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H. R. 2670
One Hundred Eighteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-three
An Act
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2024 for military activities of the Depart-
ment of Defense and for military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal
year, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024’’.
SEC. 2. ORGANIZATION OF ACT INTO DIVISIONS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) DIVISIONS.—This Act is organized into seven divisions as
follows:
(1) Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.
(2) Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.
(3) Division C—Department of Energy National Security
Authorizations and Other Authorizations.
(4) Division D—Funding Tables.
(5) Division E—Other Matters.
(6) Division F—Department of State Authorization Act of
2023.
(7) Division G—Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2024.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents.
Sec. 3. Congressional defense committees.
Sec. 4. Budgetary effects of this Act.
DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I—PROCUREMENT
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Army Programs
Sec. 111. Limitation on availability of funds pending assessment of Army Trackless
Moving Target systems.
Sec. 112. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program.
Sec. 113. Report on acquisition strategies for the logistics augmentation program of
the Army.
Subtitle C—Navy Programs
Sec. 121. Modification of requirements for minimum number of carrier air wings of
the Navy.
H. R. 2670—2
Sec. 122. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds for Navy port waterborne
security barriers.
Sec. 123. Multiyear procurement authority for Virginia class submarine program.
Sec. 124. Procurement authority for Auxiliary Personnel Lighter program.
Sec. 125. Limitation on reductions to V–22 aircraft nacelle improvement program.
Sec. 126.
Limitation on consideration of Government-operated dry docks in certain
contract solicitations.
Sec. 127. Annual reports on use of Government docks for ship repair and mainte-
nance.
Subtitle D—Air Force Programs
Sec. 131. Limitation on retirement of F–15 aircraft and modification of related re-
porting requirement.
Sec. 132. Limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 air-
craft.
Sec. 133. Temporary exception to minimum inventory requirement for fighter air-
craft of the Air Force.
Sec. 134. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for C–130 aircraft.
Sec. 135. Modification of annual reports on T–7A Advanced Pilot Training System.
Sec. 136. Modification to prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft
squadrons.
Sec. 137. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for A–10 aircraft.
Sec. 138. Procurement authority for over-the-horizon radar systems.
Sec. 139. Prohibition on availability of funds for retirement of KC–135 aircraft.
Sec. 140. Prohibition on reduction of KC–135 aircraft in PMAI of the reserve com-
ponents.
Sec. 141. Limitation on issuance of acquisition strategy for the KC–135 recapital-
ization program.
Sec. 142. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning
and control system aircraft.
Sec. 143. Prohibition on availability of funds for termination of production lines for
the HH–60W aircraft.
Sec. 144. Limitation on retirement of F–16C/D aircraft.
Sec. 145. Limitation on procurement of KC–46A aircraft.
Sec. 146. Limitation on actions relating to remote vision systems of KC–46A air-
craft.
Sec. 147.
Limitation on retirement of T–1A training aircraft.
Sec. 148. Plan for long-term Air Force fighter force structure.
Subtitle E—Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters
Sec. 151. Annual report on force structure changes exhibit for the defense budget.
Sec. 152. Multiyear procurement authority for domestically processed critical min-
erals.
Sec. 153. Prohibition on solicitation of proprietary armor for certain tactical vehi-
cles.
Sec. 154. Prohibition on availability of funds for procurement of certain batteries.
TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations
Sec. 211. Annual report on unfunded priorities of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering.
Sec. 212. Delegation of responsibility for certain research programs.
Sec. 213. Modification to personnel management authority to attract experts in
science and engineering.
Sec. 214. Clarifying role of partnership intermediaries to promote defense research
and education.
Sec. 215. Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office.
Sec. 216. Modification of support for research and development of bioindustrial
manufacturing processes.
Sec. 217. Modification to administration of the Advanced Sensors Application Pro-
gram.
Sec. 218. Matters pertaining to hypersonic capabilities and testing strategies.
Sec. 219. Improvements to defense quantum information science and technology re-
search and development program.
Sec. 220. Application of public-private talent exchange programs in the Department
of Defense to quantum information sciences and technology research.
Sec. 221. Support for protection of sensitive research performed on behalf of the
Department of Defense.
H. R. 2670—3
Sec. 222. Support to the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.
Sec. 223. Consortium on use of additive manufacturing for defense capability devel-
opment.
Sec. 224. Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems development program
accountability matrices.
Sec. 225. Continuous capability development and delivery program for F–35 air-
craft.
Sec. 226. F–35 propulsion and thermal management modernization program.
Sec. 227. Establishment or expansion of University Affiliated Research Centers for
critical materials.
Sec. 228. Policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data
link network.
Sec. 229. Rapid response to emergent technology advancements or threats.
Sec. 230. Pilot program to commercialize prototypes of the Department of the Air
Force.
Sec. 231. Pilot program on near-term quantum computing applications.
Sec. 232. Pilot program to facilitate access to advanced technology developed by
small businesses for ground vehicle systems of the Army.
Sec. 233. Limitation on availability of funds pending documentation on Future At-
tack Reconnaissance Aircraft program.
Subtitle C—Energetics and Other Munitions Matters
Sec. 241. Joint Energetics Transition Office.
Sec. 242. Consideration of lethality in the analysis of alternatives for munitions.
Sec. 243. Pilot program on incorporation of the CL20 compound in certain weapon
systems.
Sec. 244. Limitation on sourcing chemical materials for munitions from certain
countries.
Sec. 245. Defense industrial base munition surge capacity critical reserve.
Subtitle D—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters
Sec. 251. Congressional notification of changes to Department of Defense policy on
autonomy in weapon systems.
Sec. 252. Audit to identify diversion of Department of Defense funding to China’s
research labs.
Sec. 253. Annual review of status of implementation plan for digital engineering ca-
reer tracks.
TITLE III—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Energy and Environment
Sec. 311. Improvement and codification of Sentinel Landscapes Partnership pro-
gram authority.
Sec. 312. Modification of authority for environmental restoration projects at Na-
tional Guard facilities.
Sec. 313. Modification to technical assistance authority for environmental restora-
tion activities.
Sec. 314. Coordination on agreements to limit encroachments and other constraints
on military training, testing, and operations.
Sec. 315. Requirement for approval by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition
and Sustainment of waiver for systems not meeting fuel efficiency key
performance parameter.
Sec. 316. Modification to prototype and demonstration projects for energy resilience
at certain military installations.
Sec. 317. Authority to transfer certain funds as payment relating to Naval Air Sta-
tion, Moffett Field, California.
Sec. 318. Prohibition on required disclosure by Department of Defense contractors
of information relating to greenhouse gas emissions.
Sec. 319. Required infrastructure plan prior to deployment of certain non-tactical
vehicles at military installations.
Sec. 320. Prohibition and report requirement relating to certain energy programs
of Department of Defense.
Sec. 321. Report on schedule and cost estimates for completion of testing and reme-
diation of contaminated sites; publication of cleanup information.
Subtitle C—Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Sec. 331. Modification of timing of report on activities of PFAS Task Force.
Sec. 332. Budget justification document for funding relating to perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
H. R. 2670—4
Sec. 333. Increase of transfer authority for funding of study and assessment on
health implications of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances contamination in drinking water by Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry.
Sec. 334. Prizes for development of technology for thermal destruction of
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 335. Treatment of certain materials contaminated with perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 336. Government Accountability Office reports on testing and remediation of
perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Subtitle D—Logistics and Sustainment
Sec. 341. Modification of rule of construction regarding provision of support and
services to non-Department of Defense organizations and activities.
Sec. 342. Repeal of Comptroller General review requirement relating to core logis-
tics capabilities.
Sec. 343. Modifications to Contested Logistics Working Group of Department of De-
fense.
Sec. 344. Matters relating to briefings on Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization
Program of the Navy.
Sec. 345. Foreign military sales exclusion in calculation for certain workload carry-
over of Department of the Army.
Sec. 346. Pilot program on optimization of aerial refueling and fuel management in
contested logistics environments through use of artificial intelligence.
Sec. 347. Limitation on availability of funds to expand leased facilities for Joint
Military Information Support Operations Web Operations Center.
Sec. 348. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of certain 30-year
shipbuilding plan by the Secretary of the Navy.
Sec. 349. Plan regarding condition and maintenance of prepositioned stockpiles of
the Army.
Sec. 350. Strategy and assessment on use of automation and artificial intelligence
for shipyard optimization.
Sec. 351. Assessment and strategy relating to hardening of certain military instal-
lations against attack by Iran and Iranian-associated groups.
Sec. 352. Semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
Sec. 361. Review of notice of presumed risk issued by Military Aviation and Instal-
lation Assurance Clearinghouse.
Sec. 362. Modifications to military aviation and installation assurance clearing-
house for review of mission obstructions.
Sec. 363. Modification to Joint Safety Council.
Sec. 364. Designation of official responsible for coordination of renegotiation of cer-
tain land leases owned by Department of Defense in Hawaii.
Sec. 365. Continued designation of Secretary of the Navy as executive agent for
Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School.
Sec. 366. Establishment of Caisson Platoon and support for military and State fu-
neral services at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 367. Recovery of rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials
through end-of-life equipment recycling.
TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS
Subtitle A—Active Forces
Sec. 401. End strengths for active forces.
Sec. 402. End strength level matters.
Subtitle B—Reserve Forces
Sec. 411. End strengths for Selected Reserve.
Sec. 412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves.
Sec. 413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status).
Sec. 414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty
for operational support.
Subtitle C—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 421. Military personnel.
TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
Subtitle A—Officer Policy
Sec. 501. Authorized strength: general and flag officers on active duty.
H. R. 2670—5
Sec. 502. Extension of active duty term for Attending Physician at United States
Capitol.
Sec. 503. Updating authority to authorize promotion transfers between components
of the same Armed Force or a different Armed Force.
Sec. 504. Flexibility in determining terms of appointment for certain senior officer
positions.
Sec. 505. Realignment of Navy spot-promotion quotas.
Sec. 506. Authority to increase the number of medical and dental officers rec-
ommended for promotion to certain grades.
Sec. 507. Prohibition on appointment or nomination of certain officers who are sub-
ject to special selection review boards.
Sec. 508. Effect of failure of selection for promotion.
Sec. 509. Improvements relating to service obligation for Marine Corps cyberspace
operations officers.
Sec. 509A. Time in grade requirements.
Sec. 509B. Establishment of Legislative Liaison of the Space Force.
Sec. 509C. Extension of authority to vary number of Space Force officers considered
for promotion to major general.
Sec. 509D. Briefing on number of general officers of the Space Force on active duty.
Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management
Sec. 511. Removal of active duty prohibition for members of the Air Force Reserve
Policy Committee.
Sec. 512. Grade of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Sec. 513. Mobilization of Selected Reserve for preplanned missions in support of the
combatant commands.
Sec. 514. Alternative promotion authority for reserve officers in designated com-
petitive categories.
Sec. 515. Authorization for FireGuard Program.
Sec. 516. Designation of at least one general officer of the Marine Corps Reserve
as a joint qualified officer.
Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Prohibitions
Sec. 521. Permanent authority to order retired members to active duty in high-de-
mand, low-density appointments.
Sec. 522. Prohibition on policy of the Department of Defense regarding identifica-
tion of gender or personal pronouns in official correspondence.
Sec. 523. Prohibition on former members of the Armed Forces accepting post-serv-
ice employment with certain foreign governments.
Sec. 524. Verification of the financial independence of financial services counselors
in the Department of Defense.
Sec. 525. Modification of requirements for approval of foreign employment by re-
tired and reserve members of uniformed services.
Sec. 526. Consideration of reinstatement of a member of the Armed Forces involun-
tarily separated on the basis of refusal to receive a vaccination against
COVID-19.
Sec. 527. Reviews of characterization of administrative discharges of certain mem-
bers on the basis of failure to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
Sec. 528. Certain members discharged or dismissed on the sole basis of failure to
obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19: communication
strategy regarding reinstatement process.
Sec. 529. Continuing military service for certain members eligible for chapter 61 re-
tirement.
Sec. 529A. Threat-based security services and equipment for certain former or re-
tired Department of Defense personnel.
Sec. 529B. Limitation on establishment of new diversity, equity, and inclusion posi-
tions; hiring freeze.
Sec. 529C. Requirement to base military accessions and promotions on merit and
performance.
Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters
Sec. 531. Technical and conforming amendments to the Uniform Code of Military
Justice.
Sec. 532. Establishment of staggered terms for members of the Military Justice Re-
view Panel.
Sec. 533. Supreme Court review of certain actions of the United States Court of Ap-
peals for the Armed Forces.
Sec. 534. Additional requirements for initiative to enhance the capability of mili-
tary criminal investigative organizations to prevent and combat child
sexual exploitation.
Sec. 535. Limitation on availability of funds for relocation of Army CID special
agent training course.
H. R. 2670—6
Sec. 536. Study on requirement for unanimous votes for findings in general and
special courts-martial and related milestones for implementation.
Sec. 537. Study on removal of Sexual Assault Victim Advocates from the chain of
command of victims.
Subtitle E—Accession Standards and Recruitment
Sec. 541. Increased access to potential recruits at secondary schools.
Sec. 542. Modification of limitation on enlistment and induction of persons whose
score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level.
Sec. 543. Increased access to potential recruits at institutions of higher education.
Sec. 544. Increase in accession bonus for nurse officer candidates.
Sec. 545. Improvements to medical standards for accession to certain Armed
Forces.
Sec. 546. Future servicemember preparatory course.
Sec. 547. Pilot program on cardiac screenings for military accessions.
Sec. 548. Community college Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program.
Sec. 549. Annual briefings on military recruitment practices in public secondary
schools and community colleges.
Subtitle F—Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
Sec. 551. Expansion of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Sec. 552. Requirement for memoranda of understanding addressing certain matters
pertaining to units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Sec. 553. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps administrator and instructor
compensation.
Sec. 554. Prohibition of establishment or maintenance of a unit of the Junior Re-
serve Officers’ Training Corps at an educational institution owned, oper-
ated, or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
Sec. 555. Enforcement of program requirements for the Junior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps.
Sec. 556. Annual report on allegations of sexual misconduct in Junior Reserve Offi-
cers’ Training Corps programs.
Subtitle G—Member Education
Sec. 561. Service Academies: numbers of nominations by Members of Congress and
appointments by the Secretaries of the military departments.
Sec. 562. Increase in the number of nominees from Guam to the Service Academies.
Sec. 563. Consideration of standardized test scores in military service academy ap-
plication process.
Sec. 564. Service Academy professional sports pathway report and legislative pro-
posal required.
Sec. 565. Briefing on inclusion of advanced research programs at certain institu-
tions of professional military education.
Subtitle H—Member Training and Transition
Sec. 571. Amendments to pathways for counseling in the Transition Assistance Pro-
gram.
Sec. 572. Skillbridge: staffing; budgeting; outreach; report.
Sec. 573. Extension of Troops-to-Teachers program to the Job Corps.
Sec. 574. Troops-to-Teachers Program: expansion; extension.
Sec. 575. Language training centers for members of the Armed Forces and civilian
employees of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 576. Prohibition on use of Federal funds to endorse critical race theory.
Sec. 577. Increased fitness standards for Army close combat force military occupa-
tional specialties.
Sec. 578. Publication of training materials of the Defense Equal Opportunity Man-
agement Institute.
Sec. 579. Prohibition on Federal funds for the Department of Defense Countering
Extremism Work Group.
Subtitle I—Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education
Sec. 581. Non-medical counseling services for military families.
Sec. 582. Increase in the target funding level for military child care.
Sec. 583. Modifications to assistance to local educational agencies that benefit de-
pendents of members of the Armed Forces with enrollment changes due
to base closures, force structure changes, or force relocations.
Sec. 584. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents
of military and civilian personnel.
Sec. 585. Outreach campaign relating to waiting lists for military child develop-
ment centers; annual briefing.
H. R. 2670—7
Sec. 586. Briefings on pilot program on hiring of special needs inclusion coordina-
tors for Department of Defense child development centers.
Sec. 587. Briefings on implementation of universal pre-kindergarten programs in
schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 588. Report on mental health and wellness support for students enrolled in
schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 589. Rights of parents of children attending schools operated by the Depart-
ment of Defense Education Activity.
Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards and Other Personnel Matters, Reports, and
Briefings
Sec. 591. Armed Forces workplace surveys.
Sec. 592. Due date for report on efforts to prevent and respond to deaths by suicide
in the Navy.
Sec. 593. Extension of deadline for review of World War I valor medals.
Sec. 594. Digital ambassador program of the Navy: cessation; report; restart.
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
Subtitle A—Basic Pay, Retired Pay, and Leave
Sec. 601. Parental leave parity for members of certain reserve components of the
Armed Forces.
Sec. 602. Pay of members of reserve components for inactive-duty training to obtain
or maintain an aeronautical rating or designation.
Sec. 603. Expansion of authority to pay a member of the Armed Forces who is ab-
sent without leave or over leave for such absence.
Subtitle B—Bonus and Incentive Pays
Sec. 611. Expansion of continuation pay eligibility.
Sec. 612. Modification of special and incentive pay authorities for members of re-
serve components.
Sec. 613. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities.
Sec. 614. Authorization of monthly bonus pay for a junior member of the uniformed
services during calendar year 2024.
Sec. 615. Determination of cold weather location for purposes of special duty pay.
Sec. 616. Feasibility study regarding assignment incentive pay for members of the
Air Force assigned to remotely piloted aircraft.
Subtitle C—Allowances
Sec. 621. Modification of calculation of gross household income for basic needs al-
lowance to address areas of demonstrated need.
Sec. 622. Improved calculation of basic allowance for housing for junior enlisted
members.
Sec. 623. Basic allowance for housing for members assigned to vessels undergoing
maintenance.
Sec. 624. Dual basic allowance for housing for training.
Sec. 625. Cost-of-living allowance in the continental United States: high cost areas.
Sec. 626. Family separation allowance: increase; review.
Sec. 627. OCONUS cost-of-living allowance: adjustments.
Sec. 628. Extension of one-time uniform allowance for officers who transfer to the
Space Force.
Subtitle D—Family and Survivor Benefits
Sec. 631. Modifications to transitional compensation for dependents of members
separated for dependent abuse.
Sec. 632. Lodging expenses for dependents of members separated for dependent
abuse.
Sec. 633. Access to commissary and exchange privileges for remarried surviving
spouses.
Sec. 634. Assistance for military spouses to obtain certifications as doulas and
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
Sec. 635. Expansion of qualifying events for which a member of the uniformed serv-
ices may be reimbursed for spousal relicensing or business costs due to
the member’s relocation.
TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—TRICARE and Other Health Care Benefits
Sec. 701. Waiver of cost-sharing for three mental health outpatient visits for cer-
tain beneficiaries under the TRICARE program.
H. R. 2670—8
Sec. 702. Extension of period of eligibility for health benefits under TRICARE Re-
serve Select for survivors of a member of the Selected Reserve.
Sec. 703. Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children of certain re-
tired members of the uniformed services.
Sec. 704. Authority to provide dental care for dependents located at certain remote
or isolated locations.
Sec. 705. Clarification of applicability of required mental health self-initiated refer-
ral process for members of the Selected Reserve.
Sec. 706. Naloxone and fentanyl: regulations; briefing.
Sec. 707. Authority to expand the TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration
Project.
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration
Sec. 711. Modification of requirement to transfer research and development and
public health functions to the Defense Health Agency.
Sec. 712. Increase in stipend for participants in health professions scholarship and
financial assistance programs.
Sec. 713. Modification of administration of medical malpractice claims by members
of the uniformed services.
Sec. 714. Networks of the Defense Health Agency: delayed implementation; GAO
study.
Sec. 715. Real-time data sharing agreement regarding medical care provided to
members of the Coast Guard.
Sec. 716. Establishment of military pharmaceutical and medical device vulner-
ability working group.
Subtitle C—Studies, Briefings, Reports, and Other Matters
Sec. 721. Modification of partnership program for military trauma care and re-
search.
Sec. 722. Study on opioid alternatives.
Sec. 723. Program of the Department of Defense to study treatment of certain con-
ditions using certain psychedelic substances.
Sec. 724. Annual report regarding overdoses by certain members of the Armed
Forces.
Sec. 725. Study and report on health conditions of members of the Armed Forces
on active duty developed after administration of COVID–19 vaccine.
Sec. 726. GAO study on health care available to certain individuals supporting the
missions of United States Forces Japan and Joint Region Marianas.
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND
RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management
Sec. 801. Commercial nature determination memo available to contractor.
Sec. 802. Modification of truthful cost or pricing data submissions and report.
Sec. 803. Prohibition on the transfer of certain data on employees of the Depart-
ment of Defense to third parties.
Sec. 804. Prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations
with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy
sector.
Sec. 805. Prohibition of the Department of Defense procurement related to entities
identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States.
Sec. 806. Principal Technology Transition Advisor.
Sec. 807. Senior contracting official for Strategic Capabilities Office.
Sec. 808. Pilot program for the use of innovative intellectual property strategies.
Sec. 809. Pilot program for anything-as-a-service.
Sec. 810. Updated guidance on planning for exportability features for future pro-
grams.
Sec. 811. Modernizing the Department of Defense requirements process.
Sec. 812. Preventing conflicts of interest for entities that provide certain consulting
services to the Department of Defense.
Sec. 813. Focused commercial solutions openings opportunities.
Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and
Limitations
Sec. 820. Amendments to multiyear procurement authority.
Sec. 821. Modification of approval authority for certain follow-on production con-
tracts or transactions.
Sec. 822. Clarification of other transaction authority for installation or facility
prototyping.
H. R. 2670—9
Sec. 823. Extension and revisions to never contract with the enemy.
Sec. 824. Modification and extension of temporary authority to modify certain con-
tracts and options based on the impacts of inflation.
Sec. 825. Countering adversary logistics information technologies.
Sec. 826. Modification of contracts and options to provide economic price adjust-
ments.
Sec. 827. Modifications to earned value management system requirements.
Subtitle C—Domestic Sourcing Requirements
Sec. 831. Emergency acquisition authority for purposes of replenishing United
States stockpiles.
Sec. 832. Requirement for full domestic production of flags of the United States ac-
quired by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 833. Amendment to requirement to buy certain metals from American sources.
Sec. 834. Acquisition of sensitive material prohibition exception amendment.
Sec. 835. Enhanced domestic content requirement for major defense acquisition
programs.
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to Programs for Accelerating Acquisition
Sec. 841. Pilot program to accelerate contracting and pricing processes.
Sec. 842. Demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product
support capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
Sec. 843. Special authority for rapid contracting for commanders of combatant com-
mands.
Subtitle E—Industrial Base Matters
Sec. 851. Additional national security objectives for the national technology and in-
dustrial base.
Sec. 852. Department of Defense Mentor-Protege Program.
Sec. 853. Modifications to the Procurement Technical Assistance Program.
Sec. 854. Modification of effective date for expansion on the prohibition on acquir-
ing certain metal products.
Sec. 855. Extension of pilot program for distribution support and services for weap-
ons systems contractors.
Sec. 856. Pilot program to analyze and monitor certain supply chains.
Sec. 857. Department of Defense notification of certain transactions.
Subtitle F—Small Business Matters
Sec. 860. Amendments to defense research and development rapid innovation pro-
gram.
Sec. 861. Annual reports regarding the SBIR program of the Department of De-
fense.
Sec. 862. Payment of subcontractors.
Sec. 863. Increase in Governmentwide goal for participation in Federal contracts by
small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled vet-
erans.
Sec. 864. Eliminating self-certification for service-disabled veteran-owned small
businesses.
Sec. 865. Consideration of the past performance of affiliate companies of small
business concerns.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
Sec. 871. Extension of mission management pilot program.
Sec. 872. Extension of pilot program to incentivize contracting with employee-
owned businesses.
Sec. 873. Program and processes relating to foreign acquisition.
Sec. 874. Pilot program to incentivize progress payments.
Sec. 875. Study on reducing barriers to acquisition of commercial products and
services.
TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters
Sec. 901. Conforming amendments to carry out elimination of position of Chief
Management Officer.
Sec. 902. Modification of responsibilities of Director of Cost Assessment and Pro-
gram Evaluation.
Sec. 903. Establishment of Office of Strategic Capital.
Sec. 904. Establishment and assignment of roles and responsibilities for combined
joint all-domain command and control in support of integrated joint
warfighting.
H. R. 2670—10
Sec. 905. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries to support Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict.
Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters
Sec. 911. Additional requirements under general policy for total force management.
Sec. 912. Addition of College of International Security Affairs to National Defense
University.
Sec. 913. Codification of the Defense Innovation Unit.
Sec. 914. Repeal of authority to appoint a Naval Research Advisory Committee.
Sec. 915. Eligibility of members of Space Force for instruction at the Naval Post-
graduate School.
Sec. 916. Membership of the Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee.
Sec. 917. Modification of cross-functional team to address emerging threat relating
to anomalous health incidents.
Sec. 918. Technology release and foreign disclosure reform initiative.
Sec. 919. Software-based capability to facilitate scheduling between the Depart-
ment of Defense and Congress.
Sec. 920. Metrics to operationalize audit readiness.
Sec. 921. Next generation business health metrics.
Sec. 922. Independent assessment of defense business enterprise architecture.
Sec. 923. Future force design of the Department of the Air Force.
Sec. 924. Feasibility study on the consolidation or transfer of space functions of the
National Guard to the Space Force.
TITLE X—GENERAL PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—Financial Matters
Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.
Sec. 1002. Annual report on budget prioritization by Secretary of Defense and mili-
tary departments.
Sec. 1003. Additional reporting requirements related to unfunded priorities of
armed forces and combatant commands.
Sec. 1004. Audit requirement for Department of Defense components.
Sec. 1005. Requirement for unqualified opinion on Department of Defense financial
statements.
Subtitle B—Counterdrug Activities
Sec. 1010. Enhanced support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter
transnational organized crime.
Sec. 1011. Modification of support for counterdrug activities and activities to
counter transnational organized crime: increase in cap for small scale
construction projects.
Sec. 1012. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities.
Sec. 1013. Disruption of fentanyl trafficking.
Subtitle C—Naval Vessels and Shipyards
Sec. 1015. Modifications to annual naval vessel construction plan.
Sec. 1016. Critical components of national sea-based deterrence vessels.
Sec. 1017. Grants for improvement of Navy ship repair or alterations capability.
Sec. 1018. Repeal of obsolete provision of law regarding vessel nomenclature.
Sec. 1019. Responsibility of Commandant of the Marine Corps with respect to naval
battle force ship assessment and requirement reporting.
Sec. 1020. Policy of the United States on shipbuilding defense industrial base.
Sec. 1021. Prohibition on retirement of certain naval vessels.
Sec. 1022. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the ad-
vance procurement and construction of a San Antonio-class amphibious
ship.
Sec. 1023. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the ad-
vance procurement and construction of a submarine tender.
Sec. 1024. Biannual briefings on submarine readiness.
Subtitle D—Counterterrorism
Sec. 1031. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, to the United States.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 1033. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, to certain countries.
H. R. 2670—11
Sec. 1034. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of
United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations
Sec. 1041. Limitation on availability of certain funds until submission of Chair-
man’s Risk Assessment; briefing requirement.
Sec. 1042. Assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing
United States Government personnel.
Sec. 1043. Implementation of arrangements to build transparency, confidence, and
security.
Sec. 1044. Modification to definitions of Confucius Institute.
Sec. 1045. Termination of authority to issue waiver of limitation on use of funds
to institutions of higher education hosting Confucius Institutes.
Sec. 1046. Vetting procedures and monitoring requirements for allies and partners
participating in education or training activities in the United States.
Sec. 1047. Authority to include funding requests for the chemical and biological de-
fense program in budget accounts of military departments.
Sec. 1048. Limitation on availability of funds until delivery of report on next gen-
eration tactical communications.
Sec. 1049. Establishment of procedure of the Department of Defense to determine
certain complaints or requests regarding public displays or public ex-
pressions of religion on property of the Department.
Sec. 1050. Limitation on availability of funds for destruction of landmines.
Sec. 1051. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of Office of the
Secretary of Defense until submission of certain plans.
Sec. 1052. Prohibition on display of unapproved flags.
Sec. 1053. Collaboration with partner countries to develop and maintain military-
wide transformational strategies for operational energy.
Sec. 1054. Student loan deferment for dislocated military spouses.
Subtitle F—Studies and Reports
Sec. 1061. Modifications of reporting requirements.
Sec. 1062. Extension of requirement to submit a report on Department of Defense
support for Department of Homeland Security at the international bor-
ders of the United States.
Sec. 1063. Briefing on Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency capabilities required
to expand accounting for persons missing from designated past conflicts.
Sec. 1064. Air Force plan for maintaining proficient aircrews in certain mission
areas.
Sec. 1065. Independent study on naval mine warfare.
Sec. 1066. Annual report and briefing on implementation of Force Design 2030.
Sec. 1067. Study and report on potential inclusion of black box data recorders in
tactical vehicles.
Sec. 1068. Plan on countering human trafficking.
Sec. 1069. Update to strategic plan on Department of Defense combating trafficking
in persons program.
Sec. 1070. Report on use of tactical fighter aircraft for deployments and homeland
defense missions.
Sec. 1071. Report on equipping certain ground combat units with small unmanned
aerial systems.
Sec. 1072. Biannual briefings on homeland defense planning.
Sec. 1073. Report on effectiveness of current use of United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 1074. Holistic training range assessment.
Sec. 1075. Special operations force structure.
Sec. 1076. Comprehensive assessment of Marine Corps Force Design 2030.
Sec. 1077.
Assessment and recommendations relating to infrastructure, capacity,
resources, and personnel on Guam.
Sec. 1078. Feasibility study on conversion of Joint Task Force North into Joint
Interagency Task Force North.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
Sec. 1080. Modification of definition of domestic source for title III of the Defense
Production Act of 1950.
Sec. 1081. Integrated and authenticated access to Department of Defense systems
for certain congressional staff for oversight purposes.
Sec. 1082. Modification of compensation for members of the Afghanistan War Com-
mission.
Sec. 1083. Senate National Security Working Group.
Sec. 1084. Tribal liaisons at military installations.
Sec. 1085. Commercial integration cell plan within certain combatant commands.
H. R. 2670—12
Sec. 1086. Guidance for use of unmanned aircraft systems by National Guard.
Sec. 1087. Public disclosure of Afghanistan war records.
Sec. 1088. Implementation plan for Joint Concept for Competing.
Sec. 1089. Notification of safety and security concerns at certain Department of De-
fense laboratories.
Sec. 1090. Conduct of weather reconnaissance in the United States.
Sec. 1091. Sense of Congress regarding authority of Secretary of Defense with re-
spect to irregular warfare.
Sec. 1092. Red Hill health impacts.
TITLE XI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
Sec. 1101. Diversity, equity, and inclusion personnel grade cap.
Sec. 1102. Authorization to pay a living quarters allowance for Department of the
Navy civilian employees assigned to permanent duty in Guam for per-
forming work, or supporting work being performed, aboard or dockside,
of U.S. naval vessels.
Sec. 1103. Consolidation of direct hire authorities for candidates with specified de-
grees at science and technology reinvention laboratories.
Sec. 1104. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1105. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium
pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees
working overseas.
Sec. 1106. Extension of authority to grant competitive status to employees of in-
spectors general for overseas contingency operations.
Sec. 1107. Extension of direct hire authority for domestic industrial base facilities
and Major Range and Test Facilities Base.
Sec. 1108. Exclusion of nonappropriated fund employees from limitations on dual
pay.
Sec. 1109. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits,
and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone.
Sec. 1110. Modification to shore leave accrual for crews of vessels to support crew
rotations and improve retention of civilian mariners.
Sec. 1111. Assessments of staffing in Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness.
Sec. 1112. Military Spouse Employment Act.
Sec. 1113. Amendments to the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program.
Sec. 1114. Including military service in determining family and medical leave eligi-
bility for Federal employees.
Sec. 1115. Exception to limitation on number of Senior Executive Service positions
for the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1116. Extension of direct hire authority for the Department of Defense for
post-secondary students and recent graduates.
Sec. 1117. Authority to employ civilian faculty members at Space Force schools.
Sec. 1118. Report and sunset relating to inapplicability of certification of executive
qualifications by qualification review boards of Office of Personnel Man-
agement.
Sec. 1119. Expansion of noncompetitive appointment eligibility to spouses of De-
partment of Defense civilians.
Sec. 1120. Elimination of Government Accountability Office review requirement re-
lating to Department of Defense personnel authorities.
TITLE XII—MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS
Subtitle A—Assistance and Training
Sec. 1201. Modification of support of special operations for irregular warfare.
Sec. 1202. Modification of combatant commander initiative fund.
Sec. 1203. Increase in small-scale construction limit and modification of authority
to build capacity.
Sec. 1204. Modifications to security cooperation workforce development program
and establishment of defense security cooperation university.
Sec. 1205. Extension and modification of authority for reimbursement of certain co-
alition nations for support provided to United States military oper-
ations.
Sec. 1206. Extension of cross-servicing agreements for loan of personnel protection
and personnel survivability equipment in coalition operations.
Sec. 1207. Modification of authority to provide support to certain governments for
border security operations.
Sec. 1208. Extension of legal institutional capacity building initiative for foreign de-
fense institutions.
Sec. 1209. Report on ex gratia payments.
Sec. 1210. Authority to provide mission training through distributed simulation.
H. R. 2670—13
Sec. 1211. Requirement for military exercises.
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Other Authorities of the Department of Defense
Sec. 1221. Modification of authority for expenditure of funds for clandestine activi-
ties that support operational preparation of the environment and non-
conventional assisted recovery capabilities.
Sec. 1222. Modification to the American, British, Canadian, and Australian armies’
program.
Sec. 1223. First modification of initiative to support protection of national security
academic researchers from undue influence and other security threats.
Sec. 1224. Second modification of initiative to support protection of national secu-
rity academic researchers from undue influence and other security
threats.
Sec. 1225. Extension of authority for Department of Defense support for stabiliza-
tion activities in national security interest of the United States.
Sec. 1226. Modification of Defense Operational Resilience International Coopera-
tion Pilot Program.
Sec. 1227. Extension of prohibition on in-flight refueling to non-United States air-
craft that engage in hostilities in the ongoing civil war in Yemen.
Sec. 1228. Limitation on availability of funds for International Security Coopera-
tion Program.
Sec. 1229. Protection and legal preparedness for members of the Armed Forces
abroad.
Sec. 1230. Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces.
Sec. 1231. Congressional notification regarding the Global Engagement Center.
Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Ukraine, Russia, and NATO
Sec. 1241. Extension of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Sec. 1242. Extension and modification of certain temporary authorizations related
to munitions replacement.
Sec. 1243. Report relating to allied and partner support to Ukraine.
Sec. 1244. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating to sovereignty
of the Russian Federation over internationally recognized territory of
Ukraine.
Sec. 1245. Study and report on lessons learned regarding information operations
and deterrence.
Sec. 1246. Prohibition on New START treaty information sharing.
Sec. 1247. Black Sea security and development strategy.
Sec. 1248. Revival of authority for participation of NATO naval personnel in sub-
marine safety programs.
Sec. 1249. Extension and modification of training for Eastern European national
security forces in the course of multilateral exercises.
Sec. 1250. U.S. basing, training, and exercises in North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion member countries.
Sec. 1250A. Limitation on withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion.
Sec. 1250B. Oversight of programs and operations funded with amounts appro-
priated by the United States for Ukraine.
Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Israel
Sec. 1251. Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
Sec. 1252. Extension of United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.
Sec. 1253. Improvements relating to United States-Israel cooperation to counter
unmanned aerial systems.
Sec. 1254. Modification of authority for cooperation on directed energy capabilities.
Sec. 1255. Ensuring peace through strength in Israel.
Sec. 1256. Assistance to Israel for aerial refueling.
Sec. 1257. Rules governing transfer of aerial refueling tankers to Israel.
Sec. 1258. Report.
Subtitle E—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan
Sec. 1261. Middle East integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction ca-
pability.
Sec. 1262. Modification of establishment of coordinator for detained ISIS members
and relevant populations in Syria.
Sec. 1263. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter
the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 1264. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to vetted
Syrian groups and individuals.
Sec. 1265. Extension of authority to support operations and activities of the Office
of Security Cooperation in Iraq.
H. R. 2670—14
Sec. 1266. Plan of action to equip and train Iraqi security forces and Kurdish
Peshmerga forces.
Sec. 1267. Prohibition on transfers to the Badr Organization.
Sec. 1268. Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran.
Sec. 1269. Modification and update to report on military capabilities of Iran and re-
lated activities.
Sec. 1270. Prohibition on funds to Iran.
Sec. 1271. Prohibition on transporting currency to the Taliban and the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan.
Sec. 1272. Prohibition on funding for the Taliban.
TITLE XIII—OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS
Subtitle A—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region
Sec. 1301. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pa-
cific region.
Sec. 1302. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative and report, briefings, and plan
under the Initiative.
Sec. 1303. Modification of pilot program to develop young civilian defense leaders
in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1304. Indo-Pacific campaigning initiative.
Sec. 1305. Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative.
Sec. 1306. Limitation on availability of funds pending feasibility study regarding
delivery of harpoon missiles to foreign security partners.
Sec. 1307. Sense of Congress on Taiwan defense relations.
Sec. 1308. Oversight of Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act.
Sec. 1309. Training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for mili-
tary forces of Taiwan.
Sec. 1310. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties
to the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 1311. Determination on involvement of the People’s Republic of China in the
Mexican fentanyl trade.
Sec. 1312. Analysis of certain biotechnology entities.
Sec. 1313. Studies on defense budget transparency of the People’s Republic of
China and the United States.
Sec. 1314. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.
Sec. 1315. Extension and modification of pilot program to improve cyber coopera-
tion with foreign military partners in Southeast Asia.
Sec. 1316. Enhancing major defense partnership with India.
Sec. 1317. Report on enhanced security cooperation with Japan.
Sec. 1318. Report and notification relating to transfer of operational control on Ko-
rean Peninsula.
Sec. 1319. Study and report on command structure and force posture of United
States Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to the AUKUS Partnership
Sec. 1321. Definitions.
PART 1—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 1331. AUKUS partnership oversight and accountability framework.
Sec. 1332. Designation of senior official for Department of Defense activities relat-
ing to, and implementation plan for, the AUKUS partnership.
Sec. 1333. Reporting related to the AUKUS partnership.
PART 2—STREAMLINING AND PROTECTING TRANSFERS OF UNITED STATES MILITARY
TECHNOLOGY FROM COMPROMISE
Sec. 1341. Priority for Australia and the United Kingdom in Foreign Military Sales
and Direct Commercial Sales.
Sec. 1342. Identification and pre-clearance of platforms, technologies, and equip-
ment for sale to Australia and the United Kingdom through Foreign
Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales.
Sec. 1343. Export control exemptions and standards.
Sec. 1344. Expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced technologies
to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Sec. 1345. United States Munitions List.
PART 3—AUKUS SUBMARINE TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION ACT
Sec. 1351. Short title.
Sec. 1352. Authorization of sales of Virginia Class submarines to Australia.
Sec. 1353. Acceptance of contributions in support of Australia, United Kingdom,
and United States submarine security activities.
H. R. 2670—15
Sec. 1354. Appropriate congressional committees and leadership defined.
TITLE XIV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
Subtitle A—Military Programs
Sec. 1401. Working capital funds.
Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense.
Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide.
Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General.
Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program.
Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile
Sec. 1411. Improvements to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
Sec. 1412. Authority to dispose of materials from the National Defense Stockpile.
Sec. 1413. Beginning balances of the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund
for audit purposes.
Sec. 1414. Critical mineral independence.
Subtitle C—Other Matters
Sec. 1421. Modification of leasing authority of Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Sec. 1422. Authority for transfer of funds to joint Department of Defense-Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for Cap-
tain James A. Lovell Health Care Center, Illinois.
Sec. 1423. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home.
TITLE XV—CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS
Subtitle A—Cyber Operations
Sec. 1501. Performance metrics for pilot program on sharing cyber capabilities and
related information with foreign operational partners.
Sec. 1502. Harmonization and clarification of Strategic Cybersecurity Program and
related matters.
Sec. 1503. Modification of authority to use operation and maintenance funds for
cyber operations-peculiar capability development projects.
Sec. 1504. Quarterly briefings on joint all domain command and control effort.
Sec. 1505. Authority for countering illegal trafficking by Mexican transnational
criminal organizations in cyberspace.
Sec. 1506. Development of cyber support mechanisms for geographic combatant
commands.
Sec. 1507. Review and plan relating to cyber red teams of Department of Defense.
Subtitle B—Cybersecurity
Sec. 1511. Responsibility for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection of
defense industrial base.
Sec. 1512. Cybersecurity enhancements for nuclear command, control, and commu-
nications network.
Sec. 1513. Pilot program relating to semiconductor supply chain and Cybersecurity
Collaboration Center.
Sec. 1514. Transfer of data and technology developed under MOSAICS program.
Sec. 1515. Modernization program for network boundary and cross-domain defense.
Sec. 1516. Establishment of certain identity, credential, and access management
activities as program of record.
Sec. 1517. Pilot program on assuring critical infrastructure support for military
contingencies.
Sec. 1518. Military cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan.
Sec. 1519. Guidance regarding securing laboratories of the Armed Forces.
Subtitle C—Information Technology and Data Management
Sec. 1521. Control and management of Department of Defense data; establishment
of Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Governing Council.
Sec. 1522. Modification to Department of Defense enterprise-wide procurement of
cyber data products and services.
Sec. 1523. Management of data assets by Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer.
Sec. 1524. Course of education and pilot program on authentication of digital con-
tent provenance for certain Department of Defense media content.
Sec. 1525. Prize competitions for business systems modernization.
Sec. 1526. Requirements for deployment of fifth generation information and com-
munications capabilities to military installations and other Department
facilities.
Sec. 1527. Required policies to establish datalink strategy of Department of De-
fense.
H. R. 2670—16
Subtitle D—Personnel
Sec. 1531. Office for academic engagement relating to cyber activities.
Sec. 1532. Selected Reserve order to active duty to respond to a significant cyber
incident.
Sec. 1533. Post-graduate employment of Department of Defense Cyber Service
Academy scholarship recipients in intelligence community.
Sec. 1534. Minimum number of scholarships to be awarded annually through De-
partment of Defense Cyber Service Academy.
Sec. 1535. Pilot program and other measures to enhance readiness and effective-
ness of Cyber Mission Force.
Sec. 1536. Authority to conduct pilot program on Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve.
Sec. 1537. Requirements for implementation of user activity monitoring for certain
personnel.
Sec. 1538. Study on occupational resiliency of Cyber Mission Force.
Subtitle E—Artificial Intelligence
Sec. 1541. Modification to acquisition authority of senior official with principal re-
sponsibility for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Sec. 1542. Artificial intelligence bug bounty programs.
Sec. 1543. Prize competition for technology that detects and watermarks use of
generative artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1544. Plans, strategies, and other matters relating to artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1545. Study to analyze vulnerability for artificial intelligence-enabled military
applications.
Subtitle F—Reports and Other Matters
Sec. 1551. Limitation on availability of funds for travel for Office of Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness pending strategy relating
to Defense Travel System.
Sec. 1552. Management by Department of Defense of mobile applications.
Sec. 1553. Report on Department of Defense Enterprise capabilities for cybersecu-
rity.
Sec. 1554. Report on technology modernization for Army Human Resources Com-
mand 2030 Transformation Plan.
Sec. 1555. Certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting.
TITLE XVI—SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND
INTELLIGENCE MATTERS
Subtitle A—Space Activities
Sec. 1601. Delegation of certain authority of explosive safety board.
Sec. 1602. Classification review of space major defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 1603. Enhanced authority to increase space launch capacity through space
launch support services.
Sec. 1604. Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Sec. 1605. Modification to updates of space policy review.
Sec. 1606. Authorization for establishment of the National Space Intelligence Cen-
ter as a field operating agency.
Sec. 1607. Initial operational capability for Advanced Tracking and Launch Anal-
ysis System and requirements for system-level review.
Sec. 1608. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter space
architecture of the Space Development Agency.
Sec. 1609. Process and plan for Space Force space situational awareness.
Sec. 1610. Plan to improve threat-sharing arrangements with commercial space op-
erators.
Sec. 1611. Plan for an integrated and resilient satellite communications architec-
ture for the Space Force.
Subtitle B—Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities
Sec. 1621. Military intelligence collection and analysis partnerships.
Subtitle C—Nuclear Forces
Sec. 1631. Establishment of major force program for nuclear command, control, and
communications programs.
Sec. 1632. Technical amendment to additional report matters on strategic delivery
systems.
Sec. 1633. Amendment to annual report on the plan for the nuclear weapons stock-
pile, nuclear weapons complex, nuclear weapons delivery systems, and
nuclear weapons command and control systems.
Sec. 1634. Matters relating to the acquisition and deployment of the Sentinel inter-
continental ballistic missile weapon system.
H. R. 2670—17
Sec. 1635. Tasking and oversight authority with respect to intercontinental ballistic
missile site activation task force for Sentinel Program.
Sec. 1636. Study of weapons programs that allow Armed Forces to address hard
and deeply buried targets.
Sec. 1637. Repeal of requirement for review of nuclear deterrence postures.
Sec. 1638.
Retention of capability to redeploy multiple independently targetable re-
entry vehicles.
Sec. 1639. Authorization to establish technology transition program for strategic
nuclear deterrence.
Sec. 1640. Matters relating to the nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile.
Sec. 1641. Requirements relating to operational silos for the Sentinel interconti-
nental ballistic missile.
Sec. 1642. Long-term sustainment of Sentinel ICBM guidance system.
Sec. 1643. Integrated master schedule for the Sentinel missile program of the Air
Force.
Sec. 1644. Operational timeline for Strategic Automated Command and Control
System.
Sec. 1645. Pilot program on development of reentry vehicles and related systems.
Sec. 1646. Prohibition on reduction of the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the
United States.
Sec. 1647.
Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with information
requests from the Government Accountability Office.
Sec. 1648. Congressional notification of decision to delay strategic delivery system
test event.
Sec. 1649. Congressional notification of nuclear cooperation between Russia and
China.
Sec. 1650. Plan for decreasing the time to upload additional warheads to the inter-
continental ballistic missile fleet.
Subtitle D—Missile Defense Programs
Sec. 1661. Deputy Director of Office of Missile Defense Agency.
Sec. 1662. Modification of program accountability matrices requirements for next
generation interceptors for missile defense.
Sec. 1663. National missile defense policy.
Sec. 1664. Modification of requirement for Comptroller General to review and as-
sess missile defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 1665. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative
missile defense program co-development and co-production.
Sec. 1666. Programs to achieve initial and full operational capabilities for the Glide
Phase Interceptor program.
Sec. 1667. Rescission of memorandum on missile defense governance.
Sec. 1668. Limitation on availability of funds for Office of Cost Assessment and
Program Evaluation until submission of report on missile defense roles
and responsibilities.
Sec. 1669. Strategy for integrated air and missile defense of Hawaii and the Indo-
Pacific region.
Sec. 1670. Report on potential enhancements to integrated air and missile defense
capabilities in Europe.
Sec. 1671. Independent analysis of space-based missile defense capability.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
Sec. 1681. Extension of authorization for protection of certain facilities and assets
from unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 1682. Electromagnetic warfare.
Sec. 1683. Cooperative threat reduction funds.
Sec. 1684. Matters relating to space-based ground and airborne moving target indi-
cation systems.
Sec. 1685. Positioning, navigation, and timing.
Sec. 1686. Actions to address serious deficiencies in electronic protection of systems
that operate in the radio frequency spectrum.
Sec. 1687. Limitation on use of funds for certain unreported programs.
Sec. 1688. Indo-Pacific missile strategy.
Sec. 1689. Study on the future of the Integrated Tactical Warning Attack Assess-
ment System.
Sec. 1690. Research and analysis on multipolar deterrence and escalation dynam-
ics.
TITLE XVII—SPACE FORCE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Sec. 1701. Short title.
Subtitle A—Space Force Military Personnel System Without Component
Sec. 1711. Establishment of military personnel management system for the Space
Force.
H. R. 2670—18
Sec. 1712. Composition of the Space Force without component.
Sec. 1713. Definitions for single personnel management system for the Space Force.
Sec. 1714. Basic policies relating to service in the Space Force.
Sec. 1715. Status and participation.
Sec. 1716. Officers.
Sec. 1717. Enlisted members.
Sec. 1718. Retention and separation generally.
Sec. 1719. Separation of officers for substandard performance of duty or for certain
other reasons.
Sec. 1719A. Retirement.
Subtitle B—Conforming Amendments Related to Space Force Military Personnel
System
Sec. 1721. Amendments to Department of the Air Force provisions of title 10,
United States Code.
Sec. 1722. Amendments to subtitle A of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1723. Title 38, United States Code (Veterans’ Benefits).
Subtitle C—Transition Provisions
Sec. 1731. Transition period.
Sec. 1732. Change of duty status of members of the Space Force.
Sec. 1733. Transfer to the Space Force of members of the reserve components of the
Air Force.
Sec. 1734. Placement of officers on the Space Force officer list.
Sec. 1735. Disestablishment of Regular Space Force.
Sec. 1736. End strength flexibility.
Sec. 1737. Promotion authority flexibility.
Subtitle D—Other Amendments Related to the Space Force
Sec. 1741. Title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1742. Other provisions of law.
TITLE XVIII—OTHER DEFENSE MATTERS
Subtitle A—Other Defense Matters
Sec. 1801. Technical and conforming amendments.
Sec. 1802. Extension of authority to engage in certain commercial activities.
Sec. 1803. Modification to requirements relating to combating military reliance on
Russian energy.
Sec. 1804. U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2023.
Sec. 1805. Improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense
Joint Executive Committee.
Sec. 1806. Access to and use of military post offices by United States citizens em-
ployed overseas by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization who perform
functions in support of military operations of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 1807. Extension of admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands for certain nonimmigrant H–2B workers.
Sec. 1808. Support for execution of bilateral agreements concerning illicit
transnational maritime activity in Africa.
Sec. 1809. National Cold War Center designation.
Sec. 1810. Revision of requirement for transfer of certain aircraft to State of Cali-
fornia for wildfire suppression purposes.
Sec. 1811. Limitation on funds for Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alli-
ance, Inc.
Subtitle B—Drone Security
Sec. 1821. Short title.
Sec. 1822. Definitions.
Sec. 1823. Prohibition on procurement of covered unmanned aircraft systems from
covered foreign entities.
Sec. 1824. Prohibition on operation of covered unmanned aircraft systems from cov-
ered foreign entities.
Sec. 1825. Prohibition on use of Federal funds for procurement and operation of
covered unmanned aircraft systems from covered foreign entities.
Sec. 1826. Prohibition on use of Government-issued purchase cards to purchase
covered unmanned aircraft systems from covered foreign entities.
Sec. 1827. Management of existing inventories of covered unmanned aircraft sys-
tems from covered foreign entities.
Sec. 1828. Comptroller General report.
Sec. 1829. Government-wide policy for procurement of unmanned aircraft systems.
H. R. 2670—19
Sec. 1830. State, local, and territorial law enforcement and emergency service ex-
emption.
Sec. 1831. Study.
Sec. 1832. Exceptions.
Sec. 1833. Sunset.
Subtitle C—Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena
Sec. 1841. Unidentified anomalous phenomena records collection at the National
Archives and Records Administration.
Sec. 1842. Review, identification, transmission to the National Archives, and public
disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena records by government
offices.
Sec. 1843. Grounds for postponement of public disclosure of unidentified anomalous
phenomena records.
Subtitle D—World Trade Center Health Program
Sec. 1851. Flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.
Sec. 1852. Extension of certain direct spending reductions.
Sec. 1853. Medicare improvement fund.
DIVISION B—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 2001. Short title.
Sec. 2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by
law.
Sec. 2003. Effective date.
TITLE XXI—ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2102. Family housing.
Sec. 2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army.
Sec. 2104. Extension of authority to use cash payments in special account from
land conveyance, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Massachusetts.
Sec. 2105. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2018 project at Kunsan
Air Base, Korea.
Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 Army mili-
tary construction projects.
Sec. 2107. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 Army mili-
tary construction projects.
TITLE XXII—NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 2201. Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2202. Family housing.
Sec. 2203. Authorization of appropriations, Navy.
Sec. 2204. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 Navy mili-
tary construction projects.
Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 Navy mili-
tary construction projects.
TITLE XXIII—AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2302. Family housing.
Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force.
Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2017 Air Force
military construction projects.
Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2018 Air Force
military construction projects.
Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 Air Force
military construction projects.
Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 Air Force military
construction projects.
TITLE XXIV—DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 2401.
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2402. Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program
projects.
Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies.
Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2018 Defense
Agencies military construction projects.
Sec. 2405. Extension and modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year
2019 Defense Agencies military construction projects.
H. R. 2670—20
Sec. 2406. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Defense
Fuel Support Point Tsurumi, Japan.
Sec. 2407. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 Energy Resil-
ience and Conservation Investment projects.
Sec. 2408. Authority to carry out military construction projects to improve certain
fiscal year 2022 utility systems.
Sec. 2409. Additional authority to carry out certain military construction projects
to improve certain fiscal year 2023 utility systems.
TITLE XXV—INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Subtitle A—North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment
Sec. 2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2502. Authorization of appropriations, NATO.
Subtitle B—Host Country In-Kind Contributions
Sec. 2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects.
Sec. 2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects.
TITLE XXVI—GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES
Sec. 2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition
projects.
Sec. 2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and
land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition
projects.
Sec. 2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve.
Sec. 2607. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2018 project at Hulman
Regional Airport, Indiana.
Sec. 2608. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Francis
S. Gabreski Airport, New York.
Sec. 2609. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2021 National
Guard and Reserve military construction projects.
Sec. 2610. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2023 project at Camp
Pendleton, California.
Sec. 2611. Authority to conduct restoration and modernization projects at the First
City Troop Readiness Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
TITLE XXVII—BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES
Sec. 2701. Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and closure activi-
ties funded through Department of Defense Base Closure Account.
Sec. 2702. Prohibition on conducting additional base realignment and closure
(BRAC) round.
TITLE XXVIII—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—Military Construction Programs
Sec. 2801. Modifications to Defense Community Infrastructure Program.
Sec. 2802. Modification to authority for unspecified minor construction.
Sec. 2803. Application of dollar limitations for unspecified minor military construc-
tion projects to locations outside the United States.
Sec. 2804. Increase to amount of certain funds for military installation resilience
projects.
Sec. 2805. Authority for certain construction projects in friendly foreign countries.
Sec. 2806. Temporary expansion of authority for use of one-step turn-key proce-
dures for repair projects.
Sec. 2807. Authorization of cost-plus incentive-fee contracting for military construc-
tion projects to mitigate risk to the Sentinel program schedule and cost.
Sec. 2808. Inclusion on Department of Defense Form 1391 of information on consid-
eration of certain methods of construction for certain military construc-
tion projects.
Sec. 2809. Incorporation of cybersecurity supply chain risk management tools and
methods.
Sec. 2810. Authority for Indo-Pacific posture unspecified minor military construc-
tion projects.
Sec. 2811. Authority to conduct energy resilience and conservation projects at in-
stallations at which certain energy projects have occurred.
Subtitle B—Military Housing Reforms
Sec. 2821. Establishment of the Military Family Readiness Working Group for Mili-
tary Housing.
H. R. 2670—21
Sec. 2822. Improvements to privatized military housing.
Sec. 2823. Notification relating to legal counsel for nondisclosure agreements.
Sec. 2824. Inclusion of questions regarding military housing for members of the
Armed Forces in status of forces survey.
Sec. 2825. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to
strengthening oversight of privatized military housing.
Subtitle C—Covered Military Unaccompanied Housing Reforms
Sec. 2831. Design standards for covered military unaccompanied housing.
Sec. 2832. Establishment of standards for habitability of covered military unaccom-
panied housing.
Sec. 2833. Modification of procedures for issuance of waivers of covered privacy and
configuration standards; temporary biannual briefing.
Sec. 2834. Certification of habitability of covered military unaccompanied housing.
Sec. 2835. Pilot program for military construction projects to replace certain cov-
ered military unaccompanied housing facilities.
Sec. 2836. Establishment of civilian employees for oversight of covered military un-
accompanied housing.
Sec. 2837. Maintenance work order management process for covered military unac-
companied housing.
Sec. 2838. Uniform index for evaluating the condition of covered military unaccom-
panied housing facilities.
Sec. 2839. Annual reports on the condition of covered military unaccompanied
housing.
Sec. 2840. Submission of temporary housing support certification to Members of
Congress.
Sec. 2841. Elimination of flexibilities for construction standards for covered mili-
tary unaccompanied housing.
Subtitle D—Real Property and Facilities Administration
Sec. 2851. Guidance on Department of Defense-wide standards for access to mili-
tary installations.
Sec. 2852. Authority to make grants for security and fire protection for former
Army and Navy General Hospital, Hot Springs National Park, Hot
Springs, Arkansas; briefing.
Sec. 2853. Plan and report on critical infrastructure systems at military installa-
tions.
Sec. 2854. Closure and disposal of the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County, Col-
orado.
Sec. 2855. Limitation on authority to modify or restrict public access to Greenbury
Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Mary-
land.
Sec. 2856. Authorization for the Secretary of the Navy to resolve the electrical util-
ity operations at Former Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii.
Sec. 2857. Inclusion of military installation resilience in real property management
and installation master planning of Department.
Sec. 2858. Modification of authority to relocate Joint Spectrum Center to Fort
Meade, Maryland.
Subtitle E—Land Conveyances
Sec. 2861. Extension of sunset for land conveyance, Sharpe Army Depot, Lathrop,
California.
Sec. 2862. Clarification of authority of Department of Defense to conduct certain
military activities at Nevada test and training range.
Sec. 2863. Extensions, additions, and revisions to the Military Lands Withdrawal
Act of 1999 relating to the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona.
Sec. 2864. Land acquisition, Westmoreland State Park, Virginia.
Sec. 2865. Land conveyance, Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey.
Sec. 2866. Land Conveyance, Paine Field Air National Guard Station, Everett, Sno-
homish County, Washington.
Sec. 2867. Land conveyance, Wetzel County Memorial Army Reserve Center, New
Martinsville, West Virginia.
Sec. 2868. Land conveyance, BG J Sumner Jones Army Reserve Center, Wheeling,
West Virginia.
Subtitle F—Pilot Programs and Reports
Sec. 2871. Modification of pilot program on increased use of sustainable building
materials in military construction.
Sec. 2872. Modification of pilot program on establishment of account for reimburse-
ment for use of testing facilities at installations of the Department of
the Air Force.
H. R. 2670—22
Sec. 2873. Pilot program to provide air purification technology in covered military
housing.
Sec. 2874. Joint Housing Requirements and Market Analysis for certain military
installations in Hawaii.
Sec. 2875. Quarterly briefings on military construction related to the Sentinel
intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system program.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
Sec. 2881. Increase of limitation on fee for architectural and engineering services
procured by military departments.
Sec. 2882. Development and operation of Marine Corps Heritage Center and Na-
tional Museum of the Marine Corps.
Sec. 2883. Technical corrections.
Sec. 2884. Modification of authority of Secretary of the Army to enter into coopera-
tive agreements relating to access and management of Air Force Memo-
rial.
Sec. 2885. Designation of National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Sec. 2886. Continuing education curriculum on use of innovative products for mili-
tary construction projects.
Sec. 2887. Guidance on encroachment that affects covered sites.
Sec. 2888. Extension and modification of annual updates to master plans and in-
vestment strategies for Army ammunition plants.
Sec. 2889. Limitation on use of funds for United States Space Command Head-
quarters.
Sec. 2890. Plan for use of excess construction materials on southwest border.
DIVISION C—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY
AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE XXXI—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Subtitle A—National Security Programs and Authorizations
Sec. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration.
Sec. 3102. Defense environmental cleanup.
Sec. 3103. Other defense activities.
Sec. 3104. Nuclear energy.
Subtitle B—Program Authorizations, Restrictions, and Limitations
Sec. 3111. Transfer of cybersecurity responsibilities to Administrator for Nuclear
Security.
Sec. 3112. Redesignating duties related to departmental radiological and nuclear
incident responses.
Sec. 3113. Cybersecurity Risk Inventory, Assessment, and Mitigation Working
Group.
Sec. 3114. Modification of authority to establish certain contracting, program man-
agement, scientific, engineering, and technical positions.
Sec. 3115. Criminal penalties for interference with the transport of special nuclear
materials, nuclear weapons components, or restricted data.
Sec. 3116. Prohibition on expansion of Advanced Recovery and Integrated Extrac-
tion System pending achievement of 30 pit-per-year base capability.
Sec. 3117. Plutonium Modernization Program management.
Sec. 3118. Modification of certain requirements and authorities relating to the re-
moval or security of fissile materials, radiological materials, and related
equipment at vulnerable sites worldwide.
Sec. 3119. Extension of briefing and reporting requirements for certain National
Nuclear Security Administration contracts.
Sec. 3120. Modification of minor construction threshold for plant projects.
Sec. 3121. Modifications relating to unfunded priorities of the National Nuclear Se-
curity Administration.
Sec. 3122. Limitation on establishing an enduring bioassurance program within the
National Nuclear Security Administration.
Sec. 3123. Modification of reporting requirements for uranium capabilities replace-
ment project.
Sec. 3124. Prohibition on availability of funds for naval nuclear fuel systems based
on low-enriched uranium.
Sec. 3125. Prohibition on availability of funds to reconvert or retire W76–2 war-
heads.
Sec. 3126. Limitation on availability of funds pending submittal of spend plan for
development of sea-launched cruise missile warhead.
Sec. 3127. Deadlines for commencement of operations of certain atomic energy re-
placement projects.
H. R. 2670—23
Sec. 3128. Integrated schedule for future-years nuclear security program.
Subtitle C—Other Matters
Sec. 3131. U.S. nuclear fuel security initiative.
Sec. 3132. Updated financial integration policy.
Sec. 3133. Plan for domestic enrichment capability to satisfy Department of De-
fense uranium requirements.
Sec. 3134. Briefings on implementation of enhanced mission delivery initiative.
TITLE XXXII—DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD
Sec. 3201. Authorization.
TITLE XXXIV—NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES
Sec. 3401. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE XXXV—MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
Subtitle A—Maritime Administration
Sec. 3501. Authorization of appropriations for Maritime Administration.
Subtitle B—Maritime Infrastructure
Sec. 3511. Port infrastructure development program eligible projects.
Sec. 3512. Assistance for small inland river and coastal ports and terminals.
Sec. 3513. Port infrastructure development program: eligibility of shore power
projects; selection criteria.
Sec. 3514. Codification of existing language; technical amendments.
Subtitle C—Reports
Sec. 3521. Reports on maritime industry, policies, and programs.
Sec. 3522. Reports on availability of used sealift vessels and the scrapping and re-
cycling of imported vessels.
Sec. 3523. Study on foreign ownership and control of marine terminals.
Sec. 3524. Reports to Congress.
Subtitle D—Other Matters
Sec. 3531. Cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the United States Govern-
ment.
Sec. 3532. Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet.
Sec. 3533. United States Merchant Marine Academy and Coast Guard Academy
matters; Maritime Administration requirements.
Sec. 3534. Maritime workforce working group.
Sec. 3535. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement
of vessels.
Sec. 3536. Loans for retrofitting to qualify as a vessel of the United States.
Sec. 3537. Accountability for National Maritime Strategy.
DIVISION D—FUNDING TABLES
Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables.
TITLE XLI—PROCUREMENT
Sec. 4101. Procurement.
TITLE XLII—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
Sec. 4201. Research, development, test, and evaluation.
TITLE XLIII—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Sec. 4301. Operation and maintenance.
TITLE XLIV—MILITARY PERSONNEL
Sec. 4401. Military personnel.
TITLE XLV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 4501. Other authorizations.
TITLE XLVI—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 4601. Military construction.
TITLE XLVII—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Sec. 4701. Department of Energy national security programs.
H. R. 2670—24
DIVISION E—OTHER MATTERS
TITLE L—VETERANS AFFAIRS MATTERS
Sec. 5001. Adjustment of threshold amount for minor medical facility projects of
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 5002. Grave markers at Santa Fe National Cemetery, New Mexico.
Sec. 5003. Improving processing by Department of Veterans Affairs of disability
claims for post-traumatic stress disorder through improved training.
TITLE LI—JUDICIARY MATTERS
Sec. 5101. Prohibition of demand for bribe.
Sec. 5102. Preventing child sex abuse.
Sec. 5103. Recognition as corporation and grant of Federal charter for National
American Indian Veterans, Incorporated.
Sec. 5104. Visa availability for government employee immigrant visa program.
TITLE LII—OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS
Sec. 5201. Establishment of higher rates of regularly scheduled overtime pay for
United States Border Patrol agents classified at GS–12.
TITLE LIII—FEDERAL DATA AND INFORMATION SECURITY
Sec. 5301. Short title.
Sec. 5302. Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative amendments.
TITLE LIV—FOREIGN AFFAIRS MATTERS
Subtitle A—Combating Global Corruption
Sec. 5401. Short title.
Sec. 5402. Definitions.
Sec. 5403. Publication and provision of lists regarding progress on anti-corruption
efforts.
Sec. 5404. Minimum standards for the elimination of corruption and assessment of
efforts to combat corruption.
Sec. 5405. Imposition of sanctions under Global Magnitsky Human Rights Account-
ability Act.
Sec. 5406. Designation of embassy anti-corruption points of contact.
Subtitle B—Other Matters
Sec. 5411. Global cooperative framework to end human rights abuses in sourcing
critical minerals.
Sec. 5412. Connecting Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National
Empowerment.
Sec. 5413. Ending China’s developing nation status.
Sec. 5414. Permitting for international bridges.
TITLE LV—EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE MATTERS
Sec. 5501. Amendments to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensa-
tion Program Act of 2000.
TITLE LVI—TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS
Sec. 5601. Extension of prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds
to certain entities that have violated intellectual property rights of
United States entities.
Sec. 5602. Nogales wastewater improvement.
Sec. 5603. International Port Security Enforcement Act.
TITLE LVII—ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL APPOINTMENT ACT OF 2023
Sec. 5701. Short title.
Sec. 5702. Appointment and term of service of Architect of the Capitol.
Sec. 5703. Appointment of Deputy Architect of the Capitol; vacancy in Architect or
Deputy Architect.
Sec. 5704. Deputy Architect of the Capitol to serve as acting in case of absence, dis-
ability, or vacancy.
TITLE LVIII—FINANCIAL SERVICES MATTERS
Sec. 5801. Assessment of gifts and grants to United States institutions of higher
education from entities on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial
Complex Companies List.
DIVISION F—DEPARTMENT OF STATE AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Sec. 6001. Short title; table of contents.
H. R. 2670—25
Sec. 6002. Definitions.
TITLE LXI—DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Sec. 6101. Special hiring authority for passport services.
Sec. 6102. Quarterly report on passport wait times.
Sec. 6103. Passport travel advisories.
Sec. 6104. Strategy to ensure access to passport services for all Americans.
Sec. 6105. Strengthening the National Passport Information Center.
Sec. 6106. Strengthening passport customer visibility and transparency.
Sec. 6107. Annual Office of Authentications report.
Sec. 6108. Publication and updates of estimated time for processing of passport ap-
plications.
Sec. 6109. Authority to designate additional passport acceptance agents.
Sec. 6110. Notification of passport expiration.
Sec. 6111. Use of commercially available technology in online passport renewal pro-
gram.
Sec. 6112. Electronic payment for passport application fees.
Sec. 6113. Agreements with foreign countries regarding passports nearing expira-
tion.
Sec. 6114. Passport fee exception for search, rescue, and other related disaster re-
lief operations.
Sec. 6115. Increased accountability in assignment restrictions and reviews.
Sec. 6116. Suitability reviews for Foreign Service Institute instructors.
Sec. 6117. Diplomatic security fellowship programs.
TITLE LXII—PERSONNEL MATTERS
Subtitle A—Hiring, Promotion, and Development
Sec. 6201. Adjustment to promotion precepts.
Sec. 6202. Hiring authorities.
Sec. 6203. Extending paths to service for paid student interns.
Sec. 6204. Lateral Entry Program.
Sec. 6205. Mid-Career Mentoring Program.
Sec. 6206. Report on the Foreign Service Institute’s language program.
Sec. 6207. Consideration of career civil servants as chiefs of missions.
Sec. 6208. Civil service rotational program.
Sec. 6209. Reporting requirement on chiefs of mission.
Sec. 6210. Report on chiefs of mission and deputy chiefs of mission.
Sec. 6211. Efforts to improve retention and prevent retaliation.
Sec. 6212. National advertising campaign.
Sec. 6213. Expansion of diplomats in residence programs.
Subtitle B—Pay, Benefits, and Workforce Matters
Sec. 6221. Education allowance.
Sec. 6222. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants.
Sec. 6223. Emergency back-up care.
Sec. 6224. Exception for government-financed air transportation.
Sec. 6225. Internet at hardship posts.
Sec. 6226. Competitive local compensation plan.
Sec. 6227. Supporting tandem spouses in the Foreign Service.
Sec. 6228. Accessibility at diplomatic missions.
Sec. 6229. Report on breastfeeding accommodations overseas.
Sec. 6230. Determining the effectiveness of knowledge transfers between Foreign
Service Officers.
Sec. 6231. Education allowance for dependents of Department of State employees
located in United States territories.
Sec. 6232. Overtime pay exception for protective services.
TITLE LXIII—INFORMATION SECURITY AND CYBER DIPLOMACY
Sec. 6301. Data-informed diplomacy.
Sec. 6302. Establishment and expansion of the Bureau Chief Data Officer Program.
Sec. 6303. Establishment of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Depart-
ment of State.
Sec. 6304. Strengthening the Chief Information Officer of the Department of State.
Sec. 6305. Sense of Congress on strengthening enterprise governance.
Sec. 6306. Digital connectivity and cybersecurity partnership.
Sec. 6307. Establishment of a cyberspace, digital connectivity, and related tech-
nologies (CDT) fund.
Sec. 6308. Cyber protection support for personnel of the Department of State in po-
sitions highly vulnerable to cyber attack.
Sec. 6309. Implementation of GAO High Risk List recommendations.
H. R. 2670—26
TITLE LXIV—ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
Sec. 6401. Personal services contractors.
Sec. 6402. Hard-to-fill posts.
Sec. 6403. Enhanced oversight of the Office of Civil Rights.
Sec. 6404. Crisis response operations.
Sec. 6405. Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.
Sec. 6406. Special Envoy for Belarus.
Sec. 6407. Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related
Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements.
Sec. 6408. Overseas placement of special appointment positions.
Sec. 6409. Resources for United States nationals unlawfully or wrongfully detained
abroad.
Sec. 6410. Establishment of fiscal responsibility award.
TITLE LXV—ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
Sec. 6501. Report on recruitment, retention, and promotion of Foreign Service eco-
nomic officers.
Sec. 6502. Mandate to revise Department of State metrics for successful economic
and commercial diplomacy.
Sec. 6503. Direction to embassy deal teams.
Sec. 6504. Establishment of a ‘‘Deal Team of the Year’’ award.
TITLE LXVI—PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
Sec. 6601. Public diplomacy outreach.
Sec. 6602. Modification on use of funds for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Sec. 6603. Report on Radio Free Africa and Radio Free Americas.
