:(A)The standalone offense of sexual harassment punishable under section 934 of this title (article 134) in each instance in which—(i)the offense occurs after January 26, 2022, and on or before January 1, 2025; and(ii)a formal complaint is substantiated in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned.(B)A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 881 of this title (article 81).(C)A solicitation to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A) as punishable under section 882 of this title (article 82).(D)An attempt to commit an offense specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section 880 of this title (article 80).; and
Section 176
552. Detailing of appellate defense counsel Subsection (b) of section 865 of title 10, United States Code (article 65 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended— in paragraph (1)— by striking the Judge Advocate General shall forward the record and inserting the following: the Judge Advocate General shall forward— the record in subparagraph (A), as designated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking the period and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: a copy of the record of trial to an appellate defense counsel who shall be detailed to review the case and, upon request of the accused, to represent the accused before the Court of Criminal Appeals. in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (A)— in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking shall and inserting shall, upon written request of the accused; in clause (i), by striking , upon request of the accused,; and in clause (ii), by striking upon written request of the accused,; and in subparagraph (B)— by striking accused and all that follows through waives and inserting accused waives; by striking ; or and inserting a period; and by striking clause (ii). the Judge Advocate General shall forward—(A)the record; (B)a copy of the record of trial to an appellate defense counsel who shall be detailed to review the case and, upon request of the accused, to represent the accused before the Court of Criminal Appeals.; and
Section 177
553. Modification to offense of aiding the enemy under the Uniform Code of Military Justice Section 903b(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 103b(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by inserting provides military education, military training, or tactical advice to, after gives intelligence to,.
Section 178
554. Modification of timeline for potential implementation of study on unanimous court-martial verdicts Section 536(c)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 263) is amended by striking 2027 and inserting 2025.
Section 179
555. Expanded command notifications to victims of domestic violence Section 549 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 806b note) is amended— in the first sentence— by inserting , or a case of an alleged domestic violence-related offense (as defined by the Secretary), after of title 10, United States Code); and by striking periodically notify the victim and inserting periodically notify the victim (or the victim’s legal counsel if so requested by the victim); and in the last sentence, by striking notify the victim and inserting notify the victim (or the victim’s legal counsel if so requested by the victim).
Section 180
556. Prohibiting the broadcast and distribution of digitally manipulated intimate images The Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall develop recommendations for modifying the offense of indecent viewing, visual recording, or broadcasting under section 920c of title 10, United States Code (article 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) to clarify its applicability to the broadcasting and distribution of digitally manipulated intimate images. In developing recommendations under subsection (a), the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall consider— the advisability of modifying section 920c of title 10, United States Code (article 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)— to prohibit the broadcasting or distribution of an intimate digital depiction of another person that the offender knew or reasonably should have known was made without the other person’s consent and under circumstances in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; and to define the term intimate digital depiction (as used in subparagraph (A)) as a digital depiction of an individual that has been created or altered using digital manipulation and that depicts— the private area of an identifiable individual; or an identifiable individual engaging in sexually explicit conduct (as defined in section 917a(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 117a(b)(4) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)); and such other approaches to the modification of such section 920c (article 120c) as the Committee considers appropriate to address digitally manipulated intimate images. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes— the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and draft legislative text that sets forth all amendments and modifications to law that may be needed to effectively implement such recommendations.
Section 181
557. Treatment of certain records of criminal investigations Chapter 79 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1552 the following new section: The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement uniform guidance providing for the modification of titling and indexing systems to ensure that a record identifying a member or former member of the Armed Forces as the subject of a criminal investigation is removed from such system if that member or former member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b). A member or former member of the Armed Forces who is the subject of a criminal investigation shall be considered to have been cleared of wrongdoing for purposes of subsection (a) if— an investigation conducted by a defense criminal investigative organization or another Federal or civilian law enforcement agency determines that— no probable cause exists to support that the member or former member is responsible for the alleged offense; or the member or former member was mistakenly identified as a subject; or the reasons specified for the charges for which the member or former member was under investigation are unsupported by probable cause as determined by— a court-martial or other proceeding brought under chapter 47 of this title; or a civilian court. No member of an Armed Force may be involuntarily separated solely for an offense for which the member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b). In this section: The term defense criminal investigative organization means— the Army Criminal Investigation Command; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and any other organization or element of the Department of Defense or an Armed Force that is responsible for conducting criminal investigations. The term indexing means the practice of submitting an individual’s name or other personally identifiable information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Interstate Identification Index, or any successor system. The term titling means the practice of identifying an individual as the subject of a criminal investigation in the records of a military criminal investigative organization and storing such information in a database or other records system. The term titling and indexing system means any database or other records system used by a defense criminal investigative organization for purposes of titling and indexing, including the Defense Central Index of Investigations (commonly known as DCII). Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned, pursuant to the guidance issued by the Secretary of Defense under section 1552a of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), and in consultation with the appropriate Judge Advocate General, shall— review the titling and indexing systems of the defense criminal investigative organizations under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to identify each record in such system that pertains to a member or former member of the Armed Forces who has been cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b) of such section 1552a; notify the defense criminal investigative organization involved of each record identified under paragraph (1); and direct the head of the organization to remove the record in accordance with subsection (c). The head of a defense criminal investigative organization that receives a notice under subsection (b)(2) with respect to a record in a titling or indexing system shall ensure that the record is removed from such system by not later than 30 days after the date on which the notice is received. The requirements of this section and the amendments made by this section are in addition to any requirements imposed under section 549 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1552 note). This section and the amendments made by this section shall supersede any provision of section 549 of that Act that is inconsistent with this section or such amendments, but only to the extent of the inconsistency. In this section: The terms defense criminal investigative organization, indexing, titling, and titling and indexing system have the meanings given those terms in section 1552a(d) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)). The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code. 1552a.Treatment of certain records of criminal investigations(a)Guidance requiredThe Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement uniform guidance providing for the modification of titling and indexing systems to ensure that a record identifying a member or former member of the Armed Forces as the subject of a criminal investigation is removed from such system if that member or former member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b).(b)Disposition of investigationsA member or former member of the Armed Forces who is the subject of a criminal investigation shall be considered to have been cleared of wrongdoing for purposes of subsection (a) if—(1)an investigation conducted by a defense criminal investigative organization or another Federal or civilian law enforcement agency determines that—(A)no probable cause exists to support that the member or former member is responsible for the alleged offense; or(B)the member or former member was mistakenly identified as a subject; or(2)the reasons specified for the charges for which the member or former member was under investigation are unsupported by probable cause as determined by—(A)a court-martial or other proceeding brought under chapter 47 of this title; or(B)a civilian court.(c)Prohibition on involuntary separationNo member of an Armed Force may be involuntarily separated solely for an offense for which the member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b).(d)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term defense criminal investigative organization means—(A)the Army Criminal Investigation Command;(B)the Naval Criminal Investigative Service;(C)the Air Force Office of Special Investigations;(D)the Coast Guard Investigative Service;(E)the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and(F)any other organization or element of the Department of Defense or an Armed Force that is responsible for conducting criminal investigations. (2)The term indexing means the practice of submitting an individual’s name or other personally identifiable information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Interstate Identification Index, or any successor system.(3)The term titling means the practice of identifying an individual as the subject of a criminal investigation in the records of a military criminal investigative organization and storing such information in a database or other records system.(4)The term titling and indexing system means any database or other records system used by a defense criminal investigative organization for purposes of titling and indexing, including the Defense Central Index of Investigations (commonly known as DCII)..
Section 182
1552a. Treatment of certain records of criminal investigations The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement uniform guidance providing for the modification of titling and indexing systems to ensure that a record identifying a member or former member of the Armed Forces as the subject of a criminal investigation is removed from such system if that member or former member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b). A member or former member of the Armed Forces who is the subject of a criminal investigation shall be considered to have been cleared of wrongdoing for purposes of subsection (a) if— an investigation conducted by a defense criminal investigative organization or another Federal or civilian law enforcement agency determines that— no probable cause exists to support that the member or former member is responsible for the alleged offense; or the member or former member was mistakenly identified as a subject; or the reasons specified for the charges for which the member or former member was under investigation are unsupported by probable cause as determined by— a court-martial or other proceeding brought under chapter 47 of this title; or a civilian court. No member of an Armed Force may be involuntarily separated solely for an offense for which the member is cleared of wrongdoing as described in subsection (b). In this section: The term defense criminal investigative organization means— the Army Criminal Investigation Command; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and any other organization or element of the Department of Defense or an Armed Force that is responsible for conducting criminal investigations. The term indexing means the practice of submitting an individual’s name or other personally identifiable information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Interstate Identification Index, or any successor system. The term titling means the practice of identifying an individual as the subject of a criminal investigation in the records of a military criminal investigative organization and storing such information in a database or other records system. The term titling and indexing system means any database or other records system used by a defense criminal investigative organization for purposes of titling and indexing, including the Defense Central Index of Investigations (commonly known as DCII).
Section 183
558. Recommendations for revisions to Military Rules of Evidence to protect patient privacy The Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall develop recommendations for modifying rule 513 of the Military Rules of Evidence (as set forth in part III of the Manual for Courts-Martial) to include diagnoses of a patient and treatments prescribed to a patient as confidential communications subject to the psychotherapist-patient privilege. In developing recommendations under subsection (a), the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall consider— the advisability of modifying Military Rule of Evidence 513 to cover psychotherapy diagnoses and treatments; and such other approaches to the modification of Military Rule of Evidence 513 as the Committee considers appropriate to address victim privacy rights. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes— the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and draft legislative text that sets forth all amendments and modifications to law that may be needed to effectively implement such recommendations.
Section 184
559. Correction of certain citations in title 18, United States Code, relating to sexual offenses Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended— in section 2241(c)— in the second sentence, by inserting or an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice after State offense; and by striking either such provision and inserting any such provision; in section 2251(e), by striking section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under each place it appears and inserting the Uniform Code of Military Justice or; in section 2252(b)— in paragraph (1), by striking section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under and inserting the Uniform Code of Military Justice or; and in paragraph (2), by striking section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under and inserting the Uniform Code of Military Justice or; in section 2252A(b)— in paragraph (1), by striking section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under and inserting the Uniform Code of Military Justice or; and in paragraph (2), by striking section 920 of title 10 (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), or under and inserting the Uniform Code of Military Justice or; in section 2426(b)(1)(B), by inserting or the Uniform Code of Military Justice after State law; and in section 3559(e)(2)— in subparagraph (B)— by striking State sex offense and inserting State or Military sex offense; and by inserting or the Uniform Code of Military Justice after State law; and in subparagraph (C), by inserting or Military after State.
Section 185
561. Modifications to Transition Assistance Program Paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: The Secretary concerned may waive the requirement for preseparation counseling under paragraph (1) in the case of a member of a reserve component if— the member requests such a waiver; the member received preseparation counseling during the three-year period preceding the date of such request; and the matters covered by such counseling, as specified in subsection (b), have not changed since the member last received such counseling. Such subsection is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The commanding officer of a member of the armed forces whose discharge (regardless of character of discharge) or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date may, on a space available basis, authorize such member to receive preseparation counseling, regardless of whether such member reenlists or agrees to a new period of obligated service. (D)The Secretary concerned may waive the requirement for preseparation counseling under paragraph (1) in the case of a member of a reserve component if—(i)the member requests such a waiver;(ii)the member received preseparation counseling during the three-year period preceding the date of such request; and(iii)the matters covered by such counseling, as specified in subsection (b), have not changed since the member last received such counseling.. (5)The commanding officer of a member of the armed forces whose discharge (regardless of character of discharge) or release from active duty is anticipated as of a specific date may, on a space available basis, authorize such member to receive preseparation counseling, regardless of whether such member reenlists or agrees to a new period of obligated service..
Section 186
562. Minimum duration of preseparation counseling regarding financial planning Section 1142(b)(9) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by inserting and counseling after assistance; and by inserting , which counseling shall be for a period not shorter than one hour after taxes.
Section 187
563. Transition Assistance Program: presentation in preseparation counseling to promote benefits available to veterans Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: A presentation that promotes the benefits available to veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Such presentation— shall be standardized; shall, before implementation, be reviewed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with veterans service organizations that provide claims assistance under the benefits delivery at discharge program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; shall be submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives for review at least 90 days before implementation; where available, shall be presented with the participation of— a representative of a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38; or an individual— recognized under section 5903 of such title; and authorized by the Secretary concerned to so participate; shall include information on how a veterans service organization may assist the member in filing a claim described in paragraph (19); may not encourage the member to join a particular veterans service organization; and may not be longer than one hour. Not less than frequently than once each year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, and to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report that— identifies each veterans service organization that participated in a presentation under paragraph (20) of section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a); contains the number of members of the Armed Forces who attended such presentations; and includes any recommendations of the Secretary regarding changes to such presentation or to such paragraph. (20)A presentation that promotes the benefits available to veterans under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Such presentation—(A)shall be standardized;(B)shall, before implementation, be reviewed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with veterans service organizations that provide claims assistance under the benefits delivery at discharge program of the Department of Veterans Affairs;(C)shall be submitted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives for review at least 90 days before implementation;(D)where available, shall be presented with the participation of—(i)a representative of a veterans service organization recognized under section 5902 of title 38; or(ii)an individual—(I)recognized under section 5903 of such title; and(II)authorized by the Secretary concerned to so participate;(E)shall include information on how a veterans service organization may assist the member in filing a claim described in paragraph (19);(F)may not encourage the member to join a particular veterans service organization; and(G)may not be longer than one hour..
Section 188
564. Establishment of counseling pathway in the Transition Assistance Program for members of certain reserve components of the Armed Forces Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (including one pathway for members of the reserve components of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force) after military department concerned.
Section 189
565. Pathway for individualized counseling for members of the reserve components under TAP Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting (including one pathway for members of the reserve components) after military department concerned.
Section 190
566. Transition Assistance Program: Department of Labor Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot Program Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall carry out a pilot program to be known as the Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot Program. The pilot program shall supplement the program under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code. In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall— seek to enter into contracts with public, private, and nonprofit entities under which such entities provide individualized employment counseling for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses; prioritize entering into contracts with qualified private entities that have experience providing instruction to members of the Armed Forces eligible for assistance under the pilot program carried out under this section on— private sector culture, resume writing, career networking, and training on job search technologies; academic readiness and educational opportunities; or other relevant topics, as determined by the Secretary; prioritize entering into a contract with a qualified private entity that is an existing Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot Program partner with experience integrating members of the Armed Forces into local communities across the entire nation, to: Lead the program in clause (2) and, following person-to-person interactions and discussions with the individuals seeking assistance, provide referrals to the organizations under contract with the Secretary based on the Armed Forces member or veterans preferences, geographic location, and other factors; Provide comprehensive wrap-around services to the those individuals receiving assistance under this title, to include services with other matters related to transition, and remain in contact with the individuals through person-to-person engagements throughout the process; Provide close coordination with contracted organizations and follow-up communications with those enrolled in the Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot Program to ensure a smooth transition; Ensure the Secretary is provided with appropriate data on referrals, outcomes, and issues that arise to enable proper oversight of the program; give a preference to any private entity that— has a national or international geographical area of service; provides multiple forms of career assistance and placement services to— active duty members of the Armed Forces; spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces; veterans; and spouses of veterans; provides services to at least 1,000 individuals who are— active duty members of the Armed Forces; spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces; veterans; or spouses of veterans; has continuously, for at least the three-year period immediately preceding the date of the contract, provided services to individuals who are— active duty members of the Armed Forces; spouses of active duty members of the Armed Forces; veterans; and spouses of veterans; and has a demonstrated record of success in providing assistance with employment services, as indicated by— the average wages or earnings of people who receive employment services provided by the entity; prior completion of Federal grants or contracts; having at least 75 percent of its participants find full-time employment within six months of initially receiving employment services provided by the entity; and other employment performance indicators, as determined by the Secretary; and seek to enter into contracts with not fewer than 10, but not more than 60, private entities under which each such entity is compensated at a rate agreed upon between the Secretary and the entity for each individual who receives employment services provided by the entity and is in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; and conduct such other activities as may be necessary for the delivery of individualized employment counseling and other employment services under this section. Not later than October 1 of each year during the term of the pilot program, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the pilot program under this section, including the employment outcomes for members of the Armed Forces and their spouses who receive employment services under the program on the following indicators of performance— the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program; and the median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program. The pilot program shall terminate five years after the date on which the Secretary of Labor begins to carry out the pilot program.
Section 191
567. Pilot program on secure, mobile personal health record for members of the Armed Forces participating in the Transition Assistance Program Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a pilot program under which active duty members of the Armed Forces who are enrolled in the Transition Assistance Program use a covered health record platform to collect their records before separating from active duty. The Secretary shall select not less than one Armed Force in which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a). The Secretary shall seek to enter into a contract using competitive procedures with an appropriate entity for the provision of the covered health record platform under the pilot program under subsection (a). Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request for proposals for the contract described in paragraph (1). A request under subparagraph (A) shall be full and open to any contractor that has an existing covered health record platform. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award a contract to an appropriate entity pursuant to the request for proposals under paragraph (2) if at least one acceptable offer is submitted. The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of not less than one year. At the end of the one-year period specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary may— terminate the pilot program under subsection (a); continue the pilot program; expand the pilot program; or implement the use of a covered health record platform in the Transition Assistance Program throughout the Armed Forces. No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this section. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense. In this section: The term covered health record platform means a secure personal health record platform that meets the following requirements: Has web-based capabilities. Has the capability to store and share records with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other designated care provider. Has the capability to store records in the cloud. Does not have a requirement for integration to receive or share records. Has the capability to instantly share data based on a combination of access key and personal identifier. Has the capability to provide secure data storage and records transfer upon separation of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty. Does not require a business associate agreement with any parties. Has secure data isolation with access controls. Has, at a minimum, data security that would require separate encryption for each document, relying on AES256 algorithm with keys encryption using RSA2048 algorithm, or any successor similar algorithm. The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of the Department of Defense for preseparation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 192
568. Skillbridge: apprenticeship programs Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy, shall conduct a study to identify the private entities participating in Skillbridge that offer positions in registered apprenticeship programs to covered members. The Secretary of Defense shall consult with officials and employees of the Department of Labor who have experience with registered apprenticeship programs to facilitate the Secretary entering into agreements with entities that offer positions described in subsection (a) in areas where the Secretary determines few such positions are available to covered members. In this section: The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces eligible for Skillbridge. The term registered apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.). The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 193
569. Transmission of information regarding member’s opioid use disorder to Department of Veterans Affairs Section 1142(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the heading, by striking Transmittal and inserting Transmission; by inserting (1) before In the case; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: In the case of a member whom the Secretary concerned knows has a history of opioid use disorder, such Secretary concerned shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of such history within 60 days of the separation. retirement, or discharge of such member. (2)In the case of a member whom the Secretary concerned knows has a history of opioid use disorder, such Secretary concerned shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of such history within 60 days of the separation. retirement, or discharge of such member..
Section 194
569A. Report on the number of veterans who have their military acquired credentials recognized at the State-level for the civilian workforce Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Labor, shall submit to Congress a report that builds on the data reported in the DoD Credentialing Utilization report from 2018 (3-BB02A16) to better assess the effectiveness of the Credentialing Programs for post-military civilian employment. The report under subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment of the number of veterans who successfully transfer their eligible professional credentials to civilian jobs. An assessment of which certifications were most commonly used for post-military civilian employment, such as airplane mechanics. An assessment on any other barriers veterans face to transferring military mechanical skills to State certifications. In this section: The term applicable licensing authority means the licensing authority by a State for a given vocation in which the veteran works or would like to work. The term eligible professional credential means a professional credential, including a professional credential in the field of airplane mechanics, obtained using expenses paid pursuant to the program under section 2015 of title 10, United States Code. The term expenses has the meaning given such term in such section. The term State means each of the several States and territories and the District of Columbia.
Section 195
569B. Training and internships for transitioning members through institutions of higher education The Secretary of Defense may conduct outreach to institutions of higher education in order to enter into more agreements with such institutions of higher education that may provide training or internships to members of the Armed Forces pursuant to the Skillbridge program established under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code. In this section, the term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
Section 196
569C. Opt-out sharing of information on members retiring or separating from the Armed Forces with community-based organizations and related entities Section 570F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1142 note) is amended— in subsection (c)— by striking out the form to indicate an email address and inserting the following: “out the form to indicate— an email address; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: if the individual would like to opt-out of the transmittal of the individual’s information to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a). by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: Information on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal. (1)an email address; and; and (2)if the individual would like to opt-out of the transmittal of the individual’s information to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a).; and (d)Opt-Out of information sharingInformation on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal..
Section 197
569D. Addressing mental health issues in the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense and the Solid Start program of the Department of Veterans Affairs Section 1142(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (5), by inserting (11), before and (16); and by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following: Information concerning mental health, including— the availability of mental health services furnished by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or a non-profit entity; the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, or other mental health conditions associated with service in the armed forces; the risk of suicide, including signs, symptoms, and risk factors (including adverse childhood experiences, depression, bipolar disorder, homelessness, unemployment, and relationship strain); the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse; the potential effects of the loss of community and support systems experienced by a member separating from the armed forces; isolation from family, friends, or society; and the potential stressors associated with separation from the armed forces. Section 6320(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as subparagraphs (I) and (J), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new subparagraphs: assisting eligible veterans who elect to enroll in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705(a) of this title; educating veterans about mental health and counseling services available through the Veterans Health Administration; Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the information and materials developed pursuant to the amendments made by this section. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives. (11)Information concerning mental health, including—(A)the availability of mental health services furnished by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or a non-profit entity;(B)the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, sleep disorders, suicidal ideation, or other mental health conditions associated with service in the armed forces;(C)the risk of suicide, including signs, symptoms, and risk factors (including adverse childhood experiences, depression, bipolar disorder, homelessness, unemployment, and relationship strain);(D)the availability of treatment options and resources to address substance abuse, including alcohol, prescription drug, and opioid abuse;(E)the potential effects of the loss of community and support systems experienced by a member separating from the armed forces;(F)isolation from family, friends, or society; and(G)the potential stressors associated with separation from the armed forces.. (G)assisting eligible veterans who elect to enroll in the system of patient enrollment under section 1705(a) of this title;(H)educating veterans about mental health and counseling services available through the Veterans Health Administration;.
Section 198
569E. Amendments to pathways for counseling in Transition Assistance Program Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (R); and by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following: Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program). The employment status of other adults in the household of the member. The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty). The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member. Whether the member is an Indian or urban Indian, as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (Public Law 94–437; 25 U.S.C. 1603). (M)Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program).(N)The employment status of other adults in the household of the member.(O)The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty).(P)The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member.(Q)Whether the member is an Indian or urban Indian, as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (Public Law 94–437; 25 U.S.C. 1603)..
Section 199
569F. Records of a separating member: provision of electronic copies Section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (d)— by inserting (1) before In the case; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Secretary concerned shall provide to a member described in subsection (a) an electronic copy of the member's service medical record not later than 30 days before the member separates, retires, or is discharged. by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Secretary concerned shall provide to a member described in subsection (a) an electronic copy of the member’s separation documents (including a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214)) not later than 15 days after such member separates, retires, or is discharged. (2)The Secretary concerned shall provide to a member described in subsection (a) an electronic copy of the member's service medical record not later than 30 days before the member separates, retires, or is discharged.; and (f)Separation documentsThe Secretary concerned shall provide to a member described in subsection (a) an electronic copy of the member’s separation documents (including a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214)) not later than 15 days after such member separates, retires, or is discharged..
Section 200
569G. Skillbridge for the submarine industrial base Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary concerned shall— conduct a survey to determine which such employers in the submarine industrial base are experiencing workforce shortages; and use the Skillbridge program to provide members training under such program with such employers. In selecting an employer under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall give preference to smaller employers. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on implementation of this section.
Section 201
571. Staffing of Department of Defense Education Activity schools to maintain maximum student-to-teacher ratios Section 589B(c) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3659) is amended by striking 2023-2024 academic year and inserting 2029-2030 academic year.
Section 202
572. Improvements to certain schools of the Department of Defense Education Activity The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall require each teacher in a 21st century school to undergo training in accordance with this subsection. The training required under paragraph (1) shall consist of specialized instruction to provide teachers with the skills necessary to effectively teach in a 21st century school environment, including instruction in— understanding and using the physical space of a 21st century school classroom; building the relationships necessary to succeed, including relationships with students and other teachers; the curriculum and level of academic rigor necessary to increase student learning; other skills necessary to support the academic achievement and social and emotional well being of students; and such other topics as the Secretary and the Director determine appropriate. The training required under paragraph (1) shall be provided as follows: In the case of a teacher who has been assigned to a 21st century school, but has not commenced teaching in such school, the training shall be provided before the teacher commences teaching in such school. In the case of a teacher who previously taught in a 21st century school, but subsequently taught in a school that is not a 21st century school for one or more school years, such training shall be provided before the teacher resumes teaching in a 21st Century School. In the case of a teacher who is teaching in a 21st century school as of the date of the enactment of this Act, such training shall be provided not later than 180 days after such date of enactment. In the case of a teacher who teaches in a 21st century school on an ongoing basis, and who previously received training under this subsection, such training shall be provided not less frequently than once every three years. The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, is authorized to pay a bonus to an individual who— meets the eligibility requirements under paragraph (2); and enters into a service agreement under paragraph (3) pursuant to which the individual agrees to serve as a teacher in a high-need school. The Secretary may pay a bonus under this subsection to an individual only if the individual— is newly appointed as an employee of the Department of Defense Education Activity; or is currently employed by the Activity; and accepts an Activity teaching position in a high-need school. To be eligible to receive a bonus under this subsection, an individual shall enter into a contract or other agreement with the Secretary of Defense pursuant to which the individual agrees to serve as a teacher in a high-need school. Such contract or other agreement shall specify— the commencement and termination dates of the required service period; the location of the service; the amount of the bonus; and the terms of repayment, in accordance with paragraph (6), if the employee fails to complete the required service period. The amount of each bonus under this subsection shall be determined by the Secretary of Defense. Each bonus under this subsection shall be disbursed as a lump sum payment made at or before the commencement of an individual’s required service period as set forth in the agreement under paragraph (3). Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an individual who receives a bonus under this subsection and who does not complete the term of the required service period specified in the agreement under paragraph (3) shall repay such bonus to the Secretary of Defense in a pro rata manner. The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement to repay a bonus under subparagraph (A) on a case-by-case basis. A bonus under this subsection is not part of the basic pay of an employee for any purpose. The authority of the Secretary of Defense to pay bonuses under this subsection shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall carry out a pilot program under which a qualified individual may receive and use the Department of State Standardized Regulations education allowance to pay for a dependent child of such individual to attend a non-DODEA school in Bahrain for the applicable school year. Participation in the pilot program under this subsection shall be limited to— not more than 15 qualified individuals; and a total of not more than 30 dependent children of such individuals. Any prohibition on the use of the Department of State Standardized Regulations education allowance in an area served by a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity shall not apply to a qualified individual participating in the pilot program under this subsection. The authority of the Secretary of Defense to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate at the conclusion of the applicable school year. In this section: The term 21st century school means a school facility operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity that has been constructed or modernized pursuant to the 21st Century Schools Program of the Activity. The term applicable school year means the first school year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. The term high-need school means a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity that— is located outside the United States; and has difficulty in recruiting or retaining teachers, as determined by the Secretary of Defense. The term non-DODEA school means a school that is not operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. The term qualified individual means an individual who— is a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and stationed in Bahrain pursuant to a permanent change of station order; or is a civilian employee of the Department of Defense who— is employed on a permanent full-time basis; is stationed in Bahrain; and is a citizen or a national of the United States; is authorized to transport the dependent child of such individual to and from Bahrain at the expense of the Federal Government; and receives a housing allowance for living quarters in Bahrain. The term United States means each of the several States and the District of Columbia.
Section 203
573. Prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion policy bodies for DODEA schools The Secretary of Defense may not establish or maintain any committee, panel, office, or other organization with responsibility for matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Section 204
574. DoDEA overseas transfer program Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of Department of Defense Education Activity (in this section referred to as DoDEA), shall develop and implement a transfer program under which DoDEA educators may transfer to DoDEA overseas locations. The program established under this section— shall not require a DoDEA educator to teach in the United States prior to transfer; shall be subject to collective bargaining agreements between DoDEA and their employees; and shall be carried out subject to current law. The Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on the transfer program established under this section not later than January 31, 2025, and, after implementing such program, not later than April 1, 2025.
Section 205
575. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 by section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $50,000,000 shall be available only for the purpose of providing assistance to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of section 572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 20 U.S.C. 7703b). Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $20,000,000 shall be available for payments under section 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–77; 20 U.S.C. 7703a). In this section, the term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).
Section 206
576. Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for purposes of Federal impact aid programs On an annual basis, each commander of a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of a military department shall submit to such Secretary a written certification verifying whether the commander has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of such certification. Not later June 30 of each year, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report, based on the information received under subsection (a), that identifies— each military installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary that has confirmed the information contained in all impact aid source check forms received from local educational agencies as of the date of the report; and each military installation that has not confirmed the information contained in such forms as of such date. In this section: The term impact aid source check form means a form submitted to a military installation by a local educational agency to confirm the number and identity of children eligible to be counted for purposes of the Federal impact aid program under section 7003(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)). The term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Section 207
577. Pilot program to establish inclusive playgrounds for military families enrolled in Exceptional Family Member Program of the Department of Defense Not later than January 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (in this section referred to as the Under Secretary) shall establish a military families playground pilot program (in this section referred to as the Program) to design, develop, and construct playgrounds that directly support families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of access to playgrounds on military installations. The Under Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the military departments, and any other individual that the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, shall form a governing body to oversee and be responsible for administration of the Program. The governing body required by subparagraph (A) shall, at a minimum, include one representative of families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. The objective of the Program is to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for military families, especially families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, by designing, developing, and constructing inclusive playgrounds that— incorporate the principles of universal access and design; welcome children and families to develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally; are accessible and ensure all children, including children with visible and non-visible disabilities (as defined in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)), have play options to help such children grow and learn; and balance a play experience that is beneficial to all children, including children with visible and non-visible disabilities, at all stages of development and at all levels of sensory engagement. In carrying out the Program, the Under Secretary shall— select not fewer than 6 military installations located within a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States that have the largest communities of families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program; design, develop, and construct one inclusive playground at each military installation selected under subparagraph (A); and establish policies, procedures, and standards for developing and constructing inclusive playgrounds under the Program. The Under Secretary may carry out the requirement under paragraph (4)(B) to construct an inclusive playground at each military installation selected under paragraph (4)(A) by upgrading an existing playground at the installation to meet the requirements of the Program. Not later than March 28, 2025, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a strategy for the implementation of the Program. The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A governance structure for the Program, including— the officials tasked with oversight of the Program; the format of the governing body of the Program established under subsection (a)(2); the functions and duties of the governing body with respect to establishing and maintaining the Program; and mechanisms for coordinating with the military departments. With respect to the selection of military installations under subsection (a)(4)— an identification of each military installation; the rationale for selecting each military installation; and any other information the Under Secretary considers appropriate. A description of objectives for the first 3 fiscal years of the Program, including— a description of, and a rational for selecting, those objectives; an identification of milestones toward achieving those objectives; and metrics for evaluating success in achieving those objectives. A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future expansion of the Program, as appropriate. A list of additional authorities, appropriations, or other support from Congress necessary to ensure the success of the Program. Any other information the Under Secretary considers appropriate.
Section 208
578. Parental right to notice of student nonproficiency in reading or language arts The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each elementary school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity notifies the parents of any student enrolled in such school when the student does not score as grade-level proficient in reading or language arts at the end of the third grade based on the reading or language arts assessments administered under section 1111(b)(2)(B)(v)(I)(aa) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(B)(v)(I)(aa)) or another assessment administered to all third grade students by such school.
Section 209
579. Instruction in artificial intelligence and machine learning in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall require that each student of a high school operated by the Activity receives instruction in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including instruction in— the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning; definitions of artificial intelligence and machine learning; the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications; and such other topics relating to artificial intelligence and machine learning as the Secretary determines appropriate. The instruction required under subsection (a) may be incorporated into one or more existing courses taught at high schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity. The requirement to provide the instruction described in subsection (a) shall apply beginning with the first school year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section, the term high school has the meaning given that term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
Section 210
579A. GAO study on child care services provided or paid for by the Department of Defense The Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a study to assess the child care programs of the Department of Defense, including military child development centers, family home day care, Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, and Child Care in Your Home. Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report regarding the results of the study under subsection (a). Such report shall include the following information, disaggregated by covered Armed Force: The period of time military families in each priority category are on a waiting list from the time of submitting a request on militarychildcare.com until the time of final approval. The percentage of military families that submitted a request for child care services through militarychildcare.com and did not receive an offer within three months of the date requested. The average percentage of annual income a military family spends on child care per child. The percentage of military families that require more than one such child care program to meet child care needs. The current amount allocated to each covered Armed Force for the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood and Child Care in Your Home programs. How much of the amount described in paragraph (5) is spent on— administration; child care services for military families. In this section: The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The terms military child development center and family home day care have the meanings given such terms in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 211
579B. Prohibition on availability of funds for certain materials in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise mad available for fiscal year 2025 or any fiscal year thereafter for the Department of Defense Education Activity may be obligated or expended to purchase, maintain, or display in a school library or classroom— any material that contains, depicts, or otherwise includes pornographic content; or any material that espouses, advocates, or promotes radical gender ideology. The Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity shall ensure that any material described in subsection (a) that this is in a library or classroom of a school operated by the Activity is removed not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section: The term pornographic content means any virtual-reality technology, video, image, drawing, sound, instruction, reading material, writing material, presented via any medium in a classroom, school library, on school grounds, or as part of a school-sponsored or school-affiliated event that depicts, describes, or presents, in whole or in part— nudity, sex organs, or sexual acts; obscenity; indecent material (as defined by the Secretary of Defense taking into consideration applicable Federal regulations); or lewd or sexual acts in a manner intended to cause sexual arousal. The term radical gender ideology means any concept, teaching, instruction, or curriculum that— states or suggests biological sex is a social construct; states or suggests biological sex is fluid, interchangeable, or exists beyond the binary of male and female; states or suggests that an individual can be trapped in the wrong body or have a different identity than that of their biological sex; encourages, promotes, or advocates the use of personal pronouns unaligned with an individual’s biological sex; or encourages, promotes, or advocates hormone replacement, puberty blockers, or gender reassignment surgery as a safe, necessary, or optional treatment for an individual.
Section 212
579C. Prohibitions on provision of gender transition services through an Exceptional Family Member Program of the Armed Forces No gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, may be provided to a minor dependent child through an EFMP. No referral for procedures described in subsection (a) may be provided to a minor dependent child through an EFMP. No change of duty station may be approved through an EFMP for the purpose of providing a minor dependent child with access to procedures described in subsection (a). In this section, the term EFMP means the program referred to as the Exceptional Family Member Program under section 1781c(d)(4)(I) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 213
579D. Report on separating members who have health care experience and Medical Reserve Corps By not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the process by which members of the Armed Forces with health care experience transition to civilian life and the number such members who join the Medical Reserve Corps.
Section 214
579E. Prohibition of TikTok The Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity shall publish guidance prohibiting the use of TikTok for instructional purposes at schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Section 215
579F. Report on effectiveness of the exceptional family member program Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that includes— the results of a study of the effectiveness of the Exceptional Family Member program authorized under section 1781c(e) of title 10, United States Code, with respect to the manner by which it currently supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and recommendations to improve the program.
Section 216
579G. Study on high-impact tutoring in DoDEA schools Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the results of a study on— the current usage of tutoring programs in Department of Defense Education Activity elementary and secondary schools; the extent to which current tutoring programs in Department of Defense Education Activity elementary and secondary schools incorporate elements of high-impact tutoring, including tutoring that— is in math, reading, or both subjects for at least 30 minutes during the school day and for at least 3 days per week during the school year; is taught by a licensed Department of Defense Education Activity elementary or secondary school teacher or paraprofessional with a student-to-tutor ratio of no more than 3-to-1; is on a set schedule and with the same tutor each week; in the case of tutoring that takes place during a regular class, occurs in a classroom or area that is separate from such regular class; and with respect to a student, is related to and aligned with the classwork in the student’s regular classes; how to increase the participation of students enrolled in Department of Defense Education Activity elementary and secondary schools in tutoring programs, particularly those tutoring programs with the elements described in paragraph (2), while not reducing funds available for existing Department of Defense Education Activity programs and teacher and staff compensation; and how to develop a licensed tutoring workforce for Department of Defense Education Activity elementary and secondary schools.
Section 217
581. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for acts of valor during the Korean War Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 8298 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 8291 of such title to E. Royce Williams for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of E. Royce Williams,— as a lieutenant in the Navy, on November 18, 1952, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross and the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit of South Korea; and as an Ace fighter pilot who shot down multiple MiG aircraft.
Section 218
582. Authorization for award of the Medal of Honor to Thomas H. Griffin for acts of valor as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War Congress recognizes the following acts of valor by Thomas Helmut Griffin: Thomas Helmut Griffin distinguished himself by valorous actions against overwhelming odds while serving as a captain in the Army, Senior Advisor, 4/5 Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. From March 1, 1969 through March 3, 1969, during the Vietnam War, such battalion was ordered to forestall an imminent attack on Quang Ngai City threatened by units of the North Vietnamese Army (hereinafter, NVA). The 4/5 Battalion engaged unabatedly with an entrenched NVA regiment over the course of three days. Captain Griffin (hereinafter, CPT Griffin) risked his life and disregarded his personal safety, all above and beyond his duty, on some 20 occasions, to lead his battalion in the fight as well as direct gunships, air, and artillery strikes on the enemy positions. During the initial phase of battle, CPT Griffin made numerous trips across 50 meters of open ground, while under heavy automatic weapon, rocket, and small arms fire, to advise on the conduct of the battle and better direct strikes against enemy forces. Fearing slaughter of his soldiers, CPT Griffin, with one of his counterparts from the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (hereinafter, ARVN), charged directly into heavy enemy fire and assaulted a machine gun bunker. CPT Griffin continued these runs, despite the enemy shooting the heels off CPT Griffin’s boots. After taking out the NVA bunker, CPT Griffin brandished the captured machine gun and rocket launcher to exhort his battalion out of the kill zone and continue the assault into the enemy entrenchments while remaining exposed to heavy fire. CPT Griffin’s raw and intense close combat leadership galvanized his battalion to move out of the kill zone and continue their mission. CPT Griffin’s ARVN counterpart was struck by close fire, and CPT Griffin unhesitatingly carried the wounded commander to safety while shielding him with his own body against rocket and artillery fire. CPT Griffin proceeded to carry four more wounded soldiers to safety while protecting them with his own body, returning each time against devastating enemy fire. While leading the final attack, CPT Griffin was hit three times in the chest by enemy small arms fire, yet continued to lead at the forefront of his battalion until the mission was completed. Under CPT Griffin’s command and leadership, the 4/5 Battalion continued to reduce the enemy regiment’s fighting capacity. CPT Griffin’s personal leadership in intense close combat resulted in a major win for his battalion against overwhelming odds, killing 93 enemy soldiers and saving the lives of over 300 allied soldiers by galvanizing and leading them out of the kill zone. CPT Griffin’s selfless devotion to duty, his extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, and numerous risks of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are all in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army, and reflect great credit on himself, the Armed Forces, and the United States. Congress finds the following with regards to the original decision to award a Silver Star to Thomas Helmut Griffin: When awarding him the Silver Star, CPT Griffin’s chain of command was unaware of the full extent of his valorous actions and the numerous risks he took for his soldiers, all above and beyond the call of duty. Congress notes that although CPT Griffin was struck three times by enemy fire, and at one point was completely surrounded by the enemy, he continued to fight and lead his battalion against devastating and overwhelming enemy fire. Congress notes that CPT Griffin’s Commanding Officer, Colonel Dean E. Hutter (ret.), sent a letter to the Department of the Army dated November 6, 2013, in which he accounts for the revelation of additional, substantive and material evidence not known at the time of the decision to award the Silver Star, and in which he describes as compelling the justice of upgrading CPT Griffin’s sustained and varied acts of combat valor to their rightful level of recognition, the Medal of Honor. Congress further notes that Colonel Hutter issued a letter to former United States Representative Sam Farr on September 15, 2011, noting his support for an upgrade from a Silver Star to a Medal of Honor, having recognized CPT Griffin’s acts of valor as, numerous, selfless demonstrations of personal risk in pressing a close-combat attack against a well-entrenched element of a battalion-size enemy formation. Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Thomas Helmut Griffin for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Thomas H. Griffin during the period of March 1 through March 3, 1969, while serving as a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
Section 219
583. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr. for acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to James Capers, Jr. for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of James Capers, Jr., as a member of the Marine Corps, during the period of March 31 through April 3, 1967, during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
Section 220
584. Authorization of award of medal of honor to Gregory McManus for acts of valor Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Gregory McManus for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the following: Chief Warrant Officer Gregory McManus distinguished himself for his brave acts of valor while serving in the United States Army by risking his life to save the lives of his fellow servicemembers. Chief Warrant Officer McManus deserves recognition for his acts of valor while serving as the commander of a single helicopter gunship on an important mission north of Chai Duc. Discovering an envoy of hundreds of enemy troops along the Cambodian border, Chief Warrant Officer McManus attacked the enemy without hesitation. Chief Warrant Officer McManus disregarded the tracers that rose to meet him, firing rockets the entire length of the convoy, confusing the enemy, and scattering the troop column. Chief Warrant Officer McManus then attacked an armored vehicle with a mounted machine gun, destroying it and a large artillery piece which it was towing. Over and over, Chief Warrant Officer McManus flew through heavy automatic weapons and machine gun fire to attack the enemy, only deciding to return when his ordinance was expended, and his ship had taken so much damage that further flight was inadvisable. With this noble deed, Chief Warrant Officer McManus was able to destroy the enemy unit and scattered the rest in disorder with a single ship. Disregarding the size and scope of the enemy troop’s convoy, Chief Warrant Officer McManus put his own life in danger, all in the service of his country and members of the Armed Forces. Because of the heroic actions of Chief Warrant Officer McManus, countless American soldier’s lives were saved. These actions of heroism by Chief Warrant Officer McManus deserves recognition and demonstrates this hero of the United States more than deserve the medal of honor.
Section 221
585. Authorization for Last Servicemember Standing medal Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating sections 1135 and 1136 as sections 1136 and section 1137, respectively; and by inserting after section 1134 the following new section: The Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the Last Servicemember Standing medal, to persons eligible under subsection (c). The Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances. Subject to subsection (d), a person eligible to be issued the Last Servicemember Standing medal is any member who— served on active duty; was deployed during war or overseas contingency operation; as a result of a combat instance during such war or overseas contingency, was the last surviving member of a unit; demonstrated extraordinary heroism in defense of the United States during such combat instance; and whose character is recommended for recognition by their commanding officer and at least two peers. Not more than one Last Servicemember Standing medal may be issued to any person. If a person described in subsection (c) is deceased, the Secretary concerned may provide for issuance of the Last Servicemember Standing medal to the next-of-kin of the person. The issuance of a Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should take appropriate actions to expedite— the design of the Last Servicemember Standing medal provided for by section 1136 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a); and the establishment and implementation of mechanisms to facilitate the issuance of the Last Servicemember Standing Medal to persons eligible for the issuance of the medal under such section. 1135.Last Servicemember Standing medal(a)Medal authorizedThe Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the Last Servicemember Standing medal, to persons eligible under subsection (c).(b)DesignThe Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances.(c)Eligible personsSubject to subsection (d), a person eligible to be issued the Last Servicemember Standing medal is any member who—(1)served on active duty;(2)was deployed during war or overseas contingency operation;(3)as a result of a combat instance during such war or overseas contingency, was the last surviving member of a unit;(4)demonstrated extraordinary heroism in defense of the United States during such combat instance; and (5)whose character is recommended for recognition by their commanding officer and at least two peers.(d)One medal authorizedNot more than one Last Servicemember Standing medal may be issued to any person.(e)Issuance to next-of-KinIf a person described in subsection (c) is deceased, the Secretary concerned may provide for issuance of the Last Servicemember Standing medal to the next-of-kin of the person.(f)RegulationsThe issuance of a Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable..
Section 222
1135. Last Servicemember Standing medal The Secretary concerned may issue a service medal, to be known as the Last Servicemember Standing medal, to persons eligible under subsection (c). The Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense, with ribbons, lapel pins, and other appurtenances. Subject to subsection (d), a person eligible to be issued the Last Servicemember Standing medal is any member who— served on active duty; was deployed during war or overseas contingency operation; as a result of a combat instance during such war or overseas contingency, was the last surviving member of a unit; demonstrated extraordinary heroism in defense of the United States during such combat instance; and whose character is recommended for recognition by their commanding officer and at least two peers. Not more than one Last Servicemember Standing medal may be issued to any person. If a person described in subsection (c) is deceased, the Secretary concerned may provide for issuance of the Last Servicemember Standing medal to the next-of-kin of the person. The issuance of a Last Servicemember Standing medal shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.
Section 223
586. Eligibility of veterans of Operation End Sweep for Vietnam Service Medal The Secretary of the military department concerned may, upon the application of an individual who is a veteran who participated in Operation End Sweep, award that individual the Vietnam Service Medal.
Section 224
587. Authorization of award of medal of honor to Joseph M. Perez for acts of valor as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War Congress recognizes the following acts of valor by Joseph M. Perez: Joseph M. Perez distinguished himself by valorous actions against overwhelming odds while serving as a Sergeant in the Army, with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in South Vietnam. On May 26, 1967, during the Vietnam War, Sergeant Perez acted as the fire team leader with the Commanding Officer of Company C and led an infantry unit conducting a search and destroy task near the Cambodian border. When the unit reached the top of a hill, they were suddenly under attack from a concealed sniper. During the initial phase of battle, Sergeant Perez and the unit took cover to assess and decide the strength of the enemy and determine the direction of where the attack was coming from. When the enemy launched a hand-grenade, the fire team returned fire. Without hesitation or concern for his personal safety, Sergeant Perez absorbed the full lethal explosion of the grenade and shielded his fellow soldiers from the blast. The explosion caused Sergeant Perez to lose his right eye and severed his right hand. The fire team moved to relocate to a safer area, leaving Sergeant Perez alone. Once Sergeant Perez regained consciousness, he crawled twenty meters to safe ground to be treated by medics. Sergeant Perez’s personal leadership in intense close combat resulted in a major win for his battalion against overwhelming odds, though he lost his eye and hand and nearly lost his life, he saved the lives of three of his fire team members from death and serious injuries from the explosion. Sergeant Perez’s selfless devotion to duty, his extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, and numerous risks of his life above and beyond the call of duty are all in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army, and reflect great credit on himself, the Armed Forces, and the United States. Congress makes the following findings: When awarding him the distinguished-service cross, Sergeant Perez’s chain of command was unaware of the full extent of his valorous actions and the numerous risks he took for his soldiers, all above and beyond the call of duty. Although Sergeant Perez absorbed the lethal explosion of a hand grenade, once he regained consciousness, he continued to move with his battalion against devastating and overwhelming enemy fire. Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Joseph M. Perez for the acts of valor described in subsection (d). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Joseph M. Perez on May 26, 1967, while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the distinguished-service cross.
Section 225
588. Authorization of award of Medal of Honor to Juan Ogo Blaz for acts of valor while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, to Juan Ogo Blaz for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Juan Ogo Blaz on January 18, 1969, while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Section 226
589. Authorization of award of Medal of Honor to Martin A. Maglona for acts of valor while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 7271 of such title, toMartin A. Maglona for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Martin A. Maglona on February 23, 1969, while serving as a member of the Army during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Section 227
591. Modification to annual reports on racial and ethnic demographics in the military justice system Section 486 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection: In addition to the information described in subsection (b), the report of a Secretary of a military department for an armed force under subsection (a) shall contain statistics and other information on administrative separations and other administrative sanctions issued during the year covered by the report, including— the number of administrative separations and other administrative sanctions issued, disaggregated by— statistical category as related to the individual subject to separation or sanction; the active and reserve components; and the category of conduct that gave rise to the separation or sanction; of the separations and sanctions included under paragraph (1), the number of cases in which the individual subject to separation or sanction made a claim against the Department of Defense (including any claims of sexual harassment or sexual assault) before the separation or other sanction was imposed; identification of each administrative case that extended beyond 90 days and an explanation for the delay; and based on all sources of information available to the Secretary, including any information available from inspectors general or equal opportunity offices, the number of complaints filed by individuals who were subjects of an administrative investigation, disaggregated by statistical category. The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of all reports submitted under section 486 of title 10, United States Code. In conducting such review, the Comptroller General shall— evaluate the sufficiency of the information contained in the reports; analyze trends based on such information; analyze the effects of disparities and other challenges revealed in such reports, including effects on— recruiting and retention; readiness; and the national security of the United States; and evaluate the progress of the Armed Forces in addressing such disparities and challenges. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1). Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a training program to ensure that personnel of the Department of Defense responsible for conducting administrative investigations have the knowledge necessary to properly conduct such investigations and to ensure the fair treatment of complainants and individuals subject to investigation. The training program under paragraph (1) shall incorporate objective testing to measure the knowledge and abilities of personnel who receive the training. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the training program under paragraph (1), which shall include— a description of the training program; and an evaluation of the results achieved by the training program as of the date of the briefing. The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations establishing due process protections for members of the Armed Forces subject to administrative investigations and related disciplinary proceedings. In issuing such regulations, the Secretary shall— establish a standard of proof that must be met before administrative discipline may be imposed on a member; ensure that a member has the opportunity to respond during each phase of an administrative investigation and disciplinary proceeding; and ensure that a member serving on a part-time basis will be placed in an appropriate duty status and fully compensated for any time spent participating or responding to the investigative or disciplinary process. On an annual basis, the head of each board for correction of military records (as described in section 1552 of title 10 United States Code) and discharge review board (as described in section 1553 of such title) shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes, with respect to to the year covered by the report— the number of cases considered by the board, disaggregated by race, sex, ethnicity, and rank as related to the member of the Armed Forces subject to the review of the board; of such cases, the number that resulted in an adverse determination against a member, disaggregated as described in paragraph (1); the reasons for such adverse determinations. (c)Information on administrative separations and other sanctionsIn addition to the information described in subsection (b), the report of a Secretary of a military department for an armed force under subsection (a) shall contain statistics and other information on administrative separations and other administrative sanctions issued during the year covered by the report, including—(1)the number of administrative separations and other administrative sanctions issued, disaggregated by—(A)statistical category as related to the individual subject to separation or sanction;(B)the active and reserve components; and(C)the category of conduct that gave rise to the separation or sanction;(2)of the separations and sanctions included under paragraph (1), the number of cases in which the individual subject to separation or sanction made a claim against the Department of Defense (including any claims of sexual harassment or sexual assault) before the separation or other sanction was imposed;(3)identification of each administrative case that extended beyond 90 days and an explanation for the delay; and(4)based on all sources of information available to the Secretary, including any information available from inspectors general or equal opportunity offices, the number of complaints filed by individuals who were subjects of an administrative investigation, disaggregated by statistical category..
Section 228
592. Provision of information regarding Federal service to certain persons determined not qualified to enlist in certain Armed Forces Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations directing the Secretary of a military department to provide, to a person described in subsection (b), information regarding opportunities for Federal service for which the person may be qualified. A person described in this subsection is a person determined not qualified to enlist in a covered Armed Force on the basis that the person— has a disqualifying medical condition for which the Secretary of the military department concerned may not issue a waiver; or enrolled in, but failed to graduate from, a future member preparatory course of such covered Armed Force. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 229
593. Modernization of dress codes and policies on military installations during non-working and non-duty status hours Not later than June 1, 2025, the Secretary of each of the military departments shall issue guidance to commanders of installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to require the modernization of dress codes or policies for members of the Armed Forces during non-working and non-duty status hours, while on military installations, and for all military dependents on military installations at any time. In this section, the term modernization means, with respect to a dress code or policy, the changing of such code or policy to the least restrictive version such code or policy, including by not requiring or restricting any generally accepted item of clothing.
Section 230
594. Pilot program to allow members in the Department of the Air Force to grow beards Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a pilot program to allow members of the Air Force and Space Force to grow beards. The Secretary shall select units from such Armed Forces to participate in the pilot program to ensure that the such units— are located in geographically diverse areas; operate in diverse environments; and perform various missions. Not later than one year after the initiation of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the interim findings of the pilot program. Not later than 90 days after the termination completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall include the recommendation of the Secretary whether to expand the pilot program or make it permanent. A report or briefing under this subsection shall include the following elements: The evaluation of the Secretary of the compatibility of beards with military equipment that requires an airtight seal, such as a gas mask. An assessment of the effect of beard growth on discipline, morale, and unity within the ranks. A determination whether allowing members to grow beards improves inclusivity, including for members with conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae or who wish to grow beards for religious purposes. Identifications of any negative perception or bias towards members with beards. Strategies to mitigate such negative perceptions or bias. The pilot program under this section shall terminate three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 231
595. Female members of certain Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense in STEM Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the results of a study on how to— increase participation of covered individuals in positions in the covered Armed Forces or Department of Defense and related to STEM; and change Skillbridge to help covered individuals eligible for Skillbridge find civilian employment in positions related to STEM. In this section: The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term covered individual means a female— member of a covered Armed Force; or civilian employee of the Department of Defense. The term Skillbridge means an employment skills training program under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code. The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Section 232
596. Study on benefits of standardizing policies regarding basic allowance for housing and family housing eligibility for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are unaccompanied and pregnant The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary concerned, shall carry out a study on the policies regarding basic allowance for housing and family housing eligibility for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are unaccompanied and who become pregnant while residing in unaccompanied housing. The study shall include the identification of— for each of the Armed Forces, the current policy regarding when unaccompanied pregnant members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing are eligible to receive basic allowance for housing; for each of the Armed Forces, the current policy regarding when unaccompanied pregnant members of the Armed Forces who reside in unaccompanied housing are eligible for admittance to the wait list for family housing and assignment of family housing; any disparities between written policies and the implementation of such policies; recommendations to standardize such policies across the Armed Forces; and any costs associated with the standardization of such policies, including with respect to any infrastructure improvements that may be needed. Not later than one year after completing the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study. Not later than 90 days after the date of the completion of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary concerned, shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide for a uniform policy across the Armed Forces with respect to basic allowance for housing and family housing eligibility for members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are unaccompanied and who become pregnant while residing in unaccompanied housing. Such policies shall include that upon providing medical certification of pregnancy and medical certification of predicted due date, an unaccompanied member of the Armed Force residing in unaccompanied housing shall be eligible to receive basic allowance for housing beginning not later than three months prior to such predicted due date.
Section 233
597. Study and report on reforms to certain grace periods under Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense The Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall conduct a comprehensive study on military grace period reforms, specifically focusing on the impact of unit tasking during TAP on the ability of servicemembers to transition to civilian life. The study shall include the following elements: A review of the current practices within the military branches regarding unit tasking during TAP ans its effect on service members’ transition process. An analysis of the challenges faced by service members when balancing their primary duties with the demands of TAP including the impact on their mental health, family life, and overall preparedness for civilian life. An assessment of current military grace periods that allow for unplanned periods of leave, temporary duty, deployments, or other unplanned periods of non-availability, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the such current military grace periods. Recommendations for the creation of a code or policy that allows servicemembers who are currently enrolled in TAP to report in only to their respective command, ensuring that such servicemembers can fully focus on the transition process. A description of any necessary resources, support systems, or additional training required to implement the proposed reforms effectively. Any other relevant information or recommendations deemed necessary by the Undersecretary of Defense to improve TAP and facilitate a successful transition for servicemembers. Not later than one year after the date of the study, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representative and the Senate a report that includes— the findings, conclusions, and recommendations resulting from the study under subsection (a); and a comprehensive plan of action, including proposed timelines, milestones, and resource requirements, for the implementation of the recommended military grace period reforms under such subsection. The Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness may request and utilize the support of other relevant government agencies, as appropriate, in conducting such study. In this section: The term military grace period reforms refers to a set of changes or amendments made to existing laws or policies that establish a designated period of time, commonly known as a grace period, during certain administrative processes or restrictions that may apply to service members in transition. The term TAP means the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Defense under sections 1142 and 1144, of title 10, United States Code.
Section 234
598. Sense of Congress regarding military service by individuals with amputations It is the sense of Congress that increasing geopolitical threats, combined with recruitment challenges experienced by the Armed Forces, are a threat to the national security interests of the United States, therefore, the Secretary of Defense should issue medical waivers to an individual seeking to serve in the Armed Forces who is precluded from serving solely because of a non-service-connected amputation.
Section 235
599. Report on National Guard sexual assault and response prevention training The Chief of the National Guard Bureau shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives containing the number of national guard members, aggregated by State, that received sexual assault and response prevention training in the preceding calendar year— not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and annually, beginning in 2026, by not later than March 30 of each year.
Section 236
599A. Commercial transition for military aviation mechanics The Secretary of Defense shall create a strategy to support the transition of military aviation mechanics to commercial aviation mechanics after active duty service.
Section 237
599B. Entrepreneurship program for servicemembers The Secretary of Defense shall study the feasibility of establishing a mentoring program for members of the Armed Forces who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or founding start-up businesses after their active duty service.
Section 238
599C. Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion; report Not later than October 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODAI). The report shall contain the following items: An overview of the appointment process used to select individuals currently serving as members of the DACODAI, including the nominating source for each individual currently serving as a DACODAI member. An explanation of how the Department ensures individuals selected to serve as members of DACODAI comprise points of view that are fairly balanced as required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act. A complete listing of all recommendations made by the DACODAI since September 23, 2022. A complete listing of all studies initiated by the DACODAI since September 23, 2022. The cost associated with operating the DACODAI since September 23, 2022.
Section 239
599D. Report on integration of chaplains into activities in the Indo-Pacific region Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the use of chaplains and the Chaplain Corps during campaigning efforts in the Indo-Pacific, that also includes the following: A summary of the manner and extent to which chaplains are deliberately integrated into campaigning events in the Indo-Pacific to build relationships and partnerships with partners and host countries. A description of the deployment and exercise events chaplains are integrated into. A list of host country or partner outreach events that chaplains hosted or supported. An assessment of future integration planned for chaplains in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.
Section 240
601. Policy on postpartum physical fitness tests and body composition assessments Section 701(k) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— by striking gives birth and inserting is pregnant; and by striking such birth and inserting birth, loss of pregnancy, or stillbirth.
Section 241
602. Extension of parental leave to members of the Coast Guard Reserve Section 711 of chapter 40 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking is a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force who. Such section is redesignated as section 710a of such title. The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2025.
Section 242
603. Prohibition on exposing members of the Armed Forces to Chinese military company investments through the Thrift Savings Plan Section 211 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: A member of the armed forces may not participate or invest in the Thrift Savings Plan mutual fund window pursuant to section 8438(b)(5) of title 5 if that window includes a mutual fund that holds a Chinese military company (as that term is defined in section 1260H of Public Law 116–283) as determined by the mutual fund’s most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not be construed to limit access of members of the Armed Forces to Thrift Savings Plan mutual funds that do not include any Chinese military company (as defined in section 1260H of Public Law 116–283). (e)Limitation on mutual fund windowA member of the armed forces may not participate or invest in the Thrift Savings Plan mutual fund window pursuant to section 8438(b)(5) of title 5 if that window includes a mutual fund that holds a Chinese military company (as that term is defined in section 1260H of Public Law 116–283) as determined by the mutual fund’s most recent quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission..
Section 243
604. Elimination of cap on additional retired pay for extraordinary heroism for members of the Army and Air Force who served during the Vietnam Era Title 10, United States Code, is amended— in section 1402(f)(2), by striking The amount and inserting Except in the case of a member who served during the Vietnam Era (as that term is defined in section 12731 of this title), the amount; in section 7361(a)(2), by inserting (except in the case of a member who served during the Vietnam Era, as that term is defined in section 12731 of this title) after based; and in section 9361(a)(2), by inserting (except in the case of a member who served during the Vietnam Era, as that term is defined in section 12731 of this title) after based.
Section 244
605. Expansion of bereavement leave Section 701(l)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking two weeks and inserting 12 weeks.
Section 245
606. Program to assist service members at risk of suicide Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop and implement a centralized program to monitor and provide assistance to members of the Armed Forces at risk of suicide who have been recently discharged from health care, as outlined in Recommendation 6.29 of the final report issued by the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee. The centralized program referred to in subsection (a) shall specify the following: The individual and agency responsible for conducting service member follow up. The time when initial follow-up will occur. The times when subsequent follow-ups will occur. The manner in which patients will be contacted. The process for documentation of follow-up attempts. The procedures for ensuring patient safety where patient is unreachable. The processes for medical treatment facilities to link mortality data to health care delivery data in order to better identify settings and patients at higher risk of suicide, further inform local suicide prevention strategies for targeted high-risk groups, and ensure compliance with reporting and investigating suicides occurring within 72 hours of discharge from a hospital. For purposes of this section, the term members of the Armed Forces at risk of suicide includes members of the Armed Forces who have attempted suicide and members of the Armed Forces who have been discharged as patients and who have been clinically assessed as benefitting from follow-up support related to suicide prevention.
Section 246
611. Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty Subchapter I of Chapter 5 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 301e, the following new section: Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a regular member of a covered armed force is entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount specified in subsection (b)(1) if the member— is entitled to basic pay; holds (or is in training leading to) an explosive ordnance disposal duty designator; and is in and remains in explosive ordnance disposal duty on a career basis. Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a covered armed force who is entitled to basic pay but is not entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under paragraph (1) is entitled to explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount prescribed pursuant to subsection (b)(2) for any period during which such member performs explosive ordnance disposal duty under orders. Continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(1) shall be in the following amounts: Explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(2)— shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; may not, for any month, exceed the maximum amount specified in paragraph (1); and may not be less per day than the amount under subsection (d). Years of explosive ordnance disposal duty by a member shall be computed beginning with the effective date of the initial order to such member to perform explosive ordnance disposal duty. Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and to the extent provided for by appropriations, for each day that a member of the reserve component of a covered armed force who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of this title, performs, under orders, explosive ordnance disposal duty, such member is eligible for an increase in compensation equal to one-thirtieth of the continuous monthly incentive pay under subsection (b)(1) for a member of corresponding years of service entitled to basic pay. In this section: The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term explosive ordnance disposal has the meaning given such term in section 2284 of title 10. The term explosive ordnance disposal duty means duty performed by a member of a covered armed force, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in explosive ordnance disposal. Section 301f of title 37, United States Code, added by this section, shall take effect on the day that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act and apply to explosive ordnance disposal duty performed on or after such day. 301f.Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty.(a)Eligibility(1)Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a regular member of a covered armed force is entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount specified in subsection (b)(1) if the member—(A)is entitled to basic pay;(B)holds (or is in training leading to) an explosive ordnance disposal duty designator; and(C)is in and remains in explosive ordnance disposal duty on a career basis.(2)Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a covered armed force who is entitled to basic pay but is not entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under paragraph (1) is entitled to explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount prescribed pursuant to subsection (b)(2) for any period during which such member performs explosive ordnance disposal duty under orders.(b)Rates(1)Continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(1) shall be in the following amounts:Years of explosive ordnance disposal duty (including training):Monthly Rate2 or fewer$125Over 2 $156 Over 3 $188 Over 4 $206 Over 6 $650Over 8 $800 Over 10 $1,000 Over 17 $840 Over 22 $585 Over 24 $385 Over 25$250(2)Explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(2)—(A)shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; (B)may not, for any month, exceed the maximum amount specified in paragraph (1); and(C)may not be less per day than the amount under subsection (d).(c)Computation of yearsYears of explosive ordnance disposal duty by a member shall be computed beginning with the effective date of the initial order to such member to perform explosive ordnance disposal duty.(d)Applicability to certain duty in the reserve componentsUnder regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and to the extent provided for by appropriations, for each day that a member of the reserve component of a covered armed force who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of this title, performs, under orders, explosive ordnance disposal duty, such member is eligible for an increase in compensation equal to one-thirtieth of the continuous monthly incentive pay under subsection (b)(1) for a member of corresponding years of service entitled to basic pay.(e)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.(2)The term explosive ordnance disposal has the meaning given such term in section 2284 of title 10.(3)The term explosive ordnance disposal duty means duty performed by a member of a covered armed force, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in explosive ordnance disposal..
Section 247
301f. Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty. Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a regular member of a covered armed force is entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount specified in subsection (b)(1) if the member— is entitled to basic pay; holds (or is in training leading to) an explosive ordnance disposal duty designator; and is in and remains in explosive ordnance disposal duty on a career basis. Subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member of a covered armed force who is entitled to basic pay but is not entitled to continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under paragraph (1) is entitled to explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay in the amount prescribed pursuant to subsection (b)(2) for any period during which such member performs explosive ordnance disposal duty under orders. Continuous monthly explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(1) shall be in the following amounts: Explosive ordnance disposal duty incentive pay under subsection (a)(2)— shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of Defense; may not, for any month, exceed the maximum amount specified in paragraph (1); and may not be less per day than the amount under subsection (d). Years of explosive ordnance disposal duty by a member shall be computed beginning with the effective date of the initial order to such member to perform explosive ordnance disposal duty. Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and to the extent provided for by appropriations, for each day that a member of the reserve component of a covered armed force who is entitled to compensation under section 206 of this title, performs, under orders, explosive ordnance disposal duty, such member is eligible for an increase in compensation equal to one-thirtieth of the continuous monthly incentive pay under subsection (b)(1) for a member of corresponding years of service entitled to basic pay. In this section: The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term explosive ordnance disposal has the meaning given such term in section 2284 of title 10. The term explosive ordnance disposal duty means duty performed by a member of a covered armed force, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in explosive ordnance disposal.
Section 248
612. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities Section 910(g) of title 37, United States Code, relating to income replacement payments for reserve component members experiencing extended and frequent mobilization for active duty service, is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025. The following sections of title 10, United States Code, are amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025: Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate accession program. Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve. Section 333(i) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025. The following sections of title 37, United States Code, are amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025: Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for enlisted members. Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for officers. Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers. Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive pay authorities for officers in health professions. Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus for cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty pay. Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special duty pay. Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay or proficiency bonus. Section 355(h), relating to retention incentives for members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units. Section 403(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (7)(E), relating to an area covered by a major disaster declaration or containing an installation experiencing an influx of military personnel, by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025; and in paragraph (8)(C), relating to an area where actual housing costs differ from current rates by more than 20 percent, by striking September 30, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 249
613. Assignment incentive pay for members assigned to Creech Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Fallon The Secretary concerned may designate the assignment of a member of the Armed Forces to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, or Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, as an assignment that makes the member eligible for assignment incentive pay under section 307a of title 37, United States Code. In this section, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
Section 250
621. Basic needs allowance: exclusion of basic allowance for housing from the calculation of gross household income of an eligible member of the Armed Forces Section 402b(k)(1)(B) of title 37, United States Code, is amended— by striking in and all that follows through portion of; and by striking that the Secretary concerned elects to exclude and inserting paid to such member.
Section 251
622. Basic allowance for housing: pilot program to outsource rate calculation Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with a covered entity pursuant to which the covered entity shall calculate, using industry-standard machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms, the monthly rates of BAH for not fewer than 15 MHAs. Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the evaluation of the Secretary of the rates calculated by a covered entity pursuant to an agreement under subsection (a). In this section The term BAH means the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services under section 403 of title 37, United States Code. The term covered entity means a nationally recognized entity in the field of single-family housing that has data on local rental rates in real estate markets across the United States. The term MHA means military housing area.
Section 252
623. Travel and transportation allowances: prohibition of requirement of zero-emission vehicle An travel or transportation allowance paid pursuant to the Joint Travel Regulations for the Uniformed Services may not require that such travel or transportation be in a zero-emission vehicle.
Section 253
624. Sense of Congress on increase to the family separation allowance It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should raise the family separation allowance to the maximum allowable amount of $400 per month as authorized under section 427 of title 37, United States Code (as amended by section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 294)).
Section 254
631. Expansion of eligibility for certain benefits that arise from the death of a member of the Armed Forces Section 1475(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking for a period of more than 13 days. Section 1481(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Any person not otherwise covered by this section whose death entitles a survivor of such person to a death gratuity under section 1475 of this title. Section 633 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 10 U.S.C. 1475 note) is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (A), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: an individual not described in subparagraph (A) or (B) who is entitled to a death gratuity under section 1475 of title 10, United States Code. in paragraph (2)— by striking spouses and dependents each place it appears and inserting survivors; and in subparagraph (A), by striking spouses and other dependents of deceased members and inserting such survivors; and in subsection (b)(2), by striking the spouse and other dependents of a deceased member of the Armed Forces and inserting such a survivor. The amendments made by this section shall apply to a death that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (11)Any person not otherwise covered by this section whose death entitles a survivor of such person to a death gratuity under section 1475 of this title.. (C)an individual not described in subparagraph (A) or (B) who is entitled to a death gratuity under section 1475 of title 10, United States Code.;
Section 255
632. Payment instead of reimbursement for the transportation of certain remains to two locations if the second location is a national cemetery Section 1482(a)(8)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by striking may pay for transportation to the second place only and inserting shall not require that payment for transportation to the second place be.
Section 256
633. Information regarding paternal engagement on website of Military OneSource Section 561 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 10 U.S.C. 1781 note) is amended, in subsection (b)— by redesignating paragraphs (11) through (16) as paragraphs (12) through (17), respectively; and by inserting, after paragraph (10), the following new paragraph (11): Programs that encourage paternal engagement with the family. (11)Programs that encourage paternal engagement with the family..
Section 257
634. Military OneSource for a remarried surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Armed Forces: eligibility; information A surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Armed Forces may use the Military OneSource program of the Department of Defense regardless of whether such surviving spouse remarries after the death of such member. The Secretary of Defense shall publish and maintain, on the website for the Military OneSource program, information regarding casualty assistance for a surviving spouse described in subsection (a).
Section 258
635. Guide for survivors to claim the personal effects of a deceased member of the Armed Forces Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation of the Secretaries of the military departments, shall publish and post on the website of Military OneSource a guide regarding how a survivor of a deceased member of the Armed Forces may— receive the personal effects of such member; and file a claim with the Secretary of the military department concerned if the survivor believes such effects were disposed of incorrectly.
Section 259
636. Adoption or guardianship assistance for members of the Armed Forces and veterans Section 1052 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking qualifying adoption expenses each place it appears and inserting qualifying expenses; by striking the section heading and inserting Adoption or guardianship expenses; in subsection (a)— in the heading, by striking to reimburse; by striking carry out a program under which a member of the armed forces may be reimbursed and inserting pay; and by striking adoption of a child and inserting adoption or guardianship of a child; in subsection (b)— in the heading, by inserting and guardianships after Adoptions; by striking adoption each place it appears and inserting adoption or guardianship; and by striking reimbursed and inserting paid; in subsection (d), by striking adoption benefits and inserting adoption or guardianship; in subsection (e)— in paragraph (1)— by striking $2,000 and inserting $5,000; and by striking adoption of a child and inserting adoption or guardianship of a child; and in paragraph (2)— by striking $5,000 and inserting $10,000; and by striking adoptions and inserting adoptions or guardianships; in subsection (g)— in paragraph (1), by striking adoption each place it appears and inserting adoption or guardianship; in paragraph (2)(A), by striking adoption each place it appears and inserting adoption or guardianship; in paragraph (3), by striking adoption each place it appears and inserting adoption or guardianship; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term guardianship means a legal guardianship, as such term is defined in section 475 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675). by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f), respectively. (4)The term guardianship means a legal guardianship, as such term is defined in section 475 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675).; and
Section 260
637. Expansion of period of availability of Military OneSource program for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the period of eligibility for the Military OneSource program of the Department of Defense of an eligible individual retired, discharged, or otherwise released from the Armed Forces, and for the eligible immediate family members of such an individual, shall be the 18-month period beginning on the date of the retirement, discharge, or release, as applicable, of such individual. The Secretary shall, in such manner as the Secretary considers appropriate, inform military families and families of veterans of the Armed Forces of the wide range of benefits available through the Military OneSource program.
Section 261
641. Commissary and exchange benefits: expansion for surviving children of members of the uniformed services Section 1061 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: In this section, the term dependent has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of this title, without regard to the age of a child of a member of a uniformed service. Such section is amended in the heading by striking Reserve and Guard. (c)Dependent definedIn this section, the term dependent has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of this title, without regard to the age of a child of a member of a uniformed service..
Section 262
642. Single-use shopping bags in commissary stores Section 2485 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Defense Commissary Agency may not prohibit the use of, or charge a fee for, single-use shopping bags in a commissary store. (j)Single-use shopping bagsThe Defense Commissary Agency may not prohibit the use of, or charge a fee for, single-use shopping bags in a commissary store..
Section 263
643. Sale of certain supplies of the Navy and Marine Corps to certain former members of the Coast Guard Section 8803 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking , or the Space Force and inserting , the Space Force, or the Coast Guard.
Section 264
644. MWR retail facilities: use by civilian employees of the Armed Forces Chapter 54 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Subject to subsection (c) of this section and section 1066 of this title, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty. Subject to subsection (c), a retired civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty. A civilian employee or retired civilian employee may not purchase tobacco or a military uniform at MWR retail facilities. In this section, the term MWR retail facilities has the meaning given such term in section 1063 of this title. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations under section 1067 of such title, as added by this section, not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. 1067.MWR facilities: civilian employees(a)Current employeesSubject to subsection (c) of this section and section 1066 of this title, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty.(b)Retired employeesSubject to subsection (c), a retired civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty.(c)LimitationA civilian employee or retired civilian employee may not purchase tobacco or a military uniform at MWR retail facilities.(d)MWR retail facilities definedIn this section, the term MWR retail facilities has the meaning given such term in section 1063 of this title..
Section 265
1067. MWR facilities: civilian employees Subject to subsection (c) of this section and section 1066 of this title, a civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty. Subject to subsection (c), a retired civilian employee of the Department of Defense or department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall be permitted to use MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty. A civilian employee or retired civilian employee may not purchase tobacco or a military uniform at MWR retail facilities. In this section, the term MWR retail facilities has the meaning given such term in section 1063 of this title.
Section 266
645. Prohibition on sale of goods from companies engaged in an anti-Israel boycott Subchapter III of chapter 147 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of Defense may not knowingly permit the sale, at a commissary store or military exchange, of any good, ware, article, or merchandise from any entity that has engaged in or engages in a boycott of the State of Israel. In this section: The term boycott action means, with respect to a target entity, the refusal to deal with such entity, the termination of business activities with such entity, or the limitation of commercial relations with such entity. The term boycott of the State of Israel means a boycott action the target of which is— the State of Israel; and any company or individual doing business in or with the State of Israel; or any company authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel to do business. The term company— means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar entity; and includes any wholly-owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate of an entity described in subparagraph (A). 2497.Prohibition on sale of goods from companies engaged in an anti-Israel boycott(a)ProhibitionThe Secretary of Defense may not knowingly permit the sale, at a commissary store or military exchange, of any good, ware, article, or merchandise from any entity that has engaged in or engages in a boycott of the State of Israel.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term boycott action means, with respect to a target entity, the refusal to deal with such entity, the termination of business activities with such entity, or the limitation of commercial relations with such entity.(2)The term boycott of the State of Israel means a boycott action the target of which is—(A)the State of Israel; and(B)(i)any company or individual doing business in or with the State of Israel; or(ii)any company authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel to do business. (3)The term company—(A)means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar entity; and(B)includes any wholly-owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate of an entity described in subparagraph (A)..
Section 267
2497. Prohibition on sale of goods from companies engaged in an anti-Israel boycott The Secretary of Defense may not knowingly permit the sale, at a commissary store or military exchange, of any good, ware, article, or merchandise from any entity that has engaged in or engages in a boycott of the State of Israel. In this section: The term boycott action means, with respect to a target entity, the refusal to deal with such entity, the termination of business activities with such entity, or the limitation of commercial relations with such entity. The term boycott of the State of Israel means a boycott action the target of which is— the State of Israel; and any company or individual doing business in or with the State of Israel; or any company authorized by, licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel to do business. The term company— means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar entity; and includes any wholly-owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate of an entity described in subparagraph (A).
Section 268
651. Promotion of tax preparation assistance programs The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each member of a covered Armed Force receives, not later than March 1 of each year, a written notice regarding the MilTax program and other tax preparation assistance programs furnished by the Secretary. Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the rates of participation by members of the covered Armed Forces in the programs described in subsection (a). In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 269
652. Pilot program to inform members about certain insurance products Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to provide to a member of the covered Armed Forces, through the website of Military OneSource (established under section 561 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 10 U.S.C. 1781 note)), information regarding insurance products intended to cover living expenses, at no cost to the Federal Government, that— may arise in the event of a cancer diagnosis of such member or a dependent of such member; and the member may not be able to cover with the pay and benefits provided to such member by the Federal Government. The Secretary shall ensure that information provided to a member under subsection (a)— only refers to insurance products— that comply with all applicable laws and regulations; and that provide coverage in each State; and includes any other information the Secretary determines appropriate to help a member deal expenses described in subsection (a). The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than six months after the pilot program under this section terminates, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding such pilot program. Elements of the report shall include the following: The insurance products about which the Secretary provided information under subsection (a). The number of members who purchased such insurance products. Any other information the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term State has the meaning given such term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
Section 270
701. Assisted reproductive technology for certain members of the Armed Forces and their dependents under TRICARE Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1074o the following new section: The use of assisted reproductive technology (including in vitro fertilization, gamete retrieval, and gamete transfer) by a member of a covered armed force (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. In this section: The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term member is used as such term is used in this title and does not include a former member. Section 1086 of such title is amended— in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking subsection (d) and inserting subsections (d) and (j); and by adding at the end the following new subsection: A plan contracted for under subsection (a) may not include coverage for services under section 1074p of this title. 1074p.Assisted reproductive technology for certain members of the armed forces and their dependents under TRICARE(a)CoverageThe use of assisted reproductive technology (including in vitro fertilization, gamete retrieval, and gamete transfer) by a member of a covered armed force (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.(2)The term member is used as such term is used in this title and does not include a former member.. (j)A plan contracted for under subsection (a) may not include coverage for services under section 1074p of this title..
Section 271
1074p. Assisted reproductive technology for certain members of the armed forces and their dependents under TRICARE The use of assisted reproductive technology (including in vitro fertilization, gamete retrieval, and gamete transfer) by a member of a covered armed force (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select. In this section: The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term member is used as such term is used in this title and does not include a former member.
Section 272
702. TRICARE dental plan for the Selected Reserve Section 1076a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1)— in the header, by striking selected reserve and; and by striking for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and; in paragraph (2), in the header, by inserting Individual Ready after other; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: A dental benefits plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. in subsection (d)— by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(5) is a no premium plan. Members enrolled in a no premium plan may not be charged a premium for benefits provided under the plan. in subsection (e)(2)(A), by striking a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or; by redesignating subsections (f) through (k) as subsections (g) through (l), respectively; by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f): A member who receives dental care under a no premium plan referred to in subsection (d)(3) shall pay no charge for any care described in subsection (c). in subsection (i), as redesignated by paragraph (4), by striking subsection (k)(2) and inserting subsection (l)(2). (5)Plan for Selected ReserveA dental benefits plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.; (3)No premium plans(A)The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(5) is a no premium plan.(B)Members enrolled in a no premium plan may not be charged a premium for benefits provided under the plan. ; (f)Copayments under no premium plansA member who receives dental care under a no premium plan referred to in subsection (d)(3) shall pay no charge for any care described in subsection (c).; and
Section 273
703. Extension of effective date regarding certain improvements to the TRICARE dental program Section 1076a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking January 1, 2026 each place it appears and inserting January 1, 2027. Section 701 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1076a note) is amended— in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1), by striking January 1, 2025 and inserting January 1, 2026; and in paragraph (2), by striking January 1, 2026 and inserting January 1, 2027; and in subsection (c), by striking and 2026 and inserting 2026, and 2027.
Section 274
704. Licensure requirement for certain health care professionals providing certain examinations to members of the reserve components Section 1094(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting an examination or assessment under section 10206 of this title or after not covered under section 1091 of this title who is providing.
Section 275
705. Expansion of Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program Section 745 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended— by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: In carrying out the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program, the Secretary of Defense shall award grants on a competitive basis directly to eligible entities in accordance with this subsection. To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity shall be a nonprofit organization, the primary function of which is raising, training, and furnishing assistance dogs. An eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary of Defense an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as such Secretary determines appropriate. In determining the amount of a grant awarded under this subsection, such Secretary shall consider— the merits of the application submitted pursuant to paragraph (3); whether, and to what extent, there is demand by covered members or covered veterans for assistance dogs provided by the eligible entity desiring such grant; and the capacity and capability of such eligible entity to raise and train assistance dogs to meet such demand. An eligible entity awarded a grant under this subsection shall use such grant to plan, design, establish, or operate a program to furnish assistance dogs to covered members and covered veterans, or any combination thereof. The amount of a grant awarded under this subsection may not exceed $2,000,000. (b)Grant authority(1)In generalIn carrying out the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program, the Secretary of Defense shall award grants on a competitive basis directly to eligible entities in accordance with this subsection.(2)Eligible entitiesTo be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity shall be a nonprofit organization, the primary function of which is raising, training, and furnishing assistance dogs.(3)ApplicationsAn eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary of Defense an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as such Secretary determines appropriate.(4)Consideration for grant amountIn determining the amount of a grant awarded under this subsection, such Secretary shall consider—(A)the merits of the application submitted pursuant to paragraph (3);(B)whether, and to what extent, there is demand by covered members or covered veterans for assistance dogs provided by the eligible entity desiring such grant; and(C)the capacity and capability of such eligible entity to raise and train assistance dogs to meet such demand.(5)Use of fundsAn eligible entity awarded a grant under this subsection shall use such grant to plan, design, establish, or operate a program to furnish assistance dogs to covered members and covered veterans, or any combination thereof.(6)Limitation on grant amountThe amount of a grant awarded under this subsection may not exceed $2,000,000..
Section 276
706. Reimbursements under the TRICARE program to cancer and children’s hospitals for outpatient care of beneficiaries When evaluating an application under the TRICARE program by a cancer hospital or a children’s hospital for a general temporary military contingency payment adjustment to a reimbursement amount under the TRICARE outpatient prospective payment system, the Secretary of Defense shall consider the adequacy of the TRICARE network and the availability of specialized health care services for affected beneficiaries. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding applications, payments, and adjustments described in subsection (a). The report shall include the following elements: A list of payment mechanisms available to the Secretary to make a reimbursement described in subsection (a). A list of the authorities for such payment mechanisms. A list of the payment adjustments the Secretary may make to a reimbursement amount described in subsection (a). The factors the Secretary considers when determining whether to make such a payment adjustment. Whether the Secretary measures the effects of a change to a reimbursement or payment adjustment when determining whether to continue such a payment adjustment. Any identified differences in diagnoses or the complexity of care, for pediatric TRICARE outpatients at children's hospitals and at other hospitals. The extent to which differences in such payments reflect differences in the complexity of care for such patients. Recently identified trends in the use of children's hospital services by pediatric TRICARE patients.
Section 277
707. Notices to a dependent child regarding impending loss of coverage under TRICARE program The Secretary of Defense shall notify an individual who is a beneficiary under the TRICARE program on the basis that such individual is the dependent child of a member of a covered Armed Force, and such member and the spouse of such member (if applicable), before the end, on the 21st birthday of such individual, of the eligibility of such individual for TRICARE on such basis. The Secretary shall issue a notification under subsection (a)— nine, six, three, and one month before such birthday; and on such birthday. The Secretary shall issue such notice by mail, email, and text message. The Secretary shall ensure that the spouse of a member may complete and submit a form to renew the identification card provided by the Secretary to such dependent child. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 278
708. Pilot program to treat pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in TRICARE Select Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a five-year pilot program under which— the Secretary shall treat pregnancy as a qualifying event, under section 1099(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, for enrollment in TRICARE Select by an eligible beneficiary; and a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on active duty may enroll in TRICARE Select under paragraph (1) for a period that ends not later than 180 days after the end of pregnancy. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the status of the pilot program under subsection (a). Not later than one year after the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter for the next four years, the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program. Each such report shall include the number of covered enrollment changes, disaggregated by— month, beginning with January, 2023; and whether the eligible beneficiary made such covered enrollment change— because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on active duty who may enroll in TRICARE Select under the pilot program; because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the uniformed services who separated from active duty; because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the uniformed services who returned to active duty; because the eligible beneficiary is a dependent of a member of the uniformed services who separated from active duty; because the eligible beneficiary is a dependent of a member of the uniformed services who returned to active duty; or based on the treatment, under the pilot program, of pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in TRICARE Select. In this section: The term covered enrollment change means a change to a previous election by an eligible beneficiary under subsection (b)(1) of section 1099 of title 10, United States Code, to enroll in a health care plan designated under subsection (c) of such section. The term eligible beneficiary means an individual— eligible to enroll in TRICARE Select under section 1075(b) of title 10, United States Code; or a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on active duty. The terms TRICARE program and TRICARE Select have the meanings given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
Section 279
709. Pilot program to prevent perinatal mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of providing, through military medical treatment facilities, covered prevention programs to pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries. To carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall take the following steps: Integrate covered prevention programs into existing maternal or pediatric care or programming furnished through military medical treatment facilities, including— primary care; obstetric care; pediatric care; and family or parenting programs. Ease participation in covered prevention programs by pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries by— offering covered prevention programs at various times and locations; and providing child care to participants. Provide technical assistance regarding the implementation of covered prevention programs to personnel of military medical treatment facilities selected for the pilot program. Study the effectiveness of the pilot program in preventing the onset, or reducing the symptoms, of perinatal mental health conditions of pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries. In selecting locations for the pilot program, the Secretary shall— select at least two military medical treatment facilities per market of the Defense Health Agency; select geographically diverse locations inside and outside the continental United States; and give priority to a military medical treatment facility that already operates a maternal health program or a Women’s Clinic. The Secretary shall promote the pilot program to increase awareness and encourage participation. Not later than 180 days after the end of each year of operation of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program during such year of operation. Each such report shall include the number of pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries who participate in the pilot program, disaggregated by— by type of prevention program; Armed Force; military occupational specialty, in the case of a member; rank; marital status; birth setting of delivery; sex; age; race; and ethnicity. Not later than one year after the pilot program terminates, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees, and publish, a final report. Such report shall include the following elements: The total number of participants, described in, and disaggregated as in, paragraph (1), during the term of the pilot program. The assessment of the Secretary whether the pilot program was effective in preventing the onset, or reducing the symptoms, of perinatal mental health conditions of pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries. The recommendations of the Secretary whether, and how (including with regards to cost), to expand or make permanent the pilot program. The pilot program shall terminate on September 30, 2028. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate. The term covered beneficiary has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. The term covered prevention program means an evidence-based activity that the Secretary determines has been proven to avert the onset. or decrease the symptoms, of a perinatal mental health condition. The term military medical treatment facility means a facility described in section 1073d of title 10, United States Code. The term perinatal mental health condition means a mental health disorder that first manifests during pregnancy or the one-year postpartum period.