Sec. 6604. John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship program.
Sec. 6605. Domestic engagement and public affairs.
Sec. 6606. Modernization and enhancement strategy.
TITLE LXVII—OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 6701. Internships of United States nationals at international organizations.
Sec. 6702. Training for international organizations.
Sec. 6703. Infrastructure projects and investments by the United States and Peo-
ple’s Republic of China.
Sec. 6704. Special envoys.
Sec. 6705. US-ASEAN Center.
Sec. 6706. Briefings on the United States-European Union Trade and Technology
Council.
Sec. 6707. Modification and repeal of reports.
Sec. 6708. Art in embassies.
Sec. 6709. Institute for Transatlantic Engagement.
Sec. 6710. Notification of revocation of clearances.
DIVISION G—INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024
Sec. 7001. Short title.
Sec. 7002. Definitions.
Sec. 7003. Explanatory statement.
TITLE I—INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES
Sec. 7101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 7102. Classified Schedule of Authorizations.
Sec. 7103. Intelligence Community Management Account.
Sec. 7104. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law.
Sec. 7105. Restriction on conduct of intelligence activities.
TITLE II—CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY RETIREMENT AND
DISABILITY SYSTEM
Sec. 7201. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III—INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY MATTERS
Subtitle A—General Intelligence Community Matters
Sec. 7301. Plan to recruit, train, and retain personnel with experience in financial
intelligence and emerging technologies.
Sec. 7302. Policy and performance framework for mobility of intelligence commu-
nity workforce.
Sec. 7303. Standards, criteria, and guidance for counterintelligence vulnerability
assessments and surveys.
H. R. 2670—27
Sec. 7304. Improving administration of certain post-employment restrictions for in-
telligence community.
Sec. 7305. Mission of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
Sec. 7306. Budget transparency on costs of implementation of Executive Order
13556.
Sec. 7307. Improvements relating to intelligence community staffing, details, and
assignments.
Sec. 7308. Insider threats.
Sec. 7309. Modification of deadline for annual submission of National Intelligence
Priorities Framework.
Sec. 7310. Matters relating to chief data officers of intelligence community.
Sec. 7311. Modification to special pay authority for science, technology, engineer-
ing, or mathematics positions.
Sec. 7312. Annual report on unfunded priorities of intelligence community.
Sec. 7313. Submission of legislative proposals.
Sec. 7314. Annual report on reporting requirements.
Sec. 7315. Notice and damage assessment with respect to significant unauthorized
disclosure or compromise of classified national intelligence.
Sec. 7316. In-state tuition rates for certain members of intelligence community.
Sec. 7317. Repeal of study on personnel under Strategic Intelligence Partnership
Program.
Sec. 7318. Intelligence Community Counterintelligence Office at the Department of
Agriculture.
Sec. 7319. Sunset of Climate Security Advisory Council.
Sec. 7320. Inclusion of counternarcotics as special topic in certain budget justifica-
tion materials.
Sec. 7321. Development of plan to make open-source intelligence products available
to certain Federal employees.
Sec. 7322. Intelligence community-wide policy on prepublication review.
Sec. 7323. Review relating to confidential human source program of Federal Bu-
reau of Investigation.
Sec. 7324. Prohibition on availability of funds for certain activities and assessment
of the Overt Human Intelligence and Open Source Intelligence Collec-
tion Programs of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis of the Depart-
ment of Homeland Security.
Sec. 7325. Sense of Congress on priority of fentanyl in National Intelligence Prior-
ities Framework.
Sec. 7326. Reports on civilian casualties caused by certain operations of foreign
governments.
Sec. 7327. Modification and repeal of reporting requirements.
Subtitle B—Central Intelligence Agency
Sec. 7331. Change to penalties and increased availability of mental health treat-
ment for unlawful conduct on Central Intelligence Agency installations.
Sec. 7332. Modifications to procurement authorities of the Central Intelligence
Agency.
Sec. 7333. Inspector General of the Central Intelligence Agency quarterly employee
engagement summaries.
Sec. 7334. Benjamin Tallmadge Institute as primary Central Intelligence Agency
entity for education and training in counterintelligence.
Sec. 7335. Central Intelligence Agency intelligence assessment of Sinaloa Cartel
and Jalisco Cartel.
Sec. 7336. Central Intelligence Agency intelligence assessment with respect to ef-
forts by People’s Republic of China to increase influence in Middle East.
Sec. 7337. Assessment of availability of mental health and chaplain services to
Agency employees.
Sec. 7338. Assessment by Director of Central Intelligence Agency on certain effects
of Abraham Accords.
Sec. 7339. Reporting and investigating allegations of sexual assault and sexual har-
assment within the Central Intelligence Agency.
Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture
Sec. 7341. Modification of reporting requirement for All-Domain Anomaly Resolu-
tion Office.
Sec. 7342. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment of strategic competition in Latin
America and the Caribbean.
Sec. 7343. Funding limitations relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Subtitle D—Matters Relating to National Security Agency, Cyber, and Commercial
Cloud Enterprise
Sec. 7351. Congressional notification by National Security Agency of intelligence
collection adjustments.
H. R. 2670—28
Sec. 7352. Modifications to enforcement of cybersecurity requirements for national
security systems.
Sec. 7353. Support by intelligence community for certain cross-functional team of
Department of Defense.
Sec. 7354. Commercial Cloud Enterprise notification.
Sec. 7355. Commercial Cloud Enterprise sole source task order notification require-
ment.
Sec. 7356. Analysis of commercial cloud initiatives of intelligence community.
TITLE IV—MATTERS CONCERNING FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Subtitle A—People’s Republic of China
Sec. 7401. Intelligence community coordinator for accountability of atrocities of the
People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 7402. Interagency working group and report on the malign efforts of the Peo-
ple’s Republic of China in Africa.
Sec. 7403. Amendment to requirement for annual assessment by intelligence com-
munity working group for monitoring the economic and technological ca-
pabilities of the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 7404. Assessments of reciprocity in the relationship between the United States
and the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 7405. Assessment of threat posed to United States ports by cranes manufac-
tured by countries of concern.
Sec. 7406. Intelligence assessment of influence operations by People’s Republic of
China toward Pacific Islands countries.
Sec. 7407. Independent study on economic impact of military invasion of Taiwan by
People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 7408. Report by Director of National Intelligence on Uyghur genocide.
Subtitle B—Other Foreign Countries
Sec. 7411. Report on efforts to capture and detain United States citizens as hos-
tages.
Sec. 7412. Intelligence assessments regarding Haiti.
Sec. 7413. Monitoring Iranian enrichment of uranium-235.
TITLE V—MATTERS PERTAINING TO UNITED STATES ECONOMIC AND
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION WITH UNITED STATES ADVER-
SARIES
Subtitle A—General Matters
Sec. 7501. Detail of individuals from intelligence community to Department of
Commerce.
Sec. 7502. Intelligence Community Innovation Unit.
Sec. 7503. Establishment of Office of Engagement.
Sec. 7504. Designation of a chief technology officer within certain elements of the
intelligence community.
Sec. 7505. Requirement to authorize additional security clearances for certain con-
tractors.
Sec. 7506. Intelligence Innovation Board.
Sec. 7507. Programs for next-generation microelectronics in support of artificial in-
telligence.
Sec. 7508. Program for Beyond 5G.
Sec. 7509. Intelligence community commercial remote sensing requirements.
Sec. 7510. Requirement to ensure intelligence community directives appropriately
account for artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in intel-
ligence products.
Subtitle B—Next-generation Energy, Biotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence
Sec. 7511. Expanded annual assessment of economic and technological capabilities
of the People’s Republic of China and related briefing.
Sec. 7512. Assessment of using civil nuclear energy for intelligence community ca-
pabilities.
Sec. 7513. Policies established by Director of National Intelligence for artificial in-
telligence capabilities.
TITLE VI—CLASSIFICATION REFORM
Sec. 7601. Short title.
Sec. 7602. Promoting efficient declassification review.
Sec. 7603. Training to promote sensible classification.
Sec. 7604. Improvements to Public Interest Declassification Board.
H. R. 2670—29
Sec. 7605. Implementation of technology for classification and declassification.
Sec. 7606. Studies and recommendations on necessity of security clearances.
TITLE VII—SECURITY CLEARANCE AND TRUSTED WORKFORCE
Sec. 7701. Review of shared information technology services for personnel vetting.
Sec. 7702. Timeliness standard for rendering determinations of trust for personnel
vetting.
Sec. 7703. Annual report on personnel vetting trust determinations.
Sec. 7704. Survey to assess strengths and weaknesses of Trusted Workforce 2.0.
TITLE VIII—ANOMALOUS HEALTH INCIDENTS
Sec. 7801. Improved funding flexibility for payments made by the Central Intel-
ligence Agency for qualifying injuries to the brain.
Sec. 7802. Clarification of requirements to seek certain benefits relating to injuries
to the brain.
Sec. 7803. Intelligence community implementation of HAVANA Act of 2021 au-
thorities.
Sec. 7804. Report and briefings on Central Intelligence Agency handling of anoma-
lous health incidents.
TITLE IX—OTHER MATTERS
Sec. 7901. Technical corrections.
Sec. 7902. Extension of title VII of FISA.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 4. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF THIS ACT.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purposes of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined
by reference to the latest statement titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of
PAYGO Legislation’’ for this Act, jointly submitted for printing
in the Congressional Record by the Chairmen of the House and
Senate Budget Committees, provided that such statement has been
submitted prior to the vote on passage in the House acting first
on the conference report or amendment between the Houses.
DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I—PROCUREMENT
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Army Programs
Sec. 111. Limitation on availability of funds pending assessment of Army Trackless
Moving Target systems.
Sec. 112. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program.
Sec. 113. Report on acquisition strategies for the logistics augmentation program of
the Army.
Subtitle C—Navy Programs
Sec. 121. Modification of requirements for minimum number of carrier air wings of
the Navy.
Sec. 122. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds for Navy port waterborne
security barriers.
Sec. 123. Multiyear procurement authority for Virginia class submarine program.
Sec. 124. Procurement authority for Auxiliary Personnel Lighter program.
Sec. 125. Limitation on reductions to V–22 aircraft nacelle improvement program.
Sec. 126.
Limitation on consideration of Government-operated dry docks in certain
contract solicitations.
H. R. 2670—30
Sec. 127. Annual reports on use of Government docks for ship repair and mainte-
nance.
Subtitle D—Air Force Programs
Sec. 131. Limitation on retirement of F–15 aircraft and modification of related re-
porting requirement.
Sec. 132. Limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 air-
craft.
Sec. 133. Temporary exception to minimum inventory requirement for fighter air-
craft of the Air Force.
Sec. 134. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for C–130 aircraft.
Sec. 135. Modification of annual reports on T–7A Advanced Pilot Training System.
Sec. 136. Modification to prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft
squadrons.
Sec. 137. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for A–10 aircraft.
Sec. 138. Procurement authority for over-the-horizon radar systems.
Sec. 139. Prohibition on availability of funds for retirement of KC–135 aircraft.
Sec. 140. Prohibition on reduction of KC–135 aircraft in PMAI of the reserve com-
ponents.
Sec. 141. Limitation on issuance of acquisition strategy for the KC–135 recapital-
ization program.
Sec. 142. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning
and control system aircraft.
Sec. 143. Prohibition on availability of funds for termination of production lines for
the HH–60W aircraft.
Sec. 144. Limitation on retirement of F–16C/D aircraft.
Sec. 145. Limitation on procurement of KC–46A aircraft.
Sec. 146. Limitation on actions relating to remote vision systems of KC–46A air-
craft.
Sec. 147.
Limitation on retirement of T–1A training aircraft.
Sec. 148. Plan for long-term Air Force fighter force structure.
Subtitle E—Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters
Sec. 151. Annual report on force structure changes exhibit for the defense budget.
Sec. 152. Multiyear procurement authority for domestically processed critical min-
erals.
Sec. 153. Prohibition on solicitation of proprietary armor for certain tactical vehi-
cles.
Sec. 154. Prohibition on availability of funds for procurement of certain batteries.
Subtitle A—Authorization of
Appropriations
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 for procurement for the Army, the Navy and the Marine
Corps, the Air Force and the Space Force, and Defense-wide activi-
ties, as specified in the funding table in section 4101.
Subtitle B—Army Programs
SEC. 111. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING ASSESS-
MENT OF ARMY TRACKLESS MOVING TARGET SYSTEMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated
by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for
the Trackless Moving Target program of the Army, not more than
75 percent may be obligated or expended to procure or further
develop the Trackless Moving Target–Infantry variant until the
Secretary of the Army—
(1) acting through the Army Combat Capabilities Develop-
ment Command, conducts an assessment of the Trackless
Moving Target–Infantry variant, which shall include—
H. R. 2670—31
(A) obtaining end-user feedback regarding such vari-
ant; and
(B) comparing the performance of such variant against
the applicable program requirements set forth in the report
of Secretary of the Army titled ‘‘Autonomous Robotic Tar-
gets for Small Arms Range Training’’, as submitted to
Congress in March 2023;
(2) obtains direct soldier feedback on the current Trackless
Moving Target program;
(3) certifies to the congressional defense committees that
the acquisition strategy of the Army for the Trackless Moving
Target–Infantry variant meets the program requirements set
forth in the report referred to in paragraph (1)(B); and
(4) submits to the congressional defense committees the
report required under subsection (b).
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 30 days after the date
of the completion of the assessment and soldier feedback required
under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary of
the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report that includes—
(1) detailed results of the assessment conducted under sub-
section (a)(1), including a comparison of the Trackless Moving
Target–Infantry variant under development by the Army to
other operationally deployed, commercially available targets
in use by other Armed Forces;
(2) a summary of the soldier feedback obtained under sub-
section (a)(2); and
(3) a certification that the development of the Trackless
Moving Target–Infantry variant is in compliance with the
requirements of section 4061 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 112. STRATEGY FOR ARMY TACTICAL WHEELED VEHICLE PRO-
GRAM.
(a) STRATEGY REQUIRED.—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 2025, 2030,
and 2035, the Secretary of the Army shall include a report on
the strategy of the Army for tactical wheeled vehicles.
(b) REQUIREMENTS FOR STRATEGY.—Each strategy required by
subsection (a) shall—
(1) align with the applicable national defense strategy
under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code, and
applicable policies;
(2) be designed so that the force of tactical wheeled vehicles
provided under the strategy supports the national security
strategy of the United States as set forth in the most recent
national security strategy report of the President under section
108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043);
and
(3) define capabilities and capacity requirements across
the entire fleet of tactical wheeled vehicles, including—
(A) light, medium, and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles;
and
(B) associated trailer and support equipment.
(c) STRATEGY ELEMENTS.—Each strategy required by subsection
(a) shall include the following:
H. R. 2670—32
(1) A detailed program for the construction of light,
medium, and heavy tactical wheeled vehicles for the Army
over the period of five fiscal years following the date of the
strategy.
(2) A description of the necessary force structure and
capabilities of tactical wheeled vehicles to meet the require-
ments of the national security strategy described in subsection
(b)(2).
(3) The estimated levels of annual funding, by vehicle class,
in both graphical and tabular form, necessary to carry out
the program described in paragraph (1), together with a discus-
sion of the procurement strategies on which such estimated
levels of annual funding are based.
(4) The estimated total cost of construction for each vehicle
class used to determine the estimated levels of annual funding
described in paragraph (3).
(d) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing each strategy required by
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall consider the following
objectives and factors:
(1) Objectives relating to protection, fleet operations, mis-
sion command, mobility, and the industrial base.
(2) Technological advances that are expected to increase
efficiency of and reduce demand for tactical wheeled vehicles.
(3) Technological advances that allow for the operation
of tactical wheeled vehicles in a variety of climate and
geographic conditions.
(4) Existing commercial technologies such as vehicle elec-
trification, autonomous capabilities, and predictive mainte-
nance, among others.
(5) The capabilities of autonomous equivalents to tactical
wheeled vehicles.
(e) BRIEFING REQUIREMENTS.—Not later than 15 days after
each budget submission described in subsection (a), in conjunction
with the submission of each strategy required by such subsection,
the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing that addresses the investment needed for
each platform of tactical wheeled vehicle of the Army across the
period covered by the most recent future-years defense program
submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States
Code (as of the date of the briefing).
SEC. 113. REPORT ON ACQUISITION STRATEGIES FOR THE LOGISTICS
AUGMENTATION PROGRAM OF THE ARMY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Army, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense and the commanders of the geographic
combatant commands, shall conduct a review of the proposed recom-
pete of the operational task orders of the geographic combatant
commands under the LOGCAP V contract.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The review required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A business case analysis of the cost and operational
benefit of recompeting the task orders described in subsection
(a).
(2) Input from stakeholders, including the Commanding
General of Army Sustainment Command, the commanders of
the geographic combatant commands, and the commanders of
the Army Service Component Commands, on the desirability
H. R. 2670—33
and operational effects of the proposed recompete described
in subsection (a).
(3) Detailed cost estimates and timelines, including pro-
jected transition costs and timelines for the task orders
described in subsection (a).
(4) An assessment of the potential effects of the recompete
described in subsection (a) on—
(A) the quality and timing of the work performed under
the task orders described in such subsection; and
(B) the ability of the Army to transition to the LOGCAP
VI contract, including any effects on the quality and timing
of such transition.
(5) An analysis of recompeting the task orders described
in subsection (a) compared to transitioning directly to the
LOGCAP VI contract instead of recompeting such task orders.
(6) An overview of potential innovations and efficiencies
derived from a competition for the LOGCAP VI contract.
(7) An explanation of the benefit of recompeting the task
orders described in subsection (a) compared to conducting an
open competition for the LOGCAP VI contract instead of recom-
peting such task orders.
(8) A breakdown of any additional authorities needed to
move directly to the LOGCAP VI contract instead of recom-
peting the task orders described in subsection (a).
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 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 on the results of the review conducted
under subsection (a), including the results of the review with respect
to each element specified in subsection (b).
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘LOGCAP V contract’’ means the contract
for the logistics augmentation program of the Army that is
due to expire in 2028.
(2) The term ‘‘LOGCAP VI contract’’ means a successor
contract for the logistics augmentation program of the Army
that is expected to be entered into following the expiration
of the LOGCAP V contract.
Subtitle C—Navy Programs
SEC. 121. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR MINIMUM NUMBER
OF CARRIER AIR WINGS OF THE NAVY.
(a) MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (e) of section 8062 of title
10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows—
‘‘(e) The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that—
‘‘(1) the Navy maintains a minimum of 9 carrier air wings;
and
‘‘(2) for each such carrier air wing, the Navy maintains
a dedicated and fully staffed headquarters.’’.
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by paragraph
(1) shall take effect one year after the date on which the
Secretary of the Navy submits to Congress the report required
under subsection (b)(3). The Secretary of the Navy shall notify
the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives
H. R. 2670—34
of the submission of the report so that the Law Revision
Counsel may execute the amendment made by paragraph (1)
in accordance with the preceding sentence.
(b) ANALYSIS AND REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Navy shall conduct
an analysis of potential approaches to the manning, operation,
and deployment of a 10th aircraft carrier and associated carrier
air wing to determine how the Navy can mobilize such a carrier
and air wing if required by operational needs.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The analysis under paragraph (1) shall
address the following:
(A) The timeline associated with removing an aircraft
carrier from each the following maintenance availability
types:
(i) Complex Overhaul.
(ii) Selected Restricted Availability.
(iii) Docking Selected Restricted Availability.
(iv) Planned Incremental Availability.
(v) Docking Planned Incremental Availability.
(B) The potential for establishing a reserve component
air wing capable of mobilization as a 10th carrier air wing.
(C) The timeline for activation of such a reserve compo-
nent carrier air wing.
(D) The costs associated with establishing and
maintaining a 10th active carrier air wing versus estab-
lishing and maintaining a reserve component air wing as
described in subparagraph (B).
(E) The potential for deployment of a 10th aircraft
carrier without a fully manned carrier air wing in the
event the Navy only operates and crews 9 carrier air wings
at the time deployment of a 10th aircraft carrier is required.
(F) The potential for additional forward deployed
squadrons that could support an aircraft carrier during
theater operations that may not have a fully embarked
air wing at the time of embarkation.
(3) REPORT.—Following completion of the analysis required
under paragraph (1), Secretary of the Navy shall submit to
the congressional defense committees a report on the results
of the analysis.
SEC. 122. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
FOR NAVY PORT WATERBORNE SECURITY BARRIERS.
Section 130(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132
Stat. 1665), as most recently amended by section 123(a) of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2443), is further amended
by striking ‘‘through 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘through 2024’’.
SEC. 123. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR VIRGINIA
CLASS SUBMARINE PROGRAM.
(a) AUTHORITY FOR MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT.—Subject to sec-
tion 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the
Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for the
procurement of not more than 13 Virginia class submarines.
(b) AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT.—The Secretary
of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in
H. R. 2670—35
fiscal year 2024, for advance procurement associated with the Vir-
ginia class submarines for which authorization to enter into a
multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a)
and for equipment or subsystems associated with the Virginia class
submarine program, including procurement of—
(1) long lead time material; or
(2) material or equipment in economic order quantities
when cost savings are achievable.
(c) CONDITION FOR OUT-YEAR CONTRACT PAYMENTS.—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.
(d) LIMITATION ON TERMINATION LIABILITY.—A contract for the
construction of Virginia class submarines entered into under sub-
section (a) shall include a clause that limits the liability of the
United States to the contractor for any termination of the contract.
The maximum liability of the United States under the clause shall
be the amount appropriated for the submarines covered by the
contract regardless of the amount obligated under the contract.
(e) VIRGINIA CLASS SUBMARINE DEFINED.—The term ‘‘Virginia
class submarine’’ means a block VI configured Virginia class sub-
marine.
SEC. 124. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR AUXILIARY PERSONNEL
LIGHTER PROGRAM.
(a) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—Beginning in fiscal year 2024, the
Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for
the procurement of up to six Auxiliary Personnel Lighter class
vessels and associated material.
(b) LIABILITY.—Any contract entered into under subsection (a)
shall provide that—
(1) any obligation of the United States to make a payment
under the contract is subject to the availability of appropria-
tions for that purpose; and
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government for termi-
nation of the contract shall be limited to the total amount
of funding obligated to the contract at the time of termination.
SEC. 125. LIMITATION ON REDUCTIONS TO V–22 AIRCRAFT NACELLE
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) LIMITATION.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall upgrade not fewer than 24 V–22 aircraft
under the V–22 nacelle improvement program in accordance with
the plan for such program set forth in the budget of the President
for fiscal year 2024 (as submitted to Congress under section 1105(a)
of title 31, United States Code).
(b) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary of Defense may reduce the
number of aircraft upgraded under subsection (a) below 24 if the
Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that
such reduction is in the interests of national security.
SEC. 126. LIMITATION ON CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNMENT-OPER-
ATED DRY DOCKS IN CERTAIN CONTRACT SOLICITATIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—With respect to a solicitation of the Secretary
of the Navy for the award of a contract for private sector non-
nuclear surface ship maintenance in San Diego, California, the
H. R. 2670—36
Secretary shall ensure, in accordance with section 2466 of title
10, United States Code, that Government-operated dry docks are
only included in such solicitation if there is insufficient capacity
at privately-operated dry docks for performance of such contract.
(b) APPLICABILITY AND TERMINATION.—The prohibition under
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to solicitations for contracts
issued after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall termi-
nate on the date that is five years after such date of enactment.
SEC. 127. ANNUAL REPORTS ON USE OF GOVERNMENT DOCKS FOR
SHIP REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE.
Not later than June 30, 2024, and on an annual basis thereafter
through 2028, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report that—
(1) identifies each instance in the year preceding the date
of the report in which the Navy used a Government dock
for a ship repair and maintenance availability when sufficient
capacity was available in private docks during the period in
which such repairs and maintenance were expected to be per-
formed; and
(2) for each such instance, provides an explanation of the
reasons the Navy used a Government dock rather than a private
dock.
Subtitle D—Air Force Programs
SEC. 131. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF F–15 AIRCRAFT AND MODI-
FICATION OF RELATED REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
(a) LIMITATION.—Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(l)(1) During the period beginning on the date of the enactment
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
and ending on September 30, 2029, the Secretary of the Air Force
may not—
‘‘(A) retire more than 68 F–15E aircraft;
‘‘(B) reduce funding for unit personnel or weapon
system sustainment activities for retained F–15E aircraft
in a manner that presumes future congressional authority
to divest such aircraft; or
‘‘(C) keep an F–15E aircraft (other than an aircraft
identified for retirement under subparagraph (A)) in a
status considered excess to the requirements of the pos-
sessing command and awaiting disposition instructions
(commonly referred to as ‘XJ’ status).
‘‘(2) The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to
individual F–15E aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force deter-
mines, 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.’’.
(b) MODIFICATION TO REPORT REQUIRED BEFORE DIVESTMENT.—
Section 150 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2456)
is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(1)—
H. R. 2670—37
(A) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(E) for each F–15E aircraft that the Secretary plans
to divest, a description of—
‘‘(i) each upgrade and modification made to such
aircraft, including—
‘‘(I) the date of the upgrade or modification;
and
‘‘(II) the cost of such upgrade or modification
in current year dollars; and
‘‘(ii)
the
estimated
remaining
service-life
(expressed as equivalent flight hours and years) of—
‘‘(I) the aircraft; and
‘‘(II) the onboard systems of the aircraft.’’;
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section (c):
‘‘(c) ANNUAL UPDATES.—Not later than October 1, 2024, and
not later than October 1 of each year thereafter through 2029,
the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
‘‘(1) update the report required under subsection (b); and
‘‘(2) submit the updated report to the congressional defense
committees.’’.
(c) CLARIFICATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIMITATIONS.—
The authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to retire F–15E
aircraft to the extent allowed under subsection (l)(1)(A) of section
9062 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)
of this section) shall not apply until the Secretary complies with
the requirements of section 150 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–
263; 136 Stat. 2456) (as amended by subsection (b) of this section).
SEC. 132. LIMITATIONS AND MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENT
RELATING TO RQ–4 AIRCRAFT.
Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by
section 131, is further amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
‘‘(m)(1) During the period beginning on the date of the enact-
ment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2024 and ending on September 30, 2028, the Secretary of the
Air Force may not—
‘‘(A) retire an RQ–4 aircraft;
‘‘(B) reduce funding for unit personnel or weapon system
sustainment activities for RQ–4 aircraft in a manner that pre-
sumes future congressional authority to divest such aircraft;
‘‘(C) keep an RQ–4 aircraft in a status considered excess
to the requirements of the possessing command and awaiting
disposition instructions (commonly referred to as ‘XJ’ status);
or
‘‘(D) decrease the total aircraft inventory of RQ–4 aircraft
below 10 aircraft.
H. R. 2670—38
‘‘(2) The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to
individual RQ–4 aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force deter-
mines, 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.’’.
SEC. 133. TEMPORARY EXCEPTION TO MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIRE-
MENT FOR FIGHTER AIRCRAFT OF THE AIR FORCE.
(a) TEMPORARY AUTHORITY.—Notwithstanding section 9062(i)(1)
of title 10, United States Code, during the covered period, the
Secretary of the Air Force may decrease the total quantity of
fighter aircraft in the primary mission aircraft inventory of the
Air Force to not fewer than 1,112 aircraft.
(b) TERMINATION.—Following expiration of the covered period,
the minimum primary mission aircraft inventory requirements
specified in section 9062(i)(1) of title 10, United States Code, shall
apply as if this section had not been enacted.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered period’’ means the period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on October
1, 2024.
(2) The terms ‘‘fighter aircraft’’ and ‘‘primary mission air-
craft inventory’’ have the meanings given those terms in section
9062(i)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 134. MODIFICATION OF MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
FOR C–130 AIRCRAFT.
(a) MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENT.—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) is amended
by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2024’’.
(b) PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION OF C–130 AIRCRAFT ASSIGNED
TO NATIONAL GUARD.—Section 146(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455) is amended by striking ‘‘fiscal year
2023’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2023 and 2024’’.
SEC. 135. MODIFICATION OF ANNUAL REPORTS ON T–7A ADVANCED
PILOT TRAINING SYSTEM.
Section 156 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2460)
is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘through 2028’’ and
inserting ‘‘through 2033’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (11);
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new
paragraphs:
‘‘(9) A schedule risk assessment, conducted by the Secretary
of the Air Force at the 80 percent confidence level, that includes
risks associated with the overlap of the development, testing,
and production phases of the program and risks related to
contractor management.
‘‘(10) A plan for determining the conditions under which
the Secretary of the Air Force may accept production work
H. R. 2670—39
on the T–7A Advanced Pilot Training System that was com-
pleted by the contractor for the program in anticipation of
the Air Force ordering additional systems, but which was not
subject to typical production oversight because there was no
contract for the procurement of such additional systems in
effect when such work was performed.’’.
SEC. 136. MODIFICATION TO PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN REDUCTIONS
TO B–1 BOMBER AIRCRAFT SQUADRONS.
Section 133 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1574) is amended—
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall
not apply—
‘‘(1) to a bomb wing for which the Secretary of the Air
Force has commenced the process of replacing B–1 bomber
aircraft with B–21 bomber aircraft; or
‘‘(2) so as to prohibit the retirement of the individual B–
1 aircraft designated 85–0089, which has been determined by
Secretary of the Air Force to be no longer mission capable
and uneconomical to repair due to damage sustained on April
20, 2022.’’; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘and ending on Sep-
tember 30, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘and ending on September
30, 2026’’.
SEC. 137. MODIFICATION OF MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS
FOR A–10 AIRCRAFT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 134(d) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130
Stat. 2038), as amended by section 141(b)(1) of the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2452), is amended by striking
‘‘153 A–10 aircraft’’ and inserting ‘‘135 A–10 aircraft’’.
(b) POTENTIAL TRANSFER OF CERTAIN AIRCRAFT.—In the case
of any A–10 aircraft that is retired, prepared to retire, or placed
in storage using funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
or by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that
such aircraft is evaluated for potential transfer to the military
forces of a nation that is an ally or partner of the United States.
(c) REPEAL.—Section 142 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 755) is
amended—
(1) by striking subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as sub-
sections (b) through (d), respectively; and
(3) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘sub-
section (c)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (b)’’.
SEC. 138. PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR OVER-THE-HORIZON RADAR
SYSTEMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall seek
to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of up
to six over-the-horizon radar systems that meet the requirements
of the United States Northern Command with respect to the detec-
tion of increasingly complex threats.
H. R. 2670—40
(b) USE OF COMPETITIVE PROCEDURES AND SOLE-SOURCE CON-
TRACTS.—
(1) INITIAL CONTRACTS.—With respect to the award of a
contract for the procurement of the first two over-the-horizon
radar systems under subsection (a)—
(A) the Secretary of the Air Force may use procedures
other than competitive procedures (in accordance with sec-
tion 3204 of title 10, United States Code) if the Secretary
determines it is not feasible to use competitive procedures;
and
(B) if the Secretary makes a determination to award
a sole source contract for such procurement in order to
meet the requirements established by the Commander of
the United States Northern Command, not later than 14
days after making such determination, the Secretary shall
submit to the congressional defense committees a notifica-
tion of such determination, including the rationale for such
determination.
(2) SUBSEQUENT
CONTRACTS.—The Secretary of the Air
Force shall use competitive procedures for the award of a
contract for the procurement of the third and any subsequent
over-the-horizon radar systems under subsection (a).
(3) COMPETITIVE
PROCEDURES
DEFINED.—In this section,
the term ‘‘competitive procedures’’ has the meaning given that
term in section 3012 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 139. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR RETIREMENT
OF KC–135 AIRCRAFT.
(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided in subsection (b), none
of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise
made available for fiscal year 2024 for the Air Force may be obli-
gated or expended to retire, or prepare to retire, a KC–135 aircraft.
(b) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not
apply to individual KC–135 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.
SEC. 140. PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION OF KC–135 AIRCRAFT IN PMAI
OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS.
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year
2024 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce
the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission air-
craft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force.
(b) PRIMARY MISSION AIRCRAFT INVENTORY DEFINED.—In this
section, the term ‘‘primary mission aircraft inventory’’ has the
meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United
States Code.
SEC. 141. LIMITATION ON ISSUANCE OF ACQUISITION STRATEGY FOR
THE KC–135 RECAPITALIZATION PROGRAM.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not issue an acquisition
strategy for the KC–135 recapitalization program until the date
on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense
committees the following documentation:
H. R. 2670—41
(1) An updated tanker roadmap timeline to include procure-
ment of the Next Generation Air Refueling System.
(2) The business case analysis of the Air Force for the
KC–135 recapitalization program.
(3) Validated requirements from the Joint Staff for the
contract competition under the KC–135 recapitalization pro-
gram.
SEC. 142. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN REDUCTIONS TO INVENTORY OF
E–3 AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM AIR-
CRAFT.
(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided in subsections (b) and
(c), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for the Air Force
may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or place
in storage or in backup aircraft inventory any E–3 aircraft if such
actions would reduce the total aircraft inventory of such aircraft
below 16.
(b) EXCEPTION FOR PLAN.—If the Secretary of the Air Force
submits to the congressional defense committees a plan for
maintaining readiness and ensuring there is no lapse in mission
capabilities, the prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply
to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory of E–3 aircraft
to below 16, beginning 30 days after the date on which the plan
is so submitted.
(c) EXCEPTION
FOR E–7 PROCUREMENT.—If the Secretary of
the Air Force procures enough E–7 Wedgetail aircraft to accomplish
the required mission load, the prohibition under subsection (a)
shall not apply to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory
of E–3 aircraft to below 16 after the date on which such E–7
Wedgetail aircraft are delivered.
SEC. 143. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TERMI-
NATION OF PRODUCTION LINES FOR THE HH–60W AIR-
CRAFT.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for the Air Force
may be obligated or expended to terminate the operations of, or
to prepare to terminate the operations of, a production line for
HH–60W Combat Rescue Helicopters.
SEC. 144. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF F–16C/D AIRCRAFT.
(a) LIMITATION.—Beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act and except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary
of the Air Force may not retire, prepare to retire, or place in
storage or on backup aircraft inventory status any F–16C/D aircraft
until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which
the Secretary submits the report required under section 148.
(b) EXCEPTION.—The limitation under subsection (a) shall not
apply to individual F–16C/D 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.
(c) INFORMATION
TO CONGRESS.—For each F–16C/D aircraft
that the Secretary of the Air Force proposes to retire in a fiscal
year, the Secretary shall include, in the materials submitted by
the Secretary in support of the budget of the President for that
H. R. 2670—42
fiscal year (as submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of
title 31, United States Code), a description of—
(1) each upgrade and modification made to such aircraft,
including—
(A) the date of the upgrade or modification; and
(B) the cost of such upgrade or modification in current
year dollars; and
(2) the estimated remaining service-life (expressed as
equivalent flight hours and years) of—
(A) the aircraft; and
(B) the onboard systems of the aircraft.
SEC. 145. LIMITATION ON PROCUREMENT OF KC–46A AIRCRAFT.
(a) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of the Air Force may not pro-
cure more than six KC–46A aircraft under the final lot of the
covered contract unless—
(1)(A) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense
committees written notice of the intent of the Secretary to
procure more than six KC–46A aircraft under the final lot
of the covered contract; and
(B) a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date
on which such notice was submitted; or
(2) the Secretary submits to the congressional defense
committees written certification by the Assistant Secretary of
the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics that—
(A) there are validated needs of the Air Force requiring
the procurement more than six KC–46A aircraft under
the final lot of the covered contract; and
(B) cost estimates are complete for the long-term
sustainment of any additional aircraft planned to be pro-
cured.
(b) COVERED CONTRACT DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered contract’’ means the contract for the procurement of KC–
46A aircraft entered into between the Department of the Air Force
and the Boeing Company that is in effect as of the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 146. LIMITATION ON ACTIONS RELATING TO REMOTE VISION SYS-
TEMS OF KC–46A AIRCRAFT.
(a) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of the Air Force may not take
any action described in subsection (b) until the date on which
the Secretary certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and the House of Representatives that—
(1) the Secretary has identified a solution to fix the remote
vision systems of KC–46A aircraft; and
(2) such solution resolves all issues identified in the cat-
egory 1 deficiency reports for such systems, except for issues
relating to the panoramic system.
(b) ACTIONS DESCRIBED.—The actions described in this sub-
section are the following:
(1) Approving the incorporation of version 2.0 of the KC–
46A remote vision system into production aircraft (other than
an aircraft specifically used to test and validate that version
of the system).
(2) Retrofitting aircraft with version 2.0 of the KC–46A
remote vision system (other than an aircraft specifically used
to test and validate that version of the system).
H. R. 2670—43
SEC. 147. LIMITATION ON RETIREMENT OF T–1A TRAINING AIRCRAFT.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not retire, prepare to
retire, or place in storage or on backup aircraft inventory status
any T–1A training aircraft until the date on which the Secretary
submits to the congressional defense committees—
(1) a certification indicating that the Secretary has com-
pleted the full, fleet-wide implementation of the Undergraduate
Pilot Training curriculum (formerly known as the ‘‘Under-
graduate Pilot Training 2.5’’ curriculum); and
(2) a written assessment of—
(A) the effect of the implementation of the Under-
graduate Pilot Training curriculum on the availability and
training completion rates of undergraduate pilot trainees;
and
(B) how the retirement of T–1A training aircraft may
affect programs and initiatives of the Air Force to accelerate
the rate at which pilots complete training.
SEC. 148. PLAN FOR LONG-TERM AIR FORCE FIGHTER FORCE STRUC-
TURE.
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Air Force, in con-
sultation with the Director of the Air National Guard and the
Commander of the Air Force Reserve, shall develop a long-term
tactical fighter force structure, recapitalization, training, and
sustainment plan for the active and reserve components of the
Air Force.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The plan under subsection (a) shall address
each of the following:
(1) The appropriate mix of tactical fighter aircraft force
structure, with accompanying operational risk analyses,
required for the Secretary of the Air Force to meet expected
steady-state, global force management allocation plans and geo-
graphical combatant commander contingency operational plans
tasked to the Air Force using active and reserve component
units.
(2) The procurement, divestment, unit activation, deactiva-
tion, or re-missioning plans or actions the Secretary plans
to implement, fiscal year-by-fiscal year, unit-by-unit, for the
next 12 years for each active and reserve component tactical
fighter aircraft unit existing as of the date of the enactment
of this Act, including the rationale and justification for any
such plans or actions.
(3) The actions the Secretary will take to ensure that
required operational readiness rates are maintained during
any planned recapitalization, modernization, or change of mis-
sion affecting tactical fighter aircraft units.
(4) Any plans of the Secretary to augment or supplant
existing piloted tactical fighter aircraft capability or capacity
with Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 or Increment
2 capability or capacity.
(5) Any plans of the Secretary to augment or supplant
existing piloted tactical fighter aircraft training events via
acquisition and fielding of common, joint, all-domain, high-
fidelity synthetic simulation environments.
(c) REPORT.—Not later than April 1, 2024, the Secretary of
the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report that includes the plan developed under subsection (a).
H. R. 2670—44
(d) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required under subsection
(c) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a
classified annex.
Subtitle E—Defense-wide, Joint, and
Multiservice Matters
SEC. 151. ANNUAL REPORT ON FORCE STRUCTURE CHANGES EXHIBIT
FOR THE DEFENSE BUDGET.
Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 233 the following new section:
‘‘§ 233a. Annual report on force structure changes exhibit
for the defense budget
‘‘(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 10 days after the date
on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted
to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report on any major weapon systems proposed to be divested,
re-prioritized, or retired in such budget.
‘‘(b) CONTENTS.—Each report under subsection (a) shall include
the following:
‘‘(1) Identification of each major weapon system the Sec-
retary of Defense proposes to divest, re-prioritize, or retire
in the period of five fiscal years following the date of the
report.
‘‘(2) Budget line-item details related to each major weapon
system identified under paragraph (1).
‘‘(3) For each proposed divestment, re-prioritization, or
retirement, an explanation of—
‘‘(A) the timeline for the divestment, re-prioritization,
or retirement, including any factors that may affect such
timelines positively or negatively;
‘‘(B) any cost savings associated with the divestment,
re-prioritization, or retirement;
‘‘(C) the rationale for the divestment, re-prioritization,
or retirement, including a qualitative description of the
risk associated with the divestment, re-prioritization, or
retirement based on the most recent National Defense
Strategy (as of the date of the report);
‘‘(D) any critical dependencies with other program
efforts that might affect the timeline for such divestment,
reprioritization, or retirement;
‘‘(E) the expected disposition of the weapon system
after divestment, re-prioritization or retirement; and
‘‘(F) identification of the system or systems that are
expected to satisfy the military requirements that were
fulfilled by the weapon system once the divestment, re-
prioritization, or retirement of that weapon system is com-
pleted.
‘‘(c) RELATIONSHIP
TO
OTHER
REPORTS.—The Secretary of
Defense shall ensure that the report required under subsection
(a) is deconflicted with the report required under section 222e
of this title.
H. R. 2670—45
‘‘(d) MAJOR WEAPON SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this section, the
term ‘major weapon system’ has the meaning given that term
in section 3455(f) of this title.’’.
SEC. 152. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR DOMESTI-
CALLY PROCESSED CRITICAL MINERALS.
(a) AUTHORITY FOR MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT.—Subject to sec-
tion 3501 of title 10, United States Code, and from amounts made
available by discretionary appropriations Acts from the National
Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund (as established under section
9(a) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50
U.S.C. 98h(a))) after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear contracts
for the procurement of critical minerals that are processed in the
United States by domestic sources.
(b) APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MATERIALS STOCK
PILING ACT.—A multiyear contract entered into under this section
shall be deemed to be an acquisition under the Strategic and
Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.).
(c) AUTHORITY
FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT.—The Secretary
of Defense may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in
fiscal year 2024, for advance procurement associated with the
domestically processed critical minerals for which authorization
to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under
subsection (a).
(d) CONDITION FOR OUT-YEAR CONTRACT PAYMENTS.—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 2024 is subject to the availability
of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal
year.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘critical mineral’’ means a mineral determined
to be a strategic and critical material under section 3(a) of
the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C.
98b(a)).
(2) The term ‘‘processed’’ means the processing or recycling
of a critical mineral or magnet, including the separation, reduc-
tion, metallization, alloying, milling, pressing, strip casting,
and sintering of a critical mineral.
(3) The term ‘‘domestic source’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 702 of the Defense Production Act of
1950 (50 U.S.C. 4552).
SEC. 153. PROHIBITION ON SOLICITATION OF PROPRIETARY ARMOR
FOR CERTAIN TACTICAL VEHICLES.
(a) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Defense may not include
in a solicitation for a tactical tracked vehicle or tactical wheeled
vehicle a requirement that such vehicle use proprietary armor.
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to a contract
for the procurement of a tactical tracked vehicle or tactical wheeled
vehicle entered into before the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 154. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR PROCURE-
MENT OF CERTAIN BATTERIES.
(a) LIMITATION.—Beginning on October 1, 2027, none of the
funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available
for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to
H. R. 2670—46
procure a battery produced by an entity specified in subsection
(b).
(b) ENTITIES SPECIFIED.—The entities specified in this sub-
section are the following:
(1) Contemporary Amperex Technology Company, Limited
(also known as ‘‘CATL’’).
(2) BYD Company, Limited.
(3) Envision Energy, Limited.
(4) EVE Energy Company, Limited.
(5) Gotion High tech Company, Limited.
(6) Hithium Energy Storage Technology company, Limited.
(7) Any successor to an entity specified in paragraphs (1)
through (6).
(c) TREATMENT OF PRODUCTION.—For purposes of this section,
a battery shall be treated as produced by an entity specified in
subsection (b) if that entity—
(1) assembles or manufactures the final product; or
(2) creates or otherwise provides a majority of the compo-
nents used in the battery.
(d) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the limita-
tion under subsection (a).
TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,
TEST, AND EVALUATION
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations
Sec. 211. Annual report on unfunded priorities of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering.
Sec. 212. Delegation of responsibility for certain research programs.
Sec. 213. Modification to personnel management authority to attract experts in
science and engineering.
Sec. 214. Clarifying role of partnership intermediaries to promote defense research
and education.
Sec. 215. Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office.
Sec. 216. Modification of support for research and development of bioindustrial
manufacturing processes.
Sec. 217. Modification to administration of the Advanced Sensors Application Pro-
gram.
Sec. 218. Matters pertaining to hypersonic capabilities and testing strategies.
Sec. 219. Improvements to defense quantum information science and technology re-
search and development program.
Sec. 220. Application of public-private talent exchange programs in the Department
of Defense to quantum information sciences and technology research.
Sec. 221. Support for protection of sensitive research performed on behalf of the
Department of Defense.
Sec. 222. Support to the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.
Sec. 223. Consortium on use of additive manufacturing for defense capability devel-
opment.
Sec. 224. Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems development program
accountability matrices.
Sec. 225. Continuous capability development and delivery program for F–35 air-
craft.
Sec. 226. F–35 propulsion and thermal management modernization program.
Sec. 227. Establishment or expansion of University Affiliated Research Centers for
critical materials.
Sec. 228. Policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data
link network.
Sec. 229. Rapid response to emergent technology advancements or threats.
Sec. 230. Pilot program to commercialize prototypes of the Department of the Air
Force.
H. R. 2670—47
Sec. 231. Pilot program on near-term quantum computing applications.
Sec. 232. Pilot program to facilitate access to advanced technology developed by
small businesses for ground vehicle systems of the Army.
Sec. 233. Limitation on availability of funds pending documentation on Future At-
tack Reconnaissance Aircraft program.
Subtitle C—Energetics and Other Munitions Matters
Sec. 241. Joint Energetics Transition Office.
Sec. 242. Consideration of lethality in the analysis of alternatives for munitions.
Sec. 243. Pilot program on incorporation of the CL20 compound in certain weapon
systems.
Sec. 244. Limitation on sourcing chemical materials for munitions from certain
countries.
Sec. 245. Defense industrial base munition surge capacity critical reserve.
Subtitle D—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters
Sec. 251. Congressional notification of changes to Department of Defense policy on
autonomy in weapon systems.
Sec. 252. Audit to identify diversion of Department of Defense funding to China’s
research labs.
Sec. 253. Annual review of status of implementation plan for digital engineering ca-
reer tracks.
Subtitle A—Authorization of
Appropriations
SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 for the use of the Department of Defense for research, develop-
ment, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding table in
section 4201.
Subtitle B—Program Requirements,
Restrictions, and Limitations
SEC. 211. ANNUAL REPORT ON UNFUNDED PRIORITIES OF THE UNDER
SECRETARY
OF
DEFENSE
FOR
RESEARCH
AND
ENGINEERING.
Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 222d the following new section:
‘‘§ 222e. Unfunded priorities of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering: annual
report
‘‘(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 10 days after the date
on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted
to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Secretary
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report on the unfunded priorities of the Department of Defense
related to activities for which the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering has authority.
‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection (c),
each report submitted under subsection (a) shall specify, for
each unfunded priority covered by such report, the following:
‘‘(A) A summary description of such priority, including
the objectives to be achieved if such priority is funded
(whether in whole or in part).
H. R. 2670—48
‘‘(B) The additional amount of funds recommended in
connection with the objectives under subparagraph (A).
‘‘(C) Account information with respect to such priority,
including the following (as applicable):
‘‘(i) Line Item Number (LIN) for applicable procure-
ment accounts.
‘‘(ii) Program Element (PE) number for applicable
research, development, test, and evaluation accounts.
‘‘(2) PRIORITIZATION OF PRIORITIES.—The report under sub-
section (a) shall present the unfunded priorities covered by
such report in order of urgency of priority.
‘‘(c) EXCLUSION OF PRIORITIES COVERED IN OTHER REPORTS.—
The report submitted under subsection (a) shall not include
unfunded priorities or requirements covered in reports submitted
under—
‘‘(1) section 222a or 222b of this title; or
‘‘(2) section 2806 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 222a
note).
‘‘(d) FORM OF REPORT.—Each report submitted under subsection
(a) shall be submitted in classified form, but may include an
unclassified summary as the Secretary considers appropriate.
‘‘(e) UNFUNDED PRIORITY DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘unfunded priority’, in the case of a fiscal year, means a program,
activity, or mission requirement, that—
‘‘(1) is not funded in the budget of the President for the
fiscal year as submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105
of title 31; and
‘‘(2) would have been recommended for funding through
that budget if—
‘‘(A) additional resources had been available for the
budget to fund the program, activity, or mission require-
ment; or
‘‘(B) the program, activity, or mission requirement has
emerged since the budget was formulated.’’.
SEC. 212. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CERTAIN RESEARCH
PROGRAMS.
Section 980(b) of title 10, United Stated Code, is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘The Secretary’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) The Secretary may delegate the authority provided by
paragraph (1) to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research
and Engineering.’’.
SEC. 213. MODIFICATION TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
TO ATTRACT EXPERTS IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
Section 4092(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘, of which not more
than 5 such positions may be positions of administration or
management of the Agency’’; and
(2) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
‘‘(4) during any fiscal year—
‘‘(A) pay up to 15 individuals newly appointed pursuant
to paragraph (1)(B) the travel, transportation, and reloca-
tion expenses and services described under sections 5724,
5724a, and 5724c of title 5; and
H. R. 2670—49
‘‘(B) pay up to 15 individuals previously appointed
pursuant to such paragraph, upon separation, the travel,
transportation, and relocation expenses and services
described under such sections (as applicable).’’.
SEC. 214. CLARIFYING ROLE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERMEDIARIES TO
PROMOTE DEFENSE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.
Section 4124(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘that assists’’ and inserting the following:
‘‘that—
‘‘(A) assists’’;
(2) in subparagraph (A), as designated by paragraph (1),
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
‘‘(B) facilitates technology transfer from industry or aca-
demic institutions to a Center; or
‘‘(C) assists and facilitates workforce development in critical
technology areas for technology transition activities to fulfill
unmet needs of a Center.’’.
SEC. 215. NAVAL AIR WARFARE RAPID CAPABILITIES OFFICE.
Chapter 803 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 8029. Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established within the Depart-
ment of the Navy an office to be known as the Naval Air Warfare
Rapid Capabilities Office (in this section referred to as the ‘Office’).
‘‘(b) HEAD OF OFFICE.—The head of the Office shall be the
designee of the Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command.
‘‘(c) MISSION.—The mission of the Office shall be—
‘‘(1) to fulfill naval and joint military operational require-
ments by supporting the identification and rapid development
of—
‘‘(A) new naval aviation weapons and airborne elec-
tronic warfare capabilities;
‘‘(B) innovative applications for existing naval aviation
weapons and airborne electronic warfare capabilities; and
‘‘(C) other innovative solutions to enhance the effective-
ness of naval aviation weapons and airborne electronic
warfare capabilities; and
‘‘(2) to contribute to the rapid experimentation, develop-
ment, testing, and fielding of unclassified and classified naval
aviation weapons and airborne electronic warfare capabilities.
‘‘(d) ACQUISITION AUTHORITIES.—
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—To procure goods or services for the
Office, the senior contracting official (as defined in section
1737 of this title) and any members of the acquisition workforce
for the Department of the Navy may use—
‘‘(A) any applicable pathway of the adaptive acquisition
framework (as described in Department of Defense Instruc-
tion 5000.02, ‘Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Frame-
work’); and
‘‘(B) any other alternative acquisition pathway that
allows for accelerated or flexible methods of contracting.
H. R. 2670—50
‘‘(2) INAPPLICABILITY
OF
JCIDS.—The Joint Capabilities
Integration and Development System process shall not apply
to procurements described in paragraph (1).
‘‘(e) REQUIRED PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—The Secretary of the Navy
shall ensure, within budget program elements for naval air warfare
programs, that—
‘‘(1) there are separate, dedicated program elements for
naval air warfare rapid capabilities; and
‘‘(2) the Office executes the responsibilities of the Office
using such program elements.
‘‘(f) EXECUTIVE OVERSIGHT BOARD.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—There is an executive oversight board
for the Office which shall consist of the officials specified in
paragraph (2). The executive oversight board shall provide
prioritization, oversight, and approval of projects of the Office.
‘‘(2) OFFICIALS SPECIFIED.—The officials specified in this
paragraph are the following:
‘‘(A) The Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
‘‘(B) The Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
‘‘(C) The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research,
Development and Acquisition.
‘‘(D) The Commander of the Naval Air Systems Com-
mand.
‘‘(g) ANNUAL REPORTS AND BRIEFINGS.—
‘‘(1) REPORT.—On an annual basis, the head of the Office
shall submit to the executive oversight board described in sub-
section (f) a report on the activities of the Office.
‘‘(2) BRIEFING.—On an annual basis following the submittal
of the report under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary
of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition shall
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives a briefing on the activities
of the Office.
‘‘(3) ELEMENTS.—Each report under paragraph (1) and
briefing under paragraph (2) shall include, with respect to
the year preceding the date of the report or briefing (as
applicable), a description of—
‘‘(A) funding allocations for the projects of the Office;
‘‘(B) capability gaps addressed by the Office;
‘‘(C) the progress of the Office in experimenting, devel-
oping, testing, and fielding capabilities described in sub-
section (c); and
‘‘(D) any barriers to the ability of the Office to carry
out its mission, including any legislative or regulatory bar-
riers.’’.
SEC. 216. MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOP-
MENT OF BIOINDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.
Section 215(c)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10
U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended by inserting ‘‘pharmaceutical biologics
and associated precursor materials,’’ after ‘‘commodity chemicals,’’.
SEC. 217. MODIFICATION TO ADMINISTRATION OF THE ADVANCED
SENSORS APPLICATION PROGRAM.
Section 218 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2476)
is amended—
H. R. 2670—51
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘The Commander
of Naval Air Systems Command and the Director of Air
Warfare shall jointly serve as the resource sponsors’’ and
inserting ‘‘The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
and Security, acting through the Director of the Concepts,
Development, and Management Office of the Air Force,
shall serve as the resource sponsor’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘The resource sponsors
of the Program shall be responsible’’ and inserting ‘‘The
resource sponsor of the Program, in consultation with the
Commander of Naval Air Systems Command, shall be
responsible’’;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘Only the Secretary of
the Navy, the Under Secretary of the Navy, and the Com-
mander of Naval Air Systems Command may’’ and inserting
‘‘Only the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Secu-
rity and the Director of the Concepts, Development, and
Management Office of the Air Force, in consultation with the
Commander of Naval Air Systems Command, may’’; and
(3) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ‘‘exercised by the Com-
mander of Naval Air Systems Command, the Secretary of the
Navy, or the Under Secretary of the Navy’’ and inserting ‘‘exer-
cised by the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and
Security, the Director of the Concepts, Development, and
Management Office of the Air Force, or the Commander of
Naval Air Systems Command’’.
SEC. 218. MATTERS PERTAINING TO HYPERSONIC CAPABILITIES AND
TESTING STRATEGIES.
(a) BIENNIAL UPDATES TO HYPERSONICS TESTING STRATEGY.—
Section 237(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2492) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4) BIENNIAL UPDATES.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than once every
two years after the submittal of the initial strategy under
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall—
‘‘(i) revise and update the strategy; and
‘‘(ii) submit the revised and updated strategy to
the appropriate congressional committees.
‘‘(B) SUNSET.—The requirement to prepare and submit
updates under this paragraph shall terminate on December
31, 2030.’’.
(b) LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING SUBMITTAL
OF STRATEGY.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024, and available
for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research
and Engineering for the travel of persons, not more than 90 percent
may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary
of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees the
strategy required under section 237(c)(1) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136
Stat. 2492).
(c) EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL HYPERSONIC TEST RANGES.—
(1) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study
to evaluate not fewer than two possible locations in the United
H. R. 2670—52
States, selected in consultation with the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering, that have potential
to be used as additional corridors for long-distance hypersonic
system testing.
(2) ACTIVITIES
UNDER
NATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY
ACT.—Following the completion of the study under paragraph
(1), the Secretary of Defense shall initiate any activities
required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in connection with the conduct of
long-distance hypersonic system testing at the locations evalu-
ated under the study.
(3) REPORT.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate, and the Committee on Natural Resources of
the House of Representatives a report on the results of the
study conducted under paragraph (1).
(d) ANNUAL
REPORT
ON
FUNDING
AND
INVESTMENTS
IN
HYPERSONIC CAPABILITIES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2024, and not
later than March 1 of each year thereafter through 2030, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report on the funding and investments of the
Department of Defense relating to hypersonic capabilities,
including any funding or investments with respect to the
procurement, research, development, test, and evaluation, and
operation
and
maintenance
of
offensive
and
defensive
hypersonic weapons.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) include cost data on the hypersonic capabilities
of the Department of Defense, including vehicles, develop-
mental and operational testing, hypersonic sensors, com-
mand and control architectures, infrastructure, testing
infrastructure,
software,
workforce,
training,
ranges,
integration costs, and such other items as the Secretary
of Defense considers appropriate;
(B) to the extent applicable, for each item included
in the report, identify whether such item relates to an
offensive or defensive hypersonic capability;
(C) with respect to any research and development
activities covered by the report, identify—
(i) the program element for the activity;
(ii) the name of the entity that is carrying out
the activity; and
(iii) the purpose of the activity; and
(D) to the extent applicable, with respect to any
developmental ground and flight testing and operational
test and evaluation activities covered by the report, iden-
tify—
(i) the program element for the activity;
(ii) the name of the entity that is carrying out
the activity; and
(iii) the purpose of the activity.
(3) FORM.—Each report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a
classified annex.
H. R. 2670—53
SEC. 219. IMPROVEMENTS TO DEFENSE QUANTUM INFORMATION
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOP-
MENT PROGRAM.
Section 234 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C.
4001 note) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new sub-
sections:
‘‘(f) FELLOWSHIPS.—
‘‘(1) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.—In carrying out the program
under subsection (a) and subject to the availability of appropria-
tions to carry out this subsection, the Secretary may carry
out a program of fellowships in quantum information science
and technology research and development for individuals who
have a graduate or postgraduate degree.
‘‘(2) EQUAL ACCESS.—In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Secretary may establish procedures to ensure
that minority, geographically diverse, and economically dis-
advantaged students have equal access to fellowship opportuni-
ties under such program.
‘‘(g) MULTIDISCIPLINARY PARTNERSHIPS WITH UNIVERSITIES.—
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary
of Defense may develop partnerships with universities to enable
students to engage in multidisciplinary courses of study.’’.
SEC. 220. APPLICATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE TALENT EXCHANGE PRO-
GRAMS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO QUANTUM
INFORMATION SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Using the authority provided under section
1599g of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense
shall seek to establish public-private talent exchange programs
with private-sector entities working on quantum information
sciences and technology research applications.
(b) MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.—Each public-private
talent exchange program established under subsection (a) may
include not more than 10 program participants.
(c) PROGRAM PARTICIPANT DEFINED.—For purposes of sub-
section (b), the term ‘‘program participant’’ includes—
(1) an employee of the Department of Defense who is
assigned to a private-sector organization pursuant to subsection
(a); and
(2) an employee of a private-sector organization who is
assigned to a Department of Defense organization pursuant
to such subsection.
SEC. 221. SUPPORT FOR PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE RESEARCH PER-
FORMED ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,
may enter into contracts or other agreements with one or more
eligible entities to assist institutions of higher education in pro-
tecting sensitive research performed on behalf of the Department
of Defense.
(b) ACTIVITIES.—An eligible entity that enters into a contract
or other agreement with the Secretary of Defense under subsection
(a) shall carry out activities to assist institutions of higher education
H. R. 2670—54
in protecting sensitive research performed on behalf of the Depart-
ment of Defense. Such activities may include—
(1) conducting effective due diligence in vetting visiting
scholars;
(2) assisting institutions in meeting applicable research
security requirements, including through the use of common
procedures and practices and shared infrastructure, as appro-
priate;
(3) providing training to employees and offices of the
institution that have responsibilities relating to research secu-
rity; and
(4) providing advice and assistance to institutions in estab-
lishing and maintaining research security programs.
(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In selecting an entity to receive a con-
tract or other agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Defense shall consider the following:
(1) Geographic diversity and the extent to which the entity
is able to maximize coverage of different regions of the United
States.
(2) Any ratings of the entity made by the Defense Counter-
intelligence and Security Agency as part of the Agency’s annual
security vulnerability assessment ratings.
(3) Whether and to what extent the entity uses best prac-
tices for research security as outlined by the National Institute
of Standards and Technology.
(4) The entity’s demonstrated excellence in security pro-
grams, including receipt of awards for excellence in counter-
intelligence and outstanding achievement in industrial security.
(d) PERFORMANCE METRICS.—The Secretary of Defense shall
establish metrics to measure the performance of each entity with
which the Secretary enters into a contract or other agreement
under subsection (a).
(e) NOTIFICATION AND REPORT.—For any year in which the
Secretary of Defense exercises the authority provided under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that—
(1) identifies each eligible entity with which the Secretary
entered into a contract or other agreement under such sub-
section; and
(2) evaluates the performance of the entity.
(f) ELIGIBLE
ENTITY
DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘eligible entity’’ means—
(1) an entity the Secretary of Defense determines to be
eligible to participate in the activities authorized under this
section; or
(2) a consortium composed of two or more such entities.
SEC. 222. SUPPORT TO THE DEFENCE INNOVATION ACCELERATOR FOR
THE NORTH ATLANTIC.
(a) AUTHORITY.—Subject to the availability of appropriations,
the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering, is authorized to make avail-
able not more than $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2029 to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for the joint fund
established for the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North
H. R. 2670—55
Atlantic (DIANA) initiative (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Initia-
tive’’) to sustain the participation of the United States in such
initiative.
(b) NOTIFICATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 15 days after each instance
in which the Secretary of Defense provides funds to the Initia-
tive pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees writ-
ten notice that such funds were provided.
(2) CONTENTS.—Each notification submitted under para-
graph (1) shall include the following:
(A) The total amount of funding provided under sub-
section (a) together with a detailed breakdown showing
the specific amounts and purposes for which such funds
are intended to be used, if any.
(B) The time period for which such funds are provided.
(c) STRATEGY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than July 1, 2024, the Secretary
of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering, shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a strategy for participation by the
United States in the Initiative.
(2) CONTENTS.—The strategy under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of how the Initiative fits into the
science, technology, and innovation activities of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and how the Initiative is syn-
chronized with and expected to interact with other science,
technology, and innovation activities of the Department
of Defense.
(B) The anticipated funding profile for the Initiative
across the period covered by the most recent future-years
defense program submitted to Congress under section 221
of title 10, United States Code (as of the date of the
strategy).
(C) Identification of key technology focus areas to be
addressed each year under the Initiative across such period.
(D) A description of any anticipated areas of expansion
in the Initiative, including any anticipated expansion of
the Initiative to or within key nodes or locations that
have strategic value for national security and where there
is also a significant presence of technology-oriented startup
businesses.
(E) A description of how the Initiative is expected
to contribute to fostering the spread of innovation through-
out the United States.
(d) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than September 1, 2024, and
not later than February 1 of each year thereafter through 2030,
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees an annual report on—
(1) the activities of the Initiative that were supported by
the Department of Defense under subsection (a) in the year
preceding the date of the report; and
(2) any key milestones or other objectives that were
achieved under the initiative in such year.
H. R. 2670—56
(e) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the congressional defense committees;
(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives; and
(3) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
SEC. 223. CONSORTIUM ON USE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FOR
DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish
a consortium to facilitate the use of additive manufacturing for
the development of capabilities for the Department of Defense.
The consortium shall be known as the ‘‘Consortium on Additive
Manufacturing for Defense Capability Development’’ (referred to
in this section as the ‘‘Consortium’’).
(b) COMPOSITION.—The Consortium shall be composed of quali-
fied organizations, selected by the Secretary of Defense, that have
functions and expertise relevant to additive manufacturing. At a
minimum, the Consortium shall include the following:
(1) Representation from one or more science and technology
reinvention laboratories (as designated under section 4121 of
title 10, United States Code) from each of the military depart-
ments, which may include—
(A) from the Department of the Army—
(i) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Army Research Laboratory;
(ii) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Aviation and Missile Center;
(iii) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Armaments Center;
(iv) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Ground Vehicle Systems Center;
(v) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Soldier Center;
(vi) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Chemical Biological Center;
(vii) the Combat Capabilities Development Com-
mand, Command, Control, Communications, Com-
puters, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Recon-
naissance Center; and
(viii) the Space and Missile Defense Command,
Technical Center;
(ix) the Engineer Research and Development
Center;
(x) the Medical Research and Development Com-
mand; and
(xi) the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral
and Social Sciences;
(B) from the Department of the Navy—
(i) the Naval Research Laboratory;
(ii) the Office of Naval Research;
(iii) the Naval Air Systems Command Warfare
Centers;
H. R. 2670—57
(iv) the Naval Sea Systems Command Warfare
Centers;
(v) the Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center;
(vi) the Naval Medical Research Center; and
(vii) the Naval Information Warfare Centers,
Atlantic and Pacific; and
(C) from the Department of the Air Force—
(i) the Air Force Research Laboratory; and
(ii) the Joint Warfighting Analysis Center.
(2) Representation from one or more maintenance, logistics,
or sustainment organizations from each of the military depart-
ments.
(3) One or more organizations from private sector industry.
(4) One or more institutions of higher education or other
research institutions.
(c) ACTIVITIES.—The Consortium shall—
(1) facilitate the use of additive manufacturing—
(A) to significantly reduce logistic footprints, material
costs, and delivery lead-times; and
(B) to extended logistical supply chain dependencies
that often challenge weapon system readiness for forward
deployed warfighters;
(2) develop standards and a certification process for the
use of additive manufacturing in safety-critical applications,
including additive material and part certification requirements
for additive manufactured items intended for use in military
vehicles;
(3) evaluate, adapt, or apply the standards developed in
the commercial sector, or new process approaches for additive
manufacturing that may be of use to the Department of
Defense;
(4) as directed by an organization of the Department of
Defense
included
in
the
Consortium,
conduct
reverse
engineering (including testing and certification) for critical
parts which may have limited sources of supply;
(5) use data standards, common repositories, and informa-
tion security to track, store, and secure technical data relating
to additive manufacturing and ensure the interoperability of
such data; and
(6) conduct comparative cost analyses for new and emerging
additive manufacturing approaches, including assessments of
life-cycle costs for tooling, training, and intellectual property
needed to sustain such approaches.
SEC. 224. NEXT GENERATION AIR DOMINANCE FAMILY OF SYSTEMS
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY MATRICES.
(a) SUBMITTAL OF MATRICES.—Concurrent with the submission
of the budget of the President to Congress pursuant to section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2025—
(1) the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the
congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General
of the United States the matrices described in subsection (b)
relating to the Next Generation Air Dominance piloted fighter
aircraft and the autonomous, uncrewed Collaborative Combat
Aircraft programs of the Air Force; and
H. R. 2670—58
(2) the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees and the Comptroller General of the
United States the matrices described in subsection (b) relating
to the Next Generation Air Dominance piloted fighter aircraft
and the autonomous, uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft
programs of the Navy and the Marine Corps.
(b) MATRICES DESCRIBED.—The matrices described in this sub-
section are the following:
(1) ENGINEERING
MANUFACTURING
AND
DEVELOPMENT
GOALS.—A matrix that identifies, in six month increments,
key milestones, development and testing events, and specific
performance goals for the engineering manufacturing and
development phase (referred to in this section as the ‘‘EMD
phase’’) of the programs described in subsection (a), and which
shall be subdivided, at a minimum, according to the following:
(A) Technology readiness levels of major components
and subsystems and key demonstration and testing events.
(B) Design maturity.
(C) Software maturity.
(D) Subsystem and system-level integration maturity.
(E) Manufacturing readiness levels for critical manu-
facturing operations and key demonstration and testing
events.
(F) Manufacturing operations.
(G) System verification, validation, and key flight test
events.
(H) Reliability.
(I) Availability for flight operations.
(J) Maintainability.
(2) COST.—A matrix expressing, in six month increments,
the total cost for the Secretary’s service cost position for the
EMD phase and low initial rate of production lots of the pro-
grams described in subsection (a) and a matrix expressing
the total cost for the prime contractor’s estimate for such EMD
phase and production lots, both of which shall be phased over
the entire EMD period and subdivided according to the costs
of the following:
(A) Air vehicle.
(B) Propulsion.
(C) Mission systems.
(D) Vehicle subsystems.
(E) Air vehicle software.
(F) Systems engineering.
(G) Program management.
(H) System test and evaluation.
(I) Support and training systems.
(J) Contract fee.
(K) Engineering changes.
(L) Direct mission support, including Congressional
General Reductions.
(M) Government testing.
(N) Ancillary aircraft equipment.
(O) Initial spares.
(P) Contractor support.
(Q) Modifications.
(c) SEMIANNUAL UPDATE OF MATRICES.—
H. R. 2670—59
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary concerned shall submit
to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller
General of the United States updates to the matrices described
in subsection (b) as follows:
(A) The first update shall be submitted not later than
180 days after the date on which the Secretaries concerned
submit the initial matrices as required by subsection (a).
(B) Following the first update under paragraph (1),
additional updates shall be submitted—
(i) concurrent with the submission of the budget
of the President to Congress pursuant to section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for each fiscal
year; and
(ii) not later than 180 days after each such sub-
mittal.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each update submitted under paragraph
(1) shall detail progress made toward the goals identified in
the matrix described in subsection (b)(1) and provide updated
cost estimates as described in subsection (b)(2).
(3) TREATMENT
OF
INITIAL
MATRICES
AS
BASELINE.—The
initial matrices submitted pursuant to subsection (a) shall be
treated as the baseline for the full EMD phase and low-rate
initial production of the programs described in subsection (a)
for purposes of the updates submitted pursuant to paragraph
(1) of this subsection.
(d) ASSESSMENT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED
STATES.—Not later than the date that is 60 days after the date
on which the Comptroller General of the United States receives
an update to a matrix under subsection (c)(1), the Comptroller
General shall review the sufficiency of such matrix and submit
to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such
matrix, including by identifying cost, schedule, or performance
trends.
(e) KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETER REQUIREMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each Secretary concerned shall develop
key performance parameters (referred to in this section as
‘‘cost KPPs)’’ for the threshold and objective costs of the pro-
grams described in subsection (a) under the jurisdiction of
such Secretary and shall include those values as program
performance requirements in any capability development docu-
ment or system requirements document for the program
involved. Each cost KPP shall include, for each cost category
specified in paragraph (2)—
(A) a threshold value indicating the highest acceptable
cost for that category, as determined by the Secretary
concerned; and
(B) an objective value indicating the lowest cost
expected to be achieved for that category, as determined
by the Secretary concerned.
(2) COST CATEGORIES SPECIFIED.—The cost categories speci-
fied in this paragraph are the following:
(A) Unit recurring flyaway cost.
(B) Average procurement unit cost.
(C) Gross/weapon system unit cost.
(D) Aircraft cost-per-tail-per-year.
(E) Aircraft cost-per-flight-hour.
H. R. 2670—60
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘‘Secretary con-
cerned’’ means—
(1) the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to aircraft
programs of the Navy and the Marine Corps; and
(2) the Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to aircraft
programs of the Air Force.
SEC. 225. CONTINUOUS CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY
PROGRAM FOR F–35 AIRCRAFT.
(a) DESIGNATION OF MAJOR SUBPROGRAM.—In accordance with
section 4203 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense
shall designate all Block 4 and Technical Refresh–3 elements of
the F–35 aircraft acquisition program, collectively, as a single major
subprogram of the F–35 aircraft acquisition program.
(b) PROCUREMENT
OF F–35 DEVELOPMENTAL TESTING AIR-
CRAFT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—From the aircraft described in paragraph
(2), the Program Executive Officer for the F–35 aircraft program
shall designate two F–35A aircraft, two F–35B aircraft, and
two F–35C aircraft to be manufactured and delivered, by not
later than the end of 2030, in a necessary configuration that
would adequately support future F–35 developmental testing
activities.
(2) AIRCRAFT DESCRIBED.—The aircraft described in this
paragraph are F–35 aircraft to be procured—
(A) as part of the Lot 19 production lot or a subsequent
production lot for F–35 aircraft; and
(B) using funds made available for fiscal year 2024
or a subsequent fiscal year for the procurement of F–
35 aircraft.
SEC. 226. F–35 PROPULSION AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT MOD-
ERNIZATION PROGRAM.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT AND VALIDATION OF REQUIREMENTS.—The
Secretary of the Air Force (with respect to F–35A aircraft of the
Air Force) and the Secretary of the Navy (with respect to F–
35B and F–35C aircraft of the Navy and the Marine Corps) shall
each—
(1) establish requirements for the propulsion, power and
cooling, thermal management, and electrical power systems
of the F–35 aircraft system that adequately support the planned
service-life and all planned mission systems hardware and soft-
ware capability upgrades for such aircraft system;
(2) validate the requirements; and
(3) promptly provide the validated requirements to the
Program Executive Officer for the F–35 aircraft acquisition
program.
(b) COST-BENEFIT AND TECHNICAL RISK ANALYSIS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Based on the requirements established
and validated under subsection (a), the Program Executive
Officer for the F–35 aircraft acquisition program shall conduct
a complete and comprehensive cost-benefit and technical risk
analysis that evaluates and determines the upgrades and mod-
ernization required of the F–35 aircraft system to support all
of the requirements established under such subsection.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The cost-benefit and technical risk analysis
conducted under paragraph (1) shall assess, at a minimum,
H. R. 2670—61
the cost, risk, modernization, integration activities, and acquisi-
tion strategy required for the upgrade and modernization
options available for the following major subsystems of F–
35 aircraft:
(A) The aircraft propulsion system and gearbox.
(B) The power and thermal management system.
(C) The fuel thermal management system.
(D) The electrical power system.
(E) The engine ice protection system.
(F) Mission systems hardware, avionics, sensors, and
weapons.
(G) Any additional systems of the F–35 aircraft system
the Program Executive Officer determines to be relevant
to support the planned service-life requirements for each
variant of such aircraft.
(3) LIMITATION ON COMMENCEMENT.—The Program Execu-
tive Officer may not commence the analysis required under
paragraph (1) until the requirements established under sub-
section (a) have been provided to the Officer.
(4) INDEPENDENT
COST
ESTIMATE.—In addition to devel-
oping the cost-benefit analysis under paragraph (1), the Pro-
gram Executive Officer shall also obtain an independent cost
estimate from an organization within the Department of
Defense that is not directly associated with the Office of the
Program Executive Officer, the Department of the Air Force,
or the Department of the Navy.
(5) REPORT.—Following the completion of the analysis
under paragraph (1) and the independent cost estimate under
paragraph (4), but not later than July 1, 2024, the Program
Executive Officer shall submit to the congressional defense
committees—
(A) a report on the results of the analysis under para-
graph (1); and
(B) a copy of the cost estimate obtained under para-
graph (4).
(c) DESIGNATION OF MAJOR SUBPROGRAM.—In accordance with
section 4203 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense
shall designate all activities relating to the modernization, upgrade,
and integration of the major subsystems included in the analysis
under subsection (b)(1), collectively, as a single major subprogram
of the F–35 aircraft acquisition program.
SEC. 227. ESTABLISHMENT OR EXPANSION OF UNIVERSITY AFFILI-
ATED RESEARCH CENTERS FOR CRITICAL MATERIALS.
(a) FEASIBILITY AND ADVISABILITY ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering, shall—
(1) assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing
a new University Affiliated Research Center (in this section
referred to as a ‘‘UARC’’) or expanding an existing UARC
at a specified covered educational institution; and
(2) submit a recommendation regarding the feasibility and
advisability of such establishment or expansion to the congres-
sional defense committees.
(b) DETERMINATION.—Not later than 15 days after submitting
the assessment required under subsection (a) the Secretary of
H. R. 2670—62
Defense shall determine whether it is feasible and advisable to
establish or expand a UARC and—
(1) for a positive determination, submit to the congressional
defense committees a plan described in subsection (c); and
(2) for a negative determination, submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a justification for such determination
that includes the data and analysis to support such determina-
tion.
(c) PLAN.—If the Secretary of Defense determines that estab-
lishing or expanding a UARC is feasible and advisable under sub-
section (b), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a plan for such establishment or expansion, including
an assessment of the institutional capacity of the covered edu-
cational institution at which such UARC is to be established or
expanded.
(d) ELEMENTS.—The plan described in subsection (c) shall
include the following:
(1) An assessment of the engineering, applied research,
commercialization,
or
workforce
development
capabilities
relating to critical materials for national security purposes of
the United States of the covered educational institution at
which the UARC will be established or expanded, including
an assessment of the personnel and physical research infra-
structure of such institution.
(2) An assessment of the ability of such institution—
(A) to participate in engineering, applied research,
commercialization, and workforce development activities
relating to critical materials for national security purposes
of the United States;
(B) to effectively compete for engineering, applied
research, commercialization, and workforce development
contracts and grants relating to critical materials for
national security purposes of the United States; and
(C) to support the mission of the Under Secretary.
(3) An assessment of the activities and investments nec-
essary—
(A) to augment facilities or educational programming
at such institution—
(i) to support the mission of the Under Secretary;
(ii) to access, secure, and conduct research relating
to sensitive or classified information; and
(iii) to respond quickly to emerging engineering,
applied research, commercialization, and workforce
development needs relating to critical materials;
(B) to increase the participation of such institutions
in engineering, applied research, commercialization, and
workforce development activities; and
(C) to increase the ability of such institutions to effec-
tively compete for engineering, applied research, commer-
cialization, and workforce development contracts and
grants.
(4) Recommendations identifying actions that may be taken
by the Secretary, the Under Secretary, Congress, such institu-
tions, and other organizations to increase the participation
of such institutions in engineering, applied research, commer-
cialization, and workforce development activities, contracts, and
grants relating to critical materials.
H. R. 2670—63
(5) Any specific goals, incentives, and metrics developed
by the Secretary to increase and measure the capacity of such
institutions to address the engineering, applied research,
commercialization, and workforce development needs of the
Department of Defense relating to critical materials.
(e) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
(1) submit to the congressional defense committees a report
that includes the plan developed under this subsection; and
(2) make the plan available on a publicly accessible website
of the Department of Defense.
(f) SUPPORT TO COVERED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering may establish a program to award
contracts, grants, or other agreements on a competitive basis
to a covered educational institution, and to perform other appro-
priate activities, for the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(2) PURPOSES.—The purposes described in this paragraph
are the following:
(A) Developing the capability, including workforce and
research infrastructure capabilities, for covered educational
institutions to more effectively compete for Federal
engineering, applied research, commercialization, and
workforce development funding opportunities.
(B) Improving the capability of covered educational
institutions to—
(i) recruit and retain research faculty;
(ii) participate in appropriate personnel exchange
programs; and
(iii) participate in appropriate educational and
career development activities.
(C) Any other purposes the Under Secretary deter-
mines appropriate for enhancing the engineering, applied
research, commercialization, and development capabilities
of covered educational institutions.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) COVERED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.—The term ‘‘cov-
ered educational institution’’ means—
(A) a mining, metallurgical, geological, or mineral
engineering program—
(i) accredited by a non-governmental organization
that accredits post-secondary education programs in
applied and natural science, engineering technology,
and computing; and
(ii) located at an institution of higher education;
or
(B) any other post-secondary educational institution
with a geology or engineering program or department that
has experience in mining research or work with the mining
industry.
(2) CRITICAL
MATERIALS.—The term ‘‘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)).
(3) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—For purposes of
paragraph (1), the term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has
H. R. 2670—64
the meaning given in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
SEC. 228. POLICIES FOR MANAGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF LINK
16 MILITARY TACTICAL DATA LINK NETWORK.
(a) POLICIES REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop
and implement policies to adapt Link 16 system management and
certification to align with agile development practices.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The policies required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A standardized process through a Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff Manual, to allow Link 16 frequency use within
approved special use airspaces for the purpose of testing radio
systems and associated software that have not completed
electromagnetic
compatibility
features
certification.
Such
process—
(A) shall, at a minimum, ensure routine and continued
approval for test operations of developmental systems in
the Nevada Test and Training Range, Restricted Area 2508,
Warning Area 151/470, Warning Area 386, and the Joint
Pacific Alaska Range Complex; and
(B) may incorporate standardized mitigations that
enable routine approval including effective radiated power
settings and coordination for rapid test termination.
(2) Processes to streamline approval or denial of temporary
frequency assignment for Link 16 operations to not more than
15 days for test, training, and large-scale exercises. In devel-
oping such processes, the Secretary of Defense—
(A) shall ensure that the processes cover operations
in excess of uncoordinated operations time slot duty factor
limits, inclusion of foreign participants, and participation
of non-stage 4 approved terminals or platforms; and
(B) consider delegating sole authority for temporary
frequency assignment to the Department of Defense and
the automation of decision-making processes relating to
such assignments.
(3) Delegation of authority to the system manager for Link
16 to determine when new software within Department of
Defense Link 16 terminals affects electromagnetic compatibility
features and requires recertification.
(4) The self-certification by the Department of Defense
of the compliance of the Department’s radios with electro-
magnetic compatibility features.
(5) Processes to internally manage Link 16 uncoordinated
operations that enable approval for test, training, and exercises
that does not exceed 15 days for systems holding an active
radio frequency authorization or temporary frequency assign-
ment.
(c) INFORMATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall provide to the congressional defense committees—
(1) a briefing on the policies developed under subsection
(a), along with a timeline for implementation of such policies;
and
(2) a list of such additional resources or authorities as
the Secretary determines may be required to implement such
policies.
H. R. 2670—65
(d) TESTING REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—In conjunction with the development of
the policies required under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Defense shall conduct, sponsor, or review testing and analysis
that determines if any effects on air traffic systems are possible
due to Link 16 terminals which have not completed electro-
magnetic compatibility features certification and quantifies any
such effects. Such testing shall evaluate Link 16 transmission
within plus or minus 7 megahertz of the 1030 and 1090 mega-
hertz frequency bands to determine if effects on air traffic
systems are possible, under what conditions such effects could
occur, and the impact of such effects.
(2) REPORT.—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 testing conducted under paragraph (1), with an emphasis
on procedures that the Secretary intends to implement to
negate harmful effects on air traffic from the use of Link
16 terminals or platforms that have not completed electro-
magnetic compatibility features certification, within special use
airspace.
SEC. 229. RAPID RESPONSE TO EMERGENT TECHNOLOGY ADVANCE-
MENTS OR THREATS.
(a) AUTHORITIES.—Upon approval by the Secretary of Defense
of a determination described in subsection (b), the Secretary of
a military department may use the rapid acquisition and funding
authorities established pursuant to section 3601 of title 10, United
States Code, to initiate urgent or emerging operational development
activities for a period of up to one year, in order to—
(1) leverage an emergent technological advancement of
value to the national defense to address a military service-
specific need; or
(2) provide a rapid response to an emerging threat identi-
fied by a military service.
(b) DETERMINATION.—A determination described in this sub-
section is a determination by the Secretary of a military department
submitted in writing to the Secretary of Defense that provides
the following:
(1) Identification of a compelling urgent or emergency
national security need to immediately initiate development
activity in anticipation of a programming or budgeting action,
in order to leverage an emergent technological advancement
or provide a rapid response to an emerging threat.
(2) Justification for why the effort cannot be delayed until
the next submission of the budget of the President (under
section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) without harming
the national defense.
(3) Funding is identified for the effort in the current fiscal
year to initiate the activity.
(4) An appropriate acquisition pathway and programmed
funding for transition to continued development, integration,
or sustainment is identified to on-ramp this activity within
two years.
(c) ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
H. R. 2670—66
amend the procedures for the rapid acquisition and deployment
of capabilities needed in response to urgent operational needs
prescribed pursuant to such section 3601 to carry out this
section. Such updated procedures shall be provided to the
congressional defense committees concurrently with the
promulgation to the rest of the Department of Defense.
(2) REQUIREMENTS
TO
BE
INCLUDED.—The procedures
amended under paragraph (1) shall include the following
requirements:
(A) FUNDING.—(i) Subject to clause (ii), in any fiscal
year in which a determination described in subsection (b)
is made, the Secretary of the military department making
the determination may initiate the activities authorized
under subsection (a) using any funds available to the Sec-
retary for such fiscal year for—
(I) procurement; or
(II) research, development, test, and evaluation.
(ii) The total cost of all developmental activities within
the Department of Defense, funded under this section, may
not exceed $100,000,000 for any fiscal year.
(B) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—(i) Subject to clause (ii), the
Secretary of the military department making a determina-
tion under subsection (b) may issue a waiver under sub-
section (d) of such section 3601.
(ii) Chapter 221 of title 10, United States Code, may
not be waived pursuant to clause (i).
(C) TRANSITION.—(i) Any acquisition initiated under
subsection (a) shall transition to an appropriate acquisition
pathway for transition and integration of the development
activity, or be transitioned to a newly established program
element or procurement line for completion of such activity.
(ii)(I) Transition shall be completed within one year
of initiation, but may be extended one time only at the
discretion of the Secretary of the military department for
one additional year.
(II) In the event an extension determination is made
under subclause (I), the affected Secretary of the military
department shall submit to the congressional defense
committees, not later than 30 days before the extension
takes effect, written notification of the extension with a
justification for the extension.
(3) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Concurrent with promulga-
tion to the Department of the amendments to the procedures
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees the procedures updated by such
amendments.
(d) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION.—Within 15 days after the
Secretary of Defense approves a determination described in sub-
section (b), the Secretary of the military department making the
determination shall provide written notification of such determina-
tion to the congressional defense committees following the proce-
dures for notification in subsections (c)(4)(D) and (c)(4)(F) of such
section 3601. A notice under this subsection shall be sufficient
to fulfill any requirement to provide notification to Congress for
a new start program.
H. R. 2670—67
SEC. 230. PILOT PROGRAM TO COMMERCIALIZE PROTOTYPES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, acting
through the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition,
Technology, and Logistics, shall carry out a pilot program under
which the Secretary identifies prototypes under development by
the Department of the Air Force that have the potential to be
developed into commercial products and provides support to quali-
fied entities to carry out projects to commercialize such prototypes.
(b) FORM OF SUPPORT.—The support provided to a qualified
entity under subsection (a) may include the award of—
(1) a grant;
(2) a contract or other agreement; or
(3) such other form of support as the Secretary of the
Air Force determines appropriate.
(c) AMOUNT.—The total value of support awarded to a qualified
entity under this section may not exceed $10,000,000.
(d) FUNDING.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall carry out
the pilot program under this section using funds designated as
budget activity 6 (RDT&E management support) or budget activity
4 (Advanced Component Development and Prototypes) 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).
(e) APPLICATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—A qualified entity that seeks an award
of support under this section shall submit an application to
the Secretary of the Air Force at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(2) CONTENTS.—As part of the application required under
paragraph (1), a qualified entity shall—
(A) outline measures the entity will implement to give
the Department of Defense purchasing priority when
supply chain issues are a factor;
(B) certify that the entity will, with respect to the
export of any such product, comply with—
(i) International Traffic in Arms Regulations under
subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal
Regulations (or any successor regulations); and
(ii) any other applicable export restrictions; and
(C) acknowledge that the entity may seek advice and
assistance from the Department of the Air Force and the
Department of State in the event that the export restric-
tions applicable to a commercial product developed with
support under this section—
(i) are more restrictive than the export restrictions
applicable to the component technologies that comprise
the product; and
(ii) are expected to unnecessarily impede the
ability to make the product commercially available out-
side the United States.
(f) BRIEFING.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics
shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing
on the implementation of the pilot program under this section
and any related policy issues.
H. R. 2670—68
(g) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 30 days after each
instance in which the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics awards support to a qualified
entity under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall submit
to the congressional defense committees notice of such award.
(h) TERMINATION.—The pilot program under this section shall
terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(i) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘commercialize’’, when used with respect to
a prototype, means to transition a prototype into a commercial
product.
(2) The term ‘‘commercial product’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 103 of title 41, United States Code.
(3) The term ‘‘qualified entity’’ means an individual or
entity the Secretary of the Air Force determines to be qualified
to participate in the pilot program under this section.
SEC. 231. PILOT PROGRAM ON NEAR-TERM QUANTUM COMPUTING
APPLICATIONS.
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out
a pilot program under which the Secretary, in partnership with
the entities specified in subsection (b), establishes and operates
a program that enables organizations of the Department of Defense,
including the Armed Forces, to test and evaluate how quantum
and quantum-hybrid applications may be used—
(1) to solve technical problems and research challenges
identified under section 234(e) of the John S. McCain National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law
115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) and such other near-term tech-
nical problems and challenges facing the Department and the
Armed Forces as the Secretary may identify; and
(2) to provide capabilities needed by the Department and
the Armed Forces in the near-term.
(b) ENTITIES SPECIFIED.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek
to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) in partnership
with—
(1) a federally funded research and development center,
university affiliated research center, center of excellence, or
similar entity; and
(2) one or more private-sector entities with expertise in
quantum computing and quantum information science.
(c) ACTIVITIES.—Under the pilot program, the Secretary of
Defense, in partnership with the entities specified in subsection
(b), may—
(1) convene a group of experts and organizations to identify
and articulate challenges faced by the Department of Defense,
including the Armed Forces, that have the potential to be
addressed by quantum and quantum-hybrid applications;
(2) develop and mature demonstrations, proofs of concept,
pilot programs, and other measures to address the challenges
identified under paragraph (1) using quantum and quantum-
hybrid applications;
(3) develop pathways through which successful demonstra-
tions, proofs of concept, pilot programs, and other measures
developed
and
matured
under
paragraph
(2)
may
be
H. R. 2670—69
transitioned to more advanced stages of research and develop-
ment or into operational use within the Department;
(4) ensure that any quantum-based or quantum-hybrid
application-based solutions identified under the program are
capable of development and deployment within the period cov-
ered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted
to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code
(as of the time of the pilot program);
(4) assess the utility of commercial quantum and quantum-
hybrid applications for meeting the near-term needs of
warfighters; and
(5) seek to build and strengthen relationships between
the Department of Defense, academic institutions, small
businesses, and nontraditional defense contractors (as defined
in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code) in the technology
industry that may have unused or underused solutions to spe-
cific operational challenges of the Department relating to
quantum and quantum-hybrid applications.
(d) BRIEFING AND REPORTS.—
(1) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days before com-
mencing the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary
of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing
that—
(A) identifies the entities the Secretary intends to
partner with for the purposes of carrying out the pilot
program, including—
(i) any entities specified in subsection (b);
(ii) any of the Armed Forces; and
(iii) any other departments and agencies of the
Federal Government with pre-existing quantum tech-
nology research efforts; and
(B) describes the plan of the Secretary for developing
and operating the program.
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—By December 1 of each year in which
the pilot program under subsection (a) is carried out, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a
report that includes—
(A) a description of the problem sets and capabilities
that were evaluated by organizations of the Department
of Defense under the program;
(B) an explanation of whether and to what extent
the program resulted in the identification of potential solu-
tions based on quantum and quantum-hybrid applications;
(C) any potential barriers to the use of quantum and
quantum-hybrid applications to solve near-term problems
for the Department of Defense, including the Armed Forces;
and
(D) recommendations regarding how the Department
of Defense can better leverage and deploy quantum and
quantum-hybrid applications to address near-term military
applications and operational needs.
(e) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the pilot program
under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2026.
(f) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘quantum and
quantum-hybrid applications’’ means algorithms and applications
H. R. 2670—70
which use quantum mechanics through quantum processing units,
including—
(1) quantum-classical hybrid applications which are
applications that use both quantum computing and classical
computing hardware systems;
(2) annealing and gate systems; and
(3)
all
qubit
modalities
(including
superconducting,
trapped-ion, neutral atom, and photonics).
SEC. 232. PILOT PROGRAM TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED BY SMALL BUSINESSES FOR
GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS OF THE ARMY.
(a) PROGRAM REQUIRED.—Beginning not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
Army shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary
seeks to facilitate a contract between the Ground Vehicle Systems
Center of the Army and a non-profit research institute for the
purposes of improving the ability of the Center to access advanced
technology developed by a small business concern (as defined under
section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)). Any such
contract shall be a commercial solutions opening contract entered
into pursuant to section 3458 of title 10, United States Code.
(b) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the pilot program
under this section shall terminate five years after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 233. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING DOCU-
MENTATION ON FUTURE ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE AIR-
CRAFT PROGRAM.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024, and available for
the Office of the Secretary of the Army for the travel of persons,
not more than 70 percent may be obligated or expended until
the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional
defense committees the analysis of alternatives document for the
Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program.
Subtitle C—Energetics and Other
Munitions Matters
SEC. 241. JOINT ENERGETICS TRANSITION OFFICE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 4 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 148. Joint Energetics Transition Office
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish
a Joint Energetics Transition Office (in this section referred to
as the ‘Office’) within the Department of Defense. The Office shall
carry out the activities described in subsection (c) and shall have
such other responsibilities relating to energetic materials as the
Secretary shall specify.
‘‘(b) LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION.—
‘‘(1) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment shall designate an individual to serve as the head
of the Office. The Under Secretary shall select such individual
from among officials of the Department of Defense serving
H. R. 2670—71
in organizations under the jurisdiction of the Under Secretary
at the time of such designation. The head of the Office shall—
‘‘(A) report directly to the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment; and
‘‘(B) coordinate, as appropriate, with the Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
‘‘(2) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering shall designate an individual to serve as the deputy
head of the Office. The Under Secretary shall select such indi-
vidual from among officials of the Department of Defense
serving in organizations under the jurisdiction of the Under
Secretary at the time of such designation. The deputy head
of the Office shall report directly to the head of the Office
and to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering.
‘‘(3) The head of the Office and deputy head of the Office
shall be responsible for the overall management and operation
of the Office. The Under Secretaries shall ensure that the
head and deputy head of the Office are not assigned outside
duties that would diminish their ability to effectively manage
and operate the Office.
‘‘(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Office shall do the following:
‘‘(1) Develop and periodically update an energetic materials
strategic plan and investment strategy to guide investments
in both new and legacy energetic materials and technologies
across the entire supply chain for the total life cycle of energetic
materials, including raw materials, ingredients, propellants,
pyrotechnics, and explosives for munitions, weapons, and
propulsion systems. Such strategy and plan shall provide for—
‘‘(A) developing or supporting the development of stra-
tegic plans for energetic materials and technologies,
including associated performance metrics for the Office,
over the periods covered by the future-years defense pro-
gram required under section 221 of this title and the pro-
gram objective memorandum process;
‘‘(B) initiating special studies or analyses—
‘‘(i) to determine targets that would be optimally
addressed or defeated by weapons that incorporate
novel energetic materials; and
‘‘(ii) to inform the program objective memorandum
process; and
‘‘(C) identifying any shortfalls in the supply chain for
energetic materials and developing plans to alleviate any
shortfalls through the expansion of the energetic materials
industrial base to include critical contractors, subcontrac-
tors, and suppliers.
‘‘(2) Coordinate and ensure consistency and congruity
among research, development, test, and evaluation efforts in
energetic materials across the Department of Defense—
‘‘(A) to identify promising new energetic materials and
technologies;
‘‘(B) to mature, integrate, prototype, test, and dem-
onstrate novel energetic materials and technologies,
including new materials and manufacturing technologies;
H. R. 2670—72
‘‘(C) to expedite testing, evaluation, and acquisition
of energetic materials and technologies to meet the emer-
gent needs of the Department, including the rapid integra-
tion of promising new materials and other promising ener-
getic compounds into weapons platforms;
‘‘(D) to identify or establish prototyping demonstration
venues to integrate advanced technologies that speed the
maturation and deployment of energetic materials; and
‘‘(E) to support collaboration among industry, aca-
demia, and elements of the Department of Defense to
transition energetic materials and technologies from the
research and development phase to production and oper-
ational use within the Department.
‘‘(3) Oversee a process to expedite—
‘‘(A) the validation, verification, and accreditation of
modeling and simulation of energetic materials for the
development of requirements; and
‘‘(B) the qualification process for energetic materials,
from discovery through transition to production and
integration into weapon systems.
‘‘(4) Recommend changes to laws, regulations, and policies
that present barriers or extend timelines for the expedited
process described in paragraph (3).
‘‘(5) Coordinate with other organizations involved in ener-
getic materials activities within the Department of Defense,
including the Armed Forces, and across other departments
and agencies of the Federal Government.
‘‘(6) Pursuant to the authority provided under section 191
of this title, establish and manage a Department of Defense
Field Activity dedicated to systems engineering associated with
energetic materials. Such Field Activity shall be funded under
budget activity 3 (advanced technology development) or budget
activity 4 (advanced component development and prototypes)
(as such budget activity classifications are set forth in volume
2B, chapter 5 of the Department of Defense Financial Manage-
ment Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R)) to reduce technical risk,
integrate research, development, test, and evaluation, and per-
form system demonstration programs of the Department of
Defense on novel energetic materials for use in weapon systems.
‘‘(7) Carry out such other responsibilities relating to ener-
getic materials as the Secretary shall specify.
‘‘(d) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—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).
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘energetic materials’
means critical chemicals and formulations that—
‘‘(1) release large amounts of stored chemical energy; and
‘‘(2) are capable of being used as explosives, propellants,
pyrotechnics, and reactive materials that—
‘‘(A) create lethal effects in warheads in kinetic
weapons components and systems; or
‘‘(B) increase propellant performance in a weapon
propulsion system as related to lethal effects, range, or
speed.’’.
H. R. 2670—73
(b) STATUS REPORTS.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit
to the congressional defense committees—
(1) not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, a report on the status of the establishment of
Joint Energetics Transition Office under section 148 of title
10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
(2) not later than one year after such date of enactment,
a report on the measures taken to provide the Joint Energetics
Transition Office with the staff and resources necessary for
the Office to carry out the responsibilities specified in sub-
section (c) of such section 148; and
(3) not later than two years after such date of enactment,
a report that includes the energetic materials strategic plan
and investment strategy required under subsection (c)(1) of
such section 148.
(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than March 1, 2024, and not
later than March 1 of each year thereafter through 2029, the
head of the Joint Energetics Transition Office shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report that includes, with
respect to the year covered by the report, the following information:
(1) A description of activities carried out in accordance
with the energetic materials strategic plan and investment
strategy developed under section 148(c)(1) of title 10, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section,
including—
(A) a description of any updates to the performance
metrics developed for purposes of such plan and strategy;
and
(B) an assessment of the performance of the Office
against those metrics.
(2) An overview of the research, development, test, and
evaluation efforts initiated or completed by the Office.
(3) An overview of the efforts of the Office to expedite
qualification processes for energetic materials.
(4) An overview of efforts of the Office to coordinate with
other organizations involved in energetic materials activities
across the Department of Defense and other departments and
agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 242. CONSIDERATION OF LETHALITY IN THE ANALYSIS OF ALTER-
NATIVES FOR MUNITIONS.
(a) ANALYSIS
OF ALTERNATIVES REVIEW.—The Secretary of
Defense shall ensure that lethality is considered in any analysis
of alternatives conducted prior to issuing a capability development
document for purposes of procuring any new munition or modifying
an existing munition.
(b) CONSIDERATION OF ENERGETIC MATERIALS.—In assessing
the lethality of a munition for purposes of the analysis of alter-
natives described under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense
shall include the margin of effectiveness, increased system capac-
ities, and cost implications afforded by the potential use of novel
or alternative energetic materials in the munition to achieve
increased explosive effects.
(c) ENERGETIC MATERIALS DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘energetic materials’’ means critical chemicals that—
(1) release large amounts of energy in a short amount
of time; and
H. R. 2670—74
(2) are capable of being used in explosives that create
lethal effects in warheads.
SEC. 243. PILOT PROGRAM ON INCORPORATION OF THE CL20 COM-
POUND IN CERTAIN WEAPON SYSTEMS.
(a) PILOT PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall
carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary incorporates
the CL20 compound as the energetic material for the main fill
in the warheads or propellants of three weapon systems under
development by the Department of Defense for the purpose of
determining cost, schedule, and lethality performance parameters
for such systems.
(b) SELECTION OF WEAPON SYSTEMS.—Each of the three weapon
systems selected under subsection (a) shall be a weapon system
that does not, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, already
incorporate the CL20 compound as the energetic material for the
main fill in the warhead or propellant of the system.
(c) TIMELINE FOR INTEGRATION.—The Secretary of Defense shall
ensure that the CL20 energetic compound is integrated into each
weapon system selected under subsection (a) by not later than
three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) BRIEFING.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to
the congressional defense committees a briefing on progress of
the Secretary in carrying out the pilot program under this section,
including—
(1) identification of the weapon systems selected by the
Secretary under subsection (a);
(2) with respect to each such weapon system, identification
of—
(A) a timeline for incorporating the CL20 energetic
compound into such weapon system;
(B) the organization within the Department of Defense
responsible for carrying out activities under the pilot pro-
gram for such weapon system; and
(C) any locations at which testing associated with such
weapon system under the program is expected to be carried
out; and
(3) the baseline cost, schedule, and lethality objectives that
will be used to evaluate the performance of weapon systems
under the program.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘‘energetic material’’
means critical chemicals and formulations that—
(1) release large amounts of stored chemical energy; and
(2) are capable of being used as explosives, propellants,
pyrotechnics, and reactive materials that—
(A) create lethal effects in warheads in kinetic weapons
components and systems; or
(B) increase propellant performance in a weapon
propulsion system as related to lethal effects, range, or
speed.
SEC. 244. LIMITATION ON SOURCING CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR
MUNITIONS FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES.
(a) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of Defense may not procure
a chemical material for munitions specified in subsection (b) from
any country specified in subsection (c).
H. R. 2670—75
(b) CHEMICAL MATERIALS SPECIFIED.—The chemical materials
for munitions specified in this subsection are the chemicals listed
under the heading ‘‘Task 1: Domestic Production of Critical Chemi-
cals’’ in section 3.0E of the document of the Department of Defense
titled ‘‘Statement of Objectives (SOO) for Critical Chemicals Produc-
tion’’ (FOA: FA8650-19-S-5010, Appendix VI, Call: 012) and dated
December 5, 2022.
(c) COUNTRIES SPECIFIED.—The countries specified in this sub-
section are the following:
(1) The People’s Republic of China.
(2) The Russian Federation.
(3) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
(4) The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea.
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The requirements of this section shall
take effect on a date determined by the Secretary of Defense that
is not later than September 30, 2028.
SEC. 245. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE MUNITION SURGE CAPACITY
CRITICAL RESERVE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment, in coordination with the service acquisition
executive of each military department, may establish a reserve
of long-lead items and components to accelerate the delivery of
munitions described in section 222c(c) of title 10, United States
Code.
(b) QUANTITY.—The quantity of long-lead items and components
reserved pursuant to subsection (a) should be in amounts commen-
surate to fulfill the requirements identified as Out-Year Uncon-
strained Total Munitions Requirement and Out-Year inventory
numbers under section 222c(a) of title 10, United States Code.
(c) AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT.—The Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment may enter into
one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2024, for the advance
procurement of long-lead items and components, or economic order
quantities of such items and components when cost savings are
achievable, associated with munitions identified in subsection (a).
Advance procurement authority may include the cost of shipping,
storage, tracking, maintenance, and obsolescence management of
long-lead items and components while held in the reserve described
in subsection (a).
(d) LIMITATIONS.—No long-lead item or component may be pro-
cured under this section if the anticipated life cycle of such item
or component requires disposal due to lack of military utility less
than 8 years after such item or component is procured.
(e) REPORT.—Not later than February 1, 2025, and annually
thereafter until February 1, 2030, the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report that describes the use of the authority
under this section, including—
(1) the type, number, and value of long-lead items and
components procured under each contractual action; and
(2) information about the location of storage of such items
and components.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘long-lead item or component’’ means a mate-
rial, component, or subsystem of a munition that must be
procured well in advance of the need for such munition.
H. R. 2670—76
(2) The terms ‘‘service acquisition executive’’ and ‘‘military
department’’ have the meanings given, respectively, in section
101 of title 10, United States Code.
Subtitle D—Plans, Reports, and Other
Matters
SEC. 251. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES TO DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE POLICY ON AUTONOMY IN WEAPON
SYSTEMS.
Not later than 30 days after making a modification to Depart-
ment of Defense Directive 3000.09 (relating to autonomy in weapon
systems) the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional
defense committees a briefing that includes—
(1) a description of the modification; and
(2) an explanation of the reasons for the modification.
SEC. 252. AUDIT TO IDENTIFY DIVERSION OF DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE FUNDING TO CHINA’S RESEARCH LABS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department
of Defense shall conduct a study, and submit a report to the congres-
sional defense committees, regarding the amount of Federal funds
awarded by the Department of Defense (whether directly or
indirectly) through grants, contracts, subgrants, subcontracts, or
any other type of agreement or collaboration, during the 10-year
period immediately preceding such date of enactment, that—
(1) was provided, whether purposely or inadvertently, to—
(A) the People’s Republic of China;
(B) the Communist Party of China;
(C) the Wuhan Institute of Virology or any other
organization administered by the Chinese Academy of
Sciences;
(D) EcoHealth Alliance Inc. for work performed in
China on research supported by the Government of China,
including any subsidiaries and related organizations that
are directly controlled by EcoHealth Alliance, Inc.;
(E) the Academy of Military Medical Sciences or any
of its research institutes, including the Beijing Institute
of Microbiology and Epidemiology; or
(F) any other lab, agency, organization, individual, or
instrumentality that is owned, controlled (directly or
indirectly), or overseen (officially or unofficially) by any
of the entities listed in subparagraphs (A) through (E);
or
(2) was used to fund research or experiments that could
have
reasonably
resulted
in
the
enhancement
of
any
coronavirus, influenza, Nipah, Ebola, or other pathogen of pan-
demic potential or chimeric versions of such a virus or pathogen
in the People’s Republic of China or any other foreign country.
(b) IDENTIFICATION OF COUNTRIES AND PATHOGENS.—The report
required under subsection (a) shall specify—
(1) the countries in which the research or experiments
described in subsection (a)(2) was conducted; and
(2) the pathogens involved in such research or experiments.
H. R. 2670—77
SEC. 253. ANNUAL REVIEW OF STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
FOR DIGITAL ENGINEERING CAREER TRACKS.
Not less frequently than once each year until December 31,
2029, the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) conduct an internal review of the status of the
implementation of the plan submitted to Congress pursuant
to section 230(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 501 note
prec.), which shall include consideration of how the rapid rate
of technological change in data science and machine learning
may affect the implementation of the plan; and
(2) submit to the congressional defense committees a report
that includes—
(A) a summary of the status of the implementation
of the plan described in paragraph (1);
(B) the findings of the Secretary with respect to the
most recent review conducted under such paragraph; and
(C) the plan of the Secretary for addressing the digital
engineering personnel needs of the Department of Defense
in the years following the date of the report.
TITLE III—OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Energy and Environment
Sec. 311. Improvement and codification of Sentinel Landscapes Partnership pro-
gram authority.
Sec. 312. Modification of authority for environmental restoration projects at Na-
tional Guard facilities.
Sec. 313. Modification to technical assistance authority for environmental restora-
tion activities.
Sec. 314. Coordination on agreements to limit encroachments and other constraints
on military training, testing, and operations.
Sec. 315. Requirement for approval by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition
and Sustainment of waiver for systems not meeting fuel efficiency key
performance parameter.
Sec. 316. Modification to prototype and demonstration projects for energy resilience
at certain military installations.
Sec. 317. Authority to transfer certain funds as payment relating to Naval Air Sta-
tion, Moffett Field, California.
Sec. 318. Prohibition on required disclosure by Department of Defense contractors
of information relating to greenhouse gas emissions.
Sec. 319. Required infrastructure plan prior to deployment of certain non-tactical
vehicles at military installations.
Sec. 320. Prohibition and report requirement relating to certain energy programs
of Department of Defense.
Sec. 321. Report on schedule and cost estimates for completion of testing and reme-
diation of contaminated sites; publication of cleanup information.
Subtitle C—Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Sec. 331. Modification of timing of report on activities of PFAS Task Force.
Sec. 332. Budget justification document for funding relating to perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 333. Increase of transfer authority for funding of study and assessment on
health implications of perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl sub-
stances contamination in drinking water by Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry.
Sec. 334. Prizes for development of technology for thermal destruction of
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 335. Treatment of certain materials contaminated with perfluoroalkyl sub-
stances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
H. R. 2670—78
Sec. 336. Government Accountability Office reports on testing and remediation of
perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Subtitle D—Logistics and Sustainment
Sec. 341. Modification of rule of construction regarding provision of support and
services to non-Department of Defense organizations and activities.
Sec. 342. Repeal of Comptroller General review requirement relating to core logis-
tics capabilities.
Sec. 343. Modifications to Contested Logistics Working Group of Department of De-
fense.
Sec. 344. Matters relating to briefings on Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization
Program of the Navy.
Sec. 345. Foreign military sales exclusion in calculation for certain workload carry-
over of Department of the Army.
Sec. 346. Pilot program on optimization of aerial refueling and fuel management in
contested logistics environments through use of artificial intelligence.
Sec. 347. Limitation on availability of funds to expand leased facilities for Joint
Military Information Support Operations Web Operations Center.
Sec. 348. Limitation on availability of funds pending submission of certain 30-year
shipbuilding plan by the Secretary of the Navy.
Sec. 349. Plan regarding condition and maintenance of prepositioned stockpiles of
the Army.
Sec. 350. Strategy and assessment on use of automation and artificial intelligence
for shipyard optimization.
Sec. 351. Assessment and strategy relating to hardening of certain military instal-
lations against attack by Iran and Iranian-associated groups.
Sec. 352. Semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
Sec. 361. Review of notice of presumed risk issued by Military Aviation and Instal-
lation Assurance Clearinghouse.
Sec. 362. Modifications to military aviation and installation assurance clearing-
house for review of mission obstructions.
Sec. 363. Modification to Joint Safety Council.
Sec. 364. Designation of official responsible for coordination of renegotiation of cer-
tain land leases owned by Department of Defense in Hawaii.
Sec. 365. Continued designation of Secretary of the Navy as executive agent for
Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School.
Sec. 366. Establishment of Caisson Platoon and support for military and State fu-
neral services at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 367. Recovery of rare earth elements and other strategic and critical materials
through end-of-life equipment recycling.
Subtitle A—Authorization of
Appropriations
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 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.
Subtitle B—Energy and Environment
SEC. 311. IMPROVEMENT AND CODIFICATION OF SENTINEL LAND-
SCAPES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM AUTHORITY.
(a) CODIFICATION OF EXISTING STATUTE.—Section 317 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public
Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 2684a note) is—
(1) transferred to chapter 159 of title 10, United States
Code;
(2) inserted after section 2692 of such chapter; and
H. R. 2670—79
(3) redesignated as section 2693.
(b) IMPROVEMENTS TO SENTINEL LANDSCAPES PARTNERSHIP PRO-
GRAM.—Section 2693 of title 10, United States Code, as so trans-
ferred and redesignated, is further amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘and the Secretary of
the Interior’’ and inserting ‘‘, the Secretary of the Interior,
and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies that
elect to become full partners in the program’’;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘and the Secretary of
the Interior, may, as the Secretaries’’ and inserting ‘‘the Sec-
retary of the Interior, and the heads of other Federal depart-
ments and agencies that elect to become full partners in the
Sentinel Landscapes Partnership may, as such Secretaries and
other heads’’;
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
‘‘(c) COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out this section,
the Secretaries and the other heads of Federal departments and
agencies may coordinate actions between their departments and
agencies and with other Federal, State, interstate, and local agen-
cies, Indian Tribes, and private entities to more efficiently work
together for the mutual benefit of conservation, resilience, working
lands, and national defense, and to encourage owners and managers
of land to engage in voluntary land management, resilience, and
conservation activities that contribute to the sustainment of military
installations, State-owned National Guard installations, and associ-
ated airspace.’’;
(4) in subsection (d)—
(A) by striking the first sentence and inserting ‘‘In
carrying out this section, the Secretaries and the other
heads of Federal departments and agencies may give to
any eligible owner or manager of land within a designated
sentinel landscape priority consideration for participation
in any easement, grant, or assistance program adminis-
tered by that Secretary or head.’’; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘eligible land-
owner or agricultural producer’’ and inserting ‘‘eligible
owner or manager of land’’;
(5) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g);
(6) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new sub-
section (f):
‘‘(f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may be
construed to require an owner or manager of land, including a
private landowner or agricultural producer, to participate in any
land management, resilience, or conservation activity under this
section.’’; and
(7) in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (5)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘section 670(1) of
title 16, United States Code’’ and inserting ‘‘section 100(1)
of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670(1))’’;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘section 670(3) of
title 16, United States Code’’ and inserting ‘‘section 100(3)
of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670(3))’’; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by amending subparagraph (B)
to read as follows:
‘‘(B) the publicly and privately owned lands that serve
to protect and support the rural economy, the natural
environment, outdoor recreation, and the national defense
H. R. 2670—80
missions of a military installation or State-owned National
Guard installation.’’.
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Title 10, United States Code,
is further amended—
(1) in section 2684a(g)(2)(E), by striking ‘‘Sentinel Land-
scapes Partnership established under section 317 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public
Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 2684a note)’’ and inserting ‘‘Sentinel
Landscapes Partnership under section 2693 of this title’’; and
(2) in section 2694(e), by striking ‘‘meaning given that
term in section 317(f) of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 2684a
note)’’ and inserting ‘‘meaning given that term in section 2693(g)
of this title’’.
SEC. 312. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RES-
TORATION PROJECTS AT NATIONAL GUARD FACILITIES.
(a) CLARIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF NATIONAL GUARD FACILI-
TIES.—Section 2700(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘State-owned’’;
(2) by striking ‘‘owned and operated by a State when such
land is’’; and
(3) by striking ‘‘even though such land is not under the
jurisdiction of the Department of Defense.’’ and inserting ‘‘with-
out regard to—’’
‘‘(A) the owner or operator of the facility; or
‘‘(B) whether the facility is under the jurisdiction of
the Department of Defense or a military department.’’.
(b) INCLUSION UNDER DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
PROGRAM.—Section 2701(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking
‘‘State-owned’’.
(c) RESPONSE ACTIONS AT NATIONAL GUARD FACILITIES.—Sec-
tion 2701(c)(1)(D) of such title is amended by striking ‘‘State-owned’’.
(d) SERVICES OF OTHER ENTITIES.—Section 2701(d)(1) of such
title is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting ‘‘or at a
National Guard facility’’ before the period at the end.
(e)
ENVIRONMENTAL
RESTORATION
ACCOUNTS.—Section
2703(g)(1) of such title is amended by inserting ‘‘, a National Guard
facility,’’ after ‘‘Department of Defense’’.
(f) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(1) REPEAL.—Section 2707 of such title is amended by
striking subsection (e).
(2) REFERENCE UPDATE.—Section 345(f)(1) of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law
117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2715 note) is amended by striking ‘‘facility
where military activities are conducted by the National Guard
of a State pursuant to section 2707(e) of title 10, United States
Code’’ and inserting ‘‘National Guard facility, as such term
is defined in section 2700 of title 10, United States Code’’.
SEC. 313. MODIFICATION TO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.
Section 2705(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by striking ‘‘upon the request of the technical
review committee or restoration advisory board for an
installation’’ and inserting ‘‘upon the request of the tech-
nical review committee for an installation, restoration
H. R. 2670—81
advisory board for an installation, community concerned
with respect to an installation, or individual member of
such community’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘to obtain’’ and all that follows through
‘‘interpreting’’ and inserting ‘‘to obtain from covered sources
technical assistance for the committee, advisory board,
community, or individual (as the case may be) to interpret’’;
(2) in paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking ‘‘technical review committee or restora-
tion advisory board’’ and inserting ‘‘technical review com-
mittee, restoration advisory board, community, or indi-
vidual’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘only if’’ and all that follows through
the closing period and inserting ‘‘only if the technical assist-
ance—’’
‘‘(A) is likely to contribute to the efficiency, effective-
ness, or timeliness of environmental restoration activities
at the installation; or
‘‘(B) is a service described in paragraph (3).’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(3) A service described in this paragraph is a service to improve
public participation in, or assist in the navigation of, environmental
restoration activities at an installation by the community concerned
or an individual member of such community, including with respect
to the following:
‘‘(A) The interpretation of site-related documents, including
documents concerning the nature of a release or threatened
release at the installation, monitoring, testing plans, and
reports associated with site assessment and characterization
at the installation.
‘‘(B) The interpretation of health-related information.
‘‘(C) The interpretation of documents, plans, proposed
actions, and final decisions relating to—
‘‘(i) an interim remedial action;
‘‘(ii) a remedial investigation or feasibility study;
‘‘(iii) a record of decision;
‘‘(iv) a remedial design;
‘‘(v) the selection and construction of remedial action;
‘‘(vi) operation and maintenance;
‘‘(vii) a five-year review at the installation; or
‘‘(viii) a removal action at the installation.
‘‘(D) Assistance with the preparation of public comments.
‘‘(E) The development of outreach materials to improve
public participation.
‘‘(F) The provision of advice and guidance regarding addi-
tional technical assistance for which the community or indi-
vidual, as the case may be, may be eligible.
‘‘(4) In this subsection, the term ‘covered source’ means a private
sector source, a Federal department or agency other than the
Department of Defense (pursuant to a Federal interagency agree-
ment), or a nonprofit entity (pursuant to a cooperative agreement
entered into with such entity).’’.
SEC. 314. COORDINATION ON AGREEMENTS TO LIMIT ENCROACH-
MENTS
AND
OTHER
CONSTRAINTS
ON
MILITARY
TRAINING, TESTING, AND OPERATIONS.
Section 2684a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
H. R. 2670—82
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) through (j) as sub-
sections (d) through (k), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY TO COORDINATE.—(1) In entering into an agree-
ment under subsection (a) or undertaking a project under such
agreement, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military
department, as the case may be, may coordinate with any other
covered official with an interest in the activities proposed to be
undertaken under such agreement.
‘‘(2) In this subsection, the term ‘covered official’ means a
Secretary concerned, the Director of the Army National Guard,
or the Director of the Air National Guard.’’; and
(3) in subsection (h)(2)(D), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (d)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (e)’’.
SEC. 315. REQUIREMENT FOR APPROVAL BY UNDER SECRETARY OF
DEFENSE
FOR
ACQUISITION
AND
SUSTAINMENT
OF
WAIVER FOR SYSTEMS NOT MEETING FUEL EFFICIENCY
KEY PERFORMANCE PARAMETER.
Section 332(b) of the Duncan Hunter National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 10
U.S.C. 2911 note) is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary of Defense’’ and inserting
the following: ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) WAIVER OF FUEL EFFICIENCY KEY PERFORMANCE PARAM-
ETER.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The fuel efficiency key performance
parameter implemented pursuant to paragraph (1) may
be waived with respect to a system only if—
‘‘(i) such waiver is approved by the Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment;
and
‘‘(ii) the system is a fuel consuming system that
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment determines requires, or is likely to
require, sustainment on at least an occasional basis.
‘‘(B) NONDELEGATION.—The authority to approve a
waiver under subparagraph (A) may not be delegated.’’.
SEC. 316. MODIFICATION TO PROTOTYPE AND DEMONSTRATION
PROJECTS FOR ENERGY RESILIENCE AT CERTAIN MILI-
TARY INSTALLATIONS.
(a) MODIFICATION TO COVERED TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROTOTYPE
AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.—Section 322(c)(6) of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2511; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) Hydrogen creation, storage, and power generation
technologies using natural gas or renewable electricity.’’.
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to covered prototype and demonstration
projects (as defined in section 322(k) of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2511; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note)) commencing
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
H. R. 2670—83
SEC. 317. AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER CERTAIN FUNDS AS PAYMENT
RELATING TO NAVAL AIR STATION, MOFFETT FIELD, CALI-
FORNIA.
(a) AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER FUNDS.—
(1) TRANSFER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the Navy shall,
in accordance with section 2703(f) of title 10, United States
Code—
(A) transfer $218,125 to the Hazardous Substance
Superfund established under subchapter A of chapter 98
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, without regard to
section 2215 of such title; and
(B) transfer $218,125 to the State of California for
deposit into the California State Water Pollution Cleanup
and Abatement Account.
(2) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Any transfer under this subsection
shall be made using funds authorized to be appropriated by
this Act for fiscal year 2024 for the Department of Defense
Base Closure Account established by section 2906(a) of the
Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C.
2687 note).
(b) PURPOSE OF TRANSFER.—A transfer under subsection (a)
shall be for the purpose of satisfying a stipulated penalty assessed
by the Environmental Protection Agency on May 4, 2018, regarding
former Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California, under the Fed-
eral Facility Agreement for Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, which
was entered into by the Navy, the State of California, and the
Environmental Protection Agency in 1990 pursuant to section 120
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620), and which provided for
equal sharing of any such stipulated penalty between the appro-
priate Federal and State funds.
(c) EFFECT OF TRANSFERS.—If the Secretary of the Navy trans-
fers under subsection (a)(1) the amounts required under such sub-
section, such transferred amounts shall be deemed to satisfy in
full the stipulated penalty referred to in subsection (b) for purposes
of the agreement referred to in such subsection, pursuant to the
resolution of stipulated penalties agreed to with respect to such
penalties by the Navy, the State of California, and the Environ-
mental Protection Agency on October 1, 2018.
SEC. 318. PROHIBITION ON REQUIRED DISCLOSURE BY DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE CONTRACTORS OF INFORMATION RELATING
TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.
(a) PROHIBITION ON DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.—
(1) NONTRADITIONAL
DEFENSE
CONTRACTORS.—The Sec-
retary of Defense may not require that any nontraditional
defense contractor, as a condition of being awarded a contract
with the Secretary, disclose a greenhouse gas inventory or
any other report on greenhouse gas emissions, unless the Sec-
retary determines that requiring such disclosure is necessary
to verify a voluntary disclosure of such inventory or other
report by the nontraditional defense contractor.
(2) OTHER THAN NONTRADITIONAL DEFENSE CONTRACTORS.—
During the one-year period beginning on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may not require
that any individual or entity other than a nontraditional
defense contractor, as a condition of being awarded a contract
H. R. 2670—84
with the Secretary, disclose a greenhouse gas inventory or
any other report on greenhouse gas emissions, unless the Sec-
retary determines that requiring such disclosure is necessary
to verify a voluntary disclosure of such inventory or other
report by the individual or entity.
(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may issue a waiver
on a contract-by-contract basis provided that the information pro-
vided is directly related to the performance of the contract. In
issuing such a waiver, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that
any information that is required is clearly identifiable.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘greenhouse gas’’ means—
(A) carbon dioxide;
(B) methane;
(C) nitrous oxide;
(D) nitrogen trifluoride;
(E) hydrofluorocarbons;
(F) perfluorocarbons; or
(G) sulfur hexafluoride.
(2) The term ‘‘greenhouse gas inventory’’ means, with
respect to a person, a quantified list of the annual greenhouse
gas emissions of the person.
(3) The term ‘‘nontraditional defense contractor’’ has the
meaning given the term in section 3014 of title 10, United
States Code.
SEC. 319. REQUIRED INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT
OF CERTAIN NON-TACTICAL VEHICLES AT MILITARY
INSTALLATIONS.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—No Secretary concerned may deploy covered
non-tactical vehicles to a military installation until, for each such
prospective deployment—
(1) the Secretary concerned—
(A) ensures there is completed an infrastructure plan
for that military installation relating to the prospective
deployment; and
(B) determines such plan is sufficient to ensure the
satisfaction of the conditions described in subsection (b);
and
(2) in the case of the first prospective deployment to that
military installation, a period of 180 days has elapsed since
such determination; or
(3) in the case of any subsequent prospective deployment
to that military installation, a period of 60 days has elapsed
since such determination.
(b) CONDITIONS DESCRIBED.—The conditions described in this
subsection are, with respect to a prospective deployment of covered
non-tactical vehicles to a military installation, the following:
(1) Military logistics and operational requirements of that
military installation would not be substantially affected as a
result of a lack of infrastructure to support the kind and
quantity of such vehicles proposed to be deployed.
(2) Adequate support facilities for the kind and quantity
of such vehicles proposed to be deployed exist at that military
installation.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
H. R. 2670—85
(1) The term ‘‘covered non-tactical vehicle’’ means a non-
tactical vehicle that is an electric vehicle, hydrogen-powered
vehicle, or advanced biofuel-powered vehicle, as such terms
are defined in section 328 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law
117–263; 136 Stat. 2519).
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 320. PROHIBITION AND REPORT REQUIREMENT RELATING TO
CERTAIN
ENERGY
PROGRAMS
OF
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE.
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department
of Defense for any operational energy program may be provided
to any entity owned by, or with known financial or leadership
ties to, the Russian Federation or the Chinese Communist Party.
(b) REPORT REQUIREMENT.—As part of the report submitted
under section 2925(a) of title 10, United States Code, for fiscal
year 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report on operational energy programs
that includes—
(1) a list of each operational energy program; and
(2) to the extent such information may be determined,
a description of—
(A) how each such program improves military readiness
or capabilities;
(B) how each such program shall be sustained
(including in a contested environment); and
(C) the estimated life-cycle costs of each such program,
including the estimated cost avoidance over such life cycle.
(c) OPERATIONAL ENERGY PROGRAM DEFINED.—In this section,
the term ‘‘operational energy program’’ means any program carried
out under an operational energy initiative of the Department of
Defense specified in section 2925(b)(3) of title 10, United States
Code.
SEC. 321. REPORT ON SCHEDULE AND COST ESTIMATES FOR COMPLE-
TION OF TESTING AND REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED
SITES; PUBLICATION OF CLEANUP INFORMATION.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—
(1) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and once every two years thereafter
until December 31, 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall submit
to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report that includes—
(A) a proposed schedule for the completion of testing
and remediation activities (including with respect to the
remediation
of
perfluoroalkyl
substances
and
polyfluoroalkyl
substances)
at
military
installations,
National Guard facilities, and sites formerly used by the
Department of Defense in the United States with respect
to which the Secretary obligated funds for environmental
restoration activities in fiscal year 2022;
(B) for each site specified in subparagraph (A) for
which an element of the Department of Defense has com-
pleted a remedial investigation but for which testing and
H. R. 2670—86
remediation activities have not been completed, a detailed
cost estimate—
(i) for any such activities to be carried out at
such site during the following year; and
(ii) for the completion of such activities at such
site;
(C) if either cost estimate specified in subparagraph
(B) is unavailable with respect to a given site specified
in subparagraph (A), a detailed description of known and
unknown factors, including site characteristics and the
nature of contamination, that may affect the cost to com-
plete testing and remediation activities at such site based
on historical costs of remediation for—
(i) sites remediated under the Defense Environ-
mental Restoration Program under section 2701 of title
10, United States Code;
(ii) other federally-funded sites; or
(iii) privately-funded sites; and
(D) for each site specified in subparagraph (A) for
which the Secretary has completed the preliminary assess-
ment or site inspection phase and that has been designated
as requiring a remedial investigation or study on the feasi-
bility of remediating the site, the timeline for the comple-
tion of such investigation or study.
(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:
(A) The term ‘‘military installation’’ has the meaning
given such term in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States
Code.
(B) The term ‘‘National Guard facility’’ has the meaning
given that term in section 2700 of title 10, United States
Code.
(b) PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION.—Beginning not later than
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Defense shall publish on the publicly available website estab-
lished under section 331(b) of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2701
note) timely and regularly updated information on the status of
cleanup at sites for which the Secretary has obligated funds for
environmental restoration activities.
Subtitle C—Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl
Substances
and
Polyfluoroalkyl
Sub-
stances
SEC. 331. MODIFICATION OF TIMING OF REPORT ON ACTIVITIES OF
PFAS TASK FORCE.
Section 2714(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘and quarterly thereafter,’’ and inserting ‘‘and annually
thereafter through 2029,’’.
SEC.
332.
BUDGET
JUSTIFICATION
DOCUMENT
FOR
FUNDING
RELATING
TO
PERFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES
AND
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.
Chapter 160 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
H. R. 2670—87
‘‘§ 2716. Budget justification document for funding relating
to perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl
substances
‘‘The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress, concurrent
with the submission to Congress of the budget of the President
for each fiscal year pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, a separate
budget justification document that consolidates all information per-
taining to activities of the Department of Defense relating to
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances, including
funding for and descriptions of—
‘‘(1) research and development efforts;
‘‘(2) testing;
‘‘(3) remediation;
‘‘(4) contaminant disposal; and
‘‘(5) community outreach.’’.
SEC. 333. INCREASE OF TRANSFER AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING OF
STUDY AND ASSESSMENT ON HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF
PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND POLYFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES CONTAMINATION IN DRINKING WATER BY
AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY.
Section 316(a)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1350) is amended
by adding at the end the following new clause:
‘‘(iv) Without regard to section 2215 of title 10, United
States Code, the Secretary of Defense may transfer not
more than $5,000,000 during fiscal year 2024 to the Sec-
retary of Health and Human Services to pay for the study
and assessment required by this section.’’.
SEC. 334. PRIZES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THERMAL
DESTRUCTION OF PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES OR
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.
(a) PRIZES.—Section 330 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 2661
note prec.), as amended by section 343 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2530), is further amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(3)
Technology
for
the
thermal
destruction
of
perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.’’; and
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘October 1, 2024’’ and
inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’.
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for fiscal year
2024 $1,000,000 to carry out this section.
SEC. 335. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN MATERIALS CONTAMINATED WITH
PERFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES OR POLYFLUOROALKYL
SUBSTANCES.
Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1643; 10 U.S.C. 2701
note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘Beginning not later’’
and inserting ‘‘Except as provided in subsection (c), beginning
not later’’;
H. R. 2670—88
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as sub-
sections (d) through (f), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(c) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN MATERIALS.—Notwithstanding sub-
section (a), until the date on which the Secretary adopts the final
rule pursuant to subsection (b), the Secretary may treat covered
materials, including soils that have been contaminated with PFAS,
through the use of any remediation or disposal technology that
is approved by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.’’; and
(4) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by striking ‘‘subsection (c)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (d)’’.
SEC. 336. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS ON
TESTING AND REMEDIATION OF PERFLUOROALKYL SUB-
STANCES AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, and not later than five years thereafter, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report assessing the state of ongoing testing
and remediation by the Department of Defense of current or former
military installations contaminated with perfluoroalkyl substances
or polyfluoroalkyl substances, including—
(1) an assessment of the thoroughness, pace, and cost-
effectiveness of efforts of the Department to conduct testing
and remediation relating to such substances;
(2) recommendations to improve such efforts; and
(3) such other matters as the Comptroller General deter-
mines appropriate.
Subtitle D—Logistics and Sustainment
SEC. 341. MODIFICATION OF RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING
PROVISION OF SUPPORT AND SERVICES TO NON-DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES.
Section 2012(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subpara-
graphs (A) and (B), respectively;
(2) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as redesig-
nated by paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Nothing in this section’’
and inserting ‘‘(1) Nothing in this section’’;
(3) in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by inserting
‘‘, except as provided in paragraph (2),’’ before ‘‘for response’’;
and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) Funds available to the Secretary of a military department
for operation and maintenance for the Innovative Readiness
Training program (as established pursuant to this section) may
be expended under this section, upon approval by the Secretary
concerned, to assist in demolition, clearing of roads, infrastructure
improvements, and military construction to restore an area after
a natural disaster.’’.
H. R. 2670—89
SEC. 342. REPEAL OF COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW REQUIRE-
MENT RELATING TO CORE LOGISTICS CAPABILITIES.
Section 2464 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
striking subsection (e).
SEC. 343. MODIFICATIONS TO CONTESTED LOGISTICS WORKING
GROUP OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
Section 2926(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
as follows:
(1) EXPANSION OF WORKING GROUP.—
(A) EXPANSION.—In paragraph (3)—
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ‘‘appointed’’; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new sub-
paragraphs:
‘‘(D) A senior official of the Defense Logistics Agency, who
shall be appointed by the Director of the Defense Logistics
Agency to represent the Defense Logistics Agency.
‘‘(E) An official of the Office of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering, who shall be nominated
by the Secretary of Defense and confirmed by the Senate to
represent such Office.
‘‘(F) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
who shall represent the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition.
‘‘(G) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment,
who shall represent the Office of the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Sustainment.’’.
(B) TIMING.—Not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall appoint the additional members of the working group
required under subparagraphs (D) through (G) of para-
graph (3) of such section, as added by subparagraph (A).
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS.—In paragraph (4), by
inserting ‘‘, or developing capabilities for such purposes,’’ after
‘‘coordinated initiatives’’.
(3) MEETINGS; REPORTS.—By adding at the end the fol-
lowing new paragraphs:
‘‘(6) The working group under paragraph (1) shall meet not
less frequently than quarterly.
‘‘(7)(A) Not later than February 1 of each year, the working
group under paragraph (1) shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that contains a description of the following:
‘‘(i) The topics addressed in the meetings of the working
group during the preceding year.
‘‘(ii) The priorities of the working group for the following
year (including with respect to any shortfalls in personnel,
equipment, infrastructure, energy and storage, or capabilities)
in support of the operational plans of the Department of
Defense.
‘‘(iii) Any steps taken by the working group, as of the
date of the submission, to address any identified shortfalls
in budget or capabilities.
‘‘(B) Each report under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted
in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.’’.
H. R. 2670—90
SEC. 344. MATTERS RELATING TO BRIEFINGS ON SHIPYARD INFRA-
STRUCTURE OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM OF THE NAVY.
(a)
MODIFICATION
TO
BRIEFING
REQUIREMENT.—Section
355(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 8013 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(D) A risk analysis of how the schedule for such project
affects the availability schedule for submarines and aircraft
carriers, including the following:
‘‘(i) A timeline for the completion of such project,
including construction dates and dates of planned
maintenance at each shipyard under such project.
‘‘(ii) Contingency maintenance plans if such project
is delayed, including any backup location for mainte-
nance availabilities determined by the Chief Naval
Officer and any resulting alteration in plans or sched-
ules for maintenance.
‘‘(iii) The effect on public shipyards should a delay
to such project result in the implementation of a contin-
gency plan pursuant to clause (ii), including the effect
on the workforce and workload capacity at the public
shipyard with respect to which such project is con-
ducted.
‘‘(iv) A cost-benefit analysis of the potential for
private shipyards to assist with such workload should
such project be delayed, including an identification of
any gaps in the capability of private shipyards to con-
duct the maintenance described in clause (ii).
‘‘(v) An assessment of whether greater flexibilities
in authorities are necessary to better support fleet
maintenance needs and the Shipyard Infrastructure
Optimization Program.’’.
(b) BRIEFING
ON IMPLEMENTATION STATUS.—Not later than
October 1, 2024, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of the
implementation of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Pro-
gram of the Department of the Navy. Such briefing shall include,
with respect to each covered project, the information specified in
each of subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 355(b)(2) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, as
amended by subsection (a).
SEC. 345. FOREIGN MILITARY SALES EXCLUSION IN CALCULATION FOR
CERTAIN WORKLOAD CARRYOVER OF DEPARTMENT OF
THE ARMY.
Section 377 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2542;
10 U.S.C. 2476 note) is amended by striking ‘‘that applies’’ and
all that follows through the closing period and inserting ‘‘that—
’’
‘‘(1) applies a material end of period exclusion; and
‘‘(2) excludes from the calculated carryover amount the
proceeds of any foreign military sale.’’.
H. R. 2670—91
SEC. 346. PILOT PROGRAM ON OPTIMIZATION OF AERIAL REFUELING
AND FUEL MANAGEMENT IN CONTESTED LOGISTICS
ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTEL-
LIGENCE.
(a) DESIGN OF PILOT PROGRAM.—
(1) DESIGN.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer of the Department of Defense, in collaboration
with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, shall
design a pilot program to optimize the logistics of aerial
refueling and fuel management in the context of contested
logistics environments through the use of advanced digital tech-
nologies and artificial intelligence (in this section referred to
as the ‘‘pilot program’’).
(2) COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION.—In designing the
pilot program, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer shall—
(A) coordinate with the Commander of the United
States Transportation Command and the Commander of
the United States Indo-Pacific Command regarding the
activities to be carried out under the pilot program, to
ensure the pilot program will align with existing oper-
ational requirements; and
(B) seek to consult with relevant experts in the fields
of artificial intelligence, logistics, aviation, and fuel
management.
(b) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the pilot program shall
include the following:
(1) Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of artificial
intelligence-driven approaches in enhancing aerial refueling
operations and fuel management processes compared to existing
mission planning processes executed by members of the Air
Force with relevant training.
(2) Identifying opportunities to reduce fuel consumption,
decrease operational costs, and minimize the environmental
impact of fuel management while maintaining military readi-
ness.
(3) Evaluating the interoperability and compatibility of
artificial intelligence-enabled systems with the existing logistics
infrastructure of the Department of Defense.
(4) Enhancing situational awareness and decision-making
capabilities through real-time data analysis and predictive mod-
eling.
(5) Addressing potential challenges and risks associated
with the integration of artificial intelligence and other advanced
digital technologies, including challenges and risks involving
cybersecurity concerns.
(c) COMMENCEMENT.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer, in collaboration with the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Chief of Staff of the
Air Force, shall commence the pilot program.
(d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the
House of Representatives and the Senate a report on—
H. R. 2670—92
(1) the design of the pilot program under subsection (a);
(2) the status of any efforts underway to commence the
pilot program under subsection (c); and
(3) any planned future activities to be carried out under
the pilot program to test expected outcomes regarding improved
efficiencies or other benefits that may be derived from artificial
intelligence-driven approaches to aerial refueling operations
and fuel management.
(e) TERMINATION.—The authority to conduct the pilot program
under this section shall terminate on January 1, 2027.
SEC. 347. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS TO EXPAND LEASED
FACILITIES FOR JOINT MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT
OPERATIONS WEB OPERATIONS CENTER.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for Operation
and Maintenance, Defense-wide, may be obligated or expended to
expand leased facilities for the Joint Military Information Support
Operations Web Operations Center until the Secretary of Defense
submits to the congressional defense committees a validated man-
power study for such center that includes the following:
(1) Validated estimates of the number of personnel from
the United States Special Operations Command and the other
combatant commands that will be housed in leased facilities
of such center.
(2) An explanation of how such estimates are aligned with
and support the priorities established by the national defense
strategy under 113(g) of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 348. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING SUBMIS-
SION OF CERTAIN 30-YEAR SHIPBUILDING PLAN BY THE
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Navy shall include
with the defense budget materials for fiscal year 2025 (as submitted
to Congress in support of the budget of the President under section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a 30-year shipbuilding
plan that meets the statutory requirement to maintain 31 amphib-
ious warships as found in section 8062(b) of title 10, United States
Code.
(b) LIMITATION.—If the Secretary of the Navy does not submit
to the congressional defense committees a 30-year shipbuilding
plan as described in subsection (a), not more than 50 percent
of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise
made available for fiscal year 2024 for Administration and
Servicewide Activities, Operation and Maintenance, Navy, may be
obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of
the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees a 30-
year shipbuilding plan as described in such subsection.
(c) AMPHIBIOUS WARSHIP DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘amphibious warship’’ means a ship that is classified as an amphib-
ious assault ship (general purpose) (LHA), an amphibious assault
ship (multi-purpose) (LHD), an amphibious transport dock (LPD),
or a dock landing ship (LSD) that is included in the Battle Force
Inventory in accordance with instruction 5030.8D of the Secretary
of the Navy, or a successor instruction.
H. R. 2670—93
SEC. 349. PLAN REGARDING CONDITION AND MAINTENANCE OF
PREPOSITIONED STOCKPILES OF THE ARMY.
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall
develop a plan to improve the required inspection procedures for
the prepositioned stockpiles of the Army, for the purpose of identi-
fying deficiencies and conducting maintenance repairs at levels
necessary to ensure such prepositioned stockpiles are mission-
capable.
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 30 days after the date
on which the Secretary completes the development of the 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 shall inspect the prepositioned
stockpiles of the Army in accordance with the procedures under
such plan.
(c) BRIEFINGS.—
(1) BRIEFING ON PLAN.—Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army
shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing
on the plan developed under subsection (a).
(2) BRIEFINGS ON STATUS OF PREPOSITIONED STOCKPILES.—
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 Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional
defense committees a briefing on the status and condition of
the prepositioned stockpiles of the Army.
SEC. 350. STRATEGY AND ASSESSMENT ON USE OF AUTOMATION AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SHIPYARD OPTIMIZA-
TION.
(a) STRATEGY.—The Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with
the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Depart-
ment of the Navy, shall develop and implement a strategy to lever-
age commercial best practices used in shipyards to improve the
efficiency of operations and to demonstrate a digital platform that
uses artificial intelligence to analyze data on the maintenance and
condition of shipboard assets of the Navy at shipyards, for the
purpose of improving the readiness of the Armed Forces, predicting
and diagnosing issues prior to the occurrence of such issues, and
lowering maintenance costs.
(b) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of the Navy shall conduct an
assessment of the costs of maintenance delays on shipboard assets
of the Navy and the potential cost savings of adopting artificial
intelligence predictive maintenance technologies to assist in the
determination of the condition of in-service equipment and estimate
when maintenance should be performed prior to failure or end
of life of such equipment. Such assessment shall include—
(1) an analysis of maintenance delays and costs due to
unplanned and unpredicted maintenance issues;
(2) an evaluation of opportunities to demonstrate commer-
cial best practices at shipyards, including the demonstration
of artificial intelligence technologies to ensure timely pre-
dictions for individuals responsible for maintenance and plan-
ning at shipyards by connecting datasets, executing models,
and providing outputs in near real-time;
H. R. 2670—94
(3) an identification of shipyard assets of the Navy with
sufficient data available to enable near-term demonstrations
of artificial intelligence predictive maintenance technologies,
and an estimate of resources needed within the Navy to accel-
erate such demonstrations with respect to such assets; and
(4) an identification of any policy or technical challenges
to implementing artificial intelligence or machine learning for
purposes of carrying out the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimiza-
tion Program of the Department of the Navy.
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on—
(1) the strategy under subsection (a);
(2) the results of the assessment under subsection (b);
and
(3) a plan to execute any measures pursuant to such assess-
ment.
SEC. 351. ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY RELATING TO HARDENING OF
CERTAIN MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AGAINST ATTACK BY
IRAN AND IRANIAN-ASSOCIATED GROUPS.
(a) ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGY.—The Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Commander of the United States Central
Command, shall—
(1) conduct an assessment of the air and missile defense
capabilities at covered military installations with respect to
defense against potential attacks from Iran, the Islamic Revolu-
tionary Guard Corps, and any associated groups; and
(2) taking into account the results of such assessment,
develop a strategy to expedite the hardening of covered military
installations and the upgrade of air and missile defense
capabilities at such installations to improve defense against
such potential attacks.