Section 280
710. Pilot program on cryopreservation and storage of gametes of certain members of the Armed Forces The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to reimburse covered members for expenses incurred in the testing, cryopreservation, shipping, and storage of gametes of such covered members in a private storage facility determined appropriate by the Secretary. A covered member shall receive not more than— $500 in the case of a member who preserves sperm; and $10,000 in the case of a member who preserves eggs. The Secretary shall provide to a covered member participating in the pilot program information regarding providers of services described in subsection (a) located near the covered member. Not later than— 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify covered members of the pilot program; and 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an implementation plan for the pilot program; and carry out the pilot program. The United States shall not be— considered a party to any agreement between a covered member who participates in the pilot program and a private gamete storage facility; or responsible for the management of gametes cryopreserved, or stored for which a covered member receives reimbursement under such pilot program. A covered member who participates in the pilot program shall complete an advanced medical directive that specifies how gametes preserved under the pilot program shall be handled upon the death of such covered member. The Secretary shall promote the pilot program to covered members in the course of annual health examinations and pre-deployment screenings. Not later than one year after the Secretary establishes the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program. Such report shall include the following: Usage by covered members. Demographics of participating covered members. Costs of services to participating covered members. The feasibility of expanding the pilot program. The feasibility of making the pilot program permanent. Other information determined appropriate by the Secretary. The pilot program shall terminate one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section: The term covered member means a member of a covered Armed Force serving on active duty— who has received orders (including deployment orders) for duty for which the member may receive hazardous duty pay under section 351 of title 37, United States Code; whom the Secretary determines is likely to receive such orders in the next 120 days; who will, under orders, be geographically separated from a spouse, domestic partner, or dating partner for a period exceeding 180 days; or whose application to participate in the pilot program that the Secretary approves. The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term deployment has the meaning given such term in section 991(b) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 281
711. Temporary requirement for contraception coverage parity under the TRICARE program The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, during the one-year period beginning on the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the imposition or collection of cost-sharing for certain services is prohibited as follows: Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), of section 1074g(a)(6) of title 10, United States Code, cost-sharing may not be imposed or collected with respect to any eligible covered beneficiary for any prescription contraceptive on the uniform formulary provided through a retail pharmacy described in section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(ii) of such title or through the national mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE Program. Notwithstanding any provision under section 1075 of title 10, United States Code, cost-sharing may not be imposed or collected for a covered service that is provided by a network provider under the TRICARE program to an eligible covered beneficiary under such section. Notwithstanding subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 1075a of title 10, United States Code, cost-sharing may not be imposed or collected for a covered service that is provided under TRICARE Prime to an eligible covered beneficiary under such section. In this section: The term covered service means any method of contraception approved, granted, or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, any contraceptive care (including with respect to insertion, removal, and follow up), any sterilization procedure, or any patient education or counseling service provided in connection with any such method, care, or procedure. The term eligible covered beneficiary means an eligible covered beneficiary (as such term is used in section 1074g of title 10, United States Code) on the basis of being— a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force; or a dependent of such a member. The terms TRICARE Program and TRICARE Prime have the meaning given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 282
712. TRICARE coverage for increased supply for contraception Beginning not less than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, contraceptive supplies of up to 365 days shall be covered for any eligible covered beneficiary to obtain, including in a single fill or refill, at the option of such beneficiary, the total days of supply (not to exceed a 365-day supply) for a contraceptive on the uniform formulary provided through a military treatment facility pharmacy, retail pharmacy described in section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(ii) of such title, or through the national mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE Program. Beginning not later than 90 days after the implementation of coverage under subsection (a), the Secretary shall conduct such outreach activities as are necessary to inform health care providers and individuals who are enrolled in the TRICARE program of such coverage and the requirements to receive such coverage. In this section: The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term eligible covered beneficiary means an eligible covered beneficiary as such term is used in section 1074g of title 10, United States Code who is— a member of a covered Armed Force serving on active duty; or a dependent of a member described in subparagraph (A). The terms TRICARE Program and TRICARE Prime have the meaning given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 283
713. Prohibition on coverage of certain gender transition procedures and related services under TRICARE program Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1076f the following new section (and conforming the table of sections at the beginning of such chapter accordingly): The medical care to which individuals are entitled to under this chapter does not include the services described in subsection (b) and the Secretary of Defense may not furnish any such service. The services described in this subsection are the following: Gender transition surgeries furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender. Hormone treatments furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender. 1076g.TRICARE program: prohibition on coverage and furnishment of certain gender transition surgeries and related services(a)ProhibitionThe medical care to which individuals are entitled to under this chapter does not include the services described in subsection (b) and the Secretary of Defense may not furnish any such service.(b)Services describedThe services described in this subsection are the following:(1)Gender transition surgeries furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender.(2)Hormone treatments furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender..
Section 284
1076g. TRICARE program: prohibition on coverage and furnishment of certain gender transition surgeries and related services The medical care to which individuals are entitled to under this chapter does not include the services described in subsection (b) and the Secretary of Defense may not furnish any such service. The services described in this subsection are the following: Gender transition surgeries furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender. Hormone treatments furnished for the purpose of the gender alteration of an individual who identifies as transgender.
Section 285
714. Prohibition on payment and reimbursement by Department of Defense of expenses relating to abortion services It is the sense of Congress that— consistent with section 1093 of title 10, United States Code, the Department of Defense may not use any funds for abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in a case in which the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest; the Secretary of Defense has no legal authority to implement any policies in which funds are to be used for such purpose; and the Department of Defense Memorandum titled Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care, dated October 20, 2022, is therefore unlawful and must be rescinded. The Department of Defense memorandum titled Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care, dated October 20, 2022, shall have no force or effect. No funds may be obligated or expended to carry out the memorandum specified in paragraph (1) or any successor to such memorandum. Section 1093 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Secretary of Defense may not pay for or reimburse any fees or expenses, including travel expenses, relating to a health-care professional gaining a license in a State if the purpose of gaining such license is to provide abortion services. In this subsection: The term health-care professional means a member of the armed forces, civilian employee of the Department of Defense, personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title, or other individual who provides health care at a military medical treatment facility. The term license has the meaning given that term in section 1094 of this title. (c)Prohibition on payment or reimbursement of certain fees(1)The Secretary of Defense may not pay for or reimburse any fees or expenses, including travel expenses, relating to a health-care professional gaining a license in a State if the purpose of gaining such license is to provide abortion services.(2)In this subsection:(A)The term health-care professional means a member of the armed forces, civilian employee of the Department of Defense, personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title, or other individual who provides health care at a military medical treatment facility.(B)The term license has the meaning given that term in section 1094 of this title..
Section 286
721. Identification in patient medical records of affiliation of certain non-Department of Defense health care providers Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1091 the following new section: The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that medical records of the Department of Defense include the organizational affiliation of any covered health care provider identified in such medical records. In this section, the term covered health care provider means a health care provider who is not— a member of the uniformed services; an employee of the Department of Defense; an employee of another agency of the Federal Government detailed to the Department of Defense; a personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title; or a volunteer under section 1588 of this title. 1091a.Identification in patient medical records of affiliation of certain non-Department of Defense health care providers(a)In generalThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that medical records of the Department of Defense include the organizational affiliation of any covered health care provider identified in such medical records.(b)Covered health care provider definedIn this section, the term covered health care provider means a health care provider who is not—(1)a member of the uniformed services;(2)an employee of the Department of Defense;(3)an employee of another agency of the Federal Government detailed to the Department of Defense;(4)a personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title; or(5)a volunteer under section 1588 of this title..
Section 287
1091a. Identification in patient medical records of affiliation of certain non-Department of Defense health care providers The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that medical records of the Department of Defense include the organizational affiliation of any covered health care provider identified in such medical records. In this section, the term covered health care provider means a health care provider who is not— a member of the uniformed services; an employee of the Department of Defense; an employee of another agency of the Federal Government detailed to the Department of Defense; a personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title; or a volunteer under section 1588 of this title.
Section 288
722. Mandatory training on health effects of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances The Secretary of Defense shall provide to each health care provider of the Department of Defense mandatory training regarding the potential health effects of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Section 289
723. Treatments for acute radiation syndrome incurred by overseas personnel: procurement; pre-positioning Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish requirements for the procurement and pre-positioning of treatments for acute radiation syndrome and thermal burns incurred by members of the Armed Forces assigned to duty locations outside the United States. In establishing such requirements, the Secretary shall take into account— the number of such members deployed in or near conflict zones wherein the use of nuclear weapons is a threat; and peer-reviewed and published scientific studies regarding the efficacy and operational requirements of such treatments. Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing regarding the requirements established under subsection (a). In this section: The term biological product has the meaning given such term in section 319F–1 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-6a). The term device and drug have the meaning given such terms in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321). The term treatment means a biological product, device, or drug approved, licensed, cleared, or otherwise authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.
Section 290
724. Partnerships with civilian organizations for arthroscopic surgical training Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program— to establish partnerships with public, private, and non-profit entities that provide short-term training, regarding arthroscopic surgery, to physicians of the Department of Defense; and to increase operational readiness of members of the covered Armed Forces. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the program under this section. Such report shall include the following elements: A description of the program. The metrics established under subsection (b). Other matters regarding the program that the Secretary determines appropriate. Not later than 180 days after the termination of the program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the program. Such report shall include the following elements: A list of the entities with which the Secretary established partnerships under the program. The assessment of the Secretary of the effectiveness of the program, based on criteria including— the metrics established under subsection (b); physical health assessment data, including questions on the Electronic Physical Health Assessment survey; physical readiness test data; postoperative survey data collected after a musculoskeletal intervention; and other matters regarding the program determined by the Secretary. The assessment of the Secretary regarding how much money the program saved the Department. Recommendations of the Secretary for additional legislation or administrative action based on the program. The program under this section shall terminate five years after the Secretary establishes such program. In this section, the term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 291
725. Women’s heart health educational material: development; distribution Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop and distribute evidence-based educational materials for health care providers and patients in the military health care system regarding women’s cardiovascular health. Materials for patients shall include information on the following: Women’s risk factors for heart disease. Actions women can take to improve or maintain positive cardiovascular health. The presentation and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, including symptoms that may be more common or only occur in women. Symptoms of a cardiovascular event, including symptoms that may be more common or only occur in women; Materials for a health care provider shall— include information relevant to the provision of cardiovascular health care; and be specific to the practice of such provider. Materials shall include the following information: Gender-based differences in the presentation of cardiovascular disease. Gender-based differences in the causes and presentation of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, Gender-based differences in appropriate methods to identify and treat cardiovascular disease. Gender-based differences in risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment guidelines, including those that are specifically for women. Guidance on counseling patients with respect to risks, presentation, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Secretary shall distribute such materials to health care providers in the military health care system and TRICARE beneficiaries. Such materials may be physical or digital.
Section 292
726. Protocol on use of oral rehydration solution Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a clear and comprehensive protocol for the use of oral rehydration solutions in preventing heat casualties, dehydration, and hyponatremia in initial training. In the development of such protocol, the Secretary shall incorporate— the latest data, analysis and information regarding the use of oral rehydration solutions by Special Operations Command; the latest data, analysis and information regarding the use of oral rehydration solutions by professional sports teams; the latest data, analysis and information regarding the use of oral rehydration solutions by the National Training Center, Fort Irwin; and the guidance included in the June 20, 2016, Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine report entitled Guidance Concerning Commercial Electrolyte Replacement Beverages and Hyponatremia Risk During Hot Weather Training.
Section 293
727. Study on lifting outpatient rehabilitation therapy maximums The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to analyze the feasibility of lifting outpatient rehabilitation therapy maximums for active-duty members of covered armed forces who are TRICARE beneficiaries and have suffered a brain injury in the course of performing active duty. The study shall also examine a range of therapy services such as restorative therapies and therapies intended to improve cognitive and functional capabilities. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Congress a report setting forth the findings and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a). In this section, the term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
Section 294
728. Traumatic brain injury oversight strategy and action plan The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a Traumatic Brain Injury Oversight Strategy and Action Plan that includes at a minimum the following: Standardized monitoring, treatment, and referral guidelines for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs across all covered armed forces. A review and update of the current brain injury diagnostic tools used by such programs. Standardized, 72-hour follow-up requirements for all TBI patients, including protocols for the treatment and observation during such follow-up appointments. Oversight and documentation standards to aid in identification, treatment, tracking, and data collection. The oversight strategy and action plan required by subsection (a) shall be completed and in use not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the findings and conclusions of a full review and update on the implementation of the Brain Injury Oversight Strategy and Action Plan required by subsection (a). In this section, the term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
Section 295
729. Expansion of recognition by the Defense Health Agency of certifying bodies for physicians Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall revise the policy of the Defense Health Agency regarding the credentialing and privileging under the military health system to expand the recognition of certifying bodies for physicians under such policy to a wide range of additional board certifications in medical specialties and subspecialties. The following certifying bodies shall be so recognized: The member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. The American Board of Podiatric Medicine. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. To be recognized under subsection (a), a certifying body shall— be an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code; maintain a process to define, periodically review, enforce, and update specific standards regarding knowledge and skills of the specialty or subspecialty; administer a psychometrically valid assessment to determine whether a physician meets standards for initial certification, recertification, or continuing certification; establish and enforce a code of professional conduct; and require that, in order to be considered a board certified specialty physician, a physician must satisfy— the certifying body's applicable requirements for initial certification; and any applicable recertification or continuing certification requirements of the certifying body that granted the initial certification.
Section 296
729A. Improvements to TRICARE provider directories A managed support contractor that supports TRICARE and maintains a directory of health care providers shall verify and update such directory not less than once every 90 days. A managed support contractor described in subsection (a) shall update a database not later than two days after receipt of information that affects such database. The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall review directories described in subsection (a) not less than once each year.
Section 297
729B. Combating obesity in certain Armed Forces Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— develop a strategy to align the obesity-related programs of the Department of Defense with the classification of obesity as a medically accepted disease; and conduct an educational campaign to promote awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity as a disease in the covered Armed Forces. The strategy developed under paragraph (1)(A) shall include the following: A plan to coordinate obesity-related programs across the Department of Defense to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in the covered Armed Forces. An assessment of the effectiveness of health programs of the Department of Defense that are intended to educate, prevent, or treat obesity among members of the covered Armed Forces, and a plan to modify or update such programs to treat obesity as a disease. An assessment of the adequacy of nutrition education for physicians and other health care practitioners in the military health system to evaluate and treat obesity as a disease, including the need for any additional education or guidelines for such physicians and other health care practitioners. A strategy to work toward members of the covered Armed Forces with obesity receiving appropriate treatment. The educational campaign conducted under paragraph (1)(B) shall include the following: Information to educate members of the covered Armed Forces regarding best practices to prevent, reduce, or mitigate obesity, and available resources to address the root causes of obesity. Information targeted to physicians and other health care practitioners in the military health system to promote diagnosis and treatment of obesity as a disease. In developing the strategy and educational campaign required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other Health and Human Services agencies, as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Beginning not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall include information regarding unmet weight standards in any report submitted by the Secretary to Congress regarding disqualifications for enlistment in, disability incurred in, or medical discharges from, the covered Armed Forces. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding the effects of obesity on the readiness of the covered Armed Forces. Such report shall include legislative recommendations of the Secretary to address such effects. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the effectiveness of the obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of the Department of Defense in reducing obesity and improving military readiness. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report analyzing the existing obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of the Department of Defense. The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: An assessment of programs directed to members of the covered Armed Forces. An assessment of programs directed to health care providers in the military health system. An assessment of the effectiveness of such programs in reducing obesity and the impact of obesity on military readiness. Recommendations to coordinate and improve existing programs to reduce obesity and the impact of obesity on military readiness. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means the following: The Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate. The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate. The Committee on Finance of the Senate. The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Section 298
729C. Podiatrists in the Department of Defense Section 532(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting podiatry, after osteopathy,. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that podiatrists are assigned to the Medical Corps of each military department. The Secretary shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives in writing upon carrying out this subsection.
Section 299
729D. Report on medical instrument sterilization The Inspector General of the Defense Health Agency shall conduct a study on the adequacy of sterilization of medical instruments at medical facilities of the Defense Health Agency. The study required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: A description of the processes or checks used to ensure medical instruments are sterilized prior to use on patients at medical facilities of the Defense Health Agency. A description of the policies and processes used to identify and mitigate the use of insufficiently sterilized medical instruments at such medical facilities and the processes and timelines for informing patients of any such near-miss (if any disclosure is required). An identification of the aggregate number of adverse events or near-misses as a result of insufficiently sterilized medical instruments at such medical facilities during the period beginning on January 1, 2022, and ending on January 1, 2024. A determination of primary factors that result in insufficiently sterilized medical instruments at such medical facilities. A description of the extent to which unsterilized medical instruments have impacted the operation of such medical facilities. An assessment of whether such medical facilities have sufficient— medical instruments; medical devices to timely clean and sterilize medical instruments; and staff to sterilize medical instruments. An assessment of whether staff at such medical facilities are properly trained to sterilize medical instruments. A determination of the number of surgeries at such medical facilities that were delayed or rescheduled as a result of unsterilized medical instruments. Recommendations to improve the sterilization of medical instruments at such medical facilities, including an identification and evaluation of existing options, such as mobile sterilization units and coordinating with community medical centers to expand surgical capacity. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to Congress a report on the study required by subsection (a), which shall include an action plan to consider and implement the recommendations included in such study.
Section 300
731. Blast pressure safety and brain health Section 735 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended, in subsection (b)(1)— in subparagraph (B)— by striking the period at the end and inserting that—; and by adding at the end the following new clauses: cover brain injury, lung injury, and impulse noise; measure impact over 24-hour, 72-hour to 96-hour, monthly, annual, and lifetime periods; ensure that the thresholds are low enough that they are not associated with cognitive deficits after firing; include thresholds that account for the firing of multiple types of heavy weaponry and use of grenades in one period of time; include minimum safe distances and levels of exposure for observers and instructors; and include limits for shoulder-fired heavy weapons. by inserting, after subparagraph (G), the following new subparagraphs: The establishment of policies to encourage members of the armed forces to seek support for brain health when needed, prevent retaliation against such members who seek care, and address other barriers to seeking help for brain health, including due to the impact of blast exposure, blast overpressure, traumatic brain injury, and other health matters. The evaluation of how modifications to existing weapons systems may reduce injuries to individuals within the minimum safe distance of such weapons systems that arise from blast overpressure in the use of such weapons systems. Such section is further amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the following: In this section: The term neurocognitive assessment means a standardized cognitive and behavioral evaluation using validated and normed testing performed in a formal environment that uses specifically designated tasks to measure cognitive function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway, which may include a measurement of intellectual functioning, attention, new learning or memory, intelligence, processing speed, and executive functioning. The term traumatic brain injury means a traumatically induced structural injury or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force that is indicated by new onset or worsening of at least one of the following clinical signs immediately following the event: Alteration in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, or slowed thinking. Loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury. Any period of loss of or decreased level of consciousness, observed or self-reported. The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code. Such section is further amended, in subsection (c), by striking fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and inserting fiscal years 2025 through 2030. Such section is further amended— by striking subsections (e) and (f); by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (g) as subsections (g), (h), and (i), respectively; and by inserting, after subsection (b), the following new subsections: Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall identify and disseminate the thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B). Not less frequently than every five years, the Secretary of Defense shall review and, if the Secretary determines it appropriate, update, the thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B). Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a central repository of blast-related characteristics, such as pressure profiles and common blast loads associated with specific systems and the environments in which they are used, that is available to members of the armed forces and includes the information described in subsection (b)(1)(B). Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement protocols to require waivers in cases in which members of the armed forces must exceed the safety thresholds described in subsection (b)(1)(B), which shall include a justification for exceeding those safety thresholds. Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department of Defense-wide tracking system for waivers described in subparagraph (A), which shall include data contributed by each of the Secretaries concerned. Not later than December 31 of each of the five years beginning in the year following the establishment of the tracking system required under clause (i), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on waivers described in subparagraph (A) that includes— the number of waivers issued, disaggregated by armed force; the justifications provided for each waiver; a description of actions taken by the Secretary concerned to track the health effects on members of the armed forces of exceeding safety thresholds described in subsection (b)(1)(B), document those effects in medical records, and provide care to those members; and a description of the medical care received by those members in response to exceeding these safety thresholds. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that training described in paragraph (2) is required for members of the armed forces before training, deployment, or entering other environments determined to be high-risk by the Secretary concerned. Training described in this paragraph is training on the following: Thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B). Symptoms of exposure to blasts or blast overpressure. Symptoms of traumatic brain injury. In carrying out the Initiative, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish strategies for mitigating and preventing blast exposure and blast overpressure risk for individuals most at risk for exposure to high-risk training or high-risk occupational activities, which shall include— a timeline and process for implementing those strategies; a determination of the frequency with which those strategies will be updated, at a rate of not less frequently than every five years; and an assessment of how information regarding those strategies will be disseminated to such individuals, including after those strategies are updated. Not later than March 31, 2025, and not less frequently than annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following: A description of the activities taken under the Initiative and resources expended under the Initiative during the prior fiscal year. The number of members of the armed forces impacted by blast overpressure and blast exposure in the prior fiscal year, including— the number of members who reported adverse health effects from blast overpressure or blast exposure; the number of members exposed to blast overpressure or blast exposure; the number of members who received treatment for injuries related to blast overpressure or blast exposure, including at facilities of the Department of Defense and at facilities in the private sector; regarding treatment for blast exposure, blast overpressure, or subconcussive or concussive brain injuries at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an Intrepid Spirit Center, or an appropriate military medical treatment facility— the number of members on the waitlist for such treatment; the average period of time those members are on that waitlist; and the average number of days between when an appointment is requested and the actual appointment date; and the type of care that members receive from facilities of the Department of Defense and the type of care that members receive from facilities in the private sector. A summary of the progress made during the prior fiscal year with respect to the objectives of the Initiative under subsection (b). A description of the steps the Secretary is taking to ensure that activities under the Initiative are being implemented across the Department of Defense and the military departments. The Secretary of Defense shall establish the roles and responsibilities of components of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the mitigation, identification, and treatment of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries and the monitoring and documentation of blast overpressure exposure as follows: The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall be responsible for, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act— establishing a baseline neurocognitive assessment to be conducted during the accession process of members of the Armed Forces before the beginning of training; establishing neurocognitive assessments to monitor the cognitive function of such members to be conducted— at least every three years as part of the periodic health assessment of such members; and as part of the post-deployment health assessment of such members; ensuring all neurocognitive assessments of such members, including those required under clauses (i) and (ii), are maintained in the electronic medical record of such member; establishing a process for annual review of blast overpressure exposure and traumatic brain injury logs for each member of the Armed Forces during the periodic health assessment of such member for cumulative exposure in order to refer members with recurrent and prolonged exposure to specialty care; and establishing standards for recurrent and prolonged exposure. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness shall be responsible for, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following: Establishing and maintaining blast overpressure exposure logs and traumatic brain injury logs for every member of the Armed Forces. Including in those logs at least the following: The number of previous exposures to blast overpressure, including the number of exposures per unit of time, date, blast overpressure in pounds per square inch, and number of times the member of the Armed Forces fires, uses, or is exposed to weapons that cause blast overpressure. Any residual physical, mental, or emotional effects resulting from such exposure. The source of the exposure, activity when the exposure occurred, whether it occurred during training or deployment, and any other relevant context of such exposure. The treatment that the member sought and received in connection with such exposure. The number of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, sustained. The severity of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, sustained. Other head trauma, regardless of whether it requires the treatment of a medical provider. The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall be responsible for— not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, submitting to Congress a report (in unclassified form, but with a classified annex as necessary) evaluating the establishment and maintenance of the logs required under subparagraph (B), including the cumulative exposure annotated in the blast overpressure exposure logs and traumatic brain injury logs, as well as the compliance of the Department of Defense with Department policies to address the brain health of members of the Armed Forces; beginning on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act— evaluating the continued fulfillment by the Department of the requirements under subparagraph (B), including the cumulative exposure annotated in the blast overpressure exposure logs and traumatic brain injury logs, as well as the compliance of the Department with Department policies to address the brain health of members of the Armed Forces; and not later than December 31 of each year 2025 through 2030, submitting to Congress a report (in unclassified form, but with a classified annex as necessary) containing the results of such evaluation. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall be responsible for, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the following: Ensuring that the minimization of exposure to blast overpressure is considered as a performance parameter when drafting requirements for the Department of Defense for new hand-held, shoulder-launched, or crew-served, weapons systems that produce blast overpressure. In a case in which minimization of exposure to blast overpressure is not included as a performance parameter under clause (i), the Under Secretary shall document the rationale for its exclusion and retain such documentation and supporting materials for purposes of clause (v). Establishing a requirement that any entity under contractual agreement with the Department as part of the defense weapons acquisition process for a weapons system described in clause (i) shall provide to the Department blast overpressure measurements and safety data for any weapons system that produce blast overpressure and exceed the department set maximum exposure limit procured from such entity. Establishing a requirement that any future test plan for a weapons system described in clause (v) incorporates validation and verification testing of blast overpressure measurement and safety data provided by defense contractors in accordance with clause (iii). Retaining and make available to personnel with appropriate access all— blast overpressure measurements and safety data for weapons systems of the Department, including how those systems have been tested and in what environments; and plans to improve protection for exposure by members of the Armed Forces to in-use weapons systems with unsafe levels of blast overpressure and exposure. The officials specified in paragraph (1) shall coordinate and align their plans and activities to implement such subsection among themselves and with the Secretaries of the military departments. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the plans, associated timelines, and activities conducted to implement paragraph (1). Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on— concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused during military operations, including combat operations, among members of the Armed Forces, including information on— the Armed Force of the member; the name of the operation; the location within the area of responsibility; the number of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused; the severity of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused; the treatment received for a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; whether a member of the Armed Forces was medically retired from service due to a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; whether a member of the Armed Forces died by suicide after sustaining a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; and the source of the injury, including the activity conducted when the injury occurred; and concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused during training events among members of the Armed Forces, including information on— the Armed Force of the member; the type of training; the location of the training; the number of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused; the severity of concussive and subconcussive brain injuries caused; the treatment received for a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; whether a member of the Armed Forces was medically retired from service due to a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; whether a member of the Armed Forces died by suicide after sustaining a concussive or subconcussive brain injury; and the source of the injury, including the activity conducted when the injury occurred. Each report submitted under clause (i) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the officials specified in paragraph and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on members of the Armed Forces who were discharged administratively or punitively and had a concussive or subconcussive brain injury, including a traumatic brain injury, including information on— whether the injury or injuries occurred during combat operations or training and the associated combat operations or training incident; the severity of the injury or injuries; if any such injury was combat related, the name of the operation; the treatment sought and received for the injury or injuries; the number of discharge upgrade requests in connection with such an injury or injuries that have been made; and the number of such discharge upgrade requests that have been approved. Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on medical providers within the Defense Health Agency who are trained in traumatic brain injury or concussive and subconcussive brain injuries as a sub-specialty of neurology, including information on— the number of such providers, disaggregated by location; the billets of such personnel; the number of medical personnel currently participating in training or a fellowship relating to traumatic brain injury or concussive and subconcussive brain injuries; and the strategy of the Department of Defense to increase the number of medical providers trained in traumatic brain injury or concussive and subconcussive brain injuries as a sub-specialty of neurology. Not less frequently than once every two years, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to each medical provider and training manager of the Department of Defense mandatory training with respect to the potential health effects of blast overpressure, blast exposure, and traumatic brain injury. Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense titled, Evaluation of the DoD’s Management of Traumatic Brain Injury (DODIG-2023-059). Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a briefing on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out the implementation required under paragraph (1). The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the research and other efforts of the Department of Defense on traumatic brain injury, including injuries related to blast overpressure or blast exposure. The review required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A description of the research conducted by the Department of Defense on traumatic brain injury, the entities involved in that research, and efforts to coordinate that research internally and externally. A description of any improvements identified by that research related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of blast-related brain injuries and an assessment of the implementation of those improvements. An evaluation of the efforts of the Department to protect members of the Armed Forces from retaliation for seeking care for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of traumatic brain injury, blast overpressure, or blast exposure, including any gaps in or barriers to those efforts. An evaluation of the list maintained by the Department of the military occupational specialties most at-risk for blast overpressure and blast exposure and whether additional at-risk occupational specialties should be included. Any other finding the Comptroller General considers relevant. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, on the review required by paragraph (1), with a report to follow on a mutually agreed upon date. In this section, the terms neurocognitive assessment and traumatic brain injury have the meanings given such terms in section 735 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), as amended by this section. (i)cover brain injury, lung injury, and impulse noise;(ii)measure impact over 24-hour, 72-hour to 96-hour, monthly, annual, and lifetime periods;(iii)ensure that the thresholds are low enough that they are not associated with cognitive deficits after firing;(iv)include thresholds that account for the firing of multiple types of heavy weaponry and use of grenades in one period of time;(v)include minimum safe distances and levels of exposure for observers and instructors; and(vi)include limits for shoulder-fired heavy weapons. ; (H)The establishment of policies to encourage members of the armed forces to seek support for brain health when needed, prevent retaliation against such members who seek care, and address other barriers to seeking help for brain health, including due to the impact of blast exposure, blast overpressure, traumatic brain injury, and other health matters. (I)The evaluation of how modifications to existing weapons systems may reduce injuries to individuals within the minimum safe distance of such weapons systems that arise from blast overpressure in the use of such weapons systems.. (g)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term neurocognitive assessment means a standardized cognitive and behavioral evaluation using validated and normed testing performed in a formal environment that uses specifically designated tasks to measure cognitive function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway, which may include a measurement of intellectual functioning, attention, new learning or memory, intelligence, processing speed, and executive functioning.(2)The term traumatic brain injury means a traumatically induced structural injury or physiological disruption of brain function as a result of an external force that is indicated by new onset or worsening of at least one of the following clinical signs immediately following the event: (A)Alteration in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, or slowed thinking.(B)Loss of memory for events immediately before or after the injury.(C)Any period of loss of or decreased level of consciousness, observed or self-reported.(3)The term Secretary concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.. (c)Implementation of thresholds(1)Deadline(A)In generalNot later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall identify and disseminate the thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B).(B)UpdateNot less frequently than every five years, the Secretary of Defense shall review and, if the Secretary determines it appropriate, update, the thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B).(2)Central repositoryNot later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a central repository of blast-related characteristics, such as pressure profiles and common blast loads associated with specific systems and the environments in which they are used, that is available to members of the armed forces and includes the information described in subsection (b)(1)(B).(3)Waivers(A)ProtocolsNot later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement protocols to require waivers in cases in which members of the armed forces must exceed the safety thresholds described in subsection (b)(1)(B), which shall include a justification for exceeding those safety thresholds.(B)Tracking system(i)In generalNot later than two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department of Defense-wide tracking system for waivers described in subparagraph (A), which shall include data contributed by each of the Secretaries concerned.(ii)ReportNot later than December 31 of each of the five years beginning in the year following the establishment of the tracking system required under clause (i), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on waivers described in subparagraph (A) that includes—(I)the number of waivers issued, disaggregated by armed force;(II)the justifications provided for each waiver;(III)a description of actions taken by the Secretary concerned to track the health effects on members of the armed forces of exceeding safety thresholds described in subsection (b)(1)(B), document those effects in medical records, and provide care to those members; and(IV)a description of the medical care received by those members in response to exceeding these safety thresholds. (d)Formal training requirement(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that training described in paragraph (2) is required for members of the armed forces before training, deployment, or entering other environments determined to be high-risk by the Secretary concerned.(2)Training describedTraining described in this paragraph is training on the following:(A)Thresholds for blast exposure and blast overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence required under subsection (b)(1)(B).(B)Symptoms of exposure to blasts or blast overpressure.(C)Symptoms of traumatic brain injury. (e)Strategies for mitigation and prevention of blast exposure and overpressure risk for high-risk individualsIn carrying out the Initiative, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall establish strategies for mitigating and preventing blast exposure and blast overpressure risk for individuals most at risk for exposure to high-risk training or high-risk occupational activities, which shall include—(1)a timeline and process for implementing those strategies;(2)a determination of the frequency with which those strategies will be updated, at a rate of not less frequently than every five years; and(3)an assessment of how information regarding those strategies will be disseminated to such individuals, including after those strategies are updated. (f)Annual reportNot later than March 31, 2025, and not less frequently than annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:(1)A description of the activities taken under the Initiative and resources expended under the Initiative during the prior fiscal year.(2)The number of members of the armed forces impacted by blast overpressure and blast exposure in the prior fiscal year, including—(A)the number of members who reported adverse health effects from blast overpressure or blast exposure;(B)the number of members exposed to blast overpressure or blast exposure;(C)the number of members who received treatment for injuries related to blast overpressure or blast exposure, including at facilities of the Department of Defense and at facilities in the private sector;(D)regarding treatment for blast exposure, blast overpressure, or subconcussive or concussive brain injuries at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an Intrepid Spirit Center, or an appropriate military medical treatment facility—(i)the number of members on the waitlist for such treatment;(ii)the average period of time those members are on that waitlist; and(iii)the average number of days between when an appointment is requested and the actual appointment date; and(E)the type of care that members receive from facilities of the Department of Defense and the type of care that members receive from facilities in the private sector. (3)A summary of the progress made during the prior fiscal year with respect to the objectives of the Initiative under subsection (b).(4)A description of the steps the Secretary is taking to ensure that activities under the Initiative are being implemented across the Department of Defense and the military departments..
Section 301
732. Study on testosterone levels of members of Army special operations forces Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, shall conduct a five-year study to determine whether the conditions that covered members experience while serving in a covered force affect the testosterone levels of the covered members. The study shall include the following elements: Data on the testosterone levels of each covered member included in the study throughout the period covered by the study, including while the covered member is— participating in any training of a covered force; deployed by a covered force; or otherwise working for a covered force. With respect to each covered member who joins a covered force during the period covered by the study and is included in the study, data on the testosterone levels of the covered member upon joining the covered force, accounting for, to the extent practicable, any effect on such testosterone levels attributable to an experience of the covered member while in the Armed Forces, prior to joining the covered force. With respect to each covered member who has low testosterone and is included in the study, data on the testosterone levels of the covered member before, during, and after the administration of any remedy (medical or non-medical) recommended to the covered member by a covered force for the treatment of low testosterone. Data regarding the relationship, if any, between the time of day that the testosterone level of a covered member is measured and the accuracy of the resulting measurement. Data regarding the relationship, if any, between the testosterone levels of a covered member and— the job performance of the covered member; or any marker of long-term health of the covered member. Any other information determined appropriate by the Under Secretary. Not later than one year after the date on which the study under subsection (a) begins, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing— each process implemented by Under Secretary during the period covered by the report to carry out the study; and any results of the study collected during such period. Not later than one year after the date of the termination of the study under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the study. Such report shall include the following elements: A comparison between— the data described in subsection (a)(2); and data regarding the testosterone levels of male civilians of a comparable age. The analysis of the Under Secretary as to whether the testosterone levels of covered members are affected by the conditions such covered members experience— during a training of a covered force; while deployed by a covered force; or while otherwise working for a covered force. The assessment of the Under Secretary as to whether the testosterone levels of covered members affect— the readiness of any covered force; or any marker of long-term health of the covered members. A list of each medical procedure a covered force uses, as of the date of the report, to monitor the testosterone levels of covered members. A list of each preventative measure (medical or non-medical) a covered force uses, as of the date of the report, to reduce the likelihood of low testosterone in a covered member. A list of each remedy (medical or non-medical) a covered force uses, as of the date of the report, to— treat low testosterone in a covered member; or mitigate any symptom of low testosterone in a covered member. Recommendations of the Under Secretary regarding— which medical procedures are best suited for use by a covered force in monitoring the testosterone levels of each covered member; whether, in monitoring the testosterone levels of each covered member, a covered force should— account for, to the extent practicable, any effect on the testosterone levels attributable to an experience of the covered member while in the Armed Forces, prior to joining the covered force; or measure the testosterone levels during a specific time of day to increase the accuracy of the measurements; which preventative measures (medical or non-medical) are best suited for use by a covered force as a means to reduce the likelihood of low testosterone in a covered member; and which remedies (medical or non-medical) are best suited for use by a covered force in— the treatment of low testosterone in a covered member; or the mitigation of any symptom of low testosterone in a covered member. A determination of the Under Secretary as to whether a pilot program or clinical trail with respect to the use of testosterone replacement therapy for covered members who have low testosterone would be advisable considering any prevalence of low testosterone observed in the study and any risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy. Any other information the Under Secretary determines appropriate. The reports under this subsection shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section: The term covered force means a special operations force that is under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army. The term covered member means a member of a covered force. The term low testosterone means a condition in which the testosterone levels of an individual— are lower than is average for a healthy individual of comparable age and gender; and negatively affect the well-being, including the mental or physical health, of the individual. The term special operations force means a force identified under section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 302
733. Report on use of Agent Orange on Guam Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall submit to the congressional defense committees, and make publicly available, a report that includes— the exact dates on which Agent Orange was used on Guam; an identification of any known or suspected site that was used to dump Agent Orange; an identification of any specific area where Agent Orange was used in Guam; and a list of diseases and disabilities that can result from exposure to Agent Orange.
Section 303
734. Requirements study and strategy for combat medical support during crisis or conflict in the Indo-Pacific The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall conduct a study to determine the requirements for combat medical support during a crisis or conflict in the Indo-Pacific and in support of the objectives of the national defense strategy. Such study shall include the following: Identification of anticipated medical requirements necessary to support a most likely conflict scenario in the Indo-Pacific, including— requirements for short-term, mid-term, and long-term contingency and steady-state medical operations against adversaries; requirements for medical equipment, facilities, and personnel, to include anticipated medical specialties needed; timelines associated with activating or mobilizing total force medical personnel and equipment; and the role of the Integrated CONUS Medical Operations Plan. An assessment of the ideal posture of medical personnel and equipment, including— locations ideal for pre-positioning medical personnel, equipment, and assets, to include hospital ships and expeditionary medical facilities; the role of fixed military medical treatment facilities and their personnel in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific; infrastructure requirements or considerations in Hawaii, Guam, and other U.S. installations in the Indo-Pacific; and current or potential partner nation support capabilities or agreements. An assessment of the rotary, tilt, and fixed wing aircraft and key medical evacuation enabling capabilities that— are needed to meet the requirements identified under paragraph (1); have been accounted for in the budget as of the date of the study; or that are being considered or in development and the projected timeline to meet full operational capability. Identification of any medical care or support capability gaps, including an assessment of— whether and to what extent such gaps may affect the ability of the joint force to provide medical support and care during a conflict; and any capability gaps attributable to unfunded requirements. Identification and assessment of key current, emerging, and future technologies with potential applications to the combat medical support and medical evacuation mission. Based on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall develop a strategy to meet the requirements identified under such study. The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include— a prioritized list of capabilities, equipment and infrastructure needed to meet the requirements identified under subsection (a); the estimated costs of such capabilities, equipment, and infrastructure; and the roles of each service component in contributing to combat medical support from point of injury to recovery. Not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, the Office of Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the strategy developed under paragraph (1). The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, by may include a classified annex.
Section 304
735. Report on access of TRICARE beneficiaries to network retail pharmacies Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report evaluating beneficiary access to TRICARE network pharmacies under the TPharm5 contract and changes in beneficiary access versus the TPharm4 contract. The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following: An analysis of pharmacy access in rural areas under such contracts, including: The number of TRICARE beneficiaries and number of TRICARE network retail pharmacies located in rural areas. The average drive time to the nearest TRICARE network retail pharmacy for a beneficiary residing in rural areas. The number of beneficiaries who live farther than a 15-minute drive to a TRICARE retail network pharmacy. An assessment of medication compliance rates for beneficiaries residing in rural areas for the three years prior to October 24, 2022 compared to the period-to-date following October 24, 2022. An analysis of TRICARE retail pharmacy network capabilities under such contracts, including the number of network pharmacies offering— long-term care services; prescription drug compounding services; and home infusion therapy services. An analysis of affected beneficiaries and their use of the TRICARE Pharmacy program under TPharm4 and TPharm5, including: Data on affected beneficiaries’ use of MTF pharmacies, TRICARE mail order program, Accredo, departed retail pharmacies, network retail pharmacies. An assessment of medication compliance rates for affected beneficiaries for the three years prior to October 24, 2022 compared to the period-to-date following October 24, 2022. Data on affected beneficiaries’ use of pharmacies that offer long-term care services, compound pharmacies, home infusion therapy. The number of affected beneficiaries and number of total TRICARE beneficiaries by age group: Under age 18, 18-24, 25-44, 45-64, 65-79, 80 and older. An analysis on the effect on long-term care residents under TPharm4 and TPharm5, including: The number of beneficiaries who filled at least one prescription at a pharmacy that provides long-term care services. The number of beneficiaries who filled prescriptions at a single long-term care pharmacy only with no prescriptions filled via mail order, MTF pharmacy, or another retail pharmacy. An analysis of non-network pharmacy use by TRICARE beneficiaries under TPharm4 and TPharm5, disaggregated by rural beneficiaries, non-rural beneficiaries, affected beneficiaries, rural affected beneficiaries, and non-rural affected beneficiaries: The number of beneficiaries who used a non-network pharmacy. The number of non-network claims submitted. For all non-network claims submitted— the average TRICARE allowed amount per prescription; the average TRICARE amount paid per prescription; and the verage beneficiary out-of-pocket cost per prescription. In this section: The term affected beneficiary means a beneficiary who filled at least one prescription in the year preceding October 24, 2022 at a departed pharmacy. The term beneficiary has the meaning given that term in section 1074g(i) of title 10, United States Code. The term departed retail pharmacy means a retail pharmacy that participated in the TRICARE network in September, 2022 but left the network with the transition to the TPharm5 contract. The term network pharmacy means a retail pharmacy described in section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(ii) of title 10, United States Code. The term rural— with regards to a location, has the meaning given such term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)); and with regards to a beneficiary, has the meaning used by the Secretary of Defense in the administration of section 1074g of title 10, United States Code. The term TPharm4 means the period covered by the 4th Generation pharmacy contract under TRICARE prior to October 24, 2022 when the retail network reduction went into effect. The term TPharm5 means the period covered by 5th Generation pharmacy contract under TRICARE to date.
Section 305
736. Report on copayments for mental or behavioral health care under TRICARE Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House Representatives a report on cost sharing paid by beneficiaries under the TRICARE program for outpatient visits for mental health or behavioral health care. Such report shall include the following: Efforts of the Secretary of Defense to ensure that such cost sharing is affordable for such beneficiaries. A summary of such cost sharing during fiscal years 2019 through 2024, including— the total amount paid by beneficiaries; the number of visits per year; and the average amount paid per such visit. Recommendations of the Secretary regarding how to limit minimize the burden of such cost sharing to such beneficiaries.
Section 306
737. Pilot program to test standalone technology to improve efficiencies in supply-chain management, medical readiness, and medical processes Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Defense Health Agency, shall carry out a pilot program to test and evaluate existing standalone technology for the purposes of assessing whether such standalone technology— improves efficiencies in medical supply-chain management and in military medical readiness; streamlines medical processes; improves recordation accuracy; reduces rates of needlestick injury; and enhances retention rates of military health care providers. The pilot shall be conducted at medical facilities of the Department of Defense that the Secretary determines would enable a sufficiently thorough sample size to carry out the assessment under subsection (a). The pilot program shall terminate 36 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the assessment of the Secretary under subsection (a). In this section, the term standalone technology means a device that is capable of accomplishing the functions specified in subsection (a).
Section 307
738. Pilot program on pre-programming of suicide prevention resources into smart devices issued to members of the Armed Forces Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the conduct of a pilot program under which the Secretary— pre-downloads the Virtual Hope Box application of the Defense Health Agency, or such successor application, on the covered devices of members of the Armed Forces; pre-programs the National Suicide Hotline number and Veterans Crisis Line number into the contacts for such covered devices; and provides training, as part of the training on suicide awareness and prevention conducted throughout the Department of Defense, on the preventative resources described in paragraphs (1) and (2). The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot program under this section for a two-year period. The Secretary of Defense shall determine the appropriate scope of individuals participating in the pilot program under this section to best represent each Armed Force and to ensure a relevant sample size. In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Director of the Defense Health Agency and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify other useful technology-related resources for use in the pilot program. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the pilot program under this section terminates, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including recommendations by the Secretary relating to expanding the scope of future pilot programs to include members of the Armed Forces who do not possess covered devices. In this section: The term covered device means a smart device (including a mobile phone) that is issued to an individual by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of an Armed Force. The term Veterans Crisis Line means the toll-free hotline for veterans established under section 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code.
Section 308
739. Report on rate of maternal mortality among members of the Armed Forces Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, and with respect to members of the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating in any case in which such Department is not operating as a service in the Navy, shall submit to Congress a report on the rate of maternal mortality among members of the Armed Forces and the dependents of such members.
Section 309
740. Annual review and update of online information relating to suicide prevention Not later than June 1, 2026, each Secretary of a military department shall— review any information relating to suicide prevention or behavioral health, including any contact information for related resources, that is published on an Internet website of the military department at the installation level; make updates to such information as may be necessary; and submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that such information is up-to-date.
Section 310
741. Report on emergency and trauma care for civilians at military treatment facilities Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Director of the Defense Health Agency, in collaboration with military treatment facilities engaged in emergency and trauma care to civilian patients, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following: A summary of any challenges that military treatment facilities have encountered in providing emergency and trauma care to civilian patients, including challenges related to the transportation of such patients to and from such facilities, and steps the Director has taken to overcome such challenges. An assessment of the effectiveness of the coordination of military treatment facilities with local emergency medical services and any barrier faced by such facilities and services related to providing timely emergency medical care to civilians, including any barrier caused by installation access. A summary of efforts the Director has taken to address the issues identified in the report of the Comptroller General of the United States titled “Defense Health Care: Actions Needed to Improve Billing and Collection of Debt for Civilian Emergency Care”, published on July 7, 2022 (GAO–22–104770), including such issues related to inconsistent use of financial relief for civilian emergency patients and the lack of guidance to ensure accurate accounting of billing and collections efforts. Any recommendations to improve civilian emergency care at Department of Defense medical treatment facilities, including any recommendations for additional legislation.
Section 311
742. Study on blood work of members of the Armed Forces regarding COVID-19 Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to test the blood of members of the Armed Forces relating to relating to COVID-19. The study under this section shall include the following elements: Testing to detect nucleocapsid protein immunoglobin-G antibodies relating to COVID-19. Testing to detect T-cell immune response to COVID-19. An assessment of the efficacy of each vaccine for COVID-19 in comparison to— each other such vaccine; and infection-acquired immunity. An accounting of adverse events (including hyperimmune response), disaggregated by— each vaccine described in paragraph (3); and history of infection. Not later than 180 days after completing the study, the Secretary shall submit a report on such study to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 312
743. Report on approving certain transitional and residential brain injury treatment programs The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to analyze the feasibility of recognizing transitional and residential brain injury treatment programs that are approved by non-governmental accreditation bodies solely to provide services to members of covered Armed Forces who sustained a brain injury in the course of performing active duty. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report setting forth the findings and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a). In this section, the term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
Section 313
744. Study and report on mental health care for pilots and aviators The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall collaborate on a study on the barriers to mental health care for military pilots, aviators, and military air traffic controllers. The study shall include the development of a set of recommendations to ensure that pilots and aviators who need mental health care have— no more barriers to care; no more consequences for seeking care; and no less scientifically-robust bases for being treated and re-cleared for duty than pilots and aviators who need physical health care. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly submit to Congress a report that contains the results of the study required under subsection (a).
Section 314
745. Study on tools to diagnose traumatic brain injury in members of the Armed Forces The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study of commercially available diagnostic tools that screen for traumatic brain injury (in this section referred to as TBI) and may be used by forward-deployed units and in combat zones. Such study shall include the following elements: Whether such tools can distinguish mild traumatic brain injury from moderate or severe TBI. How such tools could be used with other approved diagnostics (including neuroimaging biomarkers used in computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, blood-based biomarkers, electrophysiological biomarkers, oculomotor tracking systems, and integrated measures of physiological deficits), to enhance the health, survival, and long-term conditions of members and former members of the Armed Forces. How such tools would improve military readiness and address concerns regarding the growing medical burden of TBI. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following: The results of the study. Determinations of the Secretary regarding whether to procure and use such tools in addition to other tools already used in the Department of Defense to screen for TBI. Recommendations of the Secretary regarding legislation that may by necessary to action regarding such tools.
Section 315
746. Study on use of routine neuroimaging modalities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of brain injury due to blast pressure exposure during combat and training The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of routine neuroimaging modalities in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of brain injury among members of the Armed Forces due to one or more blast pressure exposures during combat and training. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim report on the methods and action plan for the study under subsection (a). Not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary begins the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of such study.
Section 316
747. Clarification of responsibilities regarding the integrated disability evaluation system Subsection (h) of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the heading, by striking Secretaries Concerned and Medical Evaluation Boards and inserting authority over members; by inserting (1) before Nothing; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: Notwithstanding the responsibilities and authorities of the Defense Health Agency with respect to the administration of military medical treatment facilities as set forth in this section (including medical evaluations of members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned), the Secretary of each military department shall maintain personnel authority over, and responsibility for, any member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned while the member is being considered by a medical evaluation board or is otherwise subject to the integrated disability evaluation system. Such responsibility shall include the following: Responsibility for administering the morale and welfare of the member. Responsibility for determinations of fitness for duty of the member under chapter 61 of this title. Notwithstanding the responsibilities and authorities of the Defense Health Agency with respect to the administration of the integrated disability evaluation system, a commander shall, at all times, maintain absolute responsibility for, and authority over, a member of the armed forces referred to the integrated disability evaluation system. Such responsibility and authority include the following: The authority to pause any process of the integrated disability evaluation system regarding the member. The authority to withdraw the member from the integrated disability evaluation system if the commander determines that any policy, procedure, regulation, or other guidance has not been followed in the member’s case. Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member referred to the integrated disability evaluation system may file an appeal of such referral with the Secretary of the military department concerned. Such an appeal— shall be in addition to any appeals process established as part of the integrated disability evaluation system; shall include a hearing before an officer who may convene a general court-martial and who is in the chain of command of the member; and shall be adjudicated not later than 90 days after such filing. The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraphs (2) through (4) of such subsection, as added by this section, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than February 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of such paragraphs. (2)Notwithstanding the responsibilities and authorities of the Defense Health Agency with respect to the administration of military medical treatment facilities as set forth in this section (including medical evaluations of members of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned), the Secretary of each military department shall maintain personnel authority over, and responsibility for, any member of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the military department concerned while the member is being considered by a medical evaluation board or is otherwise subject to the integrated disability evaluation system. Such responsibility shall include the following: (A)Responsibility for administering the morale and welfare of the member.(B)Responsibility for determinations of fitness for duty of the member under chapter 61 of this title.(3)Notwithstanding the responsibilities and authorities of the Defense Health Agency with respect to the administration of the integrated disability evaluation system, a commander shall, at all times, maintain absolute responsibility for, and authority over, a member of the armed forces referred to the integrated disability evaluation system. Such responsibility and authority include the following:(A)The authority to pause any process of the integrated disability evaluation system regarding the member.(B)The authority to withdraw the member from the integrated disability evaluation system if the commander determines that any policy, procedure, regulation, or other guidance has not been followed in the member’s case.(4)Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, a member referred to the integrated disability evaluation system may file an appeal of such referral with the Secretary of the military department concerned. Such an appeal—(A)shall be in addition to any appeals process established as part of the integrated disability evaluation system;(B)shall include a hearing before an officer who may convene a general court-martial and who is in the chain of command of the member; and(C)shall be adjudicated not later than 90 days after such filing..
Section 317
748. Study on accessibility of mental health care providers and services for active duty members of the Armed Forces The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study determine whether and to what extent members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty have adequate access to mental health care providers and services. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
Section 318
749. Requirement to maintain prescription drop boxes at military installations The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary has one or more prescription drop boxes to facilitate the safe disposal of unused prescription drugs, including opioids.
Section 319
750. Withholding of funds for failure to submit reports on health conditions of members of the Armed Forces on active duty developed after administration of COVID-19 vaccine Section 725(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 309) is amended— by striking Not later than and inserting (1) Not later than; and by adding at the end the following: If the Secretary fails to submit a report required under paragraph (1) prior to the deadline applicable under such paragraph, the amount otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the next fiscal year which begins after the deadline shall be reduced by 5 percent. The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. (2)If the Secretary fails to submit a report required under paragraph (1) prior to the deadline applicable under such paragraph, the amount otherwise authorized to be appropriated for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the next fiscal year which begins after the deadline shall be reduced by 5 percent..
Section 320
751. Health care strategy for members who perform duty in a cold weather location The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall convene a working group of subject matter experts from the extramural community and military health system to develop a strategy and the medical research and development requirements to deliver pre-hospital, life-saving interventions for members of the Armed Forces who perform duty in cold weather locations. Not later than July 1, 2025, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees such strategy and associated requirements. which shall include the following: An overarching plan addressing unique pre-hospital lifesaving and sustainment interventions required in cold weather locations and research required to advance medical care in cold weather locations. A review of laboratory and medical product development capabilities of the Department of Defense to conduct research and development and support the transition and fielding of medical products for cold weather locations. Identification of and recommendations to amend clinical practice guidelines to treat combat casualties in cold weather locations. Initial capabilities documents identifying gaps and requirements to support pre-hospital, life-saving interventions during operations in cold weather locations. A recommended investment plan to address clinical and medical research and development capability gaps identified in initial capabilities documents. Engagement of academic medical centers and institutions to support public-private partnerships for research and development to address the pre-hospital needs of members following injury in cold weather locations. In this section, the term cold weather location means a location for which a member may receive special duty pay— under section 352 of title 37, United States Code; and pursuant to section 315 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 37 U.S.C. 352 note).
Section 321
752. Study on increased telehealth services of the Defense Health Agency Not later than September 30, 2025, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of a study to determine how to increase access of TRICARE beneficiaries to telehealth services of the Defense Health Agency.
Section 322
753. Annual report on implementation of naloxone distribution Section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 1090 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation and effectiveness of naloxone distribution to members of the Armed Forces pursuant to this section to reverse opioid overdoses. (d)Annual reportNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation and effectiveness of naloxone distribution to members of the Armed Forces pursuant to this section to reverse opioid overdoses..
Section 323
754. Funding for Defense Health Programs for education and training Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, (1) the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 1405 for Defense Health Program specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4501, for Education and Training is hereby increased by $25,000,000. Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 1405 for Defense Health Programs, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4501, for Base Operations/Communications is hereby reduced by $25,000,000.
Section 324
801. Streamlining of Milestone B requirements Section 4252 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by striking certification required before and inserting factors to be considered before; by striking subsections (d), (e), and (f); by redesignating subsections (a), (b), (c), and (g) as subsections (b), (d), (e), and (f), respectively; by inserting before subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following new subsection: Before granting Milestone B approval for a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, the milestone decision authority for the program or subprogram shall ensure that— information about the program or subprogram is sufficient to warrant entry of the program or subprogram into the engineering and manufacturing development phase; appropriate trade-offs among cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and performance objectives have been made to ensure that the program or subprogram is affordable when considering the per-unit cost and the total life-cycle cost, and the Secretary of the military department concerned and the Chief of the armed force concerned concur with these trade-offs; and there are sound plans for progression of the program or subprogram to the production phase. by amending subsection (b), as so redesignated, to read as follows: A major defense acquisition program or major subprogram may not receive Milestone B approval until the milestone decision authority confirms the following factors were considered in the decision to grant Milestone B approval: The program or subprogram has received a preliminary design review and a formal post-preliminary design review or an equivalent assessment was conducted. The technology in the program or subprogram has been demonstrated in a relevant environment. The program or subprogram is affordable when considering the ability of the Department of Defense to accomplish the program’s or subprogram’s mission using alternative systems. The estimated procurement unit cost for the program or subprogram and the estimated date for initial operational capability for the baseline description for the program or subprogram (under section 4214 of this title) have been established. Appropriate market research has been conducted prior to technology development to reduce duplication of existing technology and products. The Department of Defense has completed an analysis of alternatives with respect to the program or subprogram. The Joint Requirements Oversight Council has accomplished its duties with respect to the program or subprogram pursuant to section 181(b) of this title, including an analysis of the operational requirements for the program or subprogram. Life-cycle sustainment planning has identified and evaluated relevant sustainment costs throughout development, production, operation, sustainment, and disposal of the program or subprogram, and any alternatives, and such costs are reasonable and have been accurately estimated. An estimate has been made of the requirements for core logistics capabilities and the associated sustaining workloads required to support such requirements. The program or subprogram complies with all relevant policies, regulations, and directives of the Department of Defense. Appropriate actions have been taken to negotiate and enter into a contract or contract options for the technical data required to support the program or subprogram. The program or subprogram has an approved life cycle sustainment plan required under section 4324(b) of this title. In the case of a naval vessel program or subprogram, such program or subprogram is in compliance with the requirements of section 8669b of this title. by inserting after subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following new subsection: The milestone decision authority shall issue a written record of decision at the time that Milestone B approval is granted. The record shall confirm compliance with subsection (b) and specifically state that the milestone decision authority considered the factors described in subsection (b) prior to the decision to grant milestone approval. The milestone decision authority shall retain records of the basis for the milestone decision. in subsection (d), as so redesignated— in the subsection heading, by striking Certifications or Determination and inserting Basis for milestone approval; in paragraph (1)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking certifications or a determination under subsection (a) and inserting a written record of the milestone decision under subsection (c); in subparagraph (A)— by striking certifications or determination of the milestone decision authority and inserting decision of the milestone decision authority; and by striking certifications or determination specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) and inserting decision specified in subsection (b); and in subparagraph (B), by striking certifications or determination and inserting decision; and in paragraph (2)— by striking withdraw the certifications or determination concerned or; and by striking certifications, determination, or approval are and inserting approval is; by amending subsection (e), as so redesignated, to read as follows: Not later than 15 days after granting Milestone B approval for a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, the milestone decision authority for the program or subprogram shall provide to the congressional defense committees and, in the case of intelligence or intelligence-related activities, the congressional intelligence committees a written record of the milestone decision. At the request of any of the congressional defense committees or, in the case of intelligence or intelligence-related activities, the congressional intelligence committees, the milestone decision authority shall submit to the committee an explanation of the basis for the decision to grant Milestone B approval with respect to a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, or further information or underlying documentation. The explanation or additional information shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. in subsection (f), as so redesignated— by striking paragraphs (4) and (5); by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (4); and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term written record of milestone decision, with respect to a major defense acquisition program or a major subprogram, means a document signed by the milestone decision authority that formalizes approved entry of the program or subprogram into the next phase of the acquisition process. (a)ResponsibilitiesBefore granting Milestone B approval for a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, the milestone decision authority for the program or subprogram shall ensure that—(1)information about the program or subprogram is sufficient to warrant entry of the program or subprogram into the engineering and manufacturing development phase;(2)appropriate trade-offs among cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and performance objectives have been made to ensure that the program or subprogram is affordable when considering the per-unit cost and the total life-cycle cost, and the Secretary of the military department concerned and the Chief of the armed force concerned concur with these trade-offs; and(3)there are sound plans for progression of the program or subprogram to the production phase.; (b)Factors to be considered for Milestone B approvalA major defense acquisition program or major subprogram may not receive Milestone B approval until the milestone decision authority confirms the following factors were considered in the decision to grant Milestone B approval:(1)The program or subprogram has received a preliminary design review and a formal post-preliminary design review or an equivalent assessment was conducted.(2)The technology in the program or subprogram has been demonstrated in a relevant environment.(3)The program or subprogram is affordable when considering the ability of the Department of Defense to accomplish the program’s or subprogram’s mission using alternative systems.(4)The estimated procurement unit cost for the program or subprogram and the estimated date for initial operational capability for the baseline description for the program or subprogram (under section 4214 of this title) have been established.(5)Appropriate market research has been conducted prior to technology development to reduce duplication of existing technology and products.(6)The Department of Defense has completed an analysis of alternatives with respect to the program or subprogram.(7)The Joint Requirements Oversight Council has accomplished its duties with respect to the program or subprogram pursuant to section 181(b) of this title, including an analysis of the operational requirements for the program or subprogram.(8)Life-cycle sustainment planning has identified and evaluated relevant sustainment costs throughout development, production, operation, sustainment, and disposal of the program or subprogram, and any alternatives, and such costs are reasonable and have been accurately estimated.(9)An estimate has been made of the requirements for core logistics capabilities and the associated sustaining workloads required to support such requirements.(10)The program or subprogram complies with all relevant policies, regulations, and directives of the Department of Defense.(11)Appropriate actions have been taken to negotiate and enter into a contract or contract options for the technical data required to support the program or subprogram.(12)The program or subprogram has an approved life cycle sustainment plan required under section 4324(b) of this title.(13)In the case of a naval vessel program or subprogram, such program or subprogram is in compliance with the requirements of section 8669b of this title.; (c)Written record of milestone decisionThe milestone decision authority shall issue a written record of decision at the time that Milestone B approval is granted. The record shall confirm compliance with subsection (b) and specifically state that the milestone decision authority considered the factors described in subsection (b) prior to the decision to grant milestone approval. The milestone decision authority shall retain records of the basis for the milestone decision.; (e)Submissions to Congress on Milestone B(1)NotificationNot later than 15 days after granting Milestone B approval for a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, the milestone decision authority for the program or subprogram shall provide to the congressional defense committees and, in the case of intelligence or intelligence-related activities, the congressional intelligence committees a written record of the milestone decision.(2)Additional information(A)At the request of any of the congressional defense committees or, in the case of intelligence or intelligence-related activities, the congressional intelligence committees, the milestone decision authority shall submit to the committee an explanation of the basis for the decision to grant Milestone B approval with respect to a major defense acquisition program or major subprogram, or further information or underlying documentation.(B)The explanation or additional information shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.; and (5)The term written record of milestone decision, with respect to a major defense acquisition program or a major subprogram, means a document signed by the milestone decision authority that formalizes approved entry of the program or subprogram into the next phase of the acquisition process..
Section 325
802. Prohibition on contracting with covered entities that contract with lobbyists for Chinese military companies Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with a company or a subsidiary of a company if such company or subsidiary is a party to a contract with a covered entity. Upon notification to Congress, the Secretary of Defense may waive the requirements of this section. In this section: The term covered entity means an entity that engages in lobbying activities for any entity determined to be a Chinese military company listed in accordance with section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note). The term lobbying activities has the meaning given in section 1045(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 971 note prec.). This section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on June 30, 2026. 4663.Prohibition on contracting with covered entities that contract with lobbyists for Chinese military companies(a)Prohibition on entering into contracts with covered entitiesExcept as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with a company or a subsidiary of a company if such company or subsidiary is a party to a contract with a covered entity.(b)WaiverUpon notification to Congress, the Secretary of Defense may waive the requirements of this section.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered entity means an entity that engages in lobbying activities for any entity determined to be a Chinese military company listed in accordance with section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note).(2)The term lobbying activities has the meaning given in section 1045(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 971 note prec.)..
Section 326
4663. Prohibition on contracting with covered entities that contract with lobbyists for Chinese military companies Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with a company or a subsidiary of a company if such company or subsidiary is a party to a contract with a covered entity. Upon notification to Congress, the Secretary of Defense may waive the requirements of this section. In this section: The term covered entity means an entity that engages in lobbying activities for any entity determined to be a Chinese military company listed in accordance with section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note). The term lobbying activities has the meaning given in section 1045(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (10 U.S.C. 971 note prec.).
Section 327
803. Notice of contract cancellation or termination relating to remote or isolated installations Chapter 365 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Except as provided by subsection (b), not later than 30 days prior to the Secretary or any other official of an element of the Department of Defense cancelling or terminating a contract, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a notice of such cancellation or termination if such cancellation or termination involves a reduction in employment of not fewer than— 50 remote or isolated installation contractor employees; or 100 employees of contractors, including remote or isolated installation contractor employees. The Secretary may waive subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract if the Secretary determines that such waiver is in the interest of national security. If the Secretary waives subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract, the Secretary shall submit the notice required by such subsection with respect to such cancellation or termination not later than one week after such cancellation or termination. In this section: The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801(c) of this title. The term remote or isolated installation means a military installation that is a remote military installation, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to the policy required by section 565 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1749; 10 U.S.C. 1781b note). The term remote or isolated installation contractor employee means an individual who— is an employee of a contractor; as such an employee, provides goods or services to a remote or isolated installation; and resides in the same geographic area as such remote or isolated installation. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense. 4705.Notice of contract cancellation or termination relating to remote or isolated installations(a)In generalExcept as provided by subsection (b), not later than 30 days prior to the Secretary or any other official of an element of the Department of Defense cancelling or terminating a contract, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a notice of such cancellation or termination if such cancellation or termination involves a reduction in employment of not fewer than—(1)50 remote or isolated installation contractor employees; or(2)100 employees of contractors, including remote or isolated installation contractor employees.(b)Waiver(1)The Secretary may waive subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract if the Secretary determines that such waiver is in the interest of national security.(2)If the Secretary waives subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract, the Secretary shall submit the notice required by such subsection with respect to such cancellation or termination not later than one week after such cancellation or termination.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801(c) of this title.(2)The term remote or isolated installation means a military installation that is a remote military installation, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to the policy required by section 565 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1749; 10 U.S.C. 1781b note).(3)The term remote or isolated installation contractor employee means an individual who—(A)is an employee of a contractor;(B)as such an employee, provides goods or services to a remote or isolated installation; and(C)resides in the same geographic area as such remote or isolated installation.(4)The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense..
Section 328
4705. Notice of contract cancellation or termination relating to remote or isolated installations Except as provided by subsection (b), not later than 30 days prior to the Secretary or any other official of an element of the Department of Defense cancelling or terminating a contract, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a notice of such cancellation or termination if such cancellation or termination involves a reduction in employment of not fewer than— 50 remote or isolated installation contractor employees; or 100 employees of contractors, including remote or isolated installation contractor employees. The Secretary may waive subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract if the Secretary determines that such waiver is in the interest of national security. If the Secretary waives subsection (a) with respect to the cancellation or termination of a contract, the Secretary shall submit the notice required by such subsection with respect to such cancellation or termination not later than one week after such cancellation or termination. In this section: The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801(c) of this title. The term remote or isolated installation means a military installation that is a remote military installation, as determined by the Secretary pursuant to the policy required by section 565 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1749; 10 U.S.C. 1781b note). The term remote or isolated installation contractor employee means an individual who— is an employee of a contractor; as such an employee, provides goods or services to a remote or isolated installation; and resides in the same geographic area as such remote or isolated installation. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.
Section 329
804. Procurement of cleaning products The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, only procure cleaning products that are identified by— the Safer Choice program; or an independent third-party organization that provides certifications in a manner consistent with the Safer Choice program.
Section 330
805. No conflicts of interest for fuel services financial management contracts The Department of Defense shall not— contract with a fuel service provider (including any fuel supplier or broker), or a contractor who has subcontracted with a fuel service provider, to oversee the financial management of, or the processing of fuel transactions for, the Department’s fuel network; or make any fuel purchases through a fuel network managed by a fuel service provider and administered under a no-cost contract. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary makes a determination that such waiver is vital to the national security of the United States; and submits to Congress a report justifying the use of such waiver and the importance of such waiver to the national security of the United States.
Section 331
806. Prohibition on certain transportation contracts The Secretary of Defense may not award a contract or order to a transportation service provider for any shipment that requires any transportation protective service if such transportation service provider is not authorized by the Department of Defense to transport cargo requiring such a service. The Secretary of Defense may not, except by issuing a rule, waive or reduce— any requirement regarding transportation protective services for any transportation service provider; or any security clearance requirements for drivers of transportation service providers. In this section, the terms transportation protective service and transportation service provider have the meanings given such terms, respectively, in the publication of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command entitled MILITARY FREIGHT TRAFFIC UNIFIED RULES PUBLICATION-1 (MFTURP-1), issued September 12, 2022, or any successor thereto.
Section 332
807. Prohibition on Department of Defense Procurement from Companies Providing Semiconductors and Semiconductor-Related Products to Huawei Beginning on the date that is 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall not enter into or renew a contract for the procurement of any covered semiconductor products and services for the Department of Defense with any entity that provides covered semiconductor products and services to Huawei. The Secretary of Defense shall, not later than the date on which the prohibition in subsection (a) of this section takes effect, develop and implement a process requiring each entity seeking to provide covered semiconductor products and services to the Department of Defense to certify to the Department of Defense that such entity does not provide covered semiconductor products and services to Huawei. In this section— the term covered semiconductor products and services means— semiconductors; equipment for manufacturing semiconductors; and tools for designing semiconductors; and the term Huawei means— Huawei Technologies Company; any entity that is a subsidiary, owner, beneficial owner, affiliate, or successor of Huawei Technologies Company; and any entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by Huawei Technologies Company.
Section 333
808. Updated guidance on planning for global demand Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure that the program guidance for major defense acquisition programs (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code), and for acquisition programs and projects that are carried out using the rapid fielding or rapid prototyping acquisition pathway under section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 10 U.S.C. 3201 note prec.) is revised to integrate planning for global demand under foreign military sales, direct commercial sales, and other relevant transfer authorities to capture and plan for international demand under section 25 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2765), including— for major defense acquisition programs, an assessment of such programs to identify global demand; and for technologies under an acquisition program or project carried out using the rapid fielding or rapid prototyping acquisition pathway that are transitioned to a major capability acquisition program, an assessment of potential global demand needs of such technologies not later than one year after the date of such transition. The Under Secretary shall consult with the heads of relevant Federal agencies and existing databases, including any databases administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of State, to issue the guidance required under subsection (a). Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall revise the guidance for program protection plans to integrate a requirement to determine global demand for the programs covered by such plans.
Section 334
809. Prohibition on contracting with shipyards controlled by a foreign adversary The Secretary of Defense may not enter into any contract or other agreement with a shipyard controlled by a foreign adversary. In this section: The term controlled by a foreign adversary means, with respect to a shipyard, that such shipyard is— a foreign person that is domiciled in, is headquartered in, has its principal place of business in, or is organized under the laws of a foreign adversary country; an entity with respect to which a foreign person or combination of foreign persons described in subparagraph (A) directly or indirectly own at least a 20 percent stake; or a person subject to the direction or control of a foreign person or entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B). The term foreign adversary country means a country specified in section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 335
809A. Budget recommendations for multiyear procurement of priority items Along with the budget materials submitted to Congress in support of the annual budget request of the President (submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code), for fiscal year 2026 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Comptroller General of the United States, shall include an annex with recommendations to Congress— contracts for priority items that could be considered under a covered multiyear contract that were not considered as such in the budget materials submitted, and the rationale for exclusion of such priority items from such materials; the cost of implementation of such contracts for priority items under a covered multiyear contract; any challenges to implementing such contracts for priority items under a covered multiyear contract; and any technical assistance required to include contracts for such priority items under a covered multiyear contract in a subsequent fiscal year. The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the covered officials, shall designate any contracts for priority items based on need that will best serve the commanders of the geographic combatant commands for contingency planning and execution. In this section: The term contract for priority items means a contract for goods for any the following: Shipbuilding. Fighter aircraft. Submarines. Ground vehicle systems. Unmanned aerial systems. Hypersonics. Any goods needed to address supply chain disruptions and constraints for the Department of Defense. The term covered officials mean— the Secretary of the Army; the Secretary of the Navy; the Secretary of the Air Force; and the Director of the National Guard Bureau. The term covered multiyear procurement means a multiyear contract described under section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, except that— such contract shall be for a term of greater than one but less than three years; performance of such contract during the second or subsequent year of such term may be contingent upon the appropriation of funds and may provide for a cancellation payment to be made to the contractor if such appropriations are not made.
Section 336
809B. Prohibition on certain Chinese e-commerce purchases None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to acquire any good from Temu or Shein or through a service operated by either such entity except as provided by subsection (b). Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to the acquisition of a good to the extent that the Secretary of Defense determines that such acquisition of such good from Temu or Shein or through a service operated by either such entity is in the interest of national security.
Section 337
809C. Prohibition and report on contracts for online tutoring services The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for online tutoring services which could result in personal data of citizens of the United States being transferred to the control of the People’s Republic of China The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the risks of personal data of citizens of the United States being transferred to the control of the People’s Republic of China pursuant to any contracts for online tutoring services of the Department of Defense in progress.
Section 338
809D. Review panel on fair and reasonable pricing and contract oversight Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a review panel on fair and reasonable pricing and contract oversight of sole-source contracts for munitions and weapons systems contracts, including related contracts for services and spare parts. The review panel shall be composed of the following six members: The Director Price, Cost, and Finance of the Office of Defense Pricing and Contracting of the Department of Defense. The Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency. An individual from the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. Two individuals appointed by the Secretary of Defense with expertise in contract pricing, contract negotiations, and contract oversight. When appointing individuals described in paragraph (1)(E) to the review panel, the Secretary of Defense shall appoint only individuals— that have extensive experience in both the public and private (including defense and commercial experience) sectors; and who, in the three-year period immediately preceding such appointment— have not been employed by a contractor of the Department of Defense; or undertaken any actions on behalf of such a contractor for which the individual was compensated in any way. In addition to any other restriction imposed by law, during the period beginning on the date an individual is appointed as a member of the review panel and ending on the date that is 3 years after such individual ceases to be a member of the review panel, such individual may not be employed by a contractor of the Department of Defense or undertake any actions on behalf of such a contractor for which the individual is compensated in any way. The review panel shall do the following: Identify an extensive and representative sample of all fixed price contracts and subcontracts, including delivery and task orders, in excess of $10,000,000 awarded during a period determined by the review panel, except that— the period determined by the review panel shall include the 15-year period immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act; and the sample shall include contracts the performance of which is at least 75 percent complete. Provide to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a comparison between negotiated contract prices and actual cost outcomes on the contracts and subcontracts included in the sample identified under paragraph (1). Provide to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an analysis of the sample identified under paragraph (1) to determine if the pricing for the contracting in such sample exceeded fair and reasonable prices and, if so, whether excessive pricing is widespread or unique to certain weapons systems, sectors, or companies. Provide to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an analysis of the sample identified under paragraph (1) that compares initial price submitted by the contractor and subcontractor in the proposal to actual cost outcomes in order to determine the accuracy of contractor estimating systems. Provide to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an analysis of the degree of competition on spare parts contracts determined to be a commercial product (as defined in section 103 of title 41, United States Code). Conduct a review and provide an analysis to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that determines the degree to which contract prices for contracts and subcontracts for spare parts that are subject to the submission of certified cost and pricing data exceed fair and reasonable prices in comparison to contracts and subcontracts for spare parts that do not require the submission of certified cost and pricing data. Provide to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an analysis of the adequacy and degree of contractor oversight by the Department of Defense, including the sufficiency of post-contract award audits for compliance with chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code. The Secretary of Defense shall provide the review panel with timely access to appropriate information, data, resources, and analysis so that the review panel may conduct a thorough and independent assessment as required by this section. To the degree that any company who has entered into a contract or subcontract subject to the chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, and refuses to provide actual cost information to include all internal estimates to complete for unfinished work, the Inspector General shall use its subpoena powers to compel the delivery of the requested information. Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the review panel. Not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes the review panel, the panel shall transmit a final report to the Secretary. The final report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the review panel, including all analyses required by this section as well as recommendations regarding the adherence to fair and reasonable pricing for contracts and subcontracts and improvements related to contractor oversight. Not later than 8 months and 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to, or brief, the congressional defense committees on the interim findings of the review panel with respect to the elements set forth in paragraph (2). Not later than 4 months after the Secretary submits a report to or briefs the congressional defense committees under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall submit a second report to, or provided a second briefing to, the congressional defense committees on the interim findings of the review panel with respect to the elements set forth in paragraph (2). The panel shall provide regular updates to the Secretary of Defense for purposes of providing the interim reports required under this paragraph. Not later than 30 days after receiving the final report of the review panel under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall transmit such final report, together with such comments as the Secretary determines appropriate, to the congressional defense committees. The Secretary of Defense may use amounts available in the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of title 10, United States Code, to support activities of the review panel under this section. In this section, the term review panel means the review panel established under subsection (a).
Section 339
811. Modification to exception for submission of certified cost or pricing data for certain components and parts of commercial products Section 3703(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1)— by striking component of the Department of Defense and inserting element of the Department of Defense; and by striking of such product or service. and inserting the following: “of— such commercial product, or a component or part of such commercial product, or a service procured for support of such product; or such commercial service. in paragraph (2)— by striking shall request and inserting the following: “shall— request in subparagraph (A), as so designated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: provide to the head of the contracting activity a rationale and detailed explanation for not making such presumption. by adding at the end the following new paragraph: In a review conducted under this subsection, the head of a contracting activity may consider evidence of whether or not the product or service to be procured is a commercial product or a commercial service. Section 3703(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting Evidence on recent purchase prices.— before A contracting officer. (A)such commercial product, or a component or part of such commercial product, or a service procured for support of such product; or(B)such commercial service.; (A)request; (B)provide to the head of the contracting activity a rationale and detailed explanation for not making such presumption.; and (4)In a review conducted under this subsection, the head of a contracting activity may consider evidence of whether or not the product or service to be procured is a commercial product or a commercial service..
Section 340
812. Application of recent price history and purchase orders to truthful cost or pricing data requirements Section 3701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following new paragraph: The term purchase order shall have the meaning given in section 13.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (or any successor regulation). Section 3701(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by inserting or purchase order after price of a contract; and by inserting or purchase order modification after contract modification. Section 3702 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: An offeror for a purchase order shall be required to submit cost or pricing data before award of the purchase order. in subsection (c)— in paragraph (1), by striking or at the end; in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: in the case of a submission by an offeror for a purchase order, to the head of the contracting activity (or a designated representative of such head). Section 3703 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking a subcontract, or modification of a contract or subcontract and inserting a subcontract, a purchase order, or a modification of a contract, subcontract, or purchase order; and in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (A), by striking or at the end; in subparagraph (B), by inserting or at the end; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: recent price history as described in subsection (g). by adding at the end the following new subsection: Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (e), for purposes of applying the exception under subsection (a)(1)(C) to the required submission of certified cost or pricing data for a subcontract, a purchase order, or a modification to a subcontract or purchase order with a proposed value less than or equal to $5,000,000, the contracting officer shall ensure that the price is reasonable by considering each of the following: Prices paid by the Government for a subcontract, purchase order, or modification of a subcontract or purchase order for the same good or service from the same subcontractor or supplier during the 12-month period immediately preceding the issuance of a request for proposal, request for a modification, issuance of a purchase order, or similar written intent to procure goods or services. Such prices paid during such 12-month period that were supported by cost or pricing data or other data adequate to determine a reasonable price. The effect of inflation or other macroeconomic factors on the reliability of such prices paid. Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in section 3704, by striking subcontract, or modification of a contract or subcontract each place it appears and inserting subcontract, a purchase order, or a modification of a contract, subcontract, or purchase order; and in section 3705, by striking subcontract, or modification of a contract or subcontract each place it appears and inserting subcontract, a purchase order, or a modification of a contract, subcontract, or purchase order. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to conform with the amendments made by this section. (3)Purchase orderThe term purchase order shall have the meaning given in section 13.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (or any successor regulation).. (5)Purchase ordersAn offeror for a purchase order shall be required to submit cost or pricing data before award of the purchase order.; and (3)in the case of a submission by an offeror for a purchase order, to the head of the contracting activity (or a designated representative of such head). . (C)recent price history as described in subsection (g).; and (g)Determination of recent price historyNotwithstanding the requirements of subsection (e), for purposes of applying the exception under subsection (a)(1)(C) to the required submission of certified cost or pricing data for a subcontract, a purchase order, or a modification to a subcontract or purchase order with a proposed value less than or equal to $5,000,000, the contracting officer shall ensure that the price is reasonable by considering each of the following:(1)Prices paid by the Government for a subcontract, purchase order, or modification of a subcontract or purchase order for the same good or service from the same subcontractor or supplier during the 12-month period immediately preceding the issuance of a request for proposal, request for a modification, issuance of a purchase order, or similar written intent to procure goods or services.(2)Such prices paid during such 12-month period that were supported by cost or pricing data or other data adequate to determine a reasonable price.(3)The effect of inflation or other macroeconomic factors on the reliability of such prices paid..
Section 341
813. Elimination of late cost and pricing data submission defense Section 3706(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (3) by striking or at the end; in paragraph (4) by striking the period and inserting ; or; and by adding at the end the following: the cost or pricing data were submitted by the prime contractor or subcontractor after the date of agreement on the price of the contract (or price of the modification) or, if applicable consistent with subsection (a)(2), such other date agreed upon between the parties. (5)the cost or pricing data were submitted by the prime contractor or subcontractor after the date of agreement on the price of the contract (or price of the modification) or, if applicable consistent with subsection (a)(2), such other date agreed upon between the parties..
Section 342
814. Clarification of other transaction authority for follow on production Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term follow-on production contract or transaction means a contract or transaction to produce, sustain, or otherwise implement the results of a successfully completed prototype project for continued or expanded use by the Department of Defense. in subsection (f)— in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following: A follow-on production award may be provided for in a transaction entered into under this section for a prototype project, awarded with respect to such a transaction as one or more separate awards, or a combination thereof.; and in paragraph (2), by inserting , one or more separate awards of follow-on production contracts or transactions with respect to a transaction described in such paragraph, or a combination thereof, after paragraph (1). (6)The term follow-on production contract or transaction means a contract or transaction to produce, sustain, or otherwise implement the results of a successfully completed prototype project for continued or expanded use by the Department of Defense.; and
Section 343
815. Clarification of other transaction authority for facility repair Section 4022(i)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subparagraph (A), by striking except for projects carried out for the purpose of repairing a facility,; by inserting (A) before In carrying out; by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: The requirements of this paragraph shall not apply to projects carried out for the purpose of repairing a facility. This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to a transaction for a prototype project under section 4022(i) of title 10, United States Code, entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this section. (B)The requirements of this paragraph shall not apply to projects carried out for the purpose of repairing a facility..
Section 344
816. Special operations forces procurement authority Section 1903 of title 41, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking For a procurement and inserting Except as provided in subsection (d), for a procurement; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: For the purposes of this section— a procurement for special operations forces to perform activities described in section 167(k) of title 10 in support of an undeclared contingency operation shall be deemed to be in support of a contingency operation (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10); contracts to be awarded with respect to such a procurement shall be deemed to be awarded and performed outside of the United States; purchases to be made under such a procurement shall be deemed to be made outside of the United States; and with respect to such a procurement to which this section applies under subsection (a)— the amount in subsection (b)(1) is deemed to be $35,000; and the $5,000,000 limitation in sections 1901(a)(2) and 3305(a)(2) of this title and section 3205(a)(2) of title 10 is deemed to be $15,000,000. In this subsection: The term special operations forces has the meaning given such term in section 167(j) of title 10. The term undeclared contingency operation means an operation in which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing foreign force, other than an operation designated by the Secretary of Defense as a contingency operation (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10). (d)Special operations forces procurement(1)In generalFor the purposes of this section—(A)a procurement for special operations forces to perform activities described in section 167(k) of title 10 in support of an undeclared contingency operation shall be deemed to be in support of a contingency operation (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10);(B)contracts to be awarded with respect to such a procurement shall be deemed to be awarded and performed outside of the United States;(C)purchases to be made under such a procurement shall be deemed to be made outside of the United States; and(D)with respect to such a procurement to which this section applies under subsection (a)—(i)the amount in subsection (b)(1) is deemed to be $35,000; and(ii)the $5,000,000 limitation in sections 1901(a)(2) and 3305(a)(2) of this title and section 3205(a)(2) of title 10 is deemed to be $15,000,000.(2)DefinitionsIn this subsection:(A)Special operations forcesThe term special operations forces has the meaning given such term in section 167(j) of title 10.(B)Undeclared contingency operationThe term undeclared contingency operation means an operation in which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing foreign force, other than an operation designated by the Secretary of Defense as a contingency operation (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10)..
Section 345
817. Avoidance of use of lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria for procurement of munitions response services Section 880(c)(1) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (41 U.S.C. 3701 note) is amended by inserting munitions response services, after telecommunications devices and services,.
Section 346
818. Extension of temporary authority to modify certain contracts and options based on the effects of inflation Subsection (e) of the first section of Public Law 85–804 (50 U.S.C. 1431(e)) is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 347
819. Limitation on availability of funds for chiller class projects of the Department of the Air Force None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to acquire goods or services under a non-competitive justification and approval for the purposes of standardizing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chillers at installations of the Air Force until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees the certification described in subsection (b). The certification described in this subsection is a certification that— the Secretary of Defense has developed a methodology to compare the cost of initially acquiring the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chillers and equipment supporting such chillers for the purposes described in subsection (a) under a non-competitive justification and approval to the cost of initially acquiring such chillers and equipment for such purposes using competitive procedures; the Secretary of Defense has established metrics to measure the effects of standardizing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chillers at installations of the Air Force, including the costs of training technicians, any savings resulting from the ability of employees of the Government to repair such chillers, the cost of initially acquiring chillers and equipment supporting such chillers for such purpose, and the life cycle costs of such chillers; and the Secretary of Defense has collected data demonstrating that the use of procedures other than competitive procedures to acquire chillers for the purposes of standardizing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chillers at installations of the Air Force has resulted in lower life cycle costs compared to using competitive procedures for such acquisitions. In this section: The term competitive procedures has the meaning given such term in section 3012 of title 10, United States Code. The term non-competitive justification and approval means the justification and approval required by section 3204(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code, for the use of procedures other than competitive procedures to award a contract.
Section 348
820. Regulations applicable to combat footwear of members of all branches of the armed forces Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations prohibiting any member of the Armed Forces from wearing optional combat boots as part of a required uniform unless the optional combat boots are entirely manufactured in the United States and entirely made of— materials grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States; and components that are manufactured entirely in the United States and entirely made of materials described in paragraph (1). In this section: The term optional combat boots, with respect to a member of the Armed Forces, combat boots not furnished to such member of the Armed Forces by the Secretary of Defense. The term required uniform means a uniform a member of the Armed Forces is required to wear as a member of the Armed Forces.