(b) REPORTS.—
(1) INITIAL REPORT.—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 containing
the results of the assessment under subsection (a)(1) and the
strategy developed under subsection (a)(2).
(2) UPDATE.—Not later than 180 days after the date on
which the Secretary submits the report under paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report containing a description of any update made
to such assessment or progress made in implementing such
strategy.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered military installation’’ means a mili-
tary installation located in the area of responsibility of the
United States Central Command.
(2) The term ‘‘military installation’’ has the meaning given
such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 352. SEMIANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON OPERATIONAL STATUS OF
AMPHIBIOUS WARSHIP FLEET.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and on a semiannual basis thereafter
until September 30, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide
H. R. 2670—95
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the oper-
ational status of the amphibious warship fleet of the Department
of the Navy.
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to each amphibious warship within such fleet,
the following information:
(1) The average quarterly operational availability of the
amphibious warship.
(2) The number of days the amphibious warship was under-
way during the period covered by the briefing as follows:
(A) Training for the purpose of supporting the require-
ments set forth in the training and readiness manual of
the Marine Corps, including unit level well-deck training,
flight-deck operations training, and Amphibious Ready
Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit integrated training.
(B) Deployed, which shall not include scheduled or
unscheduled in-port maintenance.
(3) A baseline and current estimate of the completion date
for in-work and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for
the amphibious warship.
(4) An update on any delays in the completion of scheduled
or unscheduled maintenance, and on any casualty reports, of
the amphibious warship affecting the following:
(A) Scheduled unit level well-deck or flight-deck oper-
ations training of the Marine Corps.
(B) Requirements set forth in the training and readi-
ness manual of the Marine Corps, including with respect
to mobility, communications, amphibious well-deck oper-
ations, aviation operations, and warfare training.
(C) The composition and deployment dates of Amphib-
ious Ready Groups and Marine Expeditionary Units that
are deployed or scheduled to be deployed.
(5) A plan to schedule maintenance and repair for the
amphibious warship in a manner that provides for the contin-
uous operation of a total of three Amphibious Ready Groups
and Marine Expeditionary Units as soon as practicable.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘amphibious warship’’ means a ship that
is classified as an amphibious assault ship (general purpose),
an amphibious assault ship (multi-purpose), an amphibious
transport dock, or a dock landing ship and is included within
the battle force inventory of the Department of the Navy in
accordance with the instruction from the Secretary of the Navy
published on June 28, 2022, titled ‘‘General Guidance for the
Classification of Naval Vessels and Battle Force Ship Counting
Procedures’’ (SECNAVINST 5030.8), or any successor instruc-
tion.
(2) The terms ‘‘Amphibious Ready Group’’ and ‘‘Marine
Expeditionary Unit’’ mean a group or unit, as the case may
be, that consists of a minimum of three amphibious warships,
comprised of at least—
(A) one amphibious assault ship (general purpose) or
amphibious assault ship (multi-purpose); and
(B) one amphibious transport dock.
H. R. 2670—96
Subtitle E—Other Matters
SEC. 361. REVIEW OF NOTICE OF PRESUMED RISK ISSUED BY MILITARY
AVIATION AND INSTALLATION ASSURANCE CLEARING-
HOUSE.
Section 183a(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by inserting ‘‘The Clearinghouse shall ensure that a governor has
at least 30 days after the date on which the governor receives
the notice of presumed risk to provide any such comments and
shall provide detailed information and other information necessary
to ensure that the governor can fully understand the nature of
the presumed risk.’’ after the first sentence.
SEC. 362. MODIFICATIONS TO MILITARY AVIATION AND INSTALLATION
ASSURANCE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR REVIEW OF MISSION
OBSTRUCTIONS.
(a) PROJECTS PROPOSED WITHIN TWO NAUTICAL MILES OF ANY
ACTIVE INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE LAUNCH FACILITY
OR CONTROL CENTER.—Section 183a of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)(2)—
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘or any active
intercontinental ballistic missile launch facility or control
center’’ after ‘‘military training routes’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘or a Deputy
Under Secretary of Defense’’ and inserting ‘‘a Deputy Under
Secretary of Defense, or, in the case of a geographic area
of concern related to an active intercontinental ballistic
missile launch facility or control center, the Assistant Sec-
retary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environ-
ment’’; and
(2) in subsection (e)(1)—
(A) in the first sentence—
(i) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and inserting ‘‘(A)
The Secretary’’; and
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or antenna structure project’’ after
‘‘energy project’’;
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘The Secretary
of Defense’s finding of unacceptable risk to national secu-
rity’’ and inserting the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) Any finding of unacceptable risk to national security by
the Secretary of Defense under this paragraph’’; and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as designated
by subparagraph (A)(i) of this paragraph, the following
new subparagraph:
‘‘(B)(i) In the case of any energy project or antenna structure
project with proposed structures more than 200 feet above ground
level located within two nautical miles of the geographic center
of an active intercontinental ballistic missile launch facility or con-
trol center, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a finding of
unacceptable risk to national security for such project if the mitiga-
tion actions identified pursuant to this section do not include
removal of all such proposed structures from such project after
receiving notice of presumed risk from the Clearinghouse under
subsection (c)(2).
H. R. 2670—97
‘‘(ii) Clause (i) does not apply to structures approved before
the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 or to structures that are re-powered with
updated technology in the same location as previously approved
structures.’’.
(b) INCLUSION OF ANTENNA STRUCTURE PROJECTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Such section is further amended—
(A) by inserting ‘‘or antenna structure projects’’ after
‘‘energy projects’’ each place it appears; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘or antenna structure project’’ after
‘‘energy project’’ each place it appears (except for sub-
sections (e)(1) and (h)(2)).
(2) ANTENNA STRUCTURE PROJECT AND INTERCONTINENTAL
BALLISTIC
MISSILE
LAUNCH
FACILITY
OR
CONTROL
CENTER
DEFINED.—Section 183a(h) of such title is amended—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (9) as
paragraphs (4) through (11), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraphs:
‘‘(2) The term ‘antenna structure project’—
‘‘(A) means a project to construct a structure located
within two nautical miles of the geographic center of any
intercontinental ballistic missile launch facility or control
center that—
‘‘(i) is constructed or used to transmit radio energy
or that is constructed or used for the primary purpose
of supporting antennas to transmit or receive radio
energy (or both), and any antennas and other appur-
tenances mounted on the structure, from the time
construction of the supporting structure begins until
such time as the supporting structure is dismantled;
and
‘‘(ii) for which notification is required to be made
to the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to
processes already established under this title; and
‘‘(B) does not include—
‘‘(i) any structure constructed before the date of
the enactment of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024, including any such structure
which is upgraded, repaired, or otherwise modified
after such date of enactment as long as such upgrade,
repair, or modification has not increased the height
of such structure; or
‘‘(ii) any project in support of or required by an
intercontinental ballistic missile launch facility or con-
trol center, or any other such project that has been
approved by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary
of Defense’s designee for use on the same military
installation at which such facility or control center
is located.
‘‘(3) The term ‘intercontinental ballistic missile launch
facility or control center’ means such facilities or control centers
located at the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base; the
Malmstrom Air Force Base, and the Minot Air Force Base,
and their respective missile fields.’’.
H. R. 2670—98
SEC. 363. MODIFICATION TO JOINT SAFETY COUNCIL.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating the second section 184 (relating to
the Joint Safety Council) as section 185;
(2) in section 185(d), as so redesignated—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as
paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph (7):
‘‘(7) Ensuring each military department has in place, for
the safety management system and program described in para-
graphs (5) and (6), respectively, of that military department—
‘‘(A) a resolution plan that identifies specific corrective
and preventative actions to address the causes of mishaps;
and
‘‘(B) an implementation plan for such system and pro-
gram.’’;
(C) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by subparagraph
(A), by striking ‘‘the safety management systems described
in paragraphs (9) and (10)’’ and inserting ‘‘the safety
management system and program described in paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively’’; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(11) Not later than one year after the initial identification
of corrective and preventative actions by a military department
pursuant to a resolution plan under paragraph (7)(A), and
periodically thereafter, reviewing and validating each such
identified corrective and preventative action to ensure the
action is effective.
‘‘(12) Ensuring any related change in methods, tactics, or
procedures necessary for the conduct of such identified correc-
tive and preventative actions have been implemented.’’.
SEC. 364. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINA-
TION OF RENEGOTIATION OF CERTAIN LAND LEASES
OWNED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE IN HAWAII.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate
an official to be responsible for, in coordination with appropriate
officials from the military departments (as such term is defined
in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code) and the United
States Indo-Pacific Command—
(1) coordinating Department of Defense-wide efforts
relating to the renegotiation of land leases owned by the Depart-
ment of Defense in the State of Hawaii expiring between 2029
and 2031;
(2) representing the Department of Defense during any
such renegotiation; and
(3) ensuring clear and consistent communication to such
State, State and local elected officials, and the public regarding
the needs and priorities of the Department of Defense with
respect to joint land use in such State.
(b) SELECTION.—In making the designation under subsection
(a), the Secretary of Defense may appoint an individual with a
significant background and expertise in—
(1) relevant legal and technical aspects of land lease issues;
and
H. R. 2670—99
(2) working with State and local elected officials and the
public in such State.
(c) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after the date on
which the Secretary of Defense makes the designation under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense
committees and the Governor of Hawaii a notification that includes
the name and contact information of the individual so designated.
SEC. 365. CONTINUED DESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
AS EXECUTIVE AGENT FOR NAVAL SMALL CRAFT INSTRUC-
TION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL.
The Secretary of the Navy shall continue, through fiscal year
2024—
(1) to perform the responsibilities of the Department of
Defense executive agent for the Naval Small Craft Instruction
and Technical Training School pursuant to section 352(b) of
title 10, United States Code; and
(2) in coordination with the Commander of the United
States Special Operations Command, to provide such support,
including resourcing and manpower, as may be necessary for
the continued operation of such school.
SEC. 366. ESTABLISHMENT OF CAISSON PLATOON AND SUPPORT FOR
MILITARY AND STATE FUNERAL SERVICES AT ARLINGTON
NATIONAL CEMETERY.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the Department
of the Army an equine unit, to be known as the ‘‘Caisson Platoon’’,
assigned to the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the Army. The duties
of such unit shall include the provision of support for military
and State funerals.
(b) PROHIBITIONS ON ELIMINATION.—The Secretary of the Army
may not eliminate the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment
of the Army established under subsection (a).
(c) BRIEFINGS.—
(1) PROVISION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently
than every 180 days thereafter until March 31, 2027, the Sec-
retary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing on the health, welfare, and sustainment
of military working equids.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) An assessment of the ability of the Caisson Platoon
of the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the Army to support mili-
tary funeral operations within Arlington National Ceme-
tery, including milestones associated with achieving full
operational capability for such Caisson Platoon.
(B) An update on the plan of the task force known
as the ‘‘Task Force-Military Working Equids’’ established
by the Office of the Surgeon General, as directed by the
Director of the Army Staff, in May 2022 (or any successor
task force), to promote, support, and sustain animal health
and welfare.
(C) An update on the plan of such task force to ensure
the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the
Army has the ability to continuously support military and
State funeral operations within Arlington National Ceme-
tery.
H. R. 2670—100
SEC. 367. RECOVERY OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS AND OTHER STRA-
TEGIC AND CRITICAL MATERIALS THROUGH END-OF-LIFE
EQUIPMENT RECYCLING.
The Secretary of Defense shall issue policies and establish
procedures to—
(1) identify end-of-life equipment of the Department of
Defense that contains rare earth elements and other 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; and
(2) recover such materials from such equipment for the
purposes of reuse by the Department of Defense.
TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL
AUTHORIZATIONS
Subtitle A—Active Forces
Sec. 401. End strengths for active forces.
Sec. 402. End strength level matters.
Subtitle B—Reserve Forces
Sec. 411. End strengths for Selected Reserve.
Sec. 412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves.
Sec. 413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status).
Sec. 414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty
for operational support.
Subtitle C—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 421. Military personnel.
Subtitle A—Active Forces
SEC. 401. END STRENGTHS FOR ACTIVE FORCES.
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty
personnel as of September 30, 2024, as follows:
(1) The Army, 445,000.
(2) The Navy, 337,800.
(3) The Marine Corps, 172,300.
(4) The Air Force, 320,000.
(5) The Space Force, 9,400.
SEC. 402. END STRENGTH LEVEL MATTERS.
Section 115 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (f)(2), by striking ‘‘not more than 2 per-
cent’’ and inserting ‘‘not more than 3 percent’’; and
(2) in subsection (g)(1), by striking subparagraphs (A) and
(B) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
‘‘(A) vary the end strength pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A)
for a fiscal year for the armed force or forces under the jurisdic-
tion of that Secretary by a number not equal to more than
2 percent of such authorized end strength;
‘‘(B) vary the end strength pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B)
for a fiscal year for the armed force or forces under the jurisdic-
tion of that Secretary by a number not equal to more than
2 percent of such authorized end strength; and
H. R. 2670—101
‘‘(C) vary the end strength pursuant to subsection (a)(2)
for a fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of the reserve compo-
nent of the armed force or forces under the jurisdiction of
that Secretary by a number equal to not more than 2 percent
of such authorized end strength.’’.
Subtitle B—Reserve Forces
SEC. 411. END STRENGTHS FOR SELECTED RESERVE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Armed Forces are authorized strengths
for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of
September 30, 2024, as follows:
(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 325,000.
(2) The Army Reserve, 174,800.
(3) The Navy Reserve, 57,200.
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 32,000.
(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 105,000.
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 69,600.
(7) The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000.
(b) END STRENGTH REDUCTIONS.—The end strengths prescribed
by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component
shall be proportionately reduced by—
(1) 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
(2) 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.
(c) END STRENGTH INCREASES.—Whenever units or individual
members of the Selected Reserve for 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.
SEC. 412. END STRENGTHS FOR RESERVES ON ACTIVE DUTY IN SUP-
PORT 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, 2024, 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:
(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 30,845.
(2) The Army Reserve, 16,511.
(3) The Navy Reserve, 10,327.
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,355.
(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,333.
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 6,003.
H. R. 2670—102
SEC. 413. END STRENGTHS FOR MILITARY TECHNICIANS (DUAL
STATUS).
The minimum number of military technicians (dual status)
as of the last day of fiscal year 2024 for the reserve components
of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of
title 10, United States Code) shall be the following:
(1) For the Army National Guard of the United States,
22,294.
(2) For the Army Reserve, 7,990.
(3) For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,994.
(4) For the Air Force Reserve, 6,882.
SEC. 414. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF RESERVE PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED
TO BE ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT.
During fiscal year 2024, 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:
(1) The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000.
(2) The Army Reserve, 13,000.
(3) The Navy Reserve, 6,200.
(4) The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000.
(5) The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000.
(6) The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.
Subtitle C—Authorization of
Appropriations
SEC. 421. MILITARY PERSONNEL.
(a) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Funds are hereby
authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 for the use
of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Depart-
ment of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for mili-
tary personnel, as specified in the funding table in section 4401.
(b) CONSTRUCTION OF AUTHORIZATION.—The authorization of
appropriations in subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization
of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal
year 2024.
TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL
POLICY
Subtitle A—Officer Policy
Sec. 501. Authorized strength: general and flag officers on active duty.
Sec. 502. Extension of active duty term for Attending Physician at United States
Capitol.
Sec. 503. Updating authority to authorize promotion transfers between components
of the same Armed Force or a different Armed Force.
Sec. 504. Flexibility in determining terms of appointment for certain senior officer
positions.
Sec. 505. Realignment of Navy spot-promotion quotas.
Sec. 506. Authority to increase the number of medical and dental officers rec-
ommended for promotion to certain grades.
Sec. 507. Prohibition on appointment or nomination of certain officers who are sub-
ject to special selection review boards.
Sec. 508. Effect of failure of selection for promotion.
Sec. 509. Improvements relating to service obligation for Marine Corps cyberspace
operations officers.
H. R. 2670—103
Sec. 509A. Time in grade requirements.
Sec. 509B. Establishment of Legislative Liaison of the Space Force.
Sec. 509C. Extension of authority to vary number of Space Force officers considered
for promotion to major general.
Sec. 509D. Briefing on number of general officers of the Space Force on active duty.
Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management
Sec. 511. Removal of active duty prohibition for members of the Air Force Reserve
Policy Committee.
Sec. 512. Grade of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Sec. 513. Mobilization of Selected Reserve for preplanned missions in support of the
combatant commands.
Sec. 514. Alternative promotion authority for reserve officers in designated com-
petitive categories.
Sec. 515. Authorization for FireGuard Program.
Sec. 516. Designation of at least one general officer of the Marine Corps Reserve
as a joint qualified officer.
Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Prohibitions
Sec. 521. Permanent authority to order retired members to active duty in high-de-
mand, low-density appointments.
Sec. 522. Prohibition on policy of the Department of Defense regarding identifica-
tion of gender or personal pronouns in official correspondence.
Sec. 523. Prohibition on former members of the Armed Forces accepting post-serv-
ice employment with certain foreign governments.
Sec. 524. Verification of the financial independence of financial services counselors
in the Department of Defense.
Sec. 525. Modification of requirements for approval of foreign employment by re-
tired and reserve members of uniformed services.
Sec. 526. Consideration of reinstatement of a member of the Armed Forces involun-
tarily separated on the basis of refusal to receive a vaccination against
COVID-19.
Sec. 527. Reviews of characterization of administrative discharges of certain mem-
bers on the basis of failure to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
Sec. 528. Certain members discharged or dismissed on the sole basis of failure to
obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for COVID-19: communication
strategy regarding reinstatement process.
Sec. 529. Continuing military service for certain members eligible for chapter 61 re-
tirement.
Sec. 529A. Threat-based security services and equipment for certain former or re-
tired Department of Defense personnel.
Sec. 529B. Limitation on establishment of new diversity, equity, and inclusion posi-
tions; hiring freeze.
Sec. 529C. Requirement to base military accessions and promotions on merit and
performance.
Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters
Sec. 531. Technical and conforming amendments to the Uniform Code of Military
Justice.
Sec. 532. Establishment of staggered terms for members of the Military Justice Re-
view Panel.
Sec. 533. Supreme Court review of certain actions of the United States Court of Ap-
peals for the Armed Forces.
Sec. 534. Additional requirements for initiative to enhance the capability of mili-
tary criminal investigative organizations to prevent and combat child
sexual exploitation.
Sec. 535. Limitation on availability of funds for relocation of Army CID special
agent training course.
Sec. 536. Study on requirement for unanimous votes for findings in general and
special courts-martial and related milestones for implementation.
Sec. 537. Study on removal of Sexual Assault Victim Advocates from the chain of
command of victims.
Subtitle E—Accession Standards and Recruitment
Sec. 541. Increased access to potential recruits at secondary schools.
Sec. 542. Modification of limitation on enlistment and induction of persons whose
score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level.
Sec. 543. Increased access to potential recruits at institutions of higher education.
Sec. 544. Increase in accession bonus for nurse officer candidates.
Sec. 545. Improvements to medical standards for accession to certain Armed
Forces.
H. R. 2670—104
Sec. 546. Future servicemember preparatory course.
Sec. 547. Pilot program on cardiac screenings for military accessions.
Sec. 548. Community college Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program.
Sec. 549. Annual briefings on military recruitment practices in public secondary
schools and community colleges.
Subtitle F—Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
Sec. 551. Expansion of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Sec. 552. Requirement for memoranda of understanding addressing certain matters
pertaining to units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Sec. 553. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps administrator and instructor
compensation.
Sec. 554. Prohibition of establishment or maintenance of a unit of the Junior Re-
serve Officers’ Training Corps at an educational institution owned, oper-
ated, or controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
Sec. 555. Enforcement of program requirements for the Junior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps.
Sec. 556. Annual report on allegations of sexual misconduct in Junior Reserve Offi-
cers’ Training Corps programs.
Subtitle G—Member Education
Sec. 561. Service Academies: numbers of nominations by Members of Congress and
appointments by the Secretaries of the military departments.
Sec. 562. Increase in the number of nominees from Guam to the Service Academies.
Sec. 563. Consideration of standardized test scores in military service academy ap-
plication process.
Sec. 564. Service Academy professional sports pathway report and legislative pro-
posal required.
Sec. 565. Briefing on inclusion of advanced research programs at certain institu-
tions of professional military education.
Subtitle H—Member Training and Transition
Sec. 571. Amendments to pathways for counseling in the Transition Assistance Pro-
gram.
Sec. 572. Skillbridge: staffing; budgeting; outreach; report.
Sec. 573. Extension of Troops-to-Teachers program to the Job Corps.
Sec. 574. Troops-to-Teachers Program: expansion; extension.
Sec. 575. Language training centers for members of the Armed Forces and civilian
employees of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 576. Prohibition on use of Federal funds to endorse critical race theory.
Sec. 577. Increased fitness standards for Army close combat force military occupa-
tional specialties.
Sec. 578. Publication of training materials of the Defense Equal Opportunity Man-
agement Institute.
Sec. 579. Prohibition on Federal funds for the Department of Defense Countering
Extremism Work Group.
Subtitle I—Family Programs, Child Care, and Dependent Education
Sec. 581. Non-medical counseling services for military families.
Sec. 582. Increase in the target funding level for military child care.
Sec. 583. Modifications to assistance to local educational agencies that benefit de-
pendents of members of the Armed Forces with enrollment changes due
to base closures, force structure changes, or force relocations.
Sec. 584. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents
of military and civilian personnel.
Sec. 585. Outreach campaign relating to waiting lists for military child develop-
ment centers; annual briefing.
Sec. 586. Briefings on pilot program on hiring of special needs inclusion coordina-
tors for Department of Defense child development centers.
Sec. 587. Briefings on implementation of universal pre-kindergarten programs in
schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 588. Report on mental health and wellness support for students enrolled in
schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 589. Rights of parents of children attending schools operated by the Depart-
ment of Defense Education Activity.
Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards and Other Personnel Matters, Reports, and
Briefings
Sec. 591. Armed Forces workplace surveys.
Sec. 592. Due date for report on efforts to prevent and respond to deaths by suicide
in the Navy.
H. R. 2670—105
Sec. 593. Extension of deadline for review of World War I valor medals.
Sec. 594. Digital ambassador program of the Navy: cessation; report; restart.
Subtitle A—Officer Policy
SEC. 501. AUTHORIZED STRENGTH: GENERAL AND FLAG OFFICERS
ON ACTIVE DUTY.
(a) REPEAL
OF
OBSOLETE
AUTHORITY; REDESIGNATION.—
Chapter 32 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by repealing section 526;
(2) by redesignating section 526a as section 526;
(3) in the table of sections for such chapter, by striking
the item relating to section 526a; and
(4) in the section heading for section 526, as redesignated
by paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘after December 31, 2022’’.
(b) INCREASED AUTHORIZED STRENGTH.—Section 526 of title
10, United States Code, as redesignated and amended by subsection
(a), is further amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking ‘‘after December 31, 2022,’’;
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘218’’ and inserting
‘‘219’’;
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘149’’ and inserting
‘‘150’’;
(D) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘170’’ and inserting
‘‘171’’; and
(E) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘62’’ and inserting
‘‘64’’; and
(2) by redesignating the second subsection designated as
subsection (i) as subsection (j).
(c) REPEAL OF EXCLUSION OF OFFICERS SERVING AS LEAD SPE-
CIAL
TRIAL
COUNSEL
FROM
LIMITATIONS
ON
AUTHORIZED
STRENGTHS.—Section 506 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is hereby repealed.
SEC. 502. EXTENSION OF ACTIVE DUTY TERM FOR ATTENDING PHYSI-
CIAN AT UNITED STATES CAPITOL.
The present incumbent Attending Physician at the United
States Capitol shall be continued on active duty until six years
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 503. UPDATING AUTHORITY TO AUTHORIZE PROMOTION TRANS-
FERS BETWEEN COMPONENTS OF THE SAME ARMED
FORCE OR A DIFFERENT ARMED FORCE.
(a) WARRANT OFFICERS TRANSFERRED BETWEEN COMPONENTS
WITHIN THE SAME OR A DIFFERENT ARMED FORCE.—Section 578
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
‘‘(g) Notwithstanding subsection (d), and subject to regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in the case of a warrant
officer who is selected for promotion by a selection board convened
under this chapter, and prior to the placement of the warrant
officer’s name on the applicable promotion list is approved for
transfer to a new component within the same or a different armed
force, the Secretary concerned may place the warrant officer’s name
on a corresponding promotion list of the new component without
regard to the warrant officer’s competitive category. A warrant
H. R. 2670—106
officer’s promotion under this subsection shall be made pursuant
to section 12242 of this title.’’.
(b) OFFICERS TRANSFERRED TO RESERVE ACTIVE-STATUS LIST.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Section 624 of such title is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
‘‘(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), in the case of an officer
who is selected for promotion by a selection board convened under
this chapter, and prior to the placement of the officer’s name on
the applicable promotion list is approved for transfer to the reserve
active-status list of the same or a different armed force, the Sec-
retary concerned may place the officer’s name on a corresponding
promotion list on the reserve active-status list without regard to
the officer’s competitive category. An officer’s promotion under this
subsection shall be made pursuant to section 14308 of this title.
‘‘(f) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3), in the case of an officer
who is placed on an all-fully-qualified-officers list, and is subse-
quently approved for transfer to the reserve active-status list, the
Secretary concerned may place the officer’s name on an appropriate
all-fully-qualified-officers list on the reserve active-status list. An
officer’s promotion under this subsection shall be made pursuant
to section 14308 of this title.’’.
(2) DATE
OF
RANK.—Section 14308(c) of such title is
amended—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
‘‘(3) The Secretary concerned may adjust the date of rank
of an officer whose name is placed on a reserve active-status pro-
motion list pursuant to subsection (e) or (f) of section 624 of this
title.’’.
SEC. 504. FLEXIBILITY IN DETERMINING TERMS OF APPOINTMENT FOR
CERTAIN SENIOR OFFICER POSITIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 35 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 601 the following new section:
‘‘§ 602. Flexibility in determining terms of appointment for
certain senior officer positions
‘‘The Secretary of Defense may extend or reduce the duration
of an appointment made under section 152, 154, 7033, 8033, 8043,
9033, or 9082 of this title by up to six months if the Secretary
determines that such an extension or reduction is necessary either
in the interests of national defense, or to ensure an appropriate
staggering of terms of senior military leadership.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 35 of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after the item relating to section 601 the following
new item:
‘‘602. Flexibility in determining terms of appointment for certain senior officer posi-
tions.’’.
SEC. 505. REALIGNMENT OF NAVY SPOT-PROMOTION QUOTAS.
Section 605(g)(4)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘325’’ and inserting ‘‘425’’.
H. R. 2670—107
SEC. 506. AUTHORITY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEDICAL AND
DENTAL OFFICERS RECOMMENDED FOR PROMOTION TO
CERTAIN GRADES.
Section 616(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by inserting ‘‘, except, the Secretary concerned may authorize a
greater number of officers so recommended that is less than 100
percent of the number of officers so included, for medical and
dental officers recommended for promotion to major or lieutenant
commander, if the Secretary concerned determines that such greater
number is necessary to maintain or improve medical readiness’’
before the period at the end.
SEC. 507. PROHIBITION ON APPOINTMENT OR NOMINATION OF CER-
TAIN OFFICERS WHO ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL SELEC-
TION REVIEW BOARDS.
(a) OFFICERS ON ACTIVE-DUTY LIST.—
Section 628a(a)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
‘‘(B) shall not be forwarded for appointment or nomination
to the Secretary of Defense, the President, or the Senate, as
applicable.’’.
(b) OFFICERS ON RESERVE ACTIVE-STATUS LIST.—
Section 14502a(a)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(B) shall not be forwarded for appointment or nomination
to the Secretary of Defense, the President, or the Senate, as
applicable.’’.
SEC. 508. EFFECT OF FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION.
(a) EFFECT OF FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION: CAP-
TAINS AND MAJORS OF THE ARMY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, AND
SPACE FORCE
AND LIEUTENANTS
AND LIEUTENANT COMMANDERS
OF THE NAVY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 632 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended—
(A) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘and Marine
Corps’’ and inserting ‘‘Marine Corps, and Space Force’’;
(B) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘President approves
the report of the board which considered him for the second
time’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary concerned releases the pro-
motion results of the board which considered the officer
for the second time to the public’’.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 36 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by striking the item relating to section 632 and
inserting the following new item:
‘‘632. Effect of failure of selection for promotion: captains and majors of the Army,
Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force and lieutenants and lieuten-
ant commanders of the Navy.’’.
(b) RETIREMENT
OF REGULAR OFFICERS
OF
THE NAVY
FOR
LENGTH OF SERVICE OR FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION.—
Section 8372(a)(2)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘President approves the report of the board which
considered him for the second time’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary con-
cerned releases the promotion results of the board which considered
the officer for the second time to the public’’.
H. R. 2670—108
SEC. 509. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO SERVICE OBLIGATION FOR
MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS OFFICERS.
(a) REQUIRED SERVICE.—Section 651(c) of title 10, United States
Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘or in the case of an
unrestricted officer designated within a cyberspace occupational
specialty’’ before the period at the end; and
(2) in paragraph (2)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting
a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(C) in the case of an unrestricted officer designated within
a cyberspace occupational specialty, the period of obligated
service specified in the enlistment agreement of such officer.’’.
(b) MINIMUM SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN CYBERSPACE
OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES.—Chapter 37 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 653 the following new
section:
‘‘§ 654. Minimum service requirement for certain cyberspace
occupational specialties
‘‘(a) CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS OFFICER.—The minimum service
obligation for any member who successfully completes training in
the armed forces in direct accession to the cyberspace operations
officer occupational specialty of the Marine Corps shall be eight
years.
‘‘(b) SERVICE OBLIGATION DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘service obligation’ means the period of active duty or, in the case
of a member of a reserve component who completed cyberspace
operations training in an active duty for training status as a
member of a reserve component, the period of service in an active
status in the Selected Reserve, required to be served after comple-
tion of cyberspace operations training.’’.
SEC. 509A. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENTS.
Section 1305 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting ‘‘or a Marine Corps
Marine Gunner warrant officer in such grade,’’ after ‘‘chief
warrant officer, W–5,’’;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘when he’’ and inserting
‘‘when the warrant officer’’; and
(3) in subsection (c)—
(A) by striking ‘‘as he’’ and inserting ‘‘as the Secretary
concerned’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘after he’’ and inserting ‘‘after the war-
rant officer’’.
SEC. 509B. ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGISLATIVE LIAISON OF THE SPACE
FORCE.
Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting, after section 9023, the following new section:—
‘‘§ 9023a. Legislative Liaison of the Space Force
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is a Legislative Liaison of the
Space Force.
H. R. 2670—109
‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Legislative Liaison shall perform legisla-
tive affairs functions under the direction of the Chief of Space
Operations.’’.
SEC. 509C. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO VARY NUMBER OF SPACE
FORCE OFFICERS CONSIDERED FOR PROMOTION TO
MAJOR GENERAL.
Subsection (b) of section 503 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1680)
is amended by striking ‘‘shall terminate on December 31, 2022’’
and inserting ‘‘shall terminate on December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 509D. BRIEFING ON NUMBER OF GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE
SPACE FORCE ON ACTIVE DUTY.
Not later than March 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
House of Representatives a briefing regarding the number of general
officers of the Space Force on active duty. Such briefing shall
include the following elements:
(1) The evaluation of the Secretary whether the current
number of such general officers is sufficient to meet the require-
ments of—
(A) the Space Force;
(B) joint duty assignments under chapter 38 of title
10, United States Code; and
(C) the combatant commands.
(2) Any proposal of the Secretary to increase the maximum
number (under section 526a of such title) of such general offi-
cers in order to meet such requirements in the future.
(3) A justification for any such proposal.
Subtitle B—Reserve Component
Management
SEC. 511. REMOVAL OF ACTIVE DUTY PROHIBITION FOR MEMBERS
OF THE AIR FORCE RESERVE POLICY COMMITTEE.
Section 10305 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘not on active duty’’ both
places it appears; and
(2) in subsection (c)—
(A) by inserting ‘‘of the reserve components’’ after
‘‘among the members’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘not on active duty’’.
SEC. 512. GRADE OF VICE CHIEF OF THE NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU.
Section 10505 of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(c) GRADE.—(1) The Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau
shall be appointed to serve in the grade of general.
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall designate, pursuant to sub-
section (b) of section 526 of this title, the position of Vice Chief
of the National Guard Bureau as one of the general officer and
flag officer positions to be excluded from the limitations in sub-
section (a) of such section.’’.
H. R. 2670—110
SEC. 513. MOBILIZATION OF SELECTED RESERVE FOR PREPLANNED
MISSIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE COMBATANT COMMANDS.
Section 12304b(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively;
(2) by striking ‘‘Units’’ and inserting ‘‘(A) Except as provided
under subparagraph (B), units’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(B) In the event the President’s budget is delivered later
than April 1st in the year prior to the year of the mobilization
of one or more units under this section, the Secretary concerned
may submit to Congress the information required under
subparagraph (A) in a separate notice.’’.
SEC. 514. ALTERNATIVE PROMOTION AUTHORITY FOR RESERVE OFFI-
CERS IN DESIGNATED COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Part III of subtitle E of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
chapter:
‘‘CHAPTER 1413—ALTERNATIVE PROMOTION AUTHOR-
ITY FOR OFFICERS IN DESIGNATED COMPETITIVE
CATEGORIES
‘‘Sec.
‘‘15101. Officers in designated competitive categories.
‘‘15102. Selection for promotion.
‘‘15103. Eligibility for consideration for promotion.
‘‘15104. Opportunities for consideration for promotion.
‘‘15105. Promotions.
‘‘15106. Failure of selection for promotion.
‘‘15107. Retirement: retirement for years of service; selective early retirement.
‘‘15108. Continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List.
‘‘15109. Other administrative authorities.
‘‘15110. Regulations.
‘‘§ 15101. Officers in designated competitive categories
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY
TO DESIGNATE COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES
OF
OFFICERS.—Each Secretary of a military department may designate
one or more competitive categories for promotion of officers under
section 14005 of this title that are under the jurisdiction of such
Secretary as a competitive category of officers whose promotion,
retirement, and continuation on the reserve active-status list shall
be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.—The Secretary
of a military department may not designate a competitive category
of officers for purposes of this chapter until 60 days after the
date on which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report
on the designation of the competitive category. The report on the
designation of a competitive category shall set forth the following:
‘‘(1) A detailed description of officer requirements for offi-
cers within the competitive category.
‘‘(2) An explanation of the number of opportunities for
consideration for promotion to each particular grade, and an
estimate of promotion timing, within the competitive category.
‘‘(3) An estimate of the size of the promotion zone for
each grade within the competitive category.
H. R. 2670—111
‘‘(4) A description of any other matters the Secretary consid-
ered in determining to designate the competitive category for
purposes of this chapter.
‘‘§ 15102. Selection for promotion
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in this section, the selec-
tion for promotion of officers in any competitive category of officers
designated for purposes of this chapter shall be governed by the
provisions under chapter 1403 of this title.
‘‘(b) NO RECOMMENDATION FOR PROMOTION OF OFFICERS BELOW
PROMOTION ZONE.—Section 14301(d) of this title shall not apply
to the selection for promotion of officers described in subsection
(a).
‘‘(c) RECOMMENDATION FOR OFFICERS TO BE EXCLUDED FROM
FUTURE CONSIDERATION FOR PROMOTION.—In making recommenda-
tions pursuant to chapter 1403 of this title for purposes of the
administration of this chapter, a selection board convened under
section 14101(a) of this title may recommend that an officer consid-
ered by the board be excluded from future consideration for pro-
motion under this chapter.
‘‘§ 15103. Eligibility for consideration for promotion
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by this section, eligibility
for promotion of officers in any competitive category of officers
designated for purposes of this chapter shall be governed by the
provisions of sections 14301, 14303, and 14304 of this title.
‘‘(b) INAPPLICABILITY
OF
CERTAIN
TIME-IN-GRADE
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—Sections 14303 and 14304 of this title shall not apply
to the promotion of officers described in subsection (a).
‘‘(c) INAPPLICABILITY
TO OFFICERS ABOVE
AND BELOW PRO-
MOTION ZONE.—The following provisions of this title shall not apply
to the promotion of officers described in subsection (a):
‘‘(1) The reference in section 14301(b) to an officer above
the promotion zone.
‘‘(2) Section 14301(d).
‘‘(d) INELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.—The following officers
are not eligible for promotion under this chapter:
‘‘(1) An officer described in section 14301(c) of this title.
‘‘(2) An officer not included within the promotion zone.
‘‘(3) An officer who has failed of promotion to a higher
grade the maximum number of times specified for opportunities
for promotion for such grade within the competitive category
concerned pursuant to section 15104 of this title.
‘‘(4) An officer recommended by a selection board to be
removed from consideration for promotion in accordance with
section 15102(c) of this title.
‘‘§ 15104. Opportunities for consideration for promotion
‘‘(a) SPECIFICATION OF NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSID-
ERATION FOR PROMOTION.—In designating a competitive category
of officers pursuant to section 15101 of this title, the Secretary
of a military department shall specify the number of opportunities
for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of the armed
force concerned within the category for promotion to each grade
above the grade of first lieutenant or lieutenant (junior grade),
as applicable.
H. R. 2670—112
‘‘(b) LIMITED AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF MILITARY DEPART-
MENT TO MODIFY NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES.—The Secretary of
a military department may modify the number of opportunities
for consideration for promotion to be afforded officers of an armed
force within a competitive category for promotion to a particular
grade, as previously specified by the Secretary pursuant subsection
(a) of this subsection, not more frequently than once every five
years.
‘‘(c) DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO
MODIFY NUMBER
OF OPPORTUNITIES.—The Secretary of Defense
may modify the number of opportunities for consideration for pro-
motion to be afforded officers of an armed force within a competitive
category for promotion to a particular grade, as previously specified
or modified pursuant to any provision of this section, at the discre-
tion of the Secretary.
‘‘(d) LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFIED.—
The number of opportunities for consideration for promotion to
be afforded officers of an armed force within a competitive category
for promotion to a particular grade, as specified or modified pursu-
ant to any provision of this section, may not exceed five opportuni-
ties.
‘‘(e) EFFECT OF CERTAIN REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF OPPORTUNI-
TIES SPECIFIED.—If, by reason of a reduction in the number of
opportunities for consideration for promotion under this section,
an officer would no longer have one or more opportunities for
consideration for promotion that were available to the officer before
the reduction, the officer shall be afforded one additional oppor-
tunity for consideration for promotion after the reduction.
‘‘§ 15105. Promotions
‘‘Sections 14307 through 14317 of this title shall apply in pro-
motions of officers in competitive categories of officers designated
for purposes of this chapter.
‘‘§ 15106. Failure of selection for promotion
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in this section, sections
14501 through 14513 of this title shall apply to promotions of
officers in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes
of this chapter.
‘‘(b) INAPPLICABILITY OF FAILURE OF SELECTION FOR PROMOTION
TO OFFICERS ABOVE PROMOTION ZONE.—The reference in section
14501 of this title to an officer above the promotion zone shall
not apply in the promotion of officers described in subsection (a).
‘‘(c) SPECIAL SELECTION BOARD MATTERS.—The reference in
section 14502(a)(1) of this title to a person above the promotion
zone shall not apply in the promotion of officers described in sub-
section (a).
‘‘(d) EFFECT OF FAILURE OF SELECTION.—In the administration
of this chapter pursuant to subsection (a)—
‘‘(1) an officer described in subsection (a) shall not be
deemed to have failed twice of selection for promotion for pur-
poses of section 14502(b) of this title until the officer has
failed selection of promotion to the next higher grade the max-
imum number of times specified for opportunities for promotion
to such grade within the competitive category concerned pursu-
ant to section 15104 of this title; and
H. R. 2670—113
‘‘(2) any reference in sections 14504 through 14506 of this
title to an officer who has failed of selection for promotion
to the next higher grade for the second time shall be deemed
to refer instead to an officer described in subsection (a) who
has failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade
for the maximum number of times specified for opportunities
for promotion to such grade within the competitive category
concerned pursuant to such section 15104.
‘‘§ 15107. Retirement: retirement for years of service; selec-
tive early retirement
‘‘(a) RETIREMENT
FOR YEARS
OF SERVICE.—Sections 14507
through 14515 of this title shall apply to the retirement of officers
in competitive categories of officers designated for purposes of this
chapter.
‘‘(b) SELECTIVE EARLY RETIREMENT.—Section 14101(b) of this
title shall apply to the retirement of officers described in subsection
(a).
‘‘§ 15108. Continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List
‘‘Sections 14701 through 14703 of this title shall apply in
continuation or retention on a reserve active-status list of officers
designated for purposes of this chapter.
‘‘§ 15109. Other administrative authorities
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The following provisions of this title shall
apply to officers in competitive categories of officers designated
for purposes of this chapter:
‘‘(1) Section 14518, relating to continuation of officers to
complete disciplinary action.
‘‘(2) Section 14519, relating to deferment of retirement
or separation for medical reasons.
‘‘(3) Section 14704, relating to the selective early removal
from the reserve active-status list.
‘‘(4) Section 14705, relating to the selective early retirement
of reserve general and flag officers of the Navy and Marine
Corps.
‘‘§ 15110. Regulations
‘‘The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations regarding
the administration of this chapter. The elements of such regulations
shall include mechanisms to clarify the manner in which provisions
of other chapters of this part of the title shall be used in the
administration of this chapter in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter.’’.
(b) TABLE OF CHAPTERS AMENDMENT.—The table of chapters
at the beginning of part III of subtitle E of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
‘‘1413. Alternative promotion authority for officers in designated competitive
categories ..................................................................................................15101’’.
SEC. 515. AUTHORIZATION FOR FIREGUARD PROGRAM.
(a) AUTHORITY.—Chapter 5 of title 32, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 510. Authorization for FireGuard Program
‘‘The Secretary of Defense may use members of the National
Guard to carry out a program to aggregate, analyze, and assess
H. R. 2670—114
multi-source remote sensing information for interagency partner-
ships in the detection and monitoring of wildfires, and to support
any emergency response to such wildfires. Such a program shall
be known as the ‘FireGuard Program’.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following
new item:
‘‘510. Authorization for FireGuard Program.’’.
(c)
CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—The
National
Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is
amended by striking section 515.
SEC. 516. DESIGNATION OF AT LEAST ONE GENERAL OFFICER OF THE
MARINE CORPS RESERVE AS A JOINT QUALIFIED OFFICER.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that at least one general
officer of the Marine Corps Reserve is designated as a joint qualified
officer.
Subtitle C—General Service Authorities
and Prohibitions
SEC. 521. PERMANENT AUTHORITY TO ORDER RETIRED MEMBERS TO
ACTIVE DUTY IN HIGH-DEMAND, LOW-DENSITY APPOINT-
MENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 688a of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘Retired members:
temporary authority’’ and inserting ‘‘Authority’’;
(2) by striking subsection (f);
(3) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections
(f) and (g), respectively; and
(4) in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (3),
by striking ‘‘limitations in subsections (c) and (f)’’ and inserting
‘‘limitation in subsection (c)’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 39 of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking the item relating to section 688a and inserting the
following new item:
‘‘688a. Authority to order to active duty in high-demand, low-density assignments.’’.
SEC. 522. PROHIBITION ON POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
REGARDING IDENTIFICATION OF GENDER OR PERSONAL
PRONOUNS IN OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
Chapter 49 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 985 the following new section 986:
‘‘§ 986. Policy regarding identification of gender or personal
pronouns in official correspondence
‘‘The Secretary of Defense may not require or prohibit a member
of the armed forces or a civilian employee of the Department of
Defense to identify the gender or personal pronouns of such member
or employee in any official correspondence of the Department.’’.
H. R. 2670—115
SEC. 523. PROHIBITION ON FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
ACCEPTING POST-SERVICE EMPLOYMENT WITH CERTAIN
FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 49 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 989. Prohibition on former members of the armed forces
accepting post-service employment with certain for-
eign governments
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by subsection (b), a cov-
ered individual may not occupy a covered post-service position.
‘‘(b) TEMPORARY WAIVER.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish
a process under which a covered individual may be granted
a temporary waiver of the prohibition under subsection (a)
if—
‘‘(A) the individual, or a Federal agency on behalf of,
and with the consent of, the individual, submits to the
Secretary a written application for a waiver in such form
and manner as the Secretary determines appropriate; and
‘‘(B) the Secretary determines that the waiver is nec-
essary to advance the national security interests of the
United States.
‘‘(2) PERIOD OF WAIVER.—A waiver issued under paragraph
(1) shall apply for a period not exceeding 5 years. The Secretary
may renew such a waiver.
‘‘(3) REVOCATION.—The Secretary may revoke a waiver
issued under paragraph (1) to a covered individual with respect
to a covered-post service position if the Secretary determines
that the employment of the individual in the covered-post
service position poses a threat to national security.
‘‘(4) NOTIFICATION.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the
date on which the Secretary issues a waiver under para-
graph (1) or revokes a waiver under paragraph (3), the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the Senate and the House of Representatives written
notification of the waiver or revocation, as the case may
be.
‘‘(B) ELEMENTS.—A notification required by subpara-
graph (A) shall include the following:
‘‘(i) With respect to a waiver issued to a covered
individual—
‘‘(I) the details of the application, including
the position held by the individual in the armed
forces;
‘‘(II) the nature of the post-service position
of the individual;
‘‘(III) a description of the national security
interests that will be advanced by reason of issuing
such a waiver; and
‘‘(IV) the specific reasons why the Secretary
determines that issuing the waiver will advance
such interests.
‘‘(ii) With respect to a revocation of a waiver issued
to a covered individual—
H. R. 2670—116
‘‘(I) the details of the waiver, including any
renewals of the waiver, and the dates of such
waiver and renewals; and
‘‘(II) the specific reasons why the Secretary
determined that the revocation is warranted.
‘‘(c) CERTIFICATION
OF
PROHIBITION.—In implementing the
prohibition under subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a
process under which each member of the armed forces is, before
the member retires or is otherwise separated from the armed
forces—
‘‘(1) informed in writing of the prohibition, and the penalties
for violations of the prohibition; and
‘‘(2) required to certify that the member understands the
prohibition and those penalties.
‘‘(d) PENALTIES.—In the case of a covered individual who know-
ingly and willfully fails to comply with the prohibition under sub-
section (a), the Secretary may, as applicable—
‘‘(1) withhold any pay, allowances, or benefits that would
otherwise be provided to the individual by the Department
of Defense; and
‘‘(2) revoke any security clearance of the individual.
‘‘(e) ANNUAL REPORTS.—
‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than March 31, 2024, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report on covered post-service
employment occurring during the year covered by the report.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
‘‘(A) The number of former covered individuals who
occupy a covered post-service position, broken down by—
‘‘(i) the name of the employer;
‘‘(ii) the foreign government, including by the spe-
cific foreign individual, agency, or entity, for whom
the covered post-service employment is being per-
formed; and
‘‘(iii) the nature of the services provided as part
of the covered post-service employment.
‘‘(B) An assessment by the Secretary of whether—
‘‘(i) the Department of Defense maintains adequate
systems and processes for ensuring that former mem-
bers of the armed forces are submitting required
reports relating to their employment by foreign govern-
ments;
‘‘(ii) all covered individuals who occupy a covered
post-service position are in compliance with this sec-
tion;
‘‘(iii) the services provided by the covered individ-
uals who occupy a covered post-service position pose
a current or future threat to the national security
of the United States; and
‘‘(iv) there is any credible information or reporting
that any covered individual who occupies a covered
post-service position has engaged in activities that vio-
late Federal law.
‘‘(3) FORM OF REPORT.—Each report required by paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include
a classified annex.
H. R. 2670—117
‘‘(f) NOTIFICATIONS OF DETERMINATIONS OF CERTAIN THREATS.—
‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT.—In addition to the annual reports
under subsection (d), if the Secretary determines that the serv-
ices provided by a covered individual who occupies a covered
post-service position pose a threat described in clause (iii) of
paragraph (2)(B) of that subsection, or include activities
described in clause (iv) of such paragraph, the Secretary shall
notify the congressional defense committees of that determina-
tion by not later than 30 days after making the determination.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—A notification required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
‘‘(A) The name of the covered individual.
‘‘(B) The name of the employer.
‘‘(C) The foreign government, including the specific for-
eign individual, agency, or entity, for whom the covered
post-service employment is being performed.
‘‘(D) As applicable, a description of the risk to national
security and the activities that may violate Federal law.
‘‘(g) RULE
OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may
be construed to indemnify or shield covered individuals from
prosecution under any relevant provision of title 18.
‘‘(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) COVERED INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘covered individual’
means an individual who has retired or otherwise separated
from an active or reserve component of the Armed Forces.
‘‘(2) COVERED POST-SERVICE EMPLOYMENT.—The term ‘cov-
ered post-service employment’ means direct or indirect employ-
ment by, representation of, or any provision of advice or services
relating to national security, intelligence, the military, or
internal security to—
‘‘(A) the government of—
‘‘(i) a country of concern (as defined in section
1(m) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act
of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m))); or
‘‘(ii) a country the Secretary of Defense determines
acts as a proxy or passthrough for services for a country
of concern; or
‘‘(B) any company, entity, or other person the activities
of which are directly or indirectly supervised, directed,
controlled, financed, or subsidized, in whole or in major
part, by a government described in subparagraph (A).
‘‘(3) COVERED POST-SERVICE POSITION.—The term ‘covered
post-service position’ means a position of employment described
in paragraph (2).’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 49 of such title is amended by adding at the
end the following new item:
‘‘989. Prohibition on former members of the armed forces accepting post-service em-
ployment with certain foreign governments.’’.
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 908 of title 37, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
‘‘(f) PROHIBITION
ON FORMER MEMBERS
OF ARMED FORCES
ACCEPTING EMPLOYMENT WITH CERTAIN FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS.—
For a provision of law prohibiting former members of the armed
forces from accepting post-service employment with certain foreign
governments, see section 989 of title 10.’’.
H. R. 2670—118
SEC. 524. VERIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE OF
FINANCIAL SERVICES COUNSELORS IN THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE.
(a) VERIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE.—Section 992
of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(A)—
(A) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end;
(B) in clause (ii)—
(i) by striking ‘‘may’’ and inserting ‘‘shall’’;
(ii) by striking ‘‘installation by any means elected
by the Secretary from among the following:’’ and
inserting ‘‘installation—’’;
(iii) in subclause (I)—
(I) by striking ‘‘Through’’ and inserting
‘‘through’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘Defense.’’ and inserting
‘‘Defense;’’;
(iv) in subclause (II)—
(I) by striking ‘‘By contract’’ and inserting ‘‘by
contract’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘Internet.’’ and inserting
‘‘Internet; or’’; and
(v) in subclause (III)—
(I) by striking ‘‘Through’’ and inserting
‘‘through’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘counseling.’’ and inserting
‘‘counseling; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new clause:
‘‘(iii) may not provide financial services through any indi-
vidual unless such individual agrees to submit financial disclo-
sures annually to the Secretary.’’;
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ‘‘installation by any
of the means set forth in subparagraph (A)(ii), as elected by
the Secretary concerned.’’ and inserting ‘‘installation in accord-
ance with the requirements established under subparagraph
(A)(ii) and (iii).’’; and
(3) in subsection (b)(4)—
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The Secretary’’; and
(B) by inserting at the end the following new subpara-
graphs:
‘‘(B) In carrying out the requirements of subparagraph (A),
the Secretary concerned shall establish a requirement that each
financial services counselor under paragraph (2)(A)(i), and any other
individual providing counseling on financial services under para-
graph (2), submit financial disclosures annually to the Secretary.
‘‘(C) The Secretary concerned shall review all financial disclo-
sures submitted pursuant to subparagraph (B) to ensure the coun-
selor, or the individual providing counseling, is free from conflict
as required under this paragraph.
‘‘(D) If the Secretary concerned determines that a financial
services counselor under paragraph (2)(A)(i), or any other individual
providing counseling on financial services under paragraph (2),
is not free from conflict as required under this paragraph, the
Secretary shall ensure that the counselor, or the individual pro-
viding counseling, does not provide such services until such time
as the Secretary determines that such conflict is resolved.’’.
H. R. 2670—119
(b) BRIEFING ON FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE.—Not later than
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary
concerned shall submit to Congress a briefing on the implementa-
tion of the amendments made by this section.
(c) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given to such term in section
101 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 525. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF FOR-
EIGN EMPLOYMENT BY RETIRED AND RESERVE MEMBERS
OF UNIFORMED SERVICES.
Section 908 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) by striking ‘‘A person’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) A person’’;
(B) by inserting ‘‘after determining that such approval
is not contrary to the national interests of the United
States’’ after ‘‘approve the employment’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) The Secretary of a military department may delegate the
determination of the Secretary required by paragraph (1) only to
an official of the military department at or above the level of
an Assistant Secretary or, in the event of a vacancy in the position
of such an official, a civilian official performing the duties of that
position.’’; and
(2) in subsection (d)—
(A) in paragraph (2)—
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ‘‘an officer’’ and inserting ‘‘a person’’; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and
inserting the following new subparagraphs:
‘‘(B) A description of the duties, if any, the person is to
perform and the compensation the person is to receive for
such duties, as reflected in the person’s application for approval
of the employment or compensation or payment or award.
‘‘(C) The position the person held or holds in the armed
forces, including the rank of the person and the armed force
in which the person served.
‘‘(D) Any other information the Secretaries of the military
departments consider relevant, except that such information
may not include the person’s date of birth, Social Security
number, home address, phone number, or any other personal
identifier other than the name and rank of the person and
the armed force in which the person served.’’; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) Not later than 60 days after the date on which a report
required by paragraph (1) is submitted, the Secretaries of the
military departments shall make the report, and all contents of
the report, available on a publicly accessible internet website.’’.
SEC. 526. CONSIDERATION OF REINSTATEMENT OF A MEMBER OF THE
ARMED FORCES INVOLUNTARILY SEPARATED ON THE
BASIS OF REFUSAL TO RECEIVE A VACCINATION AGAINST
COVID-19.
(a) REINSTATEMENT.—
(1) REQUEST; CONSIDERATION.—At the request of a covered
individual during the two years following the date of the invol-
untary separation of the covered individual, the Secretary con-
cerned shall consider reinstating such covered individual—
H. R. 2670—120
(A) as a member of the Armed Force concerned; and
(B) in the grade held by such covered individual imme-
diately before the involuntary separation of the covered
individual.
(2) TREATMENT
OF
PERIOD
BETWEEN
SEPARATION
AND
REINSTATEMENT.—The Secretary concerned shall treat the
period of time between the involuntary separation of a covered
individual and the reinstatement of such covered individual
under paragraph (1) as a period of inactivation from active
service under the following provisions of section 710 of title
10, United States Code:
(A) Subsection (b).
(B) Subparagraphs (B) through (D) of paragraph (2)
of subsection (f).
(C) Paragraph (4) of subsection (f).
(D) Subsection (g).
(b) COVERED INDIVIDUAL DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered individual’’ means an individual—
(1) involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely
on the basis of the refusal of such individual to receive a
vaccination against COVID-19; and
(2) who, during the period beginning on August 24, 2021,
and ending on February 24, 2023, submitted a request for
a religious, administrative, or medical exemption from a
requirement to receive a vaccination against COVID-19.
SEC. 527. REVIEWS OF CHARACTERIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DIS-
CHARGES OF CERTAIN MEMBERS ON THE BASIS OF
FAILURE TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINE.
(a) MANDATORY REVIEW.—A board established under section
1553 of title 10, United States Code, shall grant a request pursuant
to such section to review the characterization of a discharge or
dismissal of a former member of a covered Armed Force if such
discharge or dismissal was solely based on the failure of such
former member to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine for
COVID-19.
(b) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air
Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force.
SEC. 528. CERTAIN MEMBERS DISCHARGED OR DISMISSED ON THE
SOLE BASIS OF FAILURE TO OBEY A LAWFUL ORDER TO
RECEIVE A VACCINE FOR COVID-19: COMMUNICATION
STRATEGY REGARDING REINSTATEMENT PROCESS.
(a) COMMUNICATION STRATEGY REQUIRED.—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 communicate,
to a covered individual, the current, established, process by which
a covered individual may be reinstated in the covered Armed Force
concerned.
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means an individual dis-
charged or dismissed from a covered Armed Force on the sole
basis of failure to obey a lawful order to receive a vaccine
for COVID-19.
H. R. 2670—121
(2) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force.
SEC. 529. CONTINUING MILITARY SERVICE FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS
ELIGIBLE FOR CHAPTER 61 RETIREMENT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations that authorize the Secretary of the military department
concerned to authorize a covered member to continue to serve
in the Armed Forces—
(1) in the current military occupational specialty of such
covered member, for which the covered member may not be
deployable; or
(2) in a military occupational specialty for which the cov-
ered member is deployable.
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—A covered member who completes
20 years of service computed under section 1208 of title 10, United
States Code shall not be denied any benefit—
(1) for which the covered member is eligible under laws
administered by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs; and
(2) solely on the basis that the covered member elected
to continue to serve in the Armed Forces instead of taking
retirement under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code.
(c) COVERED MEMBER DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘cov-
ered member’’ means a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps, or Space Force—
(1) whom the Secretary of the military department con-
cerned determines possesses skill or experience vital to the
Armed Force concerned;
(2) who incurs a disability—
(A) while eligible for special pay under section 310
of title 37, United States Code; and
(B) that renders the member eligible for retirement
under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code; and
(3) who seeks to continue to serve in the Armed Forces
instead of taking such retirement.
SEC. 529A. THREAT-BASED SECURITY SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT FOR
CERTAIN
FORMER
OR
RETIRED
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE PERSONNEL.
(a) REMOVAL OF TIME LIMITATIONS.—Subsection (b) of section
714 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘imminent and credible
threat’’ and inserting ‘‘serious and credible threat’’;
(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘for a period of up
to two years beginning on the date on which the official sepa-
rates from the Department’’;
(3) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:
‘‘(5) DURATION OF PROTECTION.—The Secretary of Defense
shall require periodic reviews, not less than once every six
months, of the duration of protection provided to individuals
under this subsection.’’; and
(4) in paragraph (6)(A), by striking ‘‘and of each determina-
tion under paragraph (5)(B) to extend such protection and
security’’.
H. R. 2670—122
(b) AUTHORIZATION
OF REIMBURSEMENT
OR ACQUISITION
OF
SECURITY SERVICES.—Such section 714, as amended by subsection
(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(e) REIMBURSEMENT.—The Secretary of Defense may reimburse
a former or retired official who faces serious and credible threats
arising from duties performed while employed by the Department
for security services and equipment procured at the personal
expense of the official, not to exceed an aggregate of $15,000,000
in any fiscal year for all former and retired officials authorized
by the Secretary of Defense for such reimbursement.’’.
SEC. 529B. LIMITATION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW DIVERSITY,
EQUITY, AND INCLUSION POSITIONS; HIRING FREEZE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—During the period described in subsection
(b), the Secretary of Defense may not—
(1) establish any new positions within the Department
of Defense with responsibility for matters relating to diversity,
equity, and inclusion; or
(2) fill any vacancies in positions in the Department with
responsibility for such matters.
(b) PERIOD DESCRIBED.—The period described in this subsection
is the period—
(1) beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act;
and
(2) ending on the date on which the Comptroller General
of the United States submits to Congress the review of the
Department of Defense diversity, equity, and inclusion
workforce required by the report of the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate accompanying the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
SEC. 529C. REQUIREMENT TO BASE MILITARY ACCESSIONS AND PRO-
MOTIONS ON MERIT AND PERFORMANCE.
(a) MERIT REQUIREMENT.—A military accession or a promotion
in the Department of Defense shall be based on individual merit
and demonstrated performance.
(b) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations to carry out this section not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other
Legal Matters
SEC. 531. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE UNI-
FORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.
(a) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO GUILTY PLEAS FOR
MURDER.—Section 918 of title 10, United States Code (article 118
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘he’’ each place it appears and inserting
‘‘such person’’; and
(2) in the matter following paragraph (4), by striking the
period and inserting ‘‘, unless such person is otherwise sen-
tenced in accordance with a plea agreement entered into
between the parties under section 853a of this title (article
53a).’’.
H. R. 2670—123
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE MILITARY JUS-
TICE REFORMS IN THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2022.—
(1) ARTICLE 16.—Subsection (c)(2)(A) of section 816 of title
10, United States Code (article 16 of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice), is amended by striking ‘‘by the convening
authority’’.
(2) ARTICLE
25.—Section 825 of title 10, United States
Code (article 25 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is
amended—
(A) in subsection (d)—
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘may, after the
findings are announced and before any matter is pre-
sented in the sentencing phase, request, orally on the
record or in writing, sentencing by members’’ and
inserting ‘‘shall be sentenced by the military judge’’;
and
(ii) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
‘‘(2) In a capital case, if the accused is convicted of an offense
for which the court-martial may sentence the accused to death,
the accused shall be sentenced in accordance with section 853(c)
of this title (article 53(c)).’’;
(B) in subsection (e)—
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘him’’ and inserting
‘‘the member being tried’’; and
(ii) in paragraph (2)—
(I) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘his
opinion’’ and inserting ‘‘the opinion of the con-
vening authority’’; and
(II) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘he’’
and inserting ‘‘the member’’; and
(C) in subsection (f), in the second sentence—
(i) by striking ‘‘his authority’’ and inserting ‘‘the
authority of the convening authority’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘his staff judge advocate or legal
officer’’ and inserting ‘‘the staff judge advocate or legal
officer of the convening authority’’.
(c) AUTHORITY OF SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL WITH RESPECT TO
CERTAIN OFFENSES OCCURRING BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE OF MILI-
TARY
JUSTICE
REFORMS
ENACTED
IN
THE
NATIONAL
DEFENSE
AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—Section 824a of title 10, United States
Code (article 24a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice),
as added by section 531 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1692),
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(d) SPECIAL TRIAL COUNSEL AUTHORITY OVER CERTAIN OTHER
OFFENSES.—
‘‘(1) OFFENSES OCCURRING BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE.—A spe-
cial trial counsel may, at the sole and exclusive discretion
of the special trial counsel, exercise authority over the following
offenses:
‘‘(A) An offense under section 917a (article 117a), 918
(article 118), section 919 (article 119), section 920 (article
120), section 920b (article 120b), section 920c (article 120c),
section 928b (article 128b), or the standalone offense of
child pornography punishable under section 934 (article
H. R. 2670—124
134) of this title that occurred on or before December
27, 2023.
‘‘(B) An offense under section 925 (article 125), section
930 (article 130), or section 932 (article 132) of this title
that occurred on or after January 1, 2019, and before
December 28, 2023.
‘‘(C) An offense under section 920a (article 120a) of
this title, an offense under section 925 (article 125) of
this title alleging an act of nonconsensual sodomy, or the
standalone offense of kidnapping punishable under section
934 (article 134) of this title that occurred before January
1, 2019.
‘‘(D) A conspiracy to commit an offense specified in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section
881 of this title (article 81).
‘‘(E) A solicitation to commit an offense specified in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) as punishable under section
882 of this title (article 82).
‘‘(F) An attempt to commit an offense specified in
subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) as punishable under
section 880 of this title (article 80).
‘‘(2) EFFECT OF EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY.—
‘‘(A) TREATMENT AS COVERED OFFENSE.—If a special
trial counsel exercises authority over an offense pursuant
to paragraph (1), the offense over which the special trial
counsel exercises authority shall be considered a covered
offense for purposes of this chapter.
‘‘(B) KNOWN OR RELATED OFFENSES.—If a special trial
counsel exercises authority over an offense pursuant to
paragraph (1), the special trial counsel may exercise the
authority of the special trial counsel under subparagraph
(B) of subsection (c)(2) with respect to other offenses
described in that subparagraph without regard to the date
on which the other offenses occur.’’.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section
539C(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended
by striking ‘‘and shall’’ and inserting ‘‘and, except as provided
in section 824a(d) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(d)
of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), shall’’.
(d) CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AND STALKING TO DATING PARTNERS.—
(1) ARTICLE
128B; DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE.—Section 928b of
title 10, United States Code (article 128b of the Uniform Code
of Military Justice), is amended—
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘Any person’’ and inserting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Any person’’;
(B) in subsection (a), as designated by paragraph (1)
of this section, by inserting ‘‘a dating partner,’’ after ‘‘an
intimate partner,’’ each place it appears; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘dating partner’,
‘immediate family’, and ‘intimate partner’ have the meanings given
such terms in section 930 of this title (article 130).’’.
(2) ARTICLE 130; STALKING.—Section 930 of such title (article
130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended—
H. R. 2670—125
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘or to his or her
intimate partner’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘to
his or her intimate partner, or to his or her dating partner’’;
and
(B) in subsection (b)—
(i) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5)
as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(3) The term ‘dating partner’, in the case of a specific
person, means a person who is or has been in a social relation-
ship of a romantic or intimate nature with such specific person
based on a consideration of—
‘‘(A) the length of the relationship;
‘‘(B) the type of relationship;
‘‘(C) the frequency of interaction between the persons
involved in the relationship; and
‘‘(D) the extent of physical intimacy or sexual contact
between the persons involved in the relationship.’’.
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection
(b) and subsection (c)(1) shall take effect immediately after the
coming into effect of the amendments made by part 1 of subtitle
D of title V of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) as provided in section 539C of
that Act (10 U.S.C. 801 note).
SEC. 532. ESTABLISHMENT OF STAGGERED TERMS FOR MEMBERS OF
THE MILITARY JUSTICE REVIEW PANEL.
(a) APPOINTMENT TO STAGGERED TERMS.—Subsection (b) of sec-
tion 946 of title 10, United States Code (article 146 of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice), is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
‘‘(4) ESTABLISHMENT
OF
STAGGERED
TERMS.—Notwith-
standing subsection (e), members of the Panel appointed to
serve on the Panel to fill vacancies that exist due to terms
of appointment expiring during the period beginning on August
1, 2030, and ending on November 30, 2030, shall be appointed
to terms as follows:
‘‘(A) Three members designated by the Secretary of
Defense shall serve a term of two years.
‘‘(B) Three members designated by the Secretary of
Defense shall serve a term of four years.
‘‘(C) Three members designated by the Secretary of
Defense shall serve a term of six years.
‘‘(D) Four members designated by the Secretary of
Defense shall serve a term of eight years.’’.
(b) TERM; VACANCIES.—Subsection (e) of such section is
amended to read as follows:
‘‘(e) TERM; VACANCIES.—
‘‘(1) TERM.—Subject to subsection (b)(4) and paragraphs
(2) and (3) of this subsection, each member shall be appointed
for a term of eight years, and no member may serve more
than one term.
‘‘(2) VACANCY.—Any vacancy in the Panel shall be filled
in the same manner as the original appointment. A member
appointed to fill a vacancy in the Panel that occurs before
the expiration of the term of appointment of the predecessor
H. R. 2670—126
of such member shall be appointed for the remainder of the
term of such predecessor.
‘‘(3) AVAILABILITY OF REAPPOINTMENT FOR CERTAIN MEM-
BERS.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a member of the Panel
may be appointed to a single additional term if—
‘‘(A) the appointment of the member is to fill a vacancy
described in subsection (b)(4); or
‘‘(B) the member was initially appointed—
‘‘(i) to a term of four years or less in accordance
with subsection (b)(4); or
‘‘(ii) to fill a vacancy that occurs before the expira-
tion of the term of the predecessor of such member
and for which the remainder of the term of such prede-
cessor is four years or less.’’.
SEC. 533. SUPREME COURT REVIEW OF CERTAIN ACTIONS OF THE
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ARMED
FORCES.
(a) CERTIORARI
TO
THE UNITED STATES COURT
OF APPEALS
FOR THE ARMED FORCES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1259 of title 28, United States
Code, is amended—
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘or refused to grant’’
after ‘‘granted’’; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘or refused to grant’’
after ‘‘granted’’.
(2) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(A) TITLE 10.—Section 867a(a) of title 10, United States
Code (article 67a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice),
is amended by striking ‘‘The Supreme Court may not review
by a writ of certiorari under this section any action of
the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
in refusing to grant a petition for review.’’.
(B) TIME FOR APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI.—
Subsection (g) of section 2101 of title 28, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(g) The time for application for a writ of certiorari to review
a decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed
Forces, or the decision of a Court of Criminal Appeals that the
United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces refuses to
grant a petition to review, shall be as prescribed by rules of the
Supreme Court.’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICABILITY.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The amendments made by subsection
(a) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect
to any action of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Armed Forces in granting or refusing to grant a petition for
review submitted to such Court for the first time on or after
such effective date.
(2) INAPPLICABILITY TO PENDING DECISIONS.—With respect
to a petition submitted to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Armed Forces before the effective date specified in
paragraph (1) and on which the Court has not taken action
as of such date, the provisions of the United States Code
amended by subsection (a) shall apply as if such amendments
had not been enacted. Any action of the United States Court
H. R. 2670—127
of Appeals for the Armed Forces in granting or refusing to
grant such a petition is final and conclusive.
(3) FINALITY OF DECISIONS BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE.—Any
action of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed
Forces in granting or refusing to grant a petition for review
before the effective date specified in paragraph (1) is final
and conclusive.
(4) RULES REQUIRED.—The Supreme Court shall prescribe
rules to carry out section 2101(g) of title 28, United States
Code, as amended by subsection (a)(2)(B) of this section, by
not later than the effective date specified in paragraph (1).
SEC. 534. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE
THE CAPABILITY OF MILITARY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE
ORGANIZATIONS
TO
PREVENT
AND
COMBAT
CHILD
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION.
Section 550D of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note prec.)
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(c) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—As part of the initiative under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the following
activities:
‘‘(1) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024, an on an annual basis thereafter
through 2029, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a report on the progress of the initiative, which shall
include a description of specific actions that have been taken,
or that are planned to be taken, to detect, combat, and stop
the use of the Department of Defense information technology
network to further online child sexual exploitation.
‘‘(2) PARTNERSHIPS.—The Secretary shall seek to enter into
partnerships and execute collaborative agreements with func-
tional experts, including highly qualified national child protec-
tion organizations or law enforcement training centers with
demonstrated expertise in the delivery of law enforcement
training, to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals
engaged in online child sexual exploitation.
‘‘(3) MANDATORY TRAINING.—The Secretary shall establish
mandatory training for criminal investigative organizations of
the Department of Defense and other appropriate personnel
at military installations to ensure that the capability and
capacity to investigate child sexual exploitation is continuously
maintained regardless of staff turnover and relocations.’’.
SEC. 535. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR RELOCATION
OF ARMY CID SPECIAL AGENT TRAINING COURSE.
(a) LIMITATION.—None of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year
2024 for the Army may be obligated or expended to relocate an
Army CID special agent training course until—
(1) the Secretary of the Army submits to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a report on any plans of the Secretary to relocate an
Army CID special agent training course, including an expla-
nation of the business case for any transfer of training per-
sonnel proposed as part of such plan; and
H. R. 2670—128
(2) the Secretary provides to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a
briefing on the contents of the report specified in paragraph
(1).
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘relocate’’, when used with respect to an
Army CID special agent training course, means the transfer
of such course to a location different than the location used
for such course as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) The term ‘‘Army CID special agent training course’’
means a training course provided to members of the Army
to prepare such members for service as special agents in the
Army Criminal Investigation Division.
SEC. 536. STUDY ON REQUIREMENT FOR UNANIMOUS VOTES FOR
FINDINGS IN GENERAL AND SPECIAL COURTS-MARTIAL
AND RELATED MILESTONES FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct
a study to determine the feasibility and advisability of requiring
unanimous votes for findings of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty
only by reason of lack of mental responsibility in general and
special courts-martial conducted under chapter 47 of title 10, United
States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
(b) USE
OF MILITARY JUSTICE EXPERTS.—The Secretary of
Defense shall convene a group of members of the Armed Forces
and civilian employees of the Department of Defense with signifi-
cant expertise in military justice matters to carry out the study
required under subsection (a).
(c) INFORMATION TO CONGRESS.—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 the following:
(1) REPORT.—A report containing the results of the study
required under subsection (a).
(2) DRAFT LEGISLATIVE TEXT.—Without regard to the con-
tents of the report under paragraph (1), draft legislative text
that would revise chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code
(the Uniform Code of Military Justice) to—
(A) require a unanimous vote of all members present
in a general or special court-martial for a finding of guilty,
not guilty, or not guilty only by reason of lack of mental
responsibility for a specification; and
(B) provide that an accused may be tried a second
time for the same offense if a general or special court-
martial requiring such a unanimous vote does not result
in a finding of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty only by
reason of lack of mental responsibility for such offense.
(3) MILESTONES
FOR
IMPLEMENTATION.—A description of
any milestones or other requirements that would need to be
met for the legislative text provided under paragraph (2) to
be enacted by not later than December 31, 2027.
SEC. 537. STUDY ON REMOVAL OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVO-
CATES FROM THE CHAIN OF COMMAND OF VICTIMS.
(a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study
to determine—
(1) the feasibility and advisability of requiring that any
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate assigned to a victim under
H. R. 2670—129
section 1565b of title 10, United States Code, be from outside
the chain of command of the victim; and
(2) the potential effects of such a requirement on the ability
of the Armed Forces to implement sexual assault prevention
and response programs.
(b) REPORT.—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 results of the study conducted
under subsection (a).
Subtitle E—Accession Standards and
Recruitment
SEC. 541. INCREASED ACCESS TO POTENTIAL RECRUITS AT SEC-
ONDARY SCHOOLS.
Section 503(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) in subparagraph (A)—
(i) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting
a semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the following new
clause:
‘‘(ii) shall provide to military recruiters access to career
fairs or similar events upon a request made by military
recruiters for military recruiting purposes; and’’; and
(iv) in clause (iii), as redesignated by subparagraph
(B), by inserting ‘‘, not later than 60 days after
receiving such request,’’ after ‘‘provide’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘subparagraph
(A)(ii)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (A)(iii)’’;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(6) The Secretary of Defense shall submit an annual report
to Congress not later than February 1 each calendar year, detailing
each notification of denial of recruiting access issued under para-
graph (3).’’.
SEC. 542. MODIFICATION OF LIMITATION ON ENLISTMENT AND INDUC-
TION OF PERSONS WHOSE SCORE ON THE ARMED FORCES
QUALIFICATION TEST IS BELOW A PRESCRIBED LEVEL.
Section 520(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘The number of persons’’ and inserting ‘‘(1)
The number of persons’’;
(2) by striking ‘‘may not exceed 20 percent’’ and inserting
‘‘may not exceed 4 percent’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) Upon the request of the Secretary concerned, the Secretary
of Defense may authorize an armed force to increase the limitation
specified in paragraph (1) to not exceed 20 percent of the total
number of persons originally enlisted or inducted to serve on active
duty (other than active duty for training) in such armed forced
during such fiscal year. The Secretary of Defense shall notify the
H. R. 2670—130
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives not later than 30 days after using such authority.’’.
SEC. 543. INCREASED ACCESS TO POTENTIAL RECRUITS AT INSTITU-
TIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Section 983(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking ‘‘to the following information pertaining’’
and inserting ‘‘, with respect’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘institution):’’ and inserting ‘‘institu-
tion)—’’;
(C) in subparagraph (A)—
(i) by striking ‘‘Names’’ and inserting ‘‘names’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘telephone listings.’’ and inserting
‘‘telephone listings, which information shall be made
available not later than the 60th day following the
date of a request; and’’; and
(D) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘Date’’ and
inserting ‘‘date’’.
SEC. 544. INCREASE IN ACCESSION BONUS FOR NURSE OFFICER CAN-
DIDATES.
Section 2130a(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘$20,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$40,000’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘$10,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$20,000’’.
SEC. 545. IMPROVEMENTS TO MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR ACCESSION
TO CERTAIN ARMED FORCES.
(a) IMPROVEMENTS.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and once four years thereafter, the
Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) conduct an assessment of the prescribed medical stand-
ards and medical screening processes required for the appoint-
ment of an individual as an officer, or enlistment of an indi-
vidual as a member, in each covered Armed Force;
(2) taking into account the findings of such assessment—
(A) update such standards and processes, as may be
necessary; and
(B) take such steps as may be necessary to improve
the waiver process for individuals who do not meet such
prescribed medical standards; and
(3) submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the
House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing,
with respect to the most recently conducted assessment under
paragraph (1)—
(A) the findings of that assessment and a description
of the actions carried out pursuant to paragraph (2); and
(B) recommendations by the Secretary for any legisla-
tive action the Secretary determines necessary to further
improve such standards and processes.
(b) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine
Corps, or Space Force.
H. R. 2670—131
SEC. 546. FUTURE SERVICEMEMBER PREPARATORY COURSE.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—If the number of nonprior service enlisted
personnel covered under section 520 of title 10, United States
Code, exceeds 10 percent of the total number of persons originally
enlisted in an Armed Force during a fiscal year, the Secretary
concerned shall establish a future servicemember preparatory
course within the Armed Force concerned.
(b) PURPOSE.—The course established under subsection (a) shall
be designed to improve the physical and aptitude qualifications
of military recruits.
(c) CRITERIA.—Each course established under this section shall
comply with the following requirements:
(1) ENROLLMENT.—All nonprior service enlisted persons
whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below
the thirty-first percentile must be enrolled in the course prior
to attending initial basic training.
(2) GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.—Prior to attending initial
basic training, all enlisted persons attending the course estab-
lished under this section must achieve a score on the Armed
Forces Qualification Test that is at least 10 points higher
than the individual’s most recent score taken prior to the
individual’s date of enlistment.
(3) EFFECT OF COURSE FAILURE.—Any enlisted person who
fails to achieve course graduation requirements within 180
days of enlistment shall be separated under regulations pre-
scribed by the Secretary concerned.
(d) REPORT.—If a preparatory course under this section is estab-
lished by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the structure and results of the course
for the preceding fiscal year by December 1st of the subsequent
fiscal year. The report shall include the following elements:
(1) The number of individuals who attended the pre-
paratory course.
(2) The number of individuals who graduated the pre-
paratory course.
(3) The average improvement in the Armed Forces Quali-
fication Test score for individuals who graduated from the
prepatory course.
(4) Any other matter the Secretary determines relevant.
(e) SUNSET.—The requirements of this section shall expire on
September 30th, 2028.
SEC. 547. PILOT PROGRAM ON CARDIAC SCREENINGS FOR MILITARY
ACCESSIONS.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to provide
an electrocardiogram to individuals who undergo military accession
screenings. Each such electrocardiogram shall be provided—
(1) on a mandatory basis;
(2) at no cost to the recipient; and
(3) in a facility of the Department of Defense or by a
member or employee of the military health system.
(b) PURPOSES.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary
shall—
(1) determine the costs (including protocols and personnel
and equipment for each location where the Secretary carries
H. R. 2670—132
out the pilot program) and benefits to the Department of pro-
viding an electrocardiogram to every individual who undergoes
a military accession screening;
(2) develop and implement appropriate processes to assess
the long-term impacts of electrocardiogram results on military
service; and
(3) consult with experts in cardiology to develop appropriate
clinical practice guidelines for cardiac screenings, diagnosis,
and treatment.
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which
the pilot program terminates, the Secretary shall provide to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall
include the following:
(1) The results of all electrocardiograms provided to individ-
uals under the pilot program—
(A) disaggregated by Armed Force, race, and gender;
and
(B) without any personally identifiable information.
(2) The rate of significant cardiac issues detected pursuant
to electrocardiograms provided under the pilot program,
disaggregated by Armed Force, race, and gender.
(3) The number of individuals, if any, who were disqualified
from accession based solely on the result of an electrocardio-
gram provided under the pilot program.
(4) The cost of carrying out the pilot program.
(d) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall terminate after
three years after its implementation.
SEC. 548. COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENLISTED TRAINING CORPS DEM-
ONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than August 1, 2025, the Sec-
retary concerned shall establish within each military depart-
ment an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for
the purpose of introducing students to the military, and pre-
paring selected students for enlisted service in the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
(2) LOCATION.—Demonstration programs established under
this section shall be located at a community or junior college.
No program may be established at a military college or military
junior college as defined for purposes of section 2107a of title
10, United States Code.
(b) ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP.—To be eligible for member-
ship in a program under this section, a person must be a student
at an institution where a unit of the Enlisted Training Corps
is located.
(c) INSTRUCTORS.—The Secretary concerned may assign as an
instructor for a unit established under this section an individual
eligible to serve as an instructor under section 2111 or section
2031 of title 10, United States Code. Instructors who are not cur-
rently members on active duty shall be paid in a manner consistent
with section 2031 of title 10, United States Code.
(d) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.—The Secretary of the military
department concerned may provide financial assistance to persons
enrolled in a unit of the Enlisted Training Corps in exchange
for an agreement in writing that the person enlist in the active
H. R. 2670—133
component of the military department concerned upon graduation
or disenrollment from the community college. Financial assistance
provided under this subsection may include tuition, living expenses,
stipend, or other payment.
(e) CURRICULUM.—The Secretary concerned shall ensure that
any programs created under this section include as part of the
curriculum the following:
(1) An introduction to the benefits of military service.
(2) Military history.
(3) Military customs and courtesies.
(4) Physical fitness requirements.
(5) Instruction on ethical behavior and decision making.
(f) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter
until the date specified by subsection (g), the Secretary of Defense
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives a report on the status of the
demonstration program required by this section.
(g) SUNSET.—The requirements of this provision shall sunset
on September 30, 2030.
SEC. 549. ANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON MILITARY RECRUITMENT PRACTICES
IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COL-
LEGES.
(a) BRIEFINGS REQUIRED.—Not later than December 31, 2024,
and on an annual basis thereafter through December 31, 2028,
the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing
on military recruitment practices carried out in public secondary
schools and community colleges during the calendar year preceding
the date of the briefing.
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to the year covered by the briefing, the fol-
lowing:
(1) Identification of the public secondary schools and
community colleges visited by military recruiters.
(2) Identification of the number of recruits obtained from
such schools and colleges.
(3) A demographic analysis of such recruits, including anal-
ysis of the race, ethnicity, and gender of such recruits.
(c) DISAGGREGATION.—The information required under each of
a paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) shall be set forth
separately—
(1) by ZIP code, in the case of information concerning
community colleges; and
(2) by local educational agency, in the case information
concerning public secondary schools.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘local educational
agency’’ and ‘‘secondary school’’ have the meanings given those
terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
H. R. 2670—134
Subtitle F—Junior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps
SEC. 551. EXPANSION OF JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING
CORPS.
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1)—
(A) by striking ‘‘The President shall promulgate’’ and
inserting ‘‘The Secretary of Defense shall promulgate’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘maintained, and shall provide’’ and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
‘‘maintained.’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(i)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish and support
not fewer than 3,400, and not more than 4,000, units of the Junior
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
‘‘(2) The requirement under paragraph (1) shall not apply—
‘‘(A) if the Secretary fails to receive an adequate number
of requests for Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps units
by public and private secondary educational institutions; and
‘‘(B) during a time of national emergency when the Secre-
taries of the military departments determine that funding must
be allocated elsewhere.’’.
SEC. 552. REQUIREMENT FOR MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
ADDRESSING CERTAIN MATTERS PERTAINING TO UNITS
OF THE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS.
Section 2031(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as subpara-
graphs (A) through (E);
(2) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(b)’’;
(3) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph
(1)—
(A) by striking ‘‘(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘(i)’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘(ii)’’;
(4) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking
‘‘as may be established by the Secretary of the military depart-
ment concerned’’ and inserting ‘‘as the Secretary of the military
department concerned prescribes in the memorandum of under-
standing required under paragraph (2).’’; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations
a memorandum of understanding to be signed by the Secretary
of the military department concerned and each institution oper-
ating a unit under this section. The memorandum shall be
standardized to the extent practicable and include the following
elements:
‘‘(A) A requirement that an institution notify the Sec-
retary of the military department concerned of allegations
of misconduct (including sexual misconduct and harass-
ment) against an instructor who is receiving retired or
other pay, not later than 48 hours after such institution
learns of such allegations.
‘‘(B) A process by which the Secretary of the military
department concerned certifies an instructor, including the
H. R. 2670—135
conduct of appropriate background checks by such Sec-
retary and the institution concerned.
‘‘(C) A process by which the Secretary of the military
department concerned shall conduct oversight of instructors
certified by such Secretary, including a requirement that
such certification shall expire after not more than five
years.
‘‘(D) Processes by which such institution’s program will
be inspected by the military department concerned prior
to establishment of a new unit, or not less often than
once every four years in the case of units existing as
of January 1, 2024, staggered as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
‘‘(E) A requirement that each institution certifies it—
‘‘(i) has created a process for students to report
violations of their rights under title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), as
applicable, and title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), including the rights of stu-
dents to not be subject to discrimination or subject
to retaliation for reporting a violation of those laws,
if such laws apply to the public or private institution;
‘‘(ii) has implemented policies ensuring students
and instructors are notified of those rights, as well
as the process for reporting violations of those rights,
including
information
on
available
mandatory
reporters, if such laws apply to the institution;
‘‘(iii) has implemented annual training to inform
students of methods to prevent, respond to, and report
sexual assault and harassment;
‘‘(iv) agrees to report all allegations of violations
described in this subparagraph to the military depart-
ment concerned and, if subject to the jurisdiction of
the Department of Education, the Office of Civil Rights
of the Department of Education not less often than
annually;
‘‘(v) has developed processes to ensure that each
student enrolled in a unit under this section has done
so voluntarily; and
‘‘(vi) agrees to provide the data necessary to com-
pile the report required under subsection (i).’’.
SEC. 553. JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS ADMINIS-
TRATOR AND INSTRUCTOR COMPENSATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code,
as amended by sections 551 and 552, is further amended—
(1) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
‘‘(d)(1) Instead of, or in addition to, detailing officers and non-
commissioned officers on active duty under subsection (c)(1), the
Secretary of the military department concerned may authorize
qualified institutions to employ, as administrators and instructors
in the program—
‘‘(A) retired officers and noncommissioned officers whose
qualifications are approved by the Secretary and the institution
concerned and who request such employment;
‘‘(B) officers and noncommissioned officers who are sepa-
rated with an honorable discharge within the past 5 years
H. R. 2670—136
with at least 8 years of service and are approved by the Sec-
retary and the institution concerned and who request such
employment; or
‘‘(C) officers and noncommissioned officers who are active
participating members of the selected reserve at the time of
application, for purposes of section 101(d) of this title, and
have not yet reached retirement eligibility and are approved
by the Secretary and the institution concerned and who request
such employment.
‘‘(2) Employment under this subsection shall be subject to the
following conditions:
‘‘(A) The Secretary concerned shall pay to the institution
an amount equal to one-half of the Department’s prescribed
JROTC Standardized Instructor Pay Scale amount paid to the
member by the institution for any period.
‘‘(B) The Secretary concerned may pay to the institution
more than one-half of the amount paid to the member by
the institution if (as determined by the Secretary)—
‘‘(i) the institution is in an educationally and economi-
cally deprived area; and
‘‘(ii) the Secretary determines that such action is in
the national interest.
‘‘(C) Payments by the Secretary concerned under this sub-
section shall be made from funds appropriated for that purpose.
‘‘(D) The Secretary concerned may require successful
applicants to transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve.’’;
(2) by striking subsections (e) and (f); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively.
(b) TREATMENT OF CURRENT ADMINISTRATORS AND INSTRUC-
TORS.—An administrator or instructor employed under section 2031
of title 10, United States Code, on the date of enactment of this
section shall not be subject to a reduction in total compensation
as a result of such enactment.
SEC. 554. PROHIBITION OF ESTABLISHMENT OR MAINTENANCE OF
A UNIT OF THE JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING
CORPS AT AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OWNED, OPER-
ATED, OR CONTROLLED BY THE CHINESE COMMUNIST
PARTY.
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by
sections 551, 552, and 553, is further amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
‘‘(g) No unit may be established or maintained at an educational
institution that is owned, operated, or controlled by a person that—
‘‘(1) is the People’s Republic of China;
‘‘(2) is a member of the Chinese Communist Party;
‘‘(3) is a member of the People’s Liberation Army;
‘‘(4) is identified by the Secretary of Defense 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;
‘‘(5) is included in the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial
Complex Companies List published by the Department of the
Treasury; or
H. R. 2670—137
‘‘(6) is owned by or controlled by or is an agency or
instrumentality of any person described in paragraphs (1)
through (5).’’.
SEC. 555. ENFORCEMENT OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code,
as amended by sections 551 through 554, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(h)(1) The Secretary of Defense may suspend or place on
probation a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
that fails to comply with the provisions of the memorandum of
understanding required pursuant to subsection (b) or any other
requirement of this section.
‘‘(2) A unit may be placed on probation under paragraph (1)
for a period of up to three years.
‘‘(3) A unit may be suspended under paragraph (1) if, after
the three-year probationary period, such unit remains out of compli-
ance with the requirements of this section and the Secretary of
the military department concerned determines that such suspension
is necessary to mitigate program deficiencies or to protect the
safety of program participants.’’.
(b) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for four
years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
a report including information on—
(1) any units of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps
suspended or placed on probation pursuant to section 2031(i)
of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)),
in the year covered by the report; and
(2) with respect any unit that is reinstated after previously
being suspended or placed on probation pursuant to such sec-
tion, justification for the reinstatement of such unit.
SEC. 556. ANNUAL REPORT ON ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
IN JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS PRO-
GRAMS.
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by
sections 551 through 555, is further amended, by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
‘‘(i)(1) Not later than March 31, 2024, and annually thereafter
through March 31, 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall submit
to Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives a report on allegations of sexual misconduct,
sexual harassment, and sex discrimination in Junior Reserve Offi-
cers’ Training Corps programs during the preceding year.
‘‘(2) Each report required under paragraph (1) shall set forth
the following:
‘‘(A) The number of reported allegations of violations under
title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681
et seq.) in school-affiliated Junior Reserve Officers’ Training
Corps programs, including—
‘‘(i) the number of such reported allegations that were
investigated;
‘‘(ii) the outcome of those investigations; and
H. R. 2670—138
‘‘(iii) the number of such reported allegations by State,
the District of Columbia, or overseas location where these
reports occurred.
‘‘(B) The number of reports that the Department of Defense
or armed forces have received during the reporting period
involving allegations of acts of violence, including sexual abuse
or harassment, by instructors against students in Junior
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, including—
‘‘(i) the offense involved;
‘‘(ii) the armed force involved;
‘‘(iii) the number of instructors and number of allega-
tions each instructor received;
‘‘(iv) the number of reports of sexual misconduct and
harassment that have been investigated;
‘‘(v) the number of reports or investigations that have
led to the removal of an instructor from a Junior Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps program; and
‘‘(vi) the number of such reported allegations by State,
the District of Columbia, or overseas location where these
reports occurred.
‘‘(C) Any steps the Department of Defense has taken to
mitigate sexual misconduct and harassment in Junior Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps programs during the preceding year.
‘‘(3) Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form and may not be designated as controlled
unclassified information.
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall annually report to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
regarding compliance with this subsection by the Junior Reserve
Officers’ Training Corps programs, including an up-to-date report
on the Secretary’s monitoring of such compliance.’’.
Subtitle G—Member Education
SEC. 561. SERVICE ACADEMIES: NUMBERS OF NOMINATIONS BY MEM-
BERS OF CONGRESS AND APPOINTMENTS BY THE SECRE-
TARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 7442 of title
10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following paragraph
(10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and inserting ‘‘15 persons’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and inserting
‘‘200’’.
(b) UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8454 of title
10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following paragraph
(10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and inserting ‘‘15 persons’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and inserting
‘‘200’’.
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 9442 of title
10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter following paragraph
(10), by striking ‘‘10 persons’’ and inserting ‘‘15 persons’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘150’’ and inserting
‘‘200’’.
H. R. 2670—139
(d) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this section shall
apply to nominations of candidates and appointments to the Service
Academies (as such term is defined in section 347 of title 10,
United States Code) for classes entering such Service Academies
beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
SEC. 562. INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NOMINEES FROM GUAM TO
THE SERVICE ACADEMIES.
(a) UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.—Section 7442 of title
10, United States Code, as amended by section 561, is further
amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking ‘‘Four’’ and inserting
‘‘Five’’.
(b) UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY.—Section 8454 of title
10, United States Code, as amended by section 561, is further
amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking ‘‘Four’’ and inserting
‘‘Five’’.
(c) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY.—Section 9442 of title
10, United States Code, as amended by section 561, is further
amended, in subsection (a)(8), by striking ‘‘Four’’ and inserting
‘‘Five’’.
SEC. 563. CONSIDERATION OF STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES IN MILI-
TARY SERVICE ACADEMY APPLICATION PROCESS.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the United States
Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the
United States Air Force Academy require the submission and
consideration of standardized test scores as part of the application
process.
SEC. 564. SERVICE ACADEMY PROFESSIONAL SPORTS PATHWAY
REPORT AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL REQUIRED.
(a) LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL.—Not later than March 1, 2024,
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report
including the following elements:
(1) A legislative proposal that would—
(A) update and clarify the legislative framework related
to the ability of Service Academy graduates to pursue
employment as a professional athlete prior to serving at
least 5 years on active duty; and
(B) retain the existing requirement that all Service
Academy graduates must serve for 2 years on active duty
before affiliating with the reserves to pursue employment
as a professional athlete.
(2) A description of amendments to current law that would
be necessary to implement the legislative proposal described
under paragraph (1).
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than March 1, 2024, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report that includes the following information:
(1) The name, covered Armed Force, and sport of each
Service Academy graduate released or deferred from active
service in order to participate in professional sports.
(2) A description of the sports career progress of each
participant, such as drafted, signed, released, or returned to
service in a covered Armed Force.
H. R. 2670—140
(3) A summary by participant of marketing strategy and
recruiting related activities conducted.
(4) A description by participant of the assessments con-
ducted by the military services to determine the recruiting
value associated with approved releases from active duty.
(5) The current status of each participant, including, as
appropriate, affiliated franchise.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army,
Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
(2) The term ‘‘Service Academy’’ has the meaning given
such term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 565. BRIEFING ON INCLUSION OF ADVANCED RESEARCH PRO-
GRAMS AT CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL
MILITARY EDUCATION.
Not later than April 1, 2024, the President of the National
Defense University, the Commandant of the United States Army
Command and General Staff College, the Commandant of the Army
War College, the President of the Naval War College, and the
Commander of the Air University shall each provide to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a briefing on—
(1) the current requirements and outcomes for wargaming
and force structure recommendations resulting from activities
conducted under existing advanced research programs; and
(2) the feasibility and advisability of establishing a perma-
nent advanced research program at the institution of profes-
sional military education concerned.
Subtitle H—Member Training and
Transition
SEC. 571. AMENDMENTS TO PATHWAYS FOR COUNSELING IN THE
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘Disability’’ and
inserting ‘‘Potential or confirmed disability’’; and
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘Character’’ and
inserting ‘‘Potential or confirmed character’’.
SEC. 572. SKILLBRIDGE: STAFFING; BUDGETING; OUTREACH; REPORT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1143(e) of title 10, United States
Code is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘The Secretary concerned’’;
and
(B) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(B) The Secretary of a military department shall carry out
one or more programs under this subsection.’’;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new para-
graphs:
H. R. 2670—141
‘‘(3) To carry out this subsection, the Secretary concerned
shall—
‘‘(A) assign not fewer than two full-time equivalent posi-
tions; and
‘‘(B) develop for each fiscal year a funding plan that
includes funding lines across the future-years defense program
under section 221 of this title.
‘‘(4) For any program under this subsection, the Secretary con-
cerned shall, on an annual basis—
‘‘(A) circulate, to members serving on active duty under
the jurisdiction of such Secretary concerned, information about
the program (including eligibility requirements and the applica-
tion process); and
‘‘(B) conduct outreach to inform potential employers about
Skillbridge, participating members, and how the program oper-
ates, and to increase the number of, and types of, employers
that hire program participants.’’.
(b) GAO REPORT.—Not later than July 1, 2024, the Comptroller
General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a
report regarding Skillbridge. Such report shall include the following:
(1) The extent to which members of the Armed Forces
have participated in the Skillbridge program, including the
characteristics of such personnel and completed internships.
(2) The process by which the Secretary of Defense deter-
mines that a member of the Armed Forces is eligible to partici-
pate in Skillbridge.
(3) The extent to which the process described in paragraph
(2) and guidance prescribed by the Secretary regarding
Skillbridge incorporate relevant Federal ethics rules regarding
internships.
(4) The number of members, disaggregated by rank, who
participated in Skillbridge in each of fiscal years 2019 through
2023.
(5) The number of members described in paragraph (4)
who received full-time offers of employment from the partici-
pating employer upon completion of an internship under
Skillbridge.
(6) Any other information the Comptroller General deter-
mines appropriate.
SEC. 573. EXTENSION OF TROOPS-TO-TEACHERS PROGRAM TO THE
JOB CORPS.
Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (2)—
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period
at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
‘‘(C) a Job Corps center as defined in section 147 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3197).’’; and
(B) in paragraph (3)—
H. R. 2670—142
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period
at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
‘‘(D) a Job Corps center as defined in section 147 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3197).’’;
(2) in subsection (d)(4)(A)(ii), by inserting ‘‘or Job Corps
centers’’ after ‘‘secondary schools’’; and
(3) in subsection (e)(2)(E), by inserting ‘‘or Job Corps center’’
after ‘‘secondary school’’.
SEC. 574. TROOPS-TO-TEACHERS PROGRAM: EXPANSION; EXTENSION.
Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by
section 573, is further amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(2)—
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(C) as administrators and instructors of the Junior
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps under section 2031(d) of
this title.’’; and
(2) in subsection (k), by striking ‘‘2025’’ and inserting
‘‘2027’’.
SEC. 575. LANGUAGE TRAINING CENTERS FOR MEMBERS OF THE
ARMED FORCES AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
Section 529 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 10 U.S.C. 2001 note prec.) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘may carry out a program’’
and inserting ‘‘shall carry out a program’’;
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(e) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may
enter into one or more contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants
with private national organizations having an expertise in foreign
languages, area studies, and other international fields, for the
awarding of grants to accredited universities, senior military col-
leges, or other similar institutions of higher education to establish
and maintain language training centers authorized by subsection
(a).’’; and
(4) in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (2)—
(A) by striking ‘‘one year after the date of the establish-
ment of the program authorized by subsection (a)’’ and
inserting ‘‘180 days after the date of the enactment of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2024’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘report on the program’’ and inserting
‘‘report on the Language Training Center program’’;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
H. R. 2670—143
(D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
‘‘(4) An assessment of the resources required to carry out
the Language Training Center program by year through fiscal
year 2027.’’; and
(E) in paragraph (5), as redesignated by subparagraph
(C), by striking ‘‘A recommendation whether the program
should be continued and, if so, recommendations as to
any modifications of the program’’ and inserting ‘‘Rec-
ommendations as to any modifications to the Language
Training Center program’’.
SEC. 576. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS TO ENDORSE
CRITICAL RACE THEORY.
(a) PROHIBITION.—No funds authorized to be appropriated by
this Act may be used to endorse critical race theory—
(1) at an academic institution operated by the Department
of Defense;
(2) in training provided to a member of the Armed Forces;
or
(3) in professional military education.
(b) PROTECTION OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed to supersede the institutional autonomy
or academic freedom of instructors involved in the selection of
textbooks, supplemental materials, or other classroom materials,
or in the preparation or presentation of classroom instruction or
lectures.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the term ‘‘critical race theory’’
means the theory that individuals, by virtue of race, ethnicity,
color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are inherently
responsible for actions committed in the past by other individuals
of such race, ethnicity, color, or national origin.
SEC. 577. INCREASED FITNESS STANDARDS FOR ARMY CLOSE COMBAT
FORCE MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES.
(a) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 18 months after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall
implement increased minimum fitness standards as part of the
Army Combat Fitness Test for all soldiers of the following military
occupational specialties or areas of concentration:
(1) 11A.
(2) 11B.
(3) 11C.
(4) 11Z.
(5) 12A.
(6) 12B.
(7) 13A.
(8) 13F.
(9) 18A.
(10) 18B.
(11) 18C.
(12) 18D.
(13) 18E.
(14) 18F.
(15) 18Z.
(16) 19A.
(17) 19C.
(18) 19D.
H. R. 2670—144
(19) 19K.
(20) 19Z.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 365 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army provide a briefing
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House
of Representatives describing the methodology used to establish
standards under subsection (a).
SEC. 578. PUBLICATION OF TRAINING MATERIALS OF THE DEFENSE
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE.
Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary of Defense
shall publish all materials created by the Defense Equal Oppor-
tunity Management Institute for the purpose of training members
of the Armed Forces on the website of such Institute.
SEC. 579. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE COUNTERING EXTREMISM WORK GROUP.
No funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be
used to fund the Department of Defense Countering Extremism
Working Group established by the Secretary of Defense memo-
randum on April 9, 2021.
Subtitle I—Family Programs, Child Care,
and Dependent Education
SEC. 581. NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES FOR MILITARY FAMI-
LIES.
Section 1781 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(d) NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES.—(1) In carrying out
its duties under subsection (b), the Office may coordinate programs
and activities to provide non-medical counseling services to military
families through the Department of Defense Military and Family
Life Counseling Program.
‘‘(2) A mental health care professional described in paragraph
(3) may provide non-medical counseling services at any location
in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession
of the United States, without regard to where the professional
or recipient of such services is located or delivery of such services
is provided (including face-to-face and telehealth), if the provision
of such services is within the scope of the authorized Federal
duties of the professional.
‘‘(3) A non-medical mental health professional described in this
subsection is a person who is—
‘‘(A) a currently licensed mental health care provider who
holds a license that is—
‘‘(i) issued by a State, the District of Columbia, or
a territory or possession of the United States; and
‘‘(ii) recognized by the Secretary of Defense as an appro-
priate license for the provision of non-medical counseling
services;
‘‘(B) a member of the armed forces, a civilian employee
of the Department of Defense, or a contractor designated by
the Secretary; and
H. R. 2670—145
‘‘(C) performing authorized duties for the Department of
Defense under a program or activity referred to in paragraph
(1).
‘‘(4) The authority under this subsection shall terminate three
years after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
‘‘(5) In this subsection, the term ‘non-medical counseling serv-
ices’ means mental health care services that are non-clinical, short-
term and solution focused, and address topics related to personal
growth, development, and positive functioning.’’.
SEC. 582. INCREASE IN THE TARGET FUNDING LEVEL FOR MILITARY
CHILD CARE.
Section 1791 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in
subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘115 percent of’’ after ‘‘not less than’’.
SEC. 583. MODIFICATIONS TO ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL
AGENCIES THAT BENEFIT DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF
THE ARMED FORCES WITH ENROLLMENT CHANGES DUE
TO BASE CLOSURES, FORCE STRUCTURE CHANGES, OR
FORCE RELOCATIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 575 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–
263; 20 U.S.C. 7703d) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking ‘‘year, the local educational agency’’
and all that follows through ‘‘(as determined’’ and inserting
‘‘year, the local educational agency had (as determined’’;
(B) by striking paragraph (2);
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, and by moving such
paragraphs, as so redesignated, two ems to the left; and
(D) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by subparagraph
(C), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting a period;
(2) by striking subsection (h); and
(3) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as subsections
(h) and (i), respectively.
(b) BRIEFING REQUIRED.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the
Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity shall
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives a briefing on—
(1) any additional authorities that would be helpful to
the Activity in its efforts to better support local educational
agencies; and
(2) the amounts and types of any financial assistance pro-
vided to local educational agencies under section 575 of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 20 U.S.C. 7703d) as of the
date of the briefing.
SEC. 584. CERTAIN ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES
THAT BENEFIT DEPENDENTS OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN
PERSONNEL.
(a) CONTINUATION
OF
AUTHORITY
TO
ASSIST
LOCAL
EDU-
CATIONAL AGENCIES THAT BENEFIT DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF
THE
ARMED
FORCES
AND
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
CIVILIAN
EMPLOYEES.—
(1) ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS WITH SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS
OF MILITARY DEPENDENT STUDENTS.—Of the amount authorized
H. R. 2670—146
to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 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).
(2) LOCAL
EDUCATIONAL
AGENCY
DEFINED.—In this sub-
section, the term ‘‘local educational agency’’ has the meaning
given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Sec-
ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).
(b) IMPACT AID FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the amount authorized to be appro-
priated for fiscal year 2024 pursuant to section 301 and avail-
able for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities
as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $10,000,000
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).
(2) ADDITIONAL
AMOUNT.—Of the amount authorized to
be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 pursuant to section 301
and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide
activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301,
$10,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of
Defense to make payments to local educational agencies deter-
mined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of mili-
tary children with severe disabilities.
(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than March 31, 2024, the Sec-
retary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing
on the Secretary’s evaluation of each local educational agency
with higher concentrations of military children with severe
disabilities and the subsequent determination of the Secretary
with respect to the amounts of impact aid each such agency
shall receive.
SEC. 585. OUTREACH CAMPAIGN RELATING TO WAITING LISTS FOR
MILITARY
CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
CENTERS;
ANNUAL
BRIEFING.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop
a campaign to conduct outreach, not less than once every six
months, to inform individuals eligible for child care services under
chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code, including child care
employees—
(1) how to—
(A) join a waiting list for child care services at a
military child development center; and
(B) check the position of such an individual on such
waiting list; and
(2) of—
(A) what factors affect positions on such waiting list;
(B) the process to prioritize such individuals to receive
child care services at a military child development center;
(C) the fee schedule for child care services at a military
child development center; and
H. R. 2670—147
(D) options for child care services available to such
individuals other than military child development centers,
including pilot programs at the duty station of such
member, if applicable.
(b) ANNUAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter
for five years, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the
Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives
and the Senate a briefing that includes, for each military depart-
ment—
(1) a list of the five military installations with the longest
waiting lists for child care services at military child develop-
ment centers; and
(2) the number of classrooms for child care services,
disaggregated by military installation, closed during the period
covered by the briefing due to—
(A) insufficient staffing; or
(B) issues relating to maintenance.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms ‘‘child care
employee’’ and ‘‘military child development center’’ have the
meanings given such terms in section 1800 of title 10, United
States Code.
SEC. 586. BRIEFINGS ON PILOT PROGRAM ON HIRING OF SPECIAL
NEEDS INCLUSION COORDINATORS FOR DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS.
Section 576(d) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10
U.S.C. 1792 note) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting, after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph (2):
‘‘(2)
BRIEFINGS
ON
IMPLEMENTATION.—Beginning
on
January 31, 2024, until the termination of the pilot program,
the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
a biannual briefing on the implementation of the pilot program.
Each such briefing shall include the following:
‘‘(A) The process for selecting child development centers
under subsection (b).
‘‘(B) How a special needs inclusion coordinator hired
under the pilot program coordinates with the head of the
child development center concerned and the commander
of the military installation concerned.
‘‘(C) How many special needs inclusion coordinators
have been hired under the pilot program.’’.
SEC. 587. BRIEFINGS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL PRE-
KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS OPERATED BY
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY.
(a) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS REQUIRED.—Not later than January
30, 2024, and on a quarterly basis thereafter until December 31,
2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
a briefing on the progress of the Secretary in implementing uni-
versal pre-kindergarten programs in schools operated by the Depart-
ment of Defense Education Activity.
H. R. 2670—148
(b) CONTENTS OF INITIAL BRIEFING.—The initial briefing under
subsection (a) shall include—
(1) identification of all locations under the jurisdiction of
the Department of Defense at which universal pre-kindergarten
programs and child development centers are co-located; and
(2) an estimate of the number of children expected to
transfer from child development centers to pre-kindergarten
programs as a result of such programs being offered.
(c) CONTENTS OF SUBSEQUENT BRIEFINGS.—Following the initial
briefing under subsection (a), each subsequent briefing shall
include—
(1) the total anticipated costs of funding universal pre-
kindergarten programs in schools operated by the Department
of Defense Education Activity;
(2) the estimated differential between the cost of caring
for a child in a child development center versus the cost of
a child’s participation in a pre-kindergarten program;
(3) the estimated differential between the costs of
employing caregivers in child development centers versus the
costs of employing teachers in pre-kindergarten programs;
(4) the child-to-caregiver ratio requirements for child
development centers versus the child-to-teacher ratio require-
ments for pre-kindergarten programs;
(5) a needs assessment of facilities for universal pre-kinder-
garten programs based on anticipated capacity;
(6) an assessment of the availability of teachers for pre-
kindergarten programs; and
(7) an indication of whether, and to what extent, members
of the Armed Forces have expressed a preference for enrolling
their children in pre-kindergarten programs rather than con-
tinuing care for such children in child development centers.
SEC. 588. REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORT FOR
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SCHOOLS OPERATED BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on pro-
grams and policies to support mental health and wellness among
students in schools operated by the Department of Defense Edu-
cation Activity (referred to in this section as ‘‘DODEA Schools’’).
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A description of the mental health and wellness
resources available to students enrolled in DODEA schools.
(2) An overview of policies and procedures in place in
DODEA schools to ensure that students are regularly screened
for mental health and wellness.
(3) An overview of policies and procedures in place in
DODEA schools for administrators and teachers to commu-
nicate and coordinate with parents and guardians of students
in such schools in cases in which students have a demonstrated
need for mental health and wellness support.
(4) Any recommendations for new policies, programs, or
resources to improve mental health and wellness support for
students enrolled in DODEA schools.
H. R. 2670—149
(5) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of
conducting a pilot program to detail licensed medical health
care providers under the control of the Defense Health Agency
to DODEA schools in order to improve mental health and
wellness care for students enrolled in such schools.
(6) Any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines
to be relevant and appropriate for inclusion in the report.
(c) MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONSIDERATIONS.—In con-
sidering student mental health and wellness for purposes of this
section, the Secretary of Defense shall, at a minimum, take into
account the following conditions:
(1) Depression.
(2) Suicidal ideation.
(3) Anxiety.
(4) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
(5) Eating disorders.
(6) Substance abuse.
(7) Dual diagnosis conditions.
SEC. 589. RIGHTS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN ATTENDING SCHOOLS
OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDU-
CATION ACTIVITY.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Chapter 108 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 2164 the following
new section:
‘‘§ 2164a. Rights of parents of children attending schools
operated by the Department of Defense Education
Activity
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The parent of a child who attends a school
operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity has
the following rights:
‘‘(1) The right to review the curriculum of the school.
‘‘(2) The right to be informed if the school or the Depart-
ment of Defense Education Activity alters the school’s academic
standards or learning benchmarks.
‘‘(3) The right to meet with each teacher of their child
not less than twice during each school year.
‘‘(4) The right to review all instructional materials used
by their students.
‘‘(5) The right to inspect a list of the books and other
reading materials contained in the library of the school.
‘‘(6) The right to address the school advisory committee
or the school board.
‘‘(7) The right to data about the school’s discipline policy
and any disciplinary action that results in a suspension or
expulsion from the school, unless such disclosure is prohibited
by law.
‘‘(8) The right to information about any plans to eliminate
gifted and talented programs or accelerated coursework at the
school.
‘‘(b) DISCLOSURES
AND NOTIFICATIONS.—Consistent with the
parental rights specified in subsection (a) and except as provided
by subsection (c), a school operated by the Department of Defense
Education Activity shall—
‘‘(1) post on a publicly accessible website of the school—
‘‘(A) the curriculum for each course and grade level;
H. R. 2670—150
‘‘(B) the academic standards or other learning bench-
marks used by the school; and
‘‘(C) notice of any proposed revisions to such standards
or benchmarks and a copy of any such revisions;
‘‘(2) provide the parent of a child attending the school
with—
‘‘(A) the opportunity to meet in person with each
teacher of their child not less frequently than twice during
each school year at a time mutually agreed upon by both
parties; and
‘‘(B) notice of such opportunity at the beginning of
each school year;
‘‘(3) provide parents access to the online school library
catalog;
‘‘(4) notify parents in a timely manner of any plans to
eliminate
gifted
and
talented
programs
or
accelerated
coursework at the school;
‘‘(5) except as provided by paragraph (6) or subsection
(c), notify parents of any medical examinations or screenings
the school may administer to their child and receive written
consent from parents for any such examination or screening
prior to conducting the examination or screening;
‘‘(6) in the event of an emergency that requires a medical
examination or screening without time for parental notification,
promptly notify parents of such examination or screening and
provide an explanation of the emergency that prevented
notification prior to such examination or screening; and
‘‘(7) notify parents of any medical information that will
be collected on their child, receive written parental consent
prior to collecting such information, and provide parents an
opportunity to inspect such information at the parent’s request.
‘‘(c) EXCEPTIONS.—(1) Paragraph (5) of subsection (a) and para-
graph (3) of subsection (b) shall not be effective until the day
that is two years after the date of the enactment of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
‘‘(2) A requirement set forth in subsection (b) shall not apply
in a case in which the requirement would violate any applicable
provision of a Federal or State statute or regulation.
‘‘(d) SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
AND BOARDS.—Not less
frequently than four times per year, a school advisory committee
or school board for a school operated by the Department of Defense
Education Activity shall provide parents of children attending the
school with the opportunity to address the advisory committee
or school board on any matters relating to the school or the edu-
cational services provided to their children.
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘medical examination or screening’—
‘‘(A) means a physical examination provided by a
health care provider; and
‘‘(B) does not include an evaluation by, or an encounter
with, non-clinical school staff.
‘‘(2) The term ‘school’ means—
‘‘(A) a Department of Defense domestic dependent
elementary or secondary school, as described in section
2164 of this title; or
H. R. 2670—151
‘‘(B) any elementary or secondary school or program
for dependents operated by the Department of Defense
Education Activity.’’.
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and consistent with section 2164a of title
10, United States Code, as added 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 on the
parental rights specified in such section. The report shall include,
with respect to the schools operated by the Department of Defense
Education Activity, an explanation of—
(1) how and where a parent may access information about
their rights;
(2) the accessibility of that information;
(3) how such schools inform parents of their rights and
the means to access such rights; and
(4) the uniformity of parental rights across such schools.
Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards and
Other Personnel Matters, Reports, and
Briefings
SEC. 591. ARMED FORCES WORKPLACE SURVEYS.
Subsection (c) of section 481 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as para-
graphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(3) Indicators of the assault (including unwanted sexual
contact) that give reason to believe that the victim was targeted,
or discriminated against, or both, for a status in a group.’’.
SEC. 592. DUE DATE FOR REPORT ON EFFORTS TO PREVENT AND
RESPOND TO DEATHS BY SUICIDE IN THE NAVY.
Section 599A(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is
amended by striking ‘‘180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2024’’.
SEC. 593. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR REVIEW OF WORLD WAR I
VALOR MEDALS.
Section 584(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 7271 note) is
amended by striking ‘‘six years after the date of the enactment
of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2028’’.
SEC. 594. DIGITAL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM OF THE NAVY: CESSATION;
REPORT; RESTART.
(a) CESSATION.—The Secretary of the Navy shall cease all activi-
ties of the digital ambassador program of the Office of Information
of the Department of the Navy. The Secretary shall notify each
individual designated as a digital ambassador of such cessation
and that the individual is not authorized to act as a digital ambas-
sador of the Navy.
H. R. 2670—152
(b) RESTART.—The Secretary may not restart such program
until 60 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report containing the following:
(1) All policies and documents of the program.
(2) The number of digital ambassadors designated.
(3) The process and criteria for such designation.
(4) The duties of a digital ambassador.
(5) The online platforms (including social media) on which
an individual is authorized under such program to perform
duties of a digital ambassador.
(6) The determination of the Secretary that such program
complies with applicable laws, regulations, and guidance.
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER
PERSONNEL BENEFITS
Subtitle A—Basic Pay, Retired Pay, and Leave
Sec. 601. Parental leave parity for members of certain reserve components of the
Armed Forces.
Sec. 602. Pay of members of reserve components for inactive-duty training to obtain
or maintain an aeronautical rating or designation.
Sec. 603. Expansion of authority to pay a member of the Armed Forces who is ab-
sent without leave or over leave for such absence.
Subtitle B—Bonus and Incentive Pays
Sec. 611. Expansion of continuation pay eligibility.
Sec. 612. Modification of special and incentive pay authorities for members of re-
serve components.
Sec. 613. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities.
Sec. 614. Authorization of monthly bonus pay for a junior member of the uniformed
services during calendar year 2024.
Sec. 615. Determination of cold weather location for purposes of special duty pay.
Sec. 616. Feasibility study regarding assignment incentive pay for members of the
Air Force assigned to remotely piloted aircraft.
Subtitle C—Allowances
Sec. 621. Modification of calculation of gross household income for basic needs al-
lowance to address areas of demonstrated need.
Sec. 622. Improved calculation of basic allowance for housing for junior enlisted
members.
Sec. 623. Basic allowance for housing for members assigned to vessels undergoing
maintenance.
Sec. 624. Dual basic allowance for housing for training.
Sec. 625. Cost-of-living allowance in the continental United States: high cost areas.
Sec. 626. Family separation allowance: increase; review.
Sec. 627. OCONUS cost-of-living allowance: adjustments.
Sec. 628. Extension of one-time uniform allowance for officers who transfer to the
Space Force.
Subtitle D—Family and Survivor Benefits
Sec. 631. Modifications to transitional compensation for dependents of members
separated for dependent abuse.
Sec. 632. Lodging expenses for dependents of members separated for dependent
abuse.
Sec. 633. Access to commissary and exchange privileges for remarried surviving
spouses.
Sec. 634. Assistance for military spouses to obtain certifications as doulas and
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
Sec. 635. Expansion of qualifying events for which a member of the uniformed serv-
ices may be reimbursed for spousal relicensing or business costs due to
the member’s relocation.
H. R. 2670—153
Subtitle A—Basic Pay, Retired Pay, and
Leave
SEC. 601. PARENTAL LEAVE PARITY FOR MEMBERS OF CERTAIN
RESERVE COMPONENTS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) PARENTAL LEAVE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 40 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 710 the following
new section:
‘‘§ 711. Parental leave for members of certain reserve compo-
nents of the armed forces
‘‘(a)(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
Defense, a member of a reserve component of the armed forces
described in subsection (b) is allowed parental leave for a duration
of up to 12 inactive-duty training periods, under section 206 of
title 37, during the one-year period beginning after the following
events:
‘‘(A) the birth or adoption of a child of the member and
to care for such child; or
‘‘(B) the placement of a minor child with the member for
adoption or long-term foster care.
‘‘(2)(A) The Secretary concerned, under uniform regulations to
be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, may authorize leave
described under subparagraph (A) to be taken after the one-year
period described in subparagraph (A) in the case of a member
described in subsection (b) who, except for this subparagraph, would
lose unused parental leave at the end of the one-year period
described in subparagraph (A) as a result of—
‘‘(i) operational requirements;
‘‘(ii) professional military education obligations; or
‘‘(iii) other circumstances that the Secretary determines
reasonable and appropriate.
‘‘(B) The regulations prescribed under clause (i) shall require
that any leave authorized to be taken after the one-year period
described in subparagraph (A) shall be taken within a reasonable
period of time, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, after
cessation of the circumstances warranting the extended deadline.;
‘‘(b) A member described in this subsection is a member of
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force who
is a member of—
‘‘(1) the selected reserve who is entitled to compensation
under section 206 of title 37; or
‘‘(2) the individual ready reserve who is entitled to com-
pensation under section 206 of title 37 when attending or
participating in a sufficient number of periods of inactive-duty
training during a year to count the year as a qualifying year
of creditable service toward eligibility for retired pay.’’.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 40 of such title is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 710 the following new item:
‘‘711. Parental leave for members of the reserve component of the armed forces.’’.
(b) COMPENSATION.—Section 206(a) of title 37, United States
Code, is amended by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
H. R. 2670—154
‘‘(4) for a regular period of instruction, period of appropriate
duty, or such other equivalent training that a member would
be required to perform but does not perform because such
member was authorized to take parental leave pursuant to
section 711 of title 10.’’.
(c) CONTRIBUTION OF LEAVE TOWARD ENTITLEMENT TO RETIRED
PAY.—Section 12732(a)(2)(G) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by striking ‘‘12 per period’’ and all that follows through
the end of the sentence and inserting the following: ‘‘1 per inactive-
duty training period, under section 206 of title 37, during which
the member is on parental leave under section 711 of this title.’’.
(d) CREDIT FOR RETIRED PAY PURPOSES.—Section 602(b) of the
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 12732 note)
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘maternity leave’’ and
all that follows through ‘‘birth of a child’’ and inserting
‘‘parental leave described in section 12732(a)(2)(G) of title 10,
United States Code, taken by a member of the reserve compo-
nents of the Armed Forces’’;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘maternity leave’’ and
all that follows through ‘‘childbirth event’’ and inserting
‘‘parental leave taken by the member’’; and
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘maternity leave’’ each
place it appears and inserting ‘‘parental leave’’.
(e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section and the amendments made
by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2024, and apply
with respect to periods of parental leave that commence on or
after such date.
SEC. 602. PAY OF MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS FOR INACTIVE-
DUTY TRAINING TO OBTAIN OR MAINTAIN AN AERO-
NAUTICAL RATING OR DESIGNATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 37, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 206 the following new section:
‘‘§ 206a. Pay of members of reserve components for inactive-
duty training to obtain or maintain an aeronautical
rating or designation
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned, a
member of the National Guard or a member of a reserve component
of a uniformed service who is receiving aviation incentive pay
under section 334(a) of this title and is entitled to compensation
under section 206 of this title is entitled to such compensation
for a number of periods of inactive-duty training each month suffi-
cient for the member to obtain or maintain an aeronautical rating
or designation.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 3 of such title is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 206 the following new item:
‘‘206a. Pay of members of reserve components for inactive-duty training to obtain
or maintain an aeronautical rating or designation.’’.
SEC. 603. EXPANSION OF AUTHORITY TO PAY A MEMBER OF THE
ARMED FORCES WHO IS ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE OR OVER
LEAVE FOR SUCH ABSENCE.
Section 503(a) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
H. R. 2670—155
(1) by striking ‘‘A member’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Subject to
paragraph (2), a member’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph
(2):
‘‘(2)(A) In the case of a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard when it is operating
as service in the Department of the Navy, the Secretary of Defense
may determine to pay the pay and allowances described in para-
graph (1).
‘‘(B) The Secretary may not delegate the authority to make
a determination under subparagraph (A).
‘‘(C) Not later than 30 days after determining to pay any
pay or allowance under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
House of Representatives a report regarding such determination.’’.
Subtitle B—Bonus and Incentive Pays
SEC. 611. EXPANSION OF CONTINUATION PAY ELIGIBILITY.
(a) CONTINUATION PAY: FULL TSP MEMBERS WITH 8 TO 12
YEARS OF SERVICE.—Section 356 of title 37, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘8’’ and inserting
‘‘7’’; and
(2) in subsections (a)(1) and (d), by striking ‘‘8’’ and
inserting ‘‘7’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 5 of such title is amended by striking the item
relating to section 356 and inserting the following new item:
‘‘356. Continuation pay: full TSP members with 7 to 12 years of service.’’.
SEC. 612. MODIFICATION OF SPECIAL AND INCENTIVE PAY AUTHORI-
TIES FOR MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 357 of title 37, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘incentive pay’’ and inserting ‘‘special or
incentive pay’’;
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘if
the Secretary concerned is paying the member of the reserve
component the special or incentive pay for the purpose of—
’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(1) maintaining a skill certification or proficiency identical
to a skill certification or proficiency required of the member
in the regular component; or
‘‘(2) compensating the member of the reserve component
for exposure to hazards or risks identical to hazards or risks
to which the member in the regular component was exposed.’’.
(b) CONFORMING AND CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—
(1) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The section heading for sec-
tion 357 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking
‘‘Incentive’’ and inserting ‘‘Special and incentive’’.
H. R. 2670—156
(2) CLERICAL
AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for
chapter 5 of such title is amended by striking the item relating
to section 357 and inserting the following new item:
‘‘357. Special and incentive pay authorities for members of the reserve components
of the armed forces.’’.
(c) MODIFICATION OF IMPLEMENTATION DETERMINATION.—Sec-
tion 602(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 37 U.S.C. 357 note) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subpara-
graphs (A) and (B), respectively, and by moving such subpara-
graphs, as so redesignated, two ems to the right;
(2) by striking ‘‘The Secretary may’’ and inserting the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall’’;
(3) in subparagraph (A), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (c)’’;
and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) EVALUATION
OF
TYPES
OF
SPECIAL
AND
INCENTIVE
PAY.—In making the determination and certification described
in paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall evaluate each type
or category of special and incentive pay separately and may
make the determination and certification based on the effect
on an Armed Force concerned of a particular type or category
of special or incentive pay.’’.
SEC. 613. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF CERTAIN EXPIRING BONUS AND
SPECIAL PAY AUTHORITIES.
(a) AUTHORITIES RELATING TO RESERVE FORCES.—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, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
(b) TITLE 10 AUTHORITIES RELATING TO HEALTH CARE PROFES-
SIONALS.—The following sections of title 10, United States Code,
are amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting
‘‘December 31, 2024’’:
(1) Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate
accession program.
(2) Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education
loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected
Reserve.
(c) AUTHORITIES RELATING
TO NUCLEAR OFFICERS.—Section
333(i) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking
‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
(d) AUTHORITIES RELATING TO TITLE 37 CONSOLIDATED SPECIAL
PAY, INCENTIVE PAY, AND BONUS AUTHORITIES.—The following sec-
tions of title 37, United States Code, are amended by striking
‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’:
(1) Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for
enlisted members.
(2) Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for
officers.
(3) Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive
pay and bonus authorities for officers.
(4) Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive
pay authorities for officers in health professions.
H. R. 2670—157
(5) Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus for cadets
and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers’
Training Corps.
(6) Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty pay.
(7) Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special
duty pay.
(8) Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay or pro-
ficiency bonus.
(9) Section 355(h), relating to retention incentives for mem-
bers qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high
priority units.
(e) AUTHORITY
TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY INCREASE
IN RATES
OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING.—Section 403(b) of title 37,
United States Code, is amended—
(1) 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, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (C) of paragraph (8), relating
to an area where actual housing costs differ from current rates
by more than 20 percent, and inserting the following:
‘‘(C) This paragraph shall cease to be effective on December
31, 2024.’’.
SEC. 614. AUTHORIZATION OF MONTHLY BONUS PAY FOR A JUNIOR
MEMBER OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES DURING CAL-
ENDAR YEAR 2024.
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—Beginning on January 1, 2024, if the Sec-
retary concerned determines that prevailing economic conditions
may adversely affect an eligible member, the Secretary concerned
may pay a monthly bonus to each eligible member.
(b) AMOUNT OF PAY.—Each bonus payment under this section
shall be in an amount equal to a percentage, determined by the
Secretary concerned, of the rate—
(1) in effect on December 31, 2023; and
(2) of, for an eligible member—
(A) pay under section 204 of title 37, United States
Code; or
(B) compensation under section 206 of title 37, United
States Code.
(c) RELATIONSHIP
TO OTHER PAY
AND ALLOWANCES.—Bonus
pay paid to an eligible member under this section is in addition
to any other pay and allowances to which the eligible member
is entitled.
(d) TERMINATION.—No bonus may be paid under this section
after December 31, 2024.
(e) ELIGIBLE MEMBER DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘eligible member’’ means a member of the uniformed services who—
(1) is entitled to pay or compensation described in sub-
section (b)(2); and
(2) is in a grade below E-6.
SEC. 615. DETERMINATION OF COLD WEATHER LOCATION FOR PUR-
POSES OF SPECIAL DUTY PAY.
For purposes of special duty pay under section 352 of title
37, United States Code, the Secretary concerned shall determine
that a duty station is a cold weather location if, at such duty
station, the temperature is expected to drop below -20 °F according
H. R. 2670—158
to the 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map published by the Agricultural
Research Service of the Department of Agriculture.
SEC. 616. FEASIBILITY STUDY REGARDING ASSIGNMENT INCENTIVE
PAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE AIR FORCE ASSIGNED TO
REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT.
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 paying assignment
incentive pay under section 307a of title 37, United States Code,
to members of the Air Force assigned to remotely piloted aircraft,
including at Creech Air Force Base. The study shall include—
(1) an assessment of the financial stress experienced by
such members, especially junior members with families, associ-
ated with—
(A) the daily commute to and from the duty station;
(B) the unique demands of the mission to remotely
pilot aircraft; and
(C) limited access to essential services, including child
care, housing, and readily accessible health care; and
(2) the overall cost to the United States, and financial
relief provided by, such assignment incentive pay authorized
by the Secretary of the Air Force in 2008 for such members.
Subtitle C—Allowances
SEC. 621. MODIFICATION OF CALCULATION OF GROSS HOUSEHOLD
INCOME FOR BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE TO ADDRESS
AREAS OF DEMONSTRATED NEED.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 402b(k)(1)(B) of title 37, United States
Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘or that otherwise has a dem-
onstrated need’’ after ‘‘high cost of living’’.
(b) IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of Defense
shall revise the guidance issued with respect to implementation
of the basic needs allowance under section 402b of title 37, United
States Code, to reflect the amendment made by subsection (a).
SEC. 622. IMPROVED CALCULATION OF BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR
HOUSING FOR JUNIOR ENLISTED MEMBERS.
Section 403 of title 37, United States Code, is amended, in
subsection (b)(5), by striking ‘‘and shall be based’’ and all that
follows and inserting a period.
SEC. 623. BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOR MEMBERS ASSIGNED
TO VESSELS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE.
Section 403(f)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘subparagraphs (B)
and (C)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D)’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(D)(i) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary concerned,
the Secretary may authorize the payment of a basic allowance
for housing to a member of a uniformed service without dependents
who is serving in a pay grade below E–6 and has orders to a
naval vessel during a shipyard availability or maintenance period.
‘‘(ii) In prescribing regulations under clause (i), the Secretary
concerned shall consider the availability of quarters for members
H. R. 2670—159
serving in pay grades below E–6 before authorizing the payment
of a basic allowance for housing for such members.’’.
SEC. 624. DUAL BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR HOUSING FOR TRAINING.
Section 403 of title 37, United States Code, as amended by
sections 622 and 623, is further amended, in subsection (g)(3),
by striking ‘‘Paragraphs’’ and inserting ‘‘Except in the case of a
member of a reserve component without dependents who is called
or ordered to active duty to attend training for at least 140 days
but fewer than 365 days, paragraphs’’.
SEC. 625. COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED
STATES: HIGH COST AREAS.
Section 403b(c) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘8 percent’’ and
inserting ‘‘5 percent’’; and
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ‘‘shall prescribe’’ and
inserting ‘‘may prescribe’’.
SEC. 626. FAMILY SEPARATION ALLOWANCE: INCREASE; REVIEW.
(a) INCREASE.—Section 427(a) of title 37, United States Code,
is amended, in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘equal to $250’’ and
inserting ‘‘of not less than $250, and not more than $400,’’.
(b) REVIEW.—In each quadrennial review of military compensa-
tion conducted after the date of the enactment of this Act and
under section 1008(b) of such title, the President shall include—
(1) a review of the family separation allowance under sec-
tion 427 of such title (or successor allowance); and
(2) the recommendation of the President regarding whether
to increase the amount of such allowance to better compensate
a member of the uniformed services for separation from family
during service described in such paragraph.
SEC. 627. OCONUS COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE: ADJUSTMENTS.
Section 617 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended
by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting the following:
‘‘(a) REDUCTIONS.—The Secretary of Defense may reduce an
OCONUS COLA in accordance with this subsection.
‘‘(1) FREQUENCY.—The Secretary may not announce a
reduction to an OCONUS COLA for a location outside the
continental United States more than twice per calendar year.
‘‘(2) MAXIMUM REDUCTION.—A reduction to an OCONUS
COLA may not exceed the lesser of—
‘‘(A) 10 OCONUS COLA index points; or
‘‘(B) the number of OCONUS COLA index points by
which the cost of living of the permanent duty station
of the covered member exceeds the average cost of living
index in the continental United States.
‘‘(3) LIMITATIONS.—Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply
to a reduction on the basis of—
‘‘(A) a change in the rate of exchange of foreign cur-
rencies; or
‘‘(B) a permanent change of station for a covered
member.
‘‘(4) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary may phase in a
reduction under this subsection.
H. R. 2670—160
‘‘(b) INCREASES.—The Secretary may increase an OCONUS
COLA at any time.
‘‘(c) REPORTING.—Not later than February 1 of each year, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding reduc-
tions and increases to OCONUS COLAs during the previous cal-
endar year. Such report shall include the following elements:
‘‘(1) The areas outside the continental United States subject
to such a reduction or increase.
‘‘(2) The previous and new amounts of an adjusted
OCONUS COLA for a member with three dependents, 10 years
of service, and in grade—
‘‘(A) E-6; and
‘‘(B) O-4.
‘‘(3) The number of OCONUS COLA index points by which
a new OCONUS COLA index differs from such previous index.
‘‘(4) The number of members of the uniformed services
affected by each such reduction or increase.
‘‘(5) The assessment of the Secretary of the calculation
of an OCONUS COLA. In making such assessment, the Sec-
retary shall consider factors including—
‘‘(A) Costs of local transportation in the area sur-
rounding the duty station of a member.
‘‘(B) Costs of travel from such duty station to the
United States.
‘‘(C) Other costs the Secretary determines appropriate.
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘continental United States’ has the meaning
given such term in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered member’ means a member of the
uniformed services—
‘‘(A) who is assigned to a permanent duty station
located outside the continental United States; or
‘‘(B) whose dependents reside outside the continental
United States but not withing the vicinity to permanent
duty station of such member.
‘‘(3) The term ‘OCONUS COLA’ means a cost-of-living
allowance paid to a member of the uniformed services on the
basis that such member is a covered member.
‘‘(4) The term ‘OCONUS COLA index’ means the index
computed by the Secretary of the weighted average prices of
goods and services (excluding housing costs) in a location out-
side the continental United States, relative to the weighted
average of prices of the same goods and services in the conti-
nental United States.
‘‘(5) The term ‘OCONUS COLA index point’ means 1 per-
cent of the OCONUS COLA index for the weighted average
prices of goods and services (excluding housing costs) in a
location in the continental United States.’’.
SEC. 628. EXTENSION OF ONE-TIME UNIFORM ALLOWANCE FOR OFFI-
CERS WHO TRANSFER TO THE SPACE FORCE.
Section 606(d)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 37 U.S.C. 416 note) is amended by striking ‘‘September 30,
2023’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2025’’.
H. R. 2670—161
Subtitle D—Family and Survivor Benefits
SEC. 631. MODIFICATIONS TO TRANSITIONAL COMPENSATION FOR
DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS SEPARATED FOR DEPENDENT
ABUSE.
(a) COVERED PUNITIVE ACTIONS.—Subsection (b) of section 1059
of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) who is—
‘‘(A) convicted of a dependent-abuse offense in a district
court of the United States or a State court; and
‘‘(B) separated from active duty pursuant to a sentence
of a court-martial, or administratively separated, volun-
tarily or involuntarily, from active duty, for an offense
other than the dependent-abuse offense.’’.
(b) COMMENCEMENT OF PAYMENT.—Subsection (e)(1) of such
section is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (A)—
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
after ‘‘offense’’ the following: ‘‘or an offense described in
subsection (b)(3)(B)’’; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting
a semicolon; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘(if the basis’’ and
all that follows through ‘‘offense)’’.
(c) DEFINITION OF DEPENDENT CHILD.—Subsection (l) of such
section is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(1) by striking ‘‘resulting in the separation of the former
member or’’ and inserting ‘‘referred to in subsection (b) or’’;
and
(2) by striking ‘‘resulting in the separation of the former
member and’’ and inserting ‘‘and’’.
(d) DELEGATION OF DETERMINATIONS RELATING TO EXCEPTIONAL
ELIGIBILITY.—Subsection (m)(4) of such section is amended to read
as follows:
‘‘(4) The Secretary concerned may delegate the authority under
paragraph (1) to authorize eligibility for benefits under this section
for dependents and former dependents of a member or former
member to the first general or flag officer (or civilian equivalent)
in the chain of command of the member.’’.
SEC. 632. LODGING EXPENSES FOR DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS SEPA-
RATED FOR DEPENDENT ABUSE.
Section 1059 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by
section 631, is further amended—
(1) in the heading, by adding ‘‘; lodging expenses’’ at
the end;
(2) by redesignating subsections (k), (l), and (m) as sub-
sections (m), (n), and (l), respectively;
(3) by striking ‘‘subsection (k)’’ each place it appears and
inserting ‘‘subsection (m)’’; and
H. R. 2670—162
(4) by inserting, after subsection (j), the following new
subsection (k):
‘‘(k) LODGING EXPENSES.—A dependent or former dependent
entitled to payment of monthly transitional compensation under
this section shall, while receiving payments in accordance with
this section, be entitled to lodging expenses for a period not longer
than 30 days.’’.
SEC. 633. ACCESS TO COMMISSARY AND EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES FOR
REMARRIED SURVIVING SPOUSES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1062 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary of Defense’’ and inserting
the following:
‘‘(a) CERTAIN UNREMARRIED FORMER SPOUSES.—The Secretary
of Defense’’;
(2) by striking ‘‘commissary and exchange privileges’’ and
inserting ‘‘use commissary stores and MWR retail facilities’’;
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(b) CERTAIN REMARRIED SURVIVING SPOUSES.—The Secretary
of Defense shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary
to provide that a surviving spouse of a deceased member of the
armed forces, regardless of the marital status of the surviving
spouse, is entitled to use commissary stores and MWR retail facili-
ties to the same extent and on the same basis as an unremarried
surviving spouse of a member of the uniformed services.’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(c) MWR RETAIL FACILITIES DEFINED.—In this section, the
term ‘MWR retail facilities’ has the meaning given that term in
section 1063 of this title.’’.
(b) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations under section 1062(b) of title 10, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a)(3), not later than October 1, 2025.
(c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The heading of such section is
amended by adding ‘‘and surviving spouses’’ at the end.
SEC. 634. ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY SPOUSES TO OBTAIN CERTIFI-
CATIONS AS DOULAS AND INTERNATIONAL BOARD CER-
TIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANTS.
Section 1784a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new sub-
section (d):
‘‘(d) DOULA AND IBCLC CERTIFICATIONS.—In carrying out the
programs authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide
assistance to the spouse of a member of the armed forces described
in subsection (b) with obtaining certification—
‘‘(1) as a doula or International Board Certified Lactation
Consultant; and
‘‘(2) provided by an organization that receives reimburse-
ment under the extramedical maternal health providers dem-
onstration project required by section 746 of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note).’’.
H. R. 2670—163
SEC. 635. EXPANSION OF QUALIFYING EVENTS FOR WHICH A MEMBER
OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR
SPOUSAL RELICENSING OR BUSINESS COSTS DUE TO THE
MEMBER’S RELOCATION.
Section 453(g) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting
‘‘REIMBURSEMENT OF QUALIFYING SPOUSE RELICENSING COSTS
AND BUSINESS COSTS’’;
(2) in paragraph (1)—
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ‘‘or qualified business costs’’ and inserting ‘‘and
qualified business costs’’;
(B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
‘‘(A) the member relocates to a new jurisdiction or
geographic area as the result of—
‘‘(i) an assignment to a duty station;
‘‘(ii) a reassignment, either as a result of a permanent
change of station or permanent change of assignment,
between duty stations;
‘‘(iii) a transfer from a regular component of a uni-
formed service into the Selected Reserve of the Ready
Reserve of a uniformed service, if the member is authorized
a final move from the last duty station to the new jurisdic-
tion or geographic area; or
‘‘(iv) placement on the temporary disability retired list
under chapter 61 of title 10; and’’; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘reassignment’’
and inserting ‘‘relocation’’;
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘reassignment’’ both places
it appears and inserting ‘‘relocation’’;
(4) in paragraph (4)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘movement
described in’’ and all that follows through the semicolon
and inserting ‘‘the member’s relocation described in para-
graph (1);’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘reassignment’’
and inserting ‘‘relocation’’; and
(5) in paragraph (5)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘movement
described in’’ and all that follows through the semicolon
and inserting ‘‘the member’s relocation described in para-
graph (1);’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘reassignment’’
and inserting ‘‘relocation’’.
TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—TRICARE and Other Health Care Benefits
Sec. 701. Waiver of cost-sharing for three mental health outpatient visits for cer-
tain beneficiaries under the TRICARE program.
Sec. 702. Extension of period of eligibility for health benefits under TRICARE Re-
serve Select for survivors of a member of the Selected Reserve.
Sec. 703. Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children of certain re-
tired members of the uniformed services.
Sec. 704. Authority to provide dental care for dependents located at certain remote
or isolated locations.
Sec. 705. Clarification of applicability of required mental health self-initiated refer-
ral process for members of the Selected Reserve.
H. R. 2670—164
Sec. 706. Naloxone and fentanyl: regulations; briefing.
Sec. 707. Authority to expand the TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration
Project.
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration
Sec. 711. Modification of requirement to transfer research and development and
public health functions to the Defense Health Agency.
Sec. 712. Increase in stipend for participants in health professions scholarship and
financial assistance programs.
Sec. 713. Modification of administration of medical malpractice claims by members
of the uniformed services.
Sec. 714. Networks of the Defense Health Agency: delayed implementation; GAO
study.
Sec. 715. Real-time data sharing agreement regarding medical care provided to
members of the Coast Guard.
Sec. 716. Establishment of military pharmaceutical and medical device vulner-
ability working group.
Subtitle C—Studies, Briefings, Reports, and Other Matters
Sec. 721. Modification of partnership program for military trauma care and re-
search.
Sec. 722. Study on opioid alternatives.
Sec. 723. Program of the Department of Defense to study treatment of certain con-
ditions using certain psychedelic substances.
Sec. 724. Annual report regarding overdoses by certain members of the Armed
Forces.
Sec. 725. Study and report on health conditions of members of the Armed Forces
on active duty developed after administration of COVID–19 vaccine.
Sec. 726. GAO study on health care available to certain individuals supporting the
missions of United States Forces Japan and Joint Region Marianas.
Subtitle A—TRICARE and Other Health
Care Benefits
SEC. 701. WAIVER OF COST-SHARING FOR THREE MENTAL HEALTH
OUTPATIENT VISITS FOR CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES UNDER
THE TRICARE PROGRAM.