Section 349
821. Addition of domestically produced stainless steel flatware to the requirement to buy certain articles from American sources Section 4862(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: Stainless steel flatware. by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4). The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2025. (3)Stainless steel flatware.; and
Section 350
831. Updated Adaptive Acquisition Framework training Subchapter IV of chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The President of the Defense Acquisition University, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and in consultation with industry representatives, shall ensure that the training program for the acquisition workforce on the adaptive acquisition framework (as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02, Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework) that is part of the curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University includes training on— the relevant innovative procedures and best practices of the private sector for acquiring goods and services; and acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the preceding two years. The training required by subsection (a) shall include— learning objectives related to market research, communicating with industry, and identifying and implementing the best practices used by industry for acquiring goods and services; learning objectives that encourage the use of technologies that are commercial products, commercial services, and commercially available off-the-shelf items (as such terms are defined in sections 103, 103a, and 104, respectively, of title 41), to the greatest extent practicable; and training on technology procured as a consumption-based solution (as defined in section 834 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note)) or emerging technology. Beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less than every two years thereafter, the President of the Defense Acquisition University shall update the training described in subsection (a) to include all acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the two years preceding such update. In this section, the term acquisition workforce has the meaning given such term in section 101(a), except that the term only includes— program executive officers (as such term is defined in section 1737 of this title); program managers (as such term is defined in such section); general officers (as such term is defined in section 101(b) of this title); flag officers (as such term is defined in such section); and individuals holding Senior Executive Service positions (as such term is defined in section 3132 of title 5). The table of sections for chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1748 the following new item: 1749.Updated Adaptive Acquisition Framework training(a)In generalThe President of the Defense Acquisition University, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and in consultation with industry representatives, shall ensure that the training program for the acquisition workforce on the adaptive acquisition framework (as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02, Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework) that is part of the curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University includes training on—(1)the relevant innovative procedures and best practices of the private sector for acquiring goods and services; and(2)acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the preceding two years.(b)Training requirements(1)The training required by subsection (a) shall include—(A)learning objectives related to market research, communicating with industry, and identifying and implementing the best practices used by industry for acquiring goods and services;(B)learning objectives that encourage the use of technologies that are commercial products, commercial services, and commercially available off-the-shelf items (as such terms are defined in sections 103, 103a, and 104, respectively, of title 41), to the greatest extent practicable; and(C)training on technology procured as a consumption-based solution (as defined in section 834 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note)) or emerging technology.(2)Beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less than every two years thereafter, the President of the Defense Acquisition University shall update the training described in subsection (a) to include all acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the two years preceding such update.(c)Acquisition workforce definedIn this section, the term acquisition workforce has the meaning given such term in section 101(a), except that the term only includes—(1)program executive officers (as such term is defined in section 1737 of this title);(2)program managers (as such term is defined in such section);(3)general officers (as such term is defined in section 101(b) of this title);(4)flag officers (as such term is defined in such section); and(5)individuals holding Senior Executive Service positions (as such term is defined in section 3132 of title 5).. 1749. Updated Adaptive Acquisition Framework training..
Section 351
1749. Updated Adaptive Acquisition Framework training The President of the Defense Acquisition University, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and in consultation with industry representatives, shall ensure that the training program for the acquisition workforce on the adaptive acquisition framework (as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02, Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework) that is part of the curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University includes training on— the relevant innovative procedures and best practices of the private sector for acquiring goods and services; and acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the preceding two years. The training required by subsection (a) shall include— learning objectives related to market research, communicating with industry, and identifying and implementing the best practices used by industry for acquiring goods and services; learning objectives that encourage the use of technologies that are commercial products, commercial services, and commercially available off-the-shelf items (as such terms are defined in sections 103, 103a, and 104, respectively, of title 41), to the greatest extent practicable; and training on technology procured as a consumption-based solution (as defined in section 834 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4571 note)) or emerging technology. Beginning 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less than every two years thereafter, the President of the Defense Acquisition University shall update the training described in subsection (a) to include all acquisition authorities applicable to the adaptive acquisition framework that were established or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense in the two years preceding such update. In this section, the term acquisition workforce has the meaning given such term in section 101(a), except that the term only includes— program executive officers (as such term is defined in section 1737 of this title); program managers (as such term is defined in such section); general officers (as such term is defined in section 101(b) of this title); flag officers (as such term is defined in such section); and individuals holding Senior Executive Service positions (as such term is defined in section 3132 of title 5).
Section 352
832. Performance incentives related to commercial product and commercial service determinations Section 3456 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: establish and maintain performance incentives for contracting officers and program managers that request support described in subsection (b)(1)(A). in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1), by inserting or program manager after contracting officer; and in paragraph (2), by inserting or program manager (as applicable) after contracting officer each place it appears. (3)establish and maintain performance incentives for contracting officers and program managers that request support described in subsection (b)(1)(A).; and
Section 353
833. Autonomous unmanned aerial system acquisition pathways The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, procurement programs for autonomous unmanned aerial systems use separate, parallel acquisition pathways for hardware and software related to such systems. The Secretary shall ensure that members of the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code), with respect to the procurement of autonomous unmanned aerial systems under this section and to the maximum extent practicable— use the appropriate software acquisition pathway established under section 800 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1478; 10 U.S.C. 4571 note); and include requirements for hardware components of such systems to be compliant with modular open system approach (as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code). Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— a description of plans to implement the separate, parallel acquisition pathways described in subsection (a); and recommendations by the Secretary for any legislative action the Secretary determines necessary to implement this section. This section shall apply with respect to contracts for the procurement of autonomous unmanned aerial systems or hardware or software related to such systems entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this section.
Section 354
834. Pilot program for program management offices to compete in rehabilitating at-risk programs Not later than April 1, 2025, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall establish a pilot program to test the feasibility and reliability of requiring program managers within the Department of Defense to manage at-risk programs selected under subsection (b). The Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall select not less than 2 and not more than 3 at-risk programs for the pilot program established under this section. Not later than 12 months after selecting at-risk programs under subsection (b), the Under Secretary shall select one program manager to assume management of each selected at-risk programs. Activities under the pilot program established under this section shall be carried out by existing personnel of the Department of Defense. Before selecting at-risk programs under subsection (b), the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and the activities under the pilot program. Not later than 180 days after selection of all program managers under subsection (c), the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following: The definition of an at-risk program for purposes of the pilot program. The at-risk programs selected under subsection (b) and a description of the technology to be developed under such programs. The metrics to be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the at-risk program. Not later than January 1, 2027, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following elements: Initial results of the pilot program, including challenges and successes. A recommendation on whether the pilot program should be extended, expanded, or made permanent. Recommendations for changes to applicable statutes, regulations, or policies to support the pilot program. The pilot program established under subsection (a), and all activities under such pilot program shall terminate not later than December 31, 2028. In this section: The term at-risk program means a Department of Defense program for the rapid fielding of technology that is determined by the Under Secretary to be to be at-risk due to failures or delays in reaching technical milestones. The term Under Secretary means the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment of the Department of Defense.
Section 355
841. Enhancing requirements for information relating to supply chain risk Section 3252 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (b)— by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: consulting with procurement or other relevant officials of the covered agency; in paragraph (2), by striking with the concurrence of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,; and in paragraph (3)— by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: a summary of the risk assessment that serves as the basis for the written determination required by paragraph (2); and by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C); and by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (B); by striking subsection (c); and by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. (1)consulting with procurement or other relevant officials of the covered agency;; (A)a summary of the risk assessment that serves as the basis for the written determination required by paragraph (2); and;
Section 356
842. Amendment to requirement to buy strategic materials critical to national security from American sources Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (d)(1)(B), by inserting qualifying before foreign; and in subsection (m), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term qualifying foreign government means the government of a country with which the United States has in effect a reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to section 4851 of this title. (11)The term qualifying foreign government means the government of a country with which the United States has in effect a reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to section 4851 of this title..
Section 357
843. Modification to miscellaneous limitations on the procurement of goods other than United States goods Section 4864(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: Diesel engines that operate at a maximum of not greater than 1200 revolutions per minute and are capable of generating a power output of greater than 3500 kilowatts. (G)Diesel engines that operate at a maximum of not greater than 1200 revolutions per minute and are capable of generating a power output of greater than 3500 kilowatts..
Section 358
844. Risk management for Department of Defense pharmaceutical supply chains Section 860(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2734; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.) is amended— in paragraph (2), by inserting , temperature exposure throughout the supply chain process, before and final drug products; and in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting , including temperature monitoring throughout the supply chain after of drugs.
Section 359
845. Inclusion of recycled materials in domestic preference for strategic and critical materials Section 848(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3769; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note) is amended— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (B), by inserting after United States the following: , including processing of strategic and critical materials from recycled and reused minerals and metals,; and in subparagraph (C), by inserting , including from recycled and reused minerals and metals, after critical materials; and in paragraph (2)— by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; and by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph: the development of sources of supply for strategic and critical materials derived from recycled and reused minerals and metals; and (D)the development of sources of supply for strategic and critical materials derived from recycled and reused minerals and metals; and.
Section 360
846. Report relating to certain domestic nonavailability determinations Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and two years after such date, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following: Information on the availability of a domestic source for fire-resistant fiber blend fabric for the production of uniforms. A description of any contract the Secretary or a Secretary of a military department has entered into for the procurement of fire-resistant fiber blend fabric from a domestic source in the three-year period preceding the date of such report. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report that includes a description of the following: The process of making a domestic nonavailability determination pursuant to section 4862(c) of title 10, United States Code, including the average length of time to make such determination. The process of reviewing such determinations, including factors that trigger the initiation of a review, and the timelines associated with each such review. The process by which Secretary determines whether to terminate or modify such determination.
Section 361
847. Supply chain illumination Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement incentives to encourage each contractor of the Department of Defense to implement and use policies, procedures, and tools that allow such contractor to assess and monitor the entire supply chain of such contractor to identify potential vulnerabilities and security and noncompliance risks with respect to goods and services provided to the Department.
Section 362
848. Study on use of off-the-shelf information technology products from foreign adversary countries The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a study on the use by the Department of Defense of off-the-shelf information technology products that were manufactured, produced, or assembled by a covered company, including goods used by the Department that contain such an off-the-shelf information technology product. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the study required by subsection (a). In this section: The term commercially available off-the-shelf item has the meaning given such term in section 104 of title 41, United States Code. The term covered company means— an entity that is organized under the laws of or located in a foreign adversary country; a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of an entity described in subparagraph (A); and an entity otherwise directly or indirectly owned by or subject to the control of an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B), as determined by the Secretary of Defense. The term foreign adversary country has the meaning given the term covered nation in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code. The term off-the-shelf information technology product means a commercially available off-the-shelf item that can process, store, or transmit digital data.
Section 363
851. Entrepreneurial Innovation Project designations Chapter 303 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 4067 the following new section: During the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and during each subsequent fiscal year, each Secretary concerned, in consultation with each chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, shall designate not less than five eligible programs as Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects. An eligible program seeking designation as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section shall submit to the Secretary concerned an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate. In making designations under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall consider— the potential of the eligible program to— advance the national security capabilities of the United States and, in the case of the Coast Guard, the law enforcement capabilities of the United States on the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including maritime domain awareness related to such law enforcement; provide new technologies or processes, or new applications of existing technologies, that will enable new alternatives to existing programs; and provide future cost savings; whether an advisory panel has recommended the eligible program for designation; and such other criteria that the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate. With respect to each designated program, the Secretary of Defense shall include in the next future-years defense program the estimated expenditures of such designated program. In the preceding sentence, the term next future-years defense program means the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title after the date on which such designated program is designated under subsection (a). Each designated program shall be included by the Secretary concerned under a separate heading in any programming proposals submitted to the Secretary of Defense. Each designated program shall be considered by the Secretary concerned as an integral part of the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense. For each military department and the Coast Guard, the Secretary concerned shall establish an advisory panel that, starting in the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and in each subsequent fiscal year, shall identify and recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) eligible programs based on the criteria described in subsection (c)(1). Each advisory panel shall be composed of four members appointed by the Secretary concerned and one member appointed by the chief of the relevant armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned. The Secretary concerned shall appoint members to the advisory panel as follows: Three members who— have experience with private sector entrepreneurial innovation, including development and implementation of such innovations into well-established markets; and are not employed by the Federal Government. One member who is in the Senior Executive Service and— in the case of the advisory panel for the Coast Guard, in the acquisition directorate established under section 1101 of title 14; and in all other cases, in the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 1705 of this title) of the relevant military department. The chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned shall appoint to the advisory panel one member who is a member of such armed forces. Members described in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the members first appointed— one shall serve a term of one year; one shall serve a term of two years; and one shall serve a term of three years. Members described in clause (ii)(II) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall serve for a term of two years, except that the first member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall serve for a term of one year. The chair for each advisory panel shall be as follows: For the first year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii). For the second year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II). A vacancy in an advisory panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Members and staff of each advisory panel shall disclose to the relevant Secretary concerned, and such Secretary concerned shall mitigate to the extent practicable, any professional or organizational conflict of interest of such members or staff arising from service on the advisory panel. Except as provided in clause (ii), members of an advisory panel, and the support staff of such members, shall be compensated at a rate determined reasonable by the Secretary concerned and shall be reimbursed in accordance with section 5703 of title 5 for reasonable travel costs and expenses incurred in performing duties as members of an advisory panel. Members of an advisory panel who are full-time officers or employees of the United States or Members of Congress may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on an advisory panel. Each advisory panel shall select not less than ten eligible programs that have submitted an application under subsection (b). Each eligible program selected under subparagraph (A) may submit to the advisory panel that selected such eligible program a program plan containing the five-year goals, execution plans, schedules, and funding needs of such eligible program. Each Secretary concerned shall, to the greatest extent practicable, provide eligible programs selected under subparagraph (A) with access to information to support the development of the program plans described in clause (i). Each advisory panel shall recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) not less than five eligible programs that submitted a program plan under subparagraph (B) to such advisory panel. If there are less than five such eligible programs, such advisory panel may recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) less than five such eligible programs. The Secretary concerned shall provide the relevant advisory panel with such administrative support, staff, and technical assistance as the Secretary concerned determines necessary for such advisory panel to carry out it duties. The Secretary of Defense may use amounts available from the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of this title to support the activities of advisory panels. If the Secretary concerned determines that a designated program cannot reasonably meet the objectives of such designated program in the relevant programming proposal referred to in subsection (d)(2) or such objectives are irrelevant, such Secretary concerned may revoke the designation. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report describing each designated program and the progress each designated program has made toward achieving the objectives of the designated program. In this section: The term advisory panel means an advisory panel established under subsection (e)(1). The term designated program means an eligible program that has been designated as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section. The term eligible program means work performed pursuant to a Phase III agreement (as such term is defined in section 9(r)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(2))). The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 303 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item related to section 4067 the following new item: Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each of the Secretaries concerned shall establish the advisory panels described in section 4068(e) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). 4068.Entrepreneurial Innovation Project designations(a)In generalDuring the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and during each subsequent fiscal year, each Secretary concerned, in consultation with each chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, shall designate not less than five eligible programs as Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects.(b)ApplicationAn eligible program seeking designation as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section shall submit to the Secretary concerned an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate.(c)Designation criteriaIn making designations under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall consider—(1)the potential of the eligible program to—(A)advance the national security capabilities of the United States and, in the case of the Coast Guard, the law enforcement capabilities of the United States on the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including maritime domain awareness related to such law enforcement;(B)provide new technologies or processes, or new applications of existing technologies, that will enable new alternatives to existing programs; and(C)provide future cost savings;(2)whether an advisory panel has recommended the eligible program for designation; and(3)such other criteria that the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate.(d)Designation benefits(1)Future-years defense program inclusionWith respect to each designated program, the Secretary of Defense shall include in the next future-years defense program the estimated expenditures of such designated program. In the preceding sentence, the term next future-years defense program means the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title after the date on which such designated program is designated under subsection (a).(2)Programming proposalEach designated program shall be included by the Secretary concerned under a separate heading in any programming proposals submitted to the Secretary of Defense.(3)PPBE componentEach designated program shall be considered by the Secretary concerned as an integral part of the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense.(e)Entrepreneurial Innovation Advisory panels(1)EstablishmentFor each military department and the Coast Guard, the Secretary concerned shall establish an advisory panel that, starting in the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and in each subsequent fiscal year, shall identify and recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) eligible programs based on the criteria described in subsection (c)(1).(2)Membership(A)Composition(i)In generalEach advisory panel shall be composed of four members appointed by the Secretary concerned and one member appointed by the chief of the relevant armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned.(ii)Secretary concerned appointmentsThe Secretary concerned shall appoint members to the advisory panel as follows:(I)Three members who—(aa)have experience with private sector entrepreneurial innovation, including development and implementation of such innovations into well-established markets; and(bb)are not employed by the Federal Government.(II)One member who is in the Senior Executive Service and—(aa)in the case of the advisory panel for the Coast Guard, in the acquisition directorate established under section 1101 of title 14; and(bb)in all other cases, in the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 1705 of this title) of the relevant military department.(iii)Service chief appointmentThe chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned shall appoint to the advisory panel one member who is a member of such armed forces.(B)Terms(i)Private sector membersMembers described in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the members first appointed—(I)one shall serve a term of one year;(II)one shall serve a term of two years; and(III)one shall serve a term of three years.(ii)Federal Government employeesMembers described in clause (ii)(II) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall serve for a term of two years, except that the first member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall serve for a term of one year.(C)ChairThe chair for each advisory panel shall be as follows:(i)For the first year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii).(ii)For the second year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II).(D)VacanciesA vacancy in an advisory panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.(E)Conflict of interestMembers and staff of each advisory panel shall disclose to the relevant Secretary concerned, and such Secretary concerned shall mitigate to the extent practicable, any professional or organizational conflict of interest of such members or staff arising from service on the advisory panel.(F)Compensation(i)Private sector member compensationExcept as provided in clause (ii), members of an advisory panel, and the support staff of such members, shall be compensated at a rate determined reasonable by the Secretary concerned and shall be reimbursed in accordance with section 5703 of title 5 for reasonable travel costs and expenses incurred in performing duties as members of an advisory panel.(ii)Prohibition on compensation of Federal employeesMembers of an advisory panel who are full-time officers or employees of the United States or Members of Congress may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on an advisory panel.(3)Selection process(A)Initial selectionEach advisory panel shall select not less than ten eligible programs that have submitted an application under subsection (b).(B)Program plans(i)In generalEach eligible program selected under subparagraph (A) may submit to the advisory panel that selected such eligible program a program plan containing the five-year goals, execution plans, schedules, and funding needs of such eligible program.(ii)SupportEach Secretary concerned shall, to the greatest extent practicable, provide eligible programs selected under subparagraph (A) with access to information to support the development of the program plans described in clause (i).(C)Final selectionEach advisory panel shall recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) not less than five eligible programs that submitted a program plan under subparagraph (B) to such advisory panel. If there are less than five such eligible programs, such advisory panel may recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) less than five such eligible programs.(4)Administrative and technical supportThe Secretary concerned shall provide the relevant advisory panel with such administrative support, staff, and technical assistance as the Secretary concerned determines necessary for such advisory panel to carry out it duties.(5)FundingThe Secretary of Defense may use amounts available from the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of this title to support the activities of advisory panels.(f)Revocation of designationIf the Secretary concerned determines that a designated program cannot reasonably meet the objectives of such designated program in the relevant programming proposal referred to in subsection (d)(2) or such objectives are irrelevant, such Secretary concerned may revoke the designation.(g)Report to CongressThe Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report describing each designated program and the progress each designated program has made toward achieving the objectives of the designated program.(h)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Advisory panelThe term advisory panel means an advisory panel established under subsection (e)(1).(2)Designated programThe term designated program means an eligible program that has been designated as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section.(3)Eligible programThe term eligible program means work performed pursuant to a Phase III agreement (as such term is defined in section 9(r)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(2))).. 4068. Entrepreneurial Innovation Project designations..
Section 364
4068. Entrepreneurial Innovation Project designations During the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and during each subsequent fiscal year, each Secretary concerned, in consultation with each chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, shall designate not less than five eligible programs as Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects. An eligible program seeking designation as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section shall submit to the Secretary concerned an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary concerned determines appropriate. In making designations under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall consider— the potential of the eligible program to— advance the national security capabilities of the United States and, in the case of the Coast Guard, the law enforcement capabilities of the United States on the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including maritime domain awareness related to such law enforcement; provide new technologies or processes, or new applications of existing technologies, that will enable new alternatives to existing programs; and provide future cost savings; whether an advisory panel has recommended the eligible program for designation; and such other criteria that the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate. With respect to each designated program, the Secretary of Defense shall include in the next future-years defense program the estimated expenditures of such designated program. In the preceding sentence, the term next future-years defense program means the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title after the date on which such designated program is designated under subsection (a). Each designated program shall be included by the Secretary concerned under a separate heading in any programming proposals submitted to the Secretary of Defense. Each designated program shall be considered by the Secretary concerned as an integral part of the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense. For each military department and the Coast Guard, the Secretary concerned shall establish an advisory panel that, starting in the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and in each subsequent fiscal year, shall identify and recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) eligible programs based on the criteria described in subsection (c)(1). Each advisory panel shall be composed of four members appointed by the Secretary concerned and one member appointed by the chief of the relevant armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned. The Secretary concerned shall appoint members to the advisory panel as follows: Three members who— have experience with private sector entrepreneurial innovation, including development and implementation of such innovations into well-established markets; and are not employed by the Federal Government. One member who is in the Senior Executive Service and— in the case of the advisory panel for the Coast Guard, in the acquisition directorate established under section 1101 of title 14; and in all other cases, in the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 1705 of this title) of the relevant military department. The chief of an armed force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned shall appoint to the advisory panel one member who is a member of such armed forces. Members described in subparagraph (A)(ii)(I) shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the members first appointed— one shall serve a term of one year; one shall serve a term of two years; and one shall serve a term of three years. Members described in clause (ii)(II) or (iii) of subparagraph (A) shall serve for a term of two years, except that the first member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall serve for a term of one year. The chair for each advisory panel shall be as follows: For the first year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(iii). For the second year of operation of each such advisory panel, and every other year thereafter, the member appointed under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II). A vacancy in an advisory panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Members and staff of each advisory panel shall disclose to the relevant Secretary concerned, and such Secretary concerned shall mitigate to the extent practicable, any professional or organizational conflict of interest of such members or staff arising from service on the advisory panel. Except as provided in clause (ii), members of an advisory panel, and the support staff of such members, shall be compensated at a rate determined reasonable by the Secretary concerned and shall be reimbursed in accordance with section 5703 of title 5 for reasonable travel costs and expenses incurred in performing duties as members of an advisory panel. Members of an advisory panel who are full-time officers or employees of the United States or Members of Congress may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on an advisory panel. Each advisory panel shall select not less than ten eligible programs that have submitted an application under subsection (b). Each eligible program selected under subparagraph (A) may submit to the advisory panel that selected such eligible program a program plan containing the five-year goals, execution plans, schedules, and funding needs of such eligible program. Each Secretary concerned shall, to the greatest extent practicable, provide eligible programs selected under subparagraph (A) with access to information to support the development of the program plans described in clause (i). Each advisory panel shall recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) not less than five eligible programs that submitted a program plan under subparagraph (B) to such advisory panel. If there are less than five such eligible programs, such advisory panel may recommend to the Secretary concerned for designation under subsection (a) less than five such eligible programs. The Secretary concerned shall provide the relevant advisory panel with such administrative support, staff, and technical assistance as the Secretary concerned determines necessary for such advisory panel to carry out it duties. The Secretary of Defense may use amounts available from the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of this title to support the activities of advisory panels. If the Secretary concerned determines that a designated program cannot reasonably meet the objectives of such designated program in the relevant programming proposal referred to in subsection (d)(2) or such objectives are irrelevant, such Secretary concerned may revoke the designation. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report describing each designated program and the progress each designated program has made toward achieving the objectives of the designated program. In this section: The term advisory panel means an advisory panel established under subsection (e)(1). The term designated program means an eligible program that has been designated as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project under this section. The term eligible program means work performed pursuant to a Phase III agreement (as such term is defined in section 9(r)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(2))).
Section 365
852. Modification to procurement requirements relating to rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials Section 857 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2727; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note) is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1)(A)— by striking permanent magnet and inserting permanent magnet, or an advanced battery or advanced battery component (as those terms are defined, respectively, in section 40207(a) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (42 U.S.C. 18741(a))),; and by striking of the magnet and inserting of the magnet, the advanced battery, or the advanced battery component (as applicable); and in paragraph (2), by amending to read as follows: A disclosure under paragraph (1) with respect to a system described in that paragraph shall include— if the system includes a permanent magnet, an identification of the country or countries in which— any rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials used in the magnet were mined; such elements and materials were refined into oxides; such elements and materials were made into metals and alloys; and the magnet was sintered or bonded and magnetized; and if the system includes an advanced battery or an advanced battery component, an identification of the country or countries in which— any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals used in the battery or component were refined, processed, or reprocessed; any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals and that were manufactured into the battery or component; and the battery cell, module, and pack of the battery or component were manufactured and assembled. by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: In this section: The term strategic and critical materials means materials designated as strategic and critical under section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)). The term covered minerals means lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite. Subsection (a) of such section 857 is further amended— in paragraph (3), by striking provides the system and inserting provides the system as described in paragraph (1); and in paragraph (4)(C), by striking a senior acquisition executive and inserting a service acquisition executive. (2)ElementsA disclosure under paragraph (1) with respect to a system described in that paragraph shall include—(A)if the system includes a permanent magnet, an identification of the country or countries in which—(i)any rare earth elements and strategic and critical materials used in the magnet were mined;(ii)such elements and materials were refined into oxides;(iii)such elements and materials were made into metals and alloys; and(iv)the magnet was sintered or bonded and magnetized; and(B)if the system includes an advanced battery or an advanced battery component, an identification of the country or countries in which—(i)any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals used in the battery or component were refined, processed, or reprocessed;(ii)any strategic and critical materials that are covered minerals and that were manufactured into the battery or component; and(iii)the battery cell, module, and pack of the battery or component were manufactured and assembled.; and (d)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term strategic and critical materials means materials designated as strategic and critical under section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)).(2)The term covered minerals means lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite..
Section 366
853. Update and extend the authorization of distribution support and services for contractors program Section 883 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 4291 note prec.) is amended— in subsection (b)— by striking paragraph (2); and by striking Contracts.— through Any storage and inserting Contracts.—Any storage; and in subsection (g), by striking pilot program and all that follows through of this Act and inserting the following: program shall expire on December 31, 2039. Such section is further amended— in the section heading, by striking Pilot; in subsection (a), by striking eight-year pilot; and in subsections (b), (d), (e), and (f) by striking pilot each place it appears. Such section is further amended— in the section heading, by striking Weapon systems; in subsection (a), by striking for the production, modification, maintenance, or repair of a weapon system that is; and in subsection (c), by striking described in subsection (a) are and inserting entered into by the Department include. Subsection (d) of such section is further amended— in paragraph (1)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— by striking the solicitation of offers for a contract described in subsection (a), and inserting notifying a contractor or potential contractor; and by striking are to and inserting may; in subparagraph (A), by striking to any contractor awarded the contract, but only; and in subparagraph (B), by striking to be made; and in paragraph (6), by striking shall include and all that follows and inserting the following: shall include a requirement that any failure by the contractor to perform the supported contract is not excusable based on use of the support contract, and the contractor is to remain responsible for performance of the primary contract.. Subsection (f) of such section is further amended— in paragraph (1), by striking Not later than and all that follows through the Secretary and inserting the following: Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary; and in paragraph (2), by striking Not later than and all that follows through the Comptroller and inserting the following: Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, the Comptroller.
Section 367
854. Procurement of covered hearing protection devices The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the head of the Hearing Center of Excellence, may enter into one or more contracts to procure covered hearing protection devices for all members of the Armed Forces. The Secretary shall prioritize the award of such a contract to an offeror that— is globally headquartered in the continental United States; and is majority owned and operated by United States citizens. In this section: The term covered hearing protection device means a completely in-canal active hearing protection device— that is a commercially available off-the-shelf item (as defined in section 104 of title 41, United States Code); with a minimum noise reduction rating of 25 decibels and a maximum output not to exceed 80 decibels; and that has been previously identified, tested, and qualified by the Hearing Center of Excellence. The term Hearing Center of Excellence means the center of excellence for hearing loss and auditory system injury established pursuant to section 721 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417).
Section 368
855. Procurement of secure lithium-ion batteries The Department of Defense is required to procure lithium-ion batteries produced in the United States or in allied nations, and cells that contain minimal Foreign Entity of Concern-sourced (Foreign Entity of Concern, derivative, successor, or affiliate) components or technology beginning in 2026 as specified in subsection (b). The percentages required in (b) apply to cells procured as end items or embedded within warfighting and support systems. Not less than 10 percent of the total battery procurement of the Department of Defense beginning in 2026. Not less than 25 percent of the total battery procurement of the Department of Defense beginning in 2027. Not less than 50 percent of the total battery procurement of the Department of Defense beginning in 2028. Not less than 90 percent of the total battery procurement of the Department of Defense beginning in 2029. For purposes of this section, a battery or cell shall be considered compliant with the rule in subsection (a) if— the final product is assembled or manufactured in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, or Japan; not less than 95 percent of the components of the cells by value originates from non-Foreign Entity of Concern sources (Foreign Entity of Concern, derivative, successor, or affiliate); and the production of these batteries and cells does not require licensing of technology from a Foreign Entity of Concern or its derivative, successor, or affiliate. If the batteries and cells cannot be produced which meet the requirements within subsections (b) and (c) at required quality, quantity, and reasonable cost, the Secretary of Defense may waive directed percentages in subsection (b).
Section 369
856. Impact assessment of Manufacturing Innovation Institutes on the defense industrial base Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an assessment of the impact of continued investment in Department of Defense sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes on the defense industrial base in the United States.
Section 370
857. Report on competition and equipment repair It is the sense of Congress that it is integral that the military be able to fix its own equipment, and that efforts deliberately designed to prevent the military end user from fixing equipment in the field harm our nation’s military readiness. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Chair of the White House Competition Council the report required under clause (iii) of section 5(s) of Executive Order 14036 titled Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy.
Section 371
861. Department of Defense contracting goals for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans Chapter 287 of part V of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: In order to increase contracting opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, the Secretary shall establish a goal for each fiscal year for participation in Department contracts (including subcontracts) by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans who are not service-disabled veterans that is not less than the Governmentwide goal for that fiscal year for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under section 15(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)(1)). For purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award a contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures if— such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity; the anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed the amounts established in section 36(c)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(c)(2)); and in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. Except as provided in subsection (b), for purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. A small business concern may be awarded a contract under this section only if the small business concern and the veteran owner of the small business concern are listed in the database described in section 36(f)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(f)(1)). In this section, the terms service-disabled veteran, small business concern, small business concern owned and controlled by veterans, and small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans have the meanings given, respectively, under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632). 3906.Small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans: contracting goals(a)Contracting goalsIn order to increase contracting opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, the Secretary shall establish a goal for each fiscal year for participation in Department contracts (including subcontracts) by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans who are not service-disabled veterans that is not less than the Governmentwide goal for that fiscal year for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under section 15(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)(1)).(b)Sole source contracts for contracts above simplified acquisition thresholdFor purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award a contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures if—(1)such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity;(2)the anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed the amounts established in section 36(c)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(c)(2)); and(3)in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. (c)Use of restricted competitionExcept as provided in subsection (b), for purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States.(d)Eligibility of small business concernsA small business concern may be awarded a contract under this section only if the small business concern and the veteran owner of the small business concern are listed in the database described in section 36(f)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(f)(1)).(e)Small Business Act definitionsIn this section, the terms service-disabled veteran, small business concern, small business concern owned and controlled by veterans, and small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans have the meanings given, respectively, under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)..
Section 372
3906. Small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans: contracting goals In order to increase contracting opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, the Secretary shall establish a goal for each fiscal year for participation in Department contracts (including subcontracts) by small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans who are not service-disabled veterans that is not less than the Governmentwide goal for that fiscal year for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans under section 15(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)(1)). For purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award a contract to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans using procedures other than competitive procedures if— such concern is determined to be a responsible source with respect to performance of such contract opportunity; the anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed the amounts established in section 36(c)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(c)(2)); and in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. Except as provided in subsection (b), for purposes of meeting the goals under subsection (a) and in accordance with this section, a contracting officer may award contracts on the basis of competition restricted to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers best value to the United States. A small business concern may be awarded a contract under this section only if the small business concern and the veteran owner of the small business concern are listed in the database described in section 36(f)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657f(f)(1)). In this section, the terms service-disabled veteran, small business concern, small business concern owned and controlled by veterans, and small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans have the meanings given, respectively, under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
Section 373
862. Participation of military research and educational institutions in the STTR program Section 9(e)(8) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)(8)) is amended by inserting after thereto) the following: , as well as any undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree-granting military research or educational institution established under title 10, United States Code. Such section is further amended— by striking section 4(5) and inserting section 4(3); by inserting (15 U.S.C. 3703(3)) after of 1980; and by striking section 35(c)(1) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act and inserting section 1303(a) of title 41, United States Code.
Section 374
863. Training on increasing Federal contract awards to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans If the Secretary of Defense fails to meet the goal for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans established in section 15(g)(1)(A)(ii) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)(1)(A)(ii)) for the Department of Defense for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the head of the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration, provide training to the relevant acquisition personnel on how to increase the number of contracts awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans (as defined in section 3(q) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)). The training described in subsection (a) shall be delivered to the relevant acquisition personnel not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense has failed to meet the goal described in such subsection.
Section 375
864. Accessibility and clarity in covered notices for small business concerns Each covered notice shall be written— in a manner that is clear, concise, and accessible to a small business concern (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 10 U.S.C. 632)); and in a manner consistent, to the extent practicable, with the Federal plain language guidelines established pursuant to the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note). Each covered notice shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include key words in the description of the covered notice such that a small business concern seeking contract opportunities using the single Government-wide point of entry described under section 1708 of title 41, United States Code, can easily identify and understand such covered notice. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue rules to carry out this section. In this section, the term covered notice means a notice pertaining to small business concerns published by the Secretary of Defense or a Secretary of a military department on the single Government-wide point of entry described under section 1708 of title 41, United States Code.
Section 376
865. Expansion of pilot program for access to shared classified commercial infrastructure Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, under an existing pilot program of the Department of Defense described in subsection (b)(1), establish not fewer than six new locations at which small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education may access shared commercial classified infrastructure to— expand the access of small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education to secret/collateral accredited facilities and sensitive compartmented information facilities for the purpose of providing such concerns, contractors, and institutions, as contractors of the Department, with a facility to securely perform work under contracts involving access to classified information; increase opportunities for small businesses concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education that have been issued a facility clearance to apply for funding from the Government; align the locations of access to shared commercial classified infrastructure under such pilot program under which the Secretary carries out this subsection with the existing facilities of the innovation organizations of the Department of Defense and central locations of the national security innovation base; and identify and address legislative and policy barriers preventing broader use of shared classified commercial infrastructure by small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education, including access to required information technology systems, accreditation secret/collateral accredited facilities and sensitive compartmented information facilities, and timelines for such accreditation and use by such concerns, contractors, and institutions. The pilot program described in this paragraph is a pilot program of the Department of Defense under which there have been establishment of locations at which small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education may access shared commercial classified infrastructure. In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall— issue policies governing and guidance on the process and timelines for establishing locations shared commercial classified infrastructure under the pilot program described in paragraph (1), including how such locations may obtain facility clearances and access to relevant classified networks of the Department of Defense; and update and streamline the processes of the Department of Defense for approving agreements for the shared or joint use of commercial classified infrastructure to facilitate the access of small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education to classified environments. Not later than 270 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes the locations required under subsection (a), and annually thereafter until 2028, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the establishment of such locations under this section, including— a list of all active and open requests for the accreditation of facilities to process classified information made pursuant to the pilot program under which the Secretary established such locations made by an entity described in subsection (a)(1), including the date on which such entity properly submitted such request to the Department and to the relevant facility accreditation agency; metrics on the use of the locations established under such pilot program at which small business concerns, contractors of the Department of Defense, and institutions of higher education may access shared commercial classified infrastructure established, including the number of small businesses concerns, institutions of higher education, contractors of the Department of Defense, and other entities that have accessed shared commercial classified infrastructure at such locations; any actions taken by the Secretary of Defense to update and streamline the processes of the Department of Defense described in subsection (b)(2)(B); and any plans for the establishment of additional such locations under such pilot program pilot program locations that will align with existing innovation organizations of the Department of Defense, geographic areas with limited facilities at which classified information may be accessed, and central locations of the national security innovation base. In this section— the term small business concern has the meaning given such term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); the term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)); and the term shared commercial classified infrastructure means fully managed, shared, infrastructure for accessing classified information and associated services that are operated by entity other than the Department of Defense for the benefit of employees of the Government and employees of contractors of the Department authorized to access such information and who are located in geographic areas with limited facilities at which such individuals may access such information.
Section 377
866. Memorandum of understanding relating to Department of Defense critical technology area opportunities for small business concerns The Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (in this section referred to as the covered officials) shall— increase information sharing on opportunities available to small business concerns for potential contract awards by the Department of Defense for critical technology areas; and improve awareness of small business concerns with respect to critical technology area opportunities within the Department of Defense. The covered officials shall carry out and coordinate the activities described in subsection (a) by entering into one or more memoranda or agreements, as jointly determined by the covered officials. Not later than one year after the date on which the covered officials enter into the first memorandum or agreement under subsection (b), and annually thereafter, the covered officials shall submit to Congress a report detailing the effects of— such memorandum or agreement; and any other memorandum or agreement entered into in the previous twelve months. In this section, the term small business concern has the meaning given such term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
Section 378
867. COLLABORATE Memorandum of Understanding Report Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development of the Small Business Administration and the Director of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the memorandum of understanding (referred to in this section as the MOU) between the Small Business Administration and the Department of Defense entered into on December 2, 2022. Such report shall include the following: The status of activities specified in clause (1) of part III of the MOU. A summary of the lessons learned specified in clause (1)(b) of part III of the MOU. An analysis of the activities and efficacy of those activities specified in clause (3) of part III of the MOU, including any nexus related to small business certifications and use of contracting authorities at the Department of Defense. A description of the training and events specified in clause (5) of part III of the MOU. A summary of how the MOU prevents small business concerns from receiving duplicative assistance or contradictory or confusing information from covered centers. A discussion of the sufficiency of the MOU to achieve the goals to promote entrepreneurship and small business development nationally and locally and maximize participation in government contracting. Any recommended changes to existing laws or regulations that would enhance the Parties’ ability to reach the MOU’s goals. Any additional information the Parties deem necessary. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committees on Armed Services and Small Business of the House of Representatives; and the Committees on Armed Services and Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate.
Section 379
868. Modification to initiatives to support small businesses in the national technology and industrial base Section 861 of William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4901 note; Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3775) is amended— in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1)— by inserting the Secretary of Defense before shall update; and by inserting , the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate after congressional defense committees; and in paragraph (2)(A)— by striking biennially and inserting annually; and by inserting , the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate after congressional defense committees; and in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: Not later than October 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report that includes the following for the year covered by the report: A description of activities undertaken pursuant to this section. An analysis of effect on the participation of small businesses in Department of Defense contracts as a result of implementation of the small business strategy required under section 4901 of title 10, United States Code. A description of efforts by the Secretary of Defense to increase participation of small businesses in Department of Defense contracts through the small business strategy. Beginning with the report due October 1, 2029, and every four years thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on overall efficacy of the small business strategy required under such section 4901, including trends and data analysis for the period covered by the report relating to implementation and outcomes of the strategy. (3)Annual reportNot later than October 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report that includes the following for the year covered by the report:(A)A description of activities undertaken pursuant to this section.(B)An analysis of effect on the participation of small businesses in Department of Defense contracts as a result of implementation of the small business strategy required under section 4901 of title 10, United States Code.(C)A description of efforts by the Secretary of Defense to increase participation of small businesses in Department of Defense contracts through the small business strategy.(4)Small business strategy reportBeginning with the report due October 1, 2029, and every four years thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on overall efficacy of the small business strategy required under such section 4901, including trends and data analysis for the period covered by the report relating to implementation and outcomes of the strategy. .
Section 380
869. Boots to Business Program Section 32 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657b) is amended by adding at the end the following: In this subsection, the term covered individual means— a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves; an individual who is participating in the Transition Assistance Program established under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code; an individual who— served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves; and was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable; and a spouse or dependent of an individual described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection and ending on September 30, 2028, the Administrator shall carry out a program to be known as the Boots to Business Program to provide entrepreneurship training to covered individuals. The goals of the Boots to Business Program are to— provide assistance and in-depth training to covered individuals interested in business ownership; and provide covered individuals with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, identify sources of capital, connect with local resources for small business concerns, and start up a small business concern. The Boots to Business Program may include— a presentation providing exposure to the considerations involved in self-employment and ownership of a small business concern; an online, self-study course focused on the basic skills of entrepreneurship, the language of business, and the considerations involved in self-employment and ownership of a small business concern; an in-person classroom instruction component providing an introduction to the foundations of self employment and ownership of a small business concern; and in-depth training delivered through online instruction, including an online course that leads to the creation of a business plan. The Administrator may— collaborate with public and private entities to develop course curricula for the Boots to Business Program; and modify program components in coordination with entities participating in a Warriors in Transition program, as defined in section 738(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (10 U.S.C. 1071 note). The Administrator shall— ensure that Veteran Business Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide basis, in the Boots to Business Program; and to the maximum extent practicable, use district offices of the Administration and a variety of other resource partners and entities in administering the Boots to Business Program. In carrying out clause (i), the Administrator may make grants, subject to the availability of appropriations in advance, to Veteran Business Outreach Centers, other resource partners, or other entities to carry out components of the Boots to Business Program. The Administrator shall make available to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor information regarding the Boots to Business Program, including all course materials and outreach materials related to the Boots to Business Program, for inclusion on the websites of the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor relating to the Transition Assistance Program, in the Transition Assistance Program manual, and in other relevant materials available for distribution from the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor. In consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Administrator shall make available for distribution and display on the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs and at local facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs outreach materials regarding the Boots to Business Program, which shall, at a minimum— describe the Boots to Business Program and the services provided; and include eligibility requirements for participating in the Boots to Business Program. The Administrator shall ensure information regarding the Boots to Business program, including all course materials and outreach materials related to the Boots to Business Program, is made available to other participating agencies in the Transition Assistance Program and upon request of other agencies. The Administration shall use relevant competitive bidding procedures with respect to any contract or cooperative agreement executed by the Administration under the Boots to Business Program. Not later than 30 days before the deadline for submitting applications for any funding opportunity under the Boots to Business Program, the Administration shall publish a notice of the funding opportunity. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report on the performance and effectiveness of the Boots to Business Program, which— may be included as part of another report submitted to such committees by the Administrator related to the Office of Veterans Business Development; and shall summarize available information relating to— grants awarded under paragraph (4)(C); the total cost of the Boots to Business Program; the number of program participants using each component of the Boots to Business Program; the completion rates for each component of the Boots to Business Program; to the extent possible— the demographics of program participants, to include gender, age, race, ethnicity, and relationship to military; the number of program participants that connect with a district office of the Administration, a Veteran Business Outreach Center, or another resource partner of the Administration; the number of program participants that start a small business concern; the results of the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot course quality surveys conducted by the Office of Veterans Business Development before and after attending each of those courses, including a summary of any comments received from program participants; the results of the Boots to Business Program outcome surveys conducted by the Office of Veterans Business Development, including a summary of any comments received from program participants; and the results of other germane participant satisfaction surveys; an evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the Boots to Business Program based on each geographic region covered by the Administration during the most recent fiscal year; an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the Boots to Business Program, as identified by the Administrator; any recommendations of the Administrator for improvement of the Boots to Business Program, which may include expansion of the types of individuals who are covered individuals; an explanation of how the Boots to Business Program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the Administration and other Federal agencies; and any additional information the Administrator determines necessary. (h)Boots to Business Program(1)Covered individual definedIn this subsection, the term covered individual means—(A)a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves;(B)an individual who is participating in the Transition Assistance Program established under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code;(C)an individual who—(i)served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves; and(ii)was discharged or released from such service under conditions other than dishonorable; and(D)a spouse or dependent of an individual described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).(2)EstablishmentDuring the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection and ending on September 30, 2028, the Administrator shall carry out a program to be known as the Boots to Business Program to provide entrepreneurship training to covered individuals.(3)GoalsThe goals of the Boots to Business Program are to—(A)provide assistance and in-depth training to covered individuals interested in business ownership; and(B)provide covered individuals with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, identify sources of capital, connect with local resources for small business concerns, and start up a small business concern.(4)Program components(A)In generalThe Boots to Business Program may include—(i)a presentation providing exposure to the considerations involved in self-employment and ownership of a small business concern;(ii)an online, self-study course focused on the basic skills of entrepreneurship, the language of business, and the considerations involved in self-employment and ownership of a small business concern;(iii)an in-person classroom instruction component providing an introduction to the foundations of self employment and ownership of a small business concern; and(iv)in-depth training delivered through online instruction, including an online course that leads to the creation of a business plan.(B)CollaborationThe Administrator may—(i)collaborate with public and private entities to develop course curricula for the Boots to Business Program; and(ii)modify program components in coordination with entities participating in a Warriors in Transition program, as defined in section 738(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (10 U.S.C. 1071 note).(C)Use of resource partners and district offices(i)In generalThe Administrator shall—(I)ensure that Veteran Business Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide basis, in the Boots to Business Program; and(II)to the maximum extent practicable, use district offices of the Administration and a variety of other resource partners and entities in administering the Boots to Business Program.(ii)Grant authorityIn carrying out clause (i), the Administrator may make grants, subject to the availability of appropriations in advance, to Veteran Business Outreach Centers, other resource partners, or other entities to carry out components of the Boots to Business Program.(D)Availability to Department of Defense and the Department of LaborThe Administrator shall make available to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor information regarding the Boots to Business Program, including all course materials and outreach materials related to the Boots to Business Program, for inclusion on the websites of the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor relating to the Transition Assistance Program, in the Transition Assistance Program manual, and in other relevant materials available for distribution from the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor.(E)Availability to Department of Veterans AffairsIn consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Administrator shall make available for distribution and display on the website of the Department of Veterans Affairs and at local facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs outreach materials regarding the Boots to Business Program, which shall, at a minimum—(i)describe the Boots to Business Program and the services provided; and(ii)include eligibility requirements for participating in the Boots to Business Program.(F)Availability to other participating agenciesThe Administrator shall ensure information regarding the Boots to Business program, including all course materials and outreach materials related to the Boots to Business Program, is made available to other participating agencies in the Transition Assistance Program and upon request of other agencies. (5)Competitive bidding proceduresThe Administration shall use relevant competitive bidding procedures with respect to any contract or cooperative agreement executed by the Administration under the Boots to Business Program. (6)Publication of notice of funding opportunityNot later than 30 days before the deadline for submitting applications for any funding opportunity under the Boots to Business Program, the Administration shall publish a notice of the funding opportunity. (7)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report on the performance and effectiveness of the Boots to Business Program, which—(A)may be included as part of another report submitted to such committees by the Administrator related to the Office of Veterans Business Development; and(B)shall summarize available information relating to—(i)grants awarded under paragraph (4)(C);(ii)the total cost of the Boots to Business Program;(iii)the number of program participants using each component of the Boots to Business Program;(iv)the completion rates for each component of the Boots to Business Program;(v)to the extent possible—(I)the demographics of program participants, to include gender, age, race, ethnicity, and relationship to military;(II)the number of program participants that connect with a district office of the Administration, a Veteran Business Outreach Center, or another resource partner of the Administration;(III)the number of program participants that start a small business concern;(IV)the results of the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot course quality surveys conducted by the Office of Veterans Business Development before and after attending each of those courses, including a summary of any comments received from program participants;(V)the results of the Boots to Business Program outcome surveys conducted by the Office of Veterans Business Development, including a summary of any comments received from program participants; and(VI)the results of other germane participant satisfaction surveys;(C)an evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the Boots to Business Program based on each geographic region covered by the Administration during the most recent fiscal year;(D)an assessment of additional performance outcome measures for the Boots to Business Program, as identified by the Administrator;(E)any recommendations of the Administrator for improvement of the Boots to Business Program, which may include expansion of the types of individuals who are covered individuals;(F)an explanation of how the Boots to Business Program has been integrated with other transition programs and related resources of the Administration and other Federal agencies; and(G)any additional information the Administrator determines necessary..
Section 381
869A. Report on bundled contracts of the Department of Defense Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on— the effects of awarding bundled contracts (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) on the Department of Defense and small business concerns (as defined under such section); and the potential effects of reducing the number of bundled contracts awarded.
Section 382
871. Clarification of waiver authority for organizational and consultant conflicts of interest Section 9.503 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to require that— a request for a waiver under such section include a written justification for such waiver; and the head of a Federal agency may not delegate such waiver authority below the level of the deputy head of such agency.
Section 383
872. Pilot program on payment of costs for denied Government Accountability Office bid protests The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to determine the effectiveness of requiring a contractor to reimburse the Department of Defense for costs incurred in processing covered protests. The pilot program under subsection (a) shall— begin on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act; and end on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Not later than 90 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) ends, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report assessing the feasibility of making permanent such pilot program. In this section: The term covered protest means a final bid protest— dated during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2029; and filed by a party with revenues in excess of $250,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars) during the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which such party filed such bid protest. The term final bid protest means a bid protest that was denied in an opinion issued by the Government Accountability Office and such denial— has not been appealed and is no longer appealable because the time for taking an appeal has expired; or has been appealed and the appeals process for which is completed.
Section 384
873. Promulgate guidance relating to certain Department of Defense contracts Not later than January 31, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance on the governance and oversight of the contracts of the Department of Defense that support or enable sensitive activities.
Section 385
874. Framework for the efficient and secure procurement of food service products It is the sense of Congress that— disposable food service products procured for use by the Department of Defense, whether for use within or outside the continental United States, should be produced in the United States, compostable, and minimize the amount of products acquired from sources in strategic competitors identified in the most recent National Defense Strategy submitted under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code; and any deviations from the aim identified in paragraph (1) should receive the highest levels of scrutiny by the Secretary of Defense. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— the timeline required to implement a requirement, including amending regulations, for the Department of Defense that all disposable food service products acquired for the Department of Defense are produced in the United States, compostable, and minimize the amount of products acquired from sources in strategic competitors identified in the most recent National Defense Strategy submitted under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code; a list of existing laws and regulations establishing domestic acquisition preferences or requirements that may be affected by the requirement described in paragraph (1), and recommendations to resolve any conflicts between such laws and regulations and the requirement described in paragraph (1); a process for waiving the requirement described in paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis, including a framework for delegating such waiver authority below the Office of the Secretary of Defense; recommendations for the dollar values of contracts or other agreements at which the requirement described in paragraph (1) and the waiver described in paragraph (3), respectively, should apply; an assessment of the infrastructure available in the Department of Defense to implement the requirement described in paragraph (1), including an assessment of the cost and a timeline for the development of the infrastructure that would be required to implement such requirement; and an assessment of the availability of food services products that are compostable. In this section— the term disposable food service product means a food service product designed to be disposed after a single use; the term food service product means a product for serving or transporting prepared foods or beverages; the term produced in the United States has the meaning given such term in section 70912 of the Build America, Buy America Act (Public Law 117–58; 41 U.S.C. 8301 note); and the term compostable, with respect to a product, means that such product is composed of organic materials and which will decompose into or otherwise become part of usable compost in a safe and timely manner in an appropriate composting facility.
Section 386
875. Plan for identifying and replacing syringes of concern Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency and the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop and implement a plan to review all medical syringes in the inventories and stockpiles of the Department of Defense and current and planned acquisitions of the Department to— identify medical syringes that have been subject to a Food and Drug Administration Import Alert or meet the conditions of a Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication; and replace such medical syringes with medical syringes produced domestically or produced in partners or allies of the United States. The Secretary of Defense shall include in the plan required under subsection (a) the following: An identification of any medical syringes in the inventories and stockpiles of the Department of Defense and which the Department is acquiring or plans to acquire that have been subject to a Food and Drug Administration Import Alert or meet the conditions of a Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication made in the past five years. A process for the Department of Defense to replace the medical syringes described in paragraph (1) that are in the inventories and stockpiles of the Department with those that— are produced domestically or in partners or allies of the United States; are not subject to an Import Alert described in such paragraph; and do not meet the conditions of a Safety Communication described in such paragraph. A process for the Department of Defense to cease the acquisition of medical syringes described in paragraph (1) and ensure that the Department acquires only medical syringes that— are produced domestically or in partners or allies of the United States; are not subject to an Import Alert described in such paragraph; and do not meet the conditions of a Safety Communication described in such paragraph. A process enabling the Department of Defense to— track Food and Drug Administration Import Alerts and Safety Communications regarding medical syringes; review the inventories, stockpiles, and current and planned acquisitions of the Department for medical syringes that are subject to such Import Alerts or that meet the conditions of such Safety Communications; and replace such medical syringes with medical syringes that are produced domestically or produced in partners or allies of the United States. Upon developing the plan required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing such plan, including— the number of medical syringes, if any, in the inventories and stockpiles of the Department of Defense that have been subject to a Food and Drug Administration Import Alert or meet the conditions of a Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication made in the past five years; a description of any planned or ongoing acquisition by the Department of medical syringes that have been subject to a Food and Drug Administration Import Alert or meet the conditions of a Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication made in the past five years, including acquisitions with respect to which contracts have not yet been awarded and existing agreements under which such syringes may be acquired for the Department; for medical syringes described in paragraph (1) or with respect to which the Department is carrying out an acquisition described in paragraph (2), the product name, manufacturer, and country of origin; and an explanation of the process described in subsection (b)(4) that will be implemented under such plan.
Section 387
876. Report on domestic sites for rare earth element mining Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a list of domestic sites— that have a high potential for containing deposits of rare earth elements; where new or additional mining operations for rare earth elements could be established; or that are suitable for mining for rare earth elements, as determined by a feasibility study conducted by the Defense Logistics Agency.
Section 388
877. Prohibition on entering into contracts with a person engaged in a boycott of the State of Israel The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract with a person if such person is engaged in an activity that is politically motivated and is intended to penalize or otherwise limit significant commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories.
Section 389
878. Implementation of GAO recommendations relating to spare parts in global spares pool relating to F-35 Program The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement the recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States contained in the report entitled, F-35 Program: DOD Needs Better Accountability for Global Spare Parts and Reporting of Losses Worth Millions. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the progress of the implementation required by subsection (a).
Section 390
879. Open interface standards for contracts of the Department of Defense Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available the open interface standards for contracts awarded by the Secretary, unless the service acquisition executive (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) with respect to a specific contract submits to the Secretary a request to not disclose such standards.
Section 391
880. Assessment of compliance with Global Household Goods Contract requirements The Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall carry out an assessment of the performance of contractors under the Global Household Goods Contract in meeting the applicable requirements for capacity and quality in such contract during the period beginning on May 1, 2025, and ending on August 31, 2025. Not later than 11 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the assessment required under subsection (a).
Section 392
881. Reports on national security risks The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of a study on the national security risks posed by consulting firms who simultaneously contract with the Federal Government and the Chinese government or its proxies or affiliates. In performing the study under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall— assess the extent to which Federal agencies collect information on contracts performed on behalf of the Chinese government or its proxies or affiliates by consulting firms that hold or have held contracts with the Federal Government, and whether such information includes specific projects and deliverables of such contracts; evaluate the extent to which selected Federal agencies, to include at a minimum the Department of Defense and elements of the Intelligence Community, have assessed the risks posed by American consulting firms’ work for the Chinese government and its proxies or affiliates, including an assessment of risk of deliberate or inadvertent sharing of Federal Government information that may be used for Chinese economic or military advantage; identify relevant contract clauses, procedures, and information used by Federal agencies to identify, evaluate and resolve organizational conflicts of interest when awarding consulting contracts; assess the extent to which agencies experience challenges when identifying, evaluating and resolving organizational conflicts of interest, including determining whether the offeror or potential contractor also performs work for China; and identify steps federal agencies take to monitor contractor compliance with any contract clauses, terms or conditions intended to resolve identified conflicts of interest. The Secretary of Defense shall annually submit to Congress a report on— the implementation of section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 4501 note prec.); and how the Department of Defense is defining the term entities related to the Chinese or Russian governments and whether, and to what extent, the Secretary is investigating conflicts of interest between prime contractors of the Department of Defense and subsidiary companies of such contractors.
Section 393
882. Prohibition on funding for covered entities and nonprofit organizations or other entities that engage in covered behavior None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 may be used to contract with or grant awards to— a covered entity; or a nonprofit organization or other entity that engages in covered behavior. In this section: The term covered entity means— NewsGuard Technologies, Inc. (doing business as NewsGuard); or Disinformation Index, Inc., Disinformation Index, Ltd., or Global Disinformation Index gUG (collectively doing business as Global Disinformation Index). The term covered behavior means operations, activities, or products, the function of which is to demonetize or rate the credibility of a domestic entity (including news and information outlets) based on lawful speech of such domestic entity under the stated function of fact-checking misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation. The term nonprofit organization means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
Section 394
883. Prohibitions relating to covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services The Secretary of Defense may not acquire, or enter into, extend, or renew a contract or other agreement for, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services as— a substantial or essential component of such equipment, system, or service; or critical technology as part of such equipment, system, or service. The Secretary of Defense may not obligate or expend loan or grant funds to acquire, or to enter into, extend, or renew a contract or other agreement for, any equipment, system, or service described in subsection (a). In implementing the prohibition under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense, in administering a loan, grant, or subsidy program, shall prioritize available funding and technical support to assist affected entities as is reasonably necessary for those affected entities to cease use of covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services, to acquire replacement equipment and services, and to ensure that communications service to users and customers is sustained. Nothing in subsection (a) or (b) shall be construed to— prohibit the Secretary of Defense from acquiring from an entity, or entering into, extending, or renewing a contract or other agreement with an entity for, a service that connects to the facilities of a third party, such as blockchain protocols or interconnection arrangements; or apply to wireless telecommunications equipment or third-party validators that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles. The prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act. Except as provided in paragraph (2), beginning on the effective date under subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense may, upon request of an entity, issue a waiver of the requirements under subsection (a) with respect to such entity for a period of not more than two years. The Secretary may only provide a waiver under this subsection if the entity seeking the waiver— provides a compelling justification for the additional time to implement the requirements of this section; and submits to the Secretary, who shall not later than 30 days thereafter submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a full and complete description of the presence of covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services in the entity’s supply chain and a phase-out plan to eliminate such covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services. Beginning on the effective date under subsection (d), each head of an element of the intelligence community may waive the requirements under subsection (a) if such head determines the waiver is in the national security interests of the United States. In this Act: The term covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services means distributed ledger technology and blockchain equipment or services of or originating from a foreign adversary, including any of the following companies or subsidiaries thereof: The Blockchain-based Services Network. The Spartan Network. The Conflux Network. iFinex, Inc. Red Date Technology Co., Ltd. The term executive agency has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code. The term foreign adversary has the meaning given such term in section 7.2 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations. The term intelligence community has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Section 395
884. Report on contract goal for the AbilityOne program The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on— the progress of the Department of Defense in achieving the goal for the Department to acquire products and services from qualified nonprofit agencies for the blind and qualified nonprofit agencies for the other severely disabled (as such terms are defined, respectively, in section 8501 of title 41, United States Code) pursuant to chapter 85 of title 41, United States Code, in an amount equal to one percent of the total funds obligated or expended by the Department for procurement for a fiscal year; and any obstacles faced by the Secretary in achieving the goal described in paragraph (1).
Section 396
885. Report on small purchases of critical minerals and magnets Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this section, the Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the dollar amount of covered materials manufactured in China and Russia and acquired by the Department of Defense through contracts valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold during the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on the date of the submission of such report to the congressional defense committees. The report required by subsection (a) shall include— the total value of contracts under which covered materials were acquired by the Department of Defense during the period covered by the report; the total value of contracts under which covered materials manufactured in China or Russia were acquired by the Department of Defense during the period covered by the report; the total value of contracts under which covered materials were acquired by the Department of Defense during the period covered by the report for which the Director could not determine whether the covered materials were manufactured in China or Russia; for each covered material, the value of the covered material acquired by the Department of Defense during the period covered by the report that was manufactured in China or Russia; and any recommendations from the Director for improving the ability of the Department of Defense to track the manufacturer of covered materials. Each value described in subsection (b) contained in the report required by subsection (a) shall be disaggregated by acquisitions made by the Defense Logistics Agency and acquisitions made by other elements of the Department of Defense. For the purposes of this section, the Director shall regard manufacturing as being the main value-add step in the supply chain in which raw minerals are initially combined into a metallic, alloyed, or magnetic form and shall not count late-stage cutting and finishing processes or distribution as the critical manufacturing step. In this section, the term covered material means— samarium-cobalt magnets; neodymium-iron-boron magnets; tungsten metal powder; tungsten heavy alloy; tantalum metals and alloys; aluminum-nickel-cobalt magnets; or any other metals listed in section 4863(l) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 397
886. Limitation on availability of funds for installation of photovoltaic modules None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be used to for a contract for the installation of photovoltaic modules at any facility or real property of the Department of Defense unless the contract contains a provision prohibiting the procurement of such photovoltaic modules from a foreign entity of concern (as defined in section 9901(8) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651(8))). Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the expected amount to be obligated fiscal year 2025 to install photovoltaic modules at Department of Defense facilities. Subject to the availability of appropriations and except as explicitly provided in a provision of law enacted after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense may not obligate or expend from amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the purpose of installing photovoltaic modules at any facility or real property of the Department of Defense more than the amount certified in the report required under subsection (b) for such purpose during fiscal year 2025. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts are not authorized to be transferred or reprogrammed pursuant to any authority of the Secretary of Defense for fiscal year 2025 to exceed the amount certified in the report required under subsection (b).
Section 398
887. Study and report on shipping containers and specialty shipping containers Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, a report that contains the results of a study on— the national security implications of reliance on shipping containers and specialty shipping containers produced by foreign adversary countries to meet national defense requirements; and the feasibility and advisability of production of shipping containers and specialty shipping containers by covered countries for procurement by the Department of Defense. The report required by subsection (a) shall include— an assessment of the ability of the Secretary of Defense to procure shipping containers and specialty shipping containers from sources other than foreign adversary countries, including— any barriers faced by the Secretary for such procurement, along with recommendations to mitigate such barriers; and a timetable for such procurement; in coordination with entities in the domestic defense industrial base, an assessment of requirements for shipping containers and specialty shipping containers that could be produced in a covered country or which could be acquired from allied or partner countries, including an assessment of the capabilities and capacities of the workforce of the domestic defense industrial base, supply chain considerations, and the impact on the economy of the United States; an assessment how an alternative source for procurement of specialty shipping containers would affect defense systems requiring specialty shipping containers, particularly in the event of a crisis; and any other relevant considerations, as jointly determined by the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Transportation. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section: The term covered country means the United States or an ally or partner country. The term foreign adversary country means a country specified in section 4872(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code. The term shipping container has the meaning given the term container in section 80501 of title 46, United States Code. The term specialty shipping container means a shipping container that is uniquely configured to support and protect items contained during handling, storage, unpacking, and forward and return shipment, or to protect personnel and equipment from hazardous contents.
Section 399
901. Chief Talent Management Officer Chapter 4 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: There is a Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Chief Talent Management Officer shall report directly to the Secretary of Defense in the performance of the duties of the Chief Talent Management Officer under this section. The Chief Talent Management officer shall— serve as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense on matters relating to total force talent management within the Department of Defense, including talent management for military personnel (including members of the active and reserve components of the armed forces) and civilian personnel of the Department; develop and implement the overall talent strategy for military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense, which shall include working across the military departments, Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and with interagency partners to lead the total force talent acquisition and management efforts of the Department; oversee updates and reforms for remote and hybrid work, the use of enabling technology, practices for developing and tracking talent, and encouraging movement of talent across components, agencies, and non-governmental entities to help promote flexible career pathways and increase retention; match talent to needs within the Department and integrate broad upskilling and reskilling programs to create the future national defense workforce; coordinate all talent programs within the Department, including by developing pathways for permeability between uniformed and non-uniformed service opportunities and opportunities in the private sector; maintain, strengthen, and improve the Department’s use of competitive service hiring authorities under title 5 and the authorities available under section 129 of this title to ensure the Department recruits and retains a strong and professional civilian workforce; study and promote best practices for workforce development from the government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors; serve as the principal liaison between the Department and the national security talent industrial and innovation base; carry out programs, projects, and other activities to strengthen the national security talent industrial and innovation base; identify rules, regulations, policies, and guidance related to military and civilian talent management that require change for the purposes of achieving efficiencies and meeting the personnel needs of the Department; coordinate with the Joint Staff and the Commanders of the combatant commands to identify talent needs to meet operational challenges; develop an employer brand for the Department of Defense that positions the Department as a sought after employer; using available hiring authorities, develop a capability to rapidly prototype workforce development and talent acquisition approaches with non-profit, academic, Government, and private sector agencies and organizations; and carry out such other duties relating to talent management as may be assigned by the Secretary of Defense. The Chief Talent Management Officer shall seek to partner with multiple intermediary organizations, including academic institutions and other key stakeholders in the talent industrial and innovation base, to support the development of pools of qualified individuals with the skills and expertise necessary to meet critical personnel needs of the Department of Defense. Activities undertaken pursuant to such partnerships may include the identification, training, and vetting of critical talent for the Department, including individuals with expertise relating to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, materials and manufacturing, business processes, venture capital, financial markets, and other critical areas. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and on a semiannual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Talent Management Officer, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— the strategy for implementation of the position of Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense; any additional authorities or funding required for the Chief Talent Management officer to carry the purposes of this section; and such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate. 149a.Chief Talent Management Officer(a)In general(1)There is a Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense.(2)The Chief Talent Management Officer shall report directly to the Secretary of Defense in the performance of the duties of the Chief Talent Management Officer under this section.(b)DutiesThe Chief Talent Management officer shall—(1)serve as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense on matters relating to total force talent management within the Department of Defense, including talent management for military personnel (including members of the active and reserve components of the armed forces) and civilian personnel of the Department; (2)develop and implement the overall talent strategy for military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense, which shall include working across the military departments, Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and with interagency partners to lead the total force talent acquisition and management efforts of the Department;(3)oversee updates and reforms for remote and hybrid work, the use of enabling technology, practices for developing and tracking talent, and encouraging movement of talent across components, agencies, and non-governmental entities to help promote flexible career pathways and increase retention;(4)match talent to needs within the Department and integrate broad upskilling and reskilling programs to create the future national defense workforce;(5)coordinate all talent programs within the Department, including by developing pathways for permeability between uniformed and non-uniformed service opportunities and opportunities in the private sector;(6)maintain, strengthen, and improve the Department’s use of competitive service hiring authorities under title 5 and the authorities available under section 129 of this title to ensure the Department recruits and retains a strong and professional civilian workforce;(7)study and promote best practices for workforce development from the government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors;(8)serve as the principal liaison between the Department and the national security talent industrial and innovation base;(9)carry out programs, projects, and other activities to strengthen the national security talent industrial and innovation base;(10)identify rules, regulations, policies, and guidance related to military and civilian talent management that require change for the purposes of achieving efficiencies and meeting the personnel needs of the Department;(11)coordinate with the Joint Staff and the Commanders of the combatant commands to identify talent needs to meet operational challenges;(12)develop an employer brand for the Department of Defense that positions the Department as a sought after employer;(13)using available hiring authorities, develop a capability to rapidly prototype workforce development and talent acquisition approaches with non-profit, academic, Government, and private sector agencies and organizations; and(14)carry out such other duties relating to talent management as may be assigned by the Secretary of Defense.(c)Intermediary organizationsThe Chief Talent Management Officer shall seek to partner with multiple intermediary organizations, including academic institutions and other key stakeholders in the talent industrial and innovation base, to support the development of pools of qualified individuals with the skills and expertise necessary to meet critical personnel needs of the Department of Defense. Activities undertaken pursuant to such partnerships may include the identification, training, and vetting of critical talent for the Department, including individuals with expertise relating to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, materials and manufacturing, business processes, venture capital, financial markets, and other critical areas.(d)Reporting requirementsNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and on a semiannual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Talent Management Officer, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—(1)the strategy for implementation of the position of Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense;(2)any additional authorities or funding required for the Chief Talent Management officer to carry the purposes of this section; and(3)such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate..
Section 400
149a. Chief Talent Management Officer There is a Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Chief Talent Management Officer shall report directly to the Secretary of Defense in the performance of the duties of the Chief Talent Management Officer under this section. The Chief Talent Management officer shall— serve as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense on matters relating to total force talent management within the Department of Defense, including talent management for military personnel (including members of the active and reserve components of the armed forces) and civilian personnel of the Department; develop and implement the overall talent strategy for military and civilian personnel in the Department of Defense, which shall include working across the military departments, Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and with interagency partners to lead the total force talent acquisition and management efforts of the Department; oversee updates and reforms for remote and hybrid work, the use of enabling technology, practices for developing and tracking talent, and encouraging movement of talent across components, agencies, and non-governmental entities to help promote flexible career pathways and increase retention; match talent to needs within the Department and integrate broad upskilling and reskilling programs to create the future national defense workforce; coordinate all talent programs within the Department, including by developing pathways for permeability between uniformed and non-uniformed service opportunities and opportunities in the private sector; maintain, strengthen, and improve the Department’s use of competitive service hiring authorities under title 5 and the authorities available under section 129 of this title to ensure the Department recruits and retains a strong and professional civilian workforce; study and promote best practices for workforce development from the government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors; serve as the principal liaison between the Department and the national security talent industrial and innovation base; carry out programs, projects, and other activities to strengthen the national security talent industrial and innovation base; identify rules, regulations, policies, and guidance related to military and civilian talent management that require change for the purposes of achieving efficiencies and meeting the personnel needs of the Department; coordinate with the Joint Staff and the Commanders of the combatant commands to identify talent needs to meet operational challenges; develop an employer brand for the Department of Defense that positions the Department as a sought after employer; using available hiring authorities, develop a capability to rapidly prototype workforce development and talent acquisition approaches with non-profit, academic, Government, and private sector agencies and organizations; and carry out such other duties relating to talent management as may be assigned by the Secretary of Defense. The Chief Talent Management Officer shall seek to partner with multiple intermediary organizations, including academic institutions and other key stakeholders in the talent industrial and innovation base, to support the development of pools of qualified individuals with the skills and expertise necessary to meet critical personnel needs of the Department of Defense. Activities undertaken pursuant to such partnerships may include the identification, training, and vetting of critical talent for the Department, including individuals with expertise relating to artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, materials and manufacturing, business processes, venture capital, financial markets, and other critical areas. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and on a semiannual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Talent Management Officer, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— the strategy for implementation of the position of Chief Talent Management Officer of the Department of Defense; any additional authorities or funding required for the Chief Talent Management officer to carry the purposes of this section; and such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Section 401
902. Executive agent for countering threats posed by small unmanned aircraft Chapter 4 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 901, is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of Defense, shall designate a senior official from among the personnel of the Department of Defense to act as the executive agent responsible for providing oversight of— the efforts of the Department to counter small unmanned aircraft and systems; and associated training and technology programs. The Executive agent shall— coordinate and integrate joint requirements to counter threats posed by small unmanned aircraft; provide common individual training to members of the Armed Forces on countering such threats; and carry out joint research, development, test, and evaluation activities for common activities on behalf of the military departments with respect to counter-UAS systems. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the military departments, Defense Agencies, and other components of the Department of Defense provide the executive agent designated under subsection (a) with the appropriate support and resources needed to perform the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent. The Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with Directive 5101.1. In this section: The term Directive 5101.1 means Department of Defense Directive 5101.1, or any successor directive relating to the responsibilities of an executive agent of the Department of Defense. The term executive agent has the meaning given the term DoD Executive Agent in Directive 5101.1. The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and small unmanned aircraft have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code. 149b.Executive agent for countering threats posed by small unmanned aircraft(a)Executive agentThe Secretary of Defense, shall designate a senior official from among the personnel of the Department of Defense to act as the executive agent responsible for providing oversight of—(1)the efforts of the Department to counter small unmanned aircraft and systems; and(2)associated training and technology programs. (b)DutiesThe Executive agent shall—(1)coordinate and integrate joint requirements to counter threats posed by small unmanned aircraft;(2)provide common individual training to members of the Armed Forces on countering such threats; and(3)carry out joint research, development, test, and evaluation activities for common activities on behalf of the military departments with respect to counter-UAS systems.(c)Support within Department of DefenseThe Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the military departments, Defense Agencies, and other components of the Department of Defense provide the executive agent designated under subsection (a) with the appropriate support and resources needed to perform the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent.(d)Compliance with existing directiveThe Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with Directive 5101.1.(e)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term Directive 5101.1 means Department of Defense Directive 5101.1, or any successor directive relating to the responsibilities of an executive agent of the Department of Defense.(2)The term executive agent has the meaning given the term DoD Executive Agent in Directive 5101.1.(3)The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and small unmanned aircraft have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code..
Section 402
149b. Executive agent for countering threats posed by small unmanned aircraft The Secretary of Defense, shall designate a senior official from among the personnel of the Department of Defense to act as the executive agent responsible for providing oversight of— the efforts of the Department to counter small unmanned aircraft and systems; and associated training and technology programs. The Executive agent shall— coordinate and integrate joint requirements to counter threats posed by small unmanned aircraft; provide common individual training to members of the Armed Forces on countering such threats; and carry out joint research, development, test, and evaluation activities for common activities on behalf of the military departments with respect to counter-UAS systems. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the military departments, Defense Agencies, and other components of the Department of Defense provide the executive agent designated under subsection (a) with the appropriate support and resources needed to perform the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent. The Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with Directive 5101.1. In this section: The term Directive 5101.1 means Department of Defense Directive 5101.1, or any successor directive relating to the responsibilities of an executive agent of the Department of Defense. The term executive agent has the meaning given the term DoD Executive Agent in Directive 5101.1. The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and small unmanned aircraft have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.
Section 403
903. Elimination of the Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense Section 147 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed. Section 913 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 8 U.S.C. 147 note) is repealed. No Federal funds may be obligated or expended to establish a position within the Department of Defense that is the same as or substantially similar to— the position of Chief Diversity Officer, as described in section 147 of title 10, United States Code, as such section was in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act; or the position of Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, as described in section 913(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 147 note), as such section was in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 404
921. Designation of senior officials responsible for contested logistics posture management Section 133b(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (C), by adding and at the end; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: the official with principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for the Department in accordance with section 2229b(a) of this title; Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall be the official in the Department of Defense with principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for the Department. In carrying out such responsibilities, the Under Secretary shall coordinate with the senior military department officials designated under subsection (b). Each secretary of a military department shall designate, from among officials serving in the department who have been confirmed by the Senate, an official to have principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for that department. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) may designate an official of the military department concerned to serve as a deputy to assist the senior official in carrying out the responsibilities under this section. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall be responsible for— ensuring that the department concerned is adequately prepared to provide logistics support to the armed forces of that department in contested environments outside the continental United States, including by— establishing or arranging for access to locations through which supplies and equipment can be provided to such forces; developing any necessary infrastructure; and to the extent feasible, prepositioning supplies and equipment at such locations; and ensuring that the logistics capabilities described in paragraph (1) meet the requirements of the operational and contingency plans of such forces. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall develop and implement strategy for carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (d). Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following: A description of— the locations of sites outside the continental United States at which stocks of supplies and equipment are prepositioned as of the date of the strategy; the status and disposition of such prepositioned stocks; and the operational or contingency plan such stocks are intended to support. Identification of— any shortcomings associated with the sites and prepositioned stocks described in subparagraph (A) that must be addressed to optimally execute operational and contingency plans; and any additional sites, infrastructure, or equipment that may be needed to address such shortcomings and support such plans. A description of any additional funding or other resources required— to address the shortcomings identified under subparagraph (B)(i); and to provide for the additional sites, infrastructure, and equipment identified under subparagraph (B)(ii). A prioritized list of investment recommendations for each item described in subparagraph (C). Identification of each case in which the military department concerned lacks the authority or ability to access a location outside the United States for purposes of providing logistics support as required under operational and contingency plans, set forth separately by location. An assessment of any existing and projected threats to sites outside the continental United States that are expected to support such operational and contingency plans. Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall cover the period of one year following the date of the strategy and shall be updated on an annual basis in accordance with paragraph (4). Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the strategy developed under paragraph (1). On an annual basis following the submittal of the initial report under subparagraph (A), each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— an updated version of the strategy under paragraph (1); an assessment of the progress made by the military department concerned in achieving the goals of such strategy; and any plans of the official improve the logistics capabilities of the military department concerned to ensure those capabilities meet the requirements of applicable operational and contingency plans. In carrying out the duties required under this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall consult with subject matter experts from— the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Joint Staff; the geographic combatant commands; other military departments; the Department of State; and such other departments and agencies of the Federal Government as the official determines appropriate. To the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each official designated under subsection (b) is included in any panels, working groups, or advisory bodies of the Department with roles relating the matters described in subsection (d). Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall make the designation required under section 2229b(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (b) of this section). (D)the official with principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for the Department in accordance with section 2229b(a) of this title;. 2229b.Senior officials responsible for contested logistics posture management(a)In generalThe Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall be the official in the Department of Defense with principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for the Department. In carrying out such responsibilities, the Under Secretary shall coordinate with the senior military department officials designated under subsection (b).(b)Designation of senior military department officialsEach secretary of a military department shall designate, from among officials serving in the department who have been confirmed by the Senate, an official to have principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for that department.(c)DeputiesEach senior official designated under subsection (b) may designate an official of the military department concerned to serve as a deputy to assist the senior official in carrying out the responsibilities under this section. (d)ResponsibilitiesEach senior official designated under subsection (b) shall be responsible for—(1)ensuring that the department concerned is adequately prepared to provide logistics support to the armed forces of that department in contested environments outside the continental United States, including by—(A)establishing or arranging for access to locations through which supplies and equipment can be provided to such forces;(B)developing any necessary infrastructure; and(C)to the extent feasible, prepositioning supplies and equipment at such locations; and(2)ensuring that the logistics capabilities described in paragraph (1) meet the requirements of the operational and contingency plans of such forces.(e)Contested logistics posture strategy(1)Each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall develop and implement strategy for carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (d). (2)Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following:(A)A description of—(i)the locations of sites outside the continental United States at which stocks of supplies and equipment are prepositioned as of the date of the strategy;(ii)the status and disposition of such prepositioned stocks; and(iii)the operational or contingency plan such stocks are intended to support. (B)Identification of—(i)any shortcomings associated with the sites and prepositioned stocks described in subparagraph (A) that must be addressed to optimally execute operational and contingency plans; and(ii)any additional sites, infrastructure, or equipment that may be needed to address such shortcomings and support such plans.(C)A description of any additional funding or other resources required—(i)to address the shortcomings identified under subparagraph (B)(i); and(ii)to provide for the additional sites, infrastructure, and equipment identified under subparagraph (B)(ii).(D)A prioritized list of investment recommendations for each item described in subparagraph (C).(E)Identification of each case in which the military department concerned lacks the authority or ability to access a location outside the United States for purposes of providing logistics support as required under operational and contingency plans, set forth separately by location.(F)An assessment of any existing and projected threats to sites outside the continental United States that are expected to support such operational and contingency plans.(3)Covered period and updatesEach strategy under paragraph (1) shall cover the period of one year following the date of the strategy and shall be updated on an annual basis in accordance with paragraph (4).(4)Annual reports(A)Initial reportNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the strategy developed under paragraph (1).(B)Subsequent reportsOn an annual basis following the submittal of the initial report under subparagraph (A), each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—(i)an updated version of the strategy under paragraph (1); (ii)an assessment of the progress made by the military department concerned in achieving the goals of such strategy; and(iii)any plans of the official improve the logistics capabilities of the military department concerned to ensure those capabilities meet the requirements of applicable operational and contingency plans. (f)ConsultationIn carrying out the duties required under this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall consult with subject matter experts from—(1)the Office of the Secretary of Defense;(2)the Joint Staff;(3)the geographic combatant commands;(4)other military departments;(5)the Department of State; and(6)such other departments and agencies of the Federal Government as the official determines appropriate.(g)RepresentationTo the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each official designated under subsection (b) is included in any panels, working groups, or advisory bodies of the Department with roles relating the matters described in subsection (d)..
Section 405
2229b. Senior officials responsible for contested logistics posture management The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall be the official in the Department of Defense with principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for the Department. In carrying out such responsibilities, the Under Secretary shall coordinate with the senior military department officials designated under subsection (b). Each secretary of a military department shall designate, from among officials serving in the department who have been confirmed by the Senate, an official to have principal responsibility for contested logistics posture management for that department. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) may designate an official of the military department concerned to serve as a deputy to assist the senior official in carrying out the responsibilities under this section. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall be responsible for— ensuring that the department concerned is adequately prepared to provide logistics support to the armed forces of that department in contested environments outside the continental United States, including by— establishing or arranging for access to locations through which supplies and equipment can be provided to such forces; developing any necessary infrastructure; and to the extent feasible, prepositioning supplies and equipment at such locations; and ensuring that the logistics capabilities described in paragraph (1) meet the requirements of the operational and contingency plans of such forces. Each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall develop and implement strategy for carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (d). Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following: A description of— the locations of sites outside the continental United States at which stocks of supplies and equipment are prepositioned as of the date of the strategy; the status and disposition of such prepositioned stocks; and the operational or contingency plan such stocks are intended to support. Identification of— any shortcomings associated with the sites and prepositioned stocks described in subparagraph (A) that must be addressed to optimally execute operational and contingency plans; and any additional sites, infrastructure, or equipment that may be needed to address such shortcomings and support such plans. A description of any additional funding or other resources required— to address the shortcomings identified under subparagraph (B)(i); and to provide for the additional sites, infrastructure, and equipment identified under subparagraph (B)(ii). A prioritized list of investment recommendations for each item described in subparagraph (C). Identification of each case in which the military department concerned lacks the authority or ability to access a location outside the United States for purposes of providing logistics support as required under operational and contingency plans, set forth separately by location. An assessment of any existing and projected threats to sites outside the continental United States that are expected to support such operational and contingency plans. Each strategy under paragraph (1) shall cover the period of one year following the date of the strategy and shall be updated on an annual basis in accordance with paragraph (4). Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the strategy developed under paragraph (1). On an annual basis following the submittal of the initial report under subparagraph (A), each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— an updated version of the strategy under paragraph (1); an assessment of the progress made by the military department concerned in achieving the goals of such strategy; and any plans of the official improve the logistics capabilities of the military department concerned to ensure those capabilities meet the requirements of applicable operational and contingency plans. In carrying out the duties required under this section, each senior official designated under subsection (b) shall consult with subject matter experts from— the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Joint Staff; the geographic combatant commands; other military departments; the Department of State; and such other departments and agencies of the Federal Government as the official determines appropriate. To the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each official designated under subsection (b) is included in any panels, working groups, or advisory bodies of the Department with roles relating the matters described in subsection (d).
Section 406
922. Eligibility of Chief of the National Guard Bureau for appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Section 152(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the Chief of Space Operations and inserting the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Chief of Space Operations, or the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Section 407
923. Designation of Deputy Under Secretary of the Army as principal official responsible for explosive ordnance disposal Section 7014 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Secretary of the Army shall designate the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army as the official within the Office of the Secretary of the Army with principal responsibility for the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army. The responsibilities of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army under this subsection shall include— providing oversight and strategic direction for the management and operations of the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army, including planning, programming, budgeting, and execution; providing strategic direction for the funding of the enterprise, including funding for— manning, training, organizing, equipping (including any associated research and development), and sustaining the enterprise; and supporting military installations that comprise the enterprise; providing strategic direction for the activities of the enterprise in providing explosive ordinance disposal support for— the President; combatant commanders; military installations; and civilian law enforcement agencies (in accordance with sections 282 and 283 of this title); and providing strategic direction on the activities of the enterprise over the full range of military operations from irregular warfare to large-scale ground combat. On an annual basis, the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army. The briefing shall include, with respect to the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title (as of the date of the briefing), an estimate of the total obligatory authority for the enterprise and the numbers and types of personnel expected to be assigned to the enterprise. In this subsection, the terms explosive ordnance and explosive ordnance disposal have the meanings given those terms in section 2284(d). The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (g)(1)The Secretary of the Army shall designate the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army as the official within the Office of the Secretary of the Army with principal responsibility for the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army.(2)The responsibilities of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army under this subsection shall include—(A)providing oversight and strategic direction for the management and operations of the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army, including planning, programming, budgeting, and execution;(B)providing strategic direction for the funding of the enterprise, including funding for—(i)manning, training, organizing, equipping (including any associated research and development), and sustaining the enterprise; and(ii)supporting military installations that comprise the enterprise; (C)providing strategic direction for the activities of the enterprise in providing explosive ordinance disposal support for—(i)the President;(ii)combatant commanders;(iii)military installations; and(iv)civilian law enforcement agencies (in accordance with sections 282 and 283 of this title); and(D)providing strategic direction on the activities of the enterprise over the full range of military operations from irregular warfare to large-scale ground combat.(3)On an annual basis, the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the explosive ordnance disposal enterprise of the Army. The briefing shall include, with respect to the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title (as of the date of the briefing), an estimate of the total obligatory authority for the enterprise and the numbers and types of personnel expected to be assigned to the enterprise.(4)In this subsection, the terms explosive ordnance and explosive ordnance disposal have the meanings given those terms in section 2284(d)..
Section 408
924. Establishment of the Drone Corps as a basic branch of the Army Section 7063(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (12), by striking and at the end; by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14); and by inserting after paragraph (12) the following new paragraph: Drone Corps; and Chapter 707 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7081 the following new section: There is a Drone Corps in the Army. The Drone Corps consists of— the Chief of the Drone Corps, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Army from among the officers of the Drone Corps; commissioned officers of the Regular Army appointed therein; and other members of the Army assigned thereto by the Secretary of the Army. Subject to such limitations or conditions as the Secretary of the Army may prescribe, the Drone Corps shall— be the organization in the Army with primary responsibility for programs, projects, and activities involving— small and medium unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft systems that include such aircraft; and counter-UAS systems; serve as a command center for Army operations involving the aircraft and systems described in paragraph (1); carry out activities to integrate such aircraft and systems with Army forces that have not traditionally used such aircraft and systems; conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of such aircraft and systems; provide personnel with specialized training in such aircraft and systems; carry out programs to attract and retain personnel with expertise relevant to such aircraft and systems; develop strategies and capabilities to counter the unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems of adversary forces; and perform such other functions relating to unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems as the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code. The term medium unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with gross takeoff weight that is equal to greater than 55 pounds and less than 1320 pounds. The term small unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with a gross takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds. (13)Drone Corps; and. 7082.Drone Corps: organization and functions(a)In generalThere is a Drone Corps in the Army. The Drone Corps consists of—(1)the Chief of the Drone Corps, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Army from among the officers of the Drone Corps;(2)commissioned officers of the Regular Army appointed therein; and(3)other members of the Army assigned thereto by the Secretary of the Army.(b)FunctionsSubject to such limitations or conditions as the Secretary of the Army may prescribe, the Drone Corps shall—(1)be the organization in the Army with primary responsibility for programs, projects, and activities involving—(A)small and medium unmanned aircraft;(B)unmanned aircraft systems that include such aircraft; and(C)counter-UAS systems;(2)serve as a command center for Army operations involving the aircraft and systems described in paragraph (1);(3)carry out activities to integrate such aircraft and systems with Army forces that have not traditionally used such aircraft and systems;(4)conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of such aircraft and systems;(5)provide personnel with specialized training in such aircraft and systems;(6)carry out programs to attract and retain personnel with expertise relevant to such aircraft and systems;(7)develop strategies and capabilities to counter the unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems of adversary forces; and(8)perform such other functions relating to unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems as the Secretary determines appropriate.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.(2)The term medium unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with gross takeoff weight that is equal to greater than 55 pounds and less than 1320 pounds.(3)The term small unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with a gross takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds..