(a) TRICARE SELECT.—Section 1075(c) of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4)(A) Consistent with other provisions of this chapter
and subject to requirements to be prescribed by the Secretary,
the Secretary may waive cost-sharing requirements for the
first three outpatient mental health visits each year of any
of the following beneficiaries:
‘‘(i) Beneficiaries in the active-duty family member cat-
egory.
‘‘(ii) Beneficiaries covered by section 1110b of this title.
‘‘(B) This paragraph shall terminate on the date that is
five years after the date of the enactment of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.’’.
(b) TRICARE PRIME.—Section 1075a(a) of such title is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4)(A) Consistent with other provisions of this chapter
and subject to requirements to be prescribed by the Secretary,
the Secretary may waive cost-sharing requirements for the
first three outpatient mental health visits each year of a bene-
ficiary in the active-duty family member category (as described
in section 1075(b)(1)(A) of this title).
‘‘(B) This paragraph shall terminate on the date that is
five years after the date of the enactment of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.’’.
H. R. 2670—165
SEC. 702. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH BENE-
FITS UNDER TRICARE RESERVE SELECT FOR SURVIVORS
OF A MEMBER OF THE SELECTED RESERVE.
(a) IN GENERAL.— Section 1076d(c) of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘six months’’ and inserting ‘‘three
years’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on October 1, 2025.
SEC. 703. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR HEARING AIDS TO INCLUDE
CHILDREN OF CERTAIN RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE UNI-
FORMED SERVICES.
Paragraph (16) of section 1077(a) of title 10, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(16) Except as provided by subsection (g), a hearing aid,
but only if the dependent has a profound hearing loss, as
determined under standards prescribed in regulations by the
Secretary of Defense in consultation with the administering
Secretaries, and only for the following dependents:
‘‘(A) A dependent of a member of the uniformed services
on active duty.
‘‘(B) A dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of
section 1072(2) of this title of a former member of the
uniformed services who—
‘‘(i) is entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equiva-
lent pay; and
‘‘(ii) is enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE
Prime.’’.
SEC. 704. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE DENTAL CARE FOR DEPENDENTS
LOCATED AT CERTAIN REMOTE OR ISOLATED LOCATIONS.
Section 1077(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and
inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) and (3)’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3)(A) Dependents who reside within a specified geographic
area and are covered by a dental plan established under section
1076a may receive dental care in a dental treatment facility of
the uniformed services on a space available basis if the Secretary
of Defense determines that—
‘‘(i) civilian dental care within the specified geographic
area is inadequate or is not sufficiently available; and
‘‘(ii) adequate resources exist to provide space available
dental care to the dependents at the facility.
‘‘(B) Care under subparagraph (A) shall be provided on a
reimbursable basis.’’.
SEC. 705. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICABILITY OF REQUIRED MENTAL
HEALTH SELF-INITIATED REFERRAL PROCESS FOR MEM-
BERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE.
Section 1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by inserting ‘‘described in paragraph (3)’’ after ‘‘member
of the armed forces’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) A member of the armed forces described in this para-
graph is—
H. R. 2670—166
‘‘(A) a member on active duty for a period of longer
than 30 days; or
‘‘(B) a member of the Selected Reserve in a duty
status.’’.
SEC. 706. NALOXONE AND FENTANYL: REGULATIONS; BRIEFING.
(a) REGULATIONS.—Not later than January 1, 2025, the Sec-
retary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the mili-
tary departments shall prescribe regulations regarding naloxone
and fentanyl on military installations. Such regulations shall—
(1) ensure that naloxone is available for members of the
Armed Forces—
(A) on all military installations; and
(B) in each operational environment; and
(2) establish a standardized tracking system—
(A) for naloxone distributed under paragraph (1); and
(B) of the illegal use of fentanyl and other controlled
substances in the military departments.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than June 1, 2025, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing regarding
naloxone and fentanyl. Such briefing shall include the following
elements:
(1) Progress in the implementation of regulations pre-
scribed under subsection (a).
(2) The prevalence and incidence of the illegal use of
fentanyl and other controlled substances in the military depart-
ments during the five years preceding the briefing.
(3) Processes of the military departments to mitigate sub-
stance abuse, particularly with regards to fentanyl.
(c) NALOXONE DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘naloxone’’
means naloxone and any other medication used to reverse opioid
overdose.
SEC. 707. AUTHORITY TO EXPAND THE TRICARE COMPETITIVE PLANS
DEMONSTRATION PROJECT.
(a) AUTHORITY.—To the extent practicable, the Secretary of
Defense shall seek to expand the TRICARE Competitive Plans
Demonstration Project to not fewer than five locations not later
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) TRICARE COMPETITIVE PLANS DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘TRICARE Competitive Plans
Demonstration Project’’ means the project designed to test the con-
tract acquisition strategy of providing an opportunity for local,
regional, and national health plans to participate in the competition
for managed care support functions under the TRICARE program,
in accordance with section 705(c)(3) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10
U.S.C. 1073a note).
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration
SEC. 711. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT TO TRANSFER RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH FUNCTIONS TO
THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1073c of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
H. R. 2670—167
(1) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ‘‘Not later than September 30, 2022,’’ and
inserting ‘‘Not later than September 30, 2024, and subject
to subsection (f),’’;
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively; and
(3) by inserting, after subsection (e), the following new
subsection (f):
‘‘(f) EXCEPTION
TO
ESTABLISHMENT
OF
ADDITIONAL
DHA
ORGANIZATIONS.—At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense,
a military department may retain a function that would otherwise
be transferred to the Defense Health Agency under subsection
(e) if the Secretary of Defense determines the function—
‘‘(1) addresses a need that is unique to the military depart-
ment; and
‘‘(2) is in direct support of operating forces and necessary
to execute strategies relating to national security and defense.’’.
(b) BRIEFING UPDATE.—Not later than September 30, 2024,
the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an update
to the briefing under section 720(b) of the James F. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-
263; 10 U.S.C. 1073c note), including—
(1) a description of each function that the Secretary has
determined to retain in a military department pursuant to
subsection (f) of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code,
as amended by subsection (a); and
(2) the rationale for each such determination.
SEC. 712. INCREASE IN STIPEND FOR PARTICIPANTS IN HEALTH
PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS.
Section 2121(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended,
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$30,000’’ and
inserting ‘‘$50,000’’.
SEC. 713. MODIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICAL MAL-
PRACTICE CLAIMS BY MEMBERS OF THE UNIFORMED
SERVICES.
Section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘subsection (f)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (g)’’;
(2) in subsection (b)(6), by striking ‘‘subsection (f)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (g)’’;
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (f)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (g)’’;
(4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as sub-
sections (g) through (j), respectively; and
(5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new sub-
section (f):
‘‘(f) JUSTIFICATION OF DENIAL.—If a claim under this section
is denied, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the claimant
with detailed reasoning justifying the denial of the claim,
including—
‘‘(1) copies of any written reports prepared by any expert
upon which the denial is based; and
H. R. 2670—168
‘‘(2) all records and documents relied upon in preparing
such written reports, other than medical quality assurance
records (as such term is defined in section 1102 of this title).’’.
SEC. 714. NETWORKS OF THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY: DELAYED
IMPLEMENTATION; GAO STUDY.
(a) TEMPORARY PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Defense may
not advance beyond phase one of the organizational advancement
plan to establish nine networks of the Defense Health Agency
for the management of military medical treatment facilities,
announced on October 1, 2023, until the Comptroller General of
the United States submits the report under subsection (b).
(b) GAO STUDY ON DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY MANAGEMENT
OF MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES.—
(1) STUDY
REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the
United States shall conduct a study of the plan described in
subsection (a).
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study under paragraph (1) shall
include the following elements:
(A) An assessment of the structure of such networks,
including—
(i) the analytical basis for the size and number
of networks established;
(ii) an analysis of personnel requirements for the
network model;
(iii) a review of how input from internal and
external stakeholders was incorporated; and
(iv) the plans for achieving consolidation of busi-
ness functions across military medical treatment facili-
ties within the new networks;
(B) an assessment of how the Director of the Defense
Health Agency considered lessons learned from previous
market offices, including the allocation of personnel and
budgetary resource sharing; and
(C) a comparison of the new network model to previous
organizational structures of the Defense Health Agency,
including market structures and component models.
(3) BRIEFING; REPORT.—Not later than May 1, 2024, the
Comptroller General shall brief the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the
preliminary findings of the study, with a report to follow at
such time and in such format as is mutually agreed upon
by the committees and the Comptroller General.
(c) TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.—
(1) DEFENSE
HEALTH
AGENCY
REGIONS
IN
CONUS.—Sub-
section (c) of section 712 of the John S. McCain National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law
115–232; 10 U.S.C. 1073c note) is amended—
(A) in paragraph (1), in the paragraph heading, by
striking ‘‘HEALTHAGENCY’’ and inserting ‘‘HEALTH AGENCY’’;
and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘military’’.
(2) DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY REGIONS OCONUS.—Subsection
(d)(3) of such section is amended by striking ‘‘defense health
regions’’ and inserting ‘‘Defense Health Agency regions’’.
H. R. 2670—169
(3) PLANNING AND COORDINATION.—Subsection (e)(1)(A) of
such section is amended by striking ‘‘defense health region’’
and inserting ‘‘Defense Health Agency region’’.
SEC. 715. REAL-TIME DATA SHARING AGREEMENT REGARDING MED-
ICAL CARE PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OF THE COAST
GUARD.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall consult and enter into
an agreement with the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect
to policies, mechanisms, and processes that the Secretaries con-
cerned shall establish to allow ongoing use by the Coast Guard
for access to data, records, and information regarding access by
members of the Coast Guard and beneficiaries of such members
to military medical facilities or care provided through the TRICARE
program that will enhance the ability to monitor, assess, and opti-
mize healthcare services.
SEC. 716. ESTABLISHMENT OF MILITARY PHARMACEUTICAL AND MED-
ICAL DEVICE VULNERABILITY WORKING GROUP.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall estab-
lish a military pharmaceutical and medical device vulnerability
working group.
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—Each member of the working group shall
be a member of the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the
Department of Defense.
(c) COCHAIRS.—The Secretary shall appoint a chair of the
working group. The working group shall elect a cochair from among
its members.
(d) DUTIES.—The duties of the working group shall include
the following:
(1) To provide a forum for members of the working group
to discuss issues involving access, threats, and vulnerabilities
to pharmaceuticals, therapeutics and medical devices in oper-
ational environments of the Department.
(2) To identify current vulnerabilities, including supply
chain issues, active pharmaceutical ingredient supplies, device
component issues and cyber and electronic threats that may
disrupt operations of the Department.
(3) To identify locations where the Secretary can support
manufacturing capabilities needed to improve the timely
increase of domestic production.
(4) To review policies of the Department to identify pharma-
ceutical manufacturing and supply guidance related to—
(A) diversification of the supply chain;
(B) transparency from pharmaceutical suppliers and
manufacturers;
(C) prerequisites for a vendor to sell to the Department
during a shortage;
(D) timely communication regarding a potential short-
age or other supply chain disruption; and
(E) the application of rules and processes of the Food
and Drug Administration to the Department.
H. R. 2670—170
(5) To include any information in the joint medical estimate
of the Department or a similar report that highlights informa-
tion that would be classified as sensitive or requiring a security
classification above unclassified.
(6) To develop a plan for the allocation of scarce pharma-
ceutical resources within the Department during a supply chain
disruption and potential conflicts with competitors highlighted
in the national defense strategy.
(7) To develop a plan for stockpiling essential medications
to ensure availability of a 180-day supply during an armed
conflict or other supply chain disruption.
(8) To develop a plan that mitigates vulnerabilities to active
pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains and reduces depend-
ence on active pharmaceutical ingredients from foreign sources.
(e) BRIEFINGS.—
(1) INITIAL BRIEFING.—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 an interim briefing on the organization,
activities, plans, actions and milestones of the working group.
(2) ANNUAL BRIEFING.—Not later than September 30 of
each year, beginning in 2025 and ending in 2028, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and House of Representatives a briefing describing the activi-
ties, funding, plans, actions, and milestones of the working
group, and other matters determined by the Secretary, during
the preceding year.
(f) TERMINATION.—The working group shall terminate on Sep-
tember 30, 2028.
Subtitle C—Studies, Briefings, Reports,
and Other Matters
SEC. 721. MODIFICATION OF PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FOR MILITARY
TRAUMA CARE AND RESEARCH.
Section 736 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C.
1071 note) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as para-
graphs (8) through (10), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new para-
graph (7):
‘‘(7) The provision of training and support to Ukraine for
the treatment of individuals with extremity trauma, amputa-
tions, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries,
and any other mental health conditions associated with post-
traumatic
stress
disorder
or
traumatic
brain
injuries,
including—
‘‘(A) the exchange of subject matter expertise;
‘‘(B) training and support relating to advanced clinical
skills development; and
‘‘(C) training and support relating to clinical case
management support.’’.
H. R. 2670—171
SEC. 722. STUDY ON OPIOID ALTERNATIVES.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry
out a study in military treatment facilities on the efficacy of opioid
alternatives for pain management.
(b) REPORT.—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 House of Representatives
a report on the results of the study under this section. Such report
shall include recommendations of the Secretary regarding the use
of opioid alternatives in military treatment facilities.
(c) OPIOID ALTERNATIVE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘opioid alternative’’ includes the following:
(1) Cryotherapy.
(2) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
(3) Sensory deprivation.
SEC. 723. PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO STUDY
TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS USING CERTAIN
PSYCHEDELIC SUBSTANCES.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish
a process to fund eligible entities to conduct research on the treat-
ment of eligible members of the Armed Forces with a covered
condition using covered psychedelic substances. Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall designate a lead administrator to carry out the program
under this section.
(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—The Secretary may enter into a part-
nership and award funding under this section to any of the fol-
lowing:
(1) A department or agency of the Federal Government
or a State government.
(2) An academic institution.
(c) PARTICIPATION
IN CLINICAL TRIALS.—The Secretary may
authorize any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty
who is diagnosed with a covered condition to participate in a clinical
trial that is conducted using funding awarded under this section
and is authorized pursuant to section 505 of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355), without regard to—
(1) whether the clinical trial involves a substance included
in the schedule under section 202 of the Controlled Substances
Act (21 U.S.C. 812); or
(2) section 912a of title 10, United States Code (article
112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
(d) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three
years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report
on funding awarded under this section, including the following:
(1) Identification of clinics designated to host activities
under the program.
(2) A description of entities to whom the Secretary has
awarded such funding.
(3) The number of members of the Armed Forces serving
on active duty who participated in a clinical trial described
H. R. 2670—172
in subsection (c), the covered conditions of such members
treated, and whether such members returned to full duty.
(4) Information on the findings of such clinical trials.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered condition’’ means any of the following:
(A) Post-traumatic stress.
(B) Traumatic brain injury.
(2) The term ‘‘covered psychedelic substances’’ means any
of the following:
(A) 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (commonly
known as ‘‘MDMA’’).
(B) Psilocybin.
(C) Ibogaine.
(D)
5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
(commonly
known as ‘‘5-MeO-DMT’’).
(E) Qualified plant-based alternative therapies.
(3) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of Defense.
(4) The term ‘‘State’’ has the meaning given such term
in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
SEC. 724. ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING OVERDOSES BY CERTAIN MEM-
BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for four
years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee
on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives
a report on the number of annual overdoses among covered
members.
(2) CONTENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The total number of covered members who suffered
a fatal or nonfatal overdose during the previous calendar
year, including—
(i) demographic information, including gender,
race, age, military department, military rank, pay
grade, and station;
(ii) the location of the fatal overdose, including
whether the overdose was on a military base; and
(iii) a list of the substances involved in the fatal
overdose.
(B) Of the covered members identified in subparagraph
(A)—
(i) the number of covered members who received
mental health or substance use disorder services prior
to a fatal or nonfatal overdose, including a description
of whether such services were received from a private
sector provider;
(ii) the number of covered members with comorbid
mental health diagnoses;
(iii) the number of covered members who had been
prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants;
(iv) the number of covered members who had been
categorized as high-risk and prescribed or provided
naloxone prior to a fatal or nonfatal overdose;
H. R. 2670—173
(v) the number of covered members who had a
positive drug test prior to the fatal overdose, including
any substance identified in such test;
(vi) the number of covered members referred to,
including by self-referral, or engaged in medical treat-
ment, including medication treatment for opioid use
disorder;
(vii) with respect to each covered member identi-
fied in clause (vi), whether the covered member was
referred after a positive drug test and the source of
such referral; and
(viii) the number of fatal overdoses and intentional
overdoses.
(C) An analysis of discernable patterns in fatal and
nonfatal overdoses of covered members.
(D) A description of existing or anticipated response
efforts to fatal and nonfatal overdoses at military bases
that have rates of fatal overdoses that exceed the average
rate of fatal overdoses in the United States.
(E) An assessment of the availability of substance use
disorder treatment for covered members.
(F) The number of medical facilities of, or affiliated
with, the Department of Defense that have opioid treatment
programs.
(G) A description of punitive measures taken by the
Secretary of Defense in response to substance misuse, sub-
stance use disorder, or overdose by covered member.
(3) PRIVACY.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to authorize the disclosure by the Secretary of
Defense of personally identifiable information of covered
members
or
military
family
members,
including
anonymized personal information that could be used to
identify covered members or military family members.
(B) APPLICATION OF HIPAA.—In carrying out this sub-
section, the Secretary of Defense shall take steps to protect
the privacy of covered members and military family mem-
bers pursuant to regulations prescribed under section
264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Account-
ability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note; Public Law
104–191).
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered member’’ means a member of the
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
(2) The term ‘‘military family member’’ means a family
member of a covered member, including—
(A) the spouse, parent, dependent, or child of a covered
member; or
(B) an individual who has legal responsibility for the
child of a covered member.
SEC. 725. STUDY AND REPORT ON HEALTH CONDITIONS OF MEMBERS
OF THE ARMED FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY DEVELOPED
AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF COVID–19 VACCINE.
(a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study
to assess and evaluate any health conditions arising in members
H. R. 2670—174
of the Armed Forces on active duty one year after receiving the
first dose of a COVID–19 vaccine.
(b) STUDY PARAMETERS.—In conducting the study under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall—
(1) disaggregate data collected by—
(A) vaccine type and manufacturer;
(B) age group at the time such first dose was adminis-
tered;
(C) any health condition developed after receiving such
first dose, regardless of whether the condition is attrib-
utable to the receipt of such first dose; and
(D) an accounting of adverse events (including
hyperimmune response), including further disaggregation
by history of infection; and
(2) assess the prevalence of each such health condition
by each age group specified in paragraph (1)(B) among the
unvaccinated population for each of years 2017, 2018, and
2019.
(c) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act and each year thereafter for the subsequent
four years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report
on the results of each study conducted under subsection (a).
(d) COVID–19 VACCINE DEFINED.—The term ‘‘COVID–19 vac-
cine’’ means a vaccine licensed under section 351 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262) or authorized for emergency
use under section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 360bbb–3) for immunization against the virus respon-
sible for COVID–19.
SEC. 726. GAO STUDY ON HEALTH CARE AVAILABLE TO CERTAIN
INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTING THE MISSIONS OF UNITED
STATES FORCES JAPAN AND JOINT REGION MARIANAS.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study to determine whether health care
services available to covered individuals are sufficient to support
the missions and readiness of United States Forces Japan and
Joint Region Marianas.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under this section shall include the
following elements:
(1) The assessment of the Comptroller General of the effects
of the changes to the administration and management of the
military health system—
(A) under Defense Health Agency Region Indo-Pacific
Administrative Instruction 6025.02, signed on December
22, 2022; and
(B) on health care services available to covered individ-
uals through the direct care component of the TRICARE
program.
(2) An estimate of—
(A) the number of covered individuals who in fiscal
years 2020 through 2023 received health care services
through the military health system on a space-available
basis; and
(B) the percentage of covered individuals described in
subparagraph (A) who had health insurance not provided
through the military health system.
H. R. 2670—175
(3) A summary of any health-related screenings adminis-
tered by the Federal Government to a civilian employee before
such civilian employee begins an assignment in the area of
responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(4) The determination of the Comptroller General whether
the Secretary of Defense has conducted or participated in an
assessment of health care services—
(A) provided to covered individuals through the mili-
tary health system; or
(B) otherwise available to covered individuals.
(5) The evaluation of the Comptroller General of the most
recent assessment described in paragraph (4).
(6) Other information the Comptroller General determines
appropriate.
(c) BRIEFING; REPORT.—The Comptroller General shall submit
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House
of Representatives—
(1) an interim briefing on the study not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) a final report on the study in a format and on a
date agreed to by the Comptroller General and such Committees
during such briefing.
(d) COVERED INDIVIDUAL DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered individual’’ means an individual who supports the mission
of United States Forces Japan or Joint Region Marianas, who
is—
(1) a United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent
resident and—
(A) a civilian employee of the Federal Government;
or
(B) an employee of a contractor or subcontractor under
an agreement between such contractor and the Secretary
of Defense; or
(2) a dependent of—
(A) a member of the Armed Forces; or
(B) an individual described in paragraph (1).
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, AC-
QUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RE-
LATED MATTERS
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management
Sec. 801. Commercial nature determination memo available to contractor.
Sec. 802. Modification of truthful cost or pricing data submissions and report.
Sec. 803. Prohibition on the transfer of certain data on employees of the Depart-
ment of Defense to third parties.
Sec. 804. Prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations
with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy
sector.
Sec. 805. Prohibition of the Department of Defense procurement related to entities
identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States.
Sec. 806. Principal Technology Transition Advisor.
Sec. 807. Senior contracting official for Strategic Capabilities Office.
Sec. 808. Pilot program for the use of innovative intellectual property strategies.
Sec. 809. Pilot program for anything-as-a-service.
Sec. 810. Updated guidance on planning for exportability features for future pro-
grams.
Sec. 811. Modernizing the Department of Defense requirements process.
H. R. 2670—176
Sec. 812. Preventing conflicts of interest for entities that provide certain consulting
services to the Department of Defense.
Sec. 813. Focused commercial solutions openings opportunities.
Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and
Limitations
Sec. 820. Amendments to multiyear procurement authority.
Sec. 821. Modification of approval authority for certain follow-on production con-
tracts or transactions.
Sec. 822. Clarification of other transaction authority for installation or facility
prototyping.
Sec. 823. Extension and revisions to never contract with the enemy.
Sec. 824. Modification and extension of temporary authority to modify certain con-
tracts and options based on the impacts of inflation.
Sec. 825. Countering adversary logistics information technologies.
Sec. 826. Modification of contracts and options to provide economic price adjust-
ments.
Sec. 827. Modifications to earned value management system requirements.
Subtitle C—Domestic Sourcing Requirements
Sec. 831. Emergency acquisition authority for purposes of replenishing United
States stockpiles.
Sec. 832. Requirement for full domestic production of flags of the United States ac-
quired by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 833. Amendment to requirement to buy certain metals from American sources.
Sec. 834. Acquisition of sensitive material prohibition exception amendment.
Sec. 835. Enhanced domestic content requirement for major defense acquisition
programs.
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to Programs for Accelerating Acquisition
Sec. 841. Pilot program to accelerate contracting and pricing processes.
Sec. 842. Demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product
support capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
Sec. 843. Special authority for rapid contracting for commanders of combatant com-
mands.
Subtitle E—Industrial Base Matters
Sec. 851. Additional national security objectives for the national technology and in-
dustrial base.
Sec. 852. Department of Defense Mentor-Protege Program.
Sec. 853. Modifications to the Procurement Technical Assistance Program.
Sec. 854. Modification of effective date for expansion on the prohibition on acquir-
ing certain metal products.
Sec. 855. Extension of pilot program for distribution support and services for weap-
ons systems contractors.
Sec. 856. Pilot program to analyze and monitor certain supply chains.
Sec. 857. Department of Defense notification of certain transactions.
Subtitle F—Small Business Matters
Sec. 860. Amendments to defense research and development rapid innovation pro-
gram.
Sec. 861. Annual reports regarding the SBIR program of the Department of De-
fense.
Sec. 862. Payment of subcontractors.
Sec. 863. Increase in Governmentwide goal for participation in Federal contracts by
small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled vet-
erans.
Sec. 864. Eliminating self-certification for service-disabled veteran-owned small
businesses.
Sec. 865. Consideration of the past performance of affiliate companies of small
business concerns.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
Sec. 871. Extension of mission management pilot program.
Sec. 872. Extension of pilot program to incentivize contracting with employee-
owned businesses.
Sec. 873. Program and processes relating to foreign acquisition.
Sec. 874. Pilot program to incentivize progress payments.
Sec. 875. Study on reducing barriers to acquisition of commercial products and
services.
H. R. 2670—177
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and
Management
SEC. 801. COMMERCIAL NATURE DETERMINATION MEMO AVAILABLE
TO CONTRACTOR.
Section 3456(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘for such determination’’ and inserting ‘‘why
the product or service was determined to be commercial or
noncommercial’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘Upon the request
of the contractor or subcontractor offering the product or service
for which such determination is summarized in such memo-
randum, the contracting officer shall provide to such contractor
or subcontractor a copy of such memorandum.’’.
SEC. 802. MODIFICATION OF TRUTHFUL COST OR PRICING DATA
SUBMISSIONS AND REPORT.
Section 3705(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ‘‘The Under Secretary shall make appropriate
portions of the report available to the leadership of the offerors
named in such report.’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment shall develop a framework for revising what con-
stitutes a denial of uncertified cost or pricing data, including—
‘‘(i) identifying situations under which such denials occur
to exclude situations outside the control of the offeror or Federal
Government;
‘‘(ii) identifying whether such denial is from the prime
contractor or subcontractor; and
‘‘(iii) developing an appropriate timeframe for requiring
submission of uncertified cost or pricing data before a request
for such data is considered a denial, including a standardized
determination of a starting point and conclusion for such
requests.’’.
SEC. 803. PROHIBITION ON THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN DATA ON
EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO THIRD
PARTIES.
Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 4662. Prohibition on the transfer of certain data on
employees of the Department of Defense to third
parties
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Each contract entered into by the Depart-
ment of Defense on or after the date of the enactment of this
section shall include a provision prohibiting the contractor and
each subcontractor under such contract from selling, licensing, or
otherwise transferring covered individually identifiable Department
employee data to any individual or entity other than the Federal
Government, except to the extent required to perform such contract
or a subcontract under such contract and that would be permissible
pursuant to statute or guidance from the Director of the Office
of Management and Budget.
H. R. 2670—178
‘‘(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the require-
ments of subsection (a) with respect to a sale, licensing, or other
transfer of covered individually identifiable Department employee
data if the Secretary determines that such waiver is appropriate.
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered individually identifiable Department
employee data’ means individually identifiable Department
employee data obtained by—
‘‘(A) a contractor pursuant to the performance of a
contract described in subsection (a) by such contractor;
or
‘‘(B) a subcontractor pursuant to the performance of
a subcontract under such a contract by such subcontractor.
‘‘(2)
The
term
‘individually
identifiable
Department
employee data’ means information related to an employee of
the Department of Defense, including a member of the Armed
Forces, that—
‘‘(A) identifies such employee; or
‘‘(B) which may be used to infer, by either direct or
indirect means, the identity of such an employee to whom
the information applies.’’.
SEC. 804. PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH PERSONS THAT HAVE
FOSSIL FUEL OPERATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION OR THE RUSSIAN ENERGY
SECTOR.
(a) PROHIBITION.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided under subsections
(b), (c), and (d), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into
a contract for the procurement of goods or services with any
person that is or that has fossil fuel business operations with
a person that is not less than 50 percent owned, individually
or collectively, by—
(A) an authority of the Government of the Russian
Federation; or
(B) a fossil fuel company that operates in the Russian
Federation, except if the fossil fuel company transports
oil or gas—
(i) through the Russian Federation for sale outside
of the Russian Federation; and
(ii) that was extracted from a country other than
the Russian Federation with respect to the energy
sector of which the President has not imposed sanctions
as of the date on which the contract is awarded.
(2) OIL AND GAS ORIGIN.—For the purposes of applying
the exception under paragraph (1)(B), oil and gas transported
by a fossil fuel company shall be deemed to have been extracted
from the location of extraction specified in the certificate of
origin or other documentation confirming the origin of such
oil or gas unless the person with respect to which such exception
would apply knew or had reason to know that such location
in such documentation was false or incorrect.
(b) EXCEPTIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The prohibition under subsection (a) does
not apply to a contract that the Secretary of Defense and
the Secretary of State jointly determine—
(A) is necessary—
H. R. 2670—179
(i) for purposes of providing humanitarian assist-
ance to the people of Russia; or
(ii) for purposes of providing disaster relief and
other urgent life-saving measures;
(B) is vital to the military readiness, basing, or oper-
ations of the United States or the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization;
(C) is vital to the national security interests of the
United States; or
(D) was a business operation with a fossil fuel company
in a country other than the Russian Federation that was
entered into prior to the date of the enactment of this
section.
(2) NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Defense
shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of any
contract entered into on the basis of an exception provided
for under paragraph (1).
(3) OFFICE OF FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL LICENSES.—The
prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to a person that
has a valid license to operate in Russia issued by the Office
of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury
or is otherwise authorized to operate in Russia by the Federal
Government notwithstanding the imposition of sanctions.
(4) AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN RUSSIA.—The prohibi-
tion in subsection (a) shall not apply to contracts related to
the operation and maintenance of the United States Govern-
ment’s consular offices and diplomatic posts in Russia.
(c) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall take effect on the date
of the enactment of this Act and apply with respect to any contract
entered into on or after such effective date.
(d) SUNSET.—This section shall terminate on December 31,
2029.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Oversight and Accountability,
the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Govern-
mental Affairs, the Committee on Armed Services, and
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2) BUSINESS OPERATIONS.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘‘business operations’’
means engaging in commerce in any form, including
acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, pos-
sessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, per-
sonnel, products, services, personal property, real property,
or any other apparatus of business or commerce.
(B) EXCEPTIONS.—The term ‘‘business operations’’ does
not include—
(i) any shipment subject to price caps as specified
in the ‘‘Statement of the G7 and Australia on a Price
Cap for Seaborne Russian-Origin Crude Oil’’, issued
on December 2, 2022, between member countries of
that coalition, or the price caps as specified in the
‘‘Statement of the G7 and Australia on price caps for
seaborne Russian-origin petroleum products Berlin,
H. R. 2670—180
Brussels, Canberra, London, Ottawa, Paris, Rome,
Tokyo, Washington’’, issued on February 4, 2023,
between such members, if such shipment complies with
the applicable price caps;
(ii) actions taken for the benefit of the country
of Ukraine, as determined by the Secretary of Defense;
or
(iii) actions taken to support the suspension or
termination of business operations for commercial
activities during the period beginning on the date of
the enactment of this Act and ending on the date
described in subsection (d), including—
(I) any action to secure or divest from facilities,
property, or equipment;
(II) the provision of products or services pro-
vided to reduce or eliminate operations in territory
internationally recognized as the Russian Federa-
tion or to comply with sanctions relating to the
Russian Federation; and
(III) activities that are incident to liquidating,
dissolving, or winding down a subsidiary or legal
entity in Russia.
(3) FOSSIL FUEL COMPANY.—The term ‘‘fossil fuel company’’
means a person that—
(A) carries out oil, gas, or coal exploration, develop-
ment, or production activities;
(B) processes or refines oil, gas, or coal; or
(C) transports, or constructs facilities for the transpor-
tation of, Russian oil, gas, or coal.
(4) PERSON.—The term ‘‘person’’ means—
(A) a natural person, corporation, company, business
association, partnership, society, trust, or any other non-
governmental entity, organization, or group;
(B) any governmental entity or instrumentality of a
government, including a multilateral development institu-
tion (as defined in section 1701(c)(3) of the International
Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262r(c)(3))); and
(C) any successor, subunit, parent entity, or subsidiary
of, or any entity under common ownership or control with,
any entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
SEC. 805. PROHIBITION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PROCURE-
MENT RELATED TO ENTITIES IDENTIFIED AS CHINESE
MILITARY
COMPANIES
OPERATING
IN
THE
UNITED
STATES.
(a) PROHIBITION ON USE OR PROCUREMENT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided under subsection (d),
the Secretary may not—
(A) enter into, renew, or extend a contract for the
procurement of goods, services, or technology with an entity
described in paragraph (2); or
(B) enter into, renew, or extend a contract for the
procurement of goods or services that include goods or
services produced or developed by an entity described in
paragraph (2).
(2) ENTITIES DESCRIBED.—An entity described in this para-
graph is—
H. R. 2670—181
(A) an entity that is identified in the annual list pub-
lished in the Federal Register by the Department of
Defense of Chinese military companies operating in the
United States pursuant to section 1260H of the William
M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note); or
(B) any entity subject to the control of an entity
described in subparagraph (A).
(3) LIMITATION ON APPLICABILITY.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in paragraph (1) shall pro-
hibit the Secretary from entering into, renewing, or
extending a contract for the procurement of goods, services,
or technology to provide a service that connects to the
facilities of a third party, including backhaul, roaming,
or interconnection arrangements.
(B) EXISTING CONTRACTS.—Nothing in this section shall
permit the Secretary to apply the prohibitions in paragraph
(1) to existing contracts for goods, services, or technology,
including when such contracts are modified, extended, or
renewed, entered into prior to the relevant date described
in subsection (b).
(C) COMPONENTS.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply with
respect to components (as defined in section 105 of title
41, United States Code).
(4) RULEMAKING.—
(A) ENTITY PROHIBITION.—Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supple-
ment to implement the prohibitions in paragraph (1)(A)
for the Department of Defense.
(B) GOODS AND SERVICES PROHIBITION.—Not later than
545 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall amend the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement to implement the prohibitions in
paragraph
(1)(B)
for
the
Department
of
Defense,
including—
(i) best practices to avoid being subject to the
prohibitions described in paragraph (1)(B); and
(ii) technical support to assist affected businesses,
institutions, and organizations as is reasonably nec-
essary for those affected entities to comply with this
section.
(b) EFFECTIVE
DATES.—The prohibition under subsection
(a)(1)(A) shall take effect on June 30, 2026, and the prohibition
under subsection (a)(1)(B) shall take effect on June 30, 2027.
(c) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may waive the require-
ments under subsection (a) with respect to an entity that
requests such a waiver if the entity seeking the waiver—
(A) provides to the Secretary a compelling justification
for the additional time to implement the requirements
under such subsection, as determined by the Secretary
of Defense; and
(B) provides to the Secretary a phase-out plan to elimi-
nate goods, services, or technology produced or developed
by an entity described in subsection (a)(2) from the systems
of the entity.
H. R. 2670—182
(2) DURATION.—A waiver granted under paragraph (1) may
remain in effect until the date on which the Secretary deter-
mines that commercially viable providers exist outside of the
People’s Republic of China that can and are willing to provide
the Department of Defense with quality goods and services
in the quantity demanded.
(3) DELEGATION.—The Secretary may designate the
authority under this section only to—
(A) the service acquisition executive of the military
department (as such terms are defined in section 101(a)
of title 10, United States Code) concerned; or
(B) the official responsible for all acquisition functions
of such other element or organization of the Department
of Defense concerned.
(d) EXCEPTION.—The President shall not be required to apply
or maintain the prohibition under subsection (a) for activities sub-
ject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.), or to any authorized
intelligence activities of the United States.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) CONTROL.—The term ‘‘control’’ has the meaning given
that term in part 800.208 of title 31, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, or any successor regulations.
(2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary
of Defense.
SEC. 806. PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSITION ADVISOR.
(a) DESIGNATION.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, each service acquisition executive of
a military department shall designate a Principal Technology
Transition Advisor who shall advise each Secretary of a military
department on the transition of technologies, including technologies
from science and technology programs of the Department, private
commercial entities, research institutions, and universities, to fulfill
identified and potential warfighter requirements for the military
department.
(b) ADVISOR STATUS.—The Principal Technology Transition
Advisor of a military department designated under subsection (a)
shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service or a general
officer and directly report to the service acquisition executive of
such military department.
(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Principal Technology Transition
Advisor of a military department designated under subsection (a)
shall do the following:
(1) Identify technologies being researched, developed,
tested, or evaluated by science and technology programs of
the Department, including Defense research facilities (as
defined in section 4125(b) of title 10, United States Code),
that the military department may use to meet identified and
potential warfighter requirements, including technologies for
which the Department owns and maintains the intellectual
property rights.
(2) Consult with Department of Defense innovation pro-
grams to identify technologies from private commercial entities,
research institutions, universities, and other entities that the
military department may use to meet identified and potential
warfighter requirements.
H. R. 2670—183
(3) Make recommendations to the service acquisition execu-
tive of the military department regarding the acquisition of
technologies identified under paragraphs (1) and (2) for acquisi-
tion decisions at the service acquisition executive level.
(4) Inform program managers (as defined in section 1737
of title 10, United States Code) and other relevant acquisition
officials of the military department of relevant technologies
identified under paragraphs (1) and (2).
(5) Develop policies and processes for promoting to small
business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and nontraditional defense con-
tractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States
Code) opportunities to license intellectual property developed
by the Department, including opportunities and methods for
small business concerns and nontraditional defense contractors
to engage with the Department regarding such licensing.
(6) Develop and maintain metrics tracking the outcomes
of projects and other activities of the military department for
which the military department expended amounts designated
as budget activity 3 (Advanced Technology Development),
budget activity 4 (Advanced Component Development and
Prototypes), and budget activity 5 (System Development and
Demonstration), 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).
(d) CONGRESSIONAL REPORT.—Not later than one year after
the designation of the Principal Technology Transition Advisor of
a military department under subsection (a), and annually there-
after, the Principal Technology Transition Advisor of such military
department shall submit to Congress a report on the following
for the one-year period preceding the submission of the report:
(1) The activities of the Principal Technology Transition
Advisor.
(2) The outcomes of projects and other activities described
in subsection (c)(6), including the metrics described in such
subsection.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section—
(1) the term ‘‘Department’’ means the Department of
Defense;
(2) the term ‘‘Department of Defense innovation programs’’
means the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of
Defense, AFWERX of the Air Force, and other programs spon-
sored by the Department of Defense, or any component thereof,
with a focus on accelerating the adoption of emerging tech-
nologies for mission-relevant applications or innovation; and
(3) the terms ‘‘military department’’ and ‘‘service acquisition
executive’’ have the meanings given such terms in section 101(a)
of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 807. SENIOR CONTRACTING OFFICIAL FOR STRATEGIC CAPABILI-
TIES OFFICE.
(a) SENIOR CONTRACTING OFFICIAL.—The staff of the Director
of the Strategic Capabilities Office shall include a senior contracting
official (as defined in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code)
who shall have the authority to enter into and administer contracts,
grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions in execution
of the program activities of the Strategic Capabilities Office.
H. R. 2670—184
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE; IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—
(1) EFFECTIVE
DATE.—The authorities described in sub-
section (a) shall take effect 30 days after the date on which
the Secretary of Defense submits the plan described in para-
graph (2).
(2) PLAN.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a plan for the implementation of
the authorities described in subsection (a). The plan shall
include the following:
(A) A plan for oversight of the senior contracting official
described under subsection (a).
(B) An assessment of the acquisition workforce needs
of the Strategic Capabilities Office to support the authority
provided under subsection (a).
(C) Other matters as appropriate.
SEC. 808. PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE USE OF INNOVATIVE INTELLEC-
TUAL PROPERTY STRATEGIES.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish
a pilot program for the use of innovative intellectual property
strategies that meet the criteria described in subsection (b) to
acquire the necessary technical data rights required for the oper-
ation, maintenance, and installation of, and training for, covered
programs designated under subsection (c).
(b) CRITERIA
FOR STRATEGIES.—The innovative intellectual
property strategies used in a pilot program established under this
section may include the following:
(1) The use of an escrow account to verify and hold intellec-
tual property data.
(2) The use of royalties or licenses.
(3) Other strategies, as determined by the Secretary.
(c) DESIGNATION OF COVERED PROGRAMS.—Not later than May
1, 2024, and with respect to the pilot program established under
this section—
(1) the Secretary of each military department shall des-
ignate one covered program within the military department
under the jurisdiction of such Secretary; and
(2) the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment shall designate one covered program within the
Defense Agencies or Department of Defense Field Activities
(as defined, respectively, in section 101 of title 10, United
States Code).
(d) BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the
Secretaries of the military departments, shall provide a briefing
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives with a detailed plan to implement the pilot
program required under this section.
(e) ANNUAL REPORT.—Beginning on the date on which the
first program is designated under subsection (c) and until the
termination date in subsection (f), the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Secre-
taries of the military departments, shall provide an annual report
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives on—
H. R. 2670—185
(1) the effectiveness of the pilot program in acquiring the
necessary technical data rights necessary to support timely,
cost-effective maintenance and sustainment of the acquisition
programs designated under subsection (c); and
(2) any recommendations for the applicability of lessons
learned from the pilot program.
(f) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the pilot program
established under this section shall terminate on December 31,
2028.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered program’’ means an acquisition pro-
gram under which procurements are conducted using a pathway
of the adaptive acquisition framework (as described in Depart-
ment of Defense Instruction 5000.02, ‘‘Operation of the Adaptive
Acquisition Framework’’).
(2) The term ‘‘technical data rights’’ has the meaning given
in section 3771 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 809. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ANYTHING-AS-A-SERVICE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a
pilot program to explore the use of consumption-based solutions
to address any defense need, hereafter ‘‘anything-as-a-service’’, that
is feasible to provide users on-demand access, quickly add newly
released capabilities, and bill based on actual usage at fixed price
units.
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—A contract or other agreement for any-
thing-as-a-service entered into under the pilot program shall require
the outcomes of the capability to be measurable, including the
cost and speed of delivery in comparison to using processes other
than anything-as-a-service, at the regular intervals that are cus-
tomary for the type of solution provided.
(c) NOTICE.—With respect to each opportunity to participate
in the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary
shall make publicly available a notice of such opportunity for not
less than 60 days.
(d) TIMING.—The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable,
enter into a contract or other agreement under this section not
later than 100 days after the date on which the Secretary, under
subsection (c), makes publicly available a notice to participate in
the pilot program established under this section.
(e) EXEMPTIONS.—A contract or other agreement entered into
under this section shall be exempt from the following:
(1) The requirements of section 3702 of title 10, United
States Code.
(2) With respect to a modification to add new features
or capabilities in an amount less than or equal to 25 percent
of the total value of such contract or other agreement, the
requirements of full and open competition (as defined in section
2302 of title 10, United States Code).
(f) BRIEFING.—Not later than June 30, 2024, the Secretary
of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense
committees on the implementation of the pilot program.
(g) ANYTHING-AS-A-SERVICE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘anything-as-a-service’’ means a model under which a technology-
supported capability is provided to the Department of Defense and
may utilize any combination of software, hardware or equipment,
H. R. 2670—186
data, and labor or services that provides a capability that is metered
and billed based on actual usage at fixed price units.
SEC. 810. UPDATED GUIDANCE ON PLANNING FOR EXPORTABILITY
FEATURES FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS.
(a) PROGRAM GUIDANCE ON PLANNING FOR EXPORTABILITY FEA-
TURES.—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
exportability features under section 4067 of title 10, United States
Code, including—
(1) for major defense acquisition programs, an assessment
of such programs to identify potential exportability needs; and
(2) for technologies under an acquisition program or project
carried out using the rapid fielding or rapid prototyping acquisi-
tion pathway that are transitioned to a major capability acquisi-
tion program, an assessment of potential exportability needs
of such technologies not later than one year after the date
of such transition.
(b) REVISION OF GUIDANCE FOR PROGRAM PROTECTION PLANS.—
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Under Secretary shall revise guidance for program
protection
plans
to
integrate
a
requirement
to
determine
exportability for the programs covered by such plans.
SEC. 811. MODERNIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIRE-
MENTS PROCESS.
(a) MODERNIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS
PROCESS.—Not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary of Defense,
acting through the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments
and the commanders of the combatant commands, and in consulta-
tion with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, shall develop and implement a streamlined require-
ments development process for the Department of Defense, to
include revising the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development
System, in order to improve alignment between modern warfare
concepts, technologies, and system development and reduce the
time to deliver needed capabilities to warfighters.
(b) REFORM ELEMENTS.—The process required by subsection
(a) shall—
(1) streamline requirements documents, reviews, and
approval processes, focusing on programs below the major
defense acquisition program threshold described in section 4201
of title 10, United States Code;
(2) revise requirements management practices using a
clean-sheet approach that avoids prescriptive language, is based
on mission outcomes and assessed threats, enables a more
iterative and collaborative approach with the Armed Forces,
maximizes the use of commercial products or commercial serv-
ices in accordance with section 3453 of title 10, United States
Code, and allows for a broader range of new or alternative
H. R. 2670—187
technological opportunities to be incorporated without the
requirement being validated again;
(3) develop a capability needs and requirements framework
and pathways that are aligned to the pathways of the adaptive
acquisition framework (as described in Department of Defense
Instruction 5000.02, ‘‘Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition
Framework’’), and better aligned and integrated with the
science and technology development processes of the Depart-
ment;
(4) provide continuity to the acquisition and research pro-
grams of the military departments by enabling the military
departments to develop, with respect to collections of capabili-
ties grouped by function by the Department of Defense, sets
of requirements that are designed to remain applicable to pro-
grams and systems relating to such capabilities over substantial
periods of time;
(5) require the military departments to—
(A) articulate in a concise model and document with
a set of mission impact measures the sets of requirements
developed under paragraph (4); and
(B) seek to continuously improve the capabilities sub-
ject to such sets of requirements the acquisition of addi-
tional capabilities;
(6) establish a process to rapidly validate the ability of
commercial products and services to meet capability needs or
opportunities;
(7) retire and replace the Department of Defense Architec-
ture Framework with a new structure focused on enabling
interoperability through application program interfaces, enter-
prise architectures and platforms, and government and commer-
cial standards; and
(8) ensure that requirements processes for software, artifi-
cial intelligence, data, and related capability areas enable a
more rapid, dynamic, and iterative approach than the require-
ments processes for traditional hardware systems.
(c) ELEMENTS.—With respect to the implementation of the
process required by subsection (a), the Vice Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff shall—
(1) collaborate with industry partners, contractors of the
Department and nontraditional defense contractors (as defined
in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code), and Department
of Defense science and technology reinvention laboratories (as
designated under section 4121(b) of title 10, United States
Code) regarding the development of the streamlined require-
ments development process under subsection (a) to ensure such
process effectively uses the innovation ecosystem (as defined
in section 236(g) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 4001 note));
(2) develop a formal career path, training, and structure
for requirements managers; and
(3) publish new policies, guidance, and templates for the
operational, requirements, and acquisition workforces online
in digital formats.
(d) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than October 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report on the development and implementation of the process
required by subsection (a), including—
H. R. 2670—188
(1) a description of the efforts to develop and implement
the streamlined requirements development process under sub-
section (a);
(2) the plans of the Department of Defense to implement,
communicate, and continuously improve the requirements
development process required by subsection (a); and
(3) any additional recommendations for legislation that
the Secretary determines appropriate.
(e) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than October 1, 2025, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report describing activities carried out pursuant to this
section.
SEC. 812. PREVENTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST FOR ENTITIES THAT
PROVIDE
CERTAIN
CONSULTING
SERVICES
TO
THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—
(1) CERTIFICATION.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
amend the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal
Acquisition Regulation to require any entity that provides con-
sulting services and is assigned a North American Industry
Classification System code beginning with 5416, after the effec-
tive date of such amendment and before entering into a covered
contract, to certify that—
(A) neither the entity nor any subsidiaries or affiliates
of the entity (as that term is defined in section 2.101
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) hold a contract for
consulting services with one or more covered foreign enti-
ties; or
(B) the entity maintains a Conflict of Interest Mitiga-
tion plan described under subsection (b) that is auditable
by a contract oversight entity.
(2) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Defense may not enter
into a covered contract with an entity described in paragraph
(1) that is unable to make the certification required under
such paragraph.
(b) CONFLICT OF INTEREST MITIGATION PLAN.—A Conflict of
Interest Mitigation plan described under this subsection shall
include—
(1) an identification, where such identification is not other-
wise prohibited by law or regulation, of any covered contracts
of an entity described in subsection (a) with a covered foreign
entity;
(2) a written analysis, including a course of action for
avoiding, neutralizing, or mitigating the actual or potential
conflict of interest of such a covered contract with the Depart-
ment of Defense;
(3) a description of the procedures adopted by an entity
to ensure that individuals who will be performing a covered
contract will not, for the duration of such contract, also provide
any consulting services to any covered foreign entity; and
(4) a description of the procedures by which an entity
will submit to the contract oversight entities a notice of an
unmitigated conflict of interest with respect to a covered con-
tract within 15 days of determining that such a conflict has
arisen.
H. R. 2670—189
(c) ALTERNATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF COVERED FOREIGN ENTI-
TIES.—If an entity is unable to identify covered foreign entities
under subsection (b)(1) due to confidentiality obligations, the entity
shall identify any such covered foreign entity as an entity described
in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of subsection (f)(4) in the Conflict
of Interest Mitigation plan.
(d) NOTIFICATION.—Before determining to withhold an award
of a covered contract based on a conflict of interest under this
section that cannot be avoided or mitigated, the contracting officer
for the contract shall notify the offeror of the reasons for such
withholding and allow the offeror a reasonable opportunity to
respond. If the contracting officer for the contract finds that it
is in the best interests of the United States to award the contract
notwithstanding such a conflict of interest, a request for waiver
shall be submitted in accordance with section 9.503 of title 48,
Code of Federal Regulations. The waiver request and decision shall
be included in the contract file.
(e) WAIVER.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may issue a
waiver with respect to the requirements of this section for
the award of a covered contract on a case-by-case basis as
may be necessary in the interest of national security. The
Secretary of Defense may not delegate the authority under
this subsection to an official who has not been Presidentially
appointed and confirmed by the Senate.
(2) WAIVER NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after
issuing a waiver under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense
shall provide a written notification to the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services
of the House of Representatives regarding the use of such
waiver authority. The notification shall include—
(A) the specific justification for providing the waiver;
(B) an identification of the covered foreign entity that
is the subject of the waiver request;
(C) the number of bidders for the covered contract
for which the waiver was granted;
(D) the number of bidders for the covered contract
that did not request a waiver; and
(E) the total dollar value of the covered contract.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘consulting services’’ has the meaning given
the term ‘‘advisory and assistance services’’ in section 2.101
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, except that the term
does not include the provision of products or services related
to—
(A) compliance with legal, audit, accounting, tax,
reporting, or other requirements of the laws and standards
of countries; or
(B) participation in a judicial, legal, or equitable dis-
pute resolution proceeding.
(2) The term ‘‘contract oversight entity’’ means any of the
following:
(A) The contracting officer.
(B) The contracting officer representative.
(C) The Defense Contract Management Agency.
(D) The Defense Contract Audit Agency.
H. R. 2670—190
(E) The Office of Inspector General of the Department
of Defense or any subcomponent of such office.
(F) The Government Accountability Office.
(3) The term ‘‘covered contract’’ means a contract of the
Department of Defense for consulting services.
(4) The term ‘‘covered foreign entity’’ means any of the
following:
(A) The Government of the People’s Republic of China,
the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Liberation
Army, the Ministry of State Security, or other security
service or intelligence agency of the People’s Republic of
China.
(B) The Government of the Russian Federation or any
entity sanctioned by the Secretary of the Treasury under
Executive Order 13662 titled ‘‘Blocking Property of Addi-
tional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine’’
(79 Fed. Reg. 16169).
(C) The government of any country if the Secretary
of State determines that such government has repeatedly
provided support for acts of international terrorism pursu-
ant to any of the following:
(i) Section 1754(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control
Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4318(c)(1)(A)).
(ii) Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371).
(iii) Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act
(22 U.S.C. 2780).
(iv) Any other provision of law.
(D) Any entity included on any of the following lists
maintained by the Department of Commerce:
(i) The Entity List set forth in Supplement No.
4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations.
(ii) The Denied Persons List as described in section
764.3(a)(2) of the Export Administration Regulations.
(iii) The Unverified List set forth in Supplement
No. 6 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regula-
tions.
(iv) The Military End User List set forth in Supple-
ment No. 7 to part 744 of the Export Administration
Regulations.
(E) Any entity identified by the Secretary of Defense
pursuant to section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999
(Public Law 105–261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note).
(F) Any entity on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-
Industrial Complex Companies List (NS–CMIC List) main-
tained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Depart-
ment of the Treasury under Executive Order 14032 (86
Fed. Reg. 30145; relating to addressing the threat from
securities investments that finance certain companies of
the People’s Republic of China), or any successor order.
SEC. 813. FOCUSED COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENINGS OPPORTUNI-
TIES.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—During each fiscal year beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the service acquisition executives of each military
H. R. 2670—191
department, shall exercise the authority under section 3458 of
title 10, United States Code, not less than four times to acquire
goods or services addressing the mission needs of a geographic
combatant command.
(b) EXECUTION.—With respect to acquisition carried out under
section 3458 of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to subsection
(a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) assign the responsibility for carrying out such acquisi-
tion to a program executive officer and a head of a science
and technology reinvention laboratory from the same military
department, who shall co-lead such acquisition; and
(2) ensure that the program executive officer and the head
of a science and technology reinvention laboratory assigned
as co-leads under paragraph (1) have similar existing require-
ments and funding for transitioning technologies to acquisition
programs within the area of focus for such acquisition.
(c) SUNSET.—Subsection (a) shall expire on September 30, 2027.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The terms ‘‘military department’’ and ‘‘services acquisi-
tion executive’’ have the meanings given such terms in section
101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
(2) The term ‘‘program executive officer’’ has the meaning
given such term in section 1737(a) of title 10, United States
Code.
(3) The term ‘‘science and technology reinvention labora-
tory’’ means a science and technology reinvention laboratory
designated under section 4121(b) of title 10, United States
Code.
Subtitle B—Amendments to General Con-
tracting Authorities, Procedures, and
Limitations
SEC. 820. AMENDMENTS TO MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY.
Section 3501(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘will result in significant savings’’ and
inserting the following: ‘‘will result in—
‘‘(A) significant savings’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘annual contracts.’’ and inserting the fol-
lowing: ‘‘annual contracts; or
‘‘(B) necessary defense industrial base stability not
otherwise achievable through annual contracts.’’.
SEC. 821. MODIFICATION OF APPROVAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN
FOLLOW-ON
PRODUCTION
CONTRACTS
OR
TRANS-
ACTIONS.
Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(2)(C)(i)(I), by inserting after ‘‘sub-
section (d)’’ the following: ‘‘were met for the prior transaction
for the prototype project that provided for the award of the
follow-on production contract or transaction, and the require-
ments of subsection (f)’’; and
(2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
H. R. 2670—192
‘‘(3) The requirements of this subsection do not apply to
follow-on production contracts or transactions under subsection
(f).’’.
SEC. 822. CLARIFICATION OF OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY FOR
INSTALLATION OR FACILITY PROTOTYPING.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4022(i) of title 10, United States
Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘except for
projects carried out for the purpose of repairing a facility,’’
before ‘‘not more’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘$200,000,000’’
and inserting ‘‘$300,000,000’’;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(3) USE OF AMOUNTS.—The Secretary of Defense or the
Secretary of a military department may carry out prototype
projects under the pilot program established under paragraph
(1) using amounts available to the Secretary of Defense or
the Secretary of a military department (as applicable) for mili-
tary construction, operation and maintenance, or research,
development, test, and evaluation, notwithstanding—
‘‘(A) subchapters I and III of chapter 169 of this title;
and
‘‘(B) chapters 221 and 223 of this title.’’.
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to transactions entered into on or after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 823. EXTENSION AND REVISIONS TO NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE
ENEMY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 841 of the Carl Levin and Howard
P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 10 U.S.C. 4871 note prec.) is
amended—
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting ‘‘THREAT
MITIGATION IN COMMERCIAL SUPPORT TO OPERATIONS’’;
(2) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting
‘‘PROGRAM ESTABLISHED’’; and
(B) in matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and
in consultation with the Secretary of State’’ and all that
follows through the period at the end and inserting ‘‘and
the Secretary of State, establish a program to enable com-
manders of combatant commands to identify and manage
risks resulting from covered persons and entities engaging
in covered activities. The Secretary of Defense shall issue
guidance establishing such program, including identifying
who shall be responsible for carrying out and overseeing
the program, procedures for using information available
from intelligence, security, and law enforcement sources
to identify such risks, and strategies for managing the
risks posed by covered persons and entities engaging in
covered activities.’’;
(3) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
‘‘(b) AUTHORITY.—
H. R. 2670—193
‘‘(1) IDENTIFICATION.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Under the program established
under subsection (a), the commander of the combatant
command concerned shall evaluate covered persons and
entities within the area of responsibility of such command
to identify such covered persons and entities that are
engaging in covered activities.
‘‘(B) NOTIFICATION.—Upon identification of a covered
person or entity who is engaging in covered activities pursu-
ant to an evaluation under subparagraph (A), the com-
mander of the combatant command concerned, or the des-
ignated deputies of such commander, shall submit to the
Under
Secretary
of
Defense
for
Acquisition
and
Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intel-
ligence and Security, and the Under Secretary of Defense
for Policy a notice of such identification and the rationale
for such identification.
‘‘(2) COVERED PROCUREMENT ACTIONS.—The head of a con-
tracting activity may take a covered procurement action with
respect to a person or entity identified as engaging in a covered
activity under the program established under subsection (a)
if such head receives a notification from the Under Secretary
of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment stating that, based
on a risk assessment conducted by the commander of a combat-
ant command who made such identification—
‘‘(A) such person or entity is a covered person or entity;
‘‘(B) such person or entity is or was engaging in one
or more covered activities; and
‘‘(C) less intrusive measures are not reasonably avail-
able to manage the risk posed by such person or entity.’’;
(4) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
‘‘(c) NOTIFICATION TO COVERED PERSON OR ENTITY.—
‘‘(1) ADVANCE NOTICE.—The head of a contracting activity,
or other appropriate official, shall notify covered persons and
entities of the following:
‘‘(A) The program established under subsection (a).
‘‘(B) The authorities provided by subsection (b).
‘‘(C) The responsibilities of covered persons or entities
to exercise due diligence to mitigate their engagement in
covered activities.
‘‘(2) NOTICE OF COVERED PROCUREMENT ACTIONS.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days prior to
taking a covered procurement action, the head of a con-
tracting activity shall notify the covered person or entity
of the covered procurement action. The covered person
or entity shall be permitted the opportunity to challenge
the covered procurement action by requesting an adminis-
trative review of the action under the procedures of the
Department of Defense not later than 30 days after receipt
of notice of the action.
‘‘(B) LIMITATION
ON
DISCLOSURE
OF
INFORMATION.—
The rationale of the commander of a combatant command
that identified the covered person or entity receiving a
notice under subparagraph (A) as a covered person or entity
engaging in a covered activity under subsection (b)(1) shall
not be disclosed to such covered person or entity, or their
representatives, to the extent that such disclosure would
H. R. 2670—194
compromise national security or pose an unacceptable
threat to personnel of the United States or its partners
or allies.
‘‘(C) PROTECTION OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION.—Classi-
fied information relied upon to take a covered procurement
action may not be disclosed to a covered person or entity,
or to their representatives, unless a protective order issued
by a court of competent jurisdiction established under
article I or article III of the Constitution of the United
States specifically addresses the conditions under which
such classified information may be disclosed.’’;
(5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
‘‘(d) COVERED PROCUREMENT ACTION REPORTING.—Not later
than 15 days after the head of a contracting activity takes a covered
procurement action, such head of a contracting activity shall report
such covered procurement action to the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment and include such covered procure-
ment action in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity
Information System or other formal systems of record and, in the
case that such cover procurement action is for the exclusion a
person or commercial entity from an award, the System for Award
Management.’’;
(6) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
‘‘(e) ANNUAL REVIEW.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary
of State, shall, on an annual basis, review the lists of persons
and entities previously subject to a covered procurement action
under subsection (b)(2) to determine whether or not such persons
and entities continue to warrant use of the covered procurement
action.’’;
(7) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
‘‘(f) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with
the Secretary of State, may grant a waiver for actions taken under
subsection (b) if it is in the best interest of national security.’’;
(8) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
‘‘(g) DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority provided by
subsection (b) to make a determination to use a covered procure-
ment action, in whole or in part, may not be delegated below
the level of head of contracting activity, or equivalent official, for
purposes of grants or cooperative agreements.’’;
(9) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
‘‘(h) UPDATING REGULATIONS.—The Federal Acquisition Regula-
tion and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
shall be revised to implement the provisions of this subtitle.’’;
(10) in subsection (i)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) by striking ‘‘Director of the Office of Manage-
ment and Budget’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of Defense’’;
(ii) by striking ‘‘appropriate committees of Con-
gress’’ and inserting ‘‘congressional defense committees
(as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States
Code)’’;
(iii) in subparagraph (A)—
(I) by striking ‘‘an executive agency exercised
the authority to terminate, void, or restrict a con-
tract, grant, and cooperative agreement pursuant
to subsection (c), based on a notification under
H. R. 2670—195
subsection (b)’’ and inserting ‘‘a head of contracting
activity took a covered procurement action’’;
(II) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘executive agency’’
and inserting ‘‘head of contracting activity’’;
(III) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘the action
taken’’ and inserting ‘‘taking the covered procure-
ment action’’;
(IV) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘voided or termi-
nated’’ and inserting ‘‘subject to the covered
procurement action’’; and
(V) in clause (iv)—
(aa) by striking ‘‘of the executive agency
in force’’ and inserting ‘‘the Department of
Defense has’’; and
(bb) by striking ‘‘at the time the contract,
grant, or cooperative agreement was termi-
nated or voided’’ and inserting ‘‘at the time
of taking the covered procurement action’’; and
(iv) in subparagraph (B)—
(I) by striking ‘‘an executive agency did not
exercise the authority to terminate, void, or restrict
a contract, grant, and cooperative agreement
pursuant to subsection (c), based on a notification’’
and inserting ‘‘a head of contracting activity did
not take a covered procurement action following
an identification from a combatant commander’’;
(II) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘executive agency’’
and inserting ‘‘head of contracting activity’’; and
(III) in clause (ii), by inserting ‘‘covered
procurement’’ before ‘‘action’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Director’’ and
inserting ‘‘Secretary of Defense’’;
(11) by striking subsections (j) and (m) and redesignating
subsections (k), (l), and (n) as subsections (j), (k), and (l),
respectively;
(12) in subsection (k), as redesignated by paragraph (11),
by striking ‘‘Except as provided in subsection (m), the’’ and
inserting ‘‘The’’; and
(13) in subsection (l), as so redesignated, by striking
‘‘December 31, 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2033’’.
(b) ACCESS TO RECORDS.—Section 842 of the Carl Levin and
Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015 is amended by striking subsections (a) through
(c) and inserting the following:
‘‘(a) ADDITIONAL
ACCESS
TO
RECORDS.—The Secretary of
Defense may examine any records of persons or entities that have
existing contracts with, or are active recipients of a grant or coopera-
tive agreement from, the Department of Defense, including any
subcontractors or subgrantees, to the extent necessary to support
the program established under section 841 of this Act.
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—The examination authorized under subsection
(a) may only take place after a written determination is made
by the contracting officer, based on a finding from the combatant
commander, stating that this examination will support the program
established under such section 841 and that less intrusive measures
are not reasonably available to manage the risk.’’.
H. R. 2670—196
(c) DEFINITIONS.—Section 843 of the Carl Levin and Howard
P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2015 is amended—
(1) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (7), and (9) and
redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (8) as paragraphs (2),
(3), and (7);
(2) before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by inserting
the following new paragraph:
‘‘(1) COVERED
ACTIVITIES.—The term ‘covered activities’
means activities where a covered person or entity is—
‘‘(A) engaging in acts of violence against personnel
of the United States or its partners and allies;
‘‘(B) providing financing, logistics, training, or intel-
ligence to a person described in subparagraph (A);
‘‘(C) engaging in foreign intelligence activities against
the United States or its partners and allies;
‘‘(D) engaging in transnational organized crime or
criminal activities; or
‘‘(E) engaging in other activities that present a direct
or indirect risk to United States or partner and allied
missions and forces.’’;
(3) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘with
an estimated value in excess of $50,000 that is performed
outside the United States, including its possessions and terri-
tories, in support’’ and all that follows through the period
at the end and inserting ‘‘that is performed outside the United
States, including its possessions and territories.’’;
(4) by amending paragraph (3), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
‘‘(3) COVERED PERSON OR ENTITY.—The term ‘covered person
or entity’ means any person, corporation, company, limited
liability company, limited partnership, business trust, business
association, or other similar entity outside of the United States
or any foreign reporting company in accordance with section
5336(a)(11)(A)(ii) of title 31, United States Code, that is
responding to a covered solicitation or performing work on
a covered contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.’’; and
(5) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new para-
graphs:
‘‘(5) COVERED PROCUREMENT ACTION.—The term ‘covered
procurement action’ means an action taken by a head of con-
tracting activity to—
‘‘(A) exclude a person or commercial entity from an
award with or without an existing contract, grant, or
cooperative agreement;
‘‘(B) terminate a contract, grant, or cooperative agree-
ment for default; or
‘‘(C) void, in whole or in part, a contract, grant, or
cooperative agreement.
‘‘(6) COVERED SOLICITATION.—The term ‘covered solicitation’
means any solicitation by the Department of Defense for work
for which the place of performance is outside of the United
States.’’.
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by this section
shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, and shall apply to covered solicitations issued and covered
contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements (as that term is defined
H. R. 2670—197
in section 843 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, as
amended by subsection (c)), awarded on or after such date, and
to task and delivery orders that have been issued on or after
such date pursuant to covered contracts, grants, or cooperative
agreements that are awarded before, on, or after such date.
SEC. 824. MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY AUTHORITY
TO MODIFY CERTAIN CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS BASED
ON THE IMPACTS OF INFLATION.
The first section of Public Law 85–804 (50 U.S.C. 1431) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ‘‘If any such amounts are so specifically provided,
the Secretary may use them for such purposes.’’; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and
inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 825. COUNTERING ADVERSARY LOGISTICS INFORMATION TECH-
NOLOGIES.
(a) COUNTERING
THE SPREAD
OF COVERED LOGISTICS PLAT-
FORMS.—
(1) CONTRACTING PROHIBITION.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may not
enter into a contract with an entity that provides data
to covered logistics platforms.
(B) APPLICABILITY.—This paragraph shall apply with
respect to any contract entered into on or after the date
that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
subsection.
(2) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the
provisions of this subsection for a specific contract if the Sec-
retary—
(A) makes a determination that such waiver is vital
to the national security of the United States; and
(B) 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.
(3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, and annually for three subse-
quent years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress
a report on the implementation of this subsection.
(b) POLICY WITH RESPECT TO PORTS ACCEPTING FEDERAL GRANT
MONEY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 503 of title 46, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘§ 50309. Securing logistics information data of the United
States
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—
‘‘(1) PROHIBITION.—A covered entity shall not use a covered
logistics platform.
‘‘(2) ELIGIBILITY.—A covered entity that is found to use
a covered logistics platform shall not be eligible to receive
any Federal grant funding as long as the covered entity uses
a covered logistics platform.
‘‘(b) GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of Transportation shall—
H. R. 2670—198
‘‘(1) notify covered entities of the prohibition in subsection
(a) as soon as practicable, including notice of funding opportuni-
ties for grant programs; and
‘‘(2) publish on a website of the Department of Transpor-
tation, and update regularly, a list of covered logistics platforms
subject to the prohibition in subsection (a).
‘‘(c) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall consult with—
‘‘(1) the Secretary of Defense;
‘‘(2) the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast
Guard is operating;
‘‘(3) the Secretary of State; and
‘‘(4) the Secretary of Commerce.
‘‘(d) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense, may waive the provisions of this
section for a specific contract if the Secretary of Transportation—
‘‘(1) makes a determination that such waiver is vital to
the national security of the United States; and
‘‘(2) 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.
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) COVERED
LOGISTICS
PLATFORM.—The term ‘covered
logistics platform’ means a data exchange platform that utilizes
or provides, in part or whole—
‘‘(A) the national transportation logistics public
information platform (commonly referred to as ‘LOGINK’)
provided by the People’s Republic of China, or departments,
ministries, centers, agencies, or instrumentalities of the
Government of the People’s Republic of China;
‘‘(B) any national transportation logistics information
platform provided by or sponsored by the People’s Republic
of China, or a controlled commercial entity; or
‘‘(C) a similar system provided by Chinese state-affili-
ated entities.
‘‘(2) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘covered entity’ means—
‘‘(A) a port authority that receives funding after the
date of the enactment of this section under—
‘‘(i) the port infrastructure development program
under section 54301;
‘‘(ii) the maritime transportation system emer-
gency relief program under section 50308; or
‘‘(iii) any Federal grant funding program;
‘‘(B) any marine terminal operator located on property
owned by a port authority as described in subparagraph
(A) or at a seaport described in subparagraph (D);
‘‘(C) any agency or instrumentality of the United States
Government or that of a State; or
‘‘(D) a commercial strategic seaport within the National
Port Readiness Network.’’.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 503
of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following new item:
‘‘50309. Securing logistics information data of the United States.’’.
(3) APPLICABILITY.—Section 50309 of title 46, United States
Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall apply with respect
H. R. 2670—199
to any contract entered into on or after the date that is 180
days after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(4) REPORTING.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this subsection, and annually for three
subsequent years, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit
to Congress a report on the implementation of section 50309
of title 46, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1).
(c) NEGOTIATIONS WITH ALLIES AND PARTNERS.—
(1) NEGOTIATIONS REQUIRED.—The Secretary of State shall
seek to enter into negotiations with United States ally and
partner countries, including those described in paragraph (3),
if the President determines that ports or other entities oper-
ating within the jurisdiction of such ally or partner countries
are using or are considering using a covered logistics platform.
(2) ELEMENTS.—As part of the negotiations described in
paragraph (1), the President shall—
(A) urge governments of such ally and partner coun-
tries to require entities within the jurisdiction of such
governments to terminate the use of a covered logistics
platform;
(B) describe the threats posed by a covered logistics
platform to United States military and strategic interests
and the implications such threats may have for the pres-
ence of members of the Armed Forces of the United States
in such countries;
(C) urge governments to use their voice, influence,
and vote to align with the United States and to counter
attempts by foreign adversaries at international standards-
setting bodies to adopt standards that incorporate a covered
logistics platform; and
(D) attempt to establish, through multilateral entities,
bilateral or multilateral negotiations, military cooperation,
and other relevant engagements or agreements, a prohibi-
tion on the use of a covered logistics platform.
(3) ALLIES AND PARTNERS DESCRIBED.—The countries and
entities with which the President shall conduct negotiations
described in this subsection shall include—
(A) all countries party to a collective defense treaty
or other collective defense arrangement with the United
States;
(B) India; and
(C) Taiwan.
(4) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of State shall
submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees
describing—
(A) the efforts made by the United States Government
as of the date of the submission of the report in the negotia-
tions described in this subsection; and
(B) the actions taken by the governments of ally and
partner countries pursuant to the negotiation priorities
described in this subsection.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means—
H. R. 2670—200
(A) the Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Affairs,
and Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives; and
(B) the Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Rela-
tions, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
(2) COVERED
LOGISTICS
PLATFORM.—The term ‘‘covered
logistics platform’’ has the meaning given in section 50309
of title 46, United States Code, as added by this section.