Section 409
7082. Drone Corps: organization and functions There is a Drone Corps in the Army. The Drone Corps consists of— the Chief of the Drone Corps, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Army from among the officers of the Drone Corps; commissioned officers of the Regular Army appointed therein; and other members of the Army assigned thereto by the Secretary of the Army. Subject to such limitations or conditions as the Secretary of the Army may prescribe, the Drone Corps shall— be the organization in the Army with primary responsibility for programs, projects, and activities involving— small and medium unmanned aircraft; unmanned aircraft systems that include such aircraft; and counter-UAS systems; serve as a command center for Army operations involving the aircraft and systems described in paragraph (1); carry out activities to integrate such aircraft and systems with Army forces that have not traditionally used such aircraft and systems; conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of such aircraft and systems; provide personnel with specialized training in such aircraft and systems; carry out programs to attract and retain personnel with expertise relevant to such aircraft and systems; develop strategies and capabilities to counter the unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems of adversary forces; and perform such other functions relating to unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems as the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The terms counter-UAS system, unmanned aircraft, and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given those terms in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code. The term medium unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with gross takeoff weight that is equal to greater than 55 pounds and less than 1320 pounds. The term small unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft with a gross takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds.
Section 410
925. Army Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence Chapter 707 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of the Army shall establish and operate an Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence within the Army Training and Doctrine Command. The Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence shall be used to— provide comprehensive training and other educational programs relating to electronic warfare, including— advanced individual training; professional military education; new equipment training; and instructor training and certification; develop and regularly update the curriculum for such training and programs; identify, develop, and integrate materiel and organizational requirements for electronic warfare; investigate emerging electronic warfare requirements; conduct assessments for electronic warfare materiel requirements determination and development; develop and manage the integration of electronic warfare solutions with doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities; conduct analysis for electronic warfare force requirements; develop and manage organizational documentation relating to electronic warfare, including field manuals, technical manuals, training materials, standard operating procedures, doctrine publications, and after-action reports; carry out such functions as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, to the extent determined appropriate by the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary shall transfer the electronic warfare-related programs, projects, and activities of the Cyber Center of Excellence of the Army to the Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence established under section 7085 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). 7085.Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of the Army shall establish and operate an Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence within the Army Training and Doctrine Command.(b)MissionsThe Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence shall be used to—(1)provide comprehensive training and other educational programs relating to electronic warfare, including—(A)advanced individual training;(B)professional military education;(C)new equipment training; and(D)instructor training and certification;(2)develop and regularly update the curriculum for such training and programs;(3)identify, develop, and integrate materiel and organizational requirements for electronic warfare;(4)investigate emerging electronic warfare requirements;(5)conduct assessments for electronic warfare materiel requirements determination and development;(6)develop and manage the integration of electronic warfare solutions with doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities;(7)conduct analysis for electronic warfare force requirements;(8)develop and manage organizational documentation relating to electronic warfare, including field manuals, technical manuals, training materials, standard operating procedures, doctrine publications, and after-action reports;(9)carry out such functions as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate..
Section 411
7085. Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence The Secretary of the Army shall establish and operate an Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence within the Army Training and Doctrine Command. The Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence shall be used to— provide comprehensive training and other educational programs relating to electronic warfare, including— advanced individual training; professional military education; new equipment training; and instructor training and certification; develop and regularly update the curriculum for such training and programs; identify, develop, and integrate materiel and organizational requirements for electronic warfare; investigate emerging electronic warfare requirements; conduct assessments for electronic warfare materiel requirements determination and development; develop and manage the integration of electronic warfare solutions with doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities; conduct analysis for electronic warfare force requirements; develop and manage organizational documentation relating to electronic warfare, including field manuals, technical manuals, training materials, standard operating procedures, doctrine publications, and after-action reports; carry out such functions as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.
Section 412
926. Codification of additional staff corps of the Navy Section 8090 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)— in paragraph (4), by striking and; by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (9); and by inserting, after paragraph (4), the following new paragraphs: the Supply Corps; the Civil Engineer Corps; the Nurse Corps; the Medical Service Corps; and Such section is further amended, in subsection (b)(1), by striking Medical Corps, the Dental Corps, the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and the Chaplain Corps and inserting staff corps specified in subsection (a). (5)the Supply Corps;(6)the Civil Engineer Corps;(7)the Nurse Corps;(8)the Medical Service Corps; and.
Section 413
927. Feasibility report on establishment of a Defense Industrial Revitalization Board Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Defense Industrial Revitalization Board (in this section referred to as the Board) that— would consist of the members described in subsection (b); would be responsible for ensuring the defense industrial base is prepared to meet Department of Defense wartime production needs by— assessing the health of the defense industrial base; identifying critical shortages and impediments to production of critical munitions and other war materials; identifying required production rates for critical munitions; and overseeing and deconflicting Department and service efforts to improve defense industrial capacity; would, in furtherance of such responsibilities— develop a comprehensive plan that details immediate steps that can be taken to increase the capacity of the defense industrial base; utilize existing supply chain mapping efforts to identify single points of failure that impact munitions and critical weapons platforms and identify funding mechanisms to create second sources or other resilience measures, with a focus on those munitions necessary for a potential war in the Pacific; utilize existing supply chain mapping efforts to identify reliance on foreign adversaries within critical munitions supply chains and recommend amelioration efforts; for critical munitions, establish a minimum procurement rate for purposes of ensuring adequate Department of Defense budgeting in each fiscal year and for directing budget proposals for the Department; and review critical munitions production capacity on a twice yearly basis and take remedial action to address any shortfalls; and would terminate five years after being established. The Board considered for potential establishment in the report under subsection (a) would include the following members: Relevant Department of Defense acquisition, research and engineering, and comptroller personnel. Service acquisition executives and program managers. Defense industry representatives. Relevant think tank experts. Representatives from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Representatives from the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Representatives from the Defense Innovation Unit. In this section, the term defense industrial base means organizations, facilities, and resources that supply the Department of Defense with materials, products, and services for defense purposes.
Section 414
928. Inclusion of Mexico in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— remove Mexico from the area of responsibility of the United States Northern Command; and include Mexico in the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command.
Section 415
929. Membership of Commandant of the Coast Guard on the Joint Chiefs of Staff Section 151(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Commandant of the Coast Guard. Section 152 of such title is amended— in subsection (b)(1)(B) by striking or the Commandant of the Marine Corps and inserting the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the Commandant of the Coast Guard; and in subsection (c), by striking Navy and inserting Navy or Coast Guard. Section 154(f) of such title is amended by striking Navy and inserting Navy or Coast Guard. Section 155(a) of such title is amended— in paragraph (2)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking (other than the Coast Guard); in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: the Coast Guard. in paragraph (3), by striking Secretary of the military department having jurisdiction over that armed force and inserting Secretary concerned. Section 302 of title 14, United States Code, is amended— by striking The President may and inserting the following: The President may by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall also perform the duties prescribed for the Commandant as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under section 151 of title 10. To the extent that such action does not impair the independence of the Commandant in the performance of the Commandant’s duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant shall inform the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating regarding military advice rendered by members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters affecting such department. Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant shall keep the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating fully informed of significant military operations affecting the duties and responsibilities of such Secretary. (9)The Commandant of the Coast Guard.. (D)the Coast Guard.; and (a)The President may; and (b)(1)The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall also perform the duties prescribed for the Commandant as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under section 151 of title 10.(2)To the extent that such action does not impair the independence of the Commandant in the performance of the Commandant’s duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant shall inform the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating regarding military advice rendered by members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters affecting such department.(3)Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant shall keep the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating fully informed of significant military operations affecting the duties and responsibilities of such Secretary..
Section 416
930. Department of Defense Senior Intelligence Oversight Official Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary determined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall designate a civilian employee of the Department of Defense in the Senior Executive Service to serve as the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official. The Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall exercise independent oversight of all intelligence, intelligence-related, and sensitive activities of the Department of Defense, including activities involving— tradecraft; the operational use of an individual; or clandestine operational tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall have— complete and unrestricted access to all information concerning any intelligence, intelligence-related, or sensitive activity of the Department of Defense regardless of classification or compartmentalization, including special access programs, from any personnel or organizational entity of the Department of Defense, to the extent necessary to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official; and direct access to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense, as circumstances require in the determination of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official. The Secretary of Defense shall review and update Department of Defense Directive 5148.13, and any associated or successor regulation or directive, to conform to this section. 430c.Senior Intelligence Oversight Official(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary determined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall designate a civilian employee of the Department of Defense in the Senior Executive Service to serve as the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official.(b)ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall exercise independent oversight of all intelligence, intelligence-related, and sensitive activities of the Department of Defense, including activities involving—(1)tradecraft;(2)the operational use of an individual; or(3)clandestine operational tactics, techniques, and procedures.(c)AccessThe Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall have—(1)complete and unrestricted access to all information concerning any intelligence, intelligence-related, or sensitive activity of the Department of Defense regardless of classification or compartmentalization, including special access programs, from any personnel or organizational entity of the Department of Defense, to the extent necessary to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official; and(2)direct access to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense, as circumstances require in the determination of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official.(d)Review of regulationsThe Secretary of Defense shall review and update Department of Defense Directive 5148.13, and any associated or successor regulation or directive, to conform to this section..
Section 417
430c. Senior Intelligence Oversight Official The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary determined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall designate a civilian employee of the Department of Defense in the Senior Executive Service to serve as the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official. The Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall exercise independent oversight of all intelligence, intelligence-related, and sensitive activities of the Department of Defense, including activities involving— tradecraft; the operational use of an individual; or clandestine operational tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Senior Intelligence Oversight Official shall have— complete and unrestricted access to all information concerning any intelligence, intelligence-related, or sensitive activity of the Department of Defense regardless of classification or compartmentalization, including special access programs, from any personnel or organizational entity of the Department of Defense, to the extent necessary to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official; and direct access to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense, as circumstances require in the determination of the Senior Intelligence Oversight Official. The Secretary of Defense shall review and update Department of Defense Directive 5148.13, and any associated or successor regulation or directive, to conform to this section.
Section 418
1001. General transfer authority Upon determination by the Secretary of Defense that such action is necessary in the national interest, the Secretary may transfer amounts of authorizations made available to the Department of Defense in this division for fiscal year 2025 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year (or any subdivisions thereof). Amounts of authorizations so transferred shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes as the authorization to which transferred. Except as provided in paragraph (3), the total amount of authorizations that the Secretary may transfer under the authority of this section may not exceed $6,000,000,000. A transfer of funds between military personnel authorizations under title IV shall not be counted toward the dollar limitation in paragraph (2). The authority provided by subsection (a) to transfer authorizations— may only be used to provide authority for items that have a higher priority than the items from which authority is transferred; and may not be used to provide authority for an item that has been denied authorization by Congress. A transfer made from one account to another under the authority of this section shall be deemed to increase the amount authorized for the account to which the amount is transferred by an amount equal to the amount transferred. The Secretary shall promptly notify Congress of each transfer made under subsection (a).
Section 419
1002. Revision of Department of Defense financial management regulation Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Comptroller shall revise the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R. The Under Secretary shall ensure that the revised regulation— is consistent and clear throughout; includes updated guidance with respect to legislative and regulatory requirements; and does not include any outdated guidance or guidance subject to change annually in an annual appropriations act. In revising the regulation under subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall— prioritize clarity and accessibility in the language and direction provided, including improvements to the coordination and approval process for recommended changes; review and adopt modern financial practices that better align to current development and production cycles; consider information technology solutions to improve the accessibility and usability of the Financial Management Regulation; and in consultation with the Cross-Functional Team established under section 1003 consider the recommendations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and once every 90 days thereafter during the three-year period following such date of enactment, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the efforts to update the Financial Management Regulation. Each such briefing shall include each of the following: The progress made in updating the Financial Management Regulation. The plan and timeline for completing revisions to the Financial Management Regulation. Any barriers to the ability of the Department of Defense to update the Financial Management Regulation as required under this section. Any legislation required to complete revisions of the Financial Management Regulation. Any other information determined relevant by the Secretary.
Section 420
1003. Cross-functional team for implementation of recommendations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform Using the authority provided pursuant to section 911(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 111 note), the Secretary of Defense shall establish a cross-functional team to address the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform (in this section referred to as the Commission). The duties of the cross-functional team established under subsection (a) shall be to assist the Secretary of Defense with the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission and any efforts regarding such recommendations that the Secretary determines necessary. The Secretary shall select an Under Secretary of Defense to lead the cross-functional team and a senior military officer to serve as the deputy to the Under Secretary so selected. The Secretary, acting through the cross-functional team established under subsection (a), shall determine the roles and responsibilities of the organizations and elements of the Department of Defense with respect to addressing the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission, including the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense agencies, Department of Defense field activities, the military departments, the combatant commands, and the Joint Staff. Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on— the progress of the Secretary in establishing the cross-functional team required under subsection (a); and the progress the team has made in— determining the roles and responsibilities of the organizations and elements of the Department of Defense with respect the cross-functional team; and carrying out the duties under subsection (b). Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and once every 90 days thereafter during the three-year period following such date of enactment, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing containing updates with respect to the efforts of the Department regarding implementation of the recommendations of the Commission.
Section 421
1004. Congressional notification of transfer of funds Subsection (c) of section 2214 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: Not later than five days after the Secretary of Defense transfers amounts under such authority to transfer amounts, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees and the covered members of Congress notice of the transfer. Notice under this subsection with respect to a transfer shall include— a written description of the transfer; and upon the request of a congressional defense committee or a covered member of Congress, a briefing on the transfer, which shall be provided not later than five days after the date on which the briefing is requested. In this subsection, the term covered member of Congress means, with respect to a transfer— each Member of the House of Representatives who represents a district that would be affected by the transfer; and both Senators from each State that would be affected by the transfer. (c)Notice to Congress(1)Not later than five days after the Secretary of Defense transfers amounts under such authority to transfer amounts, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees and the covered members of Congress notice of the transfer.(2)Notice under this subsection with respect to a transfer shall include—(A)a written description of the transfer; and(B)upon the request of a congressional defense committee or a covered member of Congress, a briefing on the transfer, which shall be provided not later than five days after the date on which the briefing is requested.(3)In this subsection, the term covered member of Congress means, with respect to a transfer—(A)each Member of the House of Representatives who represents a district that would be affected by the transfer; and(B)both Senators from each State that would be affected by the transfer..
Section 422
1005. Department of Defense spending reductions in absence of submitted financial statements or failure to achieve unqualified or qualified independent audit opinion Subject to paragraph (2), this section applies to the Department of Defense, including military departments and Defense Agencies thereof. If a military department or Defense Agency is identified by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as required to have its own audited financial statement under section 3515 of title 31, United States Code, that military department and Defense Agency shall be treated separately from the Department of Defense for purposes of application of this section. In this section: The terms financial statement and external independent auditor have the meanings given those terms in section 3521(e) of title 31, United States Code. The term unqualified, with respect to the audit status of a financial statement, includes the characterizations clean and unmodified. The term qualified, with respect to the audit status of a financial statement, includes the characterization modified. On March 2 of each fiscal year, the discretionary budget authority available for the Department of Defense (or a military department or Defense Agency covered by subsection (a)(2)) for such fiscal year shall be adjusted as provided in paragraph (2). If the Department of Defense (or a military department or Defense Agency covered by subsection (a)(2)) has not submitted a financial statement for the previous fiscal year, or if such financial statement has not received either an unqualified or a qualified audit opinion by an independent external auditor, the discretionary budget authority available for the Department of Defense, the military department, or the Defense Agency (as the case may be) shall be reduced by .5 percent, with the reduction applied proportionately to each account (other than an account listed in subsection (d) or an account for which a waiver is made under subsection (e)). Consistent with applicable laws, the Secretary of Defense may make any reduction under paragraph (2) in a manner that minimizes any effect on national security. An amount equal to the total amount of any reduction under paragraph (2) shall be retained in the general fund of the Treasury for the purposes of deficit reduction. The following accounts are excluded from any reductions referred to in subsection (c)(2): Military personnel, reserve personnel, and National Guard personnel accounts of the Department of Defense. The Defense Health Program account of the Department of Defense. The President may waive subsection (c)(2) with respect to an account if the President certifies that applying the subsection to that account would harm national security or members of the Armed Forces who are deployed in combat zones. Not later than 60 days after an adjustment under subsection (c), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit to Congress a report describing the amount and account of each adjustment.
Section 423
1006. Oversight requirements for Financial Improvement and Audit Remediation Plan Section 240b(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting , the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate after congressional defense committees; and in paragraph (2)— by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows: Briefings; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: Not later than June 30, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall provide to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a briefing on the status of the corrective action plan. Such briefing shall include an assessment of the progress of the Secretary of Defense in achieving an unqualified audit opinion as described in subsection (a)(2)(iv) (C)Not later than June 30, 2025, and annually thereafter, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall provide to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a briefing on the status of the corrective action plan. Such briefing shall include an assessment of the progress of the Secretary of Defense in achieving an unqualified audit opinion as described in subsection (a)(2)(iv).
Section 424
1006A. Use of technology using artificial intelligence to facilitate audit of the financial statements of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force shall encourage, to the greatest extent practicable, the use of technology that uses artificial intelligence or machine learning for the purpose of facilitating audits of the financial statements of the Department of Defense. The Director of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office of the Department, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Inspector General of the Department, shall oversee the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in support of financial management and enterprise business operations. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing that includes a description of the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning technologies as described in (a) and (b), including an update on the implementation of the strategy titled 2023 Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy and dated June 27, 2023.
Section 425
1007. Modification to types of support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime Section 284(b)(6)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking within 25 miles of and.
Section 426
1008. Support for counterdrug activities affecting flow of drugs into United States Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe Department-wide guidance that establishes support for counterdrug activities and programs affecting the flow of drugs into the United States as the principal foreign counterdrug program priority of the Department.
Section 427
1009. Report on Department of Defense operational planning to defeat Mexican drug cartels Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of such other departments and agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on Department of Defense operational planning to defeat Mexican drug cartels. Such report shall include the following elements: A history of Mexican military operations against transnational criminal organizations, including— areas of operations; operations against high value targets; and, after-action reviews of operations. An assessment of Mexican military assets and capabilities, including— unit-specific leadership assessments; unit-specific strengths; unit-specific weaknesses; unit-specific readiness; and, unit-specific susceptibility to corruption or cooperation with transnational criminal organizations. An identification of any gaps in Mexican military assets and capabilities for which the United States Armed Forces could provide additional resources to assist in the defeat of Mexican drug cartels. A description of operational plans to militarily defeat Mexican drug cartels with varying levels of coordination and cooperation with the Mexican military. An assessment of additional steps that would be necessary to secure a military victory after the military defeat of such cartels. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in classified form. In this section the term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committee; the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
Section 428
1010. Modification to types of support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime Section 284(b)(6)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting or within the joint operating area of Joint Interagency Task Force South after United States.
Section 429
1010A. Sale or donation of excess Department of Defense personal property for drug surveillance and interdiction Section 2576a(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by striking the highest and inserting a high; and by striking In considering and inserting (1) In considering applications for the transfer of personal property under this section, the Secretary shall give the highest preference to applications indicating that the transferred property will be used in counterdrug surveillance and interdiction by local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies within 100 miles of the United States-Mexico border that have an annual budget of not more than $200,000,000. In considering (2)In considering.
Section 430
1011. Assessment required in the event of a proposed reduction in battle force ships as part of the annual naval vessel construction plan and certification Section 231 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection: If the plan and certification submitted under subsection (a) for a fiscal year include a reduction in the number of battle force ships during the ten-year period following the submission of the plan, as compared to the number of such ships included in the plan and certification for the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit with the plan and assessment an additional assessment that includes each of the following: A description of how the proposed reduction would support the national security strategy of the United States. An identification of the total amount of resources that have been previously allocated for the ship that is no longer being requested, including funds for research, development, test, and evaluation specific to the ship, advance procurement, advanced construction, and economic order quantity. An identification of the total amount of resources the industrial base has allocated to support the ship that is no longer being requested. An analysis of the effect such reduction is likely to have on the industrial base, including the sub-tier supplier base. An analysis of the effect of the reduction on the overall requirement for the class of ship that was reduced. If an additional assessment is required to be submitted under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year and the Secretary of Defense does not include such assessment with the defense budget materials for the fiscal year, not more than 75 percent of the funds referred to in subparagraph (B) may be obligated or expended until the Secretary submits the additional assessment. The funds referred to in this paragraph are any funds made available to the Secretary of Defense for executive travel that remain available for obligation or expenditure as of the date on which the plan and certification under subsection (a) and the plan and certification under subsection (d) are required to be submitted. (g)Reduction in battle force ships(1)If the plan and certification submitted under subsection (a) for a fiscal year include a reduction in the number of battle force ships during the ten-year period following the submission of the plan, as compared to the number of such ships included in the plan and certification for the preceding fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit with the plan and assessment an additional assessment that includes each of the following:(A)A description of how the proposed reduction would support the national security strategy of the United States.(B)An identification of the total amount of resources that have been previously allocated for the ship that is no longer being requested, including funds for research, development, test, and evaluation specific to the ship, advance procurement, advanced construction, and economic order quantity.(C)An identification of the total amount of resources the industrial base has allocated to support the ship that is no longer being requested.(D)An analysis of the effect such reduction is likely to have on the industrial base, including the sub-tier supplier base.(E)An analysis of the effect of the reduction on the overall requirement for the class of ship that was reduced.(2)(A)If an additional assessment is required to be submitted under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year and the Secretary of Defense does not include such assessment with the defense budget materials for the fiscal year, not more than 75 percent of the funds referred to in subparagraph (B) may be obligated or expended until the Secretary submits the additional assessment.(B)The funds referred to in this paragraph are any funds made available to the Secretary of Defense for executive travel that remain available for obligation or expenditure as of the date on which the plan and certification under subsection (a) and the plan and certification under subsection (d) are required to be submitted..
Section 431
1012. Minimum number of public naval shipyards Section 8062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subsections (f) through (h) as subsections (f) though (i), respectively; by inserting after subsection (e), the following new subsection (f): The Secretary of the Navy shall operate not less than four public naval shipyards. in subsection (i), as so redesignated— by striking section, the and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting section:; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: The term amphibious warfare ship means a ship that is classified as an amphibious assault ship (general purpose) (LHA), an amphibious assault ship (multi-purpose) (LHD), an amphibious transport dock (LPD), or a dock landing ship (LSD). The term public naval shipyard means a naval shipyard operated by the Navy as of January 1, 2024. (f)The Secretary of the Navy shall operate not less than four public naval shipyards.; and (1)The term amphibious warfare ship means a ship that is classified as an amphibious assault ship (general purpose) (LHA), an amphibious assault ship (multi-purpose) (LHD), an amphibious transport dock (LPD), or a dock landing ship (LSD).(2)The term public naval shipyard means a naval shipyard operated by the Navy as of January 1, 2024..
Section 432
1013. Modifications to ship repair authorities Section 8669a(c)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 10 months and inserting 18 months. Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study to assess whether relevant price differentials used by the Navy in ship repair solicitations accurately reflect the true market value of the activity undertaken to complete the repair work involved in the absence of any such differential. The study under paragraph (1) shall address all relevant price differentials used by the Navy in ship repair solicitations, including— the use of Government-owned and operated dry docks; the use of inter-port differentials; and the use of pier differentials. The federally funded research and development center that conducts the study under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Secretary of the Navy a report on the results of the study. Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees an unaltered copy of the report received by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) together with a separate statement of the views of the Secretary on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). Not later than March 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the policy of the Navy for soliciting coastwide bids for repair availabilities longer than 10 months. The report under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation and assessment of each of the following: The intent of the policy described in paragraph (1). The data the Navy uses to assess the efficacy of such policy. How the Navy estimates the cost of moving vessels out of their home port to complete the availability and the actual cost of moving vessels out of their home port to complete the availability. How the Navy estimates the financial, labor force, member of the Armed Forces and family well-being, berthing, and related costs associated with moving a vessel out of its home port to complete a repair availability longer than 10 months.
Section 433
1014. Congressional certification required prior to start of construction on first ship of a shipbuilding program Section 8669c(a)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting 100 percent before complete.
Section 434
1015. Assessments required prior to start of construction on first ship of a shipbuilding program Section 8669c of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: certifies to the congressional defense committees that for each block of the ship’s construction, the detail design will be completed. in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: For first ships and subsequent ships, the plan of the Navy to oversee and document the completion of the detail design for each block of the ship’s construction before construction of such block begins. The extent to which information provided by a vendor to support the overall maturity and stability of a ship’s design is complete before construction on the ship begins, including with respect to information that confirms— vendor selection is complete for major distributive systems and key equipment supporting operational requirements of the ship; specifications are finalized for such major distributive systems and key equipment; and the status of factory acceptance testing, as applicable, to validate finalized specifications for such major distributive systems and key equipment through manufacturing. in subsection (c)(1)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking computer aided models and inserting the completion of 3D computer aided modeling; and in subparagraph (C)— by inserting positions and before routes; and by inserting all major before distributive systems. (4)certifies to the congressional defense committees that for each block of the ship’s construction, the detail design will be completed.; (7)For first ships and subsequent ships, the plan of the Navy to oversee and document the completion of the detail design for each block of the ship’s construction before construction of such block begins.(8)The extent to which information provided by a vendor to support the overall maturity and stability of a ship’s design is complete before construction on the ship begins, including with respect to information that confirms—(A)vendor selection is complete for major distributive systems and key equipment supporting operational requirements of the ship;(B)specifications are finalized for such major distributive systems and key equipment; and(C)the status of factory acceptance testing, as applicable, to validate finalized specifications for such major distributive systems and key equipment through manufacturing.; and
Section 435
1016. Exception to prohibition of overhaul, repair, or maintenance of certain vessels in shipyards outside the United States or Guam Section 8680(a)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C) respectively; and by inserting before subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph (A): preventive maintenance of a deployed naval vessel lasting not more than 21 days; (A)preventive maintenance of a deployed naval vessel lasting not more than 21 days;.
Section 436
1017. Strategy on development of naval rearm at sea capability Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy for delivering a rearm at sea capability to the surface fleet of the United States Navy. Such strategy shall include each of the following: A plan to develop, by not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the capability to employ transportable rearming mechanism equipment to load missile canisters into MK 41 vertical launch system cells on Navy destroyers operating, including an identification of the current and planned investments of the Navy in technology development to achieve such capability, including the anticipated cost and schedule for such investments. A plan for the key milestone events and associated dates in the development of such capability. A plan to coordinate with allies of the United States that use variants of the United States manufactured MK 41 vertical launch system to jointly procure rearm at sea capabilities. An identification of any courses of action the Secretary is considering other than the plans referred to in paragraphs (1) through (2) to address the gap between the rearm at sea capabilities of the United States and the capabilities of other countries, including the use of uncrewed technologies. Such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a written briefing on the development of the strategy required under (a).
Section 437
1018. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the construction of a Virginia-class submarine Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Navy for Shipbuilding and Conversion for fiscal year 2025 may be used by the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an incrementally funded contract for the construction of a Virgina-class submarine. A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose, and that total liability to the Government for the termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated at time of termination.
Section 438
1019. Pilot program on use of automated inspection technologies at shipyards Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall carry out a pilot program on the use of automated inspection technologies at shipyards. The Secretary shall select one shipyard at which to carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a) and shall take such steps as may be necessary to minimize the disruption to the operations of the shipyard during the conduct of the pilot program. In carrying out the pilot program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— select at least one surface ship as a test platform to collect a comprehensive set of inspection criteria used for defining maintenance requirements; define requirements for the upgrade or overhaul of the information technology infrastructure at the shipyard to ensure compatibility with new technologies implemented under the pilot program; provide for the training of personnel on the operation and maintenance of the automated inspection technologies selected for use during the pilot program; designate an individual who shall be responsible for implementing and overseeing each phase of the pilot program; and recommend a strategic sequencing plan of the pilot program to ensure the execution of necessary information technology upgrades prior to the deployment of robotic systems. Not later than 180 days after the termination of the pilot program under subsection (e), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program. Upon completion of the sequencing plan required under subsection (c)(5), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan. The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 439
1020. Prohibition on availability of funds for retirement of guided missile cruisers None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended retire, prepare to retire, inactivate, or place in storage— the USS Shilo (CG 67); the USS Lake Erie (CG 70); or more than two other guided missile cruisers.
Section 440
1021. Sense of Congress regarding naming warships after Navy Medal of Honor recipients It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name warships after Navy recipients of the Medal of Honor from World War I to the present, who have not had a vessel named in their honor, as follows: Tedford H. Cann. Ora Graves. John MacKenzie. Patrick McGunigal. John H. Balch. Joel T. Boone. Jesse W. Covington. Edouard Izac. David E. Hayden. Alexander G. Lyle. Francis E. Ormsbee, Jr. Orlando H. Petty. Oscar Schmidt, Jr. Daniel A. J. Sullivan. Frank M. Upton. John O. Siegel. Henry Breault. Thomas J. Ryan. George R. Cholister. Thomas Eadie. William R. Huber. William Badders. James H. McDonald. John Mihalowski. Samuel G. Fuqua. William E. Hall. Herbert Schonland. Nathan G. Gordon. Arthur M. Preston. Eugene B. Fluckey. Robert Bush. Rufus G. Herring. Franklin J. Pierce. George L. Street. George E. Wahlen. William L. McGonagle. Thomas G. Kelley. Joseph R. Kerrey. Thomas R. Norris. Michael E. Thornton. Britt K. Slabinski. Edward Byers, Jr.
Section 441
1022. Study related to recruitment and retention of apprentices at public shipyards Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of United States Naval Sea Systems Command shall conduct a study to— summarize data relating to the recruitment and retention of apprentices across the four public shipyards, disaggregated by shipyard, including— demographic information on applicants for apprenticeships; recruiting incentives offered to the applicants; apprenticeship completion rates for accepted applicants; the average duration of service for graduates of an apprenticeship; and reasons why individuals voluntarily left the apprentice program or the Navy after completing the apprenticeship program; and determine the feasibility of— sharing apprenticeship application data across all four public shipyards; allowing an apprentice to start an apprenticeship program in one such shipyard and finish the in another such shipyard; allowing an apprentice to enter and complete an apprenticeship program in one such shipyard but serve in another such shipyard upon completion of the four year training program; and allowing such a shipyard to train an individual who, upon completion of the training, would be required to serve in a another such shipyard but would have the right to return to the shipyard where they received such training after serving for 4 years at the other shipyard.
Section 442
1023. Sense of Congress regarding naming of naval vessel after Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel of the United States Navy that has been ordered (Hull Number T-EPF-16) in honor of Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are as follows: Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey participated in the Inchon Landing, captured communist forces, and led his rifle platoon to Seoul. Three months later, on East Hill at the Chosin Reservoir, Carey hurled grenades at Chinese forces. Carey and his fellow Marines were outnumbered eight to one. They held their ground and broke through the Chinese trap to the sea. Carey remained in the fight until March 1951. While commanding a platoon of machine gunners, Carey was badly wounded. He continued leading his troops and initially refused to get aid for his injuries. Carey’s wounds required hospitalization. During 189 days in Korea, Carey had seven near-death experiences. As a result of his actions in Korea, Carey received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. Returning to the United States, Carey earned a flight training slot and became a fighter pilot. In the early 1960s Carey scouted Marine airfield sites in Vietnam. He returned to Vietnam in the summer of 1967 and served during the Tet offensive. Carey flew 204 combat sorties earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals.
Section 443
1024. Sense of Congress regarding naming of naval vessel after Major James Capers, Jr. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a vessel of the United States Navy the U.S.S. Major James Capers Jr. in honor of Major James Capers, Jr., for the acts of valor described in subsection (b). The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of James Capers, Jr., as a member of the Marine Corps, during the period of March 31 through April 3, 1967, during the Vietnam War, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
Section 444
1025. Sense of Congress regarding naming a naval vessel after William B. Gould It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a commissioned naval vessel after formerly enslaved sailor and Civil War veteran, William B. Gould, to honor his strength of character and faithful service to the United States.
Section 445
1031. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States Section 1033 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1953) is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 446
1032. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facilities in the United States to house detainees transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Section 1034(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1954) is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 447
1033. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to certain countries Section 1035 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1954) is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 448
1034. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1551) is amended by striking fiscal years 2018 through 2024 and inserting fiscal years 2018 through 2025.
Section 449
1041. Authority to contribute to innovation fund Subchapter II of chapter 138 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Within amounts authorized by law for such purpose during the 10-year period following the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense may contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund a total amount of no more than $200,000,000. In this section: The term NATO means the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The term NATO Innovation Fund means the multi-sovereign, investment venture capital fund of NATO that provides secure investment in dual-use, high-impact technology. 2350s.Authority to contribute to innovation fund(a)Authority to contribute to NATO innovation fundWithin amounts authorized by law for such purpose during the 10-year period following the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense may contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund a total amount of no more than $200,000,000.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term NATO means the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.(2)The term NATO Innovation Fund means the multi-sovereign, investment venture capital fund of NATO that provides secure investment in dual-use, high-impact technology..
Section 450
2350s. Authority to contribute to innovation fund Within amounts authorized by law for such purpose during the 10-year period following the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Secretary of Defense may contribute to the NATO Innovation Fund a total amount of no more than $200,000,000. In this section: The term NATO means the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The term NATO Innovation Fund means the multi-sovereign, investment venture capital fund of NATO that provides secure investment in dual-use, high-impact technology.
Section 451
1042. Extension of authorization of expenditure of funds for Department of Defense intelligence and counterintelligence activities Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended— in subsection (a), by striking 2025 and inserting 2030; in subsection (d), by striking 2025 and inserting 2030; and in subsection (e), by striking $100,000 and inserting $125,000.
Section 452
1043. Extension of authority for reimbursement of expenses for certain Navy mess operations Section 1014 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4585), as most recently amended by section 1028 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3388), is further amended— in subsection (b), by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2030; and by striking subsection (c).
Section 453
1044. Prohibition on realignment or reduction of Special Operations Forces end strength authorizations During the covered period, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of each of the military departments may not realign or reduce special operations forces end strength authorizations. In this section: The term covered period means the two-year period beginning on January 1, 2025. The term special operations forces means the forces identified under section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code, or a member of the Armed Forces carrying out special operations activities. The term special operations activities means activities described in section 167(k) of title 10, United States Code, and includes any support services provided for the execution such activities, including logistics, communications, and intelligence activities.
Section 454
1045. Prohibition on use of funds for work performed by EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., in China on research supported by the government of China Except as provided under subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be used to fund any work to be performed by EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., in China on research supported by the government of China, including to provide any grants for such purpose. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States and, not later than 14 days after granting such a waiver, submits to the congressional defense committees a detailed justification for the waiver, including— an identification of the Department of Defense entity obligating or expending the funds; an identification of the amount of such funds; an identification of the intended purpose of such funds; an identification of the recipient or prospective recipient of such funds (including any third-party entity recipient, as applicable); an explanation for how the waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.
Section 455
1046. Prohibition on transporting currency to the Taliban and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense may be made available for the operation of any aircraft of the Department of Defense to transport currency or other items of value to the Taliban, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, or any subsidiary, agent, or instrumentality of either the Taliban or the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Section 456
1047. Prohibition on Department of Defense usage of Tutor.com The Secretary of Defense shall— cease offering services through Tutor.com not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and terminate any business relationships with Tutor.com as soon as legally possible. The Secretary may not enter into any contractual or other relationship with Tutor.com as long as Tutor.com is owned by Primavera Capital Group or any other entity owned or controlled by nationals of the People’s Republic of China.
Section 457
1048. Prohibition on operation of connected vehicles designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern on Department of Defense property No connected vehicle on the list required under subsection (b) may be operated on a military installation or on any other property of the Department of Defense. The Secretary of Defense shall establish a list of prohibited connected vehicles that— are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern; and pose an undue or unacceptable risk to national security, as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary shall review the list required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once each year and shall make such additions, subtractions, supplements, or amendments to the list as the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The term connected vehicle— means an automotive vehicle that integrates onboard networked hardware with automotive software systems to communicate via dedicated short-range communication, cellular telecommunications connectivity, satellite communication, or other wireless spectrum connectivity with any other network or device; and includes automotive vehicles, whether personal or commercial, capable of— global navigation satellite system communication for geolocation; communication with intelligent transportation systems; remote access or control; wireless software or firmware updates; or on-device roadside assistance. The term covered undue or unacceptable risk means— an undue risk of sabotage to or subversion of the design, integrity, manufacturing, production, distribution, installation, operation, or maintenance of information and communications technology and services in the United States; an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of United States critical infrastructure or the digital economy of the United States; or an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons. The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given such term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 15 U.S.C. 4651). The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801(4) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 458
1049. Prohibition on Department of Defense transport of Palestinian refugees to the United States None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense may be made available for the operation of any aircraft of the Department of Defense to transport Palestinian refugees to the United States.
Section 459
1049A. Prohibition on promotion of critical race theory and associated race-based theories No employee of the Department of Defense or member of the Armed Forces acting in their official capacity may promote, endorse, or advocate for critical race theory or associated race-based theories described in subsection (b) or may compel or train any member of the Armed Forces or employee of the Department of Defense to believe or profess belief in such theories. In this section, the term associated race-based theories includes the following principles: That any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior to any other race, ethnicity, color, or national origin. That the United States is a fundamentally racist country. That the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, or the Federalist Papers are fundamentally racist documents. That an individual’s moral character or worth is determined by the individual’s race, ethnicity, color, or national origin. That an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race, is inherently racist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously. That an individual, by virtue of race, bears collective guilt and is inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the individual’s race, ethnicity, color, or national origin. That an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race, should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion. That an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, or any other form of psychological distress on account of the individual’s race, color, or national origin. That virtues such as merit, excellence, hard work, fairness, neutrality, objectivity, and racial colorblindness are racist or in any way discriminatory, or were created by members of a particular race, color, or national origin to oppress members of another race, color, or national origin. That to be antiracist requires explicitly or implicitly promoting racial discrimination to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Section 460
1049B. Limitation on authority of Armed Forces to detain citizens of the United States Section 1021(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting , other than a citizen of the United States, after any person.
Section 461
1049C. Prohibition on use of funds to cut services provided at certain combat training readiness centers None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 may be used to cut any service provided by a combat training readiness center operated by the Air Force National Guard at any of the following locations: Savannah, Georgia. Gulfport, Mississippi. Alpena, Michigan. Volk Field, Wisconsin.
Section 462
1049D. Elimination of discretion of military chain of command and senior civilian leadership with respect to display of flags Section 1052(d)(1)(N) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note) is amended by striking subparagraph (N).
Section 463
1049E. Prohibition on use of funds for Badr Organization None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 may be made available, directly or indirectly, to the Badr Organization.
Section 464
1049F. Suspension or revocation of certain permissions to access classified information The Secretary of Defense shall suspend or revoke a security clearance held by a covered individual if such individual has expressed support for a terrorist organization or engaged in a demonstration supporting a terrorist organization. In this section: The term covered individual means any— retired or active member of the Armed Forces; or employee of the Department of Defense. The term terrorist organization means any foreign terrorist organization designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189), as amended, or those designated by Executive Order 13224.
Section 465
1051. Quadrennial biodefense posture review Chapter 2 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 118c the following new section: The Secretary of Defense shall every four years conduct a comprehensive examination of the biodefense policies, practices, programs and initiatives of the Department of Defense. Each review conducted under subsection (a) shall include each of the following: An inventory and assessment of all existing strategies, plans, policies, laws, and interagency agreements related to biodefense, including prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation. An identification of the biological threats, including biological warfare, bioterrorism, naturally occurring infectious diseases, and accidental exposures. An identification of the current programs, efforts, or activities of the Department of Defense with respect to preventing the acquisition, proliferation, and use of a biological weapon, preventing an accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreak, and mitigating the effects of a biological epidemic. An identification of the roles and responsibilities of the elements of the Department of Defense, including internal and external coordination procedures, in identifying and sharing information related to, warning of, and protection against, acts of terrorism using biological agents and weapons and accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreaks. An identification of methods in use to address biological attacks with emerging artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities. An identification of related or required capabilities and activities required to support the national biodefense strategy. Recommendations for strengthening and improving the current biodefense capabilities, authorities, and command structures of the Department. Recommendations for improving and formalizing interagency coordination and support mechanisms with respect to providing a robust national biodefense. Any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines necessary. Not later than 30 days after the completion of a review under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a copy of the review. Each such review shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. 118d.Quadrennial biodefense posture review(a)Strategy and implementation plan requiredThe Secretary of Defense shall every four years conduct a comprehensive examination of the biodefense policies, practices, programs and initiatives of the Department of Defense. (b)ElementsEach review conducted under subsection (a) shall include each of the following:(1)An inventory and assessment of all existing strategies, plans, policies, laws, and interagency agreements related to biodefense, including prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation.(2)An identification of the biological threats, including biological warfare, bioterrorism, naturally occurring infectious diseases, and accidental exposures.(3)An identification of the current programs, efforts, or activities of the Department of Defense with respect to preventing the acquisition, proliferation, and use of a biological weapon, preventing an accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreak, and mitigating the effects of a biological epidemic.(4)An identification of the roles and responsibilities of the elements of the Department of Defense, including internal and external coordination procedures, in identifying and sharing information related to, warning of, and protection against, acts of terrorism using biological agents and weapons and accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreaks.(5)An identification of methods in use to address biological attacks with emerging artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities.(6)An identification of related or required capabilities and activities required to support the national biodefense strategy.(7)Recommendations for strengthening and improving the current biodefense capabilities, authorities, and command structures of the Department.(8)Recommendations for improving and formalizing interagency coordination and support mechanisms with respect to providing a robust national biodefense.(9)Any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines necessary.(c)Submittal to CongressNot later than 30 days after the completion of a review under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a copy of the review. Each such review shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex..
Section 466
118d. Quadrennial biodefense posture review The Secretary of Defense shall every four years conduct a comprehensive examination of the biodefense policies, practices, programs and initiatives of the Department of Defense. Each review conducted under subsection (a) shall include each of the following: An inventory and assessment of all existing strategies, plans, policies, laws, and interagency agreements related to biodefense, including prevention, deterrence, preparedness, detection, response, attribution, recovery, and mitigation. An identification of the biological threats, including biological warfare, bioterrorism, naturally occurring infectious diseases, and accidental exposures. An identification of the current programs, efforts, or activities of the Department of Defense with respect to preventing the acquisition, proliferation, and use of a biological weapon, preventing an accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreak, and mitigating the effects of a biological epidemic. An identification of the roles and responsibilities of the elements of the Department of Defense, including internal and external coordination procedures, in identifying and sharing information related to, warning of, and protection against, acts of terrorism using biological agents and weapons and accidental or naturally occurring biological outbreaks. An identification of methods in use to address biological attacks with emerging artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities. An identification of related or required capabilities and activities required to support the national biodefense strategy. Recommendations for strengthening and improving the current biodefense capabilities, authorities, and command structures of the Department. Recommendations for improving and formalizing interagency coordination and support mechanisms with respect to providing a robust national biodefense. Any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines necessary. Not later than 30 days after the completion of a review under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a copy of the review. Each such review shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 467
1052. Chief of Navy Reserve annual report Section 8083 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Chief of Navy Reserve shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Navy, an annual report on the state of the Navy Reserve and the ability of the Navy Reserve to meet its missions. The report shall be prepared in conjunction with the Chief of Naval Operations and may be submitted in classified and unclassified versions. (e)Annual reportThe Chief of Navy Reserve shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Navy, an annual report on the state of the Navy Reserve and the ability of the Navy Reserve to meet its missions. The report shall be prepared in conjunction with the Chief of Naval Operations and may be submitted in classified and unclassified versions..
Section 468
1053. Extension of annual report on civilian casualties in connection with United States military operations Section 1057(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91) is amended by striking seven and inserting 12.
Section 469
1054. Mobility capability requirements study Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall conduct a study of the end-to-end, full-spectrum mobility requirements to fulfill the national defense strategy required by section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code, for 2022. The study required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following: An assessment of the ability of the programmed airlift aircraft, tanker aircraft, sealift ships, fuel tanker vessels, patient movement forces, and key mobility enablers to meet the integrated strategic and theater mobility requirements in expected strategic environments, as defined by the guidance in such national defense strategy. An identification, quantification, and description of the associated risk-to-mission (as defined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Manual 3105.01, Joint Risk Analysis) required to fulfill such strategy, including— an assessment of risk-to-mission associated with achieving strategic and operational objectives using the programmed airlift aircraft, tanker aircraft, sealift ships, fuel tanker vessels, patient movement forces, and key mobility enablers; and a description of the combinations of airlift aircraft, tanker aircraft, sealift ships, fuel tanker vessels, patient movement forces, and key mobility enabler requirements and capabilities that provide low, moderate, significant, and high levels of risk-to-mission to fulfill such strategy; and an evaluation of non-mobilized mobility forces to sustain daily competition activities and achieve necessary readiness to fulfill the national defense strategy. An identification of any mobility capability gaps, shortfalls, overlaps, or excesses, including— an assessment of associated risks with respect to the ability to conduct operations; and recommended mitigation strategies where possible. The articulation of all key assumptions and decisions made and excursions examined in conducting the study with respect to— risk; programmed forces and infrastructure; the availability of commercial airlift and commercial United States sealift and fuel tanker vessel capabilities and resources, when applicable; aircraft usage rates, aircraft mission availability rates, aircraft mission capability rates, aircrew ratios, aircrew production, and aircrew readiness rates; readiness, crewing, and activation rates for sealift ships and fuel tanker vessels; prepositioning, forward stationing, seabasing, engineering, and infrastructure; demand signals used to represent missions described in the national defense strategy for 2022, in competition and wartime; concurrency and global integration of demand signals; integrated global presence and basing strategy; host nation or third-country support; adversary actions to degrade and disrupt United States mobility operations; adversary actions that threaten freedom of navigation on international waterways, including attacks on foreign ships and crews; aircraft being used for training or undergoing depot maintenance or modernization or ships undergoing depot maintenance; patient movement and mobility enabling forces availability, readiness, and use; logistics concept of operations, including any maneuver and sustainment support concepts, methods, combat support forces, and combat service support forces, that are required to enable the projection and enduring support to forces both deployed and in combat for each analytic scenario; anticipated attrition rates for the assessed force structure; and such other matters as the Commander determines appropriate. Such other elements as the Commander determines appropriate. Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall— submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report on the study required under subsection (a); and provide to such committees a briefing on the report. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretaries of the military departments, and the commanders of the combatant commands, shall— submit to the congressional defense committees a final report on the study required under subsection (a); and provide to such committees a briefing on the report. The reports required under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section, the term sealift ship includes— theater and strategic platforms; and surge sealift vessels and non-governmental vessels incorporated as part of the maritime logistics enterprise.
Section 470
1055. Plan for fielding air base air defense sites at Air Force installations The Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Commander of United States European Command and the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall develop a plan to support the fielding of air base air defense sites at Air Force installations and other priority sites. The plan required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following requirements for each air base air defense site fielded under the plan: Expeditionary mobile protection for dispersed air bases. Fixed protection for primary air bases. Layered kinetic and non-kinetic effects from the surface. Counter-uncrewed aircraft systems. Counter-fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Counter-cruise missiles. Interoperability with joint command and control networks. 360-degree active and passive sensors. Systems and software that enable reduced staffing. The plan required under subsection (a) shall be developed to ensure that— by not later than September 30, 2027, at least four air base air defense sites are fielded; and between 2028 and 2031, at least four air base air defense sites are fielded each year. The Secretary of the Air Force shall select Air Force installations and other sites as prioritized sites where air base air defense sites will be fielded under the plan. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the plan required under subsection (a).
Section 471
1056. Review of execute orders Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall review each execute order that permits or would permit operations involving the use of lethal force or a potential use of lethal force and shall identify, for each such execute order— the legal authority or authorities under which the use of lethal force is authorized, or would justify a use of lethal force if specific conditions were to be satisfied, and against whom the lethal force may be used; and the conditions that would need to be satisfied to provide legal justification for any use of lethal force under the execute order that would not be covered by a specific statutory authorization for the use of lethal force. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the results of the review conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include the following: A summary of each extant execute order, which includes a detailed description of the purpose of such execute order and the specifications described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a). A comparison of matters covered by execute orders involving the use of lethal force or a potential use of lethal force and disclosures reported under section 1264 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (50 U.S.C. 1549) and section 1285 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (50 U.S.C. 1550).
Section 472
1057. Report on sensor and interceptor capabilities necessary to defend critical infrastructure assets Not later than April 1, 2025, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in coordination with the Commander of United States Northern Command, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that contains an identification of any existing or new sensor and interceptor capabilities necessary to defend critical infrastructure assets.
Section 473
1058. Report on price elasticity of labor supply at shipyards and supplier firms Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the price elasticity of the labor supply for the industrial base for building and maintaining naval vessels, including— private-sector shipyards; public-sector naval shipyards; and supplier firms. The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment of the full cost of hiring and training workers at shipyards and supplier firms. An assessment of the extent to which retention and attrition of workers at shipyards and supplier firms is related to pay and benefits for those workers. An assessment of the extent to which challenges in recruiting and retaining desired numbers of workers at shipyards and supplier firms can be met by increasing pay and benefits for those workers. An assessment of the potential impact of such increases in pay and benefits on costs for procuring and maintaining naval vessels. An assessment of and recommendation for any extraordinary relief that may be appropriate for the fixed-price, multi-year procurement contracts for Virginia-class submarines in order to increase pay and benefits for workers at shipyards and supplier firms under those contracts. The Secretary of the Navy may contract with a private entity for the preparation of the report required by subsection (a).
Section 474
1059. Study and report on implementation of naval blockades of shipments of fossil fuels to China in event of armed conflict Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that contains the findings of a study on the feasibility of implementing one or more naval blockades of shipments of fossil fuels to China in the event of an armed conflict between the United States and China. Such report shall include— a description of— the requirements for such a blockade to effectively block such shipments; methods China could use to ship fossil fuels using air and land routes after such a blockade is implemented; and for each waterway specified in clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (2)(A), how such a blockade would be implemented in such waterway; and an assessment of— the suitability of strategic waterways in the proximity of China as a location for such a blockade, including— the Strait of Malacca; the Taiwan Strait; the Sunda Strait; the South China Sea; and the East China Sea; and the capability of China to satisfy needs for fossil fuels in China after such a blockade is implemented through methods that include— the use of existing stockpiles of fossil fuels; the rationing of fossil fuels; and the reliance on existing or planned cross-border oil and gas pipelines to ship fossil fuels. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 475
1060. Comptroller General review of food waste at Department of Defense and Coast Guard facilities The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of food waste at Department of Defense and Coast Guard facilities. The review shall address each of the following: Methods used by the Department and the Coast Guard to track food waste across facilities in the United States. Any analysis conducted by the Department or the Coast Guard to determine the causes of any food waste at such facilities. Any policies of the Department and the Coast Guard with respect to managing food waste. Any challenges faced by the Department and the Coast Guard with respect to food waste and the extent to which actions are in place to address those challenges. The extent to which the Department and the Coast Guard partner with other Federal agencies to reduce food waste. Such other matters as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. Not later than May 1, 2025, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the review conducted under subsection (a).
Section 476
1061. Study on feasibility of establishment of Centers of Excellence for Servicewomen’s Health Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing one or more Centers of Excellence for Servicewomen’s Health, pursuant to the authority under section 1073d(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code. Upon the conclusion of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representative a report on the findings of the study. Such report shall include the following: An identification of potential locations where Centers of Excellence for Servicewomen’s Health could be established. Any improvements the establishment of such Centers could provide in the furnishing of care for female members of the Armed Forces in the military health system. Any anticipated effects the establishment of such Centers would have on readiness from improved health care services for female members of the Armed Forces. An identification of any challenges or areas that could be improved in the furnishing of health care for female members of the Armed Forces in the military health system.
Section 477
1062. Reports on approval and deployment of lethal autonomous weapon systems On an annual basis in accordance with subsection (c), the President shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive report on the approval and deployment of lethal autonomous weapon systems by the United States. Each report under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the period covered by the report, the following: A comprehensive list of any lethal autonomous weapon systems that have been approved by senior defense officials for use by the United States military under Department of Defense policies in effect as of the date of the report, the dates of such approvals, and a description how such weapons systems have been, are being, or will be deployed and whether they operated as intended. A comprehensive list of any lethal autonomous weapon systems that have received a waiver of the requirement for review by senior defense officials under Department of Defense policies in effect as of the date of the report, the dates such waivers were issued, and a description of how such weapon systems have been, are being, or will be deployed and whether they operated as intended. A comprehensive list of any lethal autonomous weapon systems that are undergoing senior review or waiver request processes as of the date of the report. A comprehensive list of any lethal autonomous weapon systems not approved during a senior review or waiver request process and the reasons for such disapproval. The President shall submit the first report required under subsection (a) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. Such report shall include the information described in subsection (b) for all relevant time periods preceding the date of the report. Following submittal of the initial report under paragraph (1), the President shall submit subsequent reports under subsection (a) on an annual basis. Each subsequent report shall include the information described in subsection (b) with respect to the period that elapsed since the date of the immediately preceding report. Each report under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 478
1063. Report on fielding certain wearable devices for impact protection against traumatic brain injury Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following: A plan to field wearable devices for impact protection against traumatic brain injury that are certified by the Food and Drug Administration as expeditiously and widely as possible. A plan to field such wearable devices to mitigate traumatic brain injuries associated with blast overpressure, if consistent with the findings of an assessment conducted by the Secretary on the feasibility of such wearable devices. A description of resources required to implement such plans. A description of any restrictions or limitations on usage of such wearable devices, and steps to mitigate such restrictions or limitations. Any other information the Secretary determines relevant. Subsection (a) shall not apply if the Secretary of the Army certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act that the Department of the Army— has fielded wearable devices described in subsection (a)(1); and has a specific date for a final determination to field wearable devices to mitigate traumatic brain injuries associated with blast overpressure as described in subsection (a)(2).
Section 479
1064. Utilization of office space by the Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense shall annually submit a written report to the Administrator of the General Services Administration that includes the following: Monthly total occupancy of office space. The actual utilization of office space. Monthly space utilization rates. Any other office space utilization data considered important by the Administrator of the General Services Administration. The Secretary of Defense shall draft and finalize written procedures that provide for the return of office space to the General Services Administration if the occupancy of the Department of Defense falls below a 60 percent space utilization rate for 6 months within any 1-year period. This section shall not apply to office space properties used by an element of the intelligence community. In this section: The term actual utilization means the percentage of capacity used based on the space utilization rate. The term capacity means a usable office space calculated by the square feet of such space divided by 150. The term intelligence community has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003) The term occupancy means the total number of employees performing duties in-person, in office space, at least 5 days per week on a recurring basis. The term space utilization rate means total usable square feet divided by occupancy.
Section 480
1065. Feasibility study on establishment and maintenance of Department of the Air Force training center at Eaker Air Force Base, Blytheville, Arkansas Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the feasibility and advisability of a reactivation of Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas to serve as an Air Force Training Center. Such report shall include— an assessment of existing facilities at Eaker Air Force Base, including— runways; taxiways; control towers; and hangars; a strategic assessment of the geography and location of Eaker Air Force Base; the overall cost to the Department of Defense of such reactivation, including annual operations and maintenance costs; and whether, in the event of such reactivation, the National Cold War Center in Blytheville, Arkansas (located in close proximity to former Eaker Air Force Base (BRAC 1991)) poses any logistical or security concerns for the construction of or future training operations; The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 481
1066. Report on attempts by illegal aliens to access military installations Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that identifies, with respect to the one-year period preceding the date of the report, the number of instances in which an alien not lawfully present in the United States— attempted to enter a military installation in the United States; or gained entry to such an installation.
Section 482
1067. Study on use of space-available travel for donated human organs The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a feasibility study regarding the transport of human organs, by organ procurement organizations, under the space-available travel program under section 2641b of title 10, United States Code. Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report regarding such study, including the determinations of the Secretary. In this section, the term organ procurement organization has the meaning given such term in section 6 of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Gift of Life Medal Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–413; 42 U.S.C. 274i–4).
Section 483
1068. Study and report on Department of the Navy policies with respect to net metering Not later than 180 days the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment) shall carry out a study and submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— a summary of the policies and procedures of the Department of the Navy in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to net metering; a list of each military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Navy that uses net metering as of such date; a summary of best practices developed by each such military installation with respect to encouraging the use of net metering; recommendations of the Secretary of the Navy with respect to potential regulatory and statutory actions to assist the Navy utilize the full benefits of net metering.
Section 484
1069. Briefing on Department of Defense program to protect United States students against foreign agents Not later than 240 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the program described in section 1277 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91), including an assessment on whether the program is beneficial to students interning, working part-time, or in a program that will result in employment post-graduation with Department of Defense components and contractors.
Section 485
1069A. Tri-service arctic maritime strategy Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report on a Tri-Service Arctic Maritime Strategy outlining areas of cooperation and alignment within the Arctic region to combat current and potential threats, and provide guidance on how the 3 branches can deepen integration and pursue joint modernization efforts in this cold-weather landscape.
Section 486
1069B. Report on training and safety program for operation of assault amphibious vehicles Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility, advisability, and potential benefits of establishing a training and safety program for the operation of assault amphibious vehicles.
Section 487
1069C. Updates to national biodefense strategy The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall revise and update the most recent version of the national biodefense strategy and associated implementation plan required under section 1086 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 104). In revising and updating the strategy and implementation plan, the Secretaries shall address— current and potential biological threats against the United States, both naturally occurring and man-made, either accidental or deliberate; the potential for catastrophic biological threats; and such other matters as the Secretaries determine appropriate. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional defense committees the updated strategy and implementation plan required under subsection (a). In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees has the meaning given that term in section 1086(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 104).
Section 488
1069D. Report on modifications of expeditionary transfer dock ships Not later than March 1, 2025, the Chief of Naval Operations, in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on recommended modifications to the Expeditionary Transfer Dock Ships that will best enable at-sea sustainment of Joint Interagency Task Force South partner nation patrol vessels and United States Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters.
Section 489
1069E. Report on military and weapons lost during withdrawal from Afghanistan The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes an accounting of all the military equipment and weapons lost to the Taliban during the withdrawal of the United States Armed Forces from Afghanistan.
Section 490
1069F. Assessment of the health care system supporting military installations in the R–2508 airspace The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments concerned, shall develop an assessment of the health care system supporting the military installations within the R–2508 Airspace to ensure adequate health care for the civilian and military workforce. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a). Such report shall include an explanation of— any challenges to the health care system covered by the report within the private and public sector— including any challenges relating to funding and authorization; including any potential obstacles to access health care services for both civilian and military populations; whether there exists a provider shortage for emergency care personnel and certain other specialties; and including consideration of the potential impacts on the mission of the military installations covered by the report; recommendations with respect to legislative proposals to improve such health care system; and the plans of the Secretary to address the issues identified under paragraphs (1) through (2).
Section 491
1069G. GAO review and report on biological weapons experiments on and in relation to ticks, tick-borne disease The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of research conducted during the period beginning on January 1, 1945, and ending on December 31, 1972, by the Department of Defense, including by the Department of Defense in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Agriculture, or any other Federal agency on— the use of ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents, including experiments involving Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales; and any efforts to improve the effectiveness and viability of Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales as biological weapons through combination with other diseases or viruses. In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review research conducted at facilities located inside United States and facilities located outside the United States, including laboratories and field work locations. In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review any relevant classified information. In conducting the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review, among other sources, the following documents: Technical Reports related to The Summary of Major Events and Problems, US Army Chemical Corps, FY 1951 – FY1969. Site Holding: CB DT DW 48158 Title: Virus and Rickettsia Waste Disposal Study. Technical Report No. 103, January 1969. Corp Author Name: FORT DETRICK FREDERICK MD Report Number: SMUFD-TR-103 Publish Date: 19690101. Site Holding: CB DT DW 60538 Title: A Plaque Assay System for Several Species of Rickettsia. Corp Author Name: FORT DETRICK FREDERICK MD Report Number: SMUFD-TM-538 Publish Date: 19690601. Site Holding: CB DW 531493 Title: Progress Report for Ecology and Epidemiology and Biological Field Test Technology, Third Quarter FY 1967. Corp Author Name: ARMY DUGWAY PROVING GROUND UT Publish Date: 19670508. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report that includes the following: The scope of any research described in subsection (a). Whether any ticks used in such research were released outside of any facility (including any ticks that were released unintentionally). Whether any records related to such research were destroyed, and whether such destruction was intentional or unintentional. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Section 492
1069H. Assessment of influence of China in Pacific Island nations Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, and each year thereafter, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency shall publish in the annual China military power report required by section 1202 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65), or other relevant publication, an assessment of the following: Investments and influence of China in Pacific Island nations. How China’s activities have or have not impacted United States military strategy in the Pacific region, as it relates to Pacific Island nations.
Section 493
1069I. Comptroller General study on use of unmanned vehicles to reduce Department of Defense expenses The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to assess ways unmanned vehicles can reduce overall operating expenses and costs at the Department of Defense. Such study shall include— an analysis of unmanned ground and air systems and a comparison of the capability, capacity, and operating cost tradeoffs associated with each such system and those associated with similar manned technologies or systems; recommendations regarding new areas in which unmanned technology could supplant or complement manned systems in order to reduce overall force operating costs; and such other matters as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. Not later than March 31, 2025, the Comptroller General shall— provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the preliminary findings of the study required under subsection (a); and agree to a format and timeline for providing to such committees a final report on the study.
Section 494
1069J. Secretary of Defense report on threat of rifle-toting robot dogs used by China to the national security of the United States The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on— the use of rifle-toting robot dogs by China; and the threat such use poses to the national security of the United States.
Section 495
1069K. Study on testing of foreign adversary highly autonomous vehicles Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the relevant Federal agencies, shall conduct a study on the effects on the national security of the United States of highly automated vehicles (as such term is defined in section 503(c)(6) of title 23, United States Code) associated with foreign adversary countries operating or testing in the United States. The study required by subsection (a) shall also include the following: An evaluation of the technology used by highly automated vehicles and their capabilities. A list of entities— domiciled in or directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or directed by a foreign adversary country; that manufacture highly automated vehicles; and are currently operating highly automated vehicles in the United States. The number of highly automated vehicles currently operating in the United States that are owned or operated by such entities. An evaluation whether any such entity has contracted with or supplied any technology to the military of a foreign adversary country. The locations where highly automated vehicles owned or operated by such entities are operating in the United States. Potential vulnerabilities posed by the operation of such highly automated vehicles in the United States. The Secretary of Defense shall submit the results of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a) to— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
Section 496
1069L. Report on effectiveness of the Optimizing the Human Weapon System Program Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes— an analysis of the effectiveness of the Optimizing the Human Weapon System Program of the Army; and recommendations for improving and expanding the Program.
Section 497
1069M. Comptroller general study on dredging capacity and port readiness The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to assess the capability and capacity of Department of Defense to complete harbor and channel dredging at seaports that require such dredging. The study under subsection (a) shall include— identification of any dredging work required by the Department of Defense to ensure deep water access at seaports, set forth separately by seaport; a review of the capacity of the domestic dredging industry to complete the dredging work identified under paragraph (1); an assessment of time required to complete outstanding dredging work at seaports in the Strategic Seaport Program; and development of recommendations for Federal policies, including contracting policies, that may be implemented to support domestic manufacturers of critical components used in the manufacturing of United States dredging vessels, including critical components such as cranes, spring couplings, torque limiters, diesel engine clutches, clutch couplings, wet brakes, and combination gearboxes. In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with— the National Port Readiness Network; entities in the United States dredging industry; domestic critical component manufacturers; and such other individuals and entities as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
Section 498
1069N. Report on red flags missed in Janet Yamanaka Mello fraud scheme Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the fraud scheme perpetrated by Janet Yamanaka Mello, a civilian employee of the Department of the Army, who was indicted and pleaded guilty to stealing over $100 million in Army funds. The report required under subsection (a) shall include a detailed examination of the following: Breakdown in supervision of Mello, including any failures of management or oversight that contributed to the ability of Mello to carry out the fraud scheme undetected. Breakdown in accountability, including any failures to ensure that funds were actually being spent for their intended purposes. Failure to ensure that financial program managers, such as Mello, cannot funnel money to themselves or their own entities. Any other red flags or warning signs that were missed or ignored, including any instances of whistleblower retaliation or suppression of concerns. An assessment of the current policies and procedures in place to prevent similar fraud schemes from occurring in the future. Recommendations for improvements to policies, procedures, and oversight to prevent similar fraud schemes from occurring in the future. A description of any disciplinary or administrative actions taken against any individuals or entities found to have contributed to the ability of Mello to carry out the fraud scheme. A description of any changes made or planned to be made to the Army's financial management and oversight processes as a result of this incident. An assessment of the impact of the fraud scheme on the Army's programs and operations. Any other information the Secretary of Defense determines relevant to understanding the fraud scheme and preventing similar incidents in the future. The report required under subsection (a) shall be posted publicly on the website of the Department of Defense.
Section 499
1069O. Report on Navy use of immersive learning capabilities Not later than December 1, 2024, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes— an identification of any immersive learning capabilities, including augmented, virtual and mixed reality, have been, or potentially could be, integrated into training across the Navy; a description of any efforts of the Navy to coordinate with the Air Force on lessons learned in the development of the Headquarters Air Force HAF/A4L Air Force Maintenance and Logistics Extended Reality (XR) Strategy and what elements of that strategy might be applicable to the Navy; an identification of the status of any activities of the Navy to build a comprehensive and executable strategy to invest, deploy, and sustain immersive learning training capabilities across the Navy; and a description of any limitations or barriers to integrating immersive learning capabilities into the Navy, including ensuring compliance with relevant cybersecurity requirements.
Section 500
1069P. Department of Defense report on potential cost savings from use of artificial intelligence Not later than 90 days the date of the enactment of this Act, the Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the potential cost-saving measures of incorporating artificial intelligence and multi-domain, attributable autonomous, semi-autonomous, unmanned systems, capabilities and processes into military department and the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense.
Section 501
1071. Expedited access to certain military installations of the Department of Defense for Members of Congress and certain Congressional employees Chapter 159 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that— a Member of Congress seeking access to a covered installation is granted such access if such Member presents a covered identification card; and any Congressional employees accompanying a Member of Congress granted access under paragraph (1) is granted the same access. Under such procedures, the Secretary may not require a Member of Congress to schedule a grant of access to a covered installation under subsection (a) prior to the arrival of such Member and accompanying Congressional employees, if applicable, at such covered installation. In this section: The term Congressional employee has the meaning given such term in paragraph (5) of section 2107 of title 5. The term covered identification card means a valid identification badge issued by the appropriate office of the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, which identifies the individual to which such identification badge was issued as a current Member of Congress. The term covered installation means a military installation located in the United States or Guam at which the presentation of an issued Department of Defense common access card is the sole requirement for a member of the Armed Forces to be granted access to such military installation. The term Member of Congress means— a Senator; or a Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, Congress. 2698.Expedited access to military installations for Members of Congress and certain Congressional employees(a)In generalExcept as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that—(1)a Member of Congress seeking access to a covered installation is granted such access if such Member presents a covered identification card; and(2)any Congressional employees accompanying a Member of Congress granted access under paragraph (1) is granted the same access.(b)Prohibited proceduresUnder such procedures, the Secretary may not require a Member of Congress to schedule a grant of access to a covered installation under subsection (a) prior to the arrival of such Member and accompanying Congressional employees, if applicable, at such covered installation.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term Congressional employee has the meaning given such term in paragraph (5) of section 2107 of title 5.(2)The term covered identification card means a valid identification badge issued by the appropriate office of the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, which identifies the individual to which such identification badge was issued as a current Member of Congress.(3)The term covered installation means a military installation located in the United States or Guam at which the presentation of an issued Department of Defense common access card is the sole requirement for a member of the Armed Forces to be granted access to such military installation.(4)The term Member of Congress means—(A)a Senator; or(B)a Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, Congress..
Section 502
2698. Expedited access to military installations for Members of Congress and certain Congressional employees Except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that— a Member of Congress seeking access to a covered installation is granted such access if such Member presents a covered identification card; and any Congressional employees accompanying a Member of Congress granted access under paragraph (1) is granted the same access. Under such procedures, the Secretary may not require a Member of Congress to schedule a grant of access to a covered installation under subsection (a) prior to the arrival of such Member and accompanying Congressional employees, if applicable, at such covered installation. In this section: The term Congressional employee has the meaning given such term in paragraph (5) of section 2107 of title 5. The term covered identification card means a valid identification badge issued by the appropriate office of the House of Representatives or the Senate, as the case may be, which identifies the individual to which such identification badge was issued as a current Member of Congress. The term covered installation means a military installation located in the United States or Guam at which the presentation of an issued Department of Defense common access card is the sole requirement for a member of the Armed Forces to be granted access to such military installation. The term Member of Congress means— a Senator; or a Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, Congress.
Section 503
1072. Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of the Air Force shall operate a Technical Training Center of Excellence. The head of the Center shall be the designee of the Commander of Airmen Development Command. The purpose of the Center shall be to— facilitate collaboration among all Air Force technical training installations; serve as a premier training location for all maintainers throughout the military departments; publish a set of responsibilities aimed at driving excellence, innovation, and leadership across all technical training specialties; advocate for innovative improvements in curriculum, facilities, and medial; foster outreach with industry and academia; identify and promulgate best practices, standards, and benchmarks; create a hub of excellence for the latest advancements in aviation technology and training methodologies; and carry out such other responsibilities as the Secretary determines appropriate. The Secretary shall select a location for the Center that is an Air Force installation that provides technical training and maintenance proficiency. 9025.Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of the Air Force shall operate a Technical Training Center of Excellence. The head of the Center shall be the designee of the Commander of Airmen Development Command.(b)PurposeThe purpose of the Center shall be to—(1)facilitate collaboration among all Air Force technical training installations;(2)serve as a premier training location for all maintainers throughout the military departments;(3)publish a set of responsibilities aimed at driving excellence, innovation, and leadership across all technical training specialties;(4)advocate for innovative improvements in curriculum, facilities, and medial;(5)foster outreach with industry and academia;(6)identify and promulgate best practices, standards, and benchmarks;(7)create a hub of excellence for the latest advancements in aviation technology and training methodologies; and(8)carry out such other responsibilities as the Secretary determines appropriate.(c)LocationThe Secretary shall select a location for the Center that is an Air Force installation that provides technical training and maintenance proficiency..
Section 504
9025. Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence The Secretary of the Air Force shall operate a Technical Training Center of Excellence. The head of the Center shall be the designee of the Commander of Airmen Development Command. The purpose of the Center shall be to— facilitate collaboration among all Air Force technical training installations; serve as a premier training location for all maintainers throughout the military departments; publish a set of responsibilities aimed at driving excellence, innovation, and leadership across all technical training specialties; advocate for innovative improvements in curriculum, facilities, and medial; foster outreach with industry and academia; identify and promulgate best practices, standards, and benchmarks; create a hub of excellence for the latest advancements in aviation technology and training methodologies; and carry out such other responsibilities as the Secretary determines appropriate. The Secretary shall select a location for the Center that is an Air Force installation that provides technical training and maintenance proficiency.
Section 505
1073. Installation energy plans and assessment for reduction of reliance on Russian energy Section 1086 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–283; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note) is amended— in subsection (c)(2)— by striking Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025; and in subparagraph (A), by striking main operating base on the list submitted under paragraph (1)(A) and inserting operating base within the area of responsibility of the United States European Command; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the installation energy plans and assessment required under subsection (c)(2). (h)LimitationOf the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the installation energy plans and assessment required under subsection (c)(2)..
Section 506
1074. Extension of Commission on the Future of the Navy Section 1092(a)(4) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by striking July 1, 2024 and inserting July 1, 2025.
Section 507
1075. Modification of National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Section 1091 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended— in subsection (b)(3) by striking the authority to make such appointment or appointments shall expire, and the number of members of the Commission shall be reduced by the number equal to the number of appointments so not made and inserting such appointments shall nevertheless be considered valid; in subsection (g)(1), by inserting and 6 months after 3 years; and in subsection (r), by striking 18 months after the date on which it submits the final report required by subsection (g) and inserting on December 31, 2026.
Section 508
1076. Modification of defense sensitive support notification requirement Section 1055 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended— in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraphs (3) and (4); by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: In the event that the provision of defense sensitive support is routine defense sensitive support, the Secretary shall provide notification under paragraph (1) on a quarterly basis after providing the support. in paragraph (4), as so redesignated— in the paragraph heading, by inserting and extraordinary security protections after support; in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— by inserting or requires extraordinary security protections after time-sensitive; and by inserting shall after Secretary; in subparagraph (A)— by striking may; by inserting or after the activity supported concludes after providing the support; and by striking ; and and inserting ; or; and in subparagraph (B)— by striking shall; and by striking notice as soon as practicable after providing such support, but not later than 48 hours after providing the support and inserting notification simultaneously with the execution of the supported activity; and in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking paragraphs (1) and (3) and inserting paragraphs (1), (3), and (4); and in subsection (c)— in the subsection heading, by striking Defense sensitive support defined and inserting Definitions; by striking , the term defense sensitive support means support provided by the Department of Defense to a non-Department of Defense Federal department or agency that requires special protection from disclosure. and inserting a colon; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: The term defense sensitive support means support provided by the Department of Defense to a non-Department of Defense Federal department or agency that requires special protection from disclosure. The term routine defense sensitive support has the meaning given such term elsewhere in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. (3)Routine defense sensitive supportIn the event that the provision of defense sensitive support is routine defense sensitive support, the Secretary shall provide notification under paragraph (1) on a quarterly basis after providing the support.; (1)The term defense sensitive support means support provided by the Department of Defense to a non-Department of Defense Federal department or agency that requires special protection from disclosure.(2)The term routine defense sensitive support has the meaning given such term elsewhere in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025..
Section 509
1077. Post-employment restrictions for participants in certain research funded by the Department of Defense Except as provided under subsection (c), as a condition of becoming or remaining a principal investigator of a covered defense research project, a person shall agree that during the ten-year period beginning on the last day the person is a principal investigator of such research, such person may not seek or accept employment, or conduct any activity, for which a foreign entity of concern provides financial compensation or in-kind benefits. For purposes of subsection (a), a critical or emerging technology is a technology that the Secretary of Defense determines to be critical or emerging. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall determine which technologies are critical or emerging from among the technologies for which the Department of Defense funds research, and shall make the results of such determination publicly available. The Secretary may waive the restriction under subsection (a) with respect to a United States person if, not later than 30 days before issuing the waiver, the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a notice of the waiver that includes— an unclassified justification for the waiver; and a description of any Department of Defense funds provided to the person for which the waiver is issued or to the research in which the person participated. This section shall apply with respect to research that begins on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section: The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign entity that is identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). The term covered defense research project means a research project that— is operated by an institution of higher education or a subsidiary of an institution of higher education; is funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of Defense; and involves a critical or emerging technology, as defined in subsection (b) of this section. The term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
Section 510
1078. Establishment of national security capital forum The Secretary of Defense shall establish a forum to— convene domestic and international institutional financiers, capital providers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, business persons, representatives from across the private sector, relevant United States Government offices, and government and private entities of partner nations; and allow the exchange of information between the entities referred to in paragraph (1) and the Department of Defense relating to transactions or potential transactions and to integrate efforts to achieve coordinated effects to support the national security interest of the United States. The Chair of the forum established under subsection (a) shall be the Director of the Office of Strategic Capital. The Secretary may designate the Director as the sole Executive Agent with respect to the authorities and responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense under section 1047 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).
Section 511
1079. Plan for additional skill identifiers for Army Mountain Warfare School Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall develop and implement a plan to establish each of the following: Additional skill identifiers for the following courses at the Army Mountain Warfare School: Advanced Military Mountaineer Course (Summer). Advanced Military Mountaineer Course (Winter). Rough Terrain Evacuation Course. Mountain Planner Course. Mountain Rifleman Course. New skill identifiers for officers and warrant officers who complete the Basic Military Mountaineer Course and the Mountain Planner Course. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan and the implementation of the plan.
Section 512
1080. Tabletop exercise on extreme weather events in the Indo-Pacific region Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, in consultation with the the head of the institution selected by the Commander under paragraph (3), shall conduct at least one national tabletop exercise to assess the ability of the Armed Forces and military forces of allies or partners of the United States to confront aggressive adversarial threats in the Indo-Pacific region while simultaneously confronting extreme weather hazards. The exercise conducted under paragraph (1) shall evaluate, at a minimum, the following: The resilience of United States weapons, systems, force posture, and command and control to withstand extreme environmental hazards during a single combat contingency in the Indo-Pacific region. The mobility of the Armed Forces in the event of attacks upon critical infrastructure and logistical chokepoints pertinent to a contingency involving an ally or partner. The ability of the Armed Forces to conduct logistics in a constrained environment, including the ability to resupply United States and allied forces, and civilian populations. The resiliency of the Indo-Pacific Command to withstand extreme environmental hazards. The response of the Department of Defense to partial or complete loss of overseas critical infrastructure. The ability of the Armed Forces, in coordination with allies and partners, to resist force or other coercion by an aggressor if command and control is compromised due to extreme environmental conditions. The options of the Federal Government to ensure the viability of overseas critical infrastructure in the event of a military contingency, including assets in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Guam, the Northern Marianas, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Air defense capabilities to deter missile threats from the People’s Republic of China or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during a military conflict. The ability of naval projection forces to defend against adversarial threats while operating under compromised conditions. The survivability of critical military forces, particularly air and naval forces. The ability of air forces to conduct agile combat employment operations under compromised positions. The efficacy of ground-based targeting and firing in the Indo-Pacific to support key missions amidst extreme environmental conditions. The exercise conducted under paragraph (1) shall be conducted at a postsecondary educational institution of the Armed Forces selected by the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. In making such selection, the Commander shall consider the following elements: Geographic proximity to the United States Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. Leadership in science and technology, academic research, and applied design for innovation to meaningfully participate or provide analysis on the exercises described in paragraph (2). Experience and capacity to conduct a tabletop exercise impacted by extreme environmental conditions. Leadership in meeting objectives of the Department of Defense to create resilient and sustainable military capabilities that can withstand extreme weather conditions. The tabletop exercise shall be prepared by personnel of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, selected by the Commander in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the head of the institution selected by the Commander under paragraph (3). Participants in the tabletop exercise may include the following, as determined appropriate by the Commander: Personnel of the Department of Defense. Representatives of thinktanks or other entities of the United States. Representatives of allies and partners, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State. In addition to the exercise conducted under paragraph (1), other such tabletop exercises may be conducted not more than twice per year during the period of four years following the date of the enactment of this Act, at dates and times determined by the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the head of the institution selected by the Commander under paragraph (3). Following the conclusion of a tabletop exercise conducted under subsection (a), the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and a nongovernmental participant determined by the Commander, shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the tabletop exercise. Such a briefing shall include— an assessment of the decision-making, capability, and response gaps observed in the tabletop exercise; and recommendations to improve the resiliency of, and reduce vulnerabilities in, the domestic critical infrastructure of the United States in the event of a military contingency involving an ally or partner. In this section: The term ally or partner means Taiwan, Japan, or the Republic of Korea. The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate. The term environmental hazard includes— an earthquake; a tsunami; a hurricane, typhoon, monsoon, or other storm; rising sea levels; mudslides; or any other environmental condition the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command determines is relevant to the Indo-Pacific region and disruptive to military operations of the United States or forces of an ally or partner. The term tabletop exercise means an activity— in which senior personnel gather to deliberate various simulated emergency or rapid response situations; and that is designed to assess the adequacy of plans, policies, procedures, training, resources, and relationships or agreements that guide the prevention of, response to, and recovery from a defined event.
Section 513
1081. Pilot program on Army readiness in contested logistics environments Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Combine Arms Center of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, shall carry out a pilot program designed to enhance the overall readiness of the Army in a contested logistics environment. Under the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall— encourage the acquisition of commercially available equipment and services in order to provide efficient and effective life support on expeditionary bases; and demonstrate the effectiveness of the pilot program in simulated environments at multiple combat training centers, including— the National Training Center; the Joint Readiness Training Center; or the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot program under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the pilot program. Each such report shall include, for the year covered by the report, an identification of— skills that the combined force needs to develop and maintain to enable the efficient and effective deployment of life support systems; commercially-available equipment that has proven effective in simulated combat and contested environments; and progress made in equipping training and deploying units with technologies, items, and skills shown to be effective under the pilot program. The authorities to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is ten years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 514
1082. Pilot program on forward advanced manufacturing Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary establishes a public-private partnership to develop a forward advanced manufacturing capability in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command to meet advanced manufacturing requirements for the submarine and shipbuilding industrial base and emerging needs of such Command and its component commands. The pilot program required under subsection (a) shall include— development of an advanced manufacturing facility outside of a military installation in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command capable of manufacturing large metal structures, including those required for unmanned vehicles, surface and underwater vehicles, and ship maintenance and upgrades, through advanced manufacturing, maintaining local machining capabilities, and maintaining a production capability across critical minerals necessary to emerging repair and production requirements in conflict; and coordination of requirements from the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the Submarine Industrial Base Task Force, the Innovation Capability and Modernization office, and the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. The authority to carry out the pilot program required under subsection (a) shall terminate five years after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program. Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), and on an annual basis thereafter until the termination date under subsection (c), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program. Each report required under this subsection shall include: a progress update on the implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a), including progress with respect to each of the elements described in subsection (b); an overview of any partnerships entered into with industry and other relevant entities in support of the pilot program; a review of the ability of the pilot program to meet requirements identified by the entities specified in subsection (b)(2); and input from the entities specified in subsection (b)(2), industry, and other relevant entities on the desirability and effects of the pilot program. In this section, the term advanced manufacturing includes manufacturing processes utilizing additive manufacturing, wire-arc additive manufacturing, and powder bed fusion manufacturing.
Section 515
1083. Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus The campus and grounds of the Federal facility located at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, at which the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard is stationed shall be known and designated as the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus. Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the campus and grounds referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Frank A. LoBiondo National Aerospace Safety and Security Campus.
Section 516
1084. Assessment regarding antifouling coatings Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment to evaluate the feasibility of moving away from copper-based antifouling coatings. Such an assessment shall include each of the following: A timeline to remove existing copper-based antifouling coatings from naval vessels by January 1, 2028. Criteria for antifouling effectiveness, measured by— the duration of time such coating prevents biological adhesion, corrosion, and degradation of vessel surfaces; environmental damage caused by shedding and leaching of the coating; and the effect of the coating on fuel efficiency and vessel speed. An evaluation of whether a new standard in standard rotation for maintenance of surface vessels could effectively reduce the time and costs associated with maintenance key events, such as repair planning and time in drydock, while also being environmentally sound. Prior to conducting the assessment required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall evaluate commercially available products, technologies, applications, and services that could be used to improve combat readiness by decreasing the need for re-application of antifouling coatings.
Section 517
1085. Authorization to use nonelectric vehicles at Yuma Proving Ground The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense assigned to the Yuma Proving Ground are authorized to use nonelectric vehicles in the performance of their duties.
Section 518
1086. Sense of Congress relating to expenditures for certain military housing It is the sense of Congress that the United States should not be spending more money to house illegal immigrants than on housing for America’s military families.
Section 519
1087. University Centers for Arctic National Security Studies Congress finds the following: Investments in improving our understanding of the Arctic environment are critical to ensuring the national security of the United States. The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies is vital to understanding and addressing the strategic implications of the current and emerging Arctic security challenge. The Arctic environment is rapidly changing and accurate and consistent data and analysis is needed to produce evidence-based policy. The academic community is well-positioned to support efforts to advance critical Arctic national security studies. Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish or designate one or more one or more University Centers for Arctic National Security Studies at institutions of higher education. A University Center established or designated under subsection (b) shall carry out activities— in collaboration with the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies and other relevant entities, to set mission priorities for the Department of Defense relating to the Arctic domain; to support academic research to advance evidence-based policy making on matters relating to the Arctic; to improve the Department’s understanding of the ever-changing Arctic environment; and to foster collaboration between researchers and students to advance Arctic national security studies.
Section 520
1088. Psychological performance training in performance mindset Congress finds that long-term exposure to high-stress environments leaves many individuals in a suboptimal performance state, creating an environment for maladaptive coping mechanisms, compromised performance abilities, and a potential increase in anxiety, depression, suicide, domestic violence, and substance abuse. All training provided to a member of the Armed Forces, including at a Service Academy (as defined section 347 of title 10, United States Code), or a school operated under chapter 107 or 108 of title 10, United States Code, shall include training on the development of proactive psychological performance skills and strategies for psychological flexibility and mental strength. Such training shall include each of the following: Training in scientifically researched and evidence-based mindset skills designed to prepare members of the Armed Forces for the physical and mental stressors associated with service in the Armed Forces. Performance mindset training designed to create psychological flexibility and mental strength to reduce the effects of potential trauma. Interactive and contextualized training provided by specialized training teams with expert knowledge of psychological performance and how to apply the skills covered by the training across the phases of a career of a member of the Armed Forces. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section. Each such report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Section 521
1089. Sense of Congress regarding cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security It is the sense of Congress that— the United States should remain committed to helping the Philippines maintain the safety and security of the Philippines, including helping the Philippines to defend against threats to such safety and security from China; and to help the Philippines defend against such threats, the United States should expand cooperation between the United States and the Philippines with respect to maritime security.
Section 522
1090. Establishment of Multilateral Artificial Intelligence Working Group Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group, which shall be known as the Multilateral Artificial Intelligence Working Group, to develop and coordinate an artificial intelligence initiative among the allies and partners of the United States. The Secretary shall designate a senior civilian officer of the Department of Defense or senior military officer with experience leading relevant efforts, as determined by the Secretary, to serve as the head of the Working Group. The Secretary shall determine which allies and partners of the United States shall be asked to participate as member countries in the Working Group. The responsibilities of the Working Group shall be to develop and coordinate efforts to implement an artificial intelligence initiative between the Department of Defense and allies and partners of the United States, including by— comparing— the various artificial intelligence systems and the elements thereof (including machine learning and generative artificial intelligence such as large language models) used for covered operational uses by members countries; and the respective practices associated with the employment of such systems for covered operational uses by members countries; identifying (including by experimenting, testing, and evaluating) potential solutions to advance and accelerate the interoperability of artificial intelligence systems used for intelligence sharing, battlespace awareness, and other covered operational uses; testing and evaluating the effects of artificial intelligence model redundancy, including the risks and safety measures associated with operating multiple artificial intelligence systems, including in tandem with one another; developing a shared strategy for the research, development, test, evaluation, and employment of artificial intelligence systems for covered operational uses carried out jointly by the member countries; developing a shared strategy for— managing data-informed artificial intelligence systems; and testing and evaluating artificial intelligence systems with combined data sets at the unclassified and classified levels; testing and evaluating the capabilities of the defense industrial base of the member countries to incorporate artificial intelligence systems into systems used for covered operational uses; comparing and using ethical frameworks to accelerate technological advancements with respect to artificial intelligence systems; expanding innovation efforts by the member countries and share among such countries best practices for the accelerated procurement and adoption of artificial intelligence technologies for covered operational uses; leveraging commercially available artificial intelligence technologies to advance near-term jointness between the armed forces of the member countries; jointly identifying and sourcing artificial intelligence systems, as practicable, and advising member countries with respect to export controls applicable to such systems; and carrying out such other activities as the Secretary determines to be relevant to such responsibilities. The Secretary shall seek to ensure that any knowledge or technical data produced by a member country under any cooperative project carried out by the Working Group shall be controlled by that country under the export control laws and regulations of that country and shall not be subject to the jurisdiction or control of any other member country. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the establishment and activities of the Working Group. The plan under subparagraph (A) shall include— a plan for the establishment of the Working Group; a description of any funding requirements or administrative support necessary to carry out this section; a description of any additional statutory authorities necessary to carry out this section; a plan for the fulfilment of responsibilities under subsection (c) by the Working Group; an evaluation of existing multilateral artificial intelligence efforts; a plan for the integration of the artificial intelligence initiative developed and coordinated by the Working Group with other programs and initiatives of the elements of the Department of Defense with responsibilities relating to mutual security and artificial intelligence efforts among the member countries; performance indicators by which the activities of the Working Group will be assessed; and a description of how efforts of the commanders of the combatant commands relating to military interoperability and test and evaluation of artificial intelligence systems will be tasked and executed by and through the Working Group. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a semiannual basis thereafter until the date of termination under subsection (f), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities and milestones of the Working Group. Each such report shall include, with respect to the period covered by the report— an assessment of the activities of the Working Group based on the performance indicators set forth in the plan under paragraph (1)(B)(vii); and a description of any efforts of the commanders of the combatant commands taken in support of the responsibilities of the Working Group. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Working Group shall terminate on September 30, 2028. The Secretary may extend the termination date under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines such extension to be in the national security interests of the United States. In this section: The term battlespace awareness has the meaning given that term in the Joint Publication 1–02 of the Department of Defense, titled Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, or successor publication. The term covered operational use means use by a government for operations in a defense context. The term member country means a member country of the Working Group.
Section 523
1091. Declassification review of documents relating to involvement of United States in 1973 coup in Chile The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, shall conduct a declassification review of documents relating to the involvement of the United States in the 1973 coup in Chile, including— any record of financial support provided by the United States Government to any organization or other entity, whether private or public, that supported the coup; any record of communication between an officer or employee of the United States Government and a senior military or intelligence officer of the Government of Chile during the period beginning on September 11, 1972, and ending on September 11, 1974; and any other document containing information relating to the involvement of the United States Government in the coup.
Section 524
1101. Extension of authority for noncompetitive appointments of military spouses by Federal agencies Section 573(e) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 5 U.S.C. 3330d note) is repealed. Section 1119 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended— in subsection (d), by striking December 31, 2028 and inserting December 31, 2033; and by adding after subsection (d) the following: Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and each year thereafter until the sunset date in subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense shall— submit a report to the congressional defense committees on the use of the hiring authority under section 3330d of title 5, United States Code; and publish such report on the public website of the Department of Defense. Each report under paragraph (1) shall include information on— how often such authority is used by agencies; what positions are filled using such authority, and the grade and locations of such positions; the number of military spouse applicants seeking positions under such authority who were not selected and the grade and locations of such positions; and how often Department of Defense components exercised exceptions to spouse preference procedures and the grade and locations of such positions. Section 1119(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended— in paragraph (2)— by striking (2) and all that follows through the following: and inserting the following: in subsection (a)— by redesignating paragraph (5), as added by section 1112(a)(1)(C) of this Act, as paragraph (6); and by inserting after paragraph (4), as redesignated by section 1112(a)(1)(A) of this Act, the following: in the quoted material, by striking (4) The term and inserting (5) The term; and in paragraph (3)— in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting , as amended by section 1112(a)(2) of this Act after in subsection (b); in subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraph (2); in subparagraph (B), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting paragraph (3); and in subparagraph C), in the quoted material, by striking (3) a spouse and inserting (4) a spouse. The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 1119 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31). (e)Reports(1)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection and each year thereafter until the sunset date in subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense shall—(A)submit a report to the congressional defense committees on the use of the hiring authority under section 3330d of title 5, United States Code; and(B)publish such report on the public website of the Department of Defense.(2)ContentsEach report under paragraph (1) shall include information on—(A)how often such authority is used by agencies; (B)what positions are filled using such authority, and the grade and locations of such positions;(C)the number of military spouse applicants seeking positions under such authority who were not selected and the grade and locations of such positions; and(D)how often Department of Defense components exercised exceptions to spouse preference procedures and the grade and locations of such positions.. (2)in subsection (a)—(A)by redesignating paragraph (5), as added by section 1112(a)(1)(C) of this Act, as paragraph (6); and(B)by inserting after paragraph (4), as redesignated by section 1112(a)(1)(A) of this Act, the following:; and
Section 525
1102. Extension of living quarters allowance to civilian DOD employees stationed in Guam Section 1102 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended— in the section heading, by striking department of the navy civilian employees assigned to permanent duty in guam for performing work, or supporting work being performed, aboard or dockside, of u.s. naval vessels and inserting civilian employees of the Department of Defense stationed in Guam; in subsection (a), by striking Secretary of the Navy and inserting Secretary of Defense; and by amending subsection (b) to read as follows: In this section, the term covered employee means any civilian employee of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in Guam. (b)Covered employee definedIn this section, the term covered employee means any civilian employee of the Department of Defense whose permanent duty station is located in Guam. .
Section 526
1103. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for federal civilian employees working overseas Subsection (a) of section 1101 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4615), as most recently amended by section 1102 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263), is further amended by striking through 2024 and inserting through 2025.
Section 527
1104. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone Paragraph (2) of section 1603(a) of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109–234; 120 Stat. 443), as added by section 1102 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4616) and as most recently amended by section 1109 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), is further amended by striking 2025 and inserting 2026.
Section 528
1105. Prohibition on limiting duration of overseas work-period for DOD competitive service positions During the 7 year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act— no limit may be placed on the duration of civilian employment of Department of Defense competitive service employees in a foreign area; and the 5-year limitation on such employment in a foreign area in Department of Defense Instruction 1400.25, titled DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Employment in Foreign Areas and Employee Return Rights and issued on July 26, 2012 (or a successor instruction), shall have no force or effect. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the congressional defense committees on the following: The impact of this section on recruiting and retaining civilian competitive service employees at the Department of Defense. The total number of— Department employees that were able to remain in positions as a result of this section; and Department positions that were not open for initial appointments as a result of this section. The grade and classification of Department positions affected by this section. Any other information the Secretary deems appropriate. In this section, the term foreign area means any location that is not within a nonforeign area (as that term is defined in section 591.205 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation).
Section 529
1106. Waiver of limitation on appointment of recently retired members of armed forces to DOD competitive service positions Section 3326 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— in the section heading, by inserting certain before positions; in subsection (b)— in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the civil service and inserting the excepted service or the Senior Executive Service; and in paragraph (1), by striking for the purpose and all that follows through Management; and in subsection (c), by striking , or the authorization and approval, as the case may be,. The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter I of chapter 33 of such title is amended in the item relating to section 3326 by inserting certain before positions.
Section 530
1107. Child development program staffing and compensation model The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall carry out a redesign of the Department of Defense child development program compensation model and modernization of the child development program staffing model. The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall— redesign child development program staff compensation for non-entry level, mid-to-senior level classroom staff by modernizing the duties and responsibilities captured in position descriptions to more accurately reflect performance and expectations of the positions; adjust compensation for higher-level program management positions by modernizing the duties and responsibilities captured in position descriptions to more accurately reflect performance and expectations of the positions; direct the Department’s personnel office to make necessary adjustments to modernize the pay plan to accommodate any compensation and wage increases driven by the updated position descriptions for child development program staff; and begin implementation of the revised position descriptions and accompanying compensation adjustments no later than April 1, 2025, subject to the availability of appropriations. The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall— add key positions to facilitate classroom operations and provide direct support to child development program staff; add key positions to coordinate support for the needs of children with specials needs and provide direct support to the child development program staff working with these children; and develop and implement a 5-year phased plan to ensure responsible funding execution, successful implementation allowing for adjustments as necessary, and long-term sustainable impact. The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit reports to detail progress, accomplishments, and demonstrate the impact of the redesigned compensation and modernized staffing models. Not later than 180 days after the end of fiscal year 2025, an initial baseline report shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees. Not later than 180 days after the end of each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029, a progress report shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees. Any report submitted under paragraph (2) or (3) shall include the following: Percentage of child development program staff that are also military spouses. Turnover or retention rate of child development program staff. Utilization rate of child development program child care spaces. Number of newly hired child development program employees. Percentage of newly hired child development program employees who resign within their first 6 months of employment. Information on the ability to staff newly constructed facilities. Impacts of adding key positions to the child development program staffing model. In this section, the term child development program means child care services under subchapter II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 531
1108. Mandatory public disclosures by newly nominated civilians for senior positions in the Department of Defense Section 113(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by inserting (1) after (f); and by adding at the end the following: Not later than 5 days after the President submits to the Senate a nomination of an individual to occupy an office referred to in paragraph (1), such individual shall disclose, on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense, a full a complete statement with respect to— the source, type, and amount or value of any funds received by such individual from the government of a foreign country, a foreign political party (as such terms are defined in section 1 of the Foreign Agent Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611)), or a foreign governmental entity (as defined in section 1(m)(1)(B) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)(B)) during the 5-year period immediately preceding such nomination; and the source, duration, and type of any goods or services provided by, or performed on behalf of or for the benefit of, a foreign government, foreign political party, or a foreign governmental entity controlled by a foreign government during such 5-year period. Paragraph (2) shall not require any individual to include in such disclosure any information which is considered private, confidential, or privileged, as a result of an established professional or fiduciary relationship between such individual or any person. (2)Not later than 5 days after the President submits to the Senate a nomination of an individual to occupy an office referred to in paragraph (1), such individual shall disclose, on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense, a full a complete statement with respect to—(A)the source, type, and amount or value of any funds received by such individual from the government of a foreign country, a foreign political party (as such terms are defined in section 1 of the Foreign Agent Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611)), or a foreign governmental entity (as defined in section 1(m)(1)(B) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)(B)) during the 5-year period immediately preceding such nomination; and(B)the source, duration, and type of any goods or services provided by, or performed on behalf of or for the benefit of, a foreign government, foreign political party, or a foreign governmental entity controlled by a foreign government during such 5-year period.(3)Paragraph (2) shall not require any individual to include in such disclosure any information which is considered private, confidential, or privileged, as a result of an established professional or fiduciary relationship between such individual or any person..
Section 532
1109. Employment and compensation of civilian faculty members at Inter-American Defense College Subsection (c) of section 1595 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The United States Element of the Inter-American Defense College. Such section is further amended— in subsection (a), by striking institutions and inserting organizations; and in subsection (c)— in the subsection heading, by striking Institutions and inserting Organizations; and in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking institutions and inserting organizations. (9)The United States Element of the Inter-American Defense College..
Section 533
1110. Supplemental guidance for MCO competitive service positions Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish supplemental guidance for qualification standards for competitive service positions within the Department of Defense that are Mission Critical Occupations. Under the supplemental guidance established under subsection (a), the Secretaries of the military departments may, with approval of the Secretary of Defense, adopt or waive the requirements of the guidance. Any such adoption or waiver shall include a written justification, submitted to the Secretary of Defense, that such adoption or waiver (as the case may be) will improve competitive service employee recruitment and retention. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall present a plan on implementation of this section to the congressional defense committees Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and each year thereafter until the sunset date in subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense shall submit a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the implementation of this section. Such a briefing shall include the following: The total amount of individuals affected by the supplemental guidance. If the supplemental guidance authority was adopted, the number of days required to change employee rates of pay compared to the number of days required to change such rates prior to adoption. The impacts on competitive service employee retention and recruitment. Any discrepancies in pay for competitive service positions across Armed Forces and military installations as a result of such supplemental guidance. The supplemental guidance established under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2027.
Section 534
1111. Treatment of veterans who did not register for the selective service Section 3328 of title 5, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)(1), by striking (50 U.S.C. App. 453) and inserting (50 U.S.C. 3802); by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: Subsection (a) shall not apply to an individual— who is a veteran; who provides evidence of active-duty service to the Executive agency in which the individual seeks an appointment; and for whom the requirement to register under section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3802) has terminated or is now inapplicable. by adding at the end the following new subsection: In this section, the terms active duty and veteran have the meaning given those terms in section 101 of title 38. (b)Subsection (a) shall not apply to an individual—(1)who is a veteran;(2)who provides evidence of active-duty service to the Executive agency in which the individual seeks an appointment; and(3)for whom the requirement to register under section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3802) has terminated or is now inapplicable.; and (d)In this section, the terms active duty and veteran have the meaning given those terms in section 101 of title 38..
Section 535
1112. Increase in military leave accrual and accumulation for Federal employees Section 6323(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking 15 days each place it appears and inserting 20 days.
Section 536
1113. Flexibilities for Federal employees who are armed forces spouses Not later than 30 calendar days after receiving a request from a covered individual, the head of the agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government employing such covered individual shall— to the extent practicable, authorize such covered individual to work remotely if the head determines that the duties of such covered individual can be completed remotely; reassign the covered individual to a position, for which the individual is qualified and of equal status and base pay, in the agency or instrumentality in the commuting area of the new permanent duty location of the spouse of such covered individual; authorize the covered individual to perform the duties of a different position of equal status and base pay in the agency or instrumentality for which the individual is qualified from an approved alternative worksite; or in the case of a covered individual who is not authorized or able to be reassigned under paragraphs (1), (2), or (3), upon the request of the covered individual, grant that individual leave without pay for up to six months. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may grant an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government a waiver of subsection (a) if the Director certifies that the agency or instrumentality has developed and will faithfully implement, immediately upon receipt of the waiver, a substantially similar procedure that— aims to increase the retention of covered individuals; provides covered individuals an evaluation, upon the request of any such individual, on whether retention can be achieved, at a minimum, through remote work or reassignment, or both; provides the covered individual, within 30 days of the request of such individual, a date certain by which the agency will make a determination unless the date extended by mutual agreement of the agency and individual; provides the application of subsection (a)(4) as an option the covered individual may choose; and implements reporting requirements in subsection (d). A position held by a covered individual who is granted leave without pay under this section shall not be considered encumbered and may be backfilled by a permanent employee. Not later than September 30 of the second full fiscal year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter for the following four years, the head of each agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management— a list of each request received by such head under subsection (a) during the immediately preceding fiscal year; and which action was taken by the head under such subsection with respect to such a request. Not later than the first April 15 following the date on which the head of an agency or instrumentality submits the first report under paragraph (1), and biennially thereafter for the following four years, the Director shall provide a report to Congress detailing the information received under paragraph (1), sorted by agency or instrumentality. An individual covered by subsection (a)(4) shall be covered by this subsection until the individual re-enters the Federal service. The duration of the relocation orders of the spouse of an individual covered by subsection (a)(4) shall not count against the three-year limit for reinstatement of non-career tenure individuals under section 315.401 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation). This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, except that the Director may, beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, approve waivers pursuant to section 2(b) if an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government has in place on such date of enactment policies and procedures that would qualify for waiver under such section. In this section, the term covered individual means an individual— who is the spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty (as defined in section 3330d of title 5, United States Code); who is an employee of an agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government; whose duties as such an employee do not include— developing, refining, or implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies; leading working groups or advisory councils developing measurements of diversity, equity, and inclusion performance or outcomes; or creating or implementing education, training courses, or workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion for military or civilian employees of the Federal Government; and who relocates with the spouse of such individual because such spouse, as such a member, receives a permanent change of station or similar requirement to relocate.
Section 537
1114. GAO report on home-based businesses at remote military installations In order to address critical quality of life, morale, and welfare issues, not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall assess and submit a report to the Secretary of Defense on the following: The average number of Home-Based Businesses operating at remote and isolated installations in the United States in comparison to Home-Based Businesses operating at other military installations. In carrying out this paragraph, the Comptroller General shall account for the differences in military population size. The average rate of approval for new Home-Based Businesses at remote and isolated United States installations in comparison to new approvals for new Home-Based Businesses operating at other military installations, by military service. The average number of days required for a Home-Based Business application to be approved at remote and isolated United States installations in comparison to similar Home-Based Business applications (to the greatest extent practicable) at other military installations, by military service. The effectiveness of each services’ utilization and implementation of the Home-Based Business program. Any recommendations on— additional incentives for military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, and their family members to establish Home-Based Businesses at remote and isolated installations to more effectively ensure that the quality-of-life services provided through the program meet the mission of their applicable military installation; additional commercial products and services that are eligible to be provided through the Home-Based Businesses program; and ways to simplify, streamline, and generally improve the approval and application process for Home-Based Business applications. In this section— the term effectiveness means the capability of increasing the quality of life for servicemembers and their families residing on a military installation; and the term military installation has the meaning given that term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 538
1115. Expand Department of Defense civilian employment Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, each commercial position in the Department of Defense or an element of the Department is— filled by a civilian employee of the Department; or performed by a contractor of the Department. In this section, the term commercial position means a position the functions of which are determined by the Department of Defense to be commercial pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 1100.22 (or any successor instruction).
Section 539
1116. Limitation on establishment of new diversity, equity, and inclusion positions; hiring freeze Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense may not— establish any new positions within the Department of Defense with responsibility for matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion; or fill any vacancies in positions in the Department with responsibility for such matters. Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the Secretary from reducing the number of positions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion or from eliminating specific positions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Section 540
1117. OMB employment form requirement for DOD contractors The Secretary shall require all individuals hired to Department of Defense contracts to use Declaration for Federal Employment Form OMB No. 3206-0812.
Section 541
1118. Sufficient firefighter personnel covered installations The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that— a minimum number of firefighter personnel are on duty at each covered installation to maintain optimum manning and optimum level of service to safeguard life and property at such covered installation; and a risk assessment may not be used to limit the number of firefighter personnel at a covered installation. The term covered installation means a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Space Operations of the United States Space Force with a space launch facility.
Section 542
1201. Modification of Department of Defense State Partnership program Section 341(e)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end before the semicolon the following: , including costs incurred with respect to activities beginning in one fiscal year and ending not later than the end of the first fiscal year thereafter.
Section 543
1202. Assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and activities Section 383(d)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting , including a description of challenges in executing the program, after lessons learned.
Section 544
1203. Modification of Department of Defense support to stabilization activities Section 1210A of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended— in subsection (b)(2)— by striking subparagraph (C); and by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); in subsection (c)(1), in the first sentence, by striking or nonreimbursable; and in subsection (g)— by striking use of funds and all that follows through Amounts and inserting use of funds.—Amounts; and by striking paragraph (2).
Section 545
1204. Extension and modification of Defense Operational Resilience International Cooperation Pilot Program Section 1212 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 311 note) is amended— in subsection (b), by striking December 31, 2025 and inserting December 31, 2027; in subsection (d), by striking 2025 and inserting 2027; and in subsection (f), by striking 2025 and inserting 2027.
Section 546
1205. Report on compliance by the Department of Defense with the limitation on military-to-military exchange or contact with representatives of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report that describes compliance by the Department of Defense with the limitation on military-to-military exchange or contact with representatives of the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China under section 1201 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (10 U.S.C. 168 note). The report required by subsection (a) shall include— a description of measures the Department of Defense is taking to mitigate the risk of the People’s Liberation Army gaining indirect knowledge of United States Armed Forces’ equipment and operational tactics, techniques, and products through interaction with the militaries of United States allies and partners; and an identification of any obstacles to ensuring United States allies and partners are sufficiently aware of the risk described in paragraph (1) and on conducting the necessary follow-up and end-use monitoring to ensure compliance by such allies and partners.
Section 547
1206. General Thaddeus Kosciuszko memorial exchange program for Polish-American defense cooperation The Commander of United States Army Special Operations Command shall seek to carry out a training program pursuant to section 322 of title 10, United States Code, between special operations forces under the jurisdiction of the Commander and special forces of the Polish Army. Such program shall be known as the General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Exchange Program for Polish-American Defense Cooperation. Officers and enlisted members of such special operations forces may participate in the program under this section. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding progress of the Commander in carrying out the program under this section.
Section 548
1207. Report on cooperation between the National Guard and the Republic of India Not later than February 15, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the feasibility and advisability of enhanced cooperation between the National Guard and the Republic of India. Such report shall include the following elements: A description of the cooperation between the National Guard and India during the 10 preceding calendar years, including mutual visits, exercises, training, and equipment opportunities. An evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of enhancing cooperation between the National Guard and India on a range of activities, including— disaster and emergency response; cyber defense and communications security; military medical cooperation; mountain warfare; jungle warfare; counterinsurgency; counterterrorism; cultural exchange and education of members of the National Guard in Hindi; and programs for National Guard advisors to assist in training the reserve components of the military forces of India. Recommendations to enhance such cooperation and improve interoperability, including through familiarization visits, cooperative training and exercises, and co-deployments. Identification of States that may serve as potential partners with India through a State partnership under section 341 of title 10, United States Code. Any other matter the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committees; the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 549
1211. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Subsection (a) of section 1236 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3559) is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025. Subsection (g) of such section is amended by striking fiscal year 2024, there are authorized to be appropriated $241,950,000 and inserting fiscal year 2025, there are authorized to be appropriated $380,000,000.. Subsection (o)(6) of such section is amended by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 550
1212. Extension of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals Section 1209 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3559) is amended— in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025; and in subsection (l)(3)(E), by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2025.
Section 551
1213. Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran Subsection (b) of section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end and inserting a semicolon; in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following subparagraph: any adjustments to the use of proxy forces by Iran; in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (B), by striking an analysis of; in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a semicolon; and in subparagraph (D), by striking ; and at the end and inserting , including Iranian anti-access or area denial and other maritime harassment capabilities; and; in paragraph (3)— in subparagraph (A), by striking Iranian Revolutionary Guard and inserting Islamic Revolutionary Guard; in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (J) as subparagraphs (F) through (K), respectively; and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following subparagraph: the role of Iran in supporting, facilitating, directing, or conducting attacks on United States forces in the region; in paragraph (4)— in subparagraph (B), by striking and storage sites; and inserting , storage, and production sites;; in subparagraph (E), by inserting an intermediate-range ballistic missile or after develop and field; and in subparagraph (F), by striking ; and at the end and inserting and the exportation of Iranian drones to the Middle East and Europe; and; in paragraph (12), by striking (9) and inserting (12); by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (12) as paragraphs (10) through (13), respectively; by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: An assessment of the use of civilians by groups supported by Iran to shield military objectives from attack, including groups such as— Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis; and the Special Groups in Iraq. by adding at the end the following: An assessment of the manner and extent to which the advances or improvements in the capabilities of Iran’s conventional and unconventional forces described in this section have affected Israel’s qualitative military edge during the preceding year. Subsection (c) of such section is amended— in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking Iranian and inserting Islamic; in paragraph (2)(B)(ii)(bb), by inserting or its regional interests before the period at the end; and in paragraph (4), by striking capable of flights less than 500 kilometers.. Subsection (d) of such section is amended by striking December 31, 2025 and inserting December 31, 2026. (B)any adjustments to the use of proxy forces by Iran;; (E)the role of Iran in supporting, facilitating, directing, or conducting attacks on United States forces in the region;; (9)An assessment of the use of civilians by groups supported by Iran to shield military objectives from attack, including groups such as—(A)Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis; and(B)the Special Groups in Iraq.; and (14)An assessment of the manner and extent to which the advances or improvements in the capabilities of Iran’s conventional and unconventional forces described in this section have affected Israel’s qualitative military edge during the preceding year..
Section 552
1214. Help Israel Recover the Hostages Congress finds the following: There has been substantial and sustained cooperation between United States diplomatic, military, and intelligence agencies and Israeli counterparts to help Israel release those taken hostage on the attacks of October 7th, 2023. Multiple proposals for returning the hostages and implementing a ceasefire have been developed with the help of the United States and international partners and presented to both Israel and Hamas. Hamas has impeded or outright rejected these proposals, refusing to release the hostages and extending the suffering of civilians on both sides of the border. The global community, including the United States, must exert necessary pressure on Hamas leadership to accept a ceasefire proposal, release the hostages and relinquish governing control of Gaza. It is imperative that the United States continues to work with international partners to release the remaining hostages, including 8 Americans. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the House and Senate Permanent Select Committees on Intelligence that contains an overview of United States diplomatic, military, and intelligence support for Israel as it works to release the hostages. The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall contain the following, relating to supporting the release of the hostages: An overview of United States military assistance to Israel. How the United States military is assisting the Israeli military on hostage rescue planning and recovery efforts. Intelligence sharing in support of hostage release. United States personnel embedded or regularly liaising with Israel’s military, intelligence, and diplomatic officials. A description of how the United States is leveraging partner nations to assist with hostage release efforts. Any other forms of assistance provided the Secretary determines relevant to Israel’s efforts to release the hostages. The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall be provided in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. In this section, the term hostages means the individuals (alive or deceased) taken by Hamas from Israel during the attacks of October 7, 2023, and the immediate aftermath, including Israelis, Americans, and citizens of other more than 22 other nations.
Section 553
1215. Statement of Congress relating to Israel and the hostages held by Hamas Congress— declares that Israel is the United States’ greatest ally in the Middle East; and demands the release of all hostages held captive by Hamas and their return to safety.
Section 554
1216. Key partners for Middle East Regional Integration Military Subject Matter Expert Exchange Program The Secretary of Defense, using existing authorities, including section 311 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable, and in consultation with the head of any other Federal agency, as appropriate, shall design and implement a foreign military officer subject matter expert exchange program to be known as the Middle East Regional Integration Military Subject Matter Expert Exchange Program (referred to in this section as the exchange program). The purpose of the exchange program shall be to facilitate interaction, cultural exchange, and mutual learning of members of participating militaries in support of Middle East regional integration in order to deepen and expand such integration. The exchange program shall be composed of members of the armed forces of participating militaries in support of Middle East regional integration and members of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Secretary of Defense shall select exchange program participants with a wide range of experiences collectively covering the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The Secretary of Defense shall include in the exchange program participants at each of the following military pay grades, or equivalent foreign military pay grades: E-7 through E-9. CW-3 through CW-5. O-3 through O-9. Such other pay grade levels at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense. A participant in the exchange program shall have expertise in one or more of the following subject matter areas: Strategic doctrine. Defense planning. Civilian and military relations. Military law. Public affairs. Civil affairs. Military budgeting and acquisition. Integrated air and missile defense. Integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction. Cyber resilience and defense. Counterterrorism. Defense information sharing. Any other subject matter area that the Secretary of Defense determines to be appropriate. The exchange program— shall include learning modalities and methods, as determined by the Exchange Program Coordinator; may include separate agendas and experiences for participants in order to— facilitate interaction on particular topics; cater to participant backgrounds or rank levels; or achieve other pedagogical ends as determined by the Exchange Program Coordinator; and may include discussion, comparison, and information regarding the development of— defense doctrine; exercise development; budget planning; military law and law of armed conflict; military cooperation with civilian agencies; standard operating procedures; operational plans and the operational art; gaps and opportunities for improvement in existing procedures and plans; existing technical challenges; emerging technical challenges; the current and future threat environment; trust and capacity for multilateral sharing of information; additional mechanisms and ideas for integrated cooperation; ways to promote the meaningful participation of women in matters of peace and security; and other content, as appropriate, developed to advance integration and tactical, operational, and strategic proficiency. Participants in the exchange program shall meet in-person not less frequently than quarterly. The Secretary of Defense shall designate an Exchange Program Coordinator, who shall be assigned to a Department of Defense School, to oversee the exchange program. (2) The Exchange Program Coordinator shall— design the exchange program; ensure that the exchange program complies with the requirements of this section; provide to the Secretary of Defense reports on developments, insights, and progress of the exchange program; and notify the Secretary of Defense of any failures of the exchange program to comply with the in-person requirements of subsection (e). Not later than 15 days after receiving a notification under paragraph (2)(D), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report describing— the reasons an in-person meeting did not occur during such quarter; and any measures taken to ensure that an in-person meeting occurs during the following quarter. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes— a summary of the activities of the exchange program during the prior year, including— the countries participating; the subject matter covered; developments, insights, and progress achieved through the program; and any new topics added to the exchange as well as a justification for adding the new topic; an assessment of the effectiveness of the exchange program; and recommendations on further improvements to the exchange program. The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. In this section: The term Department of Defense school means any institution listed in section 1595(c) or section 2162(d) of title 10, United States Code. The term participating militaries in support of Middle East regional integration means military allies and partner forces of the United States working to advance regional integration in the Middle East.
Section 555
1217. Sense of Congress regarding Israel It is the sense of Congress that— since 1948, Israel has been one of the strongest friends and allies of the United States; Israel is a stable, democratic country in a region often marred by turmoil; it is essential to the strategic interest of the United States to continue to offer security assistance and related support to Israel; and such assistance and support is especially vital as Israel confronts a number of potential challenges at the present time, including continuing threats from Iran.
Section 556
1218. Study and report on international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall conduct a study on steps that Israel, Egypt, and the United States can take to enhance international security measures on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure Hamas and other actors do not use tunnels or methods via the Mediterranean Sea to smuggle weapons and illicit goods. The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the results of the study. The report required by this subsection shall include a description and map indicating existing tunnels on the border between Gaza and Egypt. In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 557
1219. Prohibition on providing funding to Iranian entities None of the funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available, directly or indirectly, to— the Government of Iran; any person owned or controlled by the Government of Iran; any person that is on the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury and the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; or any person owned or controlled by a person described in paragraph (3). The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States.
Section 558
1220. Report on agreements made by the United States with the Taliban The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the following: Any agreement made and entered into by the United States and the Taliban. Submission thereof shall occur not later than 30 days prior to entry absent notification to the appropriate congressional committees, in which case submission thereof shall occur not later than 10 days prior to taking effect. Any agreement made and entered into by third parties and the Taliban or notice of any such agreement. Submission of any such agreement or notice thereof shall occur not later than 30 days after custody by the United States. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees any agreements made and entered into by the United States or third parties and the Taliban from August 1, 2021, until such date of enactment. In this section: The term agreement includes memoranda of understanding and other manifestations of mutual assent. The term appropriate congressional committees means the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. The term third parties means organizations or entities in receipt of United States Government funding, including sub-recipients thereof.
Section 559
1220A. Modification of report on the military capabilities of Iran and related activities Section 1227 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1)— in subparagraph (A)— by inserting all branches of before the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; and by inserting including before the Quds Force; and in subparagraph (B), by inserting , and technologies as described in the Missile Technology Control Regime before , including; and in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end before the period the following: , and on the proliferation, procurement, and production networks of Iran’s drone program; in subparagraph (F), by adding at the end before the period the following: , and the effect of its expiration on these Iranian proliferation activities; in subparagraph (H)— in clause (ii), by inserting , and any of their precursors, after narcotics; in clause (iv), by inserting and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) after IRGC; and in clause (v), by adding at the end before the period the following: and MOIS; and in subparagraph (I)— by inserting and MOIS agents after operatives; and by adding at the end before the period the following: , including disinformation operations, recruitment of local assets, and targeting United States nationals and foreign dissidents; and in subsection (c)— by inserting and annually thereafter for a period not to exceed 4 years after 2024; and by striking in June 2022 inserting on the day after the previous report was submitted.
Section 560
1220B. Briefing on Iranian support for non-state actors in North Africa Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on— Iran’s material support for non-state actors in North Africa; threats to the security of United States allies in the region posed by this Iranian support; and recommendations for actions the United States may take to deter Iran from providing this support. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 561
1221. Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense has executed robust and important defense of Al Tanf Garrison before and after the October 7, 2023, attacks and has an effective strategy for defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Section 562
1222. Strategy to protect the Al-Tanf Garrison The Secretary of Defense shall develop strategy on protection United States and partner forces at Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria from the threat of Iran-backed militias, ISIS, the Russian Federation, and the Assad regime. The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A description of the number of attacks by Iran-backed militias at Al-Tanf Garrison beginning on October 7, 2023, and a description on how to prevent and deter future attacks. A description of how the Department of Defense has assisted with private humanitarian assistance efforts through the Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program with respect to internally displaced persons at the Al-Rukban camp near the Al-Tanf Garrison and a plan with regard to how to continue and expand such efforts, as well as a plan for continued collaboration between Operation Inherent Resolve and nongovernmental organizations to continue to ensure the provision of essential aid and medical assistance for Syrian civilians at the Al-Rukban camp. A description of the Assad regime’s potential role in attacks on United States servicemembers by Iran-backed militias in Syria beginning on October 7, 2023, and a plan by the Department of Defense to prevent, deter, and degrade the Assad regime’s ability to assist with future attacks by Iran-backed militias on Al-Tanf Garrison. A description of Russian violations of deconfliction agreements with the United States at the Al-Tanf Garrison and and a plan to address such violations. Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense develops the strategy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees, or provide such committees a briefing on, a plan for implementing the strategy. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains the strategy required by subsection (a). The report required by this subsection shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Section 563
1223. Report and strategy on the Assad regime’s relationship with ISIS Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the Assad regime’s cooperation, assistance, and association with ISIS. The report required by paragraph (1) shall include a description of the following: How the Assad regime has focused its military efforts at rebel groups fighting ISIS and the extent to which such efforts helped the growth of ISIS and hindered operations against ISIS. The extent to which Syrian intelligence may have worked with, assisted, facilitated, or tolerated ISIS operatives. The release of jihadists from Syrian prisons by the Assad regime may have had on the rise of ISIS. The extent to which the purchase by the Assad regime of oil, gas, wheat, and grain from ISIS through various intermediaries has added to ISIS’ revenue, and the role that allowing Syrian banks to continue to function and provide financial services within ISIS-held territory had upon ISIS’ revenue. The extent to which the Assad regime’s cooperation, assistance, and association with ISIS has harmed Operation Inherent Resolve and other efforts by the Department of Defense to counter ISIS in Syria. The extent to which the Assad regime’s destructive policies may continue to provide for the resurgence of ISIS. Not later than 180 days after the submission of the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy on how to counter the Assad regime’s cooperation, assistance, and association with ISIS. The report required by subsection (a) and the strategy required by subsection (b) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary develops the strategy required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees, or provide such committees a briefing on, a plan for implementing the strategy.
Section 564
1224. Strategy to counter the Assad regime’s support and cooperation with Iran-backed militias in Syria Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy on the use of its existing authorities to disrupt and degrade threats to the national security of the United States caused by Iran-backed militias in Syria. The strategy required by subsection (a) shall outline how the Department of Defense will— leverages existing authorities to detect and monitor activities related to Iran-backed militias; evaluate existing policies, procedures, processes, and resources of the Department to counter the threat of Iran-backed militias in Syria; protect United States servicemembers from attacks from Iran-backed militias in Syria; make the countering of Iran-backed militias in Syria, including the Assad regime’s support of such militias, a key policy objective in United States policy towards Syria; provide a description of the Assad regime’s potential role in Iran-backed militia attacks against United States servicemembers, specifically attacks on or after October 7, 2023; provide an assessment of the freedom of movement of Iranian proxies particularly between Abu Kamal and the deconfliction zone in eastern Syria and the operational implications of this movement; provide a description of the potential capability of Iran-backed militias to transport weapons and weapons systems from Syria into Lebanon and a plan to counter any such transfers; and provide an assessment of the impact of Iran’s sectarian cleansing and demographic change project in Syria on Iran’s ability to sustain military threats to the United States and its allies and maintain support to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The strategy required by subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 565
1225. Report and strategy on Russia’s support for foreign terrorist organizations in Syria Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report and strategy to utilize existing authorities to counter Russia’s support of foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists in Syria. The report and strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: A description of past Russian support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria and any current potential support, including military coordination between Russia and the IRGC, as well as any potential transfers of materiel or military supplies between Russia and the IRGC and the extent of coordination on efforts to evade United States sanctions. A description of past Russian military cooperation with Hezbollah in Syria, including Russia’s provision of air support to Hezbollah in Syria during the period from 2013 through 2018, as well as any potential ongoing support as well as a description of the extent of Hezbollah’s role training Russian forces and their affiliates on the use of Iranian-origin unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Syria. A description of any potential Russian military support for Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), Harakat al-Nujaba (HAN) and Akram ‘Abbas al-Kabi, the Fatemiyoun Division, Zaynabiyoun Brigade, and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS) and KSS leader Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji. A strategy of How the Department of Defense can utilize existing authorities to detect and monitor activities related to Russia’s military support of terrorists in Syria, including how the Department can evaluate existing policies, procedures, processes, and resources that affect the ability of the Department to counter the threat of Russia’s support of terrorists in Syria. An affirmation by the Department that countering Russia’s support of terrorists in Syria is a key policy objective in United States policy towards Syria. A description of how Russia’s violations of the deconfliction agreement with the United States in Syria may have undermined efforts to combat ISIS in the region and helped destabilize the region and plans to address such violations. The report required by subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The scope of the report required by subsection (b) shall include the period beginning on January 1, 2014, and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 566
1226. Prohibition of recognition of the Assad regime It is the policy of the United States— not to recognize or normalize relations with any government of Syria that is led by Bashar al-Assad due to the Assad regime’s ongoing crimes against the Syrian people; and to actively oppose recognition or normalization of relations by other governments with any government of Syria that is led by Bashar Al-Assad. In accordance with subsection (a), no Federal official or employee may take any action, and no Federal funds may be made available, to recognize or otherwise imply, in any manner, United States recognition of Bashar al-Assad or any government in Syria that is led by Bashar al-Assad.
Section 567
1227. Appropriate congressional committees defined In this subtitle, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 568
1231. Prohibition on New START Treaty information sharing None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be used to provide the Russian Federation with notifications, biannual data exchange, inspection activities, or telemetric activities as required by the New START Treaty. The Secretary of Defense, with concurrence from the Secretary of State, may waive the prohibition in subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary of Defense certifies to the appropriate congressional committees in writing, that— it is in the national security interest of the United States to unilaterally provide notifications, biannual data exchange, inspection activities, or telemetric information to the Russian Federation; or the Russian Federation is providing similar information to the United States as required by the New START Treaty. In this section— the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the term New START Treaty means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed at Prague April 8, 2010, and entered into force February 5, 2011.
Section 569
1232. Ensuring Israel’s defense It is the policy of the United States to work with Israel to ensure adequate stocks of components and munitions to defend Israel against threats from Iran and Iranian military proxies, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall, on a biannual basis, submit to the appropriate committees a report on the extent to which Israel is subject to aerial attacks described in paragraph (2) and that contains the matters described in paragraph (3). An aerial attack described in this paragraph is an aerial attack, including a rocket or missile attack, that Israel counters by deploying or utilizing— not less than 50 interceptors under its Iron Dome defense system; its David’s Sling defense system; or its Arrow defense system. The report required by paragraph (1) shall include a description of the following: An identification of— any components or munitions required for the replenishment of the defense systems described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) deployed or utilized to counter the attack; any requests made by the Government of Israel to the Government of the United States for any such replenishment; the funding requirements for any such replenishment; the Government of the United States’ adjudication of any such requests from the Government of Israel; and the time frame under which the United States can resupply the Israeli Defense Forces with such defense systems and the surge capacity after an incident. A description of any other funding requirements to support Israeli military operations in defense against Iran or any Iranian military proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. A description of— the current levels of stocks of components and munitions that would be used for any such replenishment; the projected needs, including to address emergent requirements, with estimated costs and sources of such replenishment; and the number of deployments of the defense system described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (2) and expenditures of interceptors under the Iron Dome defense system within the reporting period. The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall seek to consult with the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State’s counterpart in the Government of Israel in preparing the report required by paragraph (1). The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. In this section, the term appropriate committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 570
1233. Requirement to conduct subterranean warfare military exercises Beginning on January 1 of the year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall require the United States Central Command or other relevant commands, units, or organizations of the United States military services, as the Secretary determines appropriate, to conduct military exercises that— occur not fewer than once in a calendar year; shall include invitations for the armed forces of Israel, provided that the Government of Israel consents to the participation of its forces in such exercises; may include invitations for the armed forces of other allies and partners of the United States to take part in the exercises; seek to enhance the interoperability and effectiveness of the United States military services, the armed forces of Israel, and the armed forces of other allies and partners of the United States in coalition operations; and shall include, if available resources permit, the following activities— practicing or simulating locating subterranean tunnel entrances and exits; practicing infiltrating and mapping subterranean tunnels; practicing maneuvering within subterranean tunnels of varying sizes; and practicing neutralizing or demolishing subterranean tunnels. The requirements in subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31 of the year described in subsection (a).
Section 571
1234. United States-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program, should seek to explore scientific collaboration between American academic institutions and nonprofit research entities, and Israeli institutions with expertise in researching, diagnosing, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder. The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of State, shall award grants to eligible entities to carry out collaborative research between the United States and Israel with respect to post-traumatic stress disorders. The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the grant program under this subsection in accordance with the agreement titled Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel on the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation, dated September 27, 1972. To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity shall be an academic institution or a nonprofit entity located in the United States. The Secretary shall award grants under this subsection to eligible entities that— carry out a research project that— addresses a requirement in the area of post-traumatic stress disorders that the Secretary determines appropriate to research using such grant; and is conducted by the eligible entity and an entity in Israel under a joint research agreement; and meet such other criteria that the Secretary may establish. To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such commitments and information as the Secretary may require. The Secretary may accept, hold, and administer, any gift of money made on the condition that the gift be used for the purpose of the grant program under this subsection. Such gifts of money accepted under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Treasury in the Department of Defense General Gift Fund and shall be available, subject to appropriation, without fiscal year limitation. Not later than 180 days after the date on which an eligible entity completes a research project using a grant under this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that contains— a description of how the eligible entity used the grant; and an evaluation of the level of success of the research project. The authority to award grants under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date on which the first such grant is awarded.
Section 572
1235. United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program with the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces The Secretary of Defense shall establish an education and training program to be known as the United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program with appropriate personnel of the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. The United States and Israel Trauma and Amputee Rehabilitation Education and Training Program shall include the following activities: Dialogue between personnel of the military health system and the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces on best practices for general trauma care, with a focus on amputation and amputee care, including the following elements of amputee care: Use of prosthetics. Wound care. Rehabilitative therapy. Family counseling. Mental health therapy. Training activities for personnel of the military health system and the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces on trauma care, to include amputation and amputee care, including with a focus on surgical techniques for amputation and on providing post-amputation care. Opportunities for personnel of the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces to— attend classes offered by personnel of the Center for the Intrepid of the Brooke Army Medical Center or any other military health system facility on best practices for trauma and amputee rehabilitation; and observe amputee rehabilitation treatment methods administered by personnel of the Center for the Intrepid of the Brooke Army Medical Center or any other military health system facility. Any other educational activities that the Director, in coordination with appropriate officials from the Israel Defense Forces, determines relevant.
Section 573
1236. Sense of Congress on the importance of the Iron Dome system Congress supports the mission of the Department of Defense in helping Israel fend of attacks from Hamas by supporting the Iron Dome system.
Section 574
1237. Authority to build capacity of foreign security forces Section 333(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Counter-illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations. (10)Counter-illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing operations..
Section 575
1238. Report on training of Ukrainian armed forces Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an unclassified report on the presence of members of the Ukrainian armed forces within the geographic boundaries of the United States during and after fiscal year 2022. Such report shall also include the following information: The total number of Ukrainian service members trained, including pilots, disaggregated by fiscal year. The total number of funds expended to furnish goods and services to Ukrainian service members, disaggregated by fiscal year. The specific goods and services provided to Ukrainian service members by the Department of Defense while in the United States. The outcomes and any evaluation records of Ukrainian service members who completed such training.
Section 576
1239. Sense of Congress on defense by NATO member states It is the sense of Congress that each North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member state should commit to providing, at a minimum, 2 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense to continue to ensure NATO’s military readiness.
Section 577
1240. Report on war in Ukraine Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that includes information on causalities, wounded, and materials or equipment losses for both sides of the conflict.
Section 578
1241. Inclusion of special operations forces in planning and strategy relating to the Arctic region Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, shall develop and submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a Special Operations Forces Arctic Security Strategy, applicable across each component of the special operations forces and within each Armed Force (in this section referred to as the strategy). The strategy shall— build upon the findings of the report under section 1090(a)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) and the 2022 National Defense Strategy; facilitate a consistent understanding of Arctic security priorities across the Department of Defense and a common understanding of the use and purpose of special operations forces for Arctic activities across the Armed Forces, combatant commands, and other relevant elements of the Department of Defense; and promote greater use and prioritization of special operations forces capabilities, particularly with respect to the special operations force of the Army, in Arctic security planning and coordination with Indigenous populations and High North allies and partners. The strategy shall include the following: A plan for the leveraging of North American Indigenous Arctic populations, and the establishment of working definitions and parameters for cooperation with such populations in the following areas: Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance gathering. Improved Arctic training and operation tactics, techniques, and procedures. Empowering local populations to create solutions to regional issues. Building resilience against invasion and occupation and enhancing deterrence capabilities. Improving the capacity of allies and partners to build capabilities in the region that produce advantages against adversaries. Building United States credibility for combat operations in the region. Demonstrating United States commitment to improving living standards in the region. Any other area the of the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command determines appropriate. A requirement that special operations forces achieve readiness with respect to not more than two Arctic environments. With respect to terminology and working definitions of the Department— a requirement that— the use of the terms Arctic-capable and Arctic-ready may no longer be used in any document or other material produced by the Department of Defense that outlines Arctic strategies; the replacement terms Arctic-trained and Arctic-proficient shall be used in lieu of Arctic-capable and Arctic-ready, respectively; and the Department shall provide clear definitions and readiness requirements for each replacement term under clause (ii). a review of terminology, and the use of such terminology, relating to military doctrinal readiness (such as the terms trained and proficient) in the Arctic context, to ensure that the Armed Forces meet operational expectations and may fully partake in joint-training exercises with allies and partners of the United States. A description of the conditions necessary to establish a standardized pathway for self-validation for each Armed Force that requires units to be Arctic capable, with such standardized pathway being tailored to each Armed Force but consistent with respect to shared terminology, an agreed upon list of Arctic environments, and agreed upon standards to become Arctic capable in each such environment. A requirement that the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, include in any future years plan for the Arctic Security Initiative required under section 1090(b)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) the following: Updates on ongoing priorities for Arctic objectives of the special operations forces. Assessments of the integration of Arctic operations of the special operations forces, including the use of Indigenous approaches to domain awareness. A description of the activities and resources needed for the special operations forces to obtain readiness in the Arctic region, including manning, training, equipping, and funding requirements. Any other matter the Commander of the United States Northern Command and the Secretary of Defense jointly determine appropriate. A requirement that, on an annual basis, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a progress report (in unclassified form, but with the option of including a classified annex) on the implementation and use of the strategy, including— an assessment of the ability of the strategy to address new and ongoing concerns; areas relating to the strategy in need of improvement, including any new funding necessary; use of the strategy across each Armed Force; and an updated threat assessment with respect to the Arctic region. In this section, the term special operations forces means forces described under section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 579
1242. Report on allied contributions to the common defense It is the sense of Congress that— section 1003 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 (Public Law 98–525; 63 Stat. 2241)— expresses that due to threats that are ever-changing, Congress must be informed with respect to allied contributions to the common defense to properly assess the readiness of the United States and the countries described in subsection (b)(2) for threats; and requires that the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress an annual report on the contributions of allies to the common defense; the threats facing the United States— extend beyond the global war on terror; and include near-peer threats; and the President should seek from each country described in subsection (b)(2) acceptance of international security responsibilities and agreements to make contributions to the common defense in accordance with the collective defense agreements or treaties to which such country is a party. Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the heads of other Federal agencies, as the Secretary determines to be necessary, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing a description of— the annual defense spending by each country described in paragraph (2), including available data on nominal budget figures and defense spending as a percentage of the gross domestic products of each such country for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted; the activities of each such country to contribute to military or stability operations in which the Armed Forces of the United States are a participant or may be called upon in accordance with a cooperative defense agreement to which the United States is a party; any limitations placed by any such country on the use of such contributions; and any actions undertaken by the United States or by other countries to minimize such limitations. The countries described in this paragraph are the following: Each member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Each member country of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Each country party to the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty), done at Rio de Janeiro September 2, 1947, and entered into force December 3, 1948 (TIAS 1838). Australia. Japan. New Zealand. The Philippines. South Korea. Thailand. Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. A report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be made available on request to any Member of Congress. In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
Section 580
1243. Inclusion of information on relationship between China and Iran in certain Department of Defense annual report Section 1202(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Information on the burgeoning relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran. (9)Information on the burgeoning relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Iran..
Section 581
1244. Sense of Congress on international defense exhibitions It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and its agencies should not participate in the Eurosatory Exhibition in any way until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that France and the Commissariat Général des Expositions et Salons du GICAT (COGES) allow Israeli companies to fully participate in the Exhibition and are not using restrictions or the threat of restrictions on any party’s participation in the Exhibition as a means of deterring Israel from defending itself.
Section 582
1245. Report and strategy for United States involvement in Ukraine Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State, shall develop and submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains a strategy for United States involvement in Ukraine. The report required by subsection (a) shall— define the United States national interests at stake with respect to the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine; identify specific objectives the President believes must be achieved in Ukraine in order to protect the United States national interests defined in paragraph (1), and for each objective— an estimate of the amount of time required to achieve the objective, with an explanation; benchmarks to be used by the President to determine whether an objective has been met, is in the progress of being met, or cannot be met in the time estimated to be required in subparagraph (A); and estimates of the amount of resources, including United States personnel, materiel, and funding, required to achieve the objective; and list the expected contribution for security assistance made by European member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization within the next fiscal year. The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. Not later than 45 days after the date of the submission of the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees, and other Members of Congress that wish to participate, a briefing on the United States strategy with respect to Ukraine and plans for the implementation of such strategy. None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, or the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–50) may be made available for Ukraine until the report required by subsection (a) is submitted to the appropriate congressional committees and the briefing required by subsection (d) is held. In this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means— the congressional defense committees; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 583
1246. Report on multilateral exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on multilateral exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. The report required under paragraph (1) shall contain the following elements: An assessment of the effectiveness of multilateral military exercises hosted by United State allies and partners in the eastern Mediterranean in bolstering maritime energy security and counterterrorism in the region. Individual assessments of the potential benefits of including the following countries in future exercises and their readiness to participate based on interoperability: Bahrain. Egypt. Jordan. United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia The report required under paragraph (1) shall be transmitted in an unclassified form and may contain a classified annex.
Section 584
1247. Report on certain assistance to Ukraine Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to Congress a report reconciling all United States assistance to Ukraine, including all normal and supplemental Ukraine appropriations and drawdowns, from January 1, 2022, through the date of such submission. The report shall specifically detail the countries, entities, and individuals who received such assistance. The report required under subsection (a) shall also detail the following: All contracts awarded to third parties with enumerated amounts, including an identification of each such third party recipient and a specification of the amount awarded to each such third party. The total of appropriated or authorized amounts that have been obligated or expended, as well as the total amounts of authorized or appropriated funds that have not been so obligated or expended. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
Section 585
1248. Military cooperation with Morocco Congress finds the following: The United States recognizes the 20th anniversary of the African Lion exercise hosted by Morocco, a key United States ally in Africa and the Middle East. The African Lion exercise is United States Africa Command’s largest annual combined joint exercise. African Lion builds and maintains interoperability with our African and North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners and improves our ability to meet security related challenges together to address the growing threats from nation states, private military corporations, militias, non-state armed groups and violent extremist organizations, given the increasing presence of malign actors in Africa, including the Iranian regime and its proxies, particularly in North Africa and the Sahel. It is the policy of the United States to— support strengthening security cooperation with Morocco given increasing instability in Africa and the Middle East and provide for close cooperation between the United States and Morocco in order to contribute to the region’s broader security; and provide for the continuation of the African Lion exercise in future years will support the crucial efforts to address security challenges facing NATO’s southern flank. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing how the United States can improve its interoperability and cooperation with Morocco through the African Lion exercise to continue to address the growing threats in Africa, including the Iranian regime and its proxies, particularly in North Africa and the Sahel. In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 586
1249. Strategic partnership on defense industrial priorities between the United States and Israel The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense and appropriate counterparts of Israel in order to— enhance market opportunities for United States-based and Israeli-based defense technology companies; bolster Israel’s defense industrial base; harmonize global security posture through emerging technology; counter Iran and Iran-aligned adversarial proxy group development of dual-use defense technologies; and in coordination with appropriate counterpart offices of the Israeli ministry of defense— enable coordination on defense industrial priorities; streamline emerging defense technology research and development; create more pathways to market for defense technology startups; and collaborate on the development of dual-use defense capabilities through coordination.
Section 587
1250. Report on military activities of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China in the Arctic region Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the following: Any military activities of the Russian Federation in the Arctic region. Any military activities of the People’s Republic of China in the Arctic region. The report under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China, as applicable, the following: A description of military activities of such country in the Arctic region, including— the placement of military infrastructure, equipment, or forces; any exercises or other military activities; and activities that are ostensibly non-military in nature but are considered to have military or other strategic implications. An assessment of— the intentions of such activities by each such country; the extent to which such activities affect or threaten the interests of the United States and allies in the Arctic region; and any response to such activities by the United States or allies. A description of future plans and requirements with respect to such activities. A detailed description of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China’s cooperation in the Arctic region. A description of how the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and the resulting damage to its military forces have impacted the Russian Federation’s posture, activities, and policy in the Arctic region. A description of how the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has impacted the People’s Republic of China’s posture, activity and policy in the Arctic region. A description of how the United States and its allies in the Arctic region have adjusted their posture in response to any recent changes by the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China. A description of the activities of the Arctic Council and other Arctic fora of which the United States is a member over the preceding 3-year period, including— a description of how the U.S. Ambassador-at-large for the Arctic region would engage with the Arctic Council and other established Arctic fora; a description of the United States current role in the Arctic Council and what steps are being taken to ensure that the involvement of the Russian Federation does not detract from continued engagement with regional partners; a detailing of all meetings, round tables, working groups, and other official activities of the Arctic Council and other Arctic fora, including a description of which such events in which the Russian Federation did and did not participate; and a description of how the United States is utilizing current Arctic fora to develop and implement regional security strategies. Each report under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate. In this section, the term Arctic region has the meaning given the term Arctic in the Arctic Research and Policy Act (ARPA) of 1984 (Public Law 98–373).
Section 588
1251. Report on cooperative efforts to stop unmanned aerial systems The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of cooperation between the United States and Israel on efforts to counter threats by Iran in the form of unmanned aerial systems, including loitering munitions otherwise known as suicide or kamikaze drones. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committees; the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 589
1301. Extension and modification of Pacific Deterrence Initiative Subsection (c) of section 1251 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended— by striking the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 and inserting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025; and by striking fiscal year 2024 and inserting fiscal year 2025. Subsection (d)(1) of such section is amended— in subparagraph (A), by striking fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and inserting fiscal years 2026 and 2027; and in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following: An identification of performance goals and measures to advance the lines of effort of the Initiative relative to the operational requirements of the Initiative, determined in coordination with the Secretary of each military department. Subsection (e) of such section is amended— by striking fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and inserting fiscal years 2026 and 2027; and by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: A detailed description of the progress made toward achieving the performance goals and measures identified pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(B)(viii). (viii)An identification of performance goals and measures to advance the lines of effort of the Initiative relative to the operational requirements of the Initiative, determined in coordination with the Secretary of each military department.. (2)A detailed description of the progress made toward achieving the performance goals and measures identified pursuant to subsection (d)(1)(B)(viii)..
Section 590
1302. Modification of public reporting of Chinese Military Companies operating in the United States Section 1260H(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended— in paragraph (1), by inserting and a justification for the identification of each such entity, in classified or unclassified form, after , in classified and unclassified forms,; and in paragraph (2), by inserting and justification after list each place it appears.
Section 591
1303. Modifications to public reporting of Chinese military companies operating in the United States Subsection (b)(3) of section 1260H of the William M (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by striking an ongoing basis and inserting at least an annual basis. Such section is amended— by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and by inserting after subsection (c) the following: Not later than December 31, 2026, and biennially thereafter until December 31, 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of Department of Defense procurement restrictions on entities included in the list described in subsection (b)(1). The report required by this paragraph shall include the following: A list of entities included the list described in subsection (b)(1) likely present in the defense industrial base. Available unclassified data on the presence of entities included on the list described in subsection (b)(1) in the defense industrial base. Updates on policies and procedures implemented to enforce procurement restrictions on entities included the list described in subsection (b)(1). The Secretary of Defense shall establish such reasonable procedures as are necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including for obtaining information from outside entities relevant to the list described in subsection (b)(1) and procedures for removal of entities from the list described in subsection (b)(1). Paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of such section (as so redesignated) is amended— in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (B)— in clause (i)(I) to read as follows: directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or beneficially owned by, or in an official or unofficial capacity acting as an agent of or on behalf of, the People’s Liberation Army, Chinese military and paramilitary elements, security forces, police, law enforcement, border control, the People’s Armed Police, the Ministry of State Security, or any other organization subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party; or in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: includes wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates of an entity described in subparagraph (B). (d)Report and other additional matters(1)Report(A)In generalNot later than December 31, 2026, and biennially thereafter until December 31, 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of Department of Defense procurement restrictions on entities included in the list described in subsection (b)(1).(B)Matters to be includedThe report required by this paragraph shall include the following:(i)A list of entities included the list described in subsection (b)(1) likely present in the defense industrial base.(ii)Available unclassified data on the presence of entities included on the list described in subsection (b)(1) in the defense industrial base.(iii)Updates on policies and procedures implemented to enforce procurement restrictions on entities included the list described in subsection (b)(1).(2)Procedures for implementationThe Secretary of Defense shall establish such reasonable procedures as are necessary to implement the provisions of this section, including for obtaining information from outside entities relevant to the list described in subsection (b)(1) and procedures for removal of entities from the list described in subsection (b)(1).. (I)directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or beneficially owned by, or in an official or unofficial capacity acting as an agent of or on behalf of, the People’s Liberation Army, Chinese military and paramilitary elements, security forces, police, law enforcement, border control, the People’s Armed Police, the Ministry of State Security, or any other organization subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party; or; and (C)includes wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries and affiliates of an entity described in subparagraph (B). .
Section 592
1304. Establishment of Indo-Pacific medical readiness program Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a medical readiness program (referred to in this section as the Program) to partner with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to gain access to foreign medical facilities during peacetime and wartime operations and maintain military-wide strategies for medical readiness in the region. The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretaries of the military departments, the commanders of the combatant commands, and any other individual the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, shall be responsible for and oversee the Program. The objective of the Program shall be to promote the medical readiness of the Armed Forces and the military forces of partner countries for missions during peacetime and wartime operations by— reducing potential requirements for long distance medical evacuation to receive definitive patient care; increasing the medical capacity of the Department of Defense by expanding patient access to medical facilities across the Indo-Pacific region where and when appropriate; improving the standard of care through collaboration with foreign medical facilities to promote standardized medical procedures, patient care, and policies; and enhancing interoperability and interchangeability where feasible through shared patient record management techniques, medical equipment commonality, and coordination of medical care. In carrying out the Program, the Secretary of Defense should seek to conduct the following activities— assess and integrate current Department of Defense medical capabilities and capacities in the Indo-Pacific region into the Program; select an appropriate standard of accreditation to utilize when evaluating foreign medical facilities; coordinate with partner countries to identify and evaluate medical facilities for the Program; establish agreements with foreign medical facilities for potential use of the Program; establish policies and procedures— to reduce patient movement times in various countries in the Indo-Pacific region during peacetime and wartime operations; to standardize medical procedures, patient care, and policies; to securely share patient data with foreign countries when appropriate to do so, such as during a contingency; with respect to medical equipment commonality and interchangeability; and with respect to the coordination of medical care; and integrate the Program into operational plans of the combatant commands. Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit a strategy for the implementation of the Program to— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A governance structure for the Program, including— the officials tasked to oversee the Program; the format of the governing body of the Program; the functions and duties of such governing body with respect to establishing and maintaining the Program; and mechanisms for coordinating with partner countries selected to participate in the Program. With respect to the selection of partner countries initially selected to participate in the Program— an identification of each such country; the rationale for selecting each such country; and any other information the Secretary considers appropriate. A campaign of objectives for the first 3 fiscal years of the Program, including— a description of, and a rational for selecting, such objectives; an identification of milestones toward achieving such objectives; and metrics for evaluating success in achieving such objectives. A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate. A list of additional authorities, appropriations, or other congressional support necessary to ensure the success of the Program. Any other information the Secretary considers appropriate. The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. Not later than September 20, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit a report on the Program to— the congressional defense committees; the Committee of Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A narrative summary of activities conducted as part of the Program during the preceding fiscal year. Except in the case of the initial report, an assessment of progress toward the objectives established for the preceding fiscal year described in the preceding report under this subsection using the metrics established in such report. A campaign of objectives for the 3 fiscal years following the date of submission of the report, including— a description of, and a rational for selecting, such objectives; an identification of milestones toward achieving such objectives; and metrics for evaluating success in achieving such objectives. A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate. Any other information the Under Secretary considers appropriate. Each report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Section 593
1305. Prohibition on use of funds to promote a one country, two systems solution for Taiwan None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense fiscal year 2025 may be used to promote a one country, two systems solution for Taiwan.
Section 594
1306. Modification of Prohibition on Participation of the People’s Republic of China in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Naval Exercises Section 1259 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 321 note) is amended by striking subsection (b).
Section 595
1307. Language requirements for public reporting of Chinese military companies operating in the United States Section 1260H(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note), as amended by section 1302, is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Secretary shall make the list required under paragraph (1) in English and in Mandarin Chinese. If the name of a Chinese military company included on the list is referred to by the Government of China in a language other than English or Mandarin Chinese, the Secretary shall also include on the list the name of that company in that language. (4)Language requirementThe Secretary shall make the list required under paragraph (1) in English and in Mandarin Chinese. If the name of a Chinese military company included on the list is referred to by the Government of China in a language other than English or Mandarin Chinese, the Secretary shall also include on the list the name of that company in that language..
Section 596
1308. Modification of prohibition on participation of People’s Republic of China in Rim of the Pacific exercises Section 1259(a)(1) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 321 note) is amended— in subparagraph (C), by striking and; in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: held an internationally recognized free and fair presidential election. (E)held an internationally recognized free and fair presidential election..
Section 597
1311. Sense of Congress on South Korea It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should reinforce the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea in support of the shared objective of a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula, including by— maintaining the presence of approximately 28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces deployed to the country, enhancing mutual defense industrial base cooperation; and affirming the United States commitment to extended deterrence using the full range of United States defense capabilities, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea, signed at Washington, October 1, 1953.
Section 598
1312. Sense of Congress on Taiwan defense relations It is the sense of Congress that— the United States’ one China policy, as guided by the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Three Communiques between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, and the Six Assurances provided by the United States to Taiwan in July 1982, is the foundation for United States-Taiwan relations; as set forth in the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means, and that any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by other than peaceful means, including boycotts and embargoes, is of grave concern to the United States; the increasingly coercive and aggressive behavior of the People’s Republic of China toward Taiwan is contrary to the expectation of the peaceful resolution of the future of Taiwan; as set forth in the Taiwan Relations Act, the capacity to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan should be maintained; the United States should continue to support the development of capable, ready, and modern defense forces necessary for Taiwan to maintain sufficient defensive capabilities, including by— supporting acquisition by Taiwan of defense articles and services through foreign military sales, direct commercial sales, and industrial cooperation, with an emphasis on capabilities that support an asymmetric strategy; ensuring timely review of and response to requests of Taiwan for defense articles and services; conducting practical training and military exercises with Taiwan that enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient defensive capabilities, as described in the Taiwan Relations Act; exchanges between defense officials and officers of the United States and Taiwan at the strategic, policy, and functional levels, consistent with the Taiwan Travel Act (Public Law 115–135; 132 Stat. 341), especially for the purposes of— enhancing cooperation on defense planning; improving the interoperability of the military forces of the United States and Taiwan; and improving the reserve force of Taiwan; cooperating with Taiwan to improve its ability to employ military capabilities in asymmetric ways, as described in the Taiwan Relations Act; and expanding cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and the United States should increase its support to a free and open society in the face of aggressive efforts by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to curtail or influence the free exercise of rights and democratic franchise.
Section 599
1313. Consideration of Taiwan for enhanced defense industrial base cooperation Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the head of any other relevant Federal department or agency, shall take measures to ensure that Taiwan is appropriately considered for enhanced defense industrial base cooperation activities aligned with the United States National Defense Industrial Strategy to expand global defense production, increase supply chain security and resilience, and meet the defense needs of Taiwan. Consideration for enhanced defense industrial base cooperation activities under paragraph (1) shall include the consideration of Taiwan for the following: Eligibility for funding to initiate or facilitate cooperative research, development, testing, or evaluation projects with the Department of Defense. Eligibility to enter into a memorandum of understanding or other formal agreement with the Department of Defense for the purpose of conducting cooperative research and development projects on defense equipment and munitions, with a focus on enhancing the defense industry and supply chain resilience of Taiwan. The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Government of Taiwan, and representatives of the United States defense industry, shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of entering into one or more defense industrial agreements with Taiwan. The study required by paragraph (1) shall— evaluate the strategic benefits and implications of entering into a defense industrial agreement with Taiwan, including with respect to— long-term supply chain security and resilience; mutual supply of defense goods and services; supply of regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities and any other support capability the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate; and the promotion of interoperability; account for the legal, economic, and defense policy aspects of a closer defense procurement partnership between the United States and Taiwan; and include a list of not fewer than five defense capabilities— developed by, and produced in, Taiwan; and that require expedited licenses for components produced in the United States; or developed by the United States but for which the United States defense industry cannot meet the demand of Taiwan on a timely basis so as to necessitate production in Taiwan. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
Section 600
1314. Modification to annual report on military and security developments involving the People's Republic of China Section 1202(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended— by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph (5): The military and security developments concerning the Tibetan Plateau. (5)The military and security developments concerning the Tibetan Plateau..
Section 601
1315. Designation of official responsible for coordination of department of defense efforts to monitor People’s Liberation Army overseas basing efforts Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an official to be responsible for, in coordination with appropriate officials within the Department of Defense— coordinating Department of Defense efforts to monitor the People’s Liberation Army’s network of overseas military bases and its global pursuit of military access agreements; representing the Department of Defense in the interagency process on issues related to responsibilities described in paragraph (1); and consulting regularly with the congressional defense committees to keep such committees fully informed on all matters relating to the responsibilities described in paragraph (1). Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense makes the designation under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification that includes the name of the individual so designated. Not later than December 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until December 1, 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing, for the period covered by the year prior to the report, matters relating to the efforts described in subsection (a). Each report submitted under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. This section shall cease to have effect on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 602
1316. Report on prohibition with respect to certain Federal grants to ensure research security Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall prepare and submit to the congressional defense committees and the congressional intelligence committees a report on the feasibility and effects of implementing the prohibition described in subsection (b) with respect to the provision of certain Federal research grants by elements of the Department of Defense. The prohibition described in this subsection shall include the following elements: Except as provided under paragraph (2), the head of any element of the Department of Defense may not award a Federal grant for research to any institution or person if the head of such element cannot verify that none of the individuals, institutions, or entities that partner with the grantee, formally or informally, are, as applicable— individuals from institutions located in any country of concern; or institutions or entities from or located in any country of concern. The head of an element of the Department of Defense may, on a nondelegable basis except with respect to the deputy head of such element, waive the prohibition under paragraph (1) on a case-by-case basis upon notification, not later than 30 days after the date such waiver is granted, to each appropriate congressional committee of jurisdiction. The contents of a waiver reported under paragraph (2) may be reported in classified or unclassified form, as determined appropriate by the head of the element of the Department of Defense concerned. For purposes of this section, the term country of concern has the meaning given that term in section 1(m)(1) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)(1)).
Section 603
1317. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment entities which produce or co-produce for Chinese propaganda None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 may be made available to knowingly provide active and direct support to any entertainment company or project if the Secretary of Defense has demonstrable evidence that— the entertainment company has entered into or maintains an agreement for the purposes of production or co-production of a project with a covered entity that has used, produced, or co-produced entertainment content for propaganda purposes; or the entertainment project is produced or co-produced with a covered entity that has used, produced, or co-produced entertainment content for propaganda purposes. In this section, the term covered entity means any media entity owned by or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Republic of China, or the People’s Liberation Army. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a written certification that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a policy that describes how the Department of Defense shall update its processes to review requests to provide active or direct support to any entertainment company or project to comply with the requirements of this section.
Section 604
1318. Invitation to Taiwan to the rim of the Pacific exercise The Secretary of Defense is directed to invite the naval forces of Taiwan to any Rim of the Pacific Exercise that is to take place following the date of enactment of this Act.
Section 605
1319. Report on feasibility of developing and deploying asymmetric naval assets in defense of Taiwan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall submit a classified report, along with an unclassified summary, to the appropriate congressional committees that contains an assessment of— the feasibility of developing and deploying asymmetric naval assets for a potential defense of Taiwan; whether Taiwan’s ability to deter, or in the alternative confront, a maritime invasion by the People’s Republic of China would be enhanced by deployment of small, high-speed, long-range (200 or more nautical miles), extreme-weather-capable, reduced-radar-signature boats with the capacity for launching missiles, addressing subsurface threats or delivering and recovering small troop units to coastal and littoral locations in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait, and, if so, in what number and in what configurations; whether existing and planned Tuo Chiang class catamaran-hulled corvettes are naval assets capable of fully meeting the needs of an effective asymmetric naval defense strategy; and the vulnerability of Taiwan’s existing larger-platform surface naval fleet, including Keelung-class destroyers, Cheung Kung-class frigates, Chi Yang-class frigates, Kang Ding-class frigates. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 606
1320. Report on impact of the malign influence of China and Russia Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as necessary, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes a detailed assessment of the impact of the malign influence of China and Russia in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean on the national security and economic interests of the United States. The report required by subsection (a) shall also include the following: A detailed description of the— current political, economic, and social stability of Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean; economic investments of Russia and China in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and the collateral conditions; impact of the presence of Russia and China in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean on democracy and diplomacy; and use of private military companies by Russia and China to advance political, economic, and military interests. An assessment of the— direct and indirect impacts of Russia and China’s presence in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean on the national and regional security interests of the United States; current United States military and diplomatic strategies in response to the expansion of Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean; assets and resources available to counter threats from Russia and China, and protect the security interests of the United States; and United States military force posture in Africa, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form without any designation relating to dissemination control, but may include a classified annex.
Section 607
1321. Report on support for Taiwan’s military preparedness Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment on the feasibility of economic tools to deter the People’s Republic of China from conducting covered contingencies. An assessment by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, on how covered countries would likely respond to various covered contingencies. A description of the policy changes the Secretary of State would recommend in response to covered contingencies. A description of the messaging the Secretary of State would employ to in response to covered contingencies. The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in classified form with an unclassified summary. In this section— the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Banking of the Senate; the term covered contingencies include— a military strike or invasion of one or more of Taiwan’s off-shore islands, including Kinmen, Matsu, Wuciou, and Taiping Island; a military strike against the Island of Taiwan or Penghu; a commercial blockade of Taiwan in which international vessels are subjected to search or seizure by the People’s Liberation Army; a major cyber-attack against the critical infrastructure of Taiwan; and a seizure of one or several of Taiwan’s outlining islands or territorial claims; and the term “covered countries” means Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and any other country the Secretary of State determines to be relevant.
Section 608
1401. Working capital funds Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for providing capital for working capital and revolving funds, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Section 609
1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense, as specified in the funding table in section 4501. Amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) are authorized for— the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions in accordance with section 1412 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521); and the destruction of chemical warfare materiel of the United States that is not covered by section 1412 of such Act.
Section 610
1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense-wide, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Section 611
1404. Defense Inspector General Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Section 612
1405. Defense Health Program Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for the Defense Health Program for use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for providing for the health of eligible beneficiaries, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Section 613
1411. Use of domestic sources by National Defense Stockpile Section 15(a)(1) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h-6(a)(1)) is amended by inserting , to the maximum extent practicable after stockpile.
Section 614
1412. Restoring the National Defense Stockpile Not later than April 15, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan that includes the following: A identification of the strategic and critical materials for which there is a shortfall in the National Defense Stockpile, as determined by the Secretary, and the estimated cost of resolving such shortfalls. A description of the effect of the shortfall identified under paragraph (1) on military systems and operations identified by the Secretary if the strategic and critical materials for which there is such a shortfall became unavailable; A plan for resolving the shortfall identified under paragraph (1) and to avoid any future shortfall in the National Defense Stockpile— with respect to the military and industrial needs of the United States during a national emergency, not later than December 31, 2027; and with respect to the essential civilian needs of the United States during a national emergency, not later than December 31, 2029. A plan to prioritize the procurement of strategic and critical materials to resolve the shortfall identified under paragraph (1) which includes the procurement of the following: Rare earth elements and critical minerals. Energetic materials (as defined in section 148 of title 10, United States Code). Spare or replacement parts for weapon systems of the Department of Defense. Materials for trusted and assured microelectronics for the Department of Defense. A description of the additional funds that would be necessary to resolve the shortfall identified under paragraph (1) if the National Defense Stockpile was required to meet the national defense needs of the United States for a period of— not less than two years during a national emergency; and not less than three years during a national emergency. In this section: The term national emergency has the meaning given such term under section 12 of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–3). The term strategic and critical materials means materials determined pursuant to section 3(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b(a)) to be strategic and critical materials.
Section 615
1413. Consultations with respect to environmental review of certain projects relating to availability of strategic and critical materials for acquisition for National Defense Stockpile In the case of a covered project that will result in an increase in the availability of strategic and critical materials for acquisition for the Stockpile, the Secretary shall consult with the head of any cooperating agency or participating agency responsible for the environmental review for the project. In this section: The terms cooperating agencies, covered project, environmental review, and participating agency have the meanings given those terms section 41001 of the FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m). The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense. The term Stockpile means the National Defense Stockpile established under section 3 of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b). The term strategic and critical materials means materials, including rare earth elements, that are necessary to meet national defense and national security requirements, including requirements relating to supply chain resiliency, and for the economic security of the United States.
Section 616
1421. Extension of authorities for funding and management of Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for Captain James A. Lovell Health Care Center, Illinois Section 1704(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2573), as most recently amended by section 104 of division E of the Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117–180, 136 Stat. 2137), is amended by striking September 30, 2024 and inserting September 30, 2025. Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for section 1405 and available for the Defense Health Program for operation and maintenance, $162,500,000 may be transferred by the Secretary of Defense to the Joint Department of Defense–Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund established by subsection (a)(1) of section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2571). For purposes of subsection (a)(2) of such section 1704, any funds so transferred shall be treated as amounts authorized and appropriated specifically for the purpose of such a transfer. For the purposes of subsection (b) of such section 1704, facility operations for which funds transferred under subsection (b) of this section may be used are operations of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, consisting of the North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Navy Ambulatory Care Center, and supporting facilities designated as a combined Federal medical facility under an operational agreement covered by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4500).
Section 617
1422. Eligibility of Space Force officers for membership on Armed Forces Retirement Home Advisory Council Section 1502(5) of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 (24 U.S.C. 401(5)) is amended— in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital of the Space Force. Section 1502(6) of such Act (24 U.S.C. 401(6)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: The Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. (F)the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital of the Space Force.. (F)The Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force..
Section 618
1423. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund the sum of $69,520,000 of which— $68,520,000 is for operating expenses; and $1,000,000 is for capital maintenance and construction.
Section 619
1501. Authority to accept voluntary and uncompensated services from cybersecurity experts Section 167b(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Commander of the United States Cyber Command may accept voluntary and uncompensated services from cybersecurity experts, notwithstanding the provisions of section 1342 of title 31, and may delegate such authority to the chiefs of the armed forces. (4)The Commander of the United States Cyber Command may accept voluntary and uncompensated services from cybersecurity experts, notwithstanding the provisions of section 1342 of title 31, and may delegate such authority to the chiefs of the armed forces..
Section 620
1502. Establishment of the Department of Defense Hackathon program Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, shall establish a program (to be known as the Department of Defense Hackathon Program) under which the commanders of combatant commands and the Secretaries of the military departments shall carry out not fewer than four Hackathons each year. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense shall develop and implement standards for carrying out Hackathons, provide supporting technical infrastructure to the host of each Hackathon, and determine the hosts each year under subsection (c)(1). Each year, two commanders of combatant commands shall each carry out a Hackathon and two Secretaries of a military department shall each carry out a Hackathon, as determined by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense in accordance with this subsection. The commanders of combatant commands and the Secretaries of military departments carrying out Hackathons pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall change each year. Each host of a Hackathon shall— provide to the participants invited to participate in such Hackathon a per diem allowance in accordance with section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, or section 452 of title 37, United States Code, as applicable; and not later than 60 days after the completion of such Hackathon, make available to the Department of Defense a report on such Hackathon. Any commander of a combatant command or Secretary of a military department may carry out a Hackathon in addition to the Hackathons required under paragraph (1). The host of each Hackathon shall establish objectives for the Hackathon that address a critical, technical challenge of the combatant command or military department of the host, as applicable, through the use of individuals with specialized and relevant skills, including data scientists, developers, software engineers, and other specialists as determined appropriate by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense or the host. In addition to the objectives established by the host of a Hackathon under subparagraph (A), the objectives for each Hackathon shall include— fostering innovation across the Department of Defense, including in military departments and the combatant commands; and creating repeatable processes enabling the commanders of combatant commands and the Secretaries of the military departments to more rapidly identify and develop solutions to critical, technical challenges across the Department of Defense. In this section— the term Hackathon means an event carried out under the Program at which employees across the Department of Defense meet to collaboratively attempt to develop functional software or hardware solutions during the event to solve a critical, technical challenge determined by the host; the term host, with respect to a Hackathon, means the commander of the combatant command or the Secretary of the military department carrying out the Hackathon; the term military department has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code; and the term Program means the program established under subsection (a).
Section 621
1503. Department of Defense Information Network subordinate unified command Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network as a subordinate unified command under the United States Cyber Command. On the date on which the Secretary of Defense makes the designation required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall issue to the Secretary of each military department (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Under Secretaries of the Department of Defense, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, the commander of each combatant command, and the head of each Defense Agency and Department of Defense Field Activity (as such terms are defined, respectively, in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code) a notice regarding— the designation of the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network as a subordinate unified command under the United States Cyber Command; and the mission of the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network as the lead organization for the network operations, security, and defense of the Department of Defense Information Network.
Section 622
1504. Accounting of cloud computing capabilities of the Department of Defense Not later than October 15, 2025, and every six months thereafter, the Chief Information Office of the Department, in coordination with the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department, shall provide to the congressional defense committees a report listing the current and planned cloud elements of the Department and containing the roadmap required under subsection (b). Each report under subsection (a) shall include for each current or planned cloud element of the Department a detailed roadmap that includes the following: The dates for any planned or ongoing replacement, update, modification, or retirement of the cloud element, including— specific dates for— any planned or ongoing major updates or upgrades of such cloud element; and the use of interim capabilities by or in place of such cloud element; and dates for such other activities with respect to such cloud element as determined appropriate by the Chief Information Officer of the Department. Relevant cost metrics for the cloud element, including the current program cost, cost-to-complete, and incremental costs. The contracting method used, being used, or planned to be used, as applicable, to acquire the cloud element, and in the case of a contractor reselling the cloud element of another entity to the Department, from whom such contractor is obtaining such cloud element. The element of the Department responsible for managing the cloud element, the users of such cloud element, and such other information regarding the management of such could element as the Chief Information Officer of the Department determines appropriate. Relevant metrics regarding the interoperability, accessibility, and usability of such cloud element, as determined by Chief Information Officer of the Department. An assessment of the compliance of the cloud element with the applicable information technology principles and standards of the Department. An assessment of any unique attributes of the cloud element that may inhibit the introduction, replacement, update, modification, or retirement of such cloud element. An assessment of the dependencies, if any, between the cloud element and the introduction, replacement, update, modification, and retirement of any other cloud element of the Department. At the same time the budget of the President is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2027 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on any changes to the roadmap required under subsection (b), including, for each such change, a description and the detailed budgetary effects. This section shall terminate on December 31, 2030. In this section— the term cloud element means a cloud computing capability, environment, architecture, or system; and the term Department means the Department of Defense.
Section 623
1511. Protective measures for mobile devices within the Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a detailed evaluation of the cybersecurity products and services for mobile devices to identify products and services that may improve the cybersecurity of mobile devices used by the Department of Defense, including mitigating the risk to the Department of Defense from cyber attacks against mobile devices. In carrying out the evaluation required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall evaluate each of the following technologies: Anonymizing-enabling technologies, including dynamic selector rotation, un-linkable payment structures, and anonymous onboarding. Network-enabled full content inspection. Mobile-device case hardware solutions. On-device virtual private networks. Protected Domain Name Server infrastructure. Extended coverage for mobile device endpoint detection. Smishing, phishing, and business text or email compromise protection leveraging generative artificial intelligence. Any other emerging or established technologies determined appropriate by the Secretary. In carrying out the evaluation required under subsection (a), for each technology described in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall— assess the efficacy and value of the cybersecurity provided by the technology for mobile devices; assess the feasibility of scaling the technology across the entirety or components of the Department of Defense, including the timeline for deploying the technology across the entirety or components of the Department of Defense; and evaluate the ability of the Department of Defense to integrate the technology with the existing cybersecurity architecture of the Department of Defense. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report of the findings of the evaluation carried out under subsection (a), including a determination whether the Department of Defense or any component thereof should procure or incorporate any of the technologies evaluated pursuant to subsection (b).
Section 624
1512. Strategy to improve the use of air and missile defense partner sharing network capabilities with allies and partners in the middle east Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy to improve cooperation with respect to air and missile defense efforts between the Department of Defense and allies and partners of the United States located in the Middle East. The strategy submitted pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following: A summary of ongoing efforts to develop a joint air and missile defense partner-sharing network capability for allies and partners of the United States who are located in the Middle East. A summary of challenges to the development of such a joint partner-sharing network capability, including partner-nation actions or decisions. Recommendations for actions that can be taken to address the challenges summarized pursuant to paragraph (2). Recommendations for applying lessons learned from air and missile attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran and proxies of the Islamic Republic of Iran on United States forces and forces of allies and partners of the United States following October 7, 2023, to the development of such a joint partner-sharing network capability. An assessment of how such a joint partner-sharing network capability could— demonstrate new tools, techniques, or methodologies for data-driven decision making, including capabilities powered by artificial intelligence; accelerate sharing of relevant data, data visualization, and data analysis implemented through cryptographic data access controls and enforcing existing data sharing restrictions across multiple security levels; and leverage current activities in multi-cloud computing environments to reduce the reliance on solely hardware-based networking solutions. Recommendations for actions that can be taken to develop and integrate such a joint partner-sharing network capability with allies and partners of the United States in the Middle East, including identification of policy, resources, workforce, or other shortfalls. Such other matters as the Secretary considers relevant. The strategy required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 625
1521. Usability of antiquated data formats for modern operations Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop— a strategy— for the Department of Defense, including each of the military departments, to implement and use modern data formats as the primary method of electronic communication for command and control activities and for weapon systems, including sensors associated with such weapon systems; and which accounts for specific needs of each military department with respect to such implementation and use of modern data formats; and an associated five-year roadmap for such implementation. The strategy and roadmap required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: The activities of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense to increase and synchronize the use of modern data formats and modern data sharing standards across the Department of Defense, including the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense. The activities of the military departments to increase the use of modern data formats and modern data sharing standards for command and control systems, weapon systems, and sensors associated with such weapon systems. An identification of barriers to the use of modern data formats and modern data sharing standards within weapon systems and sensors associated with such weapon systems across the Department of Defense, including the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense. An identification of barriers to the use of modern data formats and modern data sharing standards within command and control systems across the Department of Defense, including the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense. An identification of limitations on combined joint all-domain command and control capabilities resulting from the use of antiquated data formats, including— the Extensible Markup Language file format; the JavaScript Object Notation data format; the Binary JavaScript Object Notation data format; and the Protocol Buffers data format. Upon completion of the strategy and roadmap required under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives such strategy. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act— the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program under which the Department of Defense, other than the military departments, shall use modern data formats to improve the usability and functionality of information stored or produced in antiquated data formats, including by converting such information to modern data formats; and each Secretary of a military department shall establish a pilot program under which such military department shall use modern data formats as described in subparagraph (A). Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall each submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the progress of the pilot program established by such Secretary under this subsection, including specific examples of the use of modern data formats under such pilot program to improve the usability and functionality of information stored or produced in antiquated data formats. Each pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section, the term military department has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 626
1522. Modernization of the Department of Defense’s Authorization to Operate processes Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense and in coordination with the Chief Information Officers of the military departments, shall establish and regularly update a digital directory of all authorizing officials in the military departments. The directory established under paragraph (1) shall include— the most current contact information for such authorizing official; and a list of each training required to perform the duties and responsibilities of an authorizing official completed by such authorizing official. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officers of the military departments shall jointly develop and implement a policy and guidance— requiring authorizing officials in the military departments to presume the cybersecurity of a cloud-based platform, service, or application that has already been accredited by another authorizing official in a military department for the same or similar purposes and the same classification level when determining whether to approve or deny a request for an Authorization to Operate for such cloud-based platform, service, or application; and requiring authorizing officials in the military departments to consult with the current or planned mission owners of a cloud-based platform, service, or application that will use such cloud-based platform, service, or application pursuant to an Authorization to Operate for such cloud-based platform, service, or application when such authorizing official is making a determination whether to approve or deny the request for such Authorization to Operate. The policy and guidance required under paragraph (1) shall— require each relevant authorizing official in a military department who is making a determination to approve or deny a request for an Authorization to Operate for a cloud-based platform, service, or application to ensure that documentation containing all of the relevant details of the cybersecurity, accreditation, performance, and operational capabilities of such cloud-based platform, service, or application is easily accessible and comprehensible to all relevant stakeholders with respect to such request; and require the development and implementation of a system for the digital sharing of the documentation described in subparagraph (A), including documenting the communication and acknowledgment of the uses of cloud-based platforms, services, and applications between mission owners and system owners of such cloud-based platforms, services, and applications. The policy and guidance developed under this subsection shall apply with respect to all cloud-based platforms, services, and applications capabilities operating across accredited cloud environments of the military departments, to the extent practicable. In this section— the term Authorization to Operate has the meaning given such term in the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-130; the term authorizing official means an officer who is authorized to assume responsibility for operating an information system at an acceptable level of risk to organizational operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), organizational assets, individuals, other organizations and the United States; the term military departments has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code; the term mission owner means the user of a cloud-based platform, service, or application; and the term system owner means the element of the Department of Defense responsible for acquiring a cloud-based platform, service, or application, but which is not a mission owner of such cloud-based platform, service, or application.
Section 627
1523. Assessment of innovative data analysis and information technology solutions Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of an assessment of the implementation by the Department of Defense of innovative data analysis and information technology solutions that could improve risk management, agility, and capabilities for strategic defense purposes.
Section 628
1531. Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting Section 1555 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 581; 10 U.S.C. 503 note) is amended— in subsection (a), by striking does not and all that follows and inserting the following: does not— rate or rank news or information sources for the factual accuracy of their content; provide ratings or opinions on news or information sources regarding misinformation, bias, adherence to journalistic standards, or ethics; or acquire or use any service that provides any ratings, rankings, or opinions described in paragraph (1) or (2) from any other individual or entity. by striking subsection (c). does not—(1)rate or rank news or information sources for the factual accuracy of their content;(2)provide ratings or opinions on news or information sources regarding misinformation, bias, adherence to journalistic standards, or ethics; or(3)acquire or use any service that provides any ratings, rankings, or opinions described in paragraph (1) or (2) from any other individual or entity.; and
Section 629
1532. Report on total force generation for the Cyberspace Operations Forces Section 1533(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 167b note) is amended by adding at the end the following: Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary shall submit to congressional defense committees the study required in subsection (a) and any supporting analyses conducted by other entities, including federally funded research and development centers. (4)ReportNot later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary shall submit to congressional defense committees the study required in subsection (a) and any supporting analyses conducted by other entities, including federally funded research and development centers..