(3) FOREIGN
ADVERSARY.—The term ‘‘foreign adversary’’
means—
(A) the People’s Republic of China, including the Hong
Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions;
(B) the Republic of Cuba;
(C) the Islamic Republic of Iran;
(D) the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea;
(E) the Russian Federation; and
(F) the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela under the
regime of Nicola´s Maduro Moros.
SEC. 826. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS TO PROVIDE
ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENTS.
(a) AUTHORITY.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
this Act for the Department of Defense may be used to modify
the terms and conditions of a contract or option to provide an
economic price adjustment consistent with sections 16.203–1 and
16.203–2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation during the relevant
period of performance for that contract or option and as specified
in section 16.203–3 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, to the
extent and in such amounts as specifically provided in advance
in appropriations Acts for the purposes of this section.
(b) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment shall issue guidance implementing the
authority under this section.
SEC. 827. MODIFICATIONS TO EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense Supplement
to the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to—
(1) exempt all software contracts and subcontracts of the
Department of Defense from earned value management system
requirements;
(2) impose earned value management system requirements
for cost contracts or incentive contracts with a value greater
than or equal to $20,000,000 and less than $50,000,000; and
(3) require a defense contractor to use an earned value
management system for contracts awarded with a value greater
than or equal to $50,000,000 and less than $100,000,000.
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—If the Department of Defense Supple-
ment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is not revised as
described in subsection (a) before the deadline specified in such
subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on
the timeline for such revisions.
H. R. 2670—201
Subtitle C—Domestic Sourcing
Requirements
SEC. 831. EMERGENCY ACQUISITION AUTHORITY FOR PURPOSES OF
REPLENISHING UNITED STATES STOCKPILES.
Section 3601(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) with respect to an armed attack by a country
of concern (as defined in section 1(m) of the State Depart-
ment Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(m)),
to which the United States is not a party, for purposes
of—
‘‘(i) replenishing United States stockpiles of
defense articles when such stockpiles are diminished
as a result of the United States providing defense
articles in response to such armed attack by a country
of concern against—
‘‘(I) a United States ally (as that term is
defined in section 201(d) of the Act of December
2, 1942, titled ‘To provide benefits for the injury,
disability, death, or enemy detention of employees
of contractors with the United States, and for other
purposes’ (56 Stat. 1028, chapter 668; 42 U.S.C.
1711(d))); or
‘‘(II) a United States partner; or
‘‘(ii) contracting for the movement or delivery of
defense articles transferred to such ally or partner
through the President’s drawdown authorities under
sections 506(a)(1) and 614 of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318(a)(1) and 2364) in connec-
tion with such response.’’.
SEC. 832. REQUIREMENT FOR FULL DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF FLAGS
OF THE UNITED STATES ACQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(5) A flag of the United States.’’; and
(2) in subsection (h)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Subsection (a)’’ and
inserting ‘‘Except with respect to purchases of flags of
the United States, subsection (a)’’;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
‘‘(2)(A)(i) Except as provided by subparagraph (B), sub-
section (a) does not apply to purchases of flags of the United
States for amounts not greater than $10,000.
‘‘(ii) A proposed procurement in an amount greater
than $10,000 may not be divided into several purchases
H. R. 2670—202
or contracts for lesser amounts in order to qualify for
the exception under clause (i).
‘‘(B) The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a)
with respect to a purchase of flags of the United States in
an amount greater than $10,000 if the Secretary of Defense
determines such waiver appropriate.
‘‘(C) This section is applicable to contracts and subcontracts
for the procurement of flags of the United States.’’.
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply only with respect to agreements entered into on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 833. AMENDMENT TO REQUIREMENT TO BUY CERTAIN METALS
FROM AMERICAN SOURCES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)—
(A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) any specialty metal procured as mill product or incor-
porated into a component other than an end item pursuant
to this subsection shall be melted or produced—
‘‘(A) in the United States;
‘‘(B) in the country from which the mill product or
component is procured; or
‘‘(C) in another country covered under subparagraph
(1)(B).’’;
(2) by redesignating subsections (l) and (m) as subsections
(m) and (n), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (k) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(l) PROVENANCE OF AEROSPACE-GRADE METALS.—(1) The Sec-
retary of Defense shall require that, for any system or component
for which the provenance of materials must be tracked to comply
with safety regulations concerning flight, the supplier of such
system or component shall inform the government if any of the
materials were known to be manufactured or processed in—
‘‘(A) China;
‘‘(B) Iran;
‘‘(C) North Korea; or
‘‘(D) Russia.
‘‘(2) Not later than March 31 of each year, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a
report indicating how much specialty metal has been acquired and
placed into systems of the Department of Defense from the countries
described in paragraph (1).’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (a) shall take effect on the
date that is 24 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 834. ACQUISITION OF SENSITIVE MATERIAL PROHIBITION EXCEP-
TION AMENDMENT.
Section 4872(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Sub-
section (a)’’ and inserting ‘‘Subsection (a)(1)’’; and
H. R. 2670—203
(2) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by striking ‘‘Defense determines that covered mate-
rials’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘Defense—
‘‘(A) identifies a specific end item for which a specific
covered material’’;
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
‘‘; and’’ ; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(B) waives subsection (a)(1) for such specific end item
and such specific covered material for a period not
exceeding 36 months.’’.
SEC. 835. ENHANCED DOMESTIC CONTENT REQUIREMENT FOR MAJOR
DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAMS.
(a) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—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
assessing the domestic source content of procurements carried
out in connection with a major defense acquisition program.
(2) INFORMATION REPOSITORY.—The Secretary of Defense
shall establish an information repository for the collection and
analysis of information related to domestic source content for
products the Secretary deems critical, where such information
can be used for continuous data analysis and program manage-
ment activities.
(b) ENHANCED DOMESTIC CONTENT REQUIREMENT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), for
purposes of chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code, manufac-
tured articles, materials, or supplies procured in connection
with a major defense acquisition program are manufactured
substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined,
produced, or manufactured in the United States if the cost
of such component articles, materials, or supplies—
(A) supplied not later than the date of the enactment
of this Act, exceeds 60 percent of cost of the manufactured
articles, materials, or supplies procured;
(B) supplied during the period beginning January 1,
2024, and ending December 31, 2028, exceeds 65 percent
of the cost of the manufactured articles, materials, or sup-
plies; and
(C) supplied on or after January 1, 2029, exceeds 75
percent of the cost of the manufactured articles, materials,
or supplies.
(2) EXCLUSION FOR CERTAIN MANUFACTURED ARTICLES.—
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to manufactured articles that
consist wholly or predominantly of iron, steel, or a combination
of iron and steel.
(3) RULEMAKING TO CREATE A FALLBACK THRESHOLD.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall issue rules to determine the treatment of the lowest
price offered for a foreign end product for which 55 percent
or more of the component articles, materials, or supplies
of such foreign end product are manufactured substantially
H. R. 2670—204
all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced,
or manufactured in the United States if—
(i) the application of paragraph (1) results in an
unreasonable cost; or
(ii) no offers are submitted to supply manufactured
articles, materials, or supplies manufactured substan-
tially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined,
produced, or manufactured in the United States.
(B) TERMINATION.—Rules issued under this paragraph
shall cease to have force or effect on January 1, 2031.
(4) APPLICABILITY.—The requirements of this subsection—
(A) shall apply to contracts entered into on or after
the date of the enactment of this Act;
(B) shall not apply to articles manufactured in coun-
tries that have executed a reciprocal defense procurement
memorandum of understanding with the United States
entered into pursuant to section 4851 of title 10, United
States Code; and
(C) shall not apply to a country that is a member
of the national technology and industrial base (as defined
by section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).
(c) MAJOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION PROGRAM DEFINED.—The term
‘‘major defense acquisition program’’ has the meaning given in
section 4201 of title 10, United States Code.
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to
Programs for Accelerating Acquisition
SEC. 841. PILOT PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE CONTRACTING AND
PRICING PROCESSES.
Section 890 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(b)
IMPLEMENTATION
GUIDANCE.—The
Secretary,
acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, shall ensure that each senior contracting official (as
defined in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code) for a contract
described in subsection (a) has the discretion to implement the
pilot program under this section efficiently and effectively by
ensuring the following:
‘‘(1) That the pilot program does not include any preferences
for contract type or specific contract requirements.
‘‘(2) That each Secretary of a military department has
minimal reporting requirements to the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment with respect to the
pilot program.’’; and
(3) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking
‘‘January 2, 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘January 2, 2028’’.
H. R. 2670—205
SEC.
842.
DEMONSTRATION
AND
PROTOTYPING
PROGRAM
TO
ADVANCE INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT SUPPORT CAPABILI-
TIES IN A CONTESTED LOGISTICS ENVIRONMENT.
(a) CONTESTED LOGISTICS DEMONSTRATION AND PROTOTYPING
PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a
contested logistics demonstration and prototyping program to iden-
tify, develop, demonstrate, and field capabilities for product support
in order to reduce or mitigate the risks associated with operations
in a contested logistics environment.
(b) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary
shall do the following:
(1) Identify ways to capitalize on the inherent interoper-
ability, commonality, and interchangeability of platforms and
information systems operated by the United States and one
or more covered nations, including to enable effective mainte-
nance and repair activities in a contested logistics environment.
(2) Determine, develop, or establish best practices to reduce
time needed to return repaired equipment to service, including
the use of—
(A) commercial best practices for rapid supply support;
and
(B) common or shared parts pools.
(3) Explore opportunities to expand the ability to preposi-
tion or store materials needed to enable rapid surge capability
or to support operations in a contested logistics environment.
(4) Identify, develop, demonstrate, and field effective and
efficient means of conducting repairs of equipment away from
permanent repair facilities.
(5) Explore flexible approaches to contracting and use of
partnership agreements to enable use or development of the
capabilities of covered product support providers to effectively,
efficiently, and timely satisfy the product support requirements
of a combat commander and any applicable covered nation
in a contested logistics environment.
(6) Identify the resources, including any additional
authorizations, required by the Secretary of Defense to reduce
or mitigate the risks associated with operations in a contested
logistics environment.
(7) Identify and document impediments to the performance
of product support by covered product support providers in
a contested logistics environment, including impediments cre-
ated by statute, regulation, policy, agency guidance, or limita-
tions on expenditure, transfer, or receipt of funds for product
support in contested logistics environments.
(8) Identify and document any statutory or regulatory
waivers or exemptions that may be applicable or necessary
to enable the United States and covered nations to jointly
carry out product support activities in contested logistics
environments located outside of the United States, including,
for each such waiver and exemption—
(A) the person responsible for requesting such waiver
or exemption;
(B) the criteria for approval of such waiver or exemp-
tion; and
(C) the person responsible for approving such waiver
or exemption.
H. R. 2670—206
(c) ADVANCE PLANNING AND PREPARATION.—The Secretary may
establish a product support arrangement, including an agreement
for prepositioning or storage of materials, with a covered product
support provider to enable a rapid response in a contingency oper-
ation (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code)
to the product support requirements of such contingency operation.
(d) AUTHORITIES.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary
may, in accordance with section 3 of the Arms Export Control
Act (22 U.S.C. 2753), use the authorities under sections 2342,
2474, 3601, 4021, and 4022 of title 10, United States Code.
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 24 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
a report summarizing Program activities, including—
(1) any recommendations to reduce impediments to meeting
the requirements of a combatant command or covered nation
for product support in a contested logistics environment;
(2) a summary of impediments identified under subsection
(b)(7) and specific recommendations for necessary changes to
statutory, regulatory, policy, agency guidance, or current limita-
tions on expenditure, transfer, or receipt of funds to carry
out the product support activities under this pilot indefinitely;
(3) a summary of waivers or exemptions identified under
subsection (b)(8), along with any recommendations for changes
to the processes for obtaining such waivers or exemptions;
and
(4) recommendations for improving the Program, including
whether to extend or make the Program permanent.
(f) DEVELOPMENT
AND PROMULGATION
OF DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE GUIDANCE.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance imple-
menting the Program.
(g) SUNSET.—The authority under this section shall terminate
on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) CONTESTED LOGISTICS ENVIRONMENT.—The term ‘‘con-
tested logistics environment’’ has the meaning given such term
in section 2926 of title 10, United States Code.
(2) COVERED NATIONS.—The term ‘‘covered nation’’ means—
(A) Australia;
(B) Canada;
(C) New Zealand;
(D) the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland; or
(E) other nations as designated as a covered nation
for the purposes of this Program by the Secretary.
(3) COVERED PRODUCT SUPPORT PROVIDER.—The term ‘‘cov-
ered product support provider’’ means—
(A) a product support provider that includes an entity
within the government of a covered nation;
(B) a private sector product support provider; or
(C) a product support integrator domiciled in the
United States or a covered nation.
(4) PRODUCT
SUPPORT; PRODUCT
SUPPORT
INTEGRATOR;
PRODUCT
SUPPORT
PROVIDER.—The terms ‘‘product support’’,
‘‘product support integrator’’, and ‘‘product support provider’’
H. R. 2670—207
have the meanings given, respectively, in section 4324 of title
10, United States Code.
(5) PRODUCT SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘product support arrange-
ment’’ means a contract, task order, or any other type
of agreement or arrangement, between the United States
and a covered product support provider, for the perform-
ance of the functions described in subparagraph (B) with
respect to—
(i) a platform or information system operated by
the United States and the covered nation of such cov-
ered product support provider; or
(ii) a subsystem or components of such a platform
or information system.
(B) FUNCTIONS
DESCRIBED.—The functions described
in this subparagraph, with respect to a platform, informa-
tion system, subsystem, or component described in subpara-
graph (A), are the following:
(i) Performance-based logistics.
(ii) Sustainment support.
(iii) Contractor logistics support.
(iv) Life-cycle product support.
(v) Weapon system product support.
(6) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means the demonstra-
tion and prototyping program established under subsection (a).
(7) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary
of Defense.
SEC. 843. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR RAPID CONTRACTING FOR COM-
MANDERS OF COMBATANT COMMANDS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The commander of a combatant command,
upon providing a written determination to a senior contracting
official (as defined in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code),
may request use of the special authorities described in subsection
(b)—
(1) in support of a contingency operation (as defined in
section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code);
(2) to facilitate the defense against or recovery from a
cyber attack, nuclear attack, biological attack, chemical attack,
or radiological attack against the United States;
(3) in support of a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation
(as the term is defined in section 3015(2) of title 10, United
States Code); and
(4) for purposes of protecting the national security interests
of the United States during directed operations that are below
the threshold of traditional armed conflict.
(b) SPECIAL AUTHORITIES DESCRIBED.—The special authorities
for contracting that may be used by the senior contracting official
to rapidly respond to time-sensitive or unplanned emergency situa-
tions are as follows:
(1) Procedures applicable to purchases below micro-pur-
chase threshold (described in section 1902 of title 41, United
States Code), with respect to a single contracting action taken
under subsection (a) for a contract to be awarded and per-
formed, or purchase to be made—
(A) in the United States, with a value less than
$15,000; or
H. R. 2670—208
(B) outside the United States, with a value less than
$25,000.
(2) Simplified acquisition procedures (described in section
1901 of title 41, United States Code), with respect to a single
contracting action taken under subsection (a) for a contract
to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made—
(A) in the United States, with a value less than
$750,000; or
(B) outside the United States, with a value less than
$1,500,000.
(3) For simplified procedures for purchases under section
3205 of title 10, United States Code, subsection (a)(2) of such
section shall be applied by substituting ‘‘$10,000,000’’ for
‘‘$5,000,000’’.
(4) The property or service being procured may be treated
as a commercial product or a commercial service for the purpose
of carrying out the procurement.
(c) DETERMINATION.—A written determination required under
subsection (a)—
(1) may include more than one requested action;
(2) may be directed to more than one senior contracting
official; and
(3) shall include—
(A) the rationale for the request in accordance with
paragraphs (1) through (4) of such subsection;
(B) a description of any special authority requested;
and
(C) an attestation that funds are available for such
special authority.
(d) SUNSET.—The authority under subsection (a) shall terminate
on September 30, 2028.
(e) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than January 15, 2025, and
annually thereafter for four years, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment, shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report on the use of the authority under
this section for the fiscal year preceding the date of submission
of the report. The report shall include a summary of each instance
of the authority being used, including—
(1) an identification of each commander submitting a
request under subsection (a);
(2) an identification of each senior contracting official
responding to such request; and
(3) the specific special authority requested, including an
identification of the contractor that performed the contract
and the value of the contract.
Subtitle E—Industrial Base Matters
SEC. 851. ADDITIONAL NATIONAL SECURITY OBJECTIVES FOR THE
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL BASE.
Section 4811(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘services, supplies, and’’ before ‘‘materials’’;
and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
‘‘, including by reducing reliance on potential adversaries for
H. R. 2670—209
such services, supplies, and materials to the maximum extent
practicable’’.
SEC. 852. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM.
Section 4902(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (D) as clauses (i) through (iv), respectively;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subpara-
graphs (A) and (B), respectively;
(3) by striking ‘‘Before providing assistance’’ and inserting
‘‘(1) Before providing assistance’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) An agreement under this subsection may be a contract,
cooperative agreement, or a partnership intermediary agreement.’’.
SEC. 853. MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSIST-
ANCE PROGRAM.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 4951 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ‘‘private, nonprofit
organization’’ and inserting ‘‘nonprofit organization’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(5) The term ‘business entity’ means a corporation, associa-
tion, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability
partnership, consortia, not-for-profit, or other legal entity.’’.
(b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—Section 4954 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subpara-
graphs (A) and (B);
(B) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘Under’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall have the ability to waive or modify
the percentages specified in paragraph (1), on a case-by-case basis,
if the Secretary determines that it would be in the best interest
of the program.’’;
(2) by striking subsection (c) and redesignating subsections
(d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (e), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), the following new subsection:
‘‘(f) WAIVER
OF GOVERNMENT COST SHARE RESTRICTION.—If
the Secretary of Defense determines it to be in the best interests
of the Federal Government, the Secretary may waive the restrictions
on the percentage of eligible costs covered by the program under
section (b). The Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a written justification for such determination.’’.
(c) AUTHORITY
TO PROVIDE CERTAIN TYPES
OF TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE.—Section 4958(c) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(3) under clause 252.204–7012 of the Defense Acquisition
Regulation Supplement, or any successor regulation, and on
compliance with those requirements (and any successor require-
ments); and
H. R. 2670—210
‘‘(4) under section 847 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat.
1505), and on compliance with those requirements (and any
such successor requirements).’’.
SEC. 854. MODIFICATION OF EFFECTIVE DATE FOR EXPANSION ON
THE PROHIBITION ON ACQUIRING CERTAIN METAL PROD-
UCTS.
Section 844(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 134 Stat. 3766) is amended by striking ‘‘5 years’’ and inserting
‘‘6 years’’.
SEC. 855. EXTENSION OF PILOT PROGRAM FOR DISTRIBUTION SUP-
PORT AND SERVICES FOR WEAPONS SYSTEMS CONTRAC-
TORS.
Section 883 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 4292 note prec.) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘seven-year pilot program’’
and inserting ‘‘eight-year pilot program’’; and
(2) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘seven years’’ and inserting
‘‘eight years’’.
SEC. 856. PILOT PROGRAM TO ANALYZE AND MONITOR CERTAIN
SUPPLY CHAINS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment shall establish and carry out a pilot
program to analyze, map, and monitor supply chains for up to
five covered weapons platforms, under which the Under Secretary
shall—
(1) identify impediments to production and opportunities
to expand the production of components of such a covered
weapons platform;
(2) identify potential risks to and vulnerabilities of sup-
pliers for such covered weapons platforms and ways to mitigate
such risks; and
(3) identify critical suppliers for such covered weapons plat-
forms.
(b) USE OF TOOLS.—The Under Secretary may use a combina-
tion of commercial tools and tools available to the Department
of Defense to carry out the program established under this section,
including artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to
improve data analysis capabilities for such supply chains.
(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the
date specified in subsection (d), the Under Secretary shall submit
to the congressional defense committees a report containing—
(1) a list of the vulnerabilities of the supply chains for
each covered weapons platform selected under subsection (a),
categorized by severity of threat or risk to deployment of such
a platform;
(2) for each vulnerability, a description of such vulner-
ability, whether such vulnerability has been resolved, and, if
resolved, the time from identification to resolution; and
(3) an assessment of any efficiencies achieved by addressing
impediments to the supply chain.
H. R. 2670—211
(d) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the pilot program
under this section shall terminate on January 1, 2028.
(e) COVERED WEAPONS PLATFORM DEFINED.—In this section,
the term ‘‘covered weapons platform’’ means any weapons platform
identified in the reports submitted under section 1251(d)(1) of the
William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note).
SEC. 857. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN
TRANSACTIONS.
The parties to a proposed merger or acquisition that will require
a review by the Department of Defense who are required to file
the notification and provide supplementary information to the
Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission under
section 7A of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 18a) shall concurrently
provide such information to the Department of Defense during
the waiting period under section 7A of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C.
18a).
Subtitle F—Small Business Matters
SEC. 860. AMENDMENTS TO DEFENSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
RAPID INNOVATION PROGRAM.
Section 4061 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) by inserting ‘‘to enable and assist small
businesses’’ after ‘‘merit-based program’’;
(ii) by striking ‘‘fielding of technologies’’ and
inserting ‘‘commercialization of various technologies,
including critical technologies’’; and
(iii) by inserting ‘‘capabilities developed through
competitively awarded prototype agreements’’ after
‘‘defense laboratories,’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘support the integra-
tion of such products,’’ after ‘‘evaluation outcomes,’’;
(2) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘primarily major
defense acquisition programs, but also other’’ after ‘‘can-
didate proposals in support of’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘by each military
department’’ and inserting ‘‘by each Office of Small Busi-
ness Programs of each military department’’; and
(3) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ‘‘$3,000,000’’ and
inserting ‘‘$6,000,000’’.
SEC. 861. ANNUAL REPORTS REGARDING THE SBIR PROGRAM OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
Section 279(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 134 Stat. 3507) is amended by striking ‘‘each fiscal years
2021, 2022, and 2023’’ and replacing with ‘‘each fiscal year through
fiscal year 2028’’.
SEC. 862. PAYMENT OF SUBCONTRACTORS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 8(d)(13) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)) is amended—
H. R. 2670—212
(1) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ‘‘90 days’’ and
inserting ‘‘30 days’’;
(2) in subparagraph (C)—
(A) by striking ‘‘contract shall’’ and inserting ‘‘con-
tract—
‘‘(i) shall’’;
(B) in clause (i), as so designated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(ii) may enter or modify past performance
information of the prime contractor in connection with
the unjustified failure to make a full or timely payment
to a subcontractor subject to this paragraph before
or after close-out of the covered contract.’’;
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘subparagraph (E)’’
and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (F)’’;
(4) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph
(F); and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
‘‘(E) COOPERATION.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Once a contracting officer deter-
mines, with respect to the past performance of a prime
contractor, that there was an unjustified failure by
the prime contractor on a covered contract to make
a full or timely payment to a subcontractor covered
by subparagraph (B) or (C), the prime contractor is
required to cooperate with the contracting officer, who
shall consult with the Director of Small Business Pro-
grams or the Director of Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization acting pursuant to section 15(k)(6)
and
other
representatives
of
the
Government,
regarding correcting and mitigating the unjustified
failure to make a full or timely payment to a subcon-
tractor.
‘‘(ii) DURATION.—The duty of cooperation under
this subparagraph for a prime contractor described
in clause (i) continues until the subcontractor is made
whole or the determination of the contracting officer
determination is no longer effective, and regardless
of performance or close-out status of the covered con-
tract.’’.
(b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the
Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council proposed revisions to regula-
tions that the Administrator determines necessary to carry out
the amendments made by this section.
SEC. 863. INCREASE IN GOVERNMENTWIDE GOAL FOR PARTICIPATION
IN FEDERAL CONTRACTS BY SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS
OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VET-
ERANS.
Section 15(g)(1)(A)(ii) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
644(g)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ‘‘3 percent’’ and inserting
‘‘5 percent’’.
SEC. 864. ELIMINATING SELF-CERTIFICATION FOR SERVICE-DISABLED
VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
H. R. 2670—213
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Administrator’’ means the
Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
(2) SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN; SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS
OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY SERVICE-DISABLED VETERANS.—The
terms ‘‘small business concern’’ and ‘‘small business concerns
owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans’’ have the
meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
(b) ELIMINATING SELF-CERTIFICATION IN PRIME CONTRACTING
AND SUBCONTRACTING FOR SDVOSBS.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Each prime contract award and sub-
contract award that is counted for the purpose of meeting
the goals for participation by small business concerns owned
and controlled by service-disabled veterans in procurement con-
tracts for Federal agencies, as established in section 15(g)(2)
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)(2)), shall be entered
into with small business concerns certified by the Administrator
as small business concerns owned and controlled by service-
disabled veterans under section 36 of such Act (15 U.S.C.
657f).
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Paragraph (1) shall take effect on
October 1 of the fiscal year beginning after the Administrator
promulgates the regulations required under subsection (d).
(c) PHASED APPROACH TO ELIMINATING SELF-CERTIFICATION FOR
SDVOSBS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any small
business concern that self-certified as a small business concern
owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans may—
(1) if the small business concern files a certification applica-
tion with the Administrator before the end of the 1-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, maintain
such self-certification until the Administrator makes a deter-
mination with respect to such certification; and
(2) if the small business concern does not file a certification
application before the end of the 1-year period beginning on
the date of enactment of this Act, lose, at the end of such
1-year period, any self-certification of the small business con-
cern as a small business concern owned and controlled by
service-disabled veterans.
(d) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall promulgate regu-
lations to carry out this section.
SEC. 865. CONSIDERATION OF THE PAST PERFORMANCE OF AFFILIATE
COMPANIES OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.
Not later than July 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall
amend section 215.305 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Supple-
ment (or any successor regulation) to require that when small
business concerns bid on Department of Defense contracts, the
past performance evaluation and source selection processes shall
consider, if relevant, the past performance information of affiliate
companies of the small business concerns.
H. R. 2670—214
Subtitle G—Other Matters
SEC. 871. EXTENSION OF MISSION MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 871 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 191 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by
striking
‘‘IN
GENERAL.—Except’’
and
inserting the following: ‘‘IN GENERAL.—
‘‘(A) SELECTION.—Except’’; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
‘‘(B) DELEGATION OF OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT.—
The Deputy Secretary of Defense may delegate to one or
more mission managers the responsibility to oversee the
selected missions and provide mission management.’’; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4) IDENTIFICATION
OF
FUNDING.—For each mission
selected under paragraph (1), the Deputy Secretary of Defense
shall identify funding sources in detail in defense budget mate-
rials submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title
31, United States Code, for the first year for which the selected
mission is intended to be carried out. Such materials shall
also include a description of each such selected mission and
the proposed solution to achieve the goals of such mission.’’;
(2) in subsection (c)(2)—
(A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph
(G); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following
new subparagraph:
‘‘(F) assist the Deputy Secretary of Defense in the
identification of funding that could contribute to the mis-
sion through existing authorized methods to realign,
reprogram, or transfer funds; and’’;
(3) in subsection (f)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘every six months
thereafter until the date that is five years after the date of
the enactment of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘annually thereafter
until September 30, 2028’’; and
(4) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘terminate on the date
that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act’’
and inserting ‘‘terminate on September 30, 2028’’.
SEC. 872. EXTENSION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO INCENTIVIZE CON-
TRACTING WITH EMPLOYEE-OWNED BUSINESSES.
Section 874 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (10 U.S.C. 3204 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and prescribe regu-
lations’’ after ‘‘establish a pilot program’’;
(B) in paragraph (2)—
(i) by inserting ‘‘or for’’ after ‘‘services procured
by’’; and
(ii) by inserting ‘‘or for’’ after ‘‘may be procured
by’’; and
H. R. 2670—215
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘A qualified’’ and
inserting ‘‘Each contract held by a qualified’’;
(2) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ‘‘expended on sub-
contracts, subject to such necessary and reasonable waivers’’
and inserting the following: ‘‘expended on subcontracts,
except—
‘‘(A) to the extent subcontracted amounts exceeding
50 percent are subcontracted to other qualified businesses
wholly-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan;
‘‘(B) in the case of contracts for products, to the extent
subcontracted amounts exceeding 50 percent are for mate-
rials not available from another qualified business wholly-
owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan; or
‘‘(C) pursuant to such necessary and reasonable
waivers’’; and
(3) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘five years after’’ and
inserting ‘‘eight years after’’.
SEC. 873. PROGRAM AND PROCESSES RELATING TO FOREIGN ACQUISI-
TION.
(a) PILOT PROGRAM FOR COMBATANT COMMAND USE OF DEFENSE
ACQUISITION
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
ACCOUNT.—Each com-
mander of a geographic combatant command may use amounts
from the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account
established under section 1705 of title 10, United States Code,
to hire not more than two members of the acquisition workforce
(as defined in section 101 of such title) or contracting officers
to advise the combatant command on the processes for foreign
military sales authorized under chapter 2 of the Arms Export
Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761 et seq.) and the Department of Defense
security cooperation processes under chapter 16 of title 10, United
States Code, for the purpose of facilitating the effective implementa-
tion of such processes.
(b) INDUSTRY DAY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2024, and not
less frequently than annually thereafter, the Secretary of
Defense shall conduct an event to be known as the ‘‘industry
day’’—
(A) to raise awareness and understanding among offi-
cials of foreign governments, covered embassy personnel,
and representatives of the defense industrial base with
respect to the role of the Department of Defense in imple-
menting the foreign military sales process and the Depart-
ment of Defense security cooperation process; and
(B) to raise awareness—
(i) within the private sector of the United States
with respect to—
(I) foreign demand for United States weapon
systems; and
(II) potential foreign industry partnering
opportunities; and
(ii) among officials of foreign governments and cov-
ered embassy personnel with respect to potential
United States materiel solutions for capability needs.
(2) FORMAT.—In conducting each industry day under para-
graph (1), the Secretary of Defense, to the extent practicable,
shall seek to maximize participation by representatives of the
H. R. 2670—216
defense industrial base and government officials while mini-
mizing cost, by—
(A) ensuring that information provided at the industry
day is unclassified;
(B) making the industry day publicly accessible
through teleconference or other virtual means; and
(C) posting any supporting materials on a publicly
accessible internet website.
(3) COVERED EMBASSY PERSONNEL.—In this subsection, the
term ‘‘covered embassy personnel’’ means personnel at United
States diplomatic and consular posts and personnel of foreign
missions located in the United States.
(c) SENIOR-LEVEL INDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP.—Not later than
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Defense, in coordination with representatives of the defense
industrial base, shall establish or designate senior-level individuals
working in the defense industrial base to serve on an advisory
group for the purpose of focusing on the role of the Department
of Defense in the foreign military sales process and the Department
of Defense security cooperation process. Such advisory group shall
terminate on the date specified in subsection (f).
(d) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POINTS OF CONTACT FOR FOREIGN
MILITARY SALES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Secretary of each
military department shall each designate an individual to serve
as a single point of contact—
(A) to coordinate information and outreach on Depart-
ment of Defense implementation of the foreign military
sales process; and
(B) to respond to inquiries from representatives of the
defense industrial base and partner countries.
(2) POINTS OF CONTACT.—The Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Secretary of each
military department shall each ensure that the contact informa-
tion for each individual designated under paragraph (1) is
publicized at each industry day conducted under subsection
(b) and disseminated among the members of the advisory group
established under subsection (c).
(3) TERMINATION.—The responsibilities of each individual
designated under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the date
specified in subsection (f).
(e) REGIONAL THEATER NEEDS FOR EXPORTABILITY.—Not later
than July 1, 2024, and annually thereafter until the date specified
in (f), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, in consultation with the commander of each
geographic combatant command, the Director of Strategy, Plans,
and Policy on the Joint Staff, each Secretary of a military depart-
ment, and the Secretary of State, shall provide to the Secretary
of Defense a list of systems relating to research and development,
procurement, or sustainment that would benefit from investment
for exportability features in support of the security cooperation
objectives of the regional theaters.
(f) TERMINATION.—The requirements of and the authority under
this section shall cease to have effect on December 31, 2028.
H. R. 2670—217
SEC. 874. PILOT PROGRAM TO INCENTIVIZE PROGRESS PAYMENTS.
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment shall establish and implement a pilot
program to incentivize contractor performance by paying covered
contractors a progress payment rate that is up to 10 percent higher
than the customary progress payment rate on a contract-by-contract
basis.
(b) INCENTIVE CRITERIA.—The Under Secretary shall develop
and establish clear and measurable criteria for the payment to
contractors of higher progress payments as described in subsection
(a), including criteria for qualifying for such payments and the
amount of such payments.
(c) APPLICABILITY.—The Under Secretary shall apply the cri-
teria established under subsection (b) and any associated incentive
on a contract-by-contract basis when determining whether to pay
a contractor a higher progress payment under the pilot program
established under subsection (a) and the amount of such payment.
(d) PARTICIPATION VOLUNTARY.—Participation in the pilot pro-
gram established under subsection (a) shall be on a voluntary
basis.
(e) NOTICE AND COMMENT.—The Under Secretary shall issue
the regulations implementing the pilot program established under
subsection (a) and establishing the criteria required by subsection
(b) after notice and an opportunity for public comment of not more
than 30 days.
(f) REPORT.—Not later than September 30, 2024, and annually
thereafter, the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and House of Representatives a report on the implementation and
activities of the pilot program established under subsection (a),
including a comprehensive list of contractors that received increased
progress payments under the pilot program and the contracts with
respect to which such increased progress payments were made.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) COVERED CONTRACTOR.—The term ‘‘covered contractor’’
means a contractor of the Department of Defense that is eligible
for progress payments under section 3804 of title 10, United
States Code.
(2) CUSTOMARY PROGRESS PAYMENT RATE.—The term ‘‘cus-
tomary progress payment rate’’ refers to the rate of progress
payments provided for under section 3804 of title 10, United
States Code, and payable in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
(3) UNDER SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Under Secretary’’ means
the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment.
(h) SUNSET.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided by paragraph (2),
the authority to carry out the pilot program established under
subsection (a) shall terminate on January 1, 2029.
(2) EXISTING CONTRACTS.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1),
a contractor that the Under Secretary determines under the
pilot program established under subsection (a) shall be paid
a higher progress payment under such pilot program with
respect to a contract in effect as of the date described in
paragraph (1) shall receive such higher progress payments until
the earlier of—
H. R. 2670—218
(A) the termination or expiration of the contract; or
(B) the date on which the contractor becomes ineligible
for progress payments or higher progress payments under
such pilot program.
SEC. 875. STUDY ON REDUCING BARRIERS TO ACQUISITION OF
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,
shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of—
(1) establishing a default determination that products and
services acquired by the Department of Defense are commercial
and do not require commercial determination as provided under
section 3456 of title 10, United States Code;
(2) establishing a requirement for a product or service
to be determined not to be a commercial product or service
prior to the use of procedures other than procedures under
part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation; and
(3) mandating the use of commercial procedures under
part 12 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation unless a justifica-
tion for a determination that a product or service is not a
commercial product or service is determined.
(b) REPORT.—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 findings of
the study conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include
specific findings with relevant data and proposed recommendations,
including any necessary and desirable modifications to applicable
statute for any changes the Department seeks to make regarding
paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters
Sec. 901. Conforming amendments to carry out elimination of position of Chief
Management Officer.
Sec. 902. Modification of responsibilities of Director of Cost Assessment and Pro-
gram Evaluation.
Sec. 903. Establishment of Office of Strategic Capital.
Sec. 904. Establishment and assignment of roles and responsibilities for combined
joint all-domain command and control in support of integrated joint
warfighting.
Sec. 905. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries to support Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict.
Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters
Sec. 911. Additional requirements under general policy for total force management.
Sec. 912. Addition of College of International Security Affairs to National Defense
University.
Sec. 913. Codification of the Defense Innovation Unit.
Sec. 914. Repeal of authority to appoint a Naval Research Advisory Committee.
Sec. 915. Eligibility of members of Space Force for instruction at the Naval Post-
graduate School.
Sec. 916. Membership of the Air Force Reserve Forces Policy Committee.
Sec. 917. Modification of cross-functional team to address emerging threat relating
to anomalous health incidents.
Sec. 918. Technology release and foreign disclosure reform initiative.
Sec. 919. Software-based capability to facilitate scheduling between the Depart-
ment of Defense and Congress.
Sec. 920. Metrics to operationalize audit readiness.
H. R. 2670—219
Sec. 921. Next generation business health metrics.
Sec. 922. Independent assessment of defense business enterprise architecture.
Sec. 923. Future force design of the Department of the Air Force.
Sec. 924. Feasibility study on the consolidation or transfer of space functions of the
National Guard to the Space Force.
Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of
Defense and Related Matters
SEC. 901. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO CARRY OUT ELIMINATION
OF POSITION OF CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER.
(a) REMOVAL OF REFERENCES TO CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER
IN PROVISIONS OF LAW RELATING TO PRECEDENCE.—Chapter 4 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in section 133a(c)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘, the Deputy Sec-
retary of Defense, and the Chief Management Officer of
the Department of Defense’’ and inserting ‘‘and the Deputy
Secretary of Defense’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘the Chief Manage-
ment Officer,’’;
(2) in section 133b(c)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘the Chief Manage-
ment Officer of the Department of Defense,’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘the Chief Manage-
ment Officer,’’;
(3) in section 137a(d), by striking ‘‘the Chief Management
Officer of the Department of Defense,’’; and
(4) in section 138(d), by striking ‘‘the Chief Management
Officer of the Department of Defense,’’.
(b) ASSIGNMENT OF PERIODIC REVIEW OF DEFENSE AGENCIES
AND DOD FIELD ACTIVITIES TO SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—Section
192(c) of such title is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘the Chief
Management Officer of the Department of Defense’’ and
inserting ‘‘the Secretary of Defense’’; and
(B) in subparagraphs (B) and (C), by striking ‘‘the
Chief Management Officer’’ and inserting ‘‘the Secretary’’;
and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘the Chief Management
Officer’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘the Secretary’’.
(c) ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL IMPROVE-
MENT AND AUDIT REMEDIATION TO UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
(COMPTROLLER).—Section 240b of such title is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘The Chief Management
Officer of the Department of Defense shall, in consultation
with the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller),’’ and
inserting ‘‘The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall,
in consultation with the Performance Improvement Officer of
the Department of Defense,’’; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(ii), by striking ‘‘the Chief Manage-
ment Officer’’ and inserting ‘‘the Performance Improvement
Officer’’.
(d) REMOVAL OF CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER AS RECIPIENT
OF
REPORTS
OF
AUDITS
BY
EXTERNAL
AUDITORS.—Section
H. R. 2670—220
240d(d)(1)(A) of such title is amended by striking ‘‘and the Chief
Management Officer of the Department of Defense’’.
(e) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO PROVISIONS OF LAW RELATED
TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT EXEMPTIONS.—Such title is fur-
ther amended—
(1) in section 130e—
(A) by striking subsection (d);
(B) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as sub-
sections (d) and (e), respectively; and
(C) in subsection (d), as so redesignated—
(i) by striking ‘‘, or the Secretary’s designee,’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘, through the Office of the Director
of Administration and Management’’; and
(2) in section 2254a—
(A) by striking subsection (c);
(B) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c);
and
(C) in subsection (c), as so redesignated—
(i) by striking ‘‘, or the Secretary’s designee,’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘, through the Office of the Director
of Administration and Management’’.
(f) ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANNUAL REVIEW OF
AGENCY
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
PORTFOLIO
TO
THE
CHIEF
INFORMATION OFFICER.—Section 11319(d)(4) of title 40, United
States Code, is amended, in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘the
Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense (or any
successor to such Officer), in consultation with the Chief Informa-
tion Officer, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, and’’ and inserting ‘‘the Chief Information Officer
of the Department of Defense, in consultation with the Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and’’.
(g) REMOVAL OF CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER AS REQUIRED
COORDINATOR ON DEFENSE RESALE MATTERS.—Section 631(a) of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public
Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2481 note) is amended by striking ‘‘, in
coordination with the Chief Management Officer of the Department
of Defense,’’.
SEC. 902. MODIFICATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR OF COST
ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 139a of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in subsection (d)—
(A) in paragraph (5)—
(i) by striking ‘‘, ensuring’’ and inserting ‘‘and
ensuring’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘, and assessing’’ and all that follows
through ‘‘economy’’; and
(B) in paragraph (8), by inserting after ‘‘defense
resources’’ the following: ‘‘, including the standardization
of analytical methodologies and the establishment and
maintenance of a centralized knowledge repository of phys-
ical attributes or other data for modeling and simulation
purposes’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
‘‘(e) PROGRAM EVALUATION COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS CELL.—
H. R. 2670—221
‘‘(1) Not later than June 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense
shall establish a team, to be known as the ‘Program Evaluation
Competitive Analysis Cell’ (referred to in this subsection as
the ‘Cell’), to critically assess the analytical methodologies,
assumptions, and data used in key strategic and operational
analyses conducted by the Director of Cost Assessment and
Program Evaluation.
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall—
‘‘(A) designate an individual to serve as the head of
the Cell; and
‘‘(B) ensure that the Cell has a sufficient number of
personnel to carry out the duties described in this sub-
section.
‘‘(3) The Cell shall be independent of the Director of Cost
Assessment and Program Evaluation. The head of the Cell
shall report directly to the Secretary of Defense or the Deputy
Secretary of Defense.
‘‘(4)(A) Not less frequently than once every two years, the
Cell shall conduct an alternative operational or strategic anal-
ysis of an analytical question identified by the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff under subparagraph (B). In conducting
such alternative analysis, the Cell shall use assumptions dif-
ferent from the assumptions used by the Director of Cost
Assessment and Program Evaluation for the original analysis
of such question.
‘‘(B) For purposes of each alternative analysis required
under subparagraph (A), at an appropriate time before the
commencement of such analysis—
‘‘(i) the Director of the Joint Staff shall submit to
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff a list of not
fewer than three operational or strategic questions pre-
viously studied by the Director of Cost Assessment and
Program Evaluation that could potentially serve as the
basis of for such alternative analysis; and
‘‘(ii) from such list, the Chairman shall select one ques-
tion to serve as the basis for such analysis.
‘‘(f) INCLUSION OF RISK ESTIMATES IN CERTAIN SUBMISSIONS.—
In any case in which the Director of Cost Assessment and Program
Evaluation submits to the Secretary of Defense an analytical
product that recommends not meeting or changing a requirement
established by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, the
Director shall include with such submission—
‘‘(1) a risk assessment that assesses any risks of the rec-
ommended course of action with respect to the execution of
operational plans and the long-term ability of the armed forces
to meet the needs of combatant commanders (as determined
by the Secretary of Defense); and
‘‘(2) a risk estimate from the military service in question
that assesses the risks described in paragraph (1).
‘‘(g) ANNUAL REPORTS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than February 1, 2024, and
annually thereafter, the Director of Cost Assessment and Pro-
gram Evaluation shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report on any strategic and operational analyses
conducted under paragraphs (2), (3), (6), (7), or (8) of subsection
(d). Each report shall include—
H. R. 2670—222
‘‘(A) a review of strategic portfolio reviews completed
in the fiscal year preceding submission of the report and
a description of such reviews planned for the fiscal year
that begins after submission of the report;
‘‘(B) a review of analyses of alternatives completed
in the fiscal year preceding submission of the report and
a description of such analyses planned for the fiscal year
that begins after submission of the report; and
‘‘(C) a review of defense program projections completed
in the fiscal year preceding submission of the report and
a description of such projections planned for the fiscal
year that begins after submission of the report.
‘‘(2) FORM.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in classified form, but shall include an unclassified
summary.
‘‘(3) BRIEFINGS.—Not later than 15 days after the submis-
sion of each report required by paragraph (1), the Director
of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation shall provide to
the congressional defense committees a briefing on the contents
of the report.
‘‘(h) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS.—Beginning not later than 30 days
after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and on a quarterly
basis thereafter, the Director of Cost Assessment and Program
Evaluation shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the activities carried out by Director during the
preceding quarter an any ongoing activities of the Director as
of the date of briefing.’’.
(b) PILOT PROGRAM ON ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than May 1, 2024, the Director
of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation shall establish
a pilot program on alternative analysis (referred to in this
subsection as the ‘‘pilot program’’).
(2) STRUCTURE.—Under the pilot program, the Director
shall establish three analytical groups focused on programmatic
analysis in the following:
(A) Year 1 of the future-years defense program under
section 221 of title 10, United States Code, beginning with
fiscal year 2025.
(B) Years 2 through 5 of the future-years defense pro-
gram.
(C) Years outside the future-years defense program.
(3) REQUIREMENTS.—The Director shall ensure that at least
one strategic portfolio review or an equivalent analytical effort
is conducted each year under the pilot program.
(4) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall terminate on
September 30, 2028.
(c) ESTABLISHMENT OF ANALYSIS WORKING GROUP.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than May 1, 2024, the Secretary
of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense
a working group to be known as the ‘‘Analysis Working Group’’.
(2) PERSONNEL.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure
that the Analysis Working Group possesses sufficient full-time
equivalent support personnel to carry out the duties of the
Group, including expansive coordination activities across the
Department of Defense.
(3) MEMBERSHIP.—
H. R. 2670—223
(A) REGULAR MEMBERS.—The Analysis Working Group
shall be composed of at least one representative from each
of the following components of the Department of Defense:
(i) The Office of the Director of Cost Assessment
and Program Evaluation.
(ii) The Directorate for Joint Force Development
(J7) of the Joint Staff.
(iii) The Directorate for Force Structure, Resources,
and Assessment (J8) of the Joint Staff.
(iv) The Office of the Secretary of Defense for
Policy.
(v) The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Office.
(B) OBSERVERS.—At least one representative from each
of the following commands shall serve as observers of the
Analysis Working Group:
(i) The United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(ii) The United States European Command.
(iii) The United States Central Command.
(4) DUTIES.—The Analysis Working Group shall—
(A) establish clear priorities and standards to focus
analysts on decision support;
(B) improve transparency of methodologies, tools, and
tradecraft across the analytic community, including testing
and validation for new or emerging methodologies, tools,
and tradecraft;
(C) improve quality of and expand access to data,
including evaluation of new data sets, or application of
existing data sets in new or novel ways;
(D) evolve the methodologies, tools, and tradecraft
methods and tools used in strategic analysis;
(E) resolve classified access and infrastructure chal-
lenges;
(F) foster a workforce and organizations that are
innovative, creative, and provide high-quality strategic
decision support; and
(G) carry out such other activities as the Secretary
of Defense determines appropriate.
(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in subsection (b) or (c)
shall be construed to interfere with the authority of the Chiefs
of Staff of the Armed Forces to establish military requirements,
performance requirements, and joint performance requirements, or
the authority of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council to vali-
date such requirements under section 181 of title 10, United States
Code.
SEC. 903. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF STRATEGIC CAPITAL.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE.—Chapter 4 of title 10, United
States Code, as amended by section 241, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 149. Office of Strategic Capital
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is in the Office of the Secretary
of Defense an office to be known as the Office of Strategic Capital
(in this section referred to as the ‘Office’).
‘‘(b) DIRECTOR.—The Office shall be headed by a Director (in
this section referred to as the ‘Director’), who shall be appointed
H. R. 2670—224
by the Secretary from among employees in Senior Executive Service
positions (as defined in section 3132 of title 5), or from outside
the civil service who have successfully held equivalent positions.
‘‘(c) DUTIES.—The Office shall—
‘‘(1) develop, integrate, and implement capital investment
strategies proven in the commercial sector to shape and scale
investment in critical technologies and assets;
‘‘(2) identify and prioritize promising critical technologies
and assets that require capital assistance and have the poten-
tial to benefit the Department of Defense; and
‘‘(3) make eligible investments in such technologies and
assets, such as supply chain technologies not always supported
through direct investment.
‘‘(d) NON-FEDERAL
FUNDING
REQUIREMENTS
FOR
CERTAIN
INVESTMENTS.—In the case of an eligible investment made through
a direct loan, not less than 80 percent of the total capital provided
for the specific technology to be funded by the investment shall
be derived from non-Federal sources as of the time of the invest-
ment.
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘capital assistance’ means a loan, loan guar-
antee, or technical assistance.
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered technology category’ means the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(A) Advanced bulk materials.
‘‘(B) Advanced manufacturing.
‘‘(C) Autonomous mobile robots.
‘‘(D) Battery storage.
‘‘(E) Biochemicals.
‘‘(F) Bioenergetics.
‘‘(G) Biomass.
‘‘(H) Cybersecurity.
‘‘(I) Data fabric.
‘‘(J) Decision science.
‘‘(K) Edge computing.
‘‘(L) External communication.
‘‘(M) Hydrogen generation and storage.
‘‘(N) Mesh networks.
‘‘(O) Microelectronics assembly, testing, or packaging.
‘‘(P) Microelectronics design and development.
‘‘(Q) Microelectronics fabrication.
‘‘(R) Microelectronics manufacturing equipment.
‘‘(S) Microelectronics materials.
‘‘(T) Nanomaterials and metamaterials.
‘‘(U) Open RAN.
‘‘(V) Optical communications.
‘‘(W) Sensor hardware.
‘‘(X) Solar.
‘‘(Y) Space launch.
‘‘(Z) Spacecraft.
‘‘(AA) Space-enabled services and equipment.
‘‘(BB) Synthetic biology.
‘‘(CC) Quantum computing.
‘‘(DD) Quantum security.
‘‘(EE) Quantum sensing.
‘‘(3) The term ‘eligible entity’ means—
‘‘(A) an individual;
H. R. 2670—225
‘‘(B) a corporation;
‘‘(C) a partnership, which may include a public-private
partnership, limited partnership, or general partnership;
‘‘(D) a joint venture;
‘‘(E) a trust;
‘‘(F) a State, including a political subdivision or any
other instrumentality of a State;
‘‘(G) a Tribal government or consortium of Tribal
governments;
‘‘(H) any other governmental entity or public agency
in the United States, including a special purpose district
or public authority, including a port authority;
‘‘(I) a multi-State or multi-jurisdictional group of public
entities; or
‘‘(J) a strategic alliance among two or more entities
described in subparagraphs (A) through (I).
‘‘(4) The term ‘eligible investment’ means an investment,
in the form of capital assistance provided to an eligible entity,
for a technology that—
‘‘(A) is in a covered technology category; and
‘‘(B) is not a technology that solely has defense applica-
tions.’’.
(b) PILOT
PROGRAM
ON
CAPITAL
ASSISTANCE
TO
SUPPORT
DEFENSE INVESTMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL BASE.—
(1) CAPITAL
ASSISTANCE.—To the extent and in such
amounts as specifically provided in advance in appropriations
Acts for the purposes detailed in this subsection, the Secretary
of Defense, acting through the Director of the Office of Strategic
Capital (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Director’’), may
carry out a pilot program under this subsection to provide
capital assistance to eligible entities for eligible investments
to develop technologies that support the duties and elements
of the Office and meet the needs of the Department of Defense.
(2) ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—An eligible entity seeking capital
assistance for an eligible investment under this subsection
shall submit to the Director an application at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the
Director may require.
(B) SELECTION OF INVESTMENTS.—The Director shall
establish criteria for selecting among eligible investments
for which applications are submitted under subparagraph
(A). The criteria shall include—
(i) the extent to which an investment supports
the national security or economic interests of the
United States;
(ii) the likelihood that capital assistance provided
for an investment would enable the investment to pro-
ceed sooner than the investment would otherwise be
able to proceed; and
(iii) the creditworthiness of an investment.
(3) CAPITAL ASSISTANCE.—
(A) LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES.—
H. R. 2670—226
(i) IN
GENERAL.—To the extent and in such
amounts as specifically provided in advance in appro-
priations Acts for the purposes detailed in this sub-
section, the Director may provide loans or loan guaran-
tees to finance or refinance the costs of an eligible
investment selected pursuant to paragraph (2)(B).
(ii) ADMINISTRATION OF LOANS.—
(I) INTEREST RATE.—
(aa) IN
GENERAL.—Except as provided
under item (bb), the interest rate on a loan
provided under clause (i) shall be not less
than the yield on marketable United States
Treasury securities of a similar maturity to
the maturity of the loan on the date of execu-
tion of the loan agreement.
(bb) EXCEPTION.—The Director may waive
the requirement under item (aa) with respect
to an investment if the investment is deter-
mined by the Secretary of Defense to be vital
to the national security of the United States.
(cc) CRITERIA.—The Director shall estab-
lish separate and distinct criteria for interest
rates for loan guarantees with private sector
lending institutions.
(II) FINAL MATURITY DATE.—The final maturity
date of a loan provided under clause (i) shall be
not later than 50 years after the date on which
the loan was provided.
(III) PREPAYMENT.—A loan provided under
clause (i) may be paid earlier than is provided
for under the loan agreement without a penalty.
(IV) NONSUBORDINATION.—
(aa) IN GENERAL.—A loan provided under
clause (i) shall not be subordinated to the
claims of any holder of investment obligations
in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, or liq-
uidation of the obligor.
(bb) EXCEPTION.—The Director may waive
the requirement under item (aa) with respect
to the investment in order to mitigate risks
to loan repayment.
(V) SALE OF LOANS.—The Director may sell
to another entity or reoffer into the capital markets
a loan provided under clause (i) if the Director
determines that the sale or reoffering can be made
on favorable terms.
(VI) LOAN GUARANTEES.—Any loan guarantee
provided under clause (i) shall specify the percent-
age of the principal amount guaranteed. If the
Secretary determines that the holder of a loan
guaranteed by the Department of Defense defaults
on the loan, the Director shall pay the holder
as specified in the loan guarantee agreement.
(VII)
INVESTMENT-GRADE
RATING.—The
Director shall establish a credit rating system to
ensure a reasonable reassurance of repayment.
H. R. 2670—227
The system may include use of existing credit
rating agencies where appropriate.
(VIII) TERMS
AND
CONDITIONS.—Loans and
loan guarantees provided under clause (i) shall
be subject to such other terms and conditions and
contain such other covenants, representations,
warranties, and requirements (including require-
ments for audits) as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(IX)
APPLICABILITY
OF
FEDERAL
CREDIT
REFORM ACT OF 1990.—Loans and loan guarantees
provided under clause (i) shall be subject to the
requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act
of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
(B) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—Subject to appropriations
Acts, the Director may provide technical assistance with
respect to developing and financing investments to eligible
entities seeking capital assistance for eligible investments
and eligible entities receiving capital assistance under this
subsection.
(C) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—
(i) AMOUNT OF CAPITAL ASSISTANCE.—To the extent
and in such amounts as specifically provided in
advance in appropriations Acts for the purposes
detailed in this subsection, the Director shall provide
to an eligible investment selected pursuant to para-
graph (2)(B) the amount of capital assistance necessary
to carry out the investment.
(ii) USE OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS.—All financial
transactions conducted under this section shall be con-
ducted in United States dollars.
(4) NON-FEDERAL FUNDING REQUIREMENTS.—The require-
ments of section 149(d) of title 10, United States Code (as
added by subsection (a)) shall apply to eligible investments
under this subsection.
(5) ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNTS.—
(A) CREDIT PROGRAM ACCOUNT.—
(i) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the
Treasury of the United States a Department of Defense
Credit Program Account to make and guarantee loans
under this subsection in accordance with section 502
of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C.
661a).
(ii) FUNDING.—The Credit Program Account shall
consist of amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations.
(B) USE OF FUNDS.—To the extent and in such amounts
as specifically provided in advance in appropriations Acts
for the purposes detailed in this subsection, the Director
is authorized to pay, from amounts in the Department
of Defense Credit Program Account—
(i) the cost, as defined in section 502 of the Federal
Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a), of loans
and loan guarantees and other capital assistance;
(ii) administrative expenses associated with activi-
ties under this section;
(iii) project-specific transaction costs; and
H. R. 2670—228
(iv) the cost of providing support authorized by
this subsection.
(6) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense may prescribe
such regulations as the Secretary determines to be appropriate
to carry out this subsection.
(7) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than the first Monday in
February of a fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit
to the congressional defense committees an annual report
describing activities carried out pursuant to this subsection
in the preceding fiscal year and the goals of the Department
of Defense in accordance with this subsection for the next
fiscal year.
(8) NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Defense
shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than
30 days after a use of loans, loan guarantees, or technical
assistance under this subsection.
(9) SUNSET.—The authorities provided under this sub-
section shall expire on October 1, 2028.
(10) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:
(A) The term ‘‘capital assistance’’ means loans, loan
guarantees, or technical assistance provided under para-
graph (3).
(B) The terms ‘‘eligible entity’’ and ‘‘eligible investment’’
have the meanings given those terms in section 149(e)
of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection
(a)).
(C) The term ‘‘obligor’’ means a party that is primarily
liable for payment of the principal of or interest on a
loan.
SEC. 904. ESTABLISHMENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF ROLES AND RESPON-
SIBILITIES FOR COMBINED JOINT ALL-DOMAIN COMMAND
AND CONTROL IN SUPPORT OF INTEGRATED JOINT
WARFIGHTING.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish,
and assign to appropriate components of the Office of the Secretary,
roles and responsibilities relating to—
(1) the development of combined joint all-domain command
and control (commonly known as ‘‘CJADC2’’) capabilities in
support of integrated joint warfighting; and
(2) the delivery of such capabilities to the combatant com-
mands.
(b) ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.—The roles and responsibil-
ities established and assigned under subsection (a) shall include,
at a minimum, the following:
(1) Identifying new technology and operational concepts
for experimentation and prototyping for delivery to the Joint
Force to address key operational challenges.
(2) Providing technical support for the Joint Force in
exploring and analyzing new combined joint all-domain com-
mand and control capabilities and operational concepts,
including through advanced modeling and simulation.
(3) Executing experimentation associated with such
capabilities through the Rapid Defense Experimentation
Reserve or another mechanism.
H. R. 2670—229
(4) Enabling the acquisition of cross-domain, joint, and
cross-system mission capabilities, including resourcing of modi-
fications necessary for integration and interoperability among
mission components.
(5) Ensuring the effectiveness of cross-domain, joint, and
cross-system mission capabilities through analysis and testing.
(6) Creating and operating a complete capability for soft-
ware development that allows for iterative, secure, and contin-
uous deployment of developmental, prototype, and operational
tools and capabilities from multiple vendors to test networks
and operational networks for combatant commanders to—
(A) gain operational awareness, make decisions, and
take actions;
(B) integrate relevant data sources to support target
selection, target prioritization, and weapon-target pairing;
and
(C) assign targets through networks, tools, and systems
of the Armed Forces and combat support agencies.
(c) INITIAL PRIORITIZATION.—In establishing an initial set of
roles and responsibilities under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Defense shall prioritize the development and delivery of capabilities
that meet the requirements of the United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand.
(d) BRIEFINGS REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than
once every 180 days thereafter through December 31, 2026, the
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing on—
(1) any activities carried out in accordance with the roles
and responsibilities under subsection (a); and
(2) any plans associated with such roles and responsibil-
ities.
SEC. 905. PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARIES TO SUPPORT
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPECIAL OPER-
ATIONS AND LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT.
The Secretary of Defense may appoint two Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretaries to report to the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict—
(1) one of whom may be assigned to support the Assistant
Secretary in the discharge of responsibilities specified in clause
(i) of section 138(b)(2)(A) of title 10, United States Code; and
(2) one of whom may be assigned to support the Assistant
Secretary in the discharge of responsibilities specified in clause
(ii) of that section.
Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense
Organization and Management Matters
SEC. 911. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UNDER GENERAL POLICY FOR
TOTAL FORCE MANAGEMENT.
Section 129a(c)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following: ‘‘The Secretary of Defense
shall ensure that the requirements determination, planning,
programming, and budgeting conducted under this paragraph con-
siders all components of the total force (including active and reserve
H. R. 2670—230
military, the civilian workforce, and contract support) in a holistic
manner—
‘‘(A) to avoid duplication of efforts and waste of
resources attributable to a component working outside the
scope of its responsibilities; and
‘‘(B) to ensure that risk, cost, and mission validation
and prioritization considerations are consistent with the
national defense strategy.’’.
SEC. 912. ADDITION OF COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
AFFAIRS TO NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY.
Section 2165(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new para-
graph (6):
‘‘(6) The College of International Security Affairs.’’.
SEC. 913. CODIFICATION OF THE DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT.
(a) CODIFICATION OF DEFENSE INNOVATION UNIT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter 303 of title
10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
‘‘§ 4127. Defense innovation unit
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the Department
of Defense a Defense Innovation Unit (referred to in this section
as the ‘Unit’).
‘‘(b) DIRECTOR
AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR.—There is a Director
of the Unit who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense
from among persons with substantial experience in innovation and
commercial technology, as determined by the Secretary.
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY
OF DIRECTOR.—The Director is the head of
the Unit. The Director—
‘‘(1) shall serve as a principal staff assistant to the Sec-
retary of Defense on matters within the responsibility of the
Unit;
‘‘(2) shall report directly to the Secretary without inter-
vening authority; and
‘‘(3) may communicate views on matters within the respon-
sibility of the Unit directly to the Secretary without obtaining
the approval or concurrence of any other official within the
Department of Defense.
‘‘(d) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Unit shall have the following
responsibilities:
‘‘(1) Seek out, identify, and support development of and
experimentation with commercial technologies that have the
potential to be implemented within the Department of Defense.
‘‘(2) Accelerate the adoption or integration of commercial
technologies within the Department of Defense to transform
military capacity and capabilities.
‘‘(3) Serve as the principal liaison between the Department
of Defense and individuals and entities in the national security
innovation base, including entrepreneurs, startups, commercial
technology companies, and venture capital sources.
‘‘(4) Carry out programs, projects, and other activities to
strengthen the national security innovation base.
‘‘(5) Coordinate and harmonize the activities of other
organizations and elements of the Department of Defense on
H. R. 2670—231
matters relating to commercial technologies, dual use tech-
nologies, and the innovation of such technologies.
‘‘(6) Coordinate and advise efforts among elements of the
Department of Defense on matters relating to the development,
procurement, and fielding of nontraditional capabilities.
‘‘(7) Coordinate with the Joint Staff and the commanders
of the combatant commands to identify operational challenges
that have the potential to be addressed through the use of
nontraditional capabilities, including dual-use technologies,
that are being developed and financed in the commercial sector.
‘‘(8) Using funds made available to the Unit—
‘‘(A) select projects to be carried out by one or more
of the service-level innovation organizations;
‘‘(B) allocate funds to service-level innovation organiza-
tions to carry out such projects; and
‘‘(C) monitor the execution of such projects by the
service-level innovation organizations.
‘‘(9) Serve as the principal liaison between the Department
of Defense, nontraditional defense contractors, investors in non-
traditional defense companies, and departments and agencies
of the Federal Government pursing nontraditional capabilities
similar to those pursued by the Department.
‘‘(10) Lead engagement with industry, academia, and other
nongovernment entities to develop—
‘‘(A) domestic capacity with respect to innovative,
commercial, and dual-use technologies and the use of non-
traditional defense contractors; and
‘‘(B) the capacity of international allies and partners
of the United States with respect to such technologies
and the use of such contractors.
‘‘(11) Carry out such other activities as the Secretary of
Defense determines appropriate.
‘‘(e) SUPPORT FOR MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PARTNERSHIPS.—
‘‘(1) The Director shall identify and support multi-stake-
holder research and innovation partnerships that—
‘‘(A) have the potential to generate technologies, proc-
esses, products, or other solutions that address national
defense or security needs; and
‘‘(B) have as an objective the technology transfer or
commercialization of the work product generated by the
partnership, which may include work product that incor-
porates
Government-developed
intellectual
property
licensed to the partnership in accordance with paragraph
(3).
‘‘(2) Support provided by the Director to a multi-stakeholder
research and innovation partnership under this subsection may
include—
‘‘(A) providing funding or other resources to the part-
nership;
‘‘(B) participating in the partnership;
‘‘(C) providing technical and technological advice and
guidance to the partnership;
‘‘(D) suggesting and introducing other participants for
inclusion in the partnership;
‘‘(E) providing the partnership with insight into desired
solutions for defense and security needs; and
H. R. 2670—232
‘‘(F) such other forms of support as the Director deter-
mines appropriate.
‘‘(3) To the extent the Director determines appropriate,
the Director shall seek to actively inform potential participants
in multi-stakeholder research and innovation partnerships of
the availability of Government-developed intellectual property
that may be licensed to the partnership.
‘‘(4) On an annual basis, the Director shall submit to the
Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees
a report on the activities, advances, outcomes, and work product
of the multi-stakeholder research and innovation partnerships
supported under this subsection.
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘multi-stakeholder research and innovation
partnership’ means a partnership composed of any combination
of two or more of the following:
‘‘(A) Universities, colleges, or other institutions of
higher education with research and innovation capability.
‘‘(B) Non-profit organizations that provide policy,
research, outreach, operations, organizational, manage-
ment, testing, evaluation, technology transfer, legal, finan-
cial, or advocacy expertise.
‘‘(C) For-profit commercial enterprises that may be pub-
licly or privately owned, early stage or mature, and incor-
porated or operating by another ownership structure.
‘‘(D) Departments or agencies of the Federal Govern-
ment with expertise, operations, or resources related to
the objectives of the multi-stakeholder research and innova-
tion partnership.
‘‘(2) The term ‘nontraditional capability’ means a solution
to an operational challenge that can significantly leverage
commercial innovation or external capital with minimal depend-
encies on fielded systems.
‘‘(3) The term ‘nontraditional defense contractor’ has the
meaning given that term in section 3014 of this title.’’.
(2) MODIFICATION OF OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY.—Sec-
tion 4021 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A) in subsection (b), by inserting ‘‘, the Defense
Innovation Unit,’’ after ‘‘Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency’’; and
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘and the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency’’ and inserting ‘‘, the
Defense Innovation Unit, and the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency’’.
(3) MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN
PROTOTYPE PROJECTS.—Section 4022 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended—
(A) in subsection (a)—
(i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘the Director
of the Defense Innovation Unit,’’ after ‘‘Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency,’’;
(ii) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ‘‘, the Defense
Innovation Unit,’’ after ‘‘Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency’’; and
(iii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘, Defense
Innovation Unit,’’ after ‘‘Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency’’; and
H. R. 2670—233
(B) in subsection (e)(1)—
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (E)
as subparagraphs (D) through (F), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the fol-
lowing new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit;’’.
(4) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 1766 of title 10,
United States Code, is amended—
(A) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘as determined by
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering’’ and inserting ‘‘as determined by the Secretary
of Defense’’; and
(B) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ‘‘as directed by
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering’’ and inserting ‘‘as directed by the Secretary
of Defense’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE AND IMPLEMENTATION.—
(1) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection
(a) shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than the effective date
specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall issue
or modify any rules, regulations, policies, or other guidance
necessary to implement the amendments made by subsection
(a).
(c) MANPOWER SUFFICIENCY EVALUATION.—
(1) EVALUATION.—The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate
the staffing levels of the Defense Innovation Unit as of the
date of the enactment of this Act to determine if the Unit
is sufficiently staffed to achieve the responsibilities of the Unit
under section 4127 of title 10, United States Code, as added
by subsection (a) of this section.
(2) REPORT.—Not later than the effective date specified
in subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives a report on the results of the evalua-
tion under paragraph (1). The report shall include a plan—
(A) to address any staffing shortfalls identified as a
part of the assessment; and
(B) for funding any activities necessary to address such
shortfalls.
SEC. 914. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A NAVAL RESEARCH
ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Section 8024 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
SEC. 915. ELIGIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF SPACE FORCE FOR INSTRUC-
TION AT THE NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL.
Section 8545 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘and Coast Guard’’
and inserting ‘‘Space Force, and Coast Guard’’; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘and Coast Guard’’ and
inserting ‘‘Space Force, and Coast Guard’’.
SEC. 916. MEMBERSHIP OF THE AIR FORCE RESERVE FORCES POLICY
COMMITTEE.
Section 10305(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
H. R. 2670—234
(1) by striking ‘‘consists of’’ and inserting ‘‘shall have voting
members, who shall be’’ before ‘‘officers’’;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subpara-
graphs (A) through (C), respectively;
(3) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘The committee’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(2)(A) The committee shall have four nonvoting members, who
shall be the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force, the Air
Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, and the Space Force.
‘‘(B) A nonvoting member who cannot attend a meeting of
the committee may designate a member in the grade of E–8 or
E–9 to attend in their stead.’’.
SEC. 917. MODIFICATION OF CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM TO ADDRESS
EMERGING THREAT RELATING TO ANOMALOUS HEALTH
INCIDENTS.
Section 910 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 111 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘, including capabilities
that plausibly could result in such incidents,’’ after ‘‘(as defined
by the Secretary)’’;
(2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1) through
(3) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(1) to investigate and carry out such other activities as
may be necessary—
‘‘(A) to identify anomalous health incidents;
‘‘(B) to determine the causes and sources of such
incidents, including identification of any individuals, enti-
ties, capabilities, or phenomena to which such incidents
may plausibly be attributed; and
‘‘(C) to understand how such incidents may be miti-
gated and treated;
‘‘(2) to address the challenges posed by anomalous health
incidents, including by coordinating research into—
‘‘(A) non-kinetic capabilities that plausibly might result
in such incidents, such as anti-personnel capabilities and
directed energy capabilities;
‘‘(B) the detection and mitigation of such capabilities;
and
‘‘(C) the development of countermeasures for such
capabilities;
‘‘(3) to integrate and deconflict the efforts of the Depart-
ment of Defense regarding anomalous health incidents with
the efforts of other departments or agencies of the Federal
Government regarding such incidents; and
‘‘(4) to undertake any other efforts regarding non-kinetic
threats to personnel and anomalous health incidents that the
Secretary considers appropriate.’’;
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘in consultation with the
Director of National Intelligence and’’; and
(4) in subsection (e)(2)—
(A) by striking ‘‘March 1, 2026’’ and inserting ‘‘March
1, 2028’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘with respect to the efforts of the
Department regarding anomalous health incidents’’ an
inserting ‘‘on any activities carried out to fulfill the duties
H. R. 2670—235
specified in subsection (b) since the date of the preceding
briefing under this section’’.
SEC. 918. TECHNOLOGY RELEASE AND FOREIGN DISCLOSURE REFORM
INITIATIVE.
(a) INITIATIVE REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out
an initiative to reform and improve the policies, processes,
and procedures applicable to technology release and foreign
disclosure decisions by the Department of Defense.
(2) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of such initiative shall be—
(A) to develop recommendations for the continuous
improvement of such policies, processes, and procedures
within the Department and across other departments and
agencies of the Federal Government involved in technology
release and foreign disclosure decisions;
(B) to increase efficiency and reduce timelines for the
processing of such decisions;
(C) to standardize, to the extent practicable, processes
and information sharing systems applicable to such
decisions; and
(D) to provide for the continuous exchange of timely
and relevant information among—
(i) the principal organizations involved in tech-
nology release and foreign disclosure decisions;
(ii) the broader acquisition and program executive
officer communities; and
(iii) interagency partners of the Department.