Section 630
1533. Access to national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system The Chief Information Officer shall, as soon as practicable, implement at each facility of the Department access to the universal telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system described in section 251(e)(4) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 251(e)(4)). Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the resources required to implement the access described in subsection (a) at each facility of the Department. The report required by paragraph (1) shall include— a timeline for the implementation of the access described in subsection (a), disaggregated by geographic location to the extent determined appropriate by the Chief Information Officer; a description of the actions required to implement such access at facilities of the Department located outside of the United States; and an analysis of the feasibility and cost of automatically conveying dispatchable location information with each call to the universal telephone number described in subsection (a) from a facility of the Department. In this section— the term Chief Information Officer means the Chief Information Officer of the Department; the term Department means the Department of the Defense; and the term dispatchable information means the street address of the calling party and additional information such as room number, floor number, or similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.
Section 631
1534. Limitation on availability of travel funds Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until— the Secretary of Defense complies with the applicable requirements in section 1521 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 2224 note); and the Secretary of Defense and each Department employee comply with the congressional reporting requirements that are applicable to the Secretary or such Department employee, respectively, in— sections 1636(c), 1644, and 1645 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1720); sections 1720, 1736, and 1750 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4078); sections 1501, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1510, and 1526 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2020); and sections 1504, 1506, 1507, and 1509 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2876). Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for Operation and Maintenance, Army, for the official travel of the Secretary of the Army, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary complies with the congressional reporting requirements applicable to the Secretary in— section 1505 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 394 note); and section 1723 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 394 note). Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for Operation and Maintenance, Navy, for the official travel of the Secretary of the Navy, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary complies with the congressional reporting requirements applicable to the Secretary in— section 1505 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 394 note); and section 1723 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 394 note). Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for Operation and Maintenance, Air Force, for the official travel of the Secretary of the Air Force, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary complies with the congressional reporting requirements applicable to the Secretary in— section 1505 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 394 note); and section 1723 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 394 note). For the purposes of this subsection, with respect to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the military departments, and employees of the Department of Defense, compliance with a congressional reporting requirement includes such submitting or otherwise providing, as applicable, each report, briefing, and other written material the Secretary of Defense, such Secretary of a military department, or such employee of the Department of Defense, as applicable, is required to have submitted or otherwise provided under such unmet congressional reporting requirement prior to the date of the enactment of this Act that has not been submitted or otherwise provided. In this section— the term congressional reporting requirement means a requirement to submit or otherwise provide a report, briefing, or any other written material or oral presentation to Congress or any congressional committee; the term Department employee means an employee of the Department of Defense, other than an employee in a military department; and the term military department has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 632
1535. Prohibition on disestablishment or merger of officer career paths within the Cyber Branch of the United States Army Beginning on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army is prohibited from any actions to disestablish or merge the Cyber Warfare Officer and Cyber Electromagnetic Warfare Officer career paths within the Cyber Branch of the United States Army.
Section 633
1536. Independent evaluation regarding potential establishment of United States Cyber Force The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (in this section referred to as the National Academies) for the National Academies to conduct the evaluation under subsection (b) and submit the report under subsection (e). The Secretary shall seek to enter into the agreement described in paragraph (1) by not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Under an agreement between the Secretary and the National Academies entered into pursuant to subsection (a), the National Academies shall conduct an evaluation regarding the advisability of— establishing a separate Armed Force in the Department of Defense dedicated to operations in the cyber domain (in this section referred to as the United States Cyber Force); or refining and further evolving the current organizational approach for United States Cyber Command, which is based on the Special Operations Command model. The evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include consideration of— the potential establishment of a United States Cyber Force as a separate Armed Force in the Department of Defense commensurate with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, for the purpose of organizing, training, and equipping the personnel required to enable and conduct operations in the cyber domain through positions aligned to the United States Cyber Command and other unified combatant commands; a United States Cyber Force able to devise and implement recruiting and retention policies specific to the range of skills and career fields required to enable and conduct cyberspace operations, as determined by the United States Cyber Command and other unified combatant commands; the performance and efficacy of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense in satisfying the requirements of the current Force Generation Model to enable and conduct operations in the cyber domain through positions aligned to the United States Cyber Command and other unified combatant commands; the historical performance and efficacy of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense in devising and implementing recruitment and retention policies specific to the range of skills and career fields required to enable and conduct cyberspace operations, as determined by the United States Cyber Command and other unified combatant commands; potential and recommended delineations of responsibility between the other Armed Forces in the Department of Defense and a United States Cyber Force with respect to network management, resourcing, and operations; potential and recommended delineations of responsibility with respect to organizing, training, and equipping members of the Cyberspace Operations Forces, not serving in positions aligned under the Cyber Mission Force, to the extent necessary to support network management and operations; views and perspectives of members of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense, in each grade, serving in the Cyber Mission Force with experience in operational work roles (as defined by the Commander of the United States Cyber Command), and military and civilian leaders across the Department regarding the establishment of a Cyber Force; the extent to which each of the other Armed Forces in the Department of Defense is formed towards, and organized around, operations within a given warfighting domain, and the potential applicability of such formation and organizing constructs to a United States Cyber Force with respect to the cyber domain; findings from previous relevant assessments, analyses, and studies conducted by the Secretary, the Comptroller General of the United States, or other entities determined relevant by the National Academies on the establishment of a United States Cyber Force; the organizing constructs for effective and operationally mature cyber forces of foreign countries, and the relevance of such constructs to the potential creation of a United States Cyber Force; lessons learned from the creation of the United States Space Force that should be applied to the creation of a United States Cyber Force; recommendations for approaches to the creation of a United States Cyber Force that would minimize disruptions to Department of Defense cyber operations; the histories of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense, including an analysis of the conditions that preceded the establishment of each new Armed Force in the Department of Defense established since 1900; a comparison between the potential service secretariat leadership structures for a United States Cyber Force, including but not limited to, establishing the United States Cyber Force within an existing military department; and the cumulative potential costs and effects associated with the establishment for a United States Cyber Force. The evaluation conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include an evaluation how a potential United States Cyber Force dedicated to the cyber domain would compare in performance and efficacy to the current model with respect to the following functions: Organizing, training, and equipping the size of a force necessary to satisfy existing and projected requirements of the Department of Defense. Harmonizing training requirements and programs in support of cyberspace operations. Recruiting and retaining qualified officers and enlisted members of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense at the levels necessary to execute cyberspace operations. Using reserve component forces in support of cyberspace operations. Sustaining persistent force readiness. Acquiring and providing cyber capabilities in support of cyberspace operations. Establishing pay parity among members of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense serving in and qualified for work roles in support of cyberspace operations. Establishing pay parity among civilians serving in and qualified for work roles in support of cyberspace operations. Establishing advancement parity for members of the Armed Forces in the Department of Defense serving in and qualified for work roles in support of cyberspace operations. Establishing advancement parity for civilians serving in and qualified for work roles in support of cyberspace operations. Developing professional military education content and curricula focused on the cyber domain. Providing robust and unique legal support to current and future operations in the cyber domain. Offering medical support to address unique psychological strains as a result of high operational tempo for cyberspace operations. The evaluation required under subsection (b) shall include an analysis and consideration of how refining and further evolving the current organizational approach for United States Cyber Command, as presently modeled on United States Special Operations Command, may serve more optimally than a United States Cyber Force relative to each of the elements identified in paragraphs (2) and (3). In this subsection, the term unified combatant command has the meaning given such term in section 161(c) of title 10, United States Code. Upon a request from the National Academies, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center described in paragraph (2) under which such federally funded research and development center shall support the National Academies in conducting the evaluation under subsection (b). A federally funded research and development center described in this paragraph is a federally funded research and development center the staff of which includes subject matter experts with appropriate security clearances and expertise in— cyber warfare; personnel management; military training processes; and acquisition management. Under an agreement entered into between the Secretary and the National Academies under subsection (a)— the Secretary shall agree to provide to the National Academies access to such personnel, information, and resources of the Department of Defense as may determined necessary by the National Academies in furtherance of the conduct of the evaluation under subsection (b); and if the Secretary refuses to provide such access, or any other major obstacle to such access occurs, the National Academies shall agree to notify, not later seven days after the date of such refusal or other occurrence, the congressional defense committees. Under an agreement entered into between the Secretary and the National Academies under subsection (a), the National Academies, not later than 270 days after the date of the execution of the agreement, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the findings of the National Academies with respect to the evaluation under subsection (b). No personnel of the Department of Defense, nor any other officer or employee of the United States Government (including the executive branch of the United States Government) may interfere, exert undue influence, or in any way seek to alter the findings of the National Academies specified in paragraph (1) prior to the submission thereof under such paragraph. The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 634
1537. Oversight and reporting on the Mission Partner Environment and associated activities within the Department of Defense Not later than October 1, 2025, and every six months thereafter until October 1, 2030, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, the head of the Information Security Risk Management Committee of the Department of Defense, the director of the Mission Partner Capability Office, the Executive Agent for the Mission Partner Environment, and a senior military service representative for each of the Armed Forces shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the Mission Partner Environment and related activities within the Department of Defense, including the modernization of the Mission Partner Environment. A senior representative from each unified combatant command shall attend and participate in each briefing required by paragraph (1). Each briefing required by subsection (a) shall include the following: A description of all efforts of the Department of Defense for the Mission Partner Environment. A description of the overall progress on implementation and modernization of Mission Partner Environment across the entirety of the Department of Defense as of the date of the briefing and, for each such briefing after the first such briefing, the progress made on such implementation and modernization since the preceding briefing under such subsection. An explanation of any changes in policy necessary to execute on Mission Partner Environment, including changes made during the period covered by the briefing and changes that are planned as of the time of the briefing. An explanation of any changes to the governance of the Mission Partner Environment within the Department of Defense, including changes made during the period covered by the briefing and changes that are planned as of the time of the briefing. A detailed programmatic table of the funding for the combined joint all-domain command and control efforts of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments, as set forth in the budget of the President most recently submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code. In this section— the terms Defense Agency and military departments have the meanings given such terms, respectively, in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code; the term Mission Partner Environment means the operating framework enabling command and control, information sharing, and the exchange of data between the Department of Defense and partners and allies of the United States participating in a military or other operation for the purposes of planning and executing such operation through the use of common standards governance and procedures, including activities the Office of the Secretary of Defense, military departments, unified combatant commands (as defined in section 161 of title 10, United States Code), and Defense Agencies relating to the operation, modernization, implementation, or oversight of, or resourcing of networks or applications designed for such framework; and the term unified combatant command has the meaning given such term in section 161 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 635
1538. Department of Defense use of large language models The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, shall coordinate and accelerate the adoption of large language models by the Department of Defense by improving the access and quality of the existing structured and unstructured data of the Department to ensure such data is immediately ready to use in conjunction with machine learning applications being developed, tested, or in production by the Armed Forces. The Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer shall–— develop a list of large language model use cases for defense and intelligence applications, including cases that have the potential to support personnel and manpower, operations, intelligence, logistics, strategic planning, command and control, joint force development, and force structure, transform business processes, and improve non-mission capable rates; develop and make available to the Secretary tooling to ingest and transform natural language, and other types of unstructured data, into formats compatible with commercially available large language models; and provide access to capabilities, such as data preparation, for elements within the Department of Defense that are necessary for use with large language models. The Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer may enter into contracts with private-sector entities, as appropriate, to carry out the requirements of subsection (b)(2). The Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer may coordinate with other elements of the Department of Defense with contracting authority as required to carry out the duties described in subsection (b). Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than semiannually thereafter, the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of this section.
Section 636
1539. Report on State National Guard cyber units The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of establishing a cyber unit in every National Guard of a State to ensure the ability of a State to quickly respond to cyber-attacks in such State.
Section 637
1540. Report on user activity monitoring programs of the Department of Defense Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on user activity monitoring programs of the Department of Defense. The report shall include— a description of the implementation and enforcement of the requirements of section 1537 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 2224 note; Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 570); a detailed description of the status of user activity monitoring on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network; a comprehensive accounting of the funds made available funds made available for user activity monitoring on the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network in fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024; and information on how any such user activity monitoring programs might deviate from the minimum standards outlined in— the National Insider Threat Policy and Minimum Standards for Executive Branch Insider Threat Programs; the Committee on National Security Systems Directive 504 (issued on February 4, 2014, relating to the protection of national security systems from insider threats); or the Department of Defense Directive 5205.16 (issued on September 30, 2014, relating to the insider threat program of the Department of Defense).
Section 638
1601. Authority to build capacity for space domain awareness and space operations Section 333(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Space domain awareness and defensive space operations. (10)Space domain awareness and defensive space operations..
Section 639
1602. Establishment of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve Chapter 963 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before section 9532 the following new section: The Secretary of Defense may establish and carry out a program to be known as the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve program. Under the program, the Secretary may include in a contract for the procurement of space products or services one or more provisions under which a qualified contractor agrees to provide additional space products or services to the Department of Defense on an as-needed basis under circumstances determined by the Secretary. Subject to subsection (c), and the extent that funds are otherwise available for obligation, the Secretary may contract with any qualified contractor for space products or services in support of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve Program as described in subsection (a). In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— ensure that each contract under, and qualified contractor participating in, the program complies with an applicable security measures, including any security measures required under the National Industrial Security program (or any successor to such program); and may establish and implement such additional security measures as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the national security interests of the United States. The Secretary may, in determining the quantity of business to be received under a space product or services contract under subsection (a), use as a factor the relative amount of space product or service committed to the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve by the qualified contractor involved. In a time of war or national emergency, the Secretary may waive the requirements of chapter 271 of this title or the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of section 1502 of title 41 with respect to a contract under subsection (a). In this section: The term space products or services means commercial products and commercial services (as those terms are defined in section 2.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) and noncommercial products and noncommercial services offered by commercial companies that operate to, through, or from space, including any required terrestrial ground, support, and network systems and associated services that can be used to support military functions and missions. The term citizen of the United States means— an individual who is a citizen of the United States; a partnership each of whose partners is an individual who is citizen of the United States; or a corporation or association organized under the laws of the United States or a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States. The term qualified contractor means a contractor that is a citizen of the United States. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study on— the availability and adequacy of commercial insurance to protect the financial interests of contractors providing support services to space-related operations and activities of the Department of Defense, taking into account the risks that may be anticipated to arise from such support; the adequacy of any existing authorities under Federal law that would enable the Federal Government to protect such interests in the event commercial space insurance is not available or not available on reasonable terms; and potential options for Government-provided insurance similar to existing aviation and maritime insurance programs under titles 49 and 46 of the United States Code, respectively. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). 9531.Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve.(a)In generalThe Secretary of Defense may establish and carry out a program to be known as the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve program. Under the program, the Secretary may include in a contract for the procurement of space products or services one or more provisions under which a qualified contractor agrees to provide additional space products or services to the Department of Defense on an as-needed basis under circumstances determined by the Secretary.(b)Authority to contractSubject to subsection (c), and the extent that funds are otherwise available for obligation, the Secretary may contract with any qualified contractor for space products or services in support of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve Program as described in subsection (a).(c)Security measuresIn carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—(1)ensure that each contract under, and qualified contractor participating in, the program complies with an applicable security measures, including any security measures required under the National Industrial Security program (or any successor to such program); and(2)may establish and implement such additional security measures as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the national security interests of the United States.(d)Commitment of space products or services as a business factorThe Secretary may, in determining the quantity of business to be received under a space product or services contract under subsection (a), use as a factor the relative amount of space product or service committed to the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve by the qualified contractor involved.(e)Waiver of certain provisions of lawIn a time of war or national emergency, the Secretary may waive the requirements of chapter 271 of this title or the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of section 1502 of title 41 with respect to a contract under subsection (a).(f)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term space products or services means commercial products and commercial services (as those terms are defined in section 2.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) and noncommercial products and noncommercial services offered by commercial companies that operate to, through, or from space, including any required terrestrial ground, support, and network systems and associated services that can be used to support military functions and missions.(2)The term citizen of the United States means—(A)an individual who is a citizen of the United States;(B)a partnership each of whose partners is an individual who is citizen of the United States; or(C)a corporation or association organized under the laws of the United States or a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States.(3)The term qualified contractor means a contractor that is a citizen of the United States.(4)The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense..
Section 640
9531. Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve. The Secretary of Defense may establish and carry out a program to be known as the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve program. Under the program, the Secretary may include in a contract for the procurement of space products or services one or more provisions under which a qualified contractor agrees to provide additional space products or services to the Department of Defense on an as-needed basis under circumstances determined by the Secretary. Subject to subsection (c), and the extent that funds are otherwise available for obligation, the Secretary may contract with any qualified contractor for space products or services in support of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve Program as described in subsection (a). In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— ensure that each contract under, and qualified contractor participating in, the program complies with an applicable security measures, including any security measures required under the National Industrial Security program (or any successor to such program); and may establish and implement such additional security measures as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the national security interests of the United States. The Secretary may, in determining the quantity of business to be received under a space product or services contract under subsection (a), use as a factor the relative amount of space product or service committed to the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve by the qualified contractor involved. In a time of war or national emergency, the Secretary may waive the requirements of chapter 271 of this title or the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of section 1502 of title 41 with respect to a contract under subsection (a). In this section: The term space products or services means commercial products and commercial services (as those terms are defined in section 2.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) and noncommercial products and noncommercial services offered by commercial companies that operate to, through, or from space, including any required terrestrial ground, support, and network systems and associated services that can be used to support military functions and missions. The term citizen of the United States means— an individual who is a citizen of the United States; a partnership each of whose partners is an individual who is citizen of the United States; or a corporation or association organized under the laws of the United States or a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States. The term qualified contractor means a contractor that is a citizen of the United States. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.
Section 641
1603. Modifications to National Security Space Launch program Section 1601 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2276 note) is amended— in subsection (b), by striking 2024 and inserting 2029; and in subsection (c), by striking phase two contracts and inserting the National Security Space Launch program. Not later than seven days before implementing any modification to the final phase three acquisition strategy under the National Security Space Launch program, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees notice of the proposed modification together with an explanation of the reasons for such modification. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committees; and the congressional intelligence committees (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)). The term final phase three acquisition strategy means the acquisition strategy for phase three of the National Security Space Launch program, as approved by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration on March 4, 2024. The term phase three has the meaning given that term in section 1601(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 118–71; 10 U.S.C. 2276 note).
Section 642
1604. Modifications to space contractor responsibility watch list Section 1612 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 2271 note) is amended— in the section heading, by striking Air Force; in subsection (a)— by striking Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and inserting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration; and by striking contracts each place it appears and inserting transactions; in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1)— by striking Commander and inserting Assistant Secretary; and by striking a contract and inserting under a transaction; in paragraph (2)— in the paragraph heading, by striking Commander and inserting Assistant Secretary; and by striking Commander and inserting Assistant Secretary; in subsection (c)— by striking Commander each place it appears and inserting Assistant Secretary; in paragraph (1)— in the paragraph heading, by striking contracts and inserting contractors; by striking award a contract to and inserting enter into a transaction with; and by striking Air Force and inserting Space Force; and in paragraph (2)— by striking a contract and inserting a transaction; by striking prime contract value and inserting overall value of the transaction; and by striking Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and inserting Space Force; in subsection (d), by striking Commander and inserting Assistant Secretary; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: In this section: The term contractor means any individual or entity that enters into a transaction. The term transaction means a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction. (f)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term contractor means any individual or entity that enters into a transaction.(2)The term transaction means a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction..
Section 643
1605. Annual briefing on commercial space strategy of the Space Force Congress finds that the strategy of the Space Force titled U.S. Space Force Commercial Space Strategy published in April 2024, indicates that the Space Force intends to focus future efforts and resources on the following mission areas: Satellite communications. Space domain awareness. Space access mobility and logistics. Tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking. Space based environmental monitoring. Cyberspace operations. Command and control. Positioning, navigation, and timing. It is the sense of Congress that— the Space Force should continue to pursue partnerships with the commercial space industry of the United States to create a true hybrid architecture that provides increased capabilities and resilience; in assessing the potential use of commercial solutions to support space domain awareness, the Chief of Space Operations should consider— conducting— dynamic rendezvous and proximity operations, cooperative and noncooperative non-earth imaging, and noncooperative rendezvous and proximity operations with resident space objects; and routine characterization, anomaly-resolution, and broad metric observations of resident space objects; entering into long term purchase arrangements for data and services to support space domain awareness; and functionally supporting an enterprise architecture for space command and control and space domain awareness; in developing and fulfilling requirements relating to space access mobility and logistics, the Chief of Space Operations should consider the use of commercial solutions such as— geostationary commercial services for life extension, refueling, and end of life mission disposal; orbital sustainment and mission extension capabilities; maneuver services for unprepared clients in geostationary earth orbit; and nontraditional concepts for dynamic space operations like electromechanical acceleration platforms; and the Chief of Space Operations and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration should continue to engage with the congressional defense committees on any changes to acquisition authorities that are needed to better integrate commercial space capabilities within existing and future Government architectures. Not later than 10 days after the date on which the budget of the President for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Chief of Space Operations, in coordination with Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes the information described in paragraph (2) with respect to each mission area specified in subsection (a). Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each mission area specified in subsection (a) for the fiscal year concerned, the following: Of the funds requested for the mission area, the percentage that are expected to be used to fulfill requirements through the provision of commercial solutions compared to the percentage that are expected to be used to fulfill such requirements through programs of record. A description of the requirements for each mission area and an explanation of whether and how the use of commercial solutions has been considered for fulfilling such requirements. A description of any training or wargaming exercises that are expected to integrate commercial solutions and include the participation of providers of such solutions. Any force designs of the Space Warfighting Analysis Center for which commercial solutions were considered as part of a force design analysis from the previous fiscal year. An update on the status of any efforts to integrate commercial systems into respective Government architecture. With respect to the contracts entered into to support the mission area— the number of such contracts; the types of contracts used; the length of time covered by such contracts; and the amount of funds committed under such contracts. In this section, the term commercial solutions includes commercial products, commercial services, and providers of such products and services.
Section 644
1606. Pilot program to demonstrate hybrid space architecture It is the sense of Congress that— efforts that leverage commercial space systems, space systems of the United States Government, and Government space systems of allies and partners of the United States, enhance resiliency and capabilities for data and communications paths for global national security and allied operations; hybrid space architectures that leverage a mixture of the space assets described in paragraph (1) with dynamic operations across multiple constellations are critical to modern warfighting and implementing new warfighting concepts like joint all-domain command and control; the integration of space and ground infrastructure across secure cloud computing platforms to collect, move, and process data are critical first steps to establishing the foundation necessary to manage and control this future hybrid space architecture; efforts that are ongoing within the Defense Innovation Unit and the Space Force are important and foundational to both inform and align with other key Department of Defense-wide initiatives; and alignment and integration with broader efforts across the Department is essential. Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the Commander of the Space Systems Command of the Space Force shall carry out a pilot program to demonstrate a hybrid space architecture. In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (b), the Commander the Space Systems Command shall include in the hybrid space architecture at least one military satellite communications system, such as the Wideband Global Satcom system or the Micro Geostationary Earth Orbit system. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes— a description of the hybrid space architecture developed under the pilot program under subsection (b) and a summary of the results of the program as of the date of the briefing; and a plan for supporting the transition of the hybrid space architecture efforts to a program of record within the Space Force and the Space Systems Command. The term hybrid space architecture means network of integrated United States Government, allied Government, and commercially owned and operated capabilities both for on-orbit constellations and ground systems.
Section 645
1607. Middle East integrated space and satellite security assessment The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall conduct an assessment of space and satellite security for the purpose of identifying mechanisms, such as improved multilateral data sharing agreements, that may be implemented to better protect ally and partner countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command from hostile activities conducted by adversaries against space systems of the United States or such countries. The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: An assessment of the threats posed to the United States and ally or partner countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command by adversaries, including Iran and its proxies, from conducting hostile activities— against space systems of the United States or such countries; and using capabilities originating from the space domain. A description of progress made in— advancing the integration of countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command, including Israel, into existing multilateral space and satellite security partnerships; and establishing such partnerships with such countries. A description of efforts among ally and partner countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command to coordinate intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance capabilities and indicators and warnings with respect to the threats described in subparagraph (A), and a description of factors limiting the effectiveness of such efforts. An assessment of current gaps in the ability of the Department of Defense to provide space situational awareness for allies and partners in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command. A description of multilateral space situational awareness data-sharing agreements and an integrated space and satellite security architecture that would improve collective security in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command. A description of current and planned efforts to engage ally and partner countries in the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command in establishing such a multilateral space situational awareness data-sharing agreement and an integrated space and satellite security architecture. A description of key challenges in achieving integrated space and satellite security described in paragraph (1) using the metrics identified in accordance with paragraph (3). Recommendations for development and the implementation of an integrated space and satellite security strategy based on such metrics. A cost estimate of establishing an integrated space and satellite security strategy, and an assessment of the resources that could be contributed by ally and partner countries of the United States to establish and strengthen such capabilities. Other matters the Secretary of Defense considers relevant. The Secretary of Defense shall identify and propose metrics to assess progress in the implementation of the assessment required by paragraph (1). Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a). The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. Any activity carried out under this section shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and the national security interests of the United States. In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 646
1608. Plan for improvement of Space Force satellite control network The Chief of Space Operations, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, shall prepare a comprehensive plan for modernizing the satellite control network of the Space Force. The plan shall include— the actions and resources needed to modernize and sustain a resilient, multi-mission, multi-orbit satellite control network for the Space Force; life-cycle sustainment measures that include technical refresh efforts to enable dynamic space operations; assessments of current and planned architectural hardware capabilities, across the range of classification levels, and an explanation of how such capabilities are expected to be addressed in future budget requests; plans for incorporating commercial capabilities into the network, as appropriate; and mechanisms through which the Space Force may use existing funding to accelerate the rapid adoption of capabilities and life-cycle sustainment efforts to quickly modernize the satellite control network. Following completion of the plan under subsection (a), the Chief of Space Operations shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that contains the plan. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a quarterly basis thereafter until the date on which the report is submitted under subsection (b), the Chief of Space Operations shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the development of the plan under subsection (a).
Section 647
1609. Briefing on space-related waveform and datalink capabilities It is the sense of Congress that— procurement of resilient waveform and datalink capabilities is crucial to fielding operationally relevant and interoperable architectures; and the Secretary of Defense should take such actions as are necessary to ensure that all covered communications and datalink waveforms purchased or authorized for use in, from, or to Space, effectively operate on at least two different hardware network architectures, including field programable gate arrays and central processing units. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief of Space Operations and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration shall jointly provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on a plan to resource and enable an architecture to connect, with operationally relevant interoperability, the following: Communication architectures of the Space Force, including the Space Development Agency Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and the United States Space Force Satellite Control Network. Protected tactical enterprise services of the United States. Evolved strategic satellite communications. Narrowband satellite communications. Wideband satellite communications. Such other systems as the Chief and Assistant Secretary determine appropriate.
Section 648
1609A. Report on capabilities in cislunar space It is the sense of Congress that there is a need for comprehensive cislunar space domain awareness capabilities to ensure the safety of flight of civil and commercial missions in cislunar space. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief of Space Operations shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes a description of— requirements for cislunar space domain awareness capabilities; the plan of Department of Defense for researching and developing technologies for cislunar space domain awareness; and the progress of the Department in coordinating with the Cislunar Technology Strategy Interagency Working Group to achieve the objectives set forth in the publication of the Working Group titled National Cislunar Science and Technology Strategy and dated November 2022.
Section 649
1609B. Sense of Congress on the development of very low earth orbit spacecraft It is the sense of Congress that— the Space Force has demonstrated its commitment to building a resilient, safe, and secure space architecture and incorporating transformational commercially developed space technologies in order to accelerate the fielding of capabilities, including in very low earth orbit; advancements in propulsion systems, materials science, affordable launch costs, and orbital management techniques have opened up new possibilities for utilizing very low earth orbit for various purposes, including ultra-high-resolution reconnaissance, low latency communication, and improved space domain awareness; Congress and the Department of Defense should continue to pursue the efforts described in paragraph (1) in support of the National Defense Strategy and the Commercial Space Strategy of the Space Force to accelerate the purposeful pursuit of hybrid space architectures; and the Space Force should continue to scale up those efforts and further explore the benefits of very low earth orbit spacecraft development to improve responsiveness, enhance image resolution, generate orbital diversity, and increase resilience against space debris and other threats.
Section 650
1609C. Report on Space Force use of nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion space vehicles The Chief of the Space Force shall submit to Congress a report on the use by the Space Force of nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion space vehicles. Such report shall include— a description of how the Space Force uses such vehicles; a description of how the Space Force plans to use such vehicles in the future; and an identification of any potential benefits that such vehicles can provide to bolster the national security of the United States.
Section 651
1611. Extension and modification of authority to engage in certain commercial activities as security for intelligence collection activities Section 431 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by striking December 31, 2024 and inserting December 31, 2027; and in subsection (b), by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows: be pre-coordinated with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency using procedures mutually agreed upon by the Secretary of Defense and the Director; and where appropriate, be supported by the Director; and (1)(A)be pre-coordinated with the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency using procedures mutually agreed upon by the Secretary of Defense and the Director; and(B)where appropriate, be supported by the Director; and.
Section 652
1612. Expansion of authority to execute warrants and make arrests to special agents of Army Counterintelligence Command Section 7377 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the heading, by inserting and Counterintelligence Command after Criminal Investigation Command; and in subsection (b), by striking who is a special agent and all that follows through the end of the subsection and inserting the following: who is— a special agent of the Army Criminal Investigation Command (or a successor to that command) whose duties include conducting, supervising, or coordinating investigations of criminal activity in programs and operations of the Department of the Army; or a special agent of the Army Counterintelligence Command (or a successor to that command) whose duties include conducting, supervising, or coordinating counterintelligence investigations in programs and operations of the Department of the Army. who is—(1)a special agent of the Army Criminal Investigation Command (or a successor to that command) whose duties include conducting, supervising, or coordinating investigations of criminal activity in programs and operations of the Department of the Army; or(2)a special agent of the Army Counterintelligence Command (or a successor to that command) whose duties include conducting, supervising, or coordinating counterintelligence investigations in programs and operations of the Department of the Army. .
Section 653
1613. Sensitive compartmented information facility accreditation The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall, not later than December 31, 2029— assign responsibility to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency for the accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities for all components of the Department of Defense, including the military departments, except with respect to the National Security Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and ensure that the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has the appropriate staff to successfully carry out such responsibility. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall notify the congressional intelligence committees and the congressional defense committees with respect to the resource requirements for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency to carry out the accreditation responsibility under subsection (a). The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall, in consultation with the Director of the National Security Agency, the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, submit to the congressional intelligence committees and the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report not later than December 31, 2027, on the feasibility of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency assuming accreditation responsibility with respect to sensitive compartmented information facilities for the National Security Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency by December 31, 2029. In this section, the term congressional intelligence committees has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Section 654
1621. Modification of requirements and authorities relating to the nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile Section 1642(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2945) is amended by striking W80-4 warhead each place it appears and inserting, W80–4 ALT warhead (or an alternative warhead). Section 1640 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 595) is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (3), by striking nuclear weapon project for the W80–4 ALT warhead and inserting nuclear weapon system project with the W80–4 ALT warhead (or an alternative warhead in accordance subsection (e)); in paragraph (4), by striking W80–4 ALT warhead; and inserting nuclear weapon system; and in paragraph (5), by striking the W80–4 ALT nuclear weapon project and inserting such nuclear weapon system project; in subsection (c), by striking W80–4 ALT project and inserting nuclear weapon system project described in subsection (a)(3); by redesignating subsections (e) through (g) as subsections (f) through (h); and by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: For purposes of subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of Defense may carry out a nuclear weapons system project with an alternative warhead to the W80–4 ALT warhead, if— the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes— a description of the alternative warhead to be developed under the project; an estimate and description of the balance among the costs, schedule, and programmatic impacts for the research, development, and production of such alternative warhead; an explanation of the reasons the Secretary intends to develop a nuclear weapon system with such alternative warhead instead of— the W80–4 ALT warhead; or any other warhead options that may have been considered; a written certification from the Secretary that the nuclear weapon system with the alternative warhead is expected— to more favorably balance cost, schedule, and programmatic impacts than the nuclear weapons system with the W80–4 ALT warhead; to enable the nuclear armed, sea-launched cruise missile to achieve initial operational capability faster than directed by subsection (b); and to enable a more military effective nuclear armed, sea-launched cruise missile than would otherwise be achievable using the W80-4 ALT warhead; and a period of 45 days has elapsed following the date on which such briefing was submitted. The briefing under paragraph (1)(A) may be submitted in classified form. (e)Selection of a nuclear weapon system with an alternative warhead(1)Briefing and waiting periodFor purposes of subsection (a)(3), the Secretary of Defense may carry out a nuclear weapons system project with an alternative warhead to the W80–4 ALT warhead, if—(A)the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes—(i)a description of the alternative warhead to be developed under the project;(ii)an estimate and description of the balance among the costs, schedule, and programmatic impacts for the research, development, and production of such alternative warhead;(iii)an explanation of the reasons the Secretary intends to develop a nuclear weapon system with such alternative warhead instead of—(I)the W80–4 ALT warhead; or(II)any other warhead options that may have been considered;(iv)a written certification from the Secretary that the nuclear weapon system with the alternative warhead is expected—(I)to more favorably balance cost, schedule, and programmatic impacts than the nuclear weapons system with the W80–4 ALT warhead;(II)to enable the nuclear armed, sea-launched cruise missile to achieve initial operational capability faster than directed by subsection (b); and(III)to enable a more military effective nuclear armed, sea-launched cruise missile than would otherwise be achievable using the W80-4 ALT warhead; and(B)a period of 45 days has elapsed following the date on which such briefing was submitted.(2)Form of briefingThe briefing under paragraph (1)(A) may be submitted in classified form..
Section 655
1622. Long-term plan for strategic nuclear forces during delivery vehicle transition Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter through 2031, the Commander of the United States Strategic Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for deployed strategic nuclear warheads over the covered period, during which changes are expected to be made to strategic delivery systems. Each plan under subsection (a) shall include the following: A baseline strategy for maintaining a minimum of 1,550 nuclear warheads deployed on land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, and counted for deployed heavy bombers (as defined under the New START Treaty) during the covered period. For each year of the covered period, an estimate of the number of available strategic delivery systems, by type, and the number of deployed warheads associated with such systems. A summary of operational considerations, including, as necessary, the identification of areas in which greater risk is being accepted. A description of contingency plans in the event of reduced strategic delivery system availability due to programmatic delays, aging, or other such factors. A review of the importance and impact of nuclear risk and reduction arms control. Any other matters the Commander of the United States Strategic Command determines appropriate for inclusion in the plan. In preparing each plan required under this section, the Commander of the United States Strategic Command shall coordinate with— the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The term covered period means the period beginning on January 1, 2028, and ending on January 1, 2036. The term New START Treaty means the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011. The term strategic delivery system means land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, long range air-launched cruise missiles, and nuclear-capable heavy bomber aircraft.
Section 656
1623. Limitations on use of funds to dismantle B83–1 nuclear gravity bomb Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees the proposed strategy required by paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of section 1674 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263). Except as provided in subsection (c), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Energy may be used to dismantle B83–1 nuclear gravity bombs. The limitation on the use of funds under subsection (b) shall not apply— if the Commander of the United States Strategic Command submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that— the use of funds described in such subsection to dismantle B83–1 nuclear gravity bombs is in the best interest of the United States; and there are no gaps as of the date of the submission of such certification in the strategic deterrence posture of the United States; or with respect to the dismantlement of B83–1 nuclear gravity bombs for the purpose of supporting safety and surveillance, sustainment, life extension or modification programs for the B83–1 or other weapons currently in, or planned to become part of, the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States.
Section 657
1624. Prohibition on reduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the following, and the Department may not otherwise take any action to do the following: Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the responsiveness or alert level of the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States. Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the quantity of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States to a number less than 400. The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to any of the following activities: The maintenance or sustainment of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Ensuring the safety, security, or reliability of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Facilitating the transition from the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to the Sentinel interncontinenal ballistic missile (previously referred to as the ground-based strategic deterrent weapon).
Section 658
1625. Conditional requirements for Sentinel missile program In the event that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment elects not to terminate and certifies the continuation of the Sentinel missile program pursuant to section 4376(b) of title 10, United States Code, then prior to finalizing a revised Milestone B approval for the program the Under Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable that— the contract structure for the program allows for maximum Federal Government oversight of— the Aerospace Vehicle Segment program area; the Launch Control Center program area; and the Launch Control Facility program area; such Federal Government oversight includes Federal Government control of— preliminary and critical design reviews entrance criteria, exit criteria; and certification of completion at the subsystem level through total system architecture; and there are opportunities for competition throughout the lifecycle of the revised program, including competition across each of the program areas specified in paragraph (1). If the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment certifies the continuation of the Sentinel missile program as described in subsection (a), then not later than 90 days following the date of such certification, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that describes how the Under Secretary intends to meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3) of such subsection. The term Milestone B approval has the meaning given that term in section 4172 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 659
1626. Reports and briefings on recommendations of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States On an annual basis during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the Department of Defense with respect to the implementation of recommendations made by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States established under section 1687 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) that pertain to the Department of Defense. Each such report shall include— for each such recommendation, a determination of whether the Secretary of Defense intends to implement the recommendation; in the case of a recommendation the Secretary intends to implement— the intended timeline such implementation; the total amount of funding required for such implementation; a description of any additional resources or authorities the Secretary determines is necessary for such implementation; and the plan for such implementation; in the case of a recommendation the Secretary determines is not advisable or feasible, the analysis and justification of the Secretary for making such determination; and in the case of a recommendation the Secretary determines the Department is already implementing through a separate effort, the analysis and justification of the Secretary for such determination. Not less frequently than annually during the five-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on— the progress of the Secretary in analyzing and implementing the recommendations made by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States with respect to the Department of Defense; any programs, projects, or other activities of the Department the Secretary is carrying out as of such date to implement the recommendations of such Congressional Commission; and the amount of funding provided for such programs, projects, and activities.
Section 660
1627. Statement of policy with respect to nuclear weapons It is the policy of the United States to maintain a human in the loop for all actions critical to informing and executing decisions by the President with respect to nuclear weapon employment.
Section 661
1628. Expansion of nuclear long range standoff capability The Secretary of the Air Force may use amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2025 for Operation and Maintenance, Air Force to reconvert the B–52 bombers that had been modified to carry only conventional weapons to conform to the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms signed on April 8, 2010, and entered into force on February 5, 2011 (commonly known as the New START Treaty), to be able to carry nuclear weapons. Not later than 30 days after the expiration of the New Start Treaty, the Secretary of the Air Force shall commence the process of making available for nuclear certification the B–52 bombers described in subsection (a). The Secretary of the Air Force shall ensure that the reconversion of B–52 bombers described in subsection (a) is complete by not later than December 31, 2029. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the funding profile necessary, by fiscal year, to expand by one-third the planned purchase of the Long Range Standoff Weapon.
Section 662
1631. Expansion of certain prohibitions relating to missile defense information and systems to apply to People’s Republic of China Section 130h of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a), by inserting or the People’s Republic of China after the Russian Federation; in subsection (b), by inserting or the People’s Republic of China after the Russian Federation; and in subsection (c), by inserting or the People’s Republic of China after the Russian Federation.
Section 663
1632. Limitation on availability of funds with respect to certain missile defense system governance documents, policies, and procedures Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which such Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that a notification to repeal, replace, or supersede the Directive-type Memorandum 20–002 has been submitted— in accordance with section 205(b) of title 10, United States Code; and pursuant to section 1667 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 205 note).
Section 664
1633. Additional missile defense site for protection of United States homeland It is the sense of Congress that an additional continental United States interceptor site, located at the Department of Defense’s conditionally designated preferred site of Fort Drum, New York, is needed to enhance the protection of the United States homeland against potential long-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran or North Korea. Not later than December 31, 2030, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall establish a fully operational third continental United States interceptor site on the East Coast of the United States. Such site shall be established at a location optimized to support the defense of the homeland of the United States from emerging long-range ballistic missile threats. In establishing the interceptor site required under subsection (b), the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall coordinate with the commander of the relevant combatant command. Not later than December 31, 2024, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report the includes the following: The status of the planning and design, construction, development, and equipment requirements for the interceptor site required under subsection (b). The plan of the Director for deploying additional missile defense sensor discrimination capabilities as required under section 1684 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 10 U.S.C. 4205 note). In the budget justification materials submitted in support of the budget of the Department of Defense (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall include— a plan for establishing the interceptor site required under (b); and an update on the progress of the Director in establishing such site.
Section 665
1641. Modification to annual assessment of budget with respect to electromagnetic spectrum operations capabilities Section 503 of chapter 25 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The development of a capability for modeling and simulating multi-domain joint electromagnetic spectrum operations to— assess the ability of the joint force to conduct such operations in support of the operational plans of the combatant commands; and inform improvements to such operations. (3)The development of a capability for modeling and simulating multi-domain joint electromagnetic spectrum operations to—(A)assess the ability of the joint force to conduct such operations in support of the operational plans of the combatant commands; and(B)inform improvements to such operations..
Section 666
1642. Cooperative threat reduction funds Of the $350,116,000 authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2025 in section 301 and made available by the funding table in division D for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program established under section 1321 of the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Act (50 U.S.C. 3711), the following amounts may be obligated for the purposes specified: For delivery system threat reduction, $7,036,000. For chemical security and elimination, $20,717,000. For global nuclear security, $33,665,000. For biological threat reduction, $209,858,000. For proliferation prevention, $45,610,000. For activities designated as Other Assessments/Administration Costs, $33,230,000. Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 301 and made available by the funding table in division D for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program shall be available for obligation for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Section 667
1643. Report on roles and responsibilities relating to defense against hypersonic threats Congress finds the following: Hypersonic missile threats are expanding, particularly threats posed by China and Russia. To address those growing threats roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined and understood. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing the roles and responsibilities of organizations of Department of Defense with respect to defense against hypersonic threats. The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: A description of the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the military departments, the Joint Staff, the combatant commands, Defense Agencies, and Department of Defense Field Activities with respect to defense against hypersonic threats. An assessment of any duplication of effort or gaps identified under paragraph (1). A recommendation with respect to designating a single entity with acquisition authority with respect to the capability to defend the homeland from hypersonic threats. Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense considers relevant. The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Section 668
1701. Modification of humanitarian assistance authority Section 2561 of title 10, United States Code is amended— in subsection (a), by inserting overseas before humanitarian purposes worldwide; by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively. by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c): If the Secretary of Defense uses the authority under subsection (a) to provide assistance for any program or activity in an amount in excess of $5,000,000, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional committees specified in subsection (g) notice in writing of the use of such authority in accordance with paragraph (2). Notice under this subsection shall include an identification of each of the following: The amount, type, and purpose of assistance to be provided and the recipient of the assistance. The goals and objectives of the assistance. The number and role of any members of the Armed Forces involved in the provision of the assistance. Any other information the Secretary determines is relevant. Notice required under paragraph (1) shall be provided— not later than 15 days before the provision of assistance under subsection (a) using funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for a fiscal year for humanitarian assistance; or not later than 48 hours after the provision of such assistance, if the Secretary determines that extraordinary circumstances that affect the national security of the United States exist. in subsections (d) and (e), as so redesignated, by striking subsection (f) each place it appears and inserting subsection (g); and in subsection (g) as so redesignated, by striking subsections (c)(1) and (d) and inserting subsections (c)(1), (d)(1), and (e). (c)Notice before provision of assistance(1)If the Secretary of Defense uses the authority under subsection (a) to provide assistance for any program or activity in an amount in excess of $5,000,000, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional committees specified in subsection (g) notice in writing of the use of such authority in accordance with paragraph (2). Notice under this subsection shall include an identification of each of the following:(A)The amount, type, and purpose of assistance to be provided and the recipient of the assistance.(B)The goals and objectives of the assistance.(C)The number and role of any members of the Armed Forces involved in the provision of the assistance.(D)Any other information the Secretary determines is relevant.(2)Notice required under paragraph (1) shall be provided—(A)not later than 15 days before the provision of assistance under subsection (a) using funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for a fiscal year for humanitarian assistance; or (B)not later than 48 hours after the provision of such assistance, if the Secretary determines that extraordinary circumstances that affect the national security of the United States exist.;
Section 669
1702. Exclusion of oceanographic research vessels from certain sourcing requirements Section 70912(5)(C) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58) is amended by inserting (except naval vessels which are oceanographic research vessels operated by academic institutions) after facilities.
Section 670
1703. Exemption under Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 for certain activities that may result in incidental take of Rice’s whale The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, shall begin the process under section 101(f)(1) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(f)(1)) to exempt from the requirements of that Act, as applicable, training and testing activities, including those that involve the use of live or inert impact weapons or aerial gunnery, conducted by the Secretary of the Air Force on the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, located at Eglin Air Force Base, that may result in incidental take of the Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei). If the Secretary of Defense issues an exemption pursuant to subsection (a) the notification requirement under section 101(f)(4) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(f)(4)) shall be deemed to be satisfied upon issuance of the exemption.
Section 671
1704. Combatting illicit tobacco products Beginning not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, no exchange or commissary operated by or for a military resale entity shall offer for sale any ENDS product or oral nicotine product unless the manufacturer of such product executes and delivers to the appropriate officer for each military resale entity a certification form for each ENDS product or oral nicotine product offered for retail sale at an exchange or commissary that attests under penalty of perjury the following: The manufacturer has received a marketing granted order for such product under section 910 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387j). The manufacturer submitted a timely filed premarket tobacco product application for such product, and the application either remains under review by the Secretary or has received a denial order that has been and remains stayed by the Secretary or court order, rescinded by the Secretary, or vacated by a court. A manufacturer shall submit the certification forms required in subsection (a) on an annual basis. Failure to submit such forms to a military resale entity as required under the preceding sentence shall result in the removal of the relevant ENDS product or oral nicotine product from sale at such military resale entity. A certification form required under subsection (a) shall separately list each brand name, product name, category (such as e-liquid, power unit, device, e-liquid cartridge, e-liquid pod, or disposable), and flavor for each product that is sold offered for sale by the manufacturer submitting such form. A manufacturer shall, when submitting a certification under subsection (a), include in that submission— a copy of the publicly available marketing granted order under section 910 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387j), as redacted by the Secretary and made available on the agency website; a copy of the acceptance letter issued under such section for a timely filed premarket tobacco product application; or a document issued by Secretary or by a court confirming that the premarket tobacco product application has received a denial order that has been and remains stayed by the Secretary or court order, rescinded by the Secretary, or vacated by a court. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each military resale entity shall— develop and make public the certification form such resale entity will require a manfacturer to submit to meet the requirement under subsection (a); and provide instructions on how such certification form shall be submitted to the relevant military resale entity. If a military resale entity fails to prepare and make public such certification form, a manufacturer may submit information necessary to prove compliance with the requirements of this section. A manufacturer that submits a certification form under subsection (a) shall notify each relevant military resale entity to which such certification was submitted not later than 30 days after making any material change to the certification form, including— the issuance or denial of a marketing authorization or other order by the Secretary pursuant to section 910 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387j); or any other order or action by the Secretary or any court that affects the ability of the ENDS product or oral nicotine product to be introduced or delivered into interstate commerce for commercial distribution in the United States. No later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, each military resale entity shall maintain and make publicly available on its official website a directory that lists all ENDS product and oral nicotine product manufacturers and all product brand names, categories (such as e-liquid, e-liquid cartridge, e-liquid pod, or disposable), product names, and flavors for which certification forms have been submitted and approved by the relevant military resale entity. Each military resale entity shall— update the directory under paragraph (1) at least monthly to ensure accuracy; and establish a process to provide each exchange or commissary notice of the initial publication of the directory and changes made to the directory in the prior month. An ENDS product or oral nicotine product shall not be included or retained in a directory of a military resale entity if the relevant military resale entity determines that any of the following apply: The manufacturer failed to provide a complete and accurate certification as required by this section. The manufacturer submitted a certification that does not comply with the requirements of this section. The information provided by the manufacturer in its certification contains false information, material misrepresentations, or omissions. In the case of a removal of a product from a directory under paragraph (3), the relevant military resale entity shall provide to the manufacturer involved notice and at least 30 days to cure deficiencies before removing the manufacturer or its products from the directory. The ENDS product or oral nicotine product of a manufacturer identified in a notice of removal under paragraph (3) are, beginning on the date that is 30 days after such removal, subject to seizure, forfeiture, and destruction, and may not be purchased or sold for retail sale at any exchange or commissary operated by or for a military resale entity. For purposes of this section: The term ENDS product— means any non-combustible product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit, or other electronic, chemical, or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce vapor from nicotine in a solution; includes a consumable nicotine liquid solution suitable for use in such product, whether sold with the product or separately; and does not include any product regulated as a drug or device under chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.). The term military resale entities means— the Defense Commissary Agency; the Army and Air Force Exchange Service; the Navy Exchange Service Command; and the Marine Corps Exchange. The term oral nicotine product means— means any non-combustible product that contains nicotine that is intended to be placed in the oral cavity; does not include— any ENDS product; smokeless tobacco (as defined in section 900 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387)); or any product regulated as a drug or device under chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.). The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. The term timely filed premarket tobacco product application means an application that was submitted under section 910 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 387j) on or before September 9, 2020, and accepted for filing with respect to an ENDS product or oral nicotine product containing nicotine marketed in the United States as of August 8, 2016.
Section 672
1705. Prohibition on use of funds from constructing or maintaining pier off the coast of Gaza None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Department of Defense may be used to— construct, maintain, or repair a pier off the coast of Gaza; transport humanitarian aid to a pier off the coast of Gaza, or to any other location from where such aid will be transported to a pier off the coast of Gaza; or deploy members of the Armed Forces for the purposes or paragraphs (1) and (2). Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of funds to deconstruct and remove any existing pier off the coast of Gaza.
Section 673
1706. Prohibition of funds to CCP entities None of the funds authorized by this Act or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to any entity based in the People’s Republic of China or any company whose beneficial ownership is Chinese.
Section 674
1707. Limitation on funds None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to provide funding to support, directly or indirectly— the Wuhan Institute of Virology located in the City of Wuhan in the People’s Republic of China; the EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.; any laboratory owned or controlled by the government of the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under the regime of Nicolas Maduro Moros, or any other country determined by the Secretary of State to be a foreign adversary; or gain-of-function research of concern.
Section 675
1708. Prohibition on assistance for building in, or rebuilding Gaza None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Secretary of Defense for fiscal year 2025 may be made available to build in or rebuild the Gaza strip on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 676
1709. Limitation on use of funds for production of films and prohibition on use of such funds for films subject to conditions on content or altered for screening in the People's Republic of China or at the request of the Chinese Communist Party The Secretary may only authorize the provision of technical support or access to an asset controlled by or related to the Department of Defense to enter into a contract relating to the production or funding of a film by a United States company if the United States company, as a condition of receiving the support or access— provides to the Secretary a list of all films produced or funded by that company, the content of which has been submitted, during the shorter of the preceding 10-year period or the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, to an official of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (referred to in this section as the PRC) or the Chinese Communist Party (referred to in this section as the CCP) for evaluation with respect to screening the film in the PRC; includes, with respect to each such film— the title of the film; and the date on which such submission occurred; enters into a written agreement with the Secretary not to alter the content of the film in response to, or in anticipation of, a request by an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP; and submits such agreement to the Secretary. Notwithstanding subsection (a), the President may not authorize the provision of technical support or access to any asset controlled by the Federal Government for, or authorize the head of a Federal agency to enter into any contract relating to, the production or funding of a film by a United States company if— the film is co-produced by an entity located in the PRC that is subject to conditions on content imposed by an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP; or with respect to the most recent report submitted under subsection (c), the United States company is listed in the report pursuant to subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (2) of that subsection. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on films disclosed under subsection (a) that are associated with a United States company that has received technical support or access to an asset controlled by the Department of Defense for, or has entered into a contract with the Federal Government relating to, the production or funding of a film. Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A description of each film listed pursuant to the requirement under subsection (a)(1), the content of which was submitted, during the shorter of the preceding 10-year period or the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, by a United States company to an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP for evaluation with respect to screening the film in the PRC, including— the United States company that submitted the contents of the film; the title of the film; and the date on which such submission occurred. A description of each film with respect to which a United States company entered into a written agreement with the Secretary providing the support or access, as applicable, pursuant to the requirement under subsection (a)(2) not to alter the content of the film in response to, or in anticipation of, a request by an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP, during the shorter of the preceding 10-year period or the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, including— the United States company that entered into the agreement; and the title of the film. The title of any film described pursuant to subparagraph (A), and the corresponding United States company described pursuant to clause (i) of that subparagraph— that was submitted to an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP during the preceding 3-year period; and for which the Secretary assesses that the content was altered in response to, or in anticipation of, a request by an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP. The title of any film that is described in both subparagraph (A) and subparagraph (B), and the corresponding one or more United States companies described in clause (i) of each such subparagraph— that was submitted to an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP during the preceding 10-year period; and for which the Secretary assesses that the content was altered in response to, or in anticipation of, a request by an official of the Government of the PRC or the CCP. In this section: The term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. The term content means any description of a film, including the script. The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense. The term United States company means a private entity incorporated under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States.
Section 677
1710. Prohibition on use of funds None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be used to implement any of the following executive orders: Executive Order 13990, relating to Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis. Executive Order 14008, relating to Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Section 6 of Executive Order 14013, relating to Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs To Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration. Executive Order 14030, relating to Climate-Related Financial Risk. Executive Order 14057, relating to Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. Executive Order 14082, relating to Implementation of the Energy and Infrastructure Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Executive Order 14096, relating to Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All.
Section 678
1711. Limitation on availability of funds for Ukraine None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for construction of covered military unaccompanied housing (as defined in section 2856 of title 10, United States Code) for fiscal year 2025 or any fiscal year thereafter are authorized to be transferred or otherwise made available to Ukraine or to provide any form of assistance to Ukraine.
Section 679
1712. Department of Defense requirement to use Taiwan The Department of Defense may not use Chinese Taipei and shall use Taiwan, except— in historical context explaining the People’s Republic of China’s attempt to control Taiwan through persuasion and coercion; or in the formal title of a Federal document. Not later than 14 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the website of the Department of Defense meets the requirements of this section.
Section 680
1713. Project Spectrum Chapter 19 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before section 399 the following new section: There is within the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense a program known as Project Spectrum, the purpose of which is to provide to covered entities, through an online platform, digital resources and services that increase awareness about cybersecurity risks and help such covered entities to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the defense acquisition system. The Director of the Office of Small Business Programs may establish eligibility requirements for the receipt by a covered entity of a given resource or service made available through Project Spectrum. To receive through Project Spectrum a resource or service for which the Director has established an eligibility requirement under subsection (b), a covered entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director determines appropriate. In carrying out Project Spectrum, the Director shall maintain an online platform through which the Director shall make available to each covered entity that the Director determines to be eligible under subsection (b) with respect to a given resource or service, the following: Educational materials regarding cybersecurity, including cybersecurity training courses and workforce development training. Guidance regarding best practices for cybersecurity matters, including guidance for developing internal cybersecurity policies and suggestions for procedures for reviewing any violation of such policies. Assessments of the cybersecurity practices and cybersecurity systems used by a covered entity. A review and feasibility assessment of products, software, and data security tools available in the commercial marketplace. Cybersecurity services, including dashboard monitoring services, continuous threat monitoring services, software patching services, and patch testing services. Cybersecurity readiness checks. A platform for secure data collaboration between two or more employees of a covered entity and between multiple covered entities. Any additional resources or services, as determined by the Director. In this section: The term covered entity means a supplier of the Department of Defense that is a small or medium business and registers to access the online platform of Project Spectrum. The term defense acquisition system has the meaning given to such term in section 3001 of this title. 398b.Project Spectrum(a)Project Spectrum; purposeThere is within the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense a program known as Project Spectrum, the purpose of which is to provide to covered entities, through an online platform, digital resources and services that increase awareness about cybersecurity risks and help such covered entities to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the defense acquisition system.(b)EligibilityThe Director of the Office of Small Business Programs may establish eligibility requirements for the receipt by a covered entity of a given resource or service made available through Project Spectrum.(c)ApplicationTo receive through Project Spectrum a resource or service for which the Director has established an eligibility requirement under subsection (b), a covered entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director determines appropriate.(d)FunctionsIn carrying out Project Spectrum, the Director shall maintain an online platform through which the Director shall make available to each covered entity that the Director determines to be eligible under subsection (b) with respect to a given resource or service, the following:(1)Educational materials regarding cybersecurity, including cybersecurity training courses and workforce development training.(2)Guidance regarding best practices for cybersecurity matters, including guidance for developing internal cybersecurity policies and suggestions for procedures for reviewing any violation of such policies.(3)Assessments of the cybersecurity practices and cybersecurity systems used by a covered entity.(4)A review and feasibility assessment of products, software, and data security tools available in the commercial marketplace.(5)Cybersecurity services, including dashboard monitoring services, continuous threat monitoring services, software patching services, and patch testing services.(6)Cybersecurity readiness checks.(7)A platform for secure data collaboration between two or more employees of a covered entity and between multiple covered entities.(8)Any additional resources or services, as determined by the Director.(e)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered entity means a supplier of the Department of Defense that is a small or medium business and registers to access the online platform of Project Spectrum.(2)The term defense acquisition system has the meaning given to such term in section 3001 of this title..
Section 681
398b. Project Spectrum There is within the Office of Small Business Programs of the Department of Defense a program known as Project Spectrum, the purpose of which is to provide to covered entities, through an online platform, digital resources and services that increase awareness about cybersecurity risks and help such covered entities to comply with the cybersecurity requirements of the defense acquisition system. The Director of the Office of Small Business Programs may establish eligibility requirements for the receipt by a covered entity of a given resource or service made available through Project Spectrum. To receive through Project Spectrum a resource or service for which the Director has established an eligibility requirement under subsection (b), a covered entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director determines appropriate. In carrying out Project Spectrum, the Director shall maintain an online platform through which the Director shall make available to each covered entity that the Director determines to be eligible under subsection (b) with respect to a given resource or service, the following: Educational materials regarding cybersecurity, including cybersecurity training courses and workforce development training. Guidance regarding best practices for cybersecurity matters, including guidance for developing internal cybersecurity policies and suggestions for procedures for reviewing any violation of such policies. Assessments of the cybersecurity practices and cybersecurity systems used by a covered entity. A review and feasibility assessment of products, software, and data security tools available in the commercial marketplace. Cybersecurity services, including dashboard monitoring services, continuous threat monitoring services, software patching services, and patch testing services. Cybersecurity readiness checks. A platform for secure data collaboration between two or more employees of a covered entity and between multiple covered entities. Any additional resources or services, as determined by the Director. In this section: The term covered entity means a supplier of the Department of Defense that is a small or medium business and registers to access the online platform of Project Spectrum. The term defense acquisition system has the meaning given to such term in section 3001 of this title.
Section 682
1721. Termination of reporting requirement for cross domain incidents and exemptions to policies for information technology Section 1727 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The requirement of the Secretary of Defense to submit a monthly report pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2025. (c)Termination dateThe requirement of the Secretary of Defense to submit a monthly report pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2025..
Section 683
1722. Analysis of certain unmanned aircraft systems entities Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an analysis to determine if any unmanned aircraft systems entity, or any subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or successor of such an entity, should be identified as a Chinese military company or a military-civil fusion contributor and included on the list maintained by the Department of Defense in accordance with section 1260H(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 2(c) of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1601(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The communications equipment or service being— telecommunications or video surveillance equipment produced by Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (commonly known as ‘DJI Technologies’) (or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof); or telecommunications or video surveillance services, including software, provided by an entity described in subparagraph (A) or using equipment described in such subparagraph. Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1601) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (4) each place it appears and inserting paragraphs (1) through (5). In this section: The term unmanned aircraft system has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code. The term unmanned aircraft systems entity means an entity that manufactures or assembles an unmanned aircraft system. (5)The communications equipment or service being—(A)telecommunications or video surveillance equipment produced by Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (commonly known as ‘DJI Technologies’) (or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof); or(B)telecommunications or video surveillance services, including software, provided by an entity described in subparagraph (A) or using equipment described in such subparagraph..
Section 684
1723. Annual report on Postsecondary Education Complaint System Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress and make publicly available on the Department of Defense's website a report on the Postsecondary Education Complaint System (PECS). The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements: A qualitative description of the status of PECS that year. A qualitative description of the efforts made by the Department of Defense that year to increase awareness and usage of PECS among those who are eligible to file complaints through the system. The total number of complaints filed through PECS that year and the status of those complaints, such as closed or active. The number of complaints that year broken down by— military service; issue; and educational institution sector, including private for-profit, private non-profit, and public. A ranking of the top five issues raised by students that year. The number of institutions with two or more complaints that year, the names of those institutions, the number of participants at each of those institutions, and the number of complaints for each of those institutions. The number of views and visitors of the PECS website that year. A discussion of how the elements described in paragraphs (1) through (7) for that year compare to the elements described in paragraphs (1) through (7) in previous years.
Section 685
1724. Feasibility study of domestic refining of deep sea critical mineral intermediates Pursuant to an agreement described in subsection (b) and to the extent practicable, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall conduct a study to assess the feasibility of improving domestic capabilities for refining polymetallic nodule-derived intermediates into high purity nickel, cobalt sulfate, and copper for defense applications. Such study shall also examine existing supply chains for such intermediates. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall seek to enter into an agreement with an entity described in paragraph (2) to carry out the study required under this section. An entity described in this section is one that is experienced in refining critical minerals and producing battery-grade nickel, cobalt sulfate, and copper cathode. Not later than December 31, 2025, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy Pursuant shall make publicly available the results of the study required under subsection (a).
Section 686
1725. Certification and reports on South Africa Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees and release publicly an unclassified determination explicitly stating whether South Africa has engaged in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests. The certification required under paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by an unclassified report, with a classified annex if the President considers such as necessary, providing a justification for the determination made pursuant to such paragraph. The President, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the United States Ambassador to South Africa, and the heads of such other Federal departments and agencies that play a substantial role in United States relations with South Africa, shall conduct a review of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes the findings of the review required by paragraph (1). Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on United States defense cooperation with the Government of South Africa. The report required under paragraph (1) shall also include the following: An overview of United States defense cooperation with the Government of South Africa, including military exercises, arms sales, and international military education and training. An assessment of defense cooperation between the Government of South Africa and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the Russian Federation. The report required under paragraph (1) shall be transmitted in an unclassified form and may contain a classified annex. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
Section 687
1726. Extension of report on islamic revolutionary guard corps-affiliated operatives abroad Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for a period of 4 years, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes a detailed description of— all Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated operatives serving in diplomatic or consular roles abroad; and the ways in which the Department of State and the Department of Defense are working with partner countries to inform them of the threat posed by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated officials serving in diplomatic or consular roles in third party countries. The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 688
1727. Report on receipt of funding from Confucius Institutes The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on United States institutions of higher education that host Confucius Institutes and have received funding from the Department of Defense.
Section 689
1728. Report on Iranian oil sales proceeds Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes each of the following: An assessment of how proceeds from illicit Iranian oil sales support Iran’s military and security budget. An assessment of the extent to which the funds described in paragraph (1) have been used directly or indirectly by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hamas, Hizballah, or other Iranian proxies. An overview of efforts undertaken to enforce sanctions against Iran’s energy sector, including interdictions of tankers. The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 690
1729. Working group on blockchain, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technologies Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group to be known as the Blockchain-Distributed Ledger Technologies-Smart Contracts Defense Applications Working Group (referred to in this section as the Working Group). The duties of the Working Group are to— identify whether blockchain, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technologies could be used by the Secretary of Defense for the purposes of improving the functions and efficiency of the Department of Defense; and not later than the date described in subsection (h), submit to the Secretary a report summarizing the findings of the Working Group under paragraph (1). The Working Group shall be composed of the following members or their designees: A representative from the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Representatives of such organizations and elements of the Department of Defense as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate. Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a charter with respect to the functions of the Working Group. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the Secretary of Defense to provide any competitive advantage to any member of the Working Group. The Working Group shall terminate on December 31, 2029.
Section 691
1730. Inspector General of the Department of Defense annual report on oversight of fraud, waste, and abuse Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to Congress and the Comptroller General of the United States, and make publicly available, a report containing, for each fiscal year— a description of the budget of the Department of Defense, the total amount and dollar value of oversight investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse conducted by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the total amount and dollar value of oversight investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse conducted by the Inspectors General of each military department; statistical tables showing— the total number and dollar value of oversight investigations completed and pending, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation; the priority given to each type of oversight investigation; the length of time taken for each type of oversight investigation, from the date of receipt of a qualified incurred cost submission (as such term is defined in section 3842 of title 10, United States Code) and from the date on which the oversight investigation begins; the aggregate cost of performing oversight investigations, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation; and the total number and dollar value of oversight investigations that are pending for a period longer than one year at the end of the fiscal year covered by the report, and the fiscal year in which the qualified incurred cost submission was received, set forth separately by type of oversight investigation; a summary of any recommendations of actions or resources needed to improve the oversight investigation process; and any other matters the Inspector General considers appropriate.
Section 692
1731. GAO report on settlements in medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the rates at which Department of Defense awards settlements in medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services under part 45 of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, including— a comparison of such rates to the rates at which settlements are awarded in similar civilian medical malpractice claims; recommendations for improvements to the system for medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services.
Section 693
1732. Report on security cooperation with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House Representatives a report on security cooperation with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the treatment of detained Americans on Turks and Caicos Islands, including— the efforts of such Departments to counter threats from transnational criminal organizations, violent extremist organizations, and malign regional and external state actors in cooperation with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands; United States taxpayer assistance made available for the Turks and Caicos Islands since October 1, 2014; and efforts by such Departments to address the treatment of and human rights abuses committed against United States individuals and others detained by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and to advocate for changes in policy related to their detention of Americans, during fiscal years 2022 through 2024.
Section 694
1733. Assessment of the accuracy of Gaza Ministry of Health casualty reporting Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report assessing the accuracy of the reporting of the Gaza Ministry of Health regarding— the total casualty figures reported by the Ministry; and the information disseminated by the Ministry of casualties grouped by age and gender. The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall be transmitted in an unclassified manner, and any supporting documentation may be transmitted in a classified annex. Not later than 30 days after the submission of the report required by subsection (a), the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the contents of the report.
Section 695
1734. Annual report on Department of Defense assistance to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security on northern border security The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress an annual report on the assistance the Department of Defense provides to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to secure the northern border of the United States.
Section 696
1735. Comptroller General study and report on antagonistic use of satellites The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to assess threats to the interests of the United States posed by antagonistic use of satellites by adversarial foreign states, including— use of a satellite for combat; damage, destruction, or incapacitation of a satellite that is owned, operated, controlled, or used by— the United States Government; a commercial entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States; or a country that is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and conducting or attempting to conduct espionage or surveillance of, or a cyber intrusion that affects— a physical resource of the Department of Defense, including a Department of Defense installation; or critical infrastructure (as defined in section 1016(e) of the USA PATRIOT Act (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))), including— an electricity transmission system or network; a water management system or resource; a telecommunications facility or network; a nuclear facility; an airport; a railway; or a sea port. In conducting the study under this subsection, the Comptroller General shall consult with— the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission; the Secretary of Defense; the Secretary of Homeland Security; and specialists who— are affiliated with an institution of higher education or research organization; and have expertise in satellite technology, satellite warfare, cybersecurity, or another relevant subject related to warfare and communications. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report that— includes operational, policy, and legislative recommendations to protect against and respond to threats identified by the study required under subsection (a); and may include recommendations for— preventive, preparatory, and emergency response actions by municipal governments, State governments, and private sector entities; and educational curricula and workforce development programs to address the need for trained professionals who are able to implement the recommendations described in such report. In this section, the term adversarial foreign state means— the Islamic Republic of Iran; the People's Republic of China; the Russian Federation; and any foreign state designated by the Secretary of State as an adversarial foreign state for purposes of this section.
Section 697
1736. Reporting on Iranian Centrifuge Installation Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a report to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate with the content described in paragraph (2). The content described for the report in paragraph (1) includes the following: An assessment of the types and numbers of centrifuges installed in declared and undeclared nuclear facilities in Iran since May 2021. An assessment of the timeline required by Iran to produce weapons-grade uranium in May 2021. An assessment of the current timeline required by Iran to produce weapons-grade uranium. An assessment of whether Iran has moved advanced centrifuges to facilities other than its safeguarded enrichment plants, including where and how many, if applicable. An assessment of how many advanced centrifuges Iran would need of each type to enrich to weapons-grade. An assessment of whether a heavily fortified nuclear facility Iran is building near the Natanz site contains or will contain an enrichment plant. This report shall be transmitted in unclassified form and may contain a classified annex.
Section 698
1737. Report on system dependencies, uptime, and key factors of electronic health record system Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the electronic health record system and other system dependencies, uptime, and key factors that affect the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The report required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following: A list of the information technology systems, infrastructure, and entities of the Department of Defense pertaining to the electronic health record system of the Department with which the Department of Veterans Affairs has an operational or technical dependency. A list of instances of electronic health record system and associated system downtime, performance degradations, outages, or incidents of the Department of Defense during fiscal year 2024, including, for each such instance each of the following: The duration. The results of a root cause analysis. Any after action reporting. The accountable office within the Department. An indication of whether the Department of Veterans Affairs was also affected. Any steps taken by, or plan of, the Secretary of Defense to address, mitigate, or resolve the instances identified in paragraph (2), as well as the an identification of any uptime goals for any system affected by an instance identified in paragraph (2). Any steps taken by the Secretary of Defense to improve governance, coordination, and policy decisions conducted with or affecting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs related to electronic health record systems and associated systems of the Department of Defense with which the Department of Veterans Affairs has an operational or technical dependency. A plan or schedule, if any, to modernize or replace systems of the Department of Defense pertaining to identity management or patient registration, including the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, with which the Department of Veterans Affairs has an operational or technical dependency. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 699
1738. Report on use of nuclear power for military and soft power purposes Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State shall jointly submit a report to Congress on Russian and Chinese efforts relating to transportable nuclear power that specifically evaluates the manner and extent to which both Russia and China are using transportable nuclear power for direct military purposes and as a soft power tool globally.
Section 700
1739. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy study and report on expansion of National Guard State Partnership Program The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall conduct a study to assess the feasibility and benefits of expanding the National Guard State Partnership Program to additional countries in the First Island Chain and the Second Island Chain, including— Brunei Darussalam; the Federated States of Micronesia; the Republic of Kiribati; the Republic of the Marshall Islands; the Republic of Nauru; and the Republic of Vanuatu. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
Section 701
1741. Technical and conforming amendments Title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows: In the subtitle analysis for subtitle A— by striking the item relating to chapter 19 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 25 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 326 and inserting the following new item: in part V, by striking the second item relating to subpart F, including the items relating to chapters 321 through 327 appearing under the second item relating to subpart F; by striking the item relating to chapter 363 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 367 and inserting the following new item: In section 130i(j)(3)(C)(ix), by striking sections and inserting section. In section 139a(h)— by striking out by Director and inserting out by the Director; and by striking an any and inserting and any. In section 167b— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1), by striking referred to as the cyber command and inserting referred to as the United States Cyber Command; and in paragraph (2), by striking Cyber Command and inserting United States Cyber Command; in subsection (b), by striking Cyber Command each place it appears and inserting United States Cyber Command; and in subsections (c) and (d)— by striking cyber command each place it appears and inserting United States Cyber Command; by striking such command each place it appears and inserting such Command; and by striking commander each place it appears and inserting Commander. In section 222a(d), by striking the before all of the reports. In section 381(b), by striking Defense—. and inserting Defense—. In section 391b(e)(1)(B), by striking the colon and inserting a semicolon. In section 392a(b)(3)(B)(ix), by inserting section before 932(c)(3). In section 486, by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d). In chapter 25, by redesignating sections 501 through 506 as sections 500a through 500f, respectively. In section 510(h)(2)(B), by striking subchapters I and II and inserting subchapters II and III. In section 520(a)(2), by striking armed forced and inserting armed force. In section 578(g), by striking is approved and inserting as approved. In section 624(e), by striking is approved and inserting as approved. In section 628a— in subsection (e)(2), by striking apply to report and inserting apply to the report; and in subsection (f), by striking section 20251 and inserting section 20252. In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 40, by striking the item relating to section 711 and inserting the following: In chapter 40, by redesignating section 711 (relating to parental leave for members of certain reserve components of the armed forces) as section 710a. In such section 710a, as so redesignated, in subsection (a)(2)— by striking subparagraph (A) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (1); in subparagraph (B)— by striking clause (i) and inserting subparagraph (A); and by striking .; and inserting a period. In section 714(b)(1)(A), by striking an serious and inserting a serious. In section 937(a)(2)(B) (Art. 137), by inserting the before Space Force. In section 1073c— by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and by redesignating the second subsection (h) (relating to rule of construction regarding secretaries concerned and medical evaluation boards) as subsection (i). In section 1073d(b)(5)(C)(ii), by striking fulfil and inserting fulfill. In section 1370— in subsection (b)(1), by striking or, Space Force and inserting or Space Force; and in subsection (f)(6)— in subparagraph (A), by inserting a comma after Air Force; and in subparagraph (B), by inserting a comma after Navy. In section 1465(e), by inserting shall before provide. In section 1448(d)(1), by striking paragraph (2)(B) and inserting paragraph (2). In section 1558— by striking ,, each place it appears and inserting a comma; and in subsection (b)(2)(A), by striking 14507 and inserting 14705. In section 1559(c)(3), by striking the the and inserting the. In section 2031— in subsection (b)— in paragraph (1)(E), by striking .. and inserting a period; and in paragraph (2)(E)(vi), by striking report under subsection (i) and inserting report under subsection (j); by redesignating the second subsection (i) as subsection (j). In section 2107(a), by striking ,, and inserting a comma. In section 2200g(a), by striking Under Secretary for Defense and inserting Under Secretary of Defense. In the section heading for section 2275b, by striking the period at the end. In section 2285— by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively; and by redesignating the second subsection (b) as subsection (f). In section 2688(g)(4), by striking installation energy. In the table of sections at the beginning of subchapter III of chapter 169, by striking the item relating to section 2856 and inserting the following: In section 2856(a), by striking ,. and inserting a period. In section 2911(c)(3), by striking installation energy. In section 2922g(g)(1), by striking 2202 and inserting 2002. In the chapter analysis for part V of subtitle A— by striking the item relating to chapter 207 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 225 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 243 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 272 and inserting the following new item: in the item relating to chapter 287, by striking 3961 and inserting 3901; by inserting after the item relating to chapter 307 the following new items: by striking the item relating to chapter 363 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 367 and inserting the following new item: by striking the item relating to chapter 383 and inserting the following new item: In section 3601(a)(2), by inserting note before prec.. In section 4902— in subsection (e)— in paragraph (1)(A)(iii), by inserting the before protege firm; and by redesignating paragraph (3) as subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), and adjusting the margins accordingly; and in subsection (n)(5)(D), by inserting of 1938 after Act. In section 4127, by striking the section heading and inserting the following: In section 4273(d), by striking 4736 and inserting 4376. In section 8581(a), by striking Provost and Academic Dean of the Postgraduate School and inserting Provost and Chief Academic Officer. In section 15109, by striking (a) In general.—. In section 15110, by striking the title and inserting this subtitle. In the chapter analysis for part I of subtitle F, by striking the item relating to chapter 2013 and inserting the following new item: In section 20106(d), by striking pertaining. In section 20212(a)(1), by inserting the before Air Force. In section 20231— in subsection (b)(5), by inserting section before 20232; and in subsection (c)(2)(E), by inserting of the before Air Force. In section 20234(b), by inserting to after pursuant. In section 20243(a)(3), by striking as a before and inserting before. By redesignating the second section 20251 (relating to special selection boards; correction of errors) as section 20252. In such section 20252 (relating to special selection boards; correction of errors), as so redesignated— in subsection (b)— in paragraph (2)— by striking ((1) and inserting (1); and by striking sch and inserting such; and in paragraph (4), by striking a officer and inserting an officer; and in subsection (f)(2), by striking of officer and inserting an officer. In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 2009, by striking the item relating to he second section 20404 (relating to Force shaping authority) and inserting the following: In section 20401(b), by inserting , and after 1174(b). In section 20404, by striking space force both places it appears and inserting Space Force. In section 20502— in the heading for subsection (c)— by striking than an Officer Has Failed to Establish That the Officer Should Be Retained and inserting that an officer has failed to establish that the officer should be retained; and by moving paragraph (1) to appear in line with the subsection heading and adjusting the margins accordingly; and in the heading for subsection (d), by striking than and inserting that. Effective as of December 12, 2017, and as if included therein as enacted, section 886(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91) is amended by striking the term Procurement Administrative Lead Time or PALT, and inserting the term procurement administrative lead time or PALT,. For purposes of applying amendments made by provisions of this Act other than this section, the amendments made by this section shall be treated as having been enacted immediately before any such amendments by other provisions of this Act. 19.Cyber and Information Operations Matters391; 25.Electromagnetic Warfare500; 327. Weapon Systems Development and Related Matters4401; 363.Prohibition and Penalties4651; and 367. Other Administrative Matters4751. 710a. Parental leave for members of certain reserve components of the armed forces.. 2856. Military unaccompanied housing: standards.. 207.Budgeting and Appropriations3131; 225. Reserved3271; 243.Other Matters Relating to Awarding of Contracts3341; 272.Reserved3721; Subpart F—MAJOR SYSTEMS, MAJOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS, AND WEAPON SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT321.General Matters4201322.Major Systems and Major Defense Acquisition Programs Generally4211323.Life-Cycle and Sustainment4321324.Selected Acquisition Reports4350325.Cost Growth-Unit Cost Reports (Nunn-McCurdy)4371326.Weapon Systems Development And Related Matters4401; and 363.Prohibition and Penalties4651; 367.Other Administrative Matters4751; 383.Development, Application, and Support of Dual-use Technologies4831. 4127.Defense Innovation Unit. 2013. Voluntary Retirement for Length of Service20601. 20405. Force shaping authority..
Section 702
4127. Defense Innovation Unit
Section 703
1742. Expansion of eligibility for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Section 1965 of title 38, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (5)— in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon; in subparagraph (D), by striking field training or practice cruises and inserting advanced training (as such term is defined in section 2101 of title 10); by redesignating subparagraph (D), as amended, as subparagraph (E); and by inserting, after subparagraph (C), the following new subparagraph (D): a Reserve— not otherwise described in this paragraph; enlisted under section 513 of title 10; and without regard to duty status; and (D)a Reserve—(i)not otherwise described in this paragraph;(ii)enlisted under section 513 of title 10; and(iii)without regard to duty status; and.
Section 704
1743. Display of United States flag for patriotic and military observances Section 8(c) of title 4, United States Code, is amended by inserting , except as may be necessary in limited circumstances and done in a respectful manner as part of a military or patriotic observance involving members of the Armed Forces after aloft and free. The Secretary of Defense shall— rescind the February 10, 2023, Department of Defense memorandum entitled, Clarification of Department of Defense Community Engagement Policy on Showing Proper Respect to the United States Flag; and support military recruitment through public outreach events during patriotic and military observances, including the display of the United States flag regardless of size and position, including horizontally, provided that, in accordance with section 8(b) of title 4, United States Code, the flag never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.
Section 705
1744. Reduction of light pollution at Department of Defense facilities Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and concurrently with the study required under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall complete an audit of light pollution at the facilities selected pursuant to paragraph (2). Under such audit, the Secretary shall— evaluate the lighting used at such facilities, with a focus on unshielded lighting; determine whether any lighting fixtures are unnecessary; determine whether any areas— are unnecessarily lit; or are overlit and are suitable for lower ambient light under United Facilities Criteria 3–530–01; identify any lighting or design trends across such facilities that contribute to light pollution; and include a plan for reducing unnecessary lighting, overlit areas, and other sources of light pollution at such facilities. The Secretary of Defense shall— select the Department of Defense facilities to be included in the audit under paragraph (1); and to the extent practicable, ensure that the group of such selected facilities is a representative sample of Department of Defense facilities with respect to size, form, function, and geographic location. Not later than 6 months after the audit required under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the plan included in such audit. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and concurrently with the audit required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study of light pollution at Department of Defense facilities. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall— examine how light pollution affects Department of Defense operations and readiness; examine how light pollution affects biodiversity near Department of Defense facilities; evaluate the effectiveness of compatible use buffer zones and other techniques already in use to mitigate light pollution and its harmful effects at Department of Defense facilities; evaluate the necessity and purpose of any unshielded lights at Department of Defense facilities; examine the use of additional light pollution mitigation technologies, processes, and policies to mitigate light pollution at Department of Defense facilities, including increasing the use of warm-light and low-output light-emitting diode lights and decreasing the use of cool-light and high-output light-emitting diode lights; examine the feasability of establishing dark sky standards for Department of Defense facilities; identify and analyze Federal, State, and local rules, regulations, and policies that support or inhibit the ability of the Secretary of Defense to mitigate light pollution at Department of Defense facilities; and evaluate ongoing and potential additional initiatives at Department of Defense facilities to regulate lighting standards, including how such initiatives could be expanded without compromising national security or the mission, safety, or security of any such facility. Not later than 6 months after the completion of the audit required under subsection (a)(1) and the study required under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report, which shall include— the results of the audit required under subsection (a)(1), including the methodology, findings, and recommendations of such audit; the results of the study required under subsection (b), including unclassified examples of how light pollution affects Department of Defense operations and readiness; identification of the funds, resources, and additional authorities required to execute any plans or recommendations developed pursuant to the study required under subsection (b); recommendations for expanding or starting collaborative efforts with local communities that are located near Department of Defense facilities to limit light pollution; recommendations for protecting biodiversity near Department of Defense facilities from light pollution without harming Department of Defense operations and readiness; and recommendations on whether and, if applicable, how the Department of Defense could create and implement dark sky standards for Department of Defense facilities. The Secretary of Defense may establish pilot projects to reduce light pollution at Department of Defense facilities based on the results of the study required under subsection (b). The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the safety, security, and readiness of the Department of Defense is not negatively affected by— the audit required under subsection (a)(1); the implementation of the plan included in such audit; or any pilot project established under subsection (d). In this section: The term dark sky standards means a group of policies, guidelines, or requirements that— reduce light pollution; limit artificial light to areas where such light is intended to be used; and protect the natural darkness of an outdoor location. The term Department of Defense facility means any structure, building, training area, or other infrastructure of a military installation, including a roadway or defense access road, and any other area on the grounds of a military installation that is under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department. The term light pollution means artificial light that emanates from buildings or other human-made structures that— expands onto adjacent properties and is unnecessary in regards to the purpose or use of such adjacent property; or degrades the visibility of the sky at night.
Section 706
1745. Strategy to improve activities related to counternarcotics and counter-transnational organized crime Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with each commander of a geographic combatant command and the Secretary of State, shall develop a strategy to improve activities and support to law enforcement related to counternarcotics. Such strategy shall— ensure the coordination and assessment of such activities carried out by the Department of Defense; ensure policy updates to address ongoing and emerging counternarcotics threats; and inform the coordination of program and budget requests by the Secretary. The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: A plan to establish or update command arrangement agreements to address existing and emerging narcotic substances of concern, including detection and monitoring of fentanyl, illicit fentanyl precursors, and fentanyl analogues. Definitions for responsibilities of each command in the joint operation area as directed by the Department of Defense. A plan for improved coordination between geographic combatant commands to ensure clear understanding of roles and responsibilities in overlapping areas of responsibility. A plan to continue and improve coordination with foreign partners regarding intelligence sharing and interdiction activities. Standardized operating procedures for command and control of counternarcotics within the Department of Defense. Measurable outcomes to assess progress for each of the Departments counternarcotics strategic objectives. A description of capability upgrades that would better enable the support of the interdiction of narcotics, including fentanyl, illicit fentanyl precursors, and fentanyl analogues, throughout the Department of Defense. Not later than June 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the comprehensive strategy as required by subsection (a). The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 707
1746. Risk framework for foreign mobile applications of concern The Secretary of Defense shall— create categorical definitions of foreign mobile applications of concern with respect to personnel or operations of the Department of Defense, distinguishing among categories such as applications for shopping, social media, entertainment, or health; and create a risk framework with respect to Department personnel or operations that assesses each foreign mobile application (or, if appropriate, grouping of similar such applications) that is from a country of concern for any potential impact on Departmental personnel and Departmental operations, incorporating considerations of— the manner and extent of data collection by the application; the ability of the application to influence the user with the applications content to the detriment of the United States; the manner and extent of foreign ownership or control of the application or data collected by the application; any foreign government interests associated with the applications; a software bill of materials with a focus on known or assessed malicious software embedded in the application, including in prior versions of the application or in other applications created by the owners of such application; any known impact from prior use of the application to Department personnel or operations; and the foreign mobile application of concern residing on a United States Government device or a personally owned device while in proximity to Department operations or activities or in the personal custody of personnel during Department sanctioned activities. In developing the categorical definitions and risk framework described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense— shall include in the risk framework foreign mobile applications of concern— from countries that the Secretary determines to be engaged in consistent, unauthorized conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States; that are accessible to be downloaded from major mobile device application marketplaces by Department personnel; and originating from, authored in, owned by, or otherwise associated with countries or entities that are designated on the list maintained and set forth in Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations; may include additional countries or individual foreign mobile applications with malicious and banned capabilities from other countries to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate; and shall consider distinguishing within the risk framework the particular interests of a country described in paragraph (1) or (2) in the use of a foreign mobile application of concern of such country (regardless of device or owner) by— users located at facilities of the Department of Defense of varying levels of sensitivity; users conducting authorized operations or movements of Department of Defense materiel; or specific civilian employees of the Department or contractors whom the Secretary determines likely to be a target of a foreign actor. The Secretary of Defense shall— issue guidance to all Department personnel incorporating the categories of foreign mobile applications of concern and advising how to mitigate the risks identified by the risk framework with respect to such applications; routinely update the categorical definitions and risk framework promulgated pursuant to subsection (a), at least on an annual basis; and prescribe, if feasible, regulations that appropriately mitigate risks from applications on devices provided by the Department of Defense or on any device used during an activity described in subsection (b)(3)(B) or at locations described under (b)(3)(A).
Section 708
1747. Federal contractor vulnerability disclosure policy Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Cyber Director, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and any other appropriate head of an Executive department, shall— review the Federal Acquisition Regulation contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs; and recommend updates to such requirements and language to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council. The recommendations required by paragraph (1) shall include updates to such requirements designed to ensure that covered contractors implement a vulnerability disclosure policy consistent with NIST guidelines for contractors as required under section 5 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3c; Public Law 116–207). Not later than 180 days after the date on which the recommended contract language developed pursuant to subsection (a) is received, the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council shall review the recommended contract language and update the FAR as necessary to incorporate requirements for covered contractors to receive information about a potential security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by a contractor, in performance of the contract. The update to the FAR pursuant to subsection (b) shall— to the maximum extent practicable, align with the security vulnerability disclosure process and coordinated disclosure requirements relating to Federal information systems under sections 5 and 6 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–207; 15 U.S.C. 278g–3c and 278g–3d); and to the maximum extent practicable, be aligned with industry best practices and Standards 29147 and 30111 of the International Standards Organization (or any successor standard) or any other appropriate, relevant, and widely used standard. The head of an agency may waive the security vulnerability disclosure policy requirement under subsection (b) if— the agency Chief Information Officer determines that the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security or research purposes; and if, not later than 30 days after granting a waiver, such head submits a notification and justification (including information about the duration of the waiver) to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall review the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs and develop updates to such requirements designed to ensure that covered contractors implement a vulnerability disclosure policy consistent with NIST guidelines for contractors as required under section 5 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3c; Public Law 116–207). Not later than 180 days after the date on which the review required under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall revise the DFARS as necessary to incorporate requirements for covered contractors to receive information about a potential security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by a contractor, in performance of the contract. The Secretary shall ensure that the revision to the DFARS described in this subsection is carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c). The Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense may waive the security vulnerability disclosure policy requirements under paragraph (2) if the Chief Information Officer— determines that the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security or research purposes; and not later than 30 days after granting a waiver, submits a notification and justification (including information about the duration of the waiver) to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In this section: The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code. The term covered contractor means a contractor (as defined in section 7101 of title 41, United States Code)— whose contract is in an amount the same as or greater than the simplified acquisition threshold; or that uses, operates, manages, or maintains a Federal information system (as defined by section 11331 of title 40, United Stated Code) on behalf of an agency. The term DFARS means the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The term Executive department has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 5, United States Code. The term FAR means the Federal Acquisition Regulation. The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The term OMB means the Office of Management and Budget. The term security vulnerability has the meaning given that term in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650). The term simplified acquisition threshold has the meaning given that term in section 134 of title 41, United States Code.
Section 709
1748. Records relating to Tower 22 attack Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall make available to Congress all records relating to the January 28, 2024, attack on Tower 22 in Jordan.
Section 710
1749. Prohibition on construction of Gaza port None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act or by any provision of Public Law 118–50 may be made available for the acquisition, construction, installation, maintenance, or restoration of a temporary or permanent pier, port, or similar structure located in Gaza or off the western coast of Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea, or for the deployment of any equipment or members of the Armed Forces to Gaza relating to such structure.
Section 711
1750. Copyright protection for certain literary works of military members of the faculty of certain institutions Section 105(d) of title 17, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1), by striking civilian; and in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. (O)Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. .
Section 712
1751. Revocation of Security Clearances for Certain Persons Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Defense shall suspend or revoke a security clearance or access to classified information for any retired or separated member of the uniformed service or civilian employee of the Department of Defense who engages in the activities described in subsection (b). The activities described in this subsection are lobbying activities or lobbying contacts for or on behalf of any entity that is— identified by the Secretary of Defense in the most recent report submitted under section 1260H(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) as a Chinese military company; included in the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List published by the Department of the Treasury; owned by or controlled by an agency or instrumentality of any person described in paragraphs (1) or (2); or an agency or instrumentality of any person described in paragraphs (1) or (2). The Secretary of Defense may, for periods not to exceed 180 days, waive the application of the prohibition in subsection (a) for an individual if the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that doing so is in the national security interest of the United States. In this section: The term lobbying activities has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602). The term lobbying contact has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602) except that clause (iv) of paragraph (8)(B)(iv) of such section shall not apply.
Section 713
1752. United States-Israel cooperation on space matters Congress expresses support for cooperation between the United States and Israel on space matters, including— between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Israel Space Agency; and between the United States Air Force and the Israeli Air Force’s newly created Space Force in the areas of research, development, test, and evaluation.
Section 714
1753. State and local law enforcement access to lifesaving Federal equipment No regulation, rule, guidance, policy, or recommendation issued on or after May 15, 2015, that limits the sale, donation, or transfer of property of the Federal Government pursuant to Executive Order 13688 (entitled Federal Support for Local Law Enforcement Equipment Acquisition) or Executive Order 14074 (entitled Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices To Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety), including excess property of the Department of Defense, to State and local agencies for law enforcement activities (whether pursuant to section 2576a of title 10, United States Code, or any other provision of law, or as a condition on the use of Federal funds) shall have any force or effect after the date of the enactment of this Act unless enacted into law by Congress. No agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government may use any Federal funds, fees, or resources to implement or carry out a regulation, rule, guidance, policy, or recommendation issued as described in paragraph (1) that is not enacted into law by Congress. In accordance with this subsection, the President may not reinstate any section of the Executive orders listed in paragraph (1) nor establish any substantially similar Executive order regarding the transfer of equipment to law enforcement under section 2576a of title 10, United States Code. Any property recalled or seized on or after May 15, 2015, pursuant to a regulation, rule, guidance, policy, or recommendation issued as described in subsection (a)(1) shall be returned, replaced, or re-issued to the agency from which recalled or seized, at no cost to such agency, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, if— such agency requests that the property be returned, replaced, or re-issued; such agency satisfies the conditions set forth under 2576a of title 10, United States Code, authorizing transfer and use of such property, if applicable; and the property is in stock and available for transfer to the agency to be used for law enforcement activities at the time the agency submits a request referred to in paragraph (1).
Section 715
1754. Limitation on funding activities performed by persons in drag None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated or expended for a drag show, drag queen story hour, or similar event.
Section 716
1755. Prohibition on diverting funding from the Indo-Pacific region None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be made available to carry out any provision of law in a manner that would divert away funds previously appropriated as of the date of the enactment of this Act for assistance for the Indo-Pacific region through September 30, 2025.
Section 717
1756. Development of national strategy The President shall, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Nuclear Energy of the Department of Energy, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Reactor Fleet and Advanced Reactor Deployment of the Department of Energy, develop a national strategy to utilize microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a comprehensive national strategy developed under subsection (a). A national strategy developed under subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment of the effectiveness of utilizing diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts, which such assessment shall include— information on the current use of diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including— the prevalence of deploying diesel generators around the United States as the sole power source to assist with natural disaster response efforts; the average number of diesel generators deployed in natural disaster response efforts based on the type of natural disaster, the severity of the natural disaster, and the location of the natural disaster; where Federal, State, and local governments store diesel generators; how diesel generators are transported to areas affected by a natural disaster; any logistical concerns with refueling diesel generators over an extended period of time; the potential to utilize accessory equipment that is traditionally connected to diesel generators to help provide electricity to the area in need; and any other information that is necessary to understand the role of diesel generators used to assist with natural disaster response efforts; how the effect on the environment of utilizing diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts compares to the estimated effect on the environment of utilizing microreactors to assist with the same natural disaster response efforts; and the concerns to public safety when deploying diesel generators in natural disaster response efforts. A comprehensive, research-based, and long-term discussion of goals, objectives, and priorities for utilizing microreactors instead of diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts. An analysis of— how the efforts of the Department of Defense to develop microreactor technology for operational uses could be used to inform the development of microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including any recommendations and additional direction that may be necessary for such expedited deployment; how the Department of Defense can most effectively translate and implement the lessons learned from its operations in the field to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including how operations in the field related to microreactors can be used to answer broad questions for the nuclear industry and for future issues relating to fuel reliability, energy supply chain issues, reducing diesel convoy causalities, and supporting other global humanitarian needs; and whether a demonstration program for microreactors is needed prior to deploying microreactors for natural disaster response efforts, based on the analysis provided by subparagraphs (A) and (B). Recommendations on how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission can work with other Federal agencies to expedite— the approval of designs for microreactors; and issuing licenses for the utilization, transportation, and operation of microreactors in rapid deployment scenarios, such as natural disaster response efforts. An analysis of available academic literature and studies, including site feasibility studies, to identify high risk areas that are prone to natural disasters that should be prioritized during emergency planning. An assessment of various strategic considerations to improve the efficiency, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of deploying microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including— whether the Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or any other government entity should build, own, or operate microreactors that are used to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including whether it would be viable to lease microreactors from private industry and whether it would be viable to facilitate public-private partnerships to find cost effective options to utilize microreactors for natural disaster response efforts; the recommended number of individuals charged with the usage, maintenance, and upkeep of the microreactors, including the recommended qualifications, training requirements, availability requirements, and oversight responsibility of such individuals; the number of microreactors needed, initially and in the long-term, to effectively respond to a natural disaster based on past natural disaster trends and the specific geographic location of the area; where microreactors used to assist with natural disaster response efforts would be stored, including information on— how different microreactor storage locations may affect swift and economically feasible natural disaster response efforts; the feasibility of utilizing already-built facilities instead of constructing new microreactor storage facilities; the cost of constructing new microreactor storage facilities; how to properly store the microreactor when not being utilized for natural disaster response efforts; and potential storage locations, such as— the Strategic Alliance for FLEX Emergency Response locations in Memphis, Tennessee and Phoenix, Arizona; and Department of Defense bases; how to maintain a microreactor and replace, store, and dispose of fuel used by a microreactor, including whether public-private partnerships may be used to assist with such maintenance, replacement, storage, and disposal; when a diesel generator will suffice in the event of a natural disaster of limited proportions, in comparison to utilizing microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; which States and territories and possessions of the United States that are prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, should be prioritized when initially selecting locations to deploy microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; the methods, capabilities, and costs associated with transporting microreactors that were or may be impacted by natural disasters, including considerations about transporting new microreactors, in addition to microreactors that have been put to use, and any regulatory or legal issues that may arise during the transportation; any other strategic considerations that should be taken into account before deploying microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; how to integrate microreactors into existing electrical grids in emergency situations, including how grid connection points, microgrid limits, site load limits, existing infrastructure, and the standard process for grid interconnections may impact the integration of microreactors into existing electrical grid; whether microreactors will be susceptible to cyberattacks, including whether autonomous control will impact the microreactor’s cyberattack susceptibility and what systems or microreactor designs would be ideal for combating such cyberattacks during a natural disaster response effort; and how the weight of a microreactor, compared to the weight of a diesel generator, affects deploying microreactors and diesel generators to assist with natural disaster response efforts. An assessment of— the challenges and barriers to deploying microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; and solutions to address each such challenge and barrier. A review of existing law that can be used to ease the burden of utilizing microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801 et seq.), the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (42 U.S.C. 2215 note), and any other relevant law. Recommendations for legislation to— assist with— deploying microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; the maintenance and upkeep of such microreactors; and the initial and long-term storage of such microreactors; and pay for the activities described in subclauses (I) through (III) of clause (i). An assessment about— the current status of any collaboration between the National Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers during natural disaster response efforts; the specific roles of each entity specified in subparagraph (A) (disaggregated, in the case of the National Guard, by State and by military department) during a natural disaster response effort, and their respective roles when participating in natural disaster response efforts; the current emergency responsibilities of the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that relate to deploying microreactors during natural disaster response efforts; the potential opportunity to set up an annual listening group session or consortium to provide all the necessary information needed to deploy microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts and to ensure a smooth transition from the use of diesel generators to the use of microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; how the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, consented to by Congress in the joint resolution entitled Joint resolution granting the consent of Congress to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (Public Law 104–321), can be utilized to allow States to allocate their unused microreactors to other States that are in need of microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts; and how to improve the collaboration between Federal, State, and local government entities and private entities when deploying microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts. Recommendations on how to utilize microreactors as charging stations for electric vehicles in the event of a mass evacuation resulting from a natural disaster, including recommendations on— how to deploy microreactors to charge electric vehicles before an evacuation; the primary transportation corridors that would be used for such a mass evacuation; how many microreactors would be needed to charge electric vehicles during such a mass evacuation, based on the size and population of the State in which the mass evacuation occurs; the best placement of microreactors throughout the primary transportation corridors to ensure a smooth electric vehicle charging process and subsequent evacuation; any potential public-private partnerships that would be useful in utilizing microreactors to charge electric vehicles during a mass evacuation, including an estimate of the costs that would be associated with establishing these partnerships; how to— transport microreactors to mass evacuation locations along primary transportation corridors for purposes of charging electric vehicles; and pay for such transportation; and any other topic related to subparagraphs (A) through (F). Recommendations on deploying microreactors to territories and possessions of the United States to assist with natural disaster response efforts. Recommendations on how to, in the event of a natural disaster and when the deployment of a microreactor is not timely or ideal for the circumstance, deploy military equipment of the United States with nuclear capabilities, such as nuclear aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, to provide temporary electricity to an area severely impacted by a natural disaster. A multiyear budget plan that identifies the necessary resources to successfully carry out the recommendations and implement any lessons learned from the assessments and other analysis under this subsection. An analysis of current and developing ways to leverage existing and innovative technology to improve the effectiveness of efforts to deploy microreactors to assist with natural disaster response efforts. A description of how to utilize innovative technology, such as artificial intelligence and predictive meteorological tools, to prepare for the utilization of microreactors before a natural disaster. An assessment of how floating nuclear barges compare to using portable microreactors, including— the advantages and disadvantages of using a portable microreactor compared to a floating nuclear barge; and an identification of scenarios during which a floating nuclear barge would be preferred over a portable microreactor. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. The term local government has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122). The term microreactor means a nuclear reactor, including a portable nuclear reactor, that has an electricity generating capacity of not more than 20 megawatts of thermal energy. The term natural disaster has the meaning given the term Major disaster in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), except that the term natural disaster does not include a wildfire. The term natural disaster response effort means a circumstance in which a State or local government requests assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), including assistance to address the loss of primary electrical capacity as a result of a natural disaster. The term State means a State of the United States and the District of Columbia.
Section 718
1757. Statement of policy relating to reporting requirements of China’s Maritime Safety Administration It is the policy of the United States to reject as a violation of international law and United States sovereignty any attempt by China’s Maritime Safety Administration to compel United States vessels to adhere to any reporting requirements listed within China’s Maritime Traffic Safety Law, including any requirements to require a vessel to declare— the vessel’s name and number; the vessel’s satellite telephone number; the vessel’s position and recent locations; and the vessel’s cargo. Subsection (a) applies to all maritime claims made by the People’s Republic of China that the United States has rejected, to include virtually all of China’s claims within the Nine-Dash Line.
Section 719
1758. Report on military spouse security clearance Not later than May 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall provide a report to Congress on the technical, operational, human resources, and legal challenges that would result from accelerating security clearance reviews of military spouses by using information, including address verification, from the spousal review of their connected service member’s security clearance, as well as the anticipated benefits of such a change.
Section 720
1759. Sense of Congress regarding feasibility study for Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Congress makes the following findings: The Joint Explanatory Statement to accompany the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) directed the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, to conduct a feasibility study to assess potential missions, plants, or industries feasible for Army or Department of Defense needs at the Blue Grass Army Depot following the completion of the mission at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. House Report 118-301 to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) directed the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General, Army Materiel Command and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology to provide a briefing on the costs and estimated funding profile associated with the organic industrial base modernization strategy and the efforts required to support opportunities for augmenting the organic industrial base at Blue Grass Army Depot. It is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense and the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commanding General of the Army Materiel Command and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, should work with Congress and the local community near the Blue Grass Army Depot to build upon the findings of the feasibility study and House Report referred to in subsection (a).
Section 721
1760. Rewards for information regarding leaders of Hamas The Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Secretary of Defense shall advocate in their respective roles on the Foreign Threat Intelligence Committee to request the Rewards for Justice Program to offer $25,000,000 each in incentives for information regarding Hamas terrorists Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. The Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Secretary of Defense should advocate for significant rewards for information regarding other leaders Iran-backed entities designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 594.310 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations.
Section 722
1761. Prohibition on funding for the Countering Extremist Activity Working Group No Federal funds are authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for the Countering Extremist Activity Working Group or to implement any recommendations of such group.
Section 723
1762. Report on the use of major non-NATO ally status for Kenya It is the sense of Congress that— the designation of a country as a major non-NATO ally is intended to facilitate an increased security relationship between the United States and the designated country and is not intended to be merely a symbolic gesture; Kenya is an increasingly important security partner in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean; and major non-NATO ally status for Kenya should be utilized to facilitate increased security cooperation with Kenya to advance our shared security priorities. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit a classified report, along with an unclassified summary, to the appropriate congressional committees, which shall— identify all opportunities to increase security cooperation with Kenya as a result of its major non-NATO ally designation; assess the feasibility of implementing the identified opportunities, including cost, timeline, and availability of defense articles as applicable; and assess the priority of identified opportunities based on the Kenyan government’s requests and input and the impact on advancing the national security interests of the United States. On the date that is 180 days after the report required under subsection (b) is submitted, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit a classified annex, along with an unclassified summary, to the appropriate congressional committees containing a report that identifies all requests by the Kenyan government on cooperation on activities covered under the major non-NATO ally status, including— a detailed summary of each request, including cost and the defense articles requested; whether those requests were approved or denied; and an explanation for why each request was approved or denied. In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
Section 724
1763. Limitation on displaying in certain public areas cut flowers or greens not produced in the United States A cut flower or a cut green may not be officially displayed in any public area of a building of the Executive Office of the President or of the Department of State or of the Department of Defense unless the cut flower or cut green is produced in the United States. The limitation in subsection (a) may not be construed to apply to any cut flower or cut green used by a Federal officer or employee for personal display. In this section: The term cut flower means a flower removed from a living plant for decorative use. The term cut green means a green, foliage, or branch removed from a living plant for decorative use. The term produced in the United States means grown in— any of the several States; the District of Columbia; a territory or possession of the United States; or an area subject to the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian Tribe. This section shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section.
Section 725
1764. United States-Israel emerging technology capabilities cooperation Subtitle G of title XII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 is amended by inserting after section 1279 (22 U.S.C. 8606 note) the following: It is the policy of the United States to support and encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including but not limited to the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation. The Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, is authorized to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation, on a joint basis with Israel, in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation. Any activities carried out pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and United States and Israel national security interests. The activities described in paragraph (1) and subsection (c) may be carried out after the Secretary of Defense submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the following: A memorandum of agreement between the United States and Israel regarding sharing of research and development costs for the capabilities described in paragraph (1), and any supporting documents. A certification that the memorandum of agreement— requires sharing of costs of projects, including in-kind support, between the United States and Israel; establishes a framework to negotiate the rights to any intellectual property developed under the memorandum of agreement; and requires the United States Government to receive semiannual reports on expenditure of funds, if any, by the Government of Israel, including a description of what the funds have been used for, when funds were expended, and an identification of entities that expended the funds. The amount of support provided under this section in any year may not exceed $47,500,000. The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate as the lead agency of the Department of Defense in carrying out this section. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress on a semiannual basis a report that contains a copy of the most recent semiannual report provided by the Government of Israel to the Department of Defense pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B)(iii). In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. The authority in this section to carry out activities described in subsection (b), and to provide support described in subsection (c), shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section. 1279A.United States-Israel emerging technology capabilities cooperation(a)Statement of policyIt is the policy of the United States to support and encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including but not limited to the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation.(b)Authority To Establish Emerging Defense Technology Capabilities Program With Israel(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, is authorized to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation, on a joint basis with Israel, in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation. Any activities carried out pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and United States and Israel national security interests.(2)ReportThe activities described in paragraph (1) and subsection (c) may be carried out after the Secretary of Defense submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the following:(A)A memorandum of agreement between the United States and Israel regarding sharing of research and development costs for the capabilities described in paragraph (1), and any supporting documents.(B)A certification that the memorandum of agreement—(i)requires sharing of costs of projects, including in-kind support, between the United States and Israel;(ii)establishes a framework to negotiate the rights to any intellectual property developed under the memorandum of agreement; and(iii)requires the United States Government to receive semiannual reports on expenditure of funds, if any, by the Government of Israel, including a description of what the funds have been used for, when funds were expended, and an identification of entities that expended the funds.(c)Annual limitation on amountThe amount of support provided under this section in any year may not exceed $47,500,000.(d)Lead agencyThe Secretary of Defense shall designate the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate as the lead agency of the Department of Defense in carrying out this section.(e)Semiannual ReportsThe Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress on a semiannual basis a report that contains a copy of the most recent semiannual report provided by the Government of Israel to the Department of Defense pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B)(iii). (f)Appropriate Committees of Congress DefinedIn this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—(1)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and(2)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. (g)SunsetThe authority in this section to carry out activities described in subsection (b), and to provide support described in subsection (c), shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section..
Section 726
1279A. United States-Israel emerging technology capabilities cooperation It is the policy of the United States to support and encourage further defense collaboration with Israel in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including but not limited to the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation. The Secretary of Defense, upon request of the Ministry of Defense of Israel and in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, is authorized to carry out research, development, test, and evaluation, on a joint basis with Israel, in areas of emerging technologies capable of enabling the warfare capabilities of both the United States and Israel to meet emerging defense challenges, including the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum and automation. Any activities carried out pursuant to such authority shall be conducted in a manner that appropriately protects sensitive information and United States and Israel national security interests. The activities described in paragraph (1) and subsection (c) may be carried out after the Secretary of Defense submits to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the following: A memorandum of agreement between the United States and Israel regarding sharing of research and development costs for the capabilities described in paragraph (1), and any supporting documents. A certification that the memorandum of agreement— requires sharing of costs of projects, including in-kind support, between the United States and Israel; establishes a framework to negotiate the rights to any intellectual property developed under the memorandum of agreement; and requires the United States Government to receive semiannual reports on expenditure of funds, if any, by the Government of Israel, including a description of what the funds have been used for, when funds were expended, and an identification of entities that expended the funds. The amount of support provided under this section in any year may not exceed $47,500,000. The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate as the lead agency of the Department of Defense in carrying out this section. The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress on a semiannual basis a report that contains a copy of the most recent semiannual report provided by the Government of Israel to the Department of Defense pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B)(iii). In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives. The authority in this section to carry out activities described in subsection (b), and to provide support described in subsection (c), shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this section.
Section 727
1765. Briefing on institutional capacity building of countries within United States Africa Command area of responsibility It is the sense of Congress that— Africa is a theater of strategic competition where the People’s Republic of China and Russia continue to increase their presence through economic and military relations; stability in the region has suffered, resulting in 8 military coups in the Sahel region of Africa in just the last 4 years; this region serves as an important training ground for violent extremist organizations whose attacks spread across the African continent and the globe; and United States Africa Command faces challenges in building strategic partnerships with African countries and bolstering stability on the continent. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall offer to all members of Congress a briefing on the adequacy of institutional capacity building in countries within the area of responsibility of the United States Africa Command to strengthen governance in the defense sectors of such countries. Such briefing shall also include, at a minimum, an analysis of programs and efforts of the Department of Defense focused on— strategy and policy development; budget development and execution; human resource management systems; logistics processes; and recommendations to counter the influence of the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and non-state violent extremist organizations through additional institutional capacity building in such countries by the Department.
Section 728
1766. GAO study on Department of Defense Education Activity Disability Emphasis Program The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on— the effectiveness of the Department of Defense Education Activity Disability Emphasis Program; and how such program supports the employment, retention, and career advancement of individuals with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the study conducted under subsection (a).
Section 729
1767. Common coalition key within the Baltic states The Secretary of Defense shall establish a common coalition key within the Baltic states for purposes of sharing ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) among such states for training and operational purposes. In this section, the term Baltic states means— Estonia; Lithuania; and Latvia.
Section 730
1801. Reform of rates of monthly basic pay Effective on January 1, 2025, the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services within each pay grade and with years of service computed under section 205 of title 37, United States Code (and subject to adjustment under section 1009 of such title), are as follows:
Section 731
1802. Basic allowance for housing: authorization of appropriations For fiscal year 2025, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,200,000,000 for the purpose of fully funding the basic allowance for housing for members of the uniformed services under section 403 of title 37, United States Code.
Section 732
1803. Evaluation of the rates of the basic allowance for subsistence Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the evaluation of the Secretary of the rates of the basic allowance for subsistence under section 402 of title 37, United States Code. Elements of such report shall include the following: The determination of the Secretary whether such rates are sufficient. Other factors that could be used to determine such rates, including— the number of dependents a member of the uniformed services has; whether the member has access to fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat; whether the member has access to healthy food; and the local costs of food, including at commissaries operated by the Secretary under chapter 147 of title 10, United States Code. The recommendations of the Secretary whether, and how, such rates may be improved.
Section 733
1804. Basic needs allowance for members on active service in the Armed Forces: expansion of eligibility; increase of amount Section 402b of title 37, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (b)(2)— in subparagraph (A)— by striking (A); by striking 150 percent and inserting 200 percent; and by striking ; or and inserting ; and; and by striking subparagraph (B). Such section is further amended, in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking 150 percent (or, in the case of a member described in subsection (b)(2)(B), 200 percent) and inserting 200 percent.
Section 734
1805. Expansion of authority of a commanding officer to authorize a basic allowance for housing for a member performing initial field or sea duty Subsection (f) of section 403 of title 37, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1)— by striking certifies that the member was necessarily required to procure quarters at the member's expense. and inserting an em dash; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: certifies that the member was required to procure housing at the member's expense; or determines that quarters at the duty station or in the field environment are inadequate or an impediment to morale, good order, or discipline. in paragraph (2)(B)— by striking the Secretary may authorize and inserting a commanding officer may authorize; by striking who is serving in pay grade E–4 or E–5 and inserting who is serving in a pay grade below E-6; and by striking members serving in pay grades E-4 and E-5 and inserting such members. In authorizing an allowance under this subparagraph, the commanding officer shall consider the availability of quarters for the member and whether such quarters are inadequate or an impediment to morale, good order, or discipline. (A)certifies that the member was required to procure housing at the member's expense; or(B)determines that quarters at the duty station or in the field environment are inadequate or an impediment to morale, good order, or discipline.; and
Section 735
1806. Expansion of travel and transportation allowance to move or store a privately owned vehicle Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (c)— in paragraph (2), by striking one privately owned vehicle and inserting two privately owned vehicles; and in paragraph (4), by inserting under paragraph (2) before the period at the end.
Section 736
1807. Report regarding the calculation of cost-of-living allowances Not later than April 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA. Such report shall include the following elements: The factors used to calculate the CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA. An explanation of how the factors described in paragraph (1) are determined. An explanation of how the CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA may be adjusted, including— timelines for such an adjustment; bases for such an adjustment; and the relationship between CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA. The evaluation of the Secretary whether the surveys used to collect data from members to calculate the CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA are effective. The evaluation of the Secretary whether the calculation of the CONUS COLA and OCONUS COLA is effective. The assessment of the Secretary whether the calculation of the CONUS COLA or OCONUS COLA should include additional factors, including— the number of dependents a member has; vicinity and commissary costs; the reimbursement of expenses (including tolls and taxes) incurred by a member based on the duty station of such member; remoteness; hardship; loss of spousal income; the unavailability of goods or services in the vicinity of a duty station; and any other factor that the Secretary determines appropriate. In this section: The term CONUS COLA means the cost-of-living allowance paid to a member of the uniformed services under section 403b of title 37, United States Code. The term OCONUS COLA means a cost-of-living allowance paid to a member of the uniformed services on the basis that— the member is assigned to a permanent duty station located outside the continental United States; or the dependents of such member reside outside the continental United States but not in the vicinity of the permanent duty station of such member.
Section 737
1811. Competitive pay for Department of Defense child care personnel Section 1792(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: For the purpose of providing military child development centers with a qualified and stable civilian workforce, employees at a military installation who are directly involved in providing child care and who are paid from nonappropriated funds— in the case of entry-level employees, shall be paid a rate of pay competitive with the rates of pay paid to other equivalent non-Federal positions within the metropolitan statistical area or non-metropolitan statistical area (as the case may be) in which such Department employee’s position is located; and in the case of any employee not covered by subparagraph (A), shall be paid a rate of pay competitive with the rates of pay paid to other employees with similar training, seniority, and experience within the metropolitan statistical area or non-metropolitan statistical area (as the case may be) in which such Department employee’s position is located. Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no employee shall receive a rate of pay under this subsection that is lower than the minimum hourly rate of pay applicable to civilian employees of the Department of Defense. For purposes of determining the rates of pay under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area occupational employment and wage estimates published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. The rate of pay for any individual who is an employee covered by subsection (c) of section 1792 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, on the date of the enactment of this Act shall not be reduced by operation of such amendment. Any employee whose rate of pay is fixed under such subsection (c), as so amended, and who is within any pay band shall receive a rate of pay not less than the minimum rate of pay applicable to such pay band. (c)Competitive rates of pay(1)For the purpose of providing military child development centers with a qualified and stable civilian workforce, employees at a military installation who are directly involved in providing child care and who are paid from nonappropriated funds—(A)in the case of entry-level employees, shall be paid a rate of pay competitive with the rates of pay paid to other equivalent non-Federal positions within the metropolitan statistical area or non-metropolitan statistical area (as the case may be) in which such Department employee’s position is located; and(B)in the case of any employee not covered by subparagraph (A), shall be paid a rate of pay competitive with the rates of pay paid to other employees with similar training, seniority, and experience within the metropolitan statistical area or non-metropolitan statistical area (as the case may be) in which such Department employee’s position is located.(2)Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no employee shall receive a rate of pay under this subsection that is lower than the minimum hourly rate of pay applicable to civilian employees of the Department of Defense.(3)For purposes of determining the rates of pay under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use the metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area occupational employment and wage estimates published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics..
Section 738
1812. Parent fees at military child development centers for child care employees Section 1793 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following new subsections: In order to support recruitment and retention initiatives, the Secretary of Defense shall charge reduced fees for the attendance, at a military child development center, of the children of a child care employee as follows: For the first child, no fee. For each other child, a fee equal to or less than a fee discounted under subsection (c). A family may not receive discounts under subsections (c) and (d) concurrently. (d)Child care employee discountIn order to support recruitment and retention initiatives, the Secretary of Defense shall charge reduced fees for the attendance, at a military child development center, of the children of a child care employee as follows:(1)For the first child, no fee.(2)For each other child, a fee equal to or less than a fee discounted under subsection (c).(e)Prohibition of concurrent discountsA family may not receive discounts under subsections (c) and (d) concurrently..
Section 739
1813. Child abuse prevention and safety at military child development centers Section 1794 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (2) of subsection (b)— by striking the period at at the end and inserting by means including—; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: posting it in public areas of military child development centers; and providing it to the parents and legal guardians of children who attend military child development centers. Such section is further amended, in subsection (d)— by inserting (1) before The Secretary; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: The regulations required under paragraph (1) shall— require the Secretary to notify the parents and legal guardians of children who attend a military child development center not later than 24 hours after such a child suffers abuse or harm at such military child development center; establish processes by which the commander of the military installation and military police shall— investigate and address incidents of abuse and harm involving children at military child development centers; and notify the parents or legal guardians of a child who experiences abuse or harm at a military child development center of the status of any investigations or actions taken (including under subsection (c)) to address such abuse or harm; and require the Secretary of Defense, to the maximum extent practicable, to furnish the regulations under this subsection to parents and legal guardians of children who attend military child development centers. Such section is further amended, in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives in writing not later than 30 days after a requirement is waived under paragraph (2). (A)posting it in public areas of military child development centers; and(B)providing it to the parents and legal guardians of children who attend military child development centers.. (2)The regulations required under paragraph (1) shall—(A)require the Secretary to notify the parents and legal guardians of children who attend a military child development center not later than 24 hours after such a child suffers abuse or harm at such military child development center;(B)establish processes by which the commander of the military installation and military police shall—(i)investigate and address incidents of abuse and harm involving children at military child development centers; and(ii)notify the parents or legal guardians of a child who experiences abuse or harm at a military child development center of the status of any investigations or actions taken (including under subsection (c)) to address such abuse or harm; and(C)require the Secretary of Defense, to the maximum extent practicable, to furnish the regulations under this subsection to parents and legal guardians of children who attend military child development centers.. (3)The Secretary of Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives in writing not later than 30 days after a requirement is waived under paragraph (2)..
Section 740
1814. Additional information in outreach campaign relating to waiting lists for military child development centers Section 585(a)(2)(D) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 1791 note prec.) is amended by inserting a provider eligible for financial assistance under any clause of section 1798(b)(3)(B) of title 10, United States Code, or before pilot programs.
Section 741
1815. Priority in expansion of pilot program to provide financial assistance to members of the Armed Forces for in-home child care Section 589(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: In making a determination under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give priority to remote locations, including the following: Fort Drum, New York. Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. (3)In making a determination under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall give priority to remote locations, including the following:(A)Fort Drum, New York.(B)Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.(C)Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.(D)Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California..
Section 742
1816. Child care services and youth program services for dependents Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Defense shall fully fund requests for financial assistance to eligible civilian providers of child care services or youth program services under section 1798 of title 10, United States Code. This section shall not be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) of section 1798 of such title to determine whether to provide such financial assistance to an eligible provider.
Section 743
1817. Briefings on military child development centers The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives briefings regarding child care services at military child development centers according to the following schedule: Once every three months beginning on March 1, 2025, and ending on March 1, 2026. On March 1 of each year thereafter through 2030. Each briefing shall include, with regard to the period covered by the briefing, the following elements: Waiting lists for such services, disaggregated by military installation. Shortages of child care employees at military child development centers, disaggregated by military installation. Insufficient capacity of military child development centers, disaggregated by military installation. Efforts of the Secretary of Defense to mitigate such shortages or insufficiencies in order to shorten such waiting lists. In this section, the terms military child development center and child care employee have the meanings given such terms in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 744
1818. Briefing on access of members of National Guard to child care services at military child development centers Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing regarding the access of members of the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard to child care services at military child development centers. The briefing under this section shall include the following elements: The number of families in the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard with children under 12 years of age. The number of families in the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard with children under 12 years in which both parents are members of either the Army National Guard or the Air Force National Guard. The number of single parent households in which the parent is a member of the Army National Guard or the Air Force National Guard. The average number of days during the year in which a member of the Army National Guard or the Air Force National Guard who has a child under 12 years of age is on active duty. The number of members of the Army National Guard or the Air Force National Guard Number who have a child under 12 years of age who live within the following distance of a military child development center: 10 miles. 25 miles. 50 miles. Over 100 miles. The number of Army National Guard armories and Air Force National Guard armories within the following distance of a military child development center: 10 miles. 25 miles. 50 miles. Over 100 miles. The number of Army National Guard families who have successfully obtained a voucher for child care funding cost assistance though the Childcare Aware and Upwards programs. The number of Air Force National Guard families who have successfully obtained a voucher for child care funding cost assistance though the Childcare Aware and Upwards programs. The amount of funds currently spent on vouchers under the Childcare Aware program for Army National Guard families and Air Force National Guard families, and the amount of funds currently spent on vouchers for Army National Guard families and Air Force National Guard families under the Upwards program. An overview of State laws that affect the ability of military child development centers to provide 24-hour and overnight child care services. In this section, the term military child development center has the meaning given such term in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 745
1821. Budget justification for certain Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 226 the following new section: Along with the budget for each fiscal year submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, each Secretary of a military department shall include a consolidated budget justification display that individually identifies— for the fiscal year covered by the budget, the total requested expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects for covered military unaccompanied housing compared to the total expenditure required by such projects, disaggregated by military department; and the total expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects made during the fiscal year beginning two years before the fiscal year covered by the budget, disagggregated by— military installation; the type of facility repaired or restored under such projects; the number of such projects that were for sustainment or repair of a facility; and the number of such projects that were for restoration or modernization of a facility. In this section: The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2856 of this title. The terms facility and military installation have the meanings given, respectively, in section 2801 of this title. 227.Budget justification for covered military unaccompanied housing Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects(a)In generalAlong with the budget for each fiscal year submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, each Secretary of a military department shall include a consolidated budget justification display that individually identifies—(1)for the fiscal year covered by the budget, the total requested expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects for covered military unaccompanied housing compared to the total expenditure required by such projects, disaggregated by military department; and(2)the total expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects made during the fiscal year beginning two years before the fiscal year covered by the budget, disagggregated by—(A)military installation;(B)the type of facility repaired or restored under such projects; (C)the number of such projects that were for sustainment or repair of a facility; and(D)the number of such projects that were for restoration or modernization of a facility.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2856 of this title.(2)The terms facility and military installation have the meanings given, respectively, in section 2801 of this title. .
Section 746
227. Budget justification for covered military unaccompanied housing Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects Along with the budget for each fiscal year submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, each Secretary of a military department shall include a consolidated budget justification display that individually identifies— for the fiscal year covered by the budget, the total requested expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects for covered military unaccompanied housing compared to the total expenditure required by such projects, disaggregated by military department; and the total expenditure for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization projects made during the fiscal year beginning two years before the fiscal year covered by the budget, disagggregated by— military installation; the type of facility repaired or restored under such projects; the number of such projects that were for sustainment or repair of a facility; and the number of such projects that were for restoration or modernization of a facility. In this section: The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2856 of this title. The terms facility and military installation have the meanings given, respectively, in section 2801 of this title.
Section 747
1822. Strategy for use of existing leasing authorities to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing required Each Secretary of a military department shall develop a strategy to use the authorities of such Secretary, in effect as of such date, to lease real property to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing. Each strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the military department concerned— an identification of military installations with the largest shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing; an identification of military installations where existing facilities of covered military unaccompanied housing are in poor or failing condition under the uniform index for evaluating the condition of covered military unaccompanied housing required by section 2838 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 2851); plans of such Secretary in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing or the condition of facilities of covered military unaccompanied housing using— military construction projects; or facility sustainment, restoration, or modernization funds; and an assessment of whether the leasing authority under section 2661 of title 10, United States Code, or intergovernmental support agreements under section 2679 of such title would be suitable for use by such Secretary to address— shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing; or the poor or failing condition of a facility of covered military unaccompanied housing. Each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the strategy required by subsection (a) by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. In this section: The term congressional defense committees has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code. The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given such term in section 2856 of such title. The terms facility and military construction project have the meanings given such terms in section 2801 of such title.
Section 748
1823. Independent assessment of estimated costs of certain strategies to address shortages of covered military unaccompanied housing Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement with an FFRDC for an assessment that compares the estimated total cost to the United States during the 20-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act of— the construction and maintenance of facilities of covered military unaccompanied housing to address shortages in covered military unaccompanied housing; and the modification of policies of the Department of Defense and each military department to permit a greater number of members of the Armed Forces to reside in housing facilities other than covered military unaccompanied housing (including such policies relating to the payment of basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code). An FFRDC that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on such assessment. Such report shall include— a comprehensive review of— the total lifecycle costs, disaggregated by each military department, of the construction, sustainment, and modernization of facilities of covered unaccompanied housing to meet— the needs for housing for members of the Armed Forces as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and the projected needs for such housing during the 20-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, as determined by each Secretary concerned; the applicable policies of each military department with respect to which members of the Armed Forces are required to reside in covered military unaccompanied housing; and for each military department, the expected expenditure for basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, during the 20-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act compared to such total lifecycle costs; a summary of the research and other activities carried out as part of such comprehensive review; and recommendations of the FFRDC with respect to requirements and policies of the Department of Defense and each military department for covered military unaccompanied housing. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense receives the report under subsection (b), such Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report that includes— an unaltered copy of the report of the FFRDC submitted to the Secretary of Defense pursuant to subsection (b); and the written responses of the Secretary of the Defense and the Secretaries concerned with respect to the results of such report. The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. In this section: The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given such term in section 2856 of title 10, United States Code. The term facility has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of such title. The term FFRDC means a federally funded research and development center.
Section 749
1824. Digital maintenance request system for covered military unaccompanied housing Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— require each Secretary of a military department to establish a digital system for residents of covered military unaccompanied housing located on a military installation under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to make maintenance requests for such housing; and submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the establishment of such digital systems. In this section: The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code. The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2856 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 750
1825. Digital facilities management systems for military departments Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, in coordination with each covered Assistant Secretary, shall develop criteria for a new or established digital facilities management system for each military department. Each such system shall have the capability to, with respect to each military installation— track conditions of individual facilities, applying the uniform index developed under section 2838 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31), for each military installation under the jurisdiction of each such covered Assistant Secretary; plan for maintenance actions for each facility; and generate reports that include data on— the type and function of each facility; the overall condition of each facility; planned maintenance for each facility during a five-year period following the date of submission of the criteria; conditions that may lead to a failure to maintain minimum physical security or configuration standards for members of the Armed Forces during the 12-month period following the date of submission of the criteria; and the date on which the facility will have been in use for 40 years. Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment develops the criteria required under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such criteria. Not later than one year after the date on which the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment develops the criteria required under paragraph (1), each covered Assistant Secretary shall implement a digital facilities management system for the military department under the jurisdiction of that meets the criteria described in paragraph (1). In this section: The term covered Assistant Secretary means— the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment; the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment; and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Energy. The term facility has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code. The term military department has the meaning given in section 101 of such title. The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of such title.
Section 751
1826. Temporary biennial report on quality and condition of covered military unaccompanied housing located outside the United States Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter until January 1, 2032, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the quality and condition of each facility of covered military unaccompanied housing located outside the United States, disaggregated by military installation on which each such facility is located. Such report shall include, for each facility of covered military unaccompanied housing the following: A description of each facility of covered military unaccompanied housing including age, whether the facility is permanent or temporary, and whether the facility is Government-owned or leased. The results of an evaluation of the condition of such facility using the uniform index developed under section 2838 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31). With respect to the standards for habitability established under section 2856b of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 2832 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024)— an explanation of how such standards are applied to such facility; and an estimation of the funding needed to apply such standards to such facility. An assessment of how such standards and the condition of such facility determined under the evaluation described in subparagraph (B) affect force readiness, disaggregated by combatant command. In this section: The term covered military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2856 of title 10, United States Code. The terms facility and military installation have the meanings given, respectively, in section 2801 of such title.
Section 752
1827. Housing accommodations for military families on housing waitlists The Secretary of Defense shall provide to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who, when undergoing a permanent change of station, are placed on a waitlist for on-base housing for a period of more than 10 days following the date of arrival at the new location, temporary accommodations for the entire duration of such period appropriate for the total size and composition of the family of the member and at a rate not to exceed the basic allowance for housing calculated for such member under section 403 of title 37, United States Code. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing— installation-specific data on the number of members of the Armed Forces and their dependents on military housing waitlists; an identification of the time spent by each such member and their dependents awaiting appropriate housing accommodations; an analysis of the factors that are creating the need for such waitlists; and an assessment of the causes of waitlist durations that exceed 10 days.
Section 753
1831. Exclusion of mental health care providers from authorized strengths of certain officers on active duty Section 523(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: Officers who are licensed mental health providers, including clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health nurse practitioners, or psychiatric physician assistants. (10)Officers who are licensed mental health providers, including clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health nurse practitioners, or psychiatric physician assistants..
Section 754
1832. TRICARE program: waiver of referral requirement under TRICARE Prime for certain care in a military medical treatment facility Section 1095f(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— by inserting (A) before The Secretary; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: The Secretary shall waive the referral requirement in paragraph (1) in the case of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who seeks to obtain any of the following kinds of care in a military medical treatment facility: Physical therapy. Nutritional. Audiological. Optometric. Podiatric. Primary and preventive health care services for women (as such term is defined in section 1074d of this title). (B)The Secretary shall waive the referral requirement in paragraph (1) in the case of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who seeks to obtain any of the following kinds of care in a military medical treatment facility:(i)Physical therapy.(ii)Nutritional.(iii)Audiological.(iv)Optometric.(v)Podiatric.(vi)Primary and preventive health care services for women (as such term is defined in section 1074d of this title)..
Section 755
1833. Extension of enhanced appointment and compensation authority for certain health care providers Section 1599c(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking December 31, 2025 both places it appears and inserting December 31, 2030.
Section 756
1834. Referral of a member of the Armed Forces to a TRICARE provider for urgent behavioral health services Section 722 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended— by striking If and inserting (a) In general.—Subject to subsection (b), if; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: If the Secretary of Defense is unable to provide urgent behavioral health services in a military medical treatment facility to a covered individual during the three-day period following the date on which such services are first requested by the covered individual, the Secretary shall refer the covered individual to a provider under the TRICARE program to receive such services. In this subsection, the term covered individual means— a member of the Armed Forces on active duty; a retired member of the Armed Forces; or a dependent of a member described in paragraph (1); or a dependent of a former member described in paragraph (2). (b)Urgent behavioral health services(1)In generalIf the Secretary of Defense is unable to provide urgent behavioral health services in a military medical treatment facility to a covered individual during the three-day period following the date on which such services are first requested by the covered individual, the Secretary shall refer the covered individual to a provider under the TRICARE program to receive such services.(2)Covered individual definedIn this subsection, the term covered individual means—(A)a member of the Armed Forces on active duty;(B)a retired member of the Armed Forces; or(C)a dependent of a member described in paragraph (1); or(D)a dependent of a former member described in paragraph (2)..
Section 757
1835. Waiver with respect to experienced nurses at military medical treatment facilities The hiring manager of a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense may waive any General Schedule qualification standard related to work experience established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management in the case of any applicant for a nursing or practical nurse position in a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense who— is a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense; or was a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense for at least one year; and after commencing work as a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense, obtained a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from an accredited professional nursing educational program. If, in the case of any applicant described in subsection (a), a hiring manager waives a qualification standard in accordance with such subsection, such hiring manager shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management a certification that such applicant meets all remaining General Schedule qualification standards established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for the applicable position.
Section 758
1836. Pilot program for hiring health care professionals Not later than three months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a pilot program to appoint licensed civilian health care professionals to positions within the Department of Defense. The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under this section at not more than three military medical treatment facilities maintained under section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, to be selected by the Secretary. To be eligible for selection under this paragraph, a military medical treatment facility may not be more than 50 miles from a medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs. For the purposes of appointing licensed civilian health care professionals under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall exercise the hiring authority under section 1599c(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, with respect to the appointment and pay of health care personnel under chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of such section 1599c, the authority under this paragraph shall expire on the date set forth in subsection (d) of this section. Any Department of Defense employee who, on the date the pilot program under this section is established, is a licensed health care professional occupying a position at any military medical treatment facility selected under subsection (a) may elect to have their appointment converted such that their position is subject to the provisions of such chapter 74 described in paragraph (1). Any individual who has applied for a position at any such a facility before the pilot program is established but who has not been appointed may, in the event of subsequent appointment, elect to not be subject to such provisions of such chapter 74 or the hiring requirements of the pilot program. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until the date under subsection (d), the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on the pilot program. Each such report shall include the following information: The total number of full-time equivalent positions added under the pilot program. The average time from announcement of an available position to— the date an individual is offered employment, sorted by position; and the date an individual commences employment, sorted by position. The turnover rate for employees appointed under the pilot program. The authority to carry out the pilot program established under this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date Secretary establishes the pilot program under such subsection.
Section 759
1837. Retention of health care providers: surveys; briefing; reports The Secretary of a military department shall conduct an annual survey of health care providers under the jurisdiction of such Secretary to determine why such providers remain on, or separate from, active duty in such military department. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of a military department shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing regarding the plan of such Secretary to carry out the survey under this section. Not later than September 30 of each year, beginning in 2025, the Secretary of a military department shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the most recent survey under this section. Each report shall include the following elements: Demographic data regarding the providers, disaggregated under paragraph (2). Reasons providers gave for remaining. Reasons providers gave for separating. The determination of the Secretary whether there is a trend regarding retention or such reasons. Efforts of the Secretary to reverse a negative trend or encourage a positive trend. Legislative recommendations of the Secretary regarding how to reverse a negative trend or encourage a positive trend. In each report, the Secretary of a military department shall disaggregate demographic data regarding providers who participated in the most recent survey on the bases of the following categories: Medical specialty. Rank. Gender. Years of service in such military department. Whether the provider became an officer on active duty in such military department— pursuant to the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance program under subchapter I of chapter 105 of title 10, United States Code; after graduating from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences established under section 2112 of such title; or otherwise. This section shall cease to have effect on September 30, 2030.
Section 760
1841. Interstate compacts for portability of occupational licenses of military spouses: permanent authority Section 1784(h) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5). The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if enacted immediately following the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92), to which such amendment relates.
Section 761
1842. Permanent Military Spouse Career Accelerator program Section 1784 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide spouses of members of the armed forces with paid fellowships (including in-person, remote, and hybrid fellowships) with employers in various industries. To carry out such program, the Secretary shall take the following steps: Enter into an agreement with an entity to conduct such program. Determine the appropriate capacity for the program based on the availability of appropriations for such purpose. Establish criteria to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the program in supporting the employment of such spouses. Subsection (i) of such section shall take effect on January 1, 2026. The pilot program under section 564 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 1784 note) shall terminate on January 1, 2026. (i)Employment fellowship opportunitiesThe Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to provide spouses of members of the armed forces with paid fellowships (including in-person, remote, and hybrid fellowships) with employers in various industries. To carry out such program, the Secretary shall take the following steps:(1)Enter into an agreement with an entity to conduct such program.(2)Determine the appropriate capacity for the program based on the availability of appropriations for such purpose.(3)Establish criteria to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the program in supporting the employment of such spouses..
Section 762
1843. Child care services and youth program services for dependents: period of services for a member with a spouse seeking employment The Secretary of a military department may provide a covered member with covered services for a period of at least 180 days. Nothing in this section shall be construed to— entitle a covered member to covered services; or give priority to a covered member for purposes of a determination regarding who shall receive covered services. In this section: The term covered member means a member of the Armed Forces— who has a dependent child; and whose spouse is seeking employment. The term covered services means child care services or youth program services provided or paid for by the Secretary of Defense under subchapter II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 763
1851. Increased access to food on military installations Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Secretaries of the military departments shall implement a program, standardized across the military departments, to increase access to food on military installations for members of the Armed Forces who reside on such military installations. Food made available under the program under this section shall be accessible with a common access card at dining facilities, commissaries, exchanges, restaurants, and other locations where such members can obtain food. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall jointly submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of the program under this section. Such briefing shall include the following elements: The milestones and timeline to complete such implementation. Resources, including software, hardware, and personnel, necessary for such implementation. A description of potential barriers to implementation of the program, particularly for remote or rural military installations, or installations located in geographic areas with limited access to food. Policies or regulations of the Department of Defense that the Secretary of Defense determines necessary for such implementation. Recommendations of the Secretary of Defense or a Secretary of a military department regarding legislation necessary for such implementation.
Section 764
1852. Department of Defense plan to construct memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in commemoration of members of the Armed Forces killed in certain attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a plan and strategy to construct a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to commemorate the thirteen members of the Armed Forces killed in the attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August of 2021.
Section 765
1853. Report on reducing misconceptions about mental health and security clearance eligibility Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the Department’s activities to inform members of the Armed Forces about how mental health affects security clearance eligibility. The report required under this section shall include the following topics: The Department’s outreach and education activities to inform members of the Armed Forces that seeking mental health care will not affect their security clearance status or eligibility. The Department’s outreach and education activities to ensure that health care providers in the military health system, non-medical counselors, TRICARE providers, and other relevant personnel convey accurate information to members of the Armed Forces regarding mental health and security clearance eligibility, making clear that seeking mental health care will not affect their security clearance status or eligibility.
Section 766
1854. Briefing on implementation of recommendations of Quality of Life Panel Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall provide, to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, a briefing on the implementation of the recommendations in the report, dated April, 2024, of the Quality of Life Panel of such Committee. Such briefing shall include— updates to pay and compensation of members of the uniformed services, including— the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code; and implementation of any increase to the family separation allowance under section 427 of such title, as authorized by section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31); improvements to child care accessibility and affordability; increased transparency on the condition and funding of unaccompanied and privatized family housing; improvements in access to health care; and expansion of support programs for military spouses.
Section 767
2001. Short title This division may be cited as the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
Section 768
2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by law Except as provided in subsection (b), all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVII for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, and contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (and authorizations of appropriations therefor) shall expire on the later of— October 1, 2027; or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028. Subsection (a) shall not apply to authorizations for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, and contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (and authorizations of appropriations therefor), for which appropriated funds have been obligated before the later of— October 1, 2027; or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for fiscal year 2028 for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, or contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program.
Section 769
2003. Effective date Titles XXI through XXVII shall take effect on the later of— October 1, 2024; or the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 770
2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 771
2102. Family housing Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may construct or acquire family housing units (including land acquisition and supporting facilities) at the installations or locations, in the number of units, and in the amounts set forth in the following table: Subject to section 2825 of title 10, United States Code, and using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may improve existing military family housing units in an amount not to exceed $81,114,000. Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $31,333,000.
Section 772
2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Army as specified in the funding table in section 4601. Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2101 and 2102 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 773
2104. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2018 project at Kunsan Air Base, Korea Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (division B of Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1817), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101(b) of that Act (131 Stat. 1819) and extended by section 2106(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2395) and amended by section 2105 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 712), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 774
2105. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Mihail Kogalniceanu forward operating site, Romania Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (division B of Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 2240), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2901 of that Act (132 Stat. 2286) and extended by section 2106(b)(1) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 713), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 775
2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101 of that Act (133 Stat. 1862), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 776
2107. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101(a) of that Act (134 Stat. 4295) and extended by section 2107(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 713), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 777
2108. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2101 and 2105 of that Act (135 Stat. 2163, 2165), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 778
2201. Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 779
2202. Family housing Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may construct or acquire family housing units (including land acquisition and supporting facilities) at the installations or locations, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Subject to section 2825 of title 10, United States Code, and using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may improve existing military family housing units in an amount not to exceed $35,438,000. Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $13,329,000.
Section 780
2203. Authorization of Appropriations, Navy Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Navy, as specified in the funding table in section 4601. Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2201 and 2202 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 781
2204. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (division B of Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 2240) the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2201(b) and 2902 of that Act (132 Stat. 2244, 2286) and extended by section 2204 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 716), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 782
2205. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2020 project at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862) the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2201(a) and 2809 of that Act (133 Stat. 1865, 1887), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 783
2206. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2201 of that Act (134 Stat. 4297) and extended by section 2205 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 718), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 784
2207. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2201 and 2202(a) of that Act (135 Stat. 2166, 2167), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 785
2301. Authorized air force construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 786
2302. Family housing Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may construct or acquire family housing units (including land acquisition and supporting facilities) at the installations or locations and in the amounts set forth in the following table: Subject to section 2825 of title 10, United States Code, and using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may improve existing military family housing units in an amount not to exceed $209,242,000. Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $6,557,000.
Section 787
2303. Authorization of Appropriations, Air Force Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Air Force, as specified in the funding table in section 4601. Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2301 and 2302 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 788
2304. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017 project at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (division B of Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2688), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2902 of that Act (130 Stat. 2743) and extended by section 2304 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2169) and amended by section 2304(b) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 721), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 789
2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2018 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (division B of Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1817), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2903 of that Act (131 Stat. 1876) and extended by section 2304(b) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2980) and amended by section 2305(b) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 722), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 790
2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (division B of Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 2240), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2903 of that Act (132 Stat. 2287) and extended by section 2306(b) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 724), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 791
2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2301(a) and 2912(a) of that Act (133 Stat. 1867, 1913), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 792
2308. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2301(a) of that Act (132 Stat. 2287) and extended by section 2307(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 725), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 793
2309. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2301 of that Act (135 Stat. 2168), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 794
2401. Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 795
2402. Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment program projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for energy conservation projects as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may carry out energy conservation projects under chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for energy conservation projects as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may carry out energy conservation projects under chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table: In the case of a utility system that is conveyed under section 2688 of title 10, United States Code, and that only provides utility services to a military installation, notwithstanding subchapters I and III of chapter169 and chapters 221 and 223 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department may authorize a contract with the conveyee of the utility system to carry out the military construction projects set forth in the following table:
Section 796
2403. Authorization of Appropriations, Defense Agencies Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of Defense (other than the military departments), as specified in the funding table in section 4601. Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2401 and 2402 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 797
2404. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2018 project at Iwakuni, Japan Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (division B of Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1817), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2401(b) of that Act (131 Stat. 1829) and extended by section 2404 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat.2984) and amended by section 2404 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 728), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 798
2405. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Iwakuni, Japan Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (division B of Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 2240), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2401(b) of that Act (132 Stat. 2250) and extended by section 2405(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 729), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 799
2406. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2020 project at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as authorized pursuant to section 2402 of such Act (133 Stat. 1872), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 800
2407. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2401(b) and 2402 of that Act (134 Stat. 4305, 4306) and extended by sections 2406 and 2407 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 730), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 801
2408. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2022 project at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, District of Columbia In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2402(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2174) for Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, District of Columbia, for construction of PV carports, the Secretary of Defense may install a 1.0-megawatt battery energy storage system for a total project amount of $40,650,000.
Section 802
2409. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2401 and 2402 of that Act (135 Stat. 2173, 2174), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 803
2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects The Secretary of Defense may make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program as provided in section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, in an amount not to exceed the sum of the amount authorized to be appropriated for this purpose in section 2502 and the amount collected from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a result of construction previously financed by the United States.
Section 804
2502. Authorization of appropriations, NATO Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for contributions by the Secretary of Defense under section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, for the share of the United States of the cost of projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program authorized by section 2501 as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 805
2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects Pursuant to agreement with the Republic of Korea for required in-kind contributions, the Secretary of Defense may accept military construction projects for the installations or locations in the Republic of Korea, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 806
2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects Pursuant to agreement with the Republic of Poland for required in-kind contributions, the Secretary of Defense may accept military construction projects for the installations or locations in the Republic of Poland, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 807
2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Army National Guard locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 808
2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Army Reserve locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 809
2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve location inside the United States, and in the amount, set forth in the following table:
Section 810
2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Air National Guard locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 811
2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Air Force Reserve locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Section 812
2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for the costs of acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities for the Guard and Reserve Forces, and for contributions therefor, under chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code (including the cost of acquisition of land for those facilities), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 813
2607. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2601 of that Act (133 Stat. 1875), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 814
2608. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2601 and 2602 of that Act (134 Stat. 4312, 4313) and extended by section 2609 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 738), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2026, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 815
2609. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2022 project for National Guard Readiness Center In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2601 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2178) for Bennington National Guard Armory, Vermont, for construction of a National Guard Readiness Center as specified in the funding table in section 4601 of such Act, the Secretary of the Army may construct the National Guard Readiness Center in Lyndon, Vermont.
Section 816
2610. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2601, 2602, 2604 and 2605 of that Act (135 Stat. 2178, 2179, 2180) and amended by section 2607(1) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2988), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2026, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2027, whichever is later. The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Section 817
2701. Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and closure activities funded through Department of Defense base closure account Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2024, for base realignment and closure activities, including real property acquisition and military construction projects, as authorized by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) and funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Account established by section 2906 of such Act (as amended by section 2711 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (division B of Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2140), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 818
2801. Development and operation of the Naval Innovation Center at the Naval Postgraduate School Chapter 855 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a contract or other agreement with one or more eligible nonprofit organizations for the design, construction, and maintenance of a multipurpose facility— to be known as the Naval Innovation Center (in this section referred to as the NIC); and to be located at the United States Naval Postgraduate School. The NIC shall be used— to convene interested persons to develop and accelerate the adoption of new and innovative technologies and practices for the benefit of the Department of Defense; and to support such education, training, research, and associated activities, as determined by the Secretary, in support of the Naval Postgraduate School and the Department of Defense. Under the contract or other agreement described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may— accept funds from a partner organization for any phase of development of the NIC; and accept funds, personal property, or services from a covered entity that is not a partner organization for maintenance of the NIC. The Secretary of the Navy may accept, hold, administer, and spend any gift, device, or bequest of real property, personal property, services, or money on the condition that the gift, device, or bequest be used for the benefit, or in connection with, the establishment, operation, or maintenance of the NIC. Section 2601 (other than subsections (b), (c), and (e)) of this title shall apply to gifts accepted under this subsection. The Secretary may display at the NIC recognition for an individual or entity that contributes money to a partner organization or for a corporate partner that contributes money directly to the Navy for the benefit of the NIC, whether or not the contribution is subject to the condition that the recognition be provided. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the circumstances under which contributor recognition may be provided, appropriate forms of recognition, and suitable display standards. The Secretary may authorize the sale of donated property received under paragraph (1). A sale under this paragraph need not be conducted in accordance with disposal requirements that would otherwise apply, so long as the sale is conducted at arms-length and includes an auditable transaction record. Any money received under paragraph (1) and any proceeds from the sale of property under paragraph (3) shall be deposited into a fund established in the Treasury to support the NIC. The Secretary of the Navy may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a contract or other agreement described in subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. In this section: The term eligible nonprofit organization means an organization that — is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and has as its primary purpose the support and operation of the Naval Postgraduate School. The term partner organization means an eligible nonprofit organization with which the Secretary of the Navy enters into a contract or other agreement under subsection (a). The term covered entity means— an entity incorporated or operating under the laws of any State; or a nonprofit organization. 8551.Development and operation of the Naval Innovation Center at the Naval Postgraduate School(a)Authority to support the Naval Innovation Center(1)The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a contract or other agreement with one or more eligible nonprofit organizations for the design, construction, and maintenance of a multipurpose facility—(A)to be known as the Naval Innovation Center (in this section referred to as the NIC); and(B)to be located at the United States Naval Postgraduate School.(2)The NIC shall be used—(A)to convene interested persons to develop and accelerate the adoption of new and innovative technologies and practices for the benefit of the Department of Defense; and(B)to support such education, training, research, and associated activities, as determined by the Secretary, in support of the Naval Postgraduate School and the Department of Defense.(b)FundsUnder the contract or other agreement described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may—(1)accept funds from a partner organization for any phase of development of the NIC; and(2)accept funds, personal property, or services from a covered entity that is not a partner organization for maintenance of the NIC.(c)Authority to Accept Gifts(1)The Secretary of the Navy may accept, hold, administer, and spend any gift, device, or bequest of real property, personal property, services, or money on the condition that the gift, device, or bequest be used for the benefit, or in connection with, the establishment, operation, or maintenance of the NIC. Section 2601 (other than subsections (b), (c), and (e)) of this title shall apply to gifts accepted under this subsection.(2)The Secretary may display at the NIC recognition for an individual or entity that contributes money to a partner organization or for a corporate partner that contributes money directly to the Navy for the benefit of the NIC, whether or not the contribution is subject to the condition that the recognition be provided. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the circumstances under which contributor recognition may be provided, appropriate forms of recognition, and suitable display standards.(3)The Secretary may authorize the sale of donated property received under paragraph (1). A sale under this paragraph need not be conducted in accordance with disposal requirements that would otherwise apply, so long as the sale is conducted at arms-length and includes an auditable transaction record.(4)Any money received under paragraph (1) and any proceeds from the sale of property under paragraph (3) shall be deposited into a fund established in the Treasury to support the NIC.(d)Additional Terms and ConditionsThe Secretary of the Navy may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a contract or other agreement described in subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.(e)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term eligible nonprofit organization means an organization that —(A)is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and(B)has as its primary purpose the support and operation of the Naval Postgraduate School.(2)The term partner organization means an eligible nonprofit organization with which the Secretary of the Navy enters into a contract or other agreement under subsection (a).(3)The term covered entity means—(A)an entity incorporated or operating under the laws of any State; or(B)a nonprofit organization..
Section 819
8551. Development and operation of the Naval Innovation Center at the Naval Postgraduate School The Secretary of the Navy may enter into a contract or other agreement with one or more eligible nonprofit organizations for the design, construction, and maintenance of a multipurpose facility— to be known as the Naval Innovation Center (in this section referred to as the NIC); and to be located at the United States Naval Postgraduate School. The NIC shall be used— to convene interested persons to develop and accelerate the adoption of new and innovative technologies and practices for the benefit of the Department of Defense; and to support such education, training, research, and associated activities, as determined by the Secretary, in support of the Naval Postgraduate School and the Department of Defense. Under the contract or other agreement described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may— accept funds from a partner organization for any phase of development of the NIC; and accept funds, personal property, or services from a covered entity that is not a partner organization for maintenance of the NIC. The Secretary of the Navy may accept, hold, administer, and spend any gift, device, or bequest of real property, personal property, services, or money on the condition that the gift, device, or bequest be used for the benefit, or in connection with, the establishment, operation, or maintenance of the NIC. Section 2601 (other than subsections (b), (c), and (e)) of this title shall apply to gifts accepted under this subsection. The Secretary may display at the NIC recognition for an individual or entity that contributes money to a partner organization or for a corporate partner that contributes money directly to the Navy for the benefit of the NIC, whether or not the contribution is subject to the condition that the recognition be provided. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations governing the circumstances under which contributor recognition may be provided, appropriate forms of recognition, and suitable display standards. The Secretary may authorize the sale of donated property received under paragraph (1). A sale under this paragraph need not be conducted in accordance with disposal requirements that would otherwise apply, so long as the sale is conducted at arms-length and includes an auditable transaction record. Any money received under paragraph (1) and any proceeds from the sale of property under paragraph (3) shall be deposited into a fund established in the Treasury to support the NIC. The Secretary of the Navy may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a contract or other agreement described in subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. In this section: The term eligible nonprofit organization means an organization that — is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; and has as its primary purpose the support and operation of the Naval Postgraduate School. The term partner organization means an eligible nonprofit organization with which the Secretary of the Navy enters into a contract or other agreement under subsection (a). The term covered entity means— an entity incorporated or operating under the laws of any State; or a nonprofit organization.
Section 820
2802. Assistance for public infrastructure projects and services Section 2391(b)(5)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting or local government after a State; in clause (ii), by striking and at the end; in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following new clause: to support public infrastructure projects and services that enhance the capabilities and resilience of the defense industrial base and the defense industrial base workers, if the Secretary determines such support will improve operations of the Department of Defense. (iv)to support public infrastructure projects and services that enhance the capabilities and resilience of the defense industrial base and the defense industrial base workers, if the Secretary determines such support will improve operations of the Department of Defense..
Section 821
2803. Military base reuse studies and community planning assistance Section 2391 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (b)(5)(D) by adding at the end the following: The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Commandant of the Coast Guard before providing assistance under this paragraph for Coast Guard installations and facilities that, for purposes of this paragraph, are military installations.; and in subsection (e)(1) by adding at the end the following: For purposes of paragraphs (1)(E) and (5)(D) of subsection (b), the term military installation includes Coast Guard installations and facilities.
Section 822
2804. Expansion of eligible grant recipients under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program Subsection (d) of section 2391 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (1)(A), by striking State and local governments and inserting State governments, local governments, and not-for-profit, member-owned utility services; and in paragraph (2)— in subparagraph (A), by striking the State or local government agree and inserting the recipient of such assistance agrees; and in subparagraph (B)— in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking in a rural area or the Secretary of Defense and inserting in a rural area or a covered insular area, or if the Secretary of Defense; in clause (i), by striking a State or local government and inserting the recipient of assistance under this subsection; and in clause (ii), by striking a State or local government contribution and inserting the contribution of such recipient. Subsection (e) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The term covered insular area means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. Section 2391(d)(1)(B)(iii) of such title is amended by striking section 101(e)(8) of this title and inserting section 101 of this title. (7)The term covered insular area means the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands..
Section 823
2805. Amendments to defense laboratory modernization program Section 2805(g) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (5), by striking $150,000,000 and inserting $300,000,000; and in paragraph (6)(B), by striking $1,000,0000 and inserting $4,000,0000.
Section 824
2806. Annual five-year plans on improvement of Department of Defense innovation infrastructure Section 2810 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: Along with the budget for each fiscal year submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, each Secretary of a military department and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan that describes the objectives of that Secretary to improve innovation infrastructure during the five fiscal years following the fiscal year for which such budget is submitted. Each plan submitted by a Secretary of a military department under paragraph (1) shall include the following: With respect to the five-year period covered by the plan, an identification of the major lines of effort, milestones, and investment goals of the Secretary over such period relating to the improvement of innovation infrastructure and a description of how such goals support such goals, including the use of— military construction, facilities restoration and modernization funds; the defense lab modernization program under section 2805(d) of this title; and military construction projects for innovation, research, development, test, and evaluation under this section. The estimated costs of necessary innovation infrastructure improvements and a description of how such costs would be addressed by the Department of Defense budget request submitted during the same year as the plan and the applicable future-years defense program. Information regarding the plan of the Secretary to initiate such environmental and engineering studies as may be necessary to carry out planned innovation infrastructure improvements. Detailed information regarding how innovation infrastructure improvement projects will be paced and sequenced to ensure continuous operations. Each plan under subsection (a) shall incorporate the leading results-oriented management practices identified in the report of the Comptroller General of the United States titled Actions Needed to Improve Poor Conditions of Facilities and Equipment that Affect Maintenance Timeliness and Efficiency (GAO–19–242), or any successor report, including— analytically based goals; results-oriented metrics; the identification of required resources, risks, and stakeholders; and regular reporting on progress to decision makers. In this subsection, the term innovation infrastructure includes laboratories, test and evaluation ranges, and any other infrastructure whose primary purpose is research, development, test, and evaluation. (e)Annual five-year plans on improvement of innovation infrastructure(1)SubmissionAlong with the budget for each fiscal year submitted by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, each Secretary of a military department and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan that describes the objectives of that Secretary to improve innovation infrastructure during the five fiscal years following the fiscal year for which such budget is submitted.(2)ElementsEach plan submitted by a Secretary of a military department under paragraph (1) shall include the following:(A)With respect to the five-year period covered by the plan, an identification of the major lines of effort, milestones, and investment goals of the Secretary over such period relating to the improvement of innovation infrastructure and a description of how such goals support such goals, including the use of—(i)military construction, facilities restoration and modernization funds;(ii)the defense lab modernization program under section 2805(d) of this title; and(iii)military construction projects for innovation, research, development, test, and evaluation under this section.(B)The estimated costs of necessary innovation infrastructure improvements and a description of how such costs would be addressed by the Department of Defense budget request submitted during the same year as the plan and the applicable future-years defense program.(C)Information regarding the plan of the Secretary to initiate such environmental and engineering studies as may be necessary to carry out planned innovation infrastructure improvements.(D)Detailed information regarding how innovation infrastructure improvement projects will be paced and sequenced to ensure continuous operations.(3)Incorporation of results-oriented management practicesEach plan under subsection (a) shall incorporate the leading results-oriented management practices identified in the report of the Comptroller General of the United States titled Actions Needed to Improve Poor Conditions of Facilities and Equipment that Affect Maintenance Timeliness and Efficiency (GAO–19–242), or any successor report, including—(A)analytically based goals;(B)results-oriented metrics;(C)the identification of required resources, risks, and stakeholders; and(D)regular reporting on progress to decision makers.(4)Innovative infrastructure definedIn this subsection, the term innovation infrastructure includes laboratories, test and evaluation ranges, and any other infrastructure whose primary purpose is research, development, test, and evaluation. .
Section 825
2807. Expansion of stormwater management projects for installation and defense access road resilience; modification of project priorities Section 2815a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a)— in paragraph (1), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: providing water storage and filtration, flood mitigation, or otherwise supporting water resilience at military installations. in subsection (b)— by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively; and by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: A military installation resilience project under section 2684a of this title. by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: In selecting stormwater management projects to be carried out under this section, the Secretary concerned shall give a priority to project proposals for— minimizing the runoff of untreated stormwater into freshwater systems or tidal systems; protecting military installations and defense access roads from stormwater runoff and water levels resulting from extreme weather conditions; and supporting water resilience at military installations. in subsection (d)— by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; by inserting , retention, and filtration after water-slowing; and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: The capture or storage of stormwater for use in supporting water resilience at a military installation. in subsection (e)— by striking In the case of and inserting (1) In the case of; by striking section 2391(d), and inserting section 2391, 2684,; and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall designate an official to be responsible for coordinating regional stormwater management among the military departments. (3)providing water storage and filtration, flood mitigation, or otherwise supporting water resilience at military installations.; (5)A military installation resilience project under section 2684a of this title.; (c)Project prioritiesIn selecting stormwater management projects to be carried out under this section, the Secretary concerned shall give a priority to project proposals for—(1)minimizing the runoff of untreated stormwater into freshwater systems or tidal systems;(2)protecting military installations and defense access roads from stormwater runoff and water levels resulting from extreme weather conditions; and(3)supporting water resilience at military installations.; (2)The capture or storage of stormwater for use in supporting water resilience at a military installation.; and (2)The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall designate an official to be responsible for coordinating regional stormwater management among the military departments..
Section 826
2808. Expansion of authorized threshold for certain minor military construction projects within area of responsibility of United States Indo-Pacific Command Subsection (a) of section 2810 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking $15,000,000 and inserting $20,000,000.
Section 827
2809. Notification to Members of Congress for awards of contracts for military construction projects Not later than 30 days after the date of award of a contract for a military construction project, the Secretary of the military department that has jurisdiction over such project shall notify any applicable Member of Congress representing the State— in which such contract will be performed; or for which the contractor awarded such contract is a constituent of such Member. A notification under subsection (a) shall include the following: The proposed value of the contract. The contractor awarded the contract. A brief description of the project that is the subject of the contract, including the location in which the contract will be performed.
Section 828
2810. Assessment of workforce needs in the Freely Associated States to support future military construction Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall conduct a study and submit a report to the congressional defense committees— summarizing planned military major and minor construction in the Freely Associated States (FAS) over the next 5 fiscal years; assessing the ability of the local workforce in the FAS to support future military construction; and detailing options for the Department of Defense to cooperate with the Department of Labor, the Department of the Interior, and the FAS to develop plans to help address any construction workforce shortages.
Section 829
2821. Extension of applicability for waivers of covered privacy and configuration standards for covered military unaccompanied housing Paragraph (4) of section 2856a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 9 months and inserting 18 months.
Section 830
2822. Additional requirements for database of complaints made regarding housing units of Department of Defense Section 2894a of title 10, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (a) by striking regarding housing units and inserting by a tenant regarding covered dwelling units; in subsections (c) and (d) by striking housing unit each place it appears and inserting covered dwelling unit; and by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections: The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make available to each Secretary of a military department, an annual report that includes, during the year covered by such report— a summary of the data collected using the database established under subsection (a); an aggregation of the complaints categorized by type, in accordance with paragraph (2), and military installation, if applicable; and the actions taken to remedy complaints received during the period covered by such report. In categorizing complaints by type pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall aggregate complaints based on the following categories: Physiological hazards, including dampness and mold growth, lead-based paint, asbestos and manmade fibers, radiation, biocides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Psychological hazards, including ease of access by unlawful intruders, faulty locks or alarms, and lighting issues. Safety hazards. Maintenance timeliness. Maintenance quality. In this section: The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. The term covered dwelling unit means a unit of accompanied family housing, unaccompanied housing, or barracks— in which a member of a covered armed force resides; and that such member does not own. The term tenant means any of the following: A member of a covered armed force who resides in a covered dwelling unit. A dependent of a member described in subparagraph (A) who resides in a covered dwelling unit. (f)Annual report(1)In generalThe Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Housing shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make available to each Secretary of a military department, an annual report that includes, during the year covered by such report—(A)a summary of the data collected using the database established under subsection (a);(B)an aggregation of the complaints categorized by type, in accordance with paragraph (2), and military installation, if applicable; and(C)the actions taken to remedy complaints received during the period covered by such report.(2)Type of complaintsIn categorizing complaints by type pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall aggregate complaints based on the following categories:(A)Physiological hazards, including dampness and mold growth, lead-based paint, asbestos and manmade fibers, radiation, biocides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.(B)Psychological hazards, including ease of access by unlawful intruders, faulty locks or alarms, and lighting issues.(C)Safety hazards.(D)Maintenance timeliness.(E)Maintenance quality.(g)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered armed force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.(2)The term covered dwelling unit means a unit of accompanied family housing, unaccompanied housing, or barracks—(A)in which a member of a covered armed force resides; and(B)that such member does not own.(3)The term tenant means any of the following:(A)A member of a covered armed force who resides in a covered dwelling unit.(B)A dependent of a member described in subparagraph (A) who resides in a covered dwelling unit..
Section 831
2823. Modification to definition of privatized military housing Section 3001(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2821 note) is amended by striking military housing provided and inserting military housing that is not Government-owned that is provided.
Section 832
2824. Analysis of housing availability for critical civilian and contractor personnel near rural military installations Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Manual 4165.63–M titled DoD Housing Management issued October 28, 2010, to require an analysis of the availability of suitable housing located in close proximity to a military installation (as defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code) in a rural location for civilian personnel and defense contractors that provide critical functions for the operations of such military installation, as determined by the Secretary.
Section 833
2825. Limitation on availability of funds for certain Department of Defense travel until establishment of certain complaint database Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the travel of persons, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense implements the public complaint database for military housing under the jurisdiction of such Secretary required by section 2894a of title 10, United States Code.
Section 834
2831. Process for strategic basing actions for the Department of the Air Force Chapter 141 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2391 the following new section: An action proponent desiring the Secretary of the Air Force to undertake a basing action shall submit to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment a basing action request. The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy and Requirements of the Air Force on the assessment and resolution of a basing action request. The Assistant Secretary shall assess a request submitted under subsection (a) to determine whether the basing action described in such request is a strategic basing action. Not later than 14 days after the Assistant Secretary makes a determination with respect to such a basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of such determination. Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Secretary of the Air Force may not carry out such strategic basing action pursuant to the process established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)) until the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees of the determination to use a programmatic basing decision process for such basing action request. Upon designation of a Strategic Basing Lead for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)). Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall designate a Strategic Basing Lead to, for each such request— develop a list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented; develop criteria to determine the suitability of each military installation on such list for the strategic basing action, including criteria relating to mission requirements, capacity of each military installation to support the strategic basing action, environmental considerations, and cost; assign a weight to each criteria developed under clause (ii); and if required, request modifications of the criteria or weight of criteria from the Strategic Basing Panel. The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A). Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and make a determination whether to approve or reject the list of military installations, the criteria developed, and the weights assigned such criteria under such paragraph. If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects such list, criteria, or weights, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate) and submit the modified criteria or weights to the Strategic Basing Panel for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate). The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria. The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of whether to approve or reject such report. If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation, the criteria developed, or the weights assigned such criteria in the report, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria. Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on— the work of the Strategic Basing Lead; the list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented; and the criteria developed under paragraph (1)(A) and the weight assigned to such criteria, as approved by the Strategic Basing Group. If the Strategic Basing Lead modifies the list of military installations, the criteria developed, or the weight assigned to such criteria under paragraph (1), or requests a modification pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(iv), after the date of the briefing required under paragraph (4), the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report describing such modifications. The Assistant Secretary shall— notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of any modifications made by the Strategic Basing Lead as described in subparagraph (A); require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit such modifications to the Strategic Basing Panel for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (2); require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit approved modifications to the Strategic Basing Group for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (3); and provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such modifications approved by the Strategic Basing Group. After reviewing the relevant information provided by the appropriate commanders of military installations and commanders of tenant or other relevant activities with respect to the report approved by the Strategic Basing Group under subsection (c), the Strategic Basing Lead shall— determine which military installations in such report are the most suitable for a site survey; and complete a scorecard for each military installation, using the criteria developed under subsection (c)(1)(A), to evaluate the suitability of each military installation for implementing the strategic basing decision. The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A). Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a determination of which military installations in such report are most suitable for a site survey. If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations. The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations. The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of which military installations on the list are most suitable for a site survey. If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations. Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such report that includes the relevant scorecards for each military installation included in such report. After providing the briefing described in paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary shall make the list described in such paragraph publicly available. The Strategic Basing Lead shall conduct a site survey at each military installation included on the list approved by the Strategic Basing Group in the report described in subsection (d)(3)(D). Not later than 60 days after the completion of all site surveys, the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the results of each such survey, including— an updated scorecard described in subsection (d)(1)(a)(ii) for each military installation using information from the site survey for such installation; and a comprehensive cost evaluation of implementing the strategic basing action at each such military installation. Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (2), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes— a recommendation of a single military installation from the report as the most suitable for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives; and data on each military installation for which a site survey was conducted under paragraph (1), including the updated scorecard described in paragraph (2)(A). If the Strategic Basing Panel cannot recommend a single military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for each military installation for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation. The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the recommendation of a single military installation and the relevant scorecard for such military installation. The Strategic Basing Group shall evaluate the single military installation from the report required under paragraph (3)(D) and determine whether or not to recommend to the Assistant Secretary implementation of the strategic basing action at such installation. If the Strategic Basing Group cannot recommend implementing the strategic basing action at such military installation, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for another military installation included in the report submitted under paragraph (2) for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes a recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives. The Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Secretary of the Air Force an analysis of the recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action made by the Strategic Basing Group, including all relevant data and a list of any reasonable alternatives. The Secretary of the Air Force shall make a determination to implement the strategic basing action at the military installation recommended under paragraph (5). Not later than 14 days after submission of a recommendation under paragraph (5), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the decision to implement the strategic basing action at a military installation, including— the site surveys conducted under paragraph (1); the reports submitted under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4); and the recommendation made under paragraph (5). After providing the briefing described in paragraph (7), the Assistant Secretary shall make the recommendation described in such paragraph publicly available. Not later than 90 days after the completion of all reviews required under this section, the Secretary of the Air Force may begin implementation of the strategic basing action for which such reviews were conducted and shall publicly announce the military installation at which such strategic basing action will be implemented. No amounts may be obligated or expended, and no personnel, equipment, or other resources of the Department of Defense may be detailed, transferred, obligated, or assigned to implement a strategic basing action under this section until the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force makes the public announcement described in paragraph (1). This section and the requirements of this section shall apply to a basing action request submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this section. The Assistant Secretary may not make a programmatic basing decision (as described in chapter 7 of the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024) with respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) until the Secretary of the Air Force— has published a revision of such instruction that includes a definition of programmatic basing decision; and provides to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such revision that includes a description of the process for making a programmatic basing decision (as revised under subparagraph (A)) and the criteria evaluated under such process. With respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) for which the Assistant Secretary determines a programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) may be made, the Assistant Secretary— shall submit to the congressional defense committees an explanation justifying why such request was not determined to be a strategic basing action; shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the programmatic basing decision; and may not implement the programmatic basing decision until 30 days after the later of the date on which the submission described in subparagraph (A) or the briefing described in subparagraph (B) is made. Upon implementation of the programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a strategic basing decision. In this section: The term action proponent has the meaning given in the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024. The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. The term basing action means an action by the Secretary of the Air Force to determine the location or relocation of a unit, an establishment, a mission, manpower, or a major weapon system (as defined in section 483 of title 10, United States Code) of the Air Force or Space Force for a period of one year or longer. The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code. The term strategic basing action means a basing action that involves one or more of the following: Location or relocation of aircraft and non-aircraft weapon systems. An increase or decrease of 35 or more personnel assigned to a military installation, including members of the Department of the Air Force, civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force, and contractors. A request to move a non-Air Force entity onto a military installation or other real property of the Air Force. A continuous rotational presence of a Department of the Air Force or non-Air Force entity on a military installation or other real property of the Air Force that would require— a new military construction project; or presence for more than 300 days during a consecutive 18-month period with a increase of 35 or more personnel. Any special interest action, regardless of scope or size, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force or Secretary of Defense. The term Strategic Basing Group means a forum of officers in a grade of O–7 or O–8 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to evaluate strategic basing actions and providing alternatives to such strategic basing actions that are consistent with the operations, basing objectives, policies, and programming requirements of the Department of the Air Force. The term Strategic Basing Lead means a commander of a major command, field command, or national guard base, and may be the action proponent that submitted a request under subsection (a). The term Strategic Basing Panel means a forum of officers in a grade of O–6 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to support the Strategic Basing Group by providing an initial comprehensive review and assessment of a request for a strategic basing action. 2392.Process for strategic basing actions for the Department of the Air Force(a)Basing action requests(1)An action proponent desiring the Secretary of the Air Force to undertake a basing action shall submit to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment a basing action request.(2)The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy and Requirements of the Air Force on the assessment and resolution of a basing action request.(b)Assessment of basing action request(1)The Assistant Secretary shall assess a request submitted under subsection (a) to determine whether the basing action described in such request is a strategic basing action.(2)Not later than 14 days after the Assistant Secretary makes a determination with respect to such a basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of such determination.(3)(A)Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Secretary of the Air Force may not carry out such strategic basing action pursuant to the process established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)) until the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees of the determination to use a programmatic basing decision process for such basing action request.(B)Upon designation of a Strategic Basing Lead for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)).(c)Criteria for strategic basing action(1)(A)Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall designate a Strategic Basing Lead to, for each such request—(i)develop a list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented;(ii)develop criteria to determine the suitability of each military installation on such list for the strategic basing action, including criteria relating to mission requirements, capacity of each military installation to support the strategic basing action, environmental considerations, and cost;(iii)assign a weight to each criteria developed under clause (ii); and(iv)if required, request modifications of the criteria or weight of criteria from the Strategic Basing Panel.(B)The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A).(2)(A)Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and make a determination whether to approve or reject the list of military installations, the criteria developed, and the weights assigned such criteria under such paragraph. (B)If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects such list, criteria, or weights, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate) and submit the modified criteria or weights to the Strategic Basing Panel for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). (C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate).(D)The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria.(3)(A)The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of whether to approve or reject such report.(B)If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation, the criteria developed, or the weights assigned such criteria in the report, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).(C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report.(D)The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria.(4)Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on—(A)the work of the Strategic Basing Lead;(B)the list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented; and(C)the criteria developed under paragraph (1)(A) and the weight assigned to such criteria, as approved by the Strategic Basing Group.(5)(A)If the Strategic Basing Lead modifies the list of military installations, the criteria developed, or the weight assigned to such criteria under paragraph (1), or requests a modification pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(iv), after the date of the briefing required under paragraph (4), the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report describing such modifications.(B)The Assistant Secretary shall—(i)notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of any modifications made by the Strategic Basing Lead as described in subparagraph (A);(ii)require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit such modifications to the Strategic Basing Panel for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (2);(iii)require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit approved modifications to the Strategic Basing Group for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (3); and(iv)provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such modifications approved by the Strategic Basing Group.(d)List of proposed military installations for site visits(1)(A)After reviewing the relevant information provided by the appropriate commanders of military installations and commanders of tenant or other relevant activities with respect to the report approved by the Strategic Basing Group under subsection (c), the Strategic Basing Lead shall—(i)determine which military installations in such report are the most suitable for a site survey; and(ii)complete a scorecard for each military installation, using the criteria developed under subsection (c)(1)(A), to evaluate the suitability of each military installation for implementing the strategic basing decision. (B)The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A).(2)(A)Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a determination of which military installations in such report are most suitable for a site survey.(B)If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).(C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations.(D)The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations.(3)(A)The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of which military installations on the list are most suitable for a site survey. (B)If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).(C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations.(D)The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations.(4)Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such report that includes the relevant scorecards for each military installation included in such report. (5)After providing the briefing described in paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary shall make the list described in such paragraph publicly available.(e)Recommendation of a military installation(1)The Strategic Basing Lead shall conduct a site survey at each military installation included on the list approved by the Strategic Basing Group in the report described in subsection (d)(3)(D).(2)Not later than 60 days after the completion of all site surveys, the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the results of each such survey, including—(A)an updated scorecard described in subsection (d)(1)(a)(ii) for each military installation using information from the site survey for such installation; and(B)a comprehensive cost evaluation of implementing the strategic basing action at each such military installation.(3)(A)Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (2), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes—(i)a recommendation of a single military installation from the report as the most suitable for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives; and(ii)data on each military installation for which a site survey was conducted under paragraph (1), including the updated scorecard described in paragraph (2)(A).(B)If the Strategic Basing Panel cannot recommend a single military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for each military installation for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).(C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation.(D)The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the recommendation of a single military installation and the relevant scorecard for such military installation.(4)(A)The Strategic Basing Group shall evaluate the single military installation from the report required under paragraph (3)(D) and determine whether or not to recommend to the Assistant Secretary implementation of the strategic basing action at such installation.(B)If the Strategic Basing Group cannot recommend implementing the strategic basing action at such military installation, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for another military installation included in the report submitted under paragraph (2) for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).(C)There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation.(D)The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes a recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives.(5)The Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Secretary of the Air Force an analysis of the recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action made by the Strategic Basing Group, including all relevant data and a list of any reasonable alternatives.(6)The Secretary of the Air Force shall make a determination to implement the strategic basing action at the military installation recommended under paragraph (5). (7)Not later than 14 days after submission of a recommendation under paragraph (5), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the decision to implement the strategic basing action at a military installation, including—(A)the site surveys conducted under paragraph (1);(B)the reports submitted under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4); and(C)the recommendation made under paragraph (5).(8)After providing the briefing described in paragraph (7), the Assistant Secretary shall make the recommendation described in such paragraph publicly available.(f)Selection of military installation(1)Not later than 90 days after the completion of all reviews required under this section, the Secretary of the Air Force may begin implementation of the strategic basing action for which such reviews were conducted and shall publicly announce the military installation at which such strategic basing action will be implemented.(2)No amounts may be obligated or expended, and no personnel, equipment, or other resources of the Department of Defense may be detailed, transferred, obligated, or assigned to implement a strategic basing action under this section until the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force makes the public announcement described in paragraph (1).(g)ApplicabilityThis section and the requirements of this section shall apply to a basing action request submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this section.(h)Requirements for programmatic basing decisions(1)The Assistant Secretary may not make a programmatic basing decision (as described in chapter 7 of the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024) with respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) until the Secretary of the Air Force—(A)has published a revision of such instruction that includes a definition of programmatic basing decision; and(B)provides to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such revision that includes a description of the process for making a programmatic basing decision (as revised under subparagraph (A)) and the criteria evaluated under such process.(2)With respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) for which the Assistant Secretary determines a programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) may be made, the Assistant Secretary—(A)shall submit to the congressional defense committees an explanation justifying why such request was not determined to be a strategic basing action;(B)shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the programmatic basing decision; and(C)may not implement the programmatic basing decision until 30 days after the later of the date on which the submission described in subparagraph (A) or the briefing described in subparagraph (B) is made.(3)Upon implementation of the programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a strategic basing decision.(i)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term action proponent has the meaning given in the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024. (2)The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment.(3)The term basing action means an action by the Secretary of the Air Force to determine the location or relocation of a unit, an establishment, a mission, manpower, or a major weapon system (as defined in section 483 of title 10, United States Code) of the Air Force or Space Force for a period of one year or longer.(4)The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.(5)The term strategic basing action means a basing action that involves one or more of the following:(A)Location or relocation of aircraft and non-aircraft weapon systems.(B)An increase or decrease of 35 or more personnel assigned to a military installation, including members of the Department of the Air Force, civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force, and contractors.(C)A request to move a non-Air Force entity onto a military installation or other real property of the Air Force.(D)A continuous rotational presence of a Department of the Air Force or non-Air Force entity on a military installation or other real property of the Air Force that would require—(i)a new military construction project; or(ii)presence for more than 300 days during a consecutive 18-month period with a increase of 35 or more personnel.(E)Any special interest action, regardless of scope or size, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force or Secretary of Defense.(6)The term Strategic Basing Group means a forum of officers in a grade of O–7 or O–8 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to evaluate strategic basing actions and providing alternatives to such strategic basing actions that are consistent with the operations, basing objectives, policies, and programming requirements of the Department of the Air Force.(7)The term Strategic Basing Lead means a commander of a major command, field command, or national guard base, and may be the action proponent that submitted a request under subsection (a).(8)The term Strategic Basing Panel means a forum of officers in a grade of O–6 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to support the Strategic Basing Group by providing an initial comprehensive review and assessment of a request for a strategic basing action..
Section 835
2392. Process for strategic basing actions for the Department of the Air Force An action proponent desiring the Secretary of the Air Force to undertake a basing action shall submit to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment a basing action request. The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy and Requirements of the Air Force on the assessment and resolution of a basing action request. The Assistant Secretary shall assess a request submitted under subsection (a) to determine whether the basing action described in such request is a strategic basing action. Not later than 14 days after the Assistant Secretary makes a determination with respect to such a basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of such determination. Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Secretary of the Air Force may not carry out such strategic basing action pursuant to the process established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)) until the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees of the determination to use a programmatic basing decision process for such basing action request. Upon designation of a Strategic Basing Lead for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a programmatic basing decision (as described in subsection (h)). Upon determining that a basing action described in a request submitted under subsection (a) is a strategic basing action, the Assistant Secretary shall designate a Strategic Basing Lead to, for each such request— develop a list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented; develop criteria to determine the suitability of each military installation on such list for the strategic basing action, including criteria relating to mission requirements, capacity of each military installation to support the strategic basing action, environmental considerations, and cost; assign a weight to each criteria developed under clause (ii); and if required, request modifications of the criteria or weight of criteria from the Strategic Basing Panel. The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A). Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and make a determination whether to approve or reject the list of military installations, the criteria developed, and the weights assigned such criteria under such paragraph. If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects such list, criteria, or weights, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate) and submit the modified criteria or weights to the Strategic Basing Panel for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to redevelop such list, redevelop such criteria, or reassign such weights (as appropriate). The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria. The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of whether to approve or reject such report. If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation, the criteria developed, or the weights assigned such criteria in the report, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified report. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations, criteria developed, and weights assigned such criteria. Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on— the work of the Strategic Basing Lead; the list of military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Air Force at which the strategic basic action may be implemented; and the criteria developed under paragraph (1)(A) and the weight assigned to such criteria, as approved by the Strategic Basing Group. If the Strategic Basing Lead modifies the list of military installations, the criteria developed, or the weight assigned to such criteria under paragraph (1), or requests a modification pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(iv), after the date of the briefing required under paragraph (4), the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report describing such modifications. The Assistant Secretary shall— notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of any modifications made by the Strategic Basing Lead as described in subparagraph (A); require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit such modifications to the Strategic Basing Panel for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (2); require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit approved modifications to the Strategic Basing Group for subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with paragraph (3); and provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such modifications approved by the Strategic Basing Group. After reviewing the relevant information provided by the appropriate commanders of military installations and commanders of tenant or other relevant activities with respect to the report approved by the Strategic Basing Group under subsection (c), the Strategic Basing Lead shall— determine which military installations in such report are the most suitable for a site survey; and complete a scorecard for each military installation, using the criteria developed under subsection (c)(1)(A), to evaluate the suitability of each military installation for implementing the strategic basing decision. The Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the information described in subparagraph (A). Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (1), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a determination of which military installations in such report are most suitable for a site survey. If the Strategic Basing Panel rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified list of military installations. The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations. The Strategic Basing Group shall review the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D) and submit to the Assistant Secretary a determination of which military installations on the list are most suitable for a site survey. If the Strategic Basing Group rejects the inclusion of a military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified list of military installations. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes the approved list of military installations and the relevant scorecards for such military installations. Not later than 14 days after the date of receipt of the report under paragraph (3)(D), the Assistant Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on such report that includes the relevant scorecards for each military installation included in such report. After providing the briefing described in paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary shall make the list described in such paragraph publicly available. The Strategic Basing Lead shall conduct a site survey at each military installation included on the list approved by the Strategic Basing Group in the report described in subsection (d)(3)(D). Not later than 60 days after the completion of all site surveys, the Strategic Basing Lead shall submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a report containing the results of each such survey, including— an updated scorecard described in subsection (d)(1)(a)(ii) for each military installation using information from the site survey for such installation; and a comprehensive cost evaluation of implementing the strategic basing action at each such military installation. Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report required under paragraph (2), the Strategic Basing Panel shall review such report and submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes— a recommendation of a single military installation from the report as the most suitable for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives; and data on each military installation for which a site survey was conducted under paragraph (1), including the updated scorecard described in paragraph (2)(A). If the Strategic Basing Panel cannot recommend a single military installation under the review required under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for each military installation for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Lead to submit to the Strategic Basing Panel a modified scorecard and cost evaluation. The Strategic Basing Panel shall submit to the Strategic Basing Group a report that includes the recommendation of a single military installation and the relevant scorecard for such military installation. The Strategic Basing Group shall evaluate the single military installation from the report required under paragraph (3)(D) and determine whether or not to recommend to the Assistant Secretary implementation of the strategic basing action at such installation. If the Strategic Basing Group cannot recommend implementing the strategic basing action at such military installation, the Assistant Secretary shall require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation for another military installation included in the report submitted under paragraph (2) for a subsequent review to be conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A). There shall be no limitation on the number of times the Assistant Secretary may require the Strategic Basing Panel to submit to the Strategic Basing Group a modified scorecard and cost evaluation. The Strategic Basing Group shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report that includes a recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action, and a list of any reasonable alternatives. The Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Secretary of the Air Force an analysis of the recommendation of a single military installation for implementation of the strategic basing action made by the Strategic Basing Group, including all relevant data and a list of any reasonable alternatives. The Secretary of the Air Force shall make a determination to implement the strategic basing action at the military installation recommended under paragraph (5). Not later than 14 days after submission of a recommendation under paragraph (5), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the decision to implement the strategic basing action at a military installation, including— the site surveys conducted under paragraph (1); the reports submitted under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4); and the recommendation made under paragraph (5). After providing the briefing described in paragraph (7), the Assistant Secretary shall make the recommendation described in such paragraph publicly available. Not later than 90 days after the completion of all reviews required under this section, the Secretary of the Air Force may begin implementation of the strategic basing action for which such reviews were conducted and shall publicly announce the military installation at which such strategic basing action will be implemented. No amounts may be obligated or expended, and no personnel, equipment, or other resources of the Department of Defense may be detailed, transferred, obligated, or assigned to implement a strategic basing action under this section until the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force makes the public announcement described in paragraph (1). This section and the requirements of this section shall apply to a basing action request submitted on or after the date of the enactment of this section. The Assistant Secretary may not make a programmatic basing decision (as described in chapter 7 of the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024) with respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) until the Secretary of the Air Force— has published a revision of such instruction that includes a definition of programmatic basing decision; and provides to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such revision that includes a description of the process for making a programmatic basing decision (as revised under subparagraph (A)) and the criteria evaluated under such process. With respect to a basing action request submitted under subsection (a) for which the Assistant Secretary determines a programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) may be made, the Assistant Secretary— shall submit to the congressional defense committees an explanation justifying why such request was not determined to be a strategic basing action; shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the programmatic basing decision; and may not implement the programmatic basing decision until 30 days after the later of the date on which the submission described in subparagraph (A) or the briefing described in subparagraph (B) is made. Upon implementation of the programmatic basing decision (as defined under the revision required by paragraph (1)) for a basing action request submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may not implement such request pursuant to the processes established for a strategic basing decision. In this section: The term action proponent has the meaning given in the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503 issued June 12, 2023, as in effect on April 1, 2024. The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment. The term basing action means an action by the Secretary of the Air Force to determine the location or relocation of a unit, an establishment, a mission, manpower, or a major weapon system (as defined in section 483 of title 10, United States Code) of the Air Force or Space Force for a period of one year or longer. The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code. The term strategic basing action means a basing action that involves one or more of the following: Location or relocation of aircraft and non-aircraft weapon systems. An increase or decrease of 35 or more personnel assigned to a military installation, including members of the Department of the Air Force, civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force, and contractors. A request to move a non-Air Force entity onto a military installation or other real property of the Air Force. A continuous rotational presence of a Department of the Air Force or non-Air Force entity on a military installation or other real property of the Air Force that would require— a new military construction project; or presence for more than 300 days during a consecutive 18-month period with a increase of 35 or more personnel. Any special interest action, regardless of scope or size, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force or Secretary of Defense. The term Strategic Basing Group means a forum of officers in a grade of O–7 or O–8 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to evaluate strategic basing actions and providing alternatives to such strategic basing actions that are consistent with the operations, basing objectives, policies, and programming requirements of the Department of the Air Force. The term Strategic Basing Lead means a commander of a major command, field command, or national guard base, and may be the action proponent that submitted a request under subsection (a). The term Strategic Basing Panel means a forum of officers in a grade of O–6 and the civilian equivalents of such officers convened by the Assistant Secretary to support the Strategic Basing Group by providing an initial comprehensive review and assessment of a request for a strategic basing action.
Section 836
2832. Inclusion of tribal governments in intergovernmental support agreements for installation-support services Section 2679 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking State or local government each place it appears and inserting State, local, or tribal.
Section 837
2833. Improvements relating to access to military installations in United States Chapter 159 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain access standards applicable to all military installations in the United States. Such access standards shall require screening standards appropriate to the type of installation involved, the security level of the installation, the category of individuals authorized to visit the installation, and the level of access to be granted, including— protocols and criteria to determine the fitness of the individual to enter a military installation; standards and methods for verifying the identity of the individual; and other factors the Secretary determines appropriate. In developing the access standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— include procedures to facilitate recurring unescorted access to military installations in the United States, in appropriate cases, for covered individuals the Secretary determines eligible for such recurring unescorted access; and issue guidance relating to the granting of unescorted access to military installations in the United States for covered individuals. The procedures developed pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) shall include, to the extent practical, a list of credentials that can be used for such recurring unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, credentials non-Department of Defense personnel already possess. The guidance issued pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) shall— identify the categories of covered individuals eligible for such unescorted access; include a list of credentials that can be used for such unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, the credentials described in paragraph (3); be consistent across such military installations; be in accordance with any privileges or benefits accorded under, procedures developed pursuant to, or requirements of, each covered provision and paragraph (1); and be provided to the commanders of each such military installation. Upon publication in the Federal Register of access standards described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish such access standards on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall seek to use existing identification screening technology to validate federally-recognized access credentials and develop additional technology only to the extent necessary to assist commanders of military installations in the United States in implementing the access standards under paragraph (1) at points of entry for such military installations. The Secretary shall ensure that the access standards under subsection (a) include a specific protocol for the voluntary pre-arrival registration and screening of individuals anticipating a need for access to a military installation in the United States to establish the fitness of such individual and the purpose of such access. Under such protocol— such a registration and screening shall occur not less than 24 hours and not more than 14 days prior to the time of such access; and if an individual is determined fit to enter the installation pursuant to the pre-arrival registration and screening, access may only be granted upon arrival at the military installation for the stated purpose following a verification of the identity of the individual. Not less frequently than once every five years, the Secretary shall— review the access standards and guidance under this section, and make such updates as may be determined appropriate by the Secretary; and submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the most recently reviewed and, as applicable, updated version of such access standards and guidance. In this section: The term covered individual means the following: A member of the armed forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense, or an employee or family member of such member or employee, who resides, attends school, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on a military installation in the United States. A retired member of the armed forces, including the reserve components, or a family member of such retired member, who resides, attend schools, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on such an installation. An individual performing work at such an installation under a contract or subcontract (at any tier), including a military construction project, military family housing project, or a facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization project. A motor carrier or household goods motor carrier (as such terms are defined in section 13102 of title 49) providing transportation services for the United States Transportation Command. The term covered provision means the following: Chapter 54 of this title. Section 202 of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note). Section 2812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2150; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Sections 346 and 1050 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 626 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1802; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 1090 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 2833 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3003). The term federally-recognized access credential means a credential authorized by Federal law or otherwise issued by the head of a department or agency of the Federal Government that requires the vetting of an individual for access to a facility, area, or program. The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of this title. The term State means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The term United States includes each State, as such term is defined in this subsection. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall— conduct the first review of the access standards and guidance required under section 2698 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)); and submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the reviewed and, as applicable, updated version of such access standards and guidance. Section 1090(b)(2)(B) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by striking is and inserting and, as appropriate, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are. Section 1069 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 326) is repealed. Section 1050 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; 130 Stat. 2396) is amended— in the heading, by striking Department of Defense installations and inserting military installations; in subsection (a), by striking Department of Defense installations and inserting military installations in the United States; in subsection (b), by striking Department of Defense facilities and inserting military installations in the United States; and by adding at the end the following new subsection: In this section, the terms military installation and United States have the meanings given such terms in section 2698(e) of title 10, United States Code. 2698.Access to military installations: standards for entry to military installations in United States(a)Access to military installations in United States(1)The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain access standards applicable to all military installations in the United States. Such access standards shall require screening standards appropriate to the type of installation involved, the security level of the installation, the category of individuals authorized to visit the installation, and the level of access to be granted, including—(A)protocols and criteria to determine the fitness of the individual to enter a military installation;(B)standards and methods for verifying the identity of the individual; and(C)other factors the Secretary determines appropriate.(2)In developing the access standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—(A)include procedures to facilitate recurring unescorted access to military installations in the United States, in appropriate cases, for covered individuals the Secretary determines eligible for such recurring unescorted access; and (B)issue guidance relating to the granting of unescorted access to military installations in the United States for covered individuals.(3)The procedures developed pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) shall include, to the extent practical, a list of credentials that can be used for such recurring unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, credentials non-Department of Defense personnel already possess.(4)The guidance issued pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) shall—(A)identify the categories of covered individuals eligible for such unescorted access;(B)include a list of credentials that can be used for such unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, the credentials described in paragraph (3);(C)be consistent across such military installations;(D)be in accordance with any privileges or benefits accorded under, procedures developed pursuant to, or requirements of, each covered provision and paragraph (1); and(E) be provided to the commanders of each such military installation.(5)Upon publication in the Federal Register of access standards described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish such access standards on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense.(6)In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall seek to use existing identification screening technology to validate federally-recognized access credentials and develop additional technology only to the extent necessary to assist commanders of military installations in the United States in implementing the access standards under paragraph (1) at points of entry for such military installations. (b)Pre-arrival protocol for access to military installations in United StatesThe Secretary shall ensure that the access standards under subsection (a) include a specific protocol for the voluntary pre-arrival registration and screening of individuals anticipating a need for access to a military installation in the United States to establish the fitness of such individual and the purpose of such access. Under such protocol—(1)such a registration and screening shall occur not less than 24 hours and not more than 14 days prior to the time of such access; and(2)if an individual is determined fit to enter the installation pursuant to the pre-arrival registration and screening, access may only be granted upon arrival at the military installation for the stated purpose following a verification of the identity of the individual.(c)Reviews and submission to CongressNot less frequently than once every five years, the Secretary shall—(1)review the access standards and guidance under this section, and make such updates as may be determined appropriate by the Secretary; and(2)submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the most recently reviewed and, as applicable, updated version of such access standards and guidance.(d)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered individual means the following:(A)A member of the armed forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense, or an employee or family member of such member or employee, who resides, attends school, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on a military installation in the United States.(B)A retired member of the armed forces, including the reserve components, or a family member of such retired member, who resides, attend schools, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on such an installation.(C)An individual performing work at such an installation under a contract or subcontract (at any tier), including a military construction project, military family housing project, or a facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization project.(D)A motor carrier or household goods motor carrier (as such terms are defined in section 13102 of title 49) providing transportation services for the United States Transportation Command. (2)The term covered provision means the following:(A)Chapter 54 of this title.(B)Section 202 of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note).(C)Section 2812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2150; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).(D)Sections 346 and 1050 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).(E)Section 626 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1802; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).(F)Section 1090 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note).(G)Section 2833 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3003).(3)The term federally-recognized access credential means a credential authorized by Federal law or otherwise issued by the head of a department or agency of the Federal Government that requires the vetting of an individual for access to a facility, area, or program.(4)The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of this title.(5)The term State means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.(6)The term United States includes each State, as such term is defined in this subsection.. (c)DefinitionsIn this section, the terms military installation and United States have the meanings given such terms in section 2698(e) of title 10, United States Code..
Section 838
2698. Access to military installations: standards for entry to military installations in United States The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain access standards applicable to all military installations in the United States. Such access standards shall require screening standards appropriate to the type of installation involved, the security level of the installation, the category of individuals authorized to visit the installation, and the level of access to be granted, including— protocols and criteria to determine the fitness of the individual to enter a military installation; standards and methods for verifying the identity of the individual; and other factors the Secretary determines appropriate. In developing the access standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— include procedures to facilitate recurring unescorted access to military installations in the United States, in appropriate cases, for covered individuals the Secretary determines eligible for such recurring unescorted access; and issue guidance relating to the granting of unescorted access to military installations in the United States for covered individuals. The procedures developed pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) shall include, to the extent practical, a list of credentials that can be used for such recurring unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, credentials non-Department of Defense personnel already possess. The guidance issued pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) shall— identify the categories of covered individuals eligible for such unescorted access; include a list of credentials that can be used for such unescorted access to such a military installation that are, to the extent practical, the credentials described in paragraph (3); be consistent across such military installations; be in accordance with any privileges or benefits accorded under, procedures developed pursuant to, or requirements of, each covered provision and paragraph (1); and be provided to the commanders of each such military installation. Upon publication in the Federal Register of access standards described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish such access standards on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall seek to use existing identification screening technology to validate federally-recognized access credentials and develop additional technology only to the extent necessary to assist commanders of military installations in the United States in implementing the access standards under paragraph (1) at points of entry for such military installations. The Secretary shall ensure that the access standards under subsection (a) include a specific protocol for the voluntary pre-arrival registration and screening of individuals anticipating a need for access to a military installation in the United States to establish the fitness of such individual and the purpose of such access. Under such protocol— such a registration and screening shall occur not less than 24 hours and not more than 14 days prior to the time of such access; and if an individual is determined fit to enter the installation pursuant to the pre-arrival registration and screening, access may only be granted upon arrival at the military installation for the stated purpose following a verification of the identity of the individual. Not less frequently than once every five years, the Secretary shall— review the access standards and guidance under this section, and make such updates as may be determined appropriate by the Secretary; and submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the most recently reviewed and, as applicable, updated version of such access standards and guidance. In this section: The term covered individual means the following: A member of the armed forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense, or an employee or family member of such member or employee, who resides, attends school, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on a military installation in the United States. A retired member of the armed forces, including the reserve components, or a family member of such retired member, who resides, attend schools, receives health care services, or shops at a commissary or exchange store on such an installation. An individual performing work at such an installation under a contract or subcontract (at any tier), including a military construction project, military family housing project, or a facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization project. A motor carrier or household goods motor carrier (as such terms are defined in section 13102 of title 49) providing transportation services for the United States Transportation Command. The term covered provision means the following: Chapter 54 of this title. Section 202 of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note). Section 2812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2150; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Sections 346 and 1050 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 626 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1802; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 1090 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3879; 10 U.S.C. 113 note). Section 2833 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3003). The term federally-recognized access credential means a credential authorized by Federal law or otherwise issued by the head of a department or agency of the Federal Government that requires the vetting of an individual for access to a facility, area, or program. The term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of this title. The term State means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The term United States includes each State, as such term is defined in this subsection.
Section 839
2834. Deferral of execution of certain requirements for covered housing facilities and covered landscape features; report Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 3041 or chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code, that requires review from or consultation with the head of any other Federal agency, each Secretary of a military department may defer the execution of the requirements of each such chapter with respect to a covered housing facility or covered landscape feature until the date that is 60 years after the date on which the construction of such covered housing facility or covered landscape feature was completed. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes— an identification of covered housing facilities under the respective jurisdiction of each such Secretary constructed between 1975 and 1985; and a strategy for the demolition or management, as the case may be, of each such covered housing facility. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committees; the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. The term covered housing facility means a housing facility that— is subject to the requirements of chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code; is located on a military installation; is under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military department; and was constructed after December 31, 1975. The term covered landscape feature means a landscape feature (as such term is used in the document of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment titled Program Comment for the Preservation of pre-1919 Historic Army Housing, Associated Buildings and Structures, and Landscape Features and published on March 1, 2024) that— is subject to such chapter; is located on a military installation; is under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military department; and was constructed after December 31, 1975. The term facility has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 840
2835. Pilot programs of Department of Army and Department of Navy to conduct repair and maintenance projects on covered historic facilities Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 3041 or chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code, that requires review from or consultation with the head of any other Federal agency, each applicable Secretary shall carry out a pilot program under which the applicable Secretary may enter into agreements to conduct repair and maintenance projects on covered historic facilities. Each applicable Secretary shall select one military installation under the jurisdiction of the applicable Secretary concerned at which to carry out a pilot program under subsection (a). In selecting a military installation pursuant to paragraph (1), an applicable Secretary shall give priority to military installations at which such Secretary determines there exists a large quantity of covered historic facilities. Not later than 30 days after the date on which an applicable Secretary selects a military installation pursuant to subsection (b), the applicable Secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a notification of such selection. Each repair and maintenance project conducted pursuant to a pilot program under subsection (a) shall be in accordance with relevant standards established by the Secretary of the Interior for historic building preservation and maintenance. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an applicable Secretary to consult the Secretary of the Interior with respect to a repair or maintenance project conducted pursuant to a pilot program under subsection (a). The authority of an applicable Secretary to obligate or expend amounts to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2029. In this section: The term applicable Secretary means— the Secretary of the Army; and the Secretary of the Navy. The term appropriate congressional committees means— the congressional defense committees; the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. The term covered historic facility means a housing or operational facility located on a military installation under the jurisdiction of the applicable Secretary concerned that— was constructed before 1919; and is subject to the requirements of chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code. The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 841
2836. Strategy and assessment with respect to non-operational, underutilized, and other Department of Defense facilities; briefing required Each Secretary of a military department shall develop a strategy to demolish facilities under the respective jurisdiction of each such Secretary that— are in poor or failing condition under the uniform index developed under section 2838 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31); are not in operational use; or such Secretary determines are underutilized. Each Secretary of a military department shall conduct an assessment to determine the total cost to the United States to maintain facilities that— are not in operational use; and such Secretary determines are underutilized. In determining whether a facility is underutilized pursuant to subsection (a) or subsection (b), each Secretary of a military department shall compare the occupancy of such facility to the total square footage of such facility. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall provide to congressional defense committees a briefing on— the strategy required by subsection (a); and the results of the assessment required by subsection (b). Each such briefing shall include— a summary of the existing authorities of each Secretary of a military department to demolish the facilities covered by the strategy required by subsection (a); a plan to implement such strategy; and recommendations of each such Secretary with respect to reducing— the inventory of facilities in poor or failing condition under the uniform index developed under section 2838 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31); and the total cost to the United States to maintain the facilities covered by the assessment required by subsection (b). In this section, the term facility has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 842
2837. Temporary authority for use of imitative substitute building materials for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or renovation of covered historic facilities Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 3041 or chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code, that requires review from or consultation with the head of any other Federal agency, and subject to paragraph (2), each Secretary of a military department may use imitative substitute building materials in projects for the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or renovation of a covered historic facility. A Secretary of a military department may exercise the authority under paragraph (1) if the Secretary of the military department concerned determines— the applicable maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or renovation project affects the quality of life, health, and safety of occupants, if any, of a covered historic facility; or the use of building materials original to a covered historic facility or in-kind building materials in an applicable maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, or renovation project is not financially feasible. The authority of a Secretary of a military department to obligate or expend amounts pursuant to this section shall terminate on December 30, 2029. In this section: The term covered historic facility means a housing or operational facility located on a military installation under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military department that— was constructed before 1919; and is subject to the requirements of chapter 3061 of title 54, United States Code. The term imitative substitute building materials means modern, industry-standard, natural, composite, and synthetic materials that— simulate the appearance of building materials original to a covered historic facility; and are more cost effective than such building materials. The term military installation has the meaning given in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 843
2838. Expenditures on leased facilities and real property usage in the National Capital Region Not later than ten years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall reduce expenditures on facilities leased by the Department of Defense located in the National Capital Region by 50 percent. Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the travel of persons, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense provides to the congressional defense committees the briefing required in the Joint Explanatory Statement of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) on real property usage within the National Capital Region. The term National Capital Region has the meaning given in section 2674 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 844
2839. Screening and registry of individuals with health conditions resulting from unsafe housing units Subchapter V of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with appropriate scientific agencies as determined by the Secretary, shall ensure that all military medical treatment facilities screen eligible individuals for covered conditions. The Secretary may establish procedures through which screening under paragraph (1) may allow an eligible individual to be included in the registry under subsection (b). The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a registry of eligible individuals who have a covered condition. The Secretary shall include any information in the registry under paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines necessary to ascertain and monitor the health of eligible individuals and the connection between the health of such individuals and an unsafe housing unit. The Secretary shall develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry under paragraph (1), including how to register and the benefits of registering. In this section: The term covered condition means a medical condition that is determined by the Secretary of Defense to have resulted from residing in an unsafe housing unit. The term eligible individual means a member of the armed forces or a family member of a member of the armed forces who has resided in an unsafe housing unit. The term unsafe housing unit means a dwelling unit that— does not meet the housing quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)); or is not free from dangerous air pollution levels from mold. The table of sections at the beginning of such subchapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2894a the following new item: 2895.Screening and registry of individuals with health conditions resulting from unsafe housing units(a)Screening(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense, in consultation with appropriate scientific agencies as determined by the Secretary, shall ensure that all military medical treatment facilities screen eligible individuals for covered conditions.(2)Establishment of proceduresThe Secretary may establish procedures through which screening under paragraph (1) may allow an eligible individual to be included in the registry under subsection (b).(b)Registry(1)In generalThe Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a registry of eligible individuals who have a covered condition.(2)Inclusion of informationThe Secretary shall include any information in the registry under paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines necessary to ascertain and monitor the health of eligible individuals and the connection between the health of such individuals and an unsafe housing unit.(3)Public information campaignThe Secretary shall develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry under paragraph (1), including how to register and the benefits of registering.(c)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term covered condition means a medical condition that is determined by the Secretary of Defense to have resulted from residing in an unsafe housing unit.(2)The term eligible individual means a member of the armed forces or a family member of a member of the armed forces who has resided in an unsafe housing unit.(3)The term unsafe housing unit means a dwelling unit that—(A)does not meet the housing quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)); or(B)is not free from dangerous air pollution levels from mold.. 2895. Screening and registry of individuals with health conditions resulting from unsafe housing units..
Section 845
2895. Screening and registry of individuals with health conditions resulting from unsafe housing units The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with appropriate scientific agencies as determined by the Secretary, shall ensure that all military medical treatment facilities screen eligible individuals for covered conditions. The Secretary may establish procedures through which screening under paragraph (1) may allow an eligible individual to be included in the registry under subsection (b). The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a registry of eligible individuals who have a covered condition. The Secretary shall include any information in the registry under paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines necessary to ascertain and monitor the health of eligible individuals and the connection between the health of such individuals and an unsafe housing unit. The Secretary shall develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry under paragraph (1), including how to register and the benefits of registering. In this section: The term covered condition means a medical condition that is determined by the Secretary of Defense to have resulted from residing in an unsafe housing unit. The term eligible individual means a member of the armed forces or a family member of a member of the armed forces who has resided in an unsafe housing unit. The term unsafe housing unit means a dwelling unit that— does not meet the housing quality standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)); or is not free from dangerous air pollution levels from mold.
Section 846
2839A. Prohibition on use by Air Force of corporate structure in conducting certain basing decisions The Secretary of the Air Force may not make any basing decision during the resource allocation plan or program objective memorandum process of the Department of the Air Force (commonly known as a programmatic basing decision) through the use of the DAF Corporate Structure set forth under chapters 3.2 and 7.1 of the Department of the Air Force Instruction 10–503, dated June 12, 2023, relating to strategic basing. Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall update any instruction or other policy of the Department of the Air Force to include the prohibition under subsection (a).
Section 847
2839B. Technical correction to map reference in the Military Land Withdrawals Act of 2013 Subtitle G of the Military Land Withdrawals Act of 2013 (Public Law 113–66; 127 Stat. 1025; 136 Stat. 3027) is amended by striking November 30, 2022 each place it appears and inserting May 22, 2024.
Section 848
2839C. Research, standards, and other requirements relating to indoor residential mold As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the President of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences shall conduct a comprehensive study of the health effects of indoor residential mold growth in barracks or other housing on military installations, using the most up-to-date scientific peer-reviewed medical literature. The study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall ascertain— detailed information about harmful or toxigenic mold that may impact the services and those living on military installations, as well as any toxin or toxic compound such mold can produce; the most accurate research-based methods of detecting harmful or toxigenic mold; potential dangers of prolonged or chronic exposure to indoor residential mold growth in residential areas on military installations; the hazards involved with inadequate mold inspections on military installations and improper indoor residential mold remediation in barracks on military installations; the estimated current public health burden of new or exacerbated physical illness resulting from exposure to indoor residential mold on the military services and its effect on quality of life as it impacts readiness, including its impact on children in military families; improved understanding of the different health symptomology that can result from exposure to mold in indoor residential environments on military installations, including military barracks; ongoing surveillance of the prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants living on military installations; and longitudinal studies on the effects of indoor old exposure in early childhood on the development of asthma and other respiratory illnesses of children living on military installations. Not later than the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to Congress and the President and made available to the general public. Based on the results of the interagency health study conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Secretary of Energy, the Executive Director of the National Institute of Building Sciences, and the President of the National Academy of Sciences shall, in accordance with section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note; Public Law 104–113), jointly issue model health, safety, and habitability standards for preventing, detecting, and remediating indoor residential mold growth on military installations, including— model residential mold inspection standards for military barracks; model indoor residential mold remediation standards for military installations; standards for testing the toxicity of indoor residential mold and any toxin or toxic compound produced by indoor residential mold on military installations; health and safety standards for the protection of those inspecting for and remediating mold in housing on military installations; standards for indoor residential mold testing labs that serve military installations; model ventilation standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of air ventilation or air-conditioning systems in housing on military installations to prevent indoor residential mold growth or the creation of conditions that foster indoor mold growth in housing on military installations; and model building code standards for housing on military installations to control moisture and prevent mold growth. To the maximum extent possible, model standards issued under this subsection shall be developed with the assistance of— organizations that develop mold and water damage standards and work with military installations; organizations involved in establishing national building construction standards and work with military installations; organizations involved in improving indoor air quality; public health advocates that serve the military community; and health and medical professionals that serve military servicemembers and their families, including practitioners that care for children of servicemembers. Model standards issued under this subsection shall take into account geographic diversity, propensity for extreme weather or flooding, and other resiliency metrics impacting military housing. The officers identified in paragraph (1) shall make draft standards issued under this section available for public review and comment at least 90 days prior to publication of the final standards or model standards pursuant to subparagraph (B). Not later than years after the results of the study conducted under subsection (a) are submitted to Congress in accordance with such section, the officers identified in subsection (a) shall issue, and make available to the public, final standards and model standards under this section. The officers identified in paragraph (1) shall— review the model standards issued under this subsection at least once every 5 years based on latest scientific advances and published studies relating to indoor residential mold growth; and update such standards and model standards as necessary to preserve and improve the quality of housing on military installations, and prevent the displacement of those currently living on military installations. The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Executive Director of the National Institute of Building Sciences, and the President of the National Academy of Sciences, to the extent such Director and President agree to participate, shall develop model construction standards and techniques for preventing and controlling indoor residential mold in new residential properties on military installations. The model standards and techniques shall provide for geographic differences in construction types and materials, geology, weather, and other variables that may affect indoor residential mold levels in new buildings and on various military installations. To the maximum extent possible, such standards and techniques shall be developed with— the assistance of organizations involved in establishing national building construction standards and techniques, especially those who do this work on military installations; the assistance of organizations that develop mold and water damage standards on military installations; and public health advocates that serve the military community. The Secretary shall make a draft of the document containing the model standards and techniques available for public review and comment. The Secretary shall make final model standards and techniques available to the public not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. Within 1 year of the publication of the final model standards and techniques required by subparagraph (D), the Secretary of Defense shall include such model standards and techniques as a requirement for residential rehabilitation or new construction projects funded with Federal appropriations made available by such agencies. The Secretary of Defense shall include education for military health professions on mold-related illness, including signs and symptoms of toxigenic mold exposure, in recurring training received by miliary health practitioners at such time and in such manner as the Secretary chooses. In this section: The term indoor residential mold means any form of multi-cellular fungi in indoor environments, including cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, aspergillus, fusarium, trichoderma, memnoniella, mucor, stachybotrys chartarum, streptomyces, and epicoccumoften found in water-damaged indoor environments and building materials. The term toxigenic mold means any indoor mold growth that may be capable of producing a toxin or toxic compound, including mycotoxins and mVOCs, that can cause pulmonary, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, or dermatological illnesses, or other major adverse health impacts, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Section 849
2839D. Study on construction of child development centers The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recommendation for a strategy for military construction projects for a sufficient number of child development centers (as defined in section 2871 of title 10, United States Code) as necessary to eliminate wait lists for members of the Armed Forces seeking childcare at such child development centers.
Section 850
2841. Land conveyance, Boyle Memorial Army Reserve Center, Paris, Texas The Secretary of the Army may convey to Paris Junior College, located in Paris, Texas (in this section referred to as the College), all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property, including any improvements thereon, consisting of approximately 4 acres, known as the former Boyle Memorial Army Reserve Center, located in Paris, Texas. As consideration for the conveyance under subsection (a), the College shall pay to the Secretary of the Army an amount equal to not less than the fair market value of the property to be conveyed, as determined by the Secretary, which may consist of cash payment, in-kind consideration as described in paragraph (2), or a combination thereof. In-kind consideration provided by the College under paragraph (1) may include— the acquisition, construction, provision, improvement, maintenance, repair, or restoration (including environmental restoration), or a combination thereof, of any property, facilities, or infrastructure; or the delivery of services relating to the needs of the Department of the Army that the Secretary considers acceptable. Cash payments received under subsection (b) as consideration for the conveyance under subsection (a) shall be deposited in the special account in the Treasury established under section 572(b)(5) of title 40, United States Code. The Secretary of the Army shall require the College to cover costs to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for such costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), including survey costs, costs for environmental documentation related to the conveyance, and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance. If amounts are collected from the Township in advance of the Secretary incurring the actual costs, and the amount collected exceeds the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance, the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the College. Amounts received as reimbursement under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to cover the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out the land conveyance under subsection (a) or, if the period of availability of obligations for that appropriation has expired, to the appropriations of a fund that is currently available to the Secretary for the same purpose. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account. The exact acreage and legal description of the parcel of real property to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by surveys satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army. The Secretary of the Army may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Section 851
2842. Land conveyance, Riverdale Park, Maryland The Secretary of the Army may convey, without consideration, to the town of Riverdale Park, Maryland, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the real property described in subsection (b), for the purposes of— creating a new municipal and community center; and replacing impervious surfaces. The property to be conveyed under this section consists of approximately 6.63 acres of real property, including improvements on such real property, located at 6601 Baltimore Avenue, Riverdale Park, Maryland. If the Secretary determines at any time that the real property conveyed under subsection (a) is not being used in accordance with the purpose specified in such subsection, all right, title, and interest in and to the property shall revert, at the discretion of the Secretary, to the United States. A determination by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be made on the record after an opportunity for a hearing.
Section 852
2843. Transfer authority, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California With respect to a transfer of real property located at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California, to the City of Vallejo (referred to in this section as the City), made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into an agreement with the City and the California State Lands Commission (referred to in this section as SLC) if such agreement includes the following terms: That the City, SLC, and the Governor of California agree to a deferral of the completion of all environmental remedial actions necessary to protect human health and the environment with respect to the real property until after the date of the transfer. That additional remedial action found to be necessary after the date of such transfer shall be conducted by the Secretary. That the Secretary shall have access to the property after the date of such transfer for the purpose of conducting such remedial actions. If the Secretary of the Navy issues a determination that the real property described in subsection (a) is suitable for transfer to the City, such transfer may be accomplished using a quitclaim deed or other legal instrument and upon terms and conditions mutually satisfactory to the Secretary and the City that include— the terms described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a); and such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. The exact acreage and legal description of the property to be transferred under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of the Navy.
Section 853
2844. Release of interests retained in Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas, for use of such land as a training area for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety With respect to a parcel of land at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas, consisting of approximately 241.33 acres that lies in a part of section 2, township 2 north, range 12 west, Pulaski County, Arkansas, and comprising a portion of the property conveyed by the United States to the State of Arkansas for training of the National Guard and for other military purposes pursuant to An Act authorizing the transfer of part of Camp Joseph T. Robinson to the State of Arkansas, approved June 30, 1950 (64 Stat. 311, chapter 429), the Secretary of the Army may release the terms and conditions imposed, and reversionary interests retained, by the United States under section 2 of such Act, and the right to reenter and use the property retained by the United States under section 3 of such Act. The release of terms and conditions and retained interests under paragraph (1) with respect to the parcel described in such paragraph shall not be construed to alter the rights or interests retained by the United States with respect to the remainder of the real property conveyed to the State of Arkansas under the Act described in such paragraph. The Secretary of the Army may execute and file in the appropriate office a deed of release, amended deed, or other appropriate instrument reflecting the release of terms and conditions and retained interests under subsection (a). The exact acreage and legal description of the property described in subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army. The State of Arkansas may use the parcel of land described in subsection (a)(1) only for Arkansas Department of Public Safety, or a division of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, led training and related activities. If the Secretary of the Army determines at any time that the parcel of land described in subsection (a)(1) is not being used in accordance with the purpose specified in subparagraph (A), all right, title, and interest in and to the land, including any improvements thereto, shall, at the option of the Secretary, revert to and become the property of the United States, and the United States shall have the right of immediate entry onto such parcel. The Secretary of the Army may require in the instrument of release such additional terms and conditions in connection with the release of terms and conditions and retained interests under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. The Secretary of the Army may require the State of Arkansas to cover costs to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the release of terms and conditions and retained interests under subsection (a), including survey costs, costs related to environmental documentation, and other administrative costs related to the release. If amounts paid to the Secretary by the State of Arkansas in advance under subparagraph (A) exceed the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out the release, the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the State. Amounts received under paragraph (1) as reimbursement for costs incurred by the Secretary to carry out the release of terms and conditions and retained interests under subsection (a) shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to cover the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out the release. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.
Section 854
2845. Land conveyance, Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Arizona The Secretary of the Army may convey, without consideration, to the City of Sierra Vista, Arizona (in this section referred to as the “City”), all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property, including any improvements thereon, consisting of approximately 203 acres, comprising a portion of Fort Huachuca, Arizona, for the purpose of compatible development of the municipal airport located in the City. The conveyance of the property under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any easement, restriction, or covenant of record applicable to the property and in existence on the date of the enactment of this section. If the Secretary of the Army determines at any time that the real property conveyed under subsection (a) is not being used in accordance with the purpose of the conveyance specified in such subsection, all right, title, and interest in and to the property, including any improvements thereto, may, at the option of the Secretary, revert to and become the property of the United States, and the United States may have the right of immediate entry onto such property. A determination by the Secretary of the Army under paragraph (1) shall be made on the record after an opportunity for a hearing. The Secretary of the Army shall require the City to cover all costs (except costs for environmental remediation of the property) to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), including costs for environmental and real estate due diligence and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance. If amounts collected by the Secretary of the Army from the City under paragraph (1) in advance exceed the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the City. The City may not use Federal funds to cover any portion of the costs required to be paid by the City under this section. The exact acreage and legal description of the property to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army. The Secretary of the Army may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Section 855
2846. Removal of use conditions and conditions on reversion for the former Army and Navy General Hospital, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas Section 3(a) of Public Law 86–323 (73 Stat. 594; Sept. 21, 1959) is amended by striking as a vocational rehabilitation center or for other public health or educational purposes and inserting for appropriate purposes, as determined by the Governor of the State of Arkansas. Notwithstanding the provisions contained in section 3 of Public Law 86–323 (73 Stat. 594; Sept. 21, 1959) any reversionary interest retained by the United States in the Covered Property may be extinguished by occurrence of the following conditions: Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Governor of the State of Arkansas submits to the Secretary of the Army a written request to extinguish any reversionary or other future interest in the surface rights held by the United States in the covered property. The Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Administrator of the General Services Administration and the Secretary of the Interior, concurs in writing with the said request. If the conditions described in paragraph (1) are met, the Secretary of the Army shall extinguish by quitclaim deed any reversionary or other future interest in the surface rights held by the United States in the covered property. In exercising the authority under this section, the Secretary of the Army may not convey or extinguish any interests reserved to the United States— pursuant to section 2 of Public Law 86–323 (73 Stat. 594; Sept. 21, 1959) in— all mineral rights (including gas and oil), together with necessary rights of ingress, egress, and surface use; or thermal waters or other hot waters, together with necessary rights of ingress, egress, and surface use; and relating to the location, installation, and relocation of utility facilities for such mineral rights, thermal waters, or other hot waters; and in the conditions set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of the Deed of Conveyance. If the Governor of the State of Arkansas does not submit a request described in subsection (b)(2) before the deadline in such subsection, all right, title and interest held by the State of Arkansas in the covered property shall revert to the United States in accordance with section 3 of Public Law 86–323 (73 Stat. 594; Sept. 21, 1959). In this section: The term covered property means the real property conveyed by the Deed of Conveyance pursuant to Public Law 86–323 (73 Stat. 594; Sept. 21, 1959). The term Deed of Conveyance means the quitclaim deed between the United States of America and the State of Arkansas dated March 10, 1960, recorded in the land records of the County of Garland, State of Arkansas, at book 480, page 77.
Section 856
2847. Land conveyance and authorization for interim lease, Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro, Los Angeles, California The Secretary of the Navy (in this section referred to as the Secretary), may convey to the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita, at a cost less than fair market value, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to parcels of real property, including any improvements therein and thereon, known as the ballfields and the firing range at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Defense Fuel Support Point, San Pedro, California, as further described in subsection (b), for the purposes of permitting the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate) to use such conveyed parcel of real property for park and recreational activities or law enforcement affiliated purposes. A conveyance under this subsection is subject to valid existing rights. The parcels of real property that may be conveyed under subsection (a) consists of the following: The City of Lomita Ballfield Parcel consisting of approximately 5.7 acres. The City of Los Angeles Ballfield Parcels consisting of approximately 15.3 acres. The firing range located at 2981 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro, California, consisting of approximately 3.2 acres. Until such time as any parcel of real property described in subsection (b) is conveyed to the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate), the Secretary of the Navy may lease such parcel or a portion of such parcel to either the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita at no cost for a term up to three years. If fee conveyance described in subsection (a) is not completed within the period of the lease term with respect to such parcel, the Secretary shall have no further obligation to make any part of such parcel available for use by the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita. As consideration for a conveyance under subsection (a), the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate) shall pay to the Secretary of the Navy an amount determined by the Secretary, which may consist of cash payment, in-kind consideration as described under paragraph (2), or a combination thereof. In-kind consideration provided by the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate) under this subsection may include— the acquisition, construction, provision, improvement, maintenance, repair, or restoration (including environmental restoration), or combination thereof, of any property, facilities, or infrastructure with proximity to Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, that the Secretary considers acceptable; or the delivery of services relating to the needs of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach that the Secretary considers acceptable. Cash payments received under paragraph (1) as reimbursement for costs incurred by the Secretary to carry out a conveyance under subsection (a) shall be credited to the fund or account used to cover the costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out the conveyance or to an appropriate fund or account currently available to the Secretary for the purposes for which the costs were paid. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes, and to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account. The Secretary shall require the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate) to cover costs (except costs for environmental remediation of the property) to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for such costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out a conveyance under subsection (a), including costs for environmental and real estate due diligence and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance and lease execution. If amounts are collected from the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita under paragraph (4) in advance of the Secretary incurring the actual costs, and the amount collected exceeds the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out a conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate). The values of the property interests to be conveyed by the Secretary described in subsection (a) shall be determined by an independent appraiser selected by the Secretary and in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. A conveyance under subsection (a) shall be subject to all existing easements, restrictions, and covenants of record and conditioned upon the following: The parcels of real property described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall be used solely for park and recreational activities, which may include ancillary uses such as vending and restrooms. The parcel of real property described in subsection (b)(3) shall be used solely for law enforcement affiliated purposes. The city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate) may not use Federal funds to cover any portion of the amounts required by subsection (d) to be paid. Section 2696(b) of title 10, United States Code, and the requirements under title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Public Law 101–645; 41 U.S.C. 11411) relating to prior screenings shall not apply to a conveyance under subsection (a) or the grant of interim lease authorized under subsection (c). If the Secretary determines at any time that a parcel of real property conveyed under subsection (a) is not being used in accordance with the purpose of the conveyance specified in this section, all right, title, and interest in and to the land, including the improvements thereto, shall, at the option of the Secretary, revert to and become the property of the United States, and the United States shall have the right of immediate entry onto such real property. A determination by the Secretary under this subsection shall be made on the record after an opportunity for a hearing. A conveyance of land under subsection (a) shall be accomplished using a quitclaim deed or other legal instrument and upon terms and conditions mutually satisfactory to the Secretary and the city of Los Angeles or the city of Lomita (as appropriate), including such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with a conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. Nothing in this section affects the application of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).
Section 857
2851. Extension of prohibition on joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base with civil aviation Section 2874 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3014) is amended by striking On or before September 30, 2026, and inserting On or before September 30, 2036.
Section 858
2852. Schedule of repairs at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida The Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a plan for repair or replacement of facilities at Naval Air Station Pensacola that the Secretary determines are damaged by Hurricane Sally. The plan required under subsection (a) shall include the following: An estimate of the cost and schedule for— the repair of Hangar 3260; and a military construction project (as defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code) to replace Hangar 3260 and other infrastructure at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, that the Secretary of the Navy determines are damaged by Hurricane Sally. An assessment that compares the estimated cost and schedule under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) to the estimated cost and schedule under subparagraph (B) of such subparagraph. Any planned demolition projects necessary to support future military construction. An assessment of how the repair and replacement schedules for facilities at Naval Air Station Pensacola that the Secretary determines are damaged by Hurricane Sally support current and future operational requirements at the naval air station. Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy for travel expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees the schedule required by subsection (a). In this section, the terms facility and military construction project have the meanings given such terms in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 859
2853. Modification of requirements Section 2889 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 is amended— by inserting or 2025 after fiscal year 2024; by striking June 30, 2024, when; and by striking shall complete and inserting have completed.
Section 860
2854. Department of Defense policy relating to contractors for military construction projects The Secretary of Defense shall issue a policy to require that, when considering an offer for a contract for work on a military construction project, each Secretary of a military department shall consider— the proximity of the proposed contractors for such contract to the location of performance of such contract; and the use of contractors and subcontractor that are considered local for the performance of such contract.
Section 861
2855. Survey and procedures for munitions of explosive concern on military installations in Guam Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a survey of the military installations on Guam, using available technologies to characterize the real property of such military installations as being at high, medium, or low risk for containing munitions of explosive concern. Not later than 180 days after the date of completion of the survey, the Secretary shall issue procedures for such real property characterized as low- and medium-risk to expedite military construction projects relating to such real property to the maximum extent as is safely practicable. Not later than 30 days after the date of issuance of the procedures described in subsection (b), Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the results of the survey conducted under subsection (a), the procedures described in subsection (b), and how such procedures will expedite the completion of military construction projects on Guam.
Section 862
2856. Market survey of domestic suppliers of sand and gravel for marine concrete Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a market survey of domestic entities that— are capable of supplying sand and gravel that conforms with the standards found in the Unified Facilities Guide Criteria 03–31–29 (relating to marine concrete with service life modeling); and have the associated marine logistical capacity to load and transport the such sand and gravel to the geographic area covered by the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Not later than 30 days after completing the market survey under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the results of the market survey and an assessment of whether there is access to sufficient domestic sources of sand and gravel to meet national security and military construction requirements.
Section 863
2857. Survey of certain counties for placement of facilities Not later than one year afer the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress the results of a survey of the counties described in subsection (b) to assess potential placement of operational, training, or other facilities for use by the military departments in such counties. The counties described in this subsection are located in the State of North Carolina and are as follows: Buncombe County. Cherokee County. Clay County. Graham County. Haywood County. Henderson County. Jackson County. Macon County. Madison County. McDowell County. Polk County. Rutherford County. Swain County. Transylvania County. Yancey County. The survey required under subsection (a) shall include the following: An assessment of the mountainous and varied terrains in the areas described in subsection (b) and the feasibility of programs that use this geography, including programs for basic survival skills, dam and reservoir exercises, whitewater rafting exercises, thick vegetation exercises, air drop exercises, and mountainous warfare exercises. An evaluation of defense assets located in the State of North Carolina and the lack of defense assets in the area described in subsection (b). The survey shall assesses the feasibility of the placement of operational, training, and other facilities as follows: Consideration of relevant civilian assets in the area described in subsection (b). Consideration of assets of Department of Defense contractors in such area. Proximity of such to current defense assets, including Fort Liberty. Consideration of the geographic similarities of such area to geographic regions critical to United States defense policy, including the Indo-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Section 864
2858. Study on certain grants awarded to support investments in certain child care facilities under the defense community infrastructure program The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a study on each grant awarded under the defense community infrastructure program established under section 2391(d) of title 10, United States Code for supporting investments in child care facilities in areas in close proximity to military installations (as defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code). Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report that includes— a description and total value of each grant awarded under such program to support investments in child care facilities in areas in close proximity to military installations; a list of best practices learned from grants awarded before the date of the enactment of this Act under such program for investments in child care facilities; a description of barriers, if any, that prevent the Secretary from awarding grants under the program to support investments in child care facilities in areas in close proximity to military installations on a more frequent basis; and recommendations to increase the number of grants awarded under such program to support investments in child care facilities in areas in close proximity to military installations.
Section 865
2859. Requirement to maintain access to category 3 subterranean training facility The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Department of Defense maintains access to a covered category 3 subterranean training facility on a continuing basis. The Secretary of Defense may enter into a short-term lease with a provider of a covered category 3 subterranean training facility for purposes of compliance with subsection (a). In this section, the term covered category 3 subterranean training facility means a category 3 subterranean training facility (as defined in section 2869 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263)) that is— operational on or before the date of the enactment of this Act; and deemed safe for use on such date.
Section 866
2860. Quarterly report on infiltrations of certain Department of Defense property by foreign actors Not less frequently than quarterly, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on instances of infiltration, or attempted infiltration, of a military installation, facility, or real property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense by a foreign actor during the period covered by the report. Each report required by subsection (a) shall include— a summary of each instance of infiltration or attempted infiltration; an identification of the foreign actor the Secretary determines is responsible for such infiltration or attempted infiltration; and with respect to each foreign actor included in such report, an statement of— immigration status, if any; country of origin; method and date of entry into the United States, if known; criminal background, if known; and any other information obtained during the applicable Department of Defense investigation that the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate. In this section: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate; the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Relations of the Senate; the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representatives. The term foreign actor means an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. The term infiltration includes, with respect to a military installation, facility, or real property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, unauthorized photo or video recording.
Section 867
2861. Designation of Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, as remote or isolated installation The Secretary of Defense shall designate Creech Air Force Base located at Indian Springs Nevada, as a remote or isolated installation.
Section 868
2862. Feasibility study by the Secretary of Defense on replicating the Army Future Soldier Prep Course through the other service branches Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a feasibility study on replicating the Army Future Soldier Prep Course through the other services that contains the following: A cost estimate for each of the services including— Any military construction or Facilities sustainment, restoration and modernization costs; Additional personnel costs; and Additional operations and maintenance costs. Existing bases for each service that could host such a program.
Section 869
2863. Authorization of assistance to expedite certain military construction projects located in Guam To expedite military construction projects in Guam intended to improve the defense of Guam and the Indo-Pacific region, each Secretary of a military department may provide grants, conclude cooperative agreements, and supplement other Federal funds to regulatory agencies located in Guam that such Secretary determines appropriate, including— the Guam Environmental Protection Agency; and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Each agreement under subsection (a) may include— the provision of Department of Defense technical assistance to regulatory agencies responsible for the timely completion of military construction projects; and the use of Department of Defense personnel to perform conservation activities for which the regulatory agency is responsible. In this section, the term military construction project has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 870
2864. Briefing on instances of attempted breaches of Department of Defense military installations required The Secretary of Defense shall provide to Congress a briefing on any instance of an attempted breach of a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense during the period beginning on January 1, 2021, and ending on the date of the provision of such briefing. Each briefing under subsection shall include, with respect to each perpetrator of an attempted breach described in such subsection, a statement of the applicable immigration status and citizenship status.
Section 871
2865. Report on land use practices around military installations in the Freely Associated States Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following: An assessment of land use policies and encroachment risks near military installations (as defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code) located in the Freely Associated States, real property located in the Freely Associated States used to support the Armed Forces, and real property located in the Freely Associated States that may be used to support the Armed Forces during the five-year period following the date of submission of the report. An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a coalition to include representatives from Federal agencies, the governments of the Freely Associated States, nongovernmental organizations, and landowners and land managers in the Freely Associated States to advance sustainable land use practices around military installations that would assist in efforts to prevent encroachment and promote conservation.
Section 872
3101. National Nuclear Security Administration Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701. From funds referred to in subsection (a) that are available for carrying out plant projects, the Secretary of Energy may carry out new plant projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration as follows: Project 25–D–511, PULSE New Access, Nevada National Security Site, Mercury, Nevada, $25,000,000. Project 25–D–510, Plutonium Mission Safety and Quality Building, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, $48,500,000. Project 25–D–530, Naval Examination Acquisition Project, Naval Reactors Facility, Idaho Falls, Idaho: $45,000,000.
Section 873
3102. Defense environmental cleanup Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for defense environmental cleanup activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Section 874
3103. Other defense activities Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for other defense activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Section 875
3104. Nuclear energy Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2025 for nuclear energy as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Section 876
3111. Prohibition on admittance to national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities Section 4502 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2652) is amended— in subsection (a), by inserting , subject to subsection (b), after unless; by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (e), respectively; and by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection: Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Energy may not admit to any facility of a national security laboratory or any nuclear weapons production facility, other than an area accessible to the general public, any individual who is a citizen or agent of the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation. The Secretary of Energy may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual if, not later than 30 days prior to admitting such individual to a facility described in such paragraph, the Secretary certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that— the admittance of such individual to the facility is in the national security interests of the United States; no classified or restricted data will be revealed to such individual in connection with the individual’s admittance to the facility; and a background review has been completed with respect to such individual. by inserting after subsection (c), as so redesignated, the following: Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States from accessing a national security laboratory or nuclear weapons production facility. in subsection (e), as so redesignated— by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following: The term appropriate congressional committees means— the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (b)Prohibition on admittance(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Energy may not admit to any facility of a national security laboratory or any nuclear weapons production facility, other than an area accessible to the general public, any individual who is a citizen or agent of the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation.(2)WaiverThe Secretary of Energy may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual if, not later than 30 days prior to admitting such individual to a facility described in such paragraph, the Secretary certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that—(A)the admittance of such individual to the facility is in the national security interests of the United States;(B)no classified or restricted data will be revealed to such individual in connection with the individual’s admittance to the facility; and(C)a background review has been completed with respect to such individual.; (d)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States from accessing a national security laboratory or nuclear weapons production facility.; and (1)The term appropriate congressional committees means—(A)the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and(B)the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives..
Section 877
3112. Prohibition on availability of funds to reconvert or retire W76–2 warheads Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2025 for the National Nuclear Security Administration may be obligated or expended to reconvert or retire a W76–2 warhead. The Administrator for Nuclear Security may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, certifies in writing to the congressional defense committees that— Russia and China do not possess naval capabilities similar to the W76–2 warhead in the active stockpiles of the respective countries; and the Department of Defense does not have a valid military requirement for the W76–2 warhead.
Section 878
3113. Designation of National Nuclear Security Administration as technical nuclear forensics lead Section 3211(b) of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: To lead the technical nuclear forensics efforts of the United States. The amendment made by this section may not be construed to alter the functions vested in any department or agency of the Federal Government by statute other than the National Nuclear Security Administration pursuant to such amendment. (7)To lead the technical nuclear forensics efforts of the United States..
Section 879
3121. Modification to and termination of certain reporting requirements under Atomic Energy Defense Act Section 4306 of the Atomic Energy Defense Act (50 U.S.C. 2566(a)(3)) is amended in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking for as long as the MOX facility is in use and inserting through 2024. Such section is further amended in subsection (e) by striking If on July 1 each year beginning in 2025 and continuing for as long as the MOX facility is in use, less than 34 metric tons of defense plutonium or defense plutonium materials have been processed by the MOX facility and inserting If less than 34 metric tons of defense plutonium or defense plutonium materials have been processed by the MOX facility by October 1, 2026.
Section 880
3122. List of potential advanced nuclear technology deployment opportunities Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a list of at least 30 potential opportunities to deploy advanced nuclear technology to bolster the operational energy, installation energy, and expeditionary energy capabilities of the Department of Defense.
Section 881
3123. Sense of Congress regarding development of storage facilities for permanent storage of nuclear material within the Great Lakes Basin It is the sense of Congress that the Government of the United States and the government of Canada should not develop storage facilities for the permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel, low-level or high-level nuclear waste, or military-grade nuclear material within the Great Lakes Basin.
Section 882
3124. Sense of Congress on commitment to nuclear power It is the sense of Congress that in order to achieve geopolitical energy leadership and secure American energy security in the years to come, Congress urges the Department of Defense to embrace and accept nuclear power as a clean baseload energy source that is easily compatible with other intermittent energy sources to ultimately achieve a reliable, secure, and resilient energy apparatus within the Department of Defense.
Section 883
3125. Sense of Congress supporting Project Pele It is the sense of Congress that— Congress supports Project Pele, which seeks to develop, demonstrate, and deploy an advanced portable nuclear microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory by 2025; and Project Pele will be critical in maintaining and bolstering United States national security by providing firm, reliable, clean, and dense baseload energy to power United States military bases and other distributed military operations, both domestically and abroad.
Section 884
3201. Authorization There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2025, $47,210,000 for the operation of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board under chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2286 et seq.).
Section 885
3401. Authorization of appropriations There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy $13,010,000 for fiscal year 2025 for the purpose of carrying out activities under chapter 869 of title 10, United States Code, relating to the naval petroleum reserves. Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
Section 886
3501. Authorization of appropriations for Maritime Administration There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2025, for programs associated with maintaining the United States Merchant Marine, the following amounts: For expenses necessary to support the United States Merchant Marine Academy, $191,000,000, of which— $105,000,000 shall be for Academy operations; $64,000,000 shall be for United States Merchant Marine Academy capital improvement projects; and $22,000,000 shall be for facilities maintenance and repair and equipment. For expenses necessary to support the State maritime academies, $58,900,000, of which— $4,800,000 shall be for the Student Incentive Payment Program; $6,000,000 shall be for direct payments for State maritime academies; $17,600,000 shall be for training ship fuel assistance; $6,000,000 shall be for offsetting the costs of training ship sharing; and $24,500,000 shall be for maintenance and repair of State maritime academy training vessels. For expenses necessary to support the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, including funds for construction and necessary expenses to construct shoreside infrastructure to support such vessels, $75,000,000. For expenses necessary to support Maritime Administration operations and programs, $108,000,000, of which— $15,000,000 shall be for the maritime environmental and technical assistance program under section 50307 of title 46, United States Code; $15,000,000 shall be for the United States marine highways program, including to make grants authorized under section 55601 of title 46, United States Code; and $78,000,000 shall be for headquarters operations expenses. For expenses necessary for the disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet of the Maritime Administration, $6,000,000. For expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a United States flag merchant marine to serve the national security needs of the United States under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, $390,000,000. For expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program under chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, $3,700,000, which may be used for administrative expenses relating to loan guarantee commitments under such program. For expenses necessary to provide assistance to small shipyards and for maritime training programs authorized under section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, $35,000,000. For expenses necessary to implement the port infrastructure development program, as authorized under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, $500,000,000, to remain available until expended, except that no such funds authorized under this title for this program may be used to provide a grant to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without the exercise of human intervention or control, if the Secretary of Transportation determines such equipment would result in a net loss of jobs within a port or port terminal. If such a determination is made, the data and analysis for such determination shall be reported to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives not later than 3 days after the date of the determination.
Section 887
3502. Reauthorization of Maritime Security Program Section 53103 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 2035 each place it appears and inserting 2040. Section 53104(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 2035 and inserting 2040. Section 53106(a)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— in subparagraph (C), by striking 2024, and 2025 and inserting , and 2024; by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as subparagraphs (E) through (G), respectively; by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new subparagraph (D): $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026; in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated— by striking $5,800,000 and inserting $6,675,500; and by striking 2026, 2027, and inserting 2027; in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated— by striking $6,300,000 and inserting $6,855,000; and by striking , 2030, and 2031; and and inserting and 2030;; in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated— by striking $6,800,000 and inserting $7,040,000; by inserting 2031 and before 2032; and by striking , 2033, 2034, and 2035. and inserting a semicolon; and by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: $7,230,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034; $7,426,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036; $7,626,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and $7,832,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040. Section 53111 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (3), by striking 2024, and 2025 and inserting and 2024; by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively; by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): $390,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026; in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— by striking $348,000,000 and inserting $400,500,000; and by striking 2026, 2027, and inserting 2027; in paragraph (6), as so redesignated— by striking $378,000,000 and inserting $411,300,000; and by striking , 2030, and 2031; and and inserting and 2030;; in paragraph (7), as so redesignated— by striking $408,000,000 and inserting $422,400,000; and by striking 2032, 2033, 2034, and 2035 and inserting 2031 and 2032; and by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: $433,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034; $445,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036; $457,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and $469,920,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040. (D)$6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;; (H)$7,230,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034;(I)$7,426,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036;(J)$7,626,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and(K)$7,832,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.. (4)$390,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;; (8) $433,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034;(9)$445,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036;(10)$457,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; and(11)$469,920,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040..
Section 888
3511. Port infrastructure development program In making port infrastructure development grants under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 using funds appropriated after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall treat a project described in paragraph (2) as— having met the requirements of paragraph (1) and (6)(A)(i) of section 54301(a) of such title; and an eligible project under paragraph (3) of such section. A project described in this paragraph is a project to provide shore power at a port that services— passenger vessels described in section 3507(k) of title 46, United States Code; and vessels that move goods or freight. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish that the Maritime Administrator may approve any action qualifying as a categorical exclusion established by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, or the Federal Railroad Administration, as outlined in part 771 of title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, when the applicable requirements of that categorical exclusion have been met. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose new Maritime Administration categorical exclusions for port authority projects that are in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Maritime Administration's list of categorical exclusions may be expanded with the goal of having a list that allows the Maritime Administration to issue categorical exclusions that maritime port authorities would typically use, independently of the lists of other Department of Transportation modal agencies, including categorical exclusions that the Secretary determines would be useful to maritime port authorities in the course of Federal grant-funded projects. The Secretary shall include in the rule required by paragraph (2) a process by which the Maritime Administration will update the list of categorical exclusions to reflect lessons learned in grant administration and project construction that lead to new efficiencies in the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Section 54301(a)(5) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: If an amendment is made to a published solicitation for grant applications such that an applicant would need the information contained in the amendment to draft an application, other than an amendment of the amount of grant funding available, the Secretary shall extend the application deadline by the number of days between the initial solicitation and the amendment. Section 54301(a)(9) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— in subparagraph (B) by striking and at the end; in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and by adding at the end the following: grant contracts are approved efficiently by the Secretary, minimizing delays for minor adjustments to project scopes and budgets due to inflationary effects on projects. Section 54301(a)(11) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Not later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the average length of grant obligation timelines and the nature of any staffing shortages relevant to administering this program. (C)Delayed notice of funding opportunityIf an amendment is made to a published solicitation for grant applications such that an applicant would need the information contained in the amendment to draft an application, other than an amendment of the amount of grant funding available, the Secretary shall extend the application deadline by the number of days between the initial solicitation and the amendment.. (D)grant contracts are approved efficiently by the Secretary, minimizing delays for minor adjustments to project scopes and budgets due to inflationary effects on projects. . (C)Administrative and oversight reportNot later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the average length of grant obligation timelines and the nature of any staffing shortages relevant to administering this program..
Section 889
3512. Sealift capability Subtitle V of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 575 the following: The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall build, acquire, maintain, coordinate, support, and operate a civil, commercial, and military sealift capability sufficient to provide capacity and resiliency for unilateral United States strategic sealift in peace, crisis, and war. Sealift capability built, acquired, maintained, supported, and operated by the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Defense shall be in addition to capability available under the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, the Ready Reserve Force under chapter 571, and vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command. In building, acquiring, maintaining, coordinating, supporting, and operating sealift capability in time of peace, crisis, and war, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall give priority to the following categories of vessels in the following order: Commercial United States-flagged vessels. United States Government owned and operated sealift vessels. Vessels documented by treaty allies. In moving through the order of priority under this section, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall determine the timing of moving through the categories of vessels in the order specified in subsection (a). The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense may acquire ships documented by treaty allies or maintain and repair ships documented by treaty allies which meet the criteria for participation in the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, Ready Reserve Fleet, and the fleet under this chapter. Not later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on— the readiness and sufficiency of America’s maritime infrastructure, shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and United States-flagged, owned, and operated fleets to meet strategic sealift requirements and operate in a contested environment; the vulnerability of the United States’ economy to coercion or control from our nation’s strategic competitors through ocean-going trades; the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the United States maritime transportation system, including ports, shipyards, repair yards, inland waterways, and the domestic fleet, and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure; and how to de-risk the maritime transportation system for such vulnerabilities. Not later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on— existing arrangements and agreements with treaty allies for access to the global maritime transportation infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and waterways; and existing assurances, arrangements, and agreements with treaty allies to augment United States sealift capabilities in times of crisis and war. In this chapter, the term treaty allies means nations with whom the United States has entered into mutual defense treaties. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, shall provide to Congress an evaluation of the status of treaty allies (as such term is defined in section 57705 of title 46, United States Code) sealift assurances, including an assessment of international agreements to meet wartime sealift requirements of such allies and augment United States sealift requirements during peace, crisis, and war, and recommendations for updating such agreements to reflect the global security environment. Not later than March 1, 2025,the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Defense shall brief Congress on the capacity of the United States shipbuilding industry to meet the requirements to build, maintain, and repair the strategic sealift fleet described under chapter 577 of title 46, United States Code. In briefing Congress under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall include an assessment and recommendations for improving the critical shipbuilding infrastructure, workforce recruitment, development, and retention, and critical supply chains and critical repair parts of the United States, including ways in which treaty allies (as such term is defined in section 57705 of title 46, United States Code) can contribute. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, shall brief Congress on available options for establishing privileges for the United States-owned and United States-documented commercial fleet participating in the international ocean-based trading market that will sustain and significantly grow the United States-flagged fleet. In briefing Congress under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide recommendations for and potential incentives, for civil, commercial, and government entities, including treaty allies (as such term is defined in section 57705 of title 46, United States Code), to ship goods on the United States-flagged fleet. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall submit to Congress a report that includes ways to ensure the sealift fleet under chapter 577 of title 46, United States Code, is privileged in regulation, fees, and policy compared to foreign vessels conducting trade with a United States domiciled entity, while remaining consistent with the international obligations of the United States. In submitting the report under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Transportation shall include options for regulating foreign flagged shipping trade with the United States in order to sustain and grow the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and other commercial United States-flagged ships that comprise the sealift fleet under chapter 577 of title 46, United States Code. Not later than March 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on requirements to maintain, improve, or grow the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, Ready Reserve Force, and the sealift fleet under chapter 577 of title 46, United States Code, over the decade following the date of enactment of this Act. The report under subparagraph (A) shall include a plan for making the Ready Reserve Force active in international trade through a public-private partnership that enables financing, building, manning, operating, maintaining, and repairing the program vessels, while guaranteeing assured effective control in times of crisis or war. The analysis for subtitle V of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 575 the following: 577Strategic Sealift57701. Procurement, maintenance, and operation.57702. Sealift prioritization.57703. Interaction with programs.57704. Assessment on maritime infrastructure readiness.57705. Definition of treaty allies.57701.Procurement, maintenance, and operation(a)In generalThe Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall build, acquire, maintain, coordinate, support, and operate a civil, commercial, and military sealift capability sufficient to provide capacity and resiliency for unilateral United States strategic sealift in peace, crisis, and war.(b)Supplemental capabilitySealift capability built, acquired, maintained, supported, and operated by the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Defense shall be in addition to capability available under the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, the Ready Reserve Force under chapter 571, and vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command. 57702.Sealift prioritization(a)In generalIn building, acquiring, maintaining, coordinating, supporting, and operating sealift capability in time of peace, crisis, and war, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall give priority to the following categories of vessels in the following order:(1)Commercial United States-flagged vessels.(2)United States Government owned and operated sealift vessels.(3)Vessels documented by treaty allies.(b)PrioritizationIn moving through the order of priority under this section, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall determine the timing of moving through the categories of vessels in the order specified in subsection (a).57703.Interaction with programsThe Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense may acquire ships documented by treaty allies or maintain and repair ships documented by treaty allies which meet the criteria for participation in the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, Ready Reserve Fleet, and the fleet under this chapter. 57704.Assessment on maritime infrastructure readiness(a)In generalNot later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on—(1)the readiness and sufficiency of America’s maritime infrastructure, shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and United States-flagged, owned, and operated fleets to meet strategic sealift requirements and operate in a contested environment;(2)the vulnerability of the United States’ economy to coercion or control from our nation’s strategic competitors through ocean-going trades; (3)the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the United States maritime transportation system, including ports, shipyards, repair yards, inland waterways, and the domestic fleet, and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure; and(4)how to de-risk the maritime transportation system for such vulnerabilities. (b)Review of arrangements and agreementsNot later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on—(1)existing arrangements and agreements with treaty allies for access to the global maritime transportation infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and waterways; and (2)existing assurances, arrangements, and agreements with treaty allies to augment United States sealift capabilities in times of crisis and war.57705.Definition of treaty alliesIn this chapter, the term treaty allies means nations with whom the United States has entered into mutual defense treaties. . 577.Strategic Sealift57701.
Section 890
57701. Procurement, maintenance, and operation The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall build, acquire, maintain, coordinate, support, and operate a civil, commercial, and military sealift capability sufficient to provide capacity and resiliency for unilateral United States strategic sealift in peace, crisis, and war. Sealift capability built, acquired, maintained, supported, and operated by the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Defense shall be in addition to capability available under the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, the Ready Reserve Force under chapter 571, and vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command.
Section 891
57702. Sealift prioritization In building, acquiring, maintaining, coordinating, supporting, and operating sealift capability in time of peace, crisis, and war, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense shall give priority to the following categories of vessels in the following order: Commercial United States-flagged vessels. United States Government owned and operated sealift vessels. Vessels documented by treaty allies. In moving through the order of priority under this section, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall determine the timing of moving through the categories of vessels in the order specified in subsection (a).
Section 892
57703. Interaction with programs The Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Defense may acquire ships documented by treaty allies or maintain and repair ships documented by treaty allies which meet the criteria for participation in the Maritime Security Program under chapter 531, the Cable Security Program under chapter 532, the Tanker Security Program under chapter 534, Ready Reserve Fleet, and the fleet under this chapter.
Section 893
57704. Assessment on maritime infrastructure readiness Not later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on— the readiness and sufficiency of America’s maritime infrastructure, shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and United States-flagged, owned, and operated fleets to meet strategic sealift requirements and operate in a contested environment; the vulnerability of the United States’ economy to coercion or control from our nation’s strategic competitors through ocean-going trades; the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the United States maritime transportation system, including ports, shipyards, repair yards, inland waterways, and the domestic fleet, and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure; and how to de-risk the maritime transportation system for such vulnerabilities. Not later than March 1, 2026, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide Congress an assessment on— existing arrangements and agreements with treaty allies for access to the global maritime transportation infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and waterways; and existing assurances, arrangements, and agreements with treaty allies to augment United States sealift capabilities in times of crisis and war.
Section 894
57705. Definition of treaty allies In this chapter, the term treaty allies means nations with whom the United States has entered into mutual defense treaties.
Section 895
3521. Independent study and report on Shanghai Shipping Exchange Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate independent entity to conduct a study and assessment of the business practices of the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, including— any anticompetitive advantages benefitting the Shanghai Shipping Exchange; and the ability of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China and the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to manipulate container freight markets. In conducting the study and assessment under subsection (a), the appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) shall address the following: The influence of the government of the People’s Republic of China on the Shanghai Shipping Exchange. The effect of the business practices or influence of the Shanghai Shipping Exchange on United States consumers and businesses. The ability of a shipping exchange registered under section 40504 of title 46, United States Code, and based in the United States to identify market manipulation as described in subsection (a)(2) or any otherwise concerning practices by the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and report such incidents to the Federal Maritime Commission and other Federal regulators. Any other matters the Secretary or the appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) determines to be appropriate for the purposes of the study. Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary enters into an agreement under this section, the appropriate independent entity shall submit to the Secretary, the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). The Secretary shall publish the report required under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Transportation. The appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a) may secure directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government information necessary to enable such entity to carry out this section. Upon request of the appropriate independent entity that enters into an agreement under subsection (a), the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the appropriate independent entity, unless doing so would not be in the public interest. In this section, the term appropriate independent entity means— a federally funded research and development center sponsored by a Federal agency; the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies; the Government Accountability Office; or an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
Section 896
3522. Study on the movement of critical cargo through marine terminals and ports Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and in consultation with the head of each relevant Federal agency, shall conduct a study on the movement of critical cargo through marine terminals and ports, including an examination of— efforts to expedite the movement of critical cargo through ports and marine terminals; and methodologies, practices, and processes for— moving such cargo during an event for which an emergency is declared by the President or a Federal agency; identifying critical cargo and expediting the movement of such cargo through the marine terminals and ports; expediting the movement of critical cargo across all modes of transportation after leaving marine terminals and ports; improving the readiness of the Armed Forces through the expedited movement of critical cargo; and mitigating the impact on the movement of other cargo that is not critical. The Secretary of Transportation shall issue a request for information in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the matters to be considered in the study under subsection (a). In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary may establish one or more voluntary pilot programs to test the effectiveness of any methodology, practice, or process for expediting the movement of critical cargo through ports and marine terminals. In carrying out any pilot program under paragraph (1), the Secretary— may not purchase any fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored, with or without human intervention or control; and shall ensure any such pilot program does not result in a net loss of jobs within a marine terminal or port. Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing— the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a); and recommendations with respect to the methodologies, practices, and processes examined in such study, including recommendations for using data from commercial and governmental data tracking initiatives to— determine when cargo is critical and needs to be expedited; identify such cargo at port and marine terminals; and expedite the movement and distribution of such cargo to end users. Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or supersede any agreement regarding port labor. In this section: The term appropriate committees of Congress means— the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. The term relevant Federal agency means— the Department of Health and Human Services; and any other Federal agency determined relevant by the Secretary of Transportation.
Section 897
3531. Extension of certain provisions relating to Tanker Security Fleet program Section 53404(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 2035 and inserting 2040. Section 53411 of such title is amended by striking 2035 and inserting 2040.
Section 898
3532. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels Chapter 571 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: To be eligible to purchase a covered vessel from the Federal Government, a person shall provide proof of— liability insurance for the operator of such covered vessel; financial resources sufficient to cover maintenance costs of such covered vessel; and with respect to a covered vessel requiring documentation under chapter 121, an admiralty bond or stipulation. In this section, the term covered vessel means— a government owned vessel disposed of in accordance with this part and section 548 of title 40; a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to any law, and auctioned by the Federal Government, including a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 7301 or 7302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or a fishing vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 310 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1860). The analysis for chapter 571 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 57112.Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels(a)In generalTo be eligible to purchase a covered vessel from the Federal Government, a person shall provide proof of—(1)liability insurance for the operator of such covered vessel;(2)financial resources sufficient to cover maintenance costs of such covered vessel; and(3)with respect to a covered vessel requiring documentation under chapter 121, an admiralty bond or stipulation.(b)Covered vessel definedIn this section, the term covered vessel means—(1)a government owned vessel disposed of in accordance with this part and section 548 of title 40;(2)a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to any law, and auctioned by the Federal Government, including a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 7301 or 7302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or(3)a fishing vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 310 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1860).. 57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels..
Section 899
57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels To be eligible to purchase a covered vessel from the Federal Government, a person shall provide proof of— liability insurance for the operator of such covered vessel; financial resources sufficient to cover maintenance costs of such covered vessel; and with respect to a covered vessel requiring documentation under chapter 121, an admiralty bond or stipulation. In this section, the term covered vessel means— a government owned vessel disposed of in accordance with this part and section 548 of title 40; a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to any law, and auctioned by the Federal Government, including a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 7301 or 7302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or a fishing vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 310 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1860).
Section 900
3533. Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet Subsection (a) of section 3546 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 46 U.S.C. 57100 note) is amended to read as follows: Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall complete the design of a sealift vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet to allow for the construction of such vessel to begin in fiscal year 2025. Notwithstanding section 8679 of title 10, United States Code, and subject to the availability of appropriations made specifically available for reimbursements to the Ready Reserve Force, Maritime Administration account of the Department of Transportation for programs, projects, activities, and expenses related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet, the Secretary of the Navy shall support the Secretary of Transportation to seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager under which the vessel construction manager shall enter into a contract for the construction of not more than ten such vessels in accordance with this section. (a)In general(1)Vessel constructionSubject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall complete the design of a sealift vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet to allow for the construction of such vessel to begin in fiscal year 2025.(2)Agreement with vessel construction managerNotwithstanding section 8679 of title 10, United States Code, and subject to the availability of appropriations made specifically available for reimbursements to the Ready Reserve Force, Maritime Administration account of the Department of Transportation for programs, projects, activities, and expenses related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet, the Secretary of the Navy shall support the Secretary of Transportation to seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate vessel construction manager under which the vessel construction manager shall enter into a contract for the construction of not more than ten such vessels in accordance with this section..
Section 901
3534. Policies regarding training of certain veterans in the State maritime academies Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall revise— section 310.3(c)(1) of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, to waive the minimum period of training at a State maritime academy for a veteran who— was honorably discharged from an Armed Force; and has a bachelor’s degree; and the Federal Curriculum Standards for Merchant Marine Officers Training Program so a veteran described in paragraph (1) may receive training at a State maritime academy without being required to obtain a second bachelor’s degree. In this section: The term State maritime academy has the meaning given such term in section 51102 of title 46, United States Code. The term veteran has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
Section 902
3535. Technical clarifications Section 54301(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— in paragraph (6)— in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting subparagraph (D); and by redesignating the second subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); in paragraph (10)(B)(i) by striking ans and inserting and; and in paragraph (12)(E) by striking and before commercial port. Section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i). Section 57100 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— in subsection (b)(1) by striking section 902 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App. U.S.C. 1242) and inserting chapter 563; and in subsection (f)(2) by striking the such use and inserting the use of such. Section 3534(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking section 3545(a) and inserting section 3542(a).
Section 903
3536. Maritime Workforce Promotion and Recruitment Act The purpose of this Act is to address the shortage of workers in the maritime sector and stimulate growth in the United States merchant marine and shipbuilding industries by providing funding for a comprehensive marketing, recruiting, and public relations campaign. Expanding and nurturing a robust maritime workforce enhances United States national security and strategic sealift readiness. The Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy and the Secretary of Defense, shall establish— a targeted campaign promoting the virtues of work in the United States Merchant Marine for the purpose of sailing in international trade, including Military Sealift Command mariner positions, highlighting the critical need for skilled workers in this sector, and to attract workers to this sector; and a targeted campaign promoting the virtues of work in the United States shipbuilding industry, highlighting the critical need for skilled workers in this sector, and to attract workers to this sector. The Administrator of the Maritime Administration shall, through a competitive bidding process, contract with a reputable marketing, recruiting, and public relations firm to develop and deploy branding, content, advertising buys, and local and national engagement strategies to implement the campaigns described in subsection (b). The campaigns described in subsection (b) shall focus on the following objectives: Emphasize the importance of maritime work for national security. Showcase the numerous opportunities available in the maritime domain. Highlight the shortage of workers in the maritime sector. Promote the excitement, benefits, and appeal of a career in the maritime industry. Inform potential workers of the points of entry available to join and receive training for such employment, including— the United States Merchant Marine Academy; State and regional maritime academies described in chapter 515 of title 46, United States Code; merchant mariner and shipbuilding labor union training facilities; merchant mariner and shipbuilding apprenticeship programs approved by the Secretary of Labor; and shipbuilding industry training programs. Inform potential workers of sources of financial assistance for training for individuals interested in joining such industry. Attract workers to the United States merchant marine and shipbuilding sectors. In carrying out the campaigns under this Act, to raise awareness about the importance of the merchant marine and shipbuilding sectors, the firm selected under subsection (c) shall target a diverse audience, including— potential workers interested in maritime careers; educational institutions and the students of such institutions considering vocational training in maritime fields; military veterans and individuals seeking career transitions; and the general public. Not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter of each fiscal year during the campaigns carried out under this Act, the firm selected under subsection (c) shall submit to the Administrator of the Maritime Administration and the relevant congressional committees quarterly reports detailing the progress, outreach, and impact of the campaigns, and their effectiveness in increasing applications for employment in the United States merchant marine and shipbuilding sectors. Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of the campaigns carried out under this Act, the firm selected under subsection (c) shall submit to the Administrator of the Maritime Administration and the relevant congressional committees a comprehensive final report. Any unobligated amount authorized under this section shall expire 3 years after the date on which such amount is appropriated. Not later than 1 year after the date on which amounts authorized under this section are appropriated, the Administrator of the Maritime Administration shall complete the action described in subsection (c). There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Maritime Administration for fiscal year 2025 the following amounts: $10,000,000 to carry out the program established under subsection (b)(1). $5,000,000 to carry out the program established under subsection (b)(2). In this section, the term relevant congressional committees means— the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
Section 904
3537. Buy America requirements for shipyard modernization and improvement program Section 53733 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Section 54101(d)(2) shall apply to any funds obligated by the Administrator under this section. (f)Buy AmericaSection 54101(d)(2) shall apply to any funds obligated by the Administrator under this section..
Section 905
3538. Technical corrections The analysis for chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 53703 and inserting the following: The analysis for chapter 541 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 53703. Application and administration.. Chapter 541—MiscellaneousSec.54101. Assistance for small shipyards..
Section 906
4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables Whenever a funding table in this division specifies a dollar amount authorized for a project, program, or activity, the obligation and expenditure of the specified dollar amount for the project, program, or activity is hereby authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations. A decision to commit, obligate, or expend funds with or to a specific entity on the basis of a dollar amount authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall— be based on merit-based selection procedures in accordance with the requirements of sections 2304(k) and 2374 of title 10, United States Code, or on competitive procedures; and comply with other applicable provisions of law. An amount specified in the funding tables in this division may be transferred or reprogrammed under a transfer or reprogramming authority provided by another provision of this Act or by other law. The transfer or reprogramming of an amount specified in such funding tables shall not count against a ceiling on such transfers or reprogrammings under section 1001 of this Act or any other provision of law, unless such transfer or reprogramming would move funds between appropriation accounts. This section applies to any classified annex that accompanies this Act. No oral or written communication concerning any amount specified in the funding tables in this division shall supersede the requirements of this section.
Section 907
4101. Procurement
Section 908
4201. Research, development, test, and evaluation
Section 909
4301. Operation and maintenance
Section 910
4401. Military personnel
Section 911
4501. Other authorizations
Section 912
4601. Military construction
Section 913
4701. Department of energy national security programs