(3) METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION.—For purposes of the ini-
tiative required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense
may—
(A) establish a new initiative;
(B) modify an existing initiative of the Department
of Defense; or
(C) carry out the initiative through a combination of
the approaches described in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(b) METRICS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—In conjunction with the initiative required
under subsection (a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
shall develop metrics for the management of the technology
release and foreign disclosure process to provide objective and
subjective measures of performance and improve senior leader
decision-making in the Department of Defense.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The metrics developed under paragraph
(1) shall include—
(A) methods for tracking individual technology release
and foreign disclosure decisions made by the Defense Tech-
nology Security Administration;
(B) objectives and deadlines related to the completion
of such decisions; and
(C) a method of prioritizing among technology release
and foreign disclosure requests that takes into account—
(i) the importance of the request to the national
security of the United States; and
(ii) the risks associated with the release or disclo-
sure.
H. R. 2670—236
(3) BRIEFING REQUIRED.—Not later than June 1, 2024, the
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the metrics
developed under paragraph (1).
(c) DESIGNATION OF POINTS OF CONTACT.—Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act—
(1) the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy shall establish
or designate—
(A) one position within the Office of the Under Sec-
retary
to
lead
the
development
and
oversee
the
implementation of technology release and foreign disclosure
policies for the Department of Defense; and
(B) one position within the Office to coordinate informa-
tion and outreach to relevant stakeholders on relevant
Department of Defense technology release and foreign
disclosure policies and to respond to inquiries from rep-
resentatives of the commercial defense industry and
partner countries; and
(2) each Secretary of a military department shall establish
or designate—
(A) one position within the department under the juris-
diction of such Secretary to lead the development and over-
see the implementation of technology release and foreign
disclosure policies for that department; and
(B) one position within such department to coordinate
information and outreach to relevant stakeholders on rel-
evant Department of Defense technology release and for-
eign disclosure policies and to respond to inquiries from
representatives of the commercial defense industry and
partner countries.
(d) REPORT REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that includes the following:
(A) An assessment of the staffing levels of the organiza-
tions specified in paragraph (2).
(B) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability
of consolidating the functions and organizations of the
Department of Defense involved in technology release and
foreign disclosure decisions, including the organizations
specified in paragraph (2).
(C) A review of any statutes and regulations applicable
to technology release and foreign disclosure, together with
recommendations for any changes to such statutes and
regulations.
(D) A survey and description of the data and method-
ology used to assess operational risk, technology risk, and
the effects of technology release and foreign disclosure
decisions on the defense industrial base.
(E) An assessment of the benefits of developing and
implementing anticipatory policies for technology release
and foreign disclosure that include standardized capability
thresholds for countries and geopolitical regions, especially
for emerging capabilities for partners and allies of the
United States.
(F) An assessment of the extent to which the lessons
learned from technology release and foreign disclosure
H. R. 2670—237
decisions made in support of the Ukraine conflict have
been applied to broader processes.
(2) ORGANIZATIONS SPECIFIED.—The organizations specified
in this paragraph are—
(A) the Defense Technology Security Administration;
(B) the Low Observable/Counter Low Observable Tri-
Service Committee;
(C) the Executive Agent for Anti-Tamper;
(D) the Communications Security Review and Advisory
Board; and
(E) the organizations responsible for technology release
and foreign disclosure in each of the military departments.
SEC. 919. SOFTWARE-BASED CAPABILITY TO FACILITATE SCHEDULING
BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND CON-
GRESS.
Not later than September 30, 2024, the Secretary of Defense
shall seek to develop and implement a software-based capability
to facilitate the mutual scheduling of engagements between the
Department of Defense and the congressional defense committees.
Such capability shall—
(1) enable the automated transmission of scheduling data
to and from the congressional defense committees; and
(2) be compatible and interoperable with the information
technology systems of such committees.
SEC. 920. METRICS TO OPERATIONALIZE AUDIT READINESS.
(a) METRICS REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop
a set of metrics that reflect the Secretary’s audit remediation
goals and metrics to measure progress made by the military
departments with respect to such goals.
(2) FFRDC SUPPORT.—The Secretary of Defense may enter
into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded
research and development center or university-affiliated
research center to support the development of the metrics
required under paragraph (1).
(3) DEADLINE.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and
implement an initial set of metrics under paragraph (1) by
not later than April 30, 2025.
(b) LEADER PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall
evaluate means by which the metrics developed under sub-
section (a) can be used in the performance evaluation of general
officers, flag officers, and employees of the military departments
who are members of the Senior Executive Service.
(2) BRIEFING
REQUIRED.—Not later than September 30,
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a briefing on the evaluation conducted under paragraph
(1). The briefing shall include the following:
(A) Identification of the general officer, flag officer,
and Senior Executive Service positions in the military
departments for which it would be appropriate to use the
H. R. 2670—238
metrics developed under subsection (a) in support of the
performance evaluation process.
(B) Evaluations of available measures to reward or
recognize superior or above-average performance with
respect to such metrics.
(C) Assessment of the potential value, and challenges,
to integrating such measures into the annual performance
evaluations for positions identified under subparagraph (A).
(D) Any other issues the Secretary considers appro-
priate.
SEC. 921. NEXT GENERATION BUSINESS HEALTH METRICS.
(a) METRICS REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop
an updated set of business health metrics to inform decision-making
by senior leaders of the Department of Defense.
(b) ELEMENTS.—In developing the metrics required by sub-
section (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) using the latest literature on performance measurement,
determine what additional new metrics should be implemented,
or current metrics should be adapted, to reduce output-based
measures and emphasize objective, measurable indicators
aligned to enduring strategic goals of the Department of
Defense;
(2) assess the current business processes of the Department
and provide recommendations to align the metrics with avail-
able data sources to determine what gaps might exist in such
processes;
(3) ensure that data can be collected automatically and,
on a long-term basis, in a manner that provides for longitudinal
analysis;
(4) link the metrics with the Strategic Management Plan
and other performance documents guiding the Department;
(5) identify any shortfalls in resources, data, training,
policy, or law that could be an impediment to implementing
the metrics;
(6) revise leading and lagging indicators associated with
each such metric to provide a benchmark against which to
assess progress;
(7) improve visualization of and comprehension for the
use of the metrics in data-driven decision-making, including
adoption of new policies and training as needed;
(8) incorporate the ability to aggregate and disaggregate
data to provide the ability to focus on functional, component-
level metrics; and
(9) increase standardization of the use and collection of
business health metrics across the Department.
(c) ADDITIONAL SUPPORT.—The Secretary of Defense may enter
into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research
and development center or university-affiliated research center to
support the development of the metrics required under subsection
(a).
SEC. 922. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF DEFENSE BUSINESS ENTER-
PRISE ARCHITECTURE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter
into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research
and development center or a university affiliated research center
H. R. 2670—239
to conduct an independent assessment of the defense business enter-
prise architecture developed under section 2222(e) of title 10, United
States Code.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment required by subsection (a) shall
include the following elements:
(1) An assessment of the effectiveness of the defense busi-
ness enterprise architecture as of the date of the enactment
of this Act in providing an adequate and useful framework
for planning, managing, and integrating the business systems
of the Department of Defense.
(2) A comparison of the defense business enterprise
architecture with similar models in use by other government
agencies in the United States, foreign governments, and major
commercial entities, including an assessment of any lessons
from such models that might be applied to the defense business
enterprise architecture.
(3) An assessment of the adequacy of the defense business
enterprise architecture in informing business process re-
engineering and being sufficiently responsive to changes in
business processes over time.
(4) An identification of any shortfalls or implementation
challenges in the utility of the defense business enterprise
architecture.
(5) Recommendations for replacement of the existing
defense business enterprise architecture or for modifications
to the existing architecture to make that architecture and the
process for updating that architecture more effective and
responsive to the business process needs of the Department.
(c) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing
on the status of the assessment required by subsection (a).
(d) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than January 30, 2025, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the
results of the assessment required by subsection (a).
SEC. 923. FUTURE FORCE DESIGN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR
FORCE.
(a) FORCE DESIGN REQUIRED.—Not later than August 31, 2024,
the Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a force design for
the Air Force and Space Force projected through 2050.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The force design under subsection (a) shall
address—
(1) the concepts, capabilities, and structural elements
(including size and form) of the Air Force and Space Force
that are necessary to ensure those forces effectively execute
their core functions through 2050 in support of the National
Defense Strategy and the National Military Strategy;
(2) force structure, including the development of capabilities
(including platforms and systems) at the correct level of capacity
to address the challenges outlined by the National Defense
Strategy and the National Military Strategy;
(3) force composition, including recruitment and develop-
ment of human capital, effective distribution of forces in the
total force, and policies to increase career flexibility across
the various components of the force;
H. R. 2670—240
(4) organizational design, including development of poten-
tial models to increase agility and operational effectiveness
across the Air Force and Space Force; and
(5) such other matters as the Secretary of the Air Force
determines to be relevant.
(c) INFORMATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 days after
completion of the force design required under subsection (a), the
Secretary of the Air Force shall—
(1) submit a summary of the force design to the congres-
sional defense committees; and
(2) provide to the congressional defense committees a
briefing on the force design.
SEC. 924. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE CONSOLIDATION OR TRANSFER
OF SPACE FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD TO THE
SPACE FORCE.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct
a study to assess the feasibility and advisability of transferring
all covered space functions of the National Guard to the Space
Force.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An analysis and recommendations addressing, at a min-
imum, each of the following courses of action with respect
to the covered space functions of the National Guard:
(A) Maintaining the current model under which the
Air National Guard has units and personnel performing
such functions.
(B) Transferring such functions, including units and
personnel, to the Space Force.
(C) The establishment of a new National Guard compo-
nent of the Space Force to perform such functions.
(2) A cost-benefit analysis for each course of action
addressed under paragraph (1).
(3) An assessment any risks or benefits to the mission
or readiness of the Space Force, including the ability of the
Space Force to meet applicable objectives of the National
Defense Strategy, that may be presented by transferring or
consolidating units of the Air National Guard as described
in paragraph (1).
(c) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than February 1, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an interim
briefing on the preliminary results of the study conducted under
subsection (a).
(d) FINAL REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report
on the final results of the study conducted under subsection
(a), including the results of the study with respect to each
element specified in subsection (b).
(2) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required under paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include
a classified annex.
(e) COVERED SPACE FUNCTIONS
OF
THE NATIONAL GUARD
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘covered space functions of
H. R. 2670—241
the National Guard’’ means all units, personnel billets, equipment,
and resources of the Air National Guard associated with the
performance a space related function that is (as determined by
the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Chief
of Space Operations)—
(1) a core space-related function of the Space Force; or
(2) otherwise integral to the mission of the Space Force.
TITLE X—GENERAL PROVISIONS
Subtitle A—Financial Matters
Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.
Sec. 1002. Annual report on budget prioritization by Secretary of Defense and mili-
tary departments.
Sec. 1003. Additional reporting requirements related to unfunded priorities of
armed forces and combatant commands.
Sec. 1004. Audit requirement for Department of Defense components.
Sec. 1005. Requirement for unqualified opinion on Department of Defense financial
statements.
Subtitle B—Counterdrug Activities
Sec. 1010. Enhanced support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter
transnational organized crime.
Sec. 1011. Modification of support for counterdrug activities and activities to
counter transnational organized crime: increase in cap for small scale
construction projects.
Sec. 1012. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities.
Sec. 1013. Disruption of fentanyl trafficking.
Subtitle C—Naval Vessels and Shipyards
Sec. 1015. Modifications to annual naval vessel construction plan.
Sec. 1016. Critical components of national sea-based deterrence vessels.
Sec. 1017. Grants for improvement of Navy ship repair or alterations capability.
Sec. 1018. Repeal of obsolete provision of law regarding vessel nomenclature.
Sec. 1019. Responsibility of Commandant of the Marine Corps with respect to naval
battle force ship assessment and requirement reporting.
Sec. 1020. Policy of the United States on shipbuilding defense industrial base.
Sec. 1021. Prohibition on retirement of certain naval vessels.
Sec. 1022. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the ad-
vance procurement and construction of a San Antonio-class amphibious
ship.
Sec. 1023. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the ad-
vance procurement and construction of a submarine tender.
Sec. 1024. Biannual briefings on submarine readiness.
Subtitle D—Counterterrorism
Sec. 1031. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, to the United States.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 1033. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, to certain countries.
Sec. 1034. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of
United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations
Sec. 1041. Limitation on availability of certain funds until submission of Chair-
man’s Risk Assessment; briefing requirement.
Sec. 1042. Assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing
United States Government personnel.
Sec. 1043. Implementation of arrangements to build transparency, confidence, and
security.
Sec. 1044. Modification to definitions of Confucius Institute.
Sec. 1045. Termination of authority to issue waiver of limitation on use of funds
to institutions of higher education hosting Confucius Institutes.
H. R. 2670—242
Sec. 1046. Vetting procedures and monitoring requirements for allies and partners
participating in education or training activities in the United States.
Sec. 1047. Authority to include funding requests for the chemical and biological de-
fense program in budget accounts of military departments.
Sec. 1048. Limitation on availability of funds until delivery of report on next gen-
eration tactical communications.
Sec. 1049. Establishment of procedure of the Department of Defense to determine
certain complaints or requests regarding public displays or public ex-
pressions of religion on property of the Department.
Sec. 1050. Limitation on availability of funds for destruction of landmines.
Sec. 1051. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of Office of the
Secretary of Defense until submission of certain plans.
Sec. 1052. Prohibition on display of unapproved flags.
Sec. 1053. Collaboration with partner countries to develop and maintain military-
wide transformational strategies for operational energy.
Sec. 1054. Student loan deferment for dislocated military spouses.
Subtitle F—Studies and Reports
Sec. 1061. Modifications of reporting requirements.
Sec. 1062. Extension of requirement to submit a report on Department of Defense
support for Department of Homeland Security at the international bor-
ders of the United States.
Sec. 1063. Briefing on Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency capabilities required
to expand accounting for persons missing from designated past conflicts.
Sec. 1064. Air Force plan for maintaining proficient aircrews in certain mission
areas.
Sec. 1065. Independent study on naval mine warfare.
Sec. 1066. Annual report and briefing on implementation of Force Design 2030.
Sec. 1067. Study and report on potential inclusion of black box data recorders in
tactical vehicles.
Sec. 1068. Plan on countering human trafficking.
Sec. 1069. Update to strategic plan on Department of Defense combating trafficking
in persons program.
Sec. 1070. Report on use of tactical fighter aircraft for deployments and homeland
defense missions.
Sec. 1071. Report on equipping certain ground combat units with small unmanned
aerial systems.
Sec. 1072. Biannual briefings on homeland defense planning.
Sec. 1073. Report on effectiveness of current use of United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 1074. Holistic training range assessment.
Sec. 1075. Special operations force structure.
Sec. 1076. Comprehensive assessment of Marine Corps Force Design 2030.
Sec. 1077.
Assessment and recommendations relating to infrastructure, capacity,
resources, and personnel on Guam.
Sec. 1078. Feasibility study on conversion of Joint Task Force North into Joint
Interagency Task Force North.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
Sec. 1080. Modification of definition of domestic source for title III of the Defense
Production Act of 1950.
Sec. 1081. Integrated and authenticated access to Department of Defense systems
for certain congressional staff for oversight purposes.
Sec. 1082. Modification of compensation for members of the Afghanistan War Com-
mission.
Sec. 1083. Senate National Security Working Group.
Sec. 1084. Tribal liaisons at military installations.
Sec. 1085. Commercial integration cell plan within certain combatant commands.
Sec. 1086. Guidance for use of unmanned aircraft systems by National Guard.
Sec. 1087. Public disclosure of Afghanistan war records.
Sec. 1088. Implementation plan for Joint Concept for Competing.
Sec. 1089. Notification of safety and security concerns at certain Department of De-
fense laboratories.
Sec. 1090. Conduct of weather reconnaissance in the United States.
Sec. 1091. Sense of Congress regarding authority of Secretary of Defense with re-
spect to irregular warfare.
Sec. 1092. Red Hill health impacts.
Subtitle A—Financial Matters
SEC. 1001. GENERAL TRANSFER AUTHORITY.
(a) AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER AUTHORIZATIONS.—
H. R. 2670—243
(1) 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 2024 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.
(2) LIMITATION.—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.
(3) EXCEPTION
FOR
TRANSFERS
BETWEEN
MILITARY
PER-
SONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS.—A transfer of funds between military
personnel authorizations under title IV shall not be counted
toward the dollar limitation in paragraph (2).
(b) LIMITATIONS.—The authority provided by subsection (a) to
transfer authorizations—
(1) may only be used to provide authority for items that
have a higher priority than the items from which authority
is transferred; and
(2) may not be used to provide authority for an item that
has been denied authorization by Congress.
(c) EFFECT
ON AUTHORIZATION AMOUNTS.—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.
(d) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary shall promptly notify
Congress of each transfer made under subsection (a).
SEC. 1002. ANNUAL REPORT ON BUDGET PRIORITIZATION BY SEC-
RETARY OF DEFENSE AND MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.
Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 222d the following new section:
‘‘§ 222e.
Programs,
projects,
and
activities
that
were
internally changed in the submission of the Presi-
dent’s budget: annual report
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Secretaries of the military departments and the officers of
Department of Defense agencies and offices not under the control
of a Secretary of a military department, shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees each year, not later than 30 days after
the submission of the budget of the President for the fiscal year
beginning in such year under section 1105(a) of title 31, a report
that includes organized tabulations of programs, projects, and activi-
ties in research, development, test, and evaluation, procurement,
and military construction the total obligational authority for which
was changed in the current budget year proposal compared to
the prior-year projection for the current year.
‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—The tabulations required under subsection (a)
shall include, for each program, project, or activity that was
internally changed, the following elements:
‘‘(1) Whether the program, project, or activity was added,
eliminated, or reduced and in which fiscal year.
‘‘(2) The appropriations sub-account.
H. R. 2670—244
‘‘(3) The appropriate program element, line item number,
or sub-activity group.
‘‘(4) The program, project, or activity name.
‘‘(5) The prior year enacted appropriation.
‘‘(6) The prior year projected current year budget.
‘‘(7) The current year budget request.
‘‘(8) If applicable, the amount reduced or saved by the
current year elimination or reduction over the future years
defense plan.
‘‘(9) A characterization of the change as a fact-of-life change,
a prioritization change, a programmatic change, or a change
due to congressional action.
‘‘(c) FORM.—The report required under subsection (a) shall be
submitted in machine readable, electronic form.’’.
SEC. 1003. ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO
UNFUNDED PRIORITIES OF ARMED FORCES AND COMBAT-
ANT COMMANDS.
Section 222a(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
‘‘(E) The requirement to be addressed by the unfunded
priority.
‘‘(F) The reason why funding for the priority was not
included in the budget of the President.
‘‘(G) A description of any funding provided for the
requirement for the current and preceding fiscal year.
‘‘(H) An assessment of the effect that providing funding
for the priority would have on the future-years defense
plan.’’.
SEC. 1004. AUDIT REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
COMPONENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—During fiscal year 2024, and during each
of the nine fiscal years thereafter, each component of the Depart-
ment of Defense shall be subject to an independent audit. Any
such component that fails to be subject to such an audit during
any fiscal year shall have 1.5 percent of unobligated amounts avail-
able for the component be cancelled and returned to the general
fund of the Treasury for deficit reduction, except as provided in
subsection (b).
(b) EXCEPTIONS.—The following accounts are excluded from any
reductions:
(1) Military personnel, reserve personnel, and National
Guard personnel accounts of the Department of Defense.
(2) The Defense Health Program account of the Department
of Defense.
SEC. 1005. REQUIREMENT FOR UNQUALIFIED OPINION ON DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Department
of Defense has received an unqualified opinion on the financial
statements of the Department by not later than December 31,
2028.
H. R. 2670—245
Subtitle B—Counterdrug Activities
SEC. 1010. ENHANCED SUPPORT FOR COUNTERDRUG ACTIVITIES AND
ACTIVITIES TO COUNTER TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED
CRIME.
Section 284(b)(9) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘linguist and intelligence analysis’’ and inserting ‘‘lin-
guist, intelligence analysis, and planning’’.
SEC. 1011. MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT FOR COUNTERDRUG ACTIVI-
TIES AND ACTIVITIES TO COUNTER TRANSNATIONAL
ORGANIZED CRIME: INCREASE IN CAP FOR SMALL SCALE
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
Section 284(i)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘$750,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,000,000’’.
SEC. 1012. DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES.
Section 112(a)(3) of title 32, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘$5,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$15,000’’.
SEC. 1013. DISRUPTION OF FENTANYL TRAFFICKING.
(a) DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGY TO COUNTER FENTANYL TRAF-
FICKING.—
(1) STRATEGY.—Not later than 120 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General
and in coordination with appropriate Federal, State, Tribal,
and local law enforcement agencies, shall develop and submit
to the appropriate congressional committees a strategy to
address threats to the national security of the United States
caused or exacerbated by fentanyl trafficking.
(2) CONTENTS.—The strategy required by paragraph (1)
shall outline how the Secretary of Defense will—
(A) leverage existing authorities regarding counterdrug
and counter-transnational organized crime activities with
a counter-fentanyl nexus to detect and monitor activities
related to fentanyl trafficking;
(B) leverage existing authorities, as appropriate, to
support operations to counter fentanyl trafficking carried
out by Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement
agencies, or foreign security forces;
(C) coordinate efforts of the Department of Defense
for the detection and monitoring of aerial, maritime, and
surface traffic suspected of carrying fentanyl bound for
the United States, including efforts to unify the use of
technology, surveillance, and related resources across air
and maritime domains to counter fentanyl trafficking,
including with respect to data collection, data processing,
and integrating sensors across such domains, consistent
with paragraphs (6) and (10) of section 284(b) of title 10,
United States Code, and section 124 of title 10, United
States Code;
(D) provide Department of Defense-specific capabilities
to support activities by the United States Government and
foreign security forces to detect and monitor the trafficking
of fentanyl and precursor chemicals used in fentanyl
production, consistent with relevant existing law;
H. R. 2670—246
(E)
leverage
existing
counterdrug
and
counter-
transnational organized crime programs of the Department
to counter fentanyl trafficking;
(F) assess existing training programs of the Depart-
ment and assess whether opportunities exist for the provi-
sion of training for Federal, State, Tribal, and local law
enforcement agencies to counter fentanyl trafficking, con-
sistent with section 284(b)(5) of title 10, United States
Code;
(G) engage with foreign security forces to ensure the
counterdrug and counter-transnational organized crime
programs of the Department—
(i) support efforts to counter fentanyl trafficking;
and
(ii) build capacity to interdict fentanyl in foreign
countries, including programs to train security forces
in partner countries to counter fentanyl trafficking,
including countering illicit flows of fentanyl precursors,
consistent with sections 284(c) and 333 of title 10,
United States Code;
(H) increase domain awareness to detect and monitor
fentanyl trafficking through the North American Defense
Ministerial and the bilateral defense working groups and
bilateral military cooperation roundtables with Canada and
Mexico;
(I) evaluate existing policies, procedures, processes,
resources, and existing joint interagency task forces focused
on supporting the countering of fentanyl trafficking by
Federal, State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies,
consistent
with
existing
counterdrug
and
counter-
transnational organized crime authorities;
(J) describe any previous actions taken by the Depart-
ment of Defense in cyberspace to counter illegal activities
by
transnational
criminal
organizations
that
traffic
fentanyl; and
(K) assess the resources that the Secretary can deploy
to counter transnational criminal organizations’ cyber
activities.
(3) FORM.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
(4) BRIEFING.—Not later than 60 days after the submission
of the strategy required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing
on the strategy and plans for its implementation.
(b) COOPERATION WITH MEXICO.—The Secretary of Defense
shall seek to enhance cooperation with defense officials of the
Government of Mexico to target, disrupt, and degrade transnational
criminal organizations within Mexico that traffic fentanyl.
(c) DEFINITION OF APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—
In this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(2) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives;
(3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives;
H. R. 2670—247
(4) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
(5) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and
(6) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep-
resentatives.
Subtitle C—Naval Vessels and Shipyards
SEC. 1015. MODIFICATIONS TO ANNUAL NAVAL VESSEL CONSTRUC-
TION PLAN.
Section 231 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period
at the end the following: ‘‘, together with the views of
the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the
Marine Corps on the budget’’; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) The unaltered assessment of the Chief of Naval Oper-
ations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps of the plan
required under paragraph (1).’’; and
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following
new paragraphs:
‘‘(3) In developing annual naval vessel construction plans for
purposes of subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of the Navy shall take
into consideration the most recent biennial report on shipbuilder
training and the defense industrial base required by section 8693
of this title.’’.
SEC. 1016. CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF NATIONAL SEA-BASED DETER-
RENCE VESSELS.
Section 2218a(k)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
‘‘(P) Major bulkheads and tanks.
‘‘(Q) All major pumps and motors.
‘‘(R) Large vertical array.
‘‘(S) Atmosphere control equipment.
‘‘(T) Diesel systems and components.
‘‘(U) Hydraulic valves and components.
‘‘(V) Bearings.
‘‘(W) Major air and blow valves and components.
‘‘(X) Decks and superstructure.
‘‘(Y) Castings, forgings, and tank structure.
‘‘(Z) Hatches and hull penetrators.’’.
SEC. 1017. GRANTS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF NAVY SHIP REPAIR OR
ALTERATIONS CAPABILITY.
Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 2218a the following new section:
‘‘§ 2219. Grants for improvement of Navy ship repair or alter-
ations capability
‘‘(a) ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED.—(1) Subject to the availability
of appropriations, the Secretary of the Navy may make grants
to an eligible entity for the purpose of carrying out—
‘‘(A) a capital improvement project; or
‘‘(B) a maritime training program designed to foster tech-
nical skills and operational productivity.
H. R. 2670—248
‘‘(2) The amount of a grant under this section may not exceed
75 percent of the total cost of the project or program funded by
the grant.
‘‘(3) A grant provided under this section may not be used
to construct buildings or other physical facilities, except for piers,
dry docks, and structures in support of piers and dry docks, or
to acquire land.
‘‘(4) The Secretary may not award a grant to an eligible entity
under this section unless the Secretary determines that—
‘‘(A) the entity has access to sufficient non-Federal funding
to meet the requirement under paragraph (2);
‘‘(B) the entity has authority to carry out the proposed
project; and
‘‘(C) the project or program would improve—
‘‘(i) efficiency, competitive operations, capability, or
quality of United States Navy ship repair or alterations;
or
‘‘(ii) employee, or potential employee, skills and
enhanced productivity related to United States Navy ship
repair or alterations.
‘‘(b) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible for a grant under this section,
an entity shall—
‘‘(1) be a shipyard or other entity that provides ship repair
or alteration for non-nuclear ships;
‘‘(2) submit an application, at such time, in such form,
and containing such information and assurances as the Sec-
retary may require, including a comprehensive description of—
‘‘(A) the need for the project or program proposed to
be funded under the grant;
‘‘(B) the methodology to be used to implement the
project or program; and
‘‘(C) any existing programs or arrangements that could
be used to supplement or leverage a grant provided under
this section; and
‘‘(3) enter into an agreement with the Secretary under
which the entity agrees—
‘‘(A) to complete the project or program funded by
the grant within a certain timeframe and without
unreasonable delay and the Secretary determines such
project or program is likely to be completed within the
timeframe provided in such agreement;
‘‘(B) to return to the Secretary any amount of the
grant that is—
‘‘(i) not used by the grant recipient for the purpose
for which the grant was awarded; or
‘‘(ii) not obligated or expended within the time-
frame provided in the agreement;
‘‘(C) to maintain such records as the Secretary may
require and make such records available for review and
audit by the Secretary; and
‘‘(D) not to purchase any product or material for the
project or program using grant funds, including any
commercially available off-the-shelf item, unless such
product or material is—
‘‘(i) an unmanufactured article, material, or supply
that has been mined or produced in the United States;
or
H. R. 2670—249
‘‘(ii) a manufactured article, material, or supply
that has been manufactured in the United States
substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies
mined, produced, or manufactured in the United
States.
‘‘(c) GUIDELINES.—The Secretary shall issue guidelines to estab-
lish appropriate accounting, reporting, and review procedures to
ensure that—
‘‘(1) amounts awarded as grants under this section are
used for the purposes for which such amounts were made
available; and
‘‘(2) an entity that receives a grant under this section
complies with the terms of the agreement such entity enters
into with the Secretary pursuant to subsection (b)(3).
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘commercially available off-the-shelf item’—
‘‘(A) means any item of supply (including construction
material) that is—
‘‘(i) a commercial item, as defined by section 2.101
of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect
on the date of the enactment of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024); and
‘‘(ii) sold in substantial quantities in the commer-
cial marketplace; and
‘‘(B) does not include bulk cargo, as defined in section
40102(4) of title 46, such as agricultural products and
petroleum products.
‘‘(2) The term ‘product or material’, with respect to a project
or program—
‘‘(A) means an article, material, or supply brought to
the site where the project or program is being carried
out for incorporation into the project or program; and
‘‘(B) includes an item brought to the site preassembled
from articles, materials, or supplies.
‘‘(3) The term ‘United States’ includes the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern
Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Virgin
Islands.’’.
SEC. 1018. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE PROVISION OF LAW REGARDING
VESSEL NOMENCLATURE.
Section 8662 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking subsection (b); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
SEC. 1019. RESPONSIBILITY OF COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
WITH RESPECT TO NAVAL BATTLE FORCE SHIP ASSESS-
MENT AND REQUIREMENT REPORTING.
Section 8695(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘AMPHIBIOUS
WARFARE SHIPS’’ and inserting ‘‘RESPONSIBILITIES
OF COM-
MANDANT OF MARINE CORPS’’; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
‘‘and for naval vessels with the primary mission of transporting
Marines’’.
H. R. 2670—250
SEC. 1020. POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES ON SHIPBUILDING
DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE.
Section 1025(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 7291 note) is
amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘United States’’ and all that follows and
inserting ‘‘United States—’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(1) to have available, as soon as practicable, not fewer
than 355 battle force ships, comprised of the optimal mix of
platforms, with funding subject to the availability of appropria-
tions or other funds; and
‘‘(2) that the United States shipbuilding defense industrial
base is fundamental to achieving the shipbuilding requirements
of the Navy and constitutes a unique national security impera-
tive that requires sustainment and support by the Navy and
Congress.’’.
SEC. 1021. PROHIBITION ON RETIREMENT OF CERTAIN NAVAL VES-
SELS.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
for fiscal year 2024 may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare
to retire, or place in storage any of the following naval vessels:
(1) USS Germantown (LSD 42).
(2) USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).
(3) USS Tortuga (LSD 46).
(4) USS Shiloh (CG 67).
SEC. 1022. AUTHORITY TO USE INCREMENTAL FUNDING TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ADVANCE PROCUREMENT
AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SAN ANTONIO-CLASS AMPHIB-
IOUS SHIP.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
this Act or otherwise made available for the Navy for Shipbuilding
and Conversion for any of fiscal years 2023 through 2025 may
be used by the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an incrementally
funded contract for the advance procurement and construction of
a San Antonio-class amphibious ship.
(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—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.
SEC. 1023. AUTHORITY TO USE INCREMENTAL FUNDING TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE ADVANCE PROCUREMENT
AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBMARINE TENDER.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated by
this Act or otherwise made available for the Navy for Shipbuilding
and Conversion for fiscal year 2024 may be used by the Secretary
of the Navy to enter into an incrementally funded contract for
the advance procurement and construction of a submarine tender.
(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—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
H. R. 2670—251
Government for the termination of the contract shall be limited
to the total amount of funding obligated at time of termination.
SEC. 1024. BIANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON SUBMARINE READINESS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and once every 180 days thereafter
until September 30, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on submarine
maintenance and readiness.
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing required under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) An overview of submarine maintenance activities,
including—
(A) the original estimated schedule for completion of
attack, ballistic, and guided missile submarine depot-level
maintenance activities;
(B) any adjustments made to such schedule;
(C) in the case of any such adjustment—
(i) the reason why the adjustment was necessary;
and
(ii) an identification of the new timeframe for
completion and any additional costs, broken out by
shipyard or private entity (by site), by name, and by
type of submarine;
(iii) a discussion of the reasons for the scheduling
delays (manpower, parts, or other), including projec-
tions with respect to the availability of parts;
(iv) a discussion of how the cannibalization of sub-
marines for parts affects the overall maintenance
capacity and scheduling, as well as a discussion on
how moving money from program to program during
the year of execution affects the scheduling of mainte-
nance; and
(v) a discussion of the efforts the Navy has taken
to address the ongoing delays.
(2) A discussion of ongoing Shipyard Infrastructure
Optimization Program efforts and how such efforts affect depot-
level maintenance activities for attack, ballistic, and guided
missile submarines.
(3) A discussion of how the Department of the Navy is
applying lessons learned from other Navy programs to the
submarine maintenance enterprise.
(4) Recommendations for legislative changes required with
respect to policies or resources to ensure efficient and effective
maintenance and operational readiness for the submarine
enterprise.
Subtitle D—Counterterrorism
SEC. 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), as most recently amended by section 1031 of the James
H. R. 2670—252
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263), is further amended by striking ‘‘December
31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 1032. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO CON-
STRUCT 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), as most recently amended by section 1032 of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263), is further amended by striking ‘‘December
31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 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), as most recently amended by section 1033 of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263), is further amended by striking ‘‘December
31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 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), as most
recently amended by section 1034 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–
263), is further amended by striking ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘2024’’.
Subtitle E—Miscellaneous Authorities and
Limitations
SEC. 1041. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF CERTAIN FUNDS UNTIL
SUBMISSION
OF
CHAIRMAN’S
RISK
ASSESSMENT;
BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.
(a) OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF.—
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act for
fiscal year 2024 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and
available for the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff for travel expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated
or expended until the date that is 15 days after the date on
which the Secretary of Defense submits to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives the
risk assessment mandated by paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of
section 153 of title 10, United States Code, and required to be
submitted pursuant to paragraph (3) of such subsection by not
later than February 15, 2024.
(b) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—Of the amounts
authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2024
for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for
H. R. 2670—253
the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not
more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the
date that is 15 days after the date on which the Secretary submits
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives the risk mitigation plan required to be submitted
as part of the assessment referred to in subsection (a), if applicable.
(c) BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.—Section 153 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
‘‘(d) BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.—(1) Not later than 15 days after
the submission of the risk assessment required under subsection
(b)(2) or March 1 of each even-numbered year, whichever is earlier,
the Chairman shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on
the activities of the Chairman under this section.
‘‘(2) The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include—
‘‘(A) a detailed review of the risk assessment required
under paragraph (2) of subsection (b), including how such risk
assessment addresses the elements required in subparagraph
(B) of such paragraph;
‘‘(B) an analysis of how the risk assessment informs and
supports other Joint Staff assessments, including joint capa-
bility development assessments, joint force development assess-
ments, comprehensive joint readiness assessments, and global
military integration assessments; and
‘‘(C) if the risk assessment is not delivered at or before
the time of the briefing, a timeline for when the risk assessment
will be submitted to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and the House of Representatives.’’.
SEC. 1042. ASSISTANCE IN SUPPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
ACCOUNTING FOR MISSING UNITED STATES GOVERN-
MENT PERSONNEL.
(a) MODIFICATION
OF ASSISTANCE.—Section 408 of title 10,
United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘Equipment and
training of foreign personnel to assist in’’ and inserting
‘‘Assistance in support of’’;
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(5) Funds.’’;
(3) in subsection (d)—
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘LIMITATION’’
and inserting ‘‘LIMITATIONS’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘The’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) Except as pro-
vided in paragraph (2), the’’;
(C) by striking ‘‘$1,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$5,000,000’’;
and
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(2) The Secretary may waive the limitation under paragraph
(1) if the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees
notice of the waiver together with the reasons why the waiver
is necessary.
‘‘(3) No assistance may be provided under this section to a
foreign nation the government of which the Secretary of State
determines has repeatedly provided support for international ter-
rorism pursuant to—
H. R. 2670—254
‘‘(A) section 1754(c)(1)(A) of the Export Control Reform
Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c)(1)(A));
‘‘(B) section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2371); or
‘‘(C) section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2780).’’;
(4) by striking subsection (f); and
(5) by adding at the end the following new subsection
(f):
‘‘(f) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than December 31 of each
year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report on the assistance provided under this
section during the preceding fiscal year.’’.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than July 1, 2024, the Secretary of
Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the provision
of funds under section 408 of title 10, United States Code, as
amended by subsection (a), and the anticipated demand for such
funds.
SEC. 1043. IMPLEMENTATION OF ARRANGEMENTS TO BUILD TRANS-
PARENCY, CONFIDENCE, AND SECURITY.
Section 2241 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(d) IMPLEMENTATION OF VIENNA DOCUMENT 2011.—Amounts
appropriated for operation and maintenance may be used by the
Secretary of Defense for travel, transportation, and subsistence
expenses for meetings and demonstrations hosted by the Depart-
ment of Defense for the implementation of the Vienna Document
2011 on Confidence and Security-Building Measures.’’.
SEC. 1044. MODIFICATION TO DEFINITIONS OF CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE.
(a) LIMITATION ON PROVISION OF FUNDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF
HIGHER EDUCATION.—Paragraph (1) of section 1062(d) of the Wil-
liam M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 2241) is amended
to read as follows:
‘‘(1) CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE.—The term ‘Confucius Institute’
means—
‘‘(A) any program that receives funding or support
from—
‘‘(i) the Chinese International Education Founda-
tion; or
‘‘(ii) the Center for Language Exchange Coopera-
tion of the Ministry of Education of the People’s
Republic of China; or
‘‘(B) any cultural institute funded by the Government
of the People’s Republic of China.’’.
(b) PROHIBITION OF FUNDS FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE INSTRUC-
TION.—Paragraph (2) of section 1091(d) of the of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1998) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(2) CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE.—The term ‘Confucius Institute’
means—
‘‘(A) any program that receives funding or support
from—
‘‘(i) the Chinese International Education Founda-
tion; or
H. R. 2670—255
‘‘(ii) the Center for Language Exchange Coopera-
tion of the Ministry of Education of the People’s
Republic of China; or
‘‘(B) any cultural institute funded by the Government
of the People’s Republic of China.’’.
SEC. 1045. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY TO ISSUE WAIVER OF LIMITA-
TION ON USE OF FUNDS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER
EDUCATION HOSTING CONFUCIUS INSTITUTES.
Section 1062(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 10 U.S.C. 2241 note) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.—The authority to issue
a waiver under paragraph (1) shall terminate on October 1,
2026, and any waiver issued under such paragraph shall not
apply on or after such date.’’.
SEC. 1046. VETTING PROCEDURES AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ALLIES AND PARTNERS PARTICIPATING IN EDU-
CATION OR TRAINING ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) WAIVER BY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—Subsection (a) of sec-
tion 1090 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10
U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(5) WAIVER.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, with the
concurrence of the Secretary of State, and without delega-
tion, may waive the requirement to vet covered individuals
under this section—
‘‘(i) on a person-by-person basis, if the Secretary
of Defense determines that the waiver is in the national
security interests of the United States; or
‘‘(ii) on a country-by-country basis, with respect
to foreign nationals or other appropriate persons who
hold a security clearance issued by that country, if
the Secretary of Defense determines that the vetting
procedures of the country are functionally equivalent
to the vetting procedures of the United States for
United States military personnel.
‘‘(B) FUNCTIONAL EQUIVALENCE.—
‘‘(i) DEFINITION.—The Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence
and Security and in consultation, as appropriate, with
the Secretary of State, shall establish and submit to
the congressional defense committees a definition of
functional equivalence for purposes of making a deter-
mination under subparagraph (A)(ii). The Secretary
of Defense shall notify the congressional defense
committees of any subsequent modification the Sec-
retary makes to the definition.
‘‘(ii) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall
conduct an assessment of the vetting procedures of
a country prior to making a determination of functional
equivalence under subparagraph (A)(ii). Such assess-
ment shall take into consideration any information
H. R. 2670—256
about such procedures provided to the Secretary of
Defense by the Secretary of State.
‘‘(C) NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of
Defense shall submit a written notification to the congres-
sional defense committees not later than 48 hours after
exercising the waiver authority under subparagraph (A),
including a justification for the waiver and an assessment
of the vetting procedures of a country, if appropriate.’’.
(b) TYPE
OF ACCESS COVERED.—Subsections (a) through (c)
of such section 1090 are further amended by striking ‘‘physical
access’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘unescorted physical
access’’.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—
(1) COVERED INDIVIDUAL.—Subsection (e)(2) of such section
is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered individual’—
‘‘(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), means
a foreign national or other appropriate person who is—
‘‘(i) seeking unescorted physical access to a Depart-
ment of Defense installation or facility within the
United States; and
‘‘(ii)(I) selected, nominated, or accepted for training
or education for a period of more than 14 days occur-
ring on a Department of Defense installation or facility
within the United States; or
‘‘(II) an immediate family member accompanying
a foreign national or other appropriate person who
has been so selected, nominated, or accepted for such
training or education; and
‘‘(B) does not include a foreign national or other appro-
priate person of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the
United Kingdom who holds a security clearance issued
by the country of the foreign national and has provided
the Department of Defense a certification of such clear-
ance.’’.
(2) IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER.—Subsection (e)(4) of such
section is amended—
(A) by striking ‘‘means the parent’’ and inserting the
following: ‘‘means a person who—
‘‘(A) is the parent’’;
(B) in subparagraph (A), as designated by subpara-
graph (A) of this paragraph, by striking the period and
inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new subpara-
graph:
‘‘(B) has attained the age of 16 years old at the time
that unescorted physical access is to begin.’’.
(3) FOREIGN NATIONAL; OTHER APPROPRIATE PERSON.—Sec-
tion 1090(e) of such Act is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(5) The term ‘foreign national’ means a person who is
not a citizen or national of the United States or an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States
under the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101
et seq.).
‘‘(6) The term ‘other appropriate person’ means a person
who is a citizen of both the United States and another country
H. R. 2670—257
or who is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence
in the United States, if such person intends to attend training
or education on behalf of a foreign country.’’.
(d) CLARIFYING AMENDMENT.—Such section is further amended
by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘Sec-
retary of Defense’’ in the following provisions:
(1) Paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (a).
(2) Paragraph (1) of subsection (b) in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A).
SEC. 1047. AUTHORITY TO INCLUDE FUNDING REQUESTS FOR THE
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE PROGRAM IN
BUDGET ACCOUNTS OF MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.
Section 1701(d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103–160; 50 U.S.C. 1522(d)(2))
is amended by striking ‘‘may not be included in the budget accounts’’
and inserting ‘‘may be included in the budget accounts’’.
SEC. 1048. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS UNTIL DELIVERY
OF REPORT ON NEXT GENERATION TACTICAL COMMU-
NICATIONS.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States
Special Operations Command and the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict shall
jointly submit to the congressional defense committees a report
on special operations forces tactical communications requirements
and plans for addressing such requirements.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required under subsection (a) shall
include each of the following:
(1) A description of special operations forces tactical
communications requirements.
(2) An explanation of how funding provided in prior fiscal
years, and the proposed funding for fiscal year 2024, has
enhanced, and will continue to enhance, the fielding of tactical
communications capabilities to special operations forces compo-
nents.
(3) A description of deficiencies identified with the AN/
PRC-163 radio and a plan for addressing such deficiencies.
(4) An update on the status of fielding of two-channel
manpack and two-channel handheld radios to special operations
forces, including an explanation for any special operations forces
components or units that have requested, but not yet received,
such radios.
(5) An articulation of lessons learned from the prior testing
and fielding of tactical communications capabilities to meet
unique mission requirements of special operations forces compo-
nents.
(6) An explanation of the approach of the United States
Special Operations Command to ensuring that communications
capabilities under the tactical communications program meet
security and resiliency requirements mandated by section 168
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
(Public Law 116–92).
(7) Any other matter the Commander of United States
Special Operations Command and the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict
determine relevant.
H. R. 2670—258
(c) LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS.—Of the funds authorized
to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for
fiscal year 2024 for the United States Special Operations Command
for procurement of next generation tactical communications, not
more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the
Commander of United States Special Operations Command and
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low
Intensity Conflict submit to the congressional defense committees
the report required under subsection (a).
SEC. 1049. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURE OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE TO DETERMINE CERTAIN COMPLAINTS OR
REQUESTS REGARDING PUBLIC DISPLAYS OR PUBLIC
EXPRESSIONS OF RELIGION ON PROPERTY OF THE
DEPARTMENT.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe
regulations that establish the procedure for the timely determina-
tion of a covered complaint or request regarding a public display
or public expression of religion on property of the Department
of Defense. Such regulations shall ensure that—
(1) the officer or official of the Department who receives
such complaint or request forwards the covered complaint or
request—
(A) to the individual authorized to make a determina-
tion under subsection (b); and
(B) not later than 10 days after such receipt; and
(2) such individual—
(A) makes such determination not later than 30 days
after such individual receives such forwarded covered com-
plaint or request; and
(B) timely notifies the individual or entity who made
such covered complaint or request, and the officer or official
of the Department who received such covered complaint
or request, of such determination.
(b) DETERMINATIONS.—A determination under regulations pre-
scribed under subsection (a) shall be made—
(1) by—
(A) the Secretary of the military department concerned;
or
(B) the head of the Defense Agency or Department
of Defense Field Activity concerned; and
(2) after consultation with—
(A)(i) in the case of a determination made by the Sec-
retary of the military department concerned, the Chief
of Chaplains of the military department concerned; or
(ii) in the case of a determination made by the head
of the Defense Agency or Department of Defense Field
Activity concerned, the Armed Forces Chaplains Board;
and
(B)(i) a civilian attorney under the jurisdiction the
Secretary of the military department concerned or the head
of the Defense Agency or Department of Defense Field
Activity concerned; or
(ii) an officer of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
H. R. 2670—259
(c) COVERED COMPLAINT OR REQUEST DEFINED.—In this section,
the term ‘‘covered complaint or request’’ means a complaint or
request—
(1) regarding a public display or public expression of reli-
gion on property of the Department of Defense; and
(2) made by an individual or entity other than—
(A) a member of the Armed Forces;
(B) a civilian employee of the Department of Defense;
or
(C) a contractor of the Department of Defense.
SEC. 1050. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR DESTRUC-
TION OF LANDMINES.
(a) LIMITATION.—Except as provided in subsection (b), of the
funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made
available for fiscal year 2024 for the Department of Defense for
the destruction of anti-personnel landmine munitions, not more
than 30 percent may be obligated or expended before the date
on which the Secretary of Defense submits the report required
by subsection (c).
(b) EXCEPTION FOR SAFETY.—Notwithstanding subsection (a),
the Secretary may obligate or expend funds referred to in such
subsection in excess of the limitation under such subsection as
necessary for the destruction of any anti-personnel landmine muni-
tion that the Secretary determines is unsafe or could pose a safety
risk to the United States Armed Forces if not demilitarized or
destroyed.
(c) REPORT REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—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 each of the following:
(A) A description of the policy of the Department of
Defense regarding the use of anti-personnel landmines,
including any available methods for commanders to seek
waivers to use such munitions.
(B) Projections covering the period of 10 years following
the date of the report of—
(i) the inventory levels for all anti-personnel land-
mine munitions, taking into account future production
of anti-personnel landmine munitions, any plans for
demilitarization of such munitions, the age of the muni-
tions, storage and safety considerations, and any other
factors that are expected to affect the size of the inven-
tory;
(ii) the cost to achieve the inventory levels pro-
jected in clause (i), including the cost for potential
demilitarization or disposal of such munitions; and
(iii) the cost to develop and produce new anti-
personnel landmine munitions if the Secretary deter-
mines such munitions are necessary to meet the
demands of operational plans.
(C) An assessment by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff of the adequacy of the inventory levels projected
under subparagraph (B)(i) to meet operational require-
ments.
H. R. 2670—260
(D) Any other matters that the Secretary determines
appropriate for inclusion in the report.
(2) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by paragraph
(1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include
a classified annex.
(d) BRIEFING REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on
the status, as of the date of the briefing, of research and
development into operational alternatives to anti-personnel
landmine munitions.
(2) FORM OF BRIEFING.—The briefing required by paragraph
(1) may contain classified information.
(e) ANTI-PERSONNEL LANDMINE MUNITIONS DEFINED.—In this
section, the term ‘‘anti-personnel landmine munitions’’ includes anti-
personnel landmines and submunitions, as defined by the Conven-
tion on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and
Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, con-
cluded at Oslo September 18, 1997, as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 1051. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TRAVEL
EXPENSES OF OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
UNTIL SUBMISSION OF CERTAIN PLANS.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for
fiscal year 2024 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and
available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel
expenses, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended
until the Secretary of Defense submits—
(1) the implementation plan required by section 1087(b)
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2802; 10 U.S.C. 161 note)
relating to the requirement of such section to establish a joint
force headquarters in the area of operations of United States
Indo-Pacific Command to serve as an operational command;
and
(2) the plan required by section 1332(g) of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law
117–81; 135 Stat. 2008) relating to strategic competition in
the areas of responsibility of United States Southern Command
and United States Africa Command.
SEC. 1052. PROHIBITION ON DISPLAY OF UNAPPROVED FLAGS.
(a) PROHIBITION.—No flag other than an approved flag shall
be displayed in any work place, common access area, or public
area of the Department of Defense.
(b) EXCLUSIONS.—The prohibition under subsection (a) shall
not apply to—
(1) the public display or depiction of a flag other than
an approved flag in a museum exhibit, State-issued license
plate, grave site, memorial marker, monument, educational
display, historical display, or work of art, if the nature of
the display or depiction cannot reasonably be viewed as
endorsement of the flag by the Department of Defense; or
(2) a building or area that primarily serves as a place
of residence, including a barracks, dormitory, bachelor quarters,
government-operated
housing,
or
public-private
venture
housing area.
H. R. 2670—261
(c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect the authority of a military commander to enforce
good order and discipline on a military installation.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘approved flag’’ means any of the following:
(A) The American flag.
(B) The flag of a State or of the District of Columbia.
(C) A military service flag.
(D) A flag or general officer flag.
(E)
A
Presidentially-appointed,
Senate-confirmed
civilian flag.
(F) A Senior Executive Service or military department-
specific flag.
(G) The National League of Families POW/MIA flag.
(H) The flag of another country that is an ally or
partner of the United States or for official protocol pur-
poses.
(I) The flag of an organization of which the United
States is a member.
(J) A ceremonial, command, unit, or branch flag or
guidon.
(K) The flag of an athletic team, club, cadet-led
organization, academic department, unit subdivision, or
other entity approved to operate at a Service Academy
(as such term is defined in section 347 of title 10, United
States Code) or in conjunction with a Reserve Officer
Training Corps activity.
(L) A flag or banner displayed by a retail tenant or
non-government entity operating in a building owned or
controlled by the Department of Defense, for the purposes
of advertising business products and services, if authorized
by contract.
(M) A religious flag or banner, including a holiday
flag, if otherwise authorized.
(N) A flag approved at the discretion of the military
chain of command or senior civilian leadership, as appro-
priate.
(2) The term ‘‘work place, common access area, or public
area of the Department of Defense’’ includes the following:
(A) An office building, facility, naval vessel, aircraft,
governmental vehicle, hangar, garage, ready room, storage
room, tool and equipment room, or workshop.
(B) A sensitive compartmented information facility of
other secure facility.
(C) A schoolhouse or training facility.
(D) The area in plain view of such a building that
is not residential in nature, including the areas outside
of buildings of the Department of Defense.
SEC. 1053. COLLABORATION WITH PARTNER COUNTRIES TO DEVELOP
AND
MAINTAIN
MILITARY-WIDE
TRANSFORMATIONAL
STRATEGIES FOR OPERATIONAL ENERGY.
Section 2926(e)(2)(E) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘An assessment’’ and inserting ‘‘A biennial
assessment’’;
H. R. 2670—262
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘, which
shall include—’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clauses:
‘‘(i) an identification of efforts by the United States
and allied and partner countries to mitigate mutual con-
tested logistics challenges and to develop complementary
energy security and energy reliance measures;
‘‘(ii) an analysis of investments made by allied and
partner countries in any technology, including electric,
hydrogen, nuclear, biofuels, and any other sustainable fuel
technology or renewable energy technology, that may
reduce demand for operational energy in the near-term
or long-term;
‘‘(iii) an identification of any limitations or barriers
to closing or mitigating gaps in operational energy invest-
ment with allied and partner countries, including any addi-
tional authorities or appropriations that may be required;
and
‘‘(iv) an analysis of the feasibility and advisability of
establishing a partnership program using existing authori-
ties to collaborate with the national security forces of allied
and partner countries for the purpose of developing and
maintaining transformational strategies for operational
energy with the objectives of enhancing the readiness of
such countries and employing diverse energy sources that
reduce demand and logistical vulnerabilities.’’.
SEC. 1054. STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT FOR DISLOCATED MILITARY
SPOUSES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 455(f) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(f)) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
‘‘(4) DEFERMENT FOR DISLOCATED MILITARY SPOUSES.—
‘‘(A) DURATION
AND
EFFECT
ON
PRINCIPAL
AND
INTEREST.—A borrower of a loan made under this part
who meets the requirements of subparagraph (B) shall
be eligible for a deferment for an aggregate period of 180
days, during which periodic installments of principal need
not be paid, and interest—
‘‘(i) shall not accrue, in the case of a—
‘‘(I) Federal Direct Stafford Loan; or
‘‘(II) a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan that
consolidated only Federal Direct Stafford Loans,
or a combination of such loans and Federal Staf-
ford Loans for which the student borrower received
an interest subsidy under section 428; or
‘‘(ii) shall accrue and be capitalized or paid by
the borrower, in the case of a Federal Direct PLUS
Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan,
or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan not described
in clause (i)(II).
‘‘(B) ELIGIBILITY.—A borrower of a loan made under
this part shall be eligible for a deferment under subpara-
graph (A) if the borrower—
H. R. 2670—263
‘‘(i) is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces
serving on active duty; and
‘‘(ii) has experienced a loss of employment as a
result of relocation to accommodate a permanent
change in duty station of such member.
‘‘(C) DOCUMENTATION AND APPROVAL.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—A borrower may establish eligi-
bility for a deferment under subparagraph (A) by pro-
viding to the Secretary—
‘‘(I) the documentation described in clause (ii);
or
‘‘(II) such other documentation as the Sec-
retary determines appropriate.
‘‘(ii)
DOCUMENTATION.—The
documentation
described in this clause is—
‘‘(I) evidence that the borrower is the spouse
of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active
duty;
‘‘(II) evidence that a military permanent
change of station order was issued to such member;
and
‘‘(III)(aa) evidence that the borrower is eligible
for unemployment benefits due to a loss of employ-
ment resulting from relocation to accommodate
such permanent change in duty station; or
‘‘(bb) a written certification, or an equivalent
as approved by the Secretary, that the borrower
is registered with a public or private employment
agency due to a loss of employment resulting from
relocation to accommodate such permanent change
in duty station.’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection
(a) shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
Subtitle F—Studies and Reports
SEC. 1061. MODIFICATIONS OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) CONSOLIDATED BUDGET QUARTERLY REPORT
ON USE
OF
FUNDS.—Section 381(b) of title 10, United States Code, is
amended—
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘QUARTERLY
REPORT’’ and inserting ‘‘SEMIANNUAL REPORT’’;
(2) by striking ‘‘Not later than 60 days after the end of
each calendar quarter, the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’;
(3) by striking ‘‘Defense during such calendar quarter’’
and inserting ‘‘Defense—’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(1) by not later than August 31 of each year, for the
first six-month period of that year; and
‘‘(2) by not later than February 28 of each year, for the
second six-month period of the preceding year.’’.
(b) NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY FOR THE NATIONAL TECH-
NOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL BASE.—Section 4811(a) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘The Secretary shall submit
such strategy to Congress not later than 180 days after the date
H. R. 2670—264
of submission of the national security strategy report required under
section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043).’’
and inserting ‘‘The Secretary shall submit such strategy to Congress
as an integrated part of the report submitted under section 4814
of this title.’’.
(c) NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL BASE REPORT AND
QUARTERLY BRIEFING.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 4814 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended—
(A) by amending the section heading to read as follows:
‘‘§ 4814. National technology and industrial base: biennial
report’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘(a) ANNUAL REPORT.—’’;
(C) by striking ‘‘March 1 of each year’’ and inserting
‘‘March 1 of each odd-numbered year’’; and
(D) by striking subsection (b).
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 382 of such title is amended by striking
the item relating to section 4814 and inserting the following:
‘‘4814. National technology and industrial base: biennial report.’’.
(3) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—Section 858(b)(2) of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended—
(A) by striking subparagraph (A); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (H)
as subparagraphs (A) through (G), respectively.
(d) ANNUAL MILITARY CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS REPORT.—Sec-
tion 1644 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2020 (10 U.S.C. 394 note; Public Law 116–92) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a) in the matter preceding paragraph
(1) in the first sentence—
(A) by inserting ‘‘effects’’ after ‘‘all named military
cyberspace’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘, operations, cyber effects enabling
operations, and cyber operations conducted as defensive
operations’’ and inserting ‘‘conducted for either offensive
or defensive purposes’’; and
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting ‘‘or cyber effects operations
for which Congress has otherwise been provided notice’’ before
the period.
(e) EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE
ASSISTANCE TO THE VETTED SYRIAN OPPOSITION.—Section 1231(d)
of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232) is amended—
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘QUARTERLY’’
and inserting ‘‘SEMIANNUAL’’; and
(2) in paragraph (1)—
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ‘‘quarterly’’ and inserting ‘‘semiannual’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘90-day’’ and
inserting ‘‘180-day’’.
(f) THEFT, LOSS, OR RELEASE OF BIOLOGICAL SELECT AGENTS
OR TOXINS INVOLVING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—Section 1067(a)
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017
(Public Law 114–328; 50 U.S.C. 1528(a)) is amended to read as
follows:
H. R. 2670—265
‘‘(a) NOTIFICATION.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), not later than
45 days after a covered report of any theft, loss, or release of
a biological select agent or toxin involving the Department of
Defense is filed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Secretary
of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, shall provide
to the congressional defense committees notice of such theft, loss,
or release.
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense
committees notice of a release under paragraph (1) only if the
Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, determines that
the release is outside the barriers of secondary containment into
the ambient air or environment or is causing occupational exposure
that presents a threat to public safety.
‘‘(3) In this subsection, the term ‘covered report’ means a report
filed under any of the following (or any successor regulations):
‘‘(A) Section 331.19 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations.
‘‘(B) Section 121.19 of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations.
‘‘(C) Section 73.19 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations.’’.
(g) AUDIT
OF DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE FINANCIAL STATE-
MENTS.—Section 240a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘(A) ANNUAL AUDIT REQUIRED.—’’; and
(2) by striking subsection (b).
(h) FINANCIAL IMPROVEMENT AND AUDIT REMEDIATION PLAN.—
Section 240b(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘June 30, 2019,
and annually thereafter’’ and inserting ‘‘July 31 each year’’;
(B) in subparagraph (B)—
(i) by striking clauses (vii) through (x); and
(ii) by redesignating clauses (xi), (xii), and (xiii)
as clauses (vii), (viii), and (ix), respectively; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(2) in paragraph (2)—
(A) in subparagraph (A)—
(i) by striking ‘‘June 30’’ and inserting ‘‘July 31’’;
and
(ii) by striking the second sentence; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)—
(i) by striking ‘‘June 30’’ and inserting ‘‘July 31’’;
and
(ii) by striking the second sentence.
(i) ANNUAL REPORTS
ON FUNDING.—Section 1009(c) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public
Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 240b note) is amended by striking ‘‘five
days’’ and inserting ‘‘10 days’’.
SEC. 1062. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPORT FOR DEPARTMENT
OF HOMELAND SECURITY AT THE INTERNATIONAL BOR-
DERS OF THE UNITED STATES.
Section 1014(d)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 271 note)
is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and inserting
‘‘December 31, 2025’’.
H. R. 2670—266
SEC. 1063. BRIEFING ON DEFENSE POW/MIA ACCOUNTING AGENCY
CAPABILITIES REQUIRED TO EXPAND ACCOUNTING FOR
PERSONS MISSING FROM DESIGNATED PAST CONFLICTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2024, and annually
thereafter for each of the next five years, the Director of the Defense
POW/MIA Accounting Agency shall provide to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a
briefing on the capabilities required to expand accounting for per-
sons missing from designated past conflicts.
(b) AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS.—The Director of
the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency may enter into agree-
ments with universities or research organizations under which such
universities or research organizations agree to provide additional
capabilities for specialized missions or research requirements
relating to expanding accounting for persons missing from des-
ignated past conflicts.
SEC. 1064. AIR FORCE PLAN FOR MAINTAINING PROFICIENT AIRCREWS
IN CERTAIN MISSION AREAS.
(a) PLAN REQUIRED.— The Secretary of the Air Force shall
develop a plan, and the associated actions and milestones for imple-
menting the plan, to designate, equip, and train the number of
combat air forces aviation units (in this section referred to as
‘‘CAF units’’), equipped with fixed-wing or rotorcraft assets, that
are required in order to maintain proficient aircrew skills in accord-
ance with the Core Mission Essential Task List and Designed
Operational Capability Statement of each such unit in the following
mission areas:
(1) Close air support.
(2) Forward air controller–airborne.
(3) Combat search and rescue.
(4) Airborne battle management.
(b) REPORT.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to
the congressional defense committees a report on the plan required
under subsection (a). Such report shall include the following
information:
(1) The number of CAF units required to meet steady-
state, contingency, and wartime mission requirements for each
mission area referred to in subsection (a).
(2) The number of proficient aircrews each unit must main-
tain in order to be qualified and current in each such mission
area.
(3) The number of CAF units and aircrew personnel that,
as of the date of the enactment of this Act, are trained and
equipped to meet steady-state, contingency, and wartime mis-
sion requirements for each such mission area.
(4) The location of any CAF unit and associated aircraft
that have been designated to be proficient in such mission
areas.
(5) The minimum quantity of initial training and continu-
ation training sorties and events aircrews will be required
to achieve monthly and yearly to be qualified as proficient,
current, and experienced in such mission areas.
(6) Any other information, data, or analyses the Secretary
determines relevant.
(c) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of the Air Force may not reduce
the total inventory of the Air Force of A-10 aircraft below 218
H. R. 2670—267
until the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Secretary
submits the report required under subsection (b).
(d) DEFINITION OF PROFICIENT.—In this section, the term ‘‘pro-
ficient’’, with respect to an aircrew, means that such aircrew—
(1) has thorough knowledge but occasionally may make
an error of omission or commission;
(2) is able to operate in a complex, fluid environment and
is able to handle most contingencies and unusual circumstances;
and
(3) is prepared for mission tasking on the first sortie in
a theater of operations.
SEC. 1065. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON NAVAL MINE WARFARE.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—Not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall
seek to enter into an agreement with a federally funded research
and development center to conduct an independent study of the
mine warfare capabilities of the Navy.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) shall include
an assessment and comprehensive review of—
(1) the offensive and defensive mine warfare capabilities
of the Navy; and
(2) the offensive mine inventories of Navy as of the date
of study.
(c) RESULTS.—Following the completion of the study under sub-
section (a), the federally funded research and development center
that conducts the study shall submit to the Secretary of Defense
a report on the results of the study. The report shall include—
(1) a summary of the research and other activities carried
out as part of the study; and
(2) considerations and recommendations to improve the
mine warfare capabilities of the Navy, including recommenda-
tions for any legislation that may be needed for such purpose.
(d) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives—
(A) an unaltered copy of the results of the study, as
submitted to the Secretary under subsection (c); and
(B) the written responses of the Secretary and the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to such results.
(2) FORM.—The submission under paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
SEC. 1066. ANNUAL REPORT AND BRIEFING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF
FORCE DESIGN 2030.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than February 15, 2024, and
annually thereafter through February 15, 2030, the Commandant
of the Marine Corps shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report detailing the programmatic choices made to
implement Force Design 2030, including both new developmental
and fielded capabilities, as well as capabilities and capacity divested
to accelerate the implementation of Force Design 2030.
(b) BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.—Not later than March 15, 2024,
and annually thereafter through March 15, 2030, the Commandant
of the Marine Corps shall provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing on the elements described in subsection (c).
H. R. 2670—268
(c) ELEMENTS.—Each report required under subsection (a) and
briefing required under subsection (b) shall include the following
elements:
(1) An assessment of changes in the national defense
strategy, Defense Planning Guidance, Joint Warfighting Con-
cept (and associated concept required capabilities), and other
planning processes that informed Force Design 2030.
(2) An inventory and assessment of the exercises and
experimentation related to the Force Design, starting in fiscal
year 2020, including an identification of the capabilities that
were involved and the extent to which such exercises and
experimentation validated or militated against proposed capa-
bility investments.
(3) An inventory of divestments of capability or capacity,
whether force structure or equipment, starting in fiscal year
2020, including—
(A) a timeline of the progress of each divestment;
(B) the type of force structure or equipment divested
or reduced;
(C) the percentage of force structure or equipment
divested or reduced, including any equipment entered into
inventory management or another form of storage;
(D) the rationale and context behind such divestment;
(E) an identification of whether such divestment affects
the ability of the Marine Corps to meet the requirements
of the Global Force Management process and operational
plans, including an explanation of how the Marine Corps
plans to mitigate the loss of such capability or capacity
if the divestment affects the ability of the Marine Corps
to meet the requirements of the Global Force Management
process and operational plans, including through new
investments, additional joint planning and training, or
other methods; and
(F) an assessment of the actual and projected recruit-
ment and retention percentages for the Marine Corps,
starting in fiscal year 2020.
(4) An inventory of extant or planned investments as a
part of Force Design 2030, disaggregated by integrated air
and missile defense, littoral mobility and maneuver, sea denial,
and
reconnaissance
and
counter-reconnaissance
forces,
including—
(A) capability name;
(B) capability purpose and context;
(C) capability being replaced (or not applicable);
(D) date of initial operational capability;
(E) date of full operational capability;
(F) deliveries of units by year; and
(G) approved acquisition objective or similar inventory
objective.
(5) A description of the amphibious warfare ship and mari-
time mobility requirements the Marine Corps submitted to
the Department of the Navy in support of the Marine Corps
organization and concepts under Force Design 2030 and its
statutory requirements, including—
(A) an explicit statement of the planning assumptions
about readiness of amphibious warfare ships and maritime
H. R. 2670—269
mobility platforms that were used in developing the
requirements; and
(B) an assessment of whether the 30-year shipbuilding
plan of the Navy and the budget for the fiscal year covered
by the briefing meet the amphibious ship requirements
of the Navy.
(6) An assessment of how the capability investments
described in paragraph (4) contribute to joint force efficacy
in new ways, including through support of other Armed Forces.
(7) An assessment of the ability of the Marine Corps to
generate required force elements for the Immediate Ready Force
and the Contingency Ready Force over the two fiscal years
preceding the fiscal year during which the report and briefing
are provided and the expected ability to generate forces for
the subsequent two fiscal years.
(8) An assessment of Marine Corps force structure and
the readiness of Marine Expeditionary Units compared to avail-
ability of amphibious ships comprising an Amphibious Ready
Group over the two fiscal years preceding the fiscal year during
which the report and briefing are provided and the expected
availability for the subsequent two fiscal years.
(9) An assessment by the Marine Corps of the compliance
of the Marine Corps with the statutory organization prescribed
in section 8063 of title 10, United States Code, that ‘‘[t]he
Marine Corps, within the Department of the Navy, shall be
so organized as to include not less than three combat divisions
and three air wings, and such other land combat, aviation,
and other services as may be organic therein’’.
(10) An assessment by the Marine Corps of the compliance
of the Marine Corps with the statutory functions prescribed
in section 8063 of title 10, United States Code, that ‘‘[t]he
Marine Corps shall be organized, trained, and equipped to
provide fleet marine forces of combined arms, together with
supporting air components, for service with the fleet in the
seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct
of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution
of a naval campaign’’.
(d) EFFECT ON OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—Effective on the date
of the submission of the first report required under subsection
(a), the requirement to provide a briefing pursuant to section 1023
of the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263) shall cease to have force or effect.
SEC. 1067. STUDY AND REPORT ON POTENTIAL INCLUSION OF BLACK
BOX DATA RECORDERS IN TACTICAL VEHICLES.
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall
carry out a study to determine the extent to which the Department
of Defense has evaluated feasability and advisability of equipping
all tactical vehicles of the Armed Forces with black box data
recorders.
(b) REPORT.—The Comptroller General shall—
(1) not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the preliminary
findings of the study conducted under subsection (a); and
H. R. 2670—270
(2) submit to the congressional defense committees a final
report on such study.
SEC. 1068. PLAN ON COUNTERING HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
(a) PLAN.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a plan for coordinating with
defense partners in North America and South America and sup-
porting interagency departments and agencies, as appropriate, in
countering human trafficking operations, including human traf-
ficking by transnational criminal organizations.
(b) ELEMENTS OF PLAN.—The plan under subsection (a) shall
include—
(1) a description of the threat to United States security
from human trafficking operations;
(2) a description of the authorities of the Department of
Defense for the purposes specified in subsection (a);
(3) a description of any current or proposed Department
of Defense programs or activities to coordinate with defense
partners or provide support to interagency departments and
agencies as described in subsection (a); and
(4) any recommendations of the Secretary of Defense for
additional authorities for the purposes of countering human
trafficking, including by transnational criminal organizations.
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the submission
of the plan required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense
shall brief the appropriate congressional committees regarding the
authorities, programs, and activities of the Department of Defense
to counter human trafficking operations.
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—In this section,
the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means—
(1) the congressional defense committees;
(2) the Committee on Homeland Security and Govern-
mental Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate; and
(3) the Committee on Oversight and Administration and
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representa-
tives.
SEC. 1069. UPDATE TO STRATEGIC PLAN ON DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS PRO-
GRAM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall update the
strategic plan for the combating trafficking in persons program
of the Department of Defense.
(b) ELEMENTS OF PLAN.—The updated strategic plan required
under subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
(1) An assessment of the efforts of the Department of
Defense to combat trafficking in persons in areas with high
populations of members of the United States Armed Forces,
including in overseas locations.
(2) A review of the coordination of efforts of the Department
to combat trafficking in persons across the military departments
in areas where multiple military departments operate bases.
(3) Recommendations for improved cooperation with local
communities and relevant Federal, State, and local law enforce-
ment agencies in addressing trafficking in persons.
H. R. 2670—271
(4) A review of new methods and concepts for combating
trafficking in persons that the Department has implemented
since the previous strategic plan.
(5) A description of plans of the Department to adapt
innovative approaches, and integrate new technologies.
(6) An analysis of Department capabilities to combat child
sexual abuse and exploitation in areas with high populations
of members of the United States Armed Forces, including over-
seas locations.
(7) Recommendations for programs to educate members
of the United States Armed Forces on how to identify and
report instances of child sexual abuse and exploitation, both
online and in-person, to the appropriate law enforcement
agency.
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than June 1, 2024, the Secretary of
Defense shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees
a briefing on the updated strategic plan required under subsection
(a).
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—In this section,
the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, and the Committee on Oversight and Account-
ability of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee Armed Services, the Committee on For-
eign Relations, and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
SEC. 1070. REPORT ON USE OF TACTICAL FIGHTER AIRCRAFT FOR
DEPLOYMENTS AND HOMELAND DEFENSE MISSIONS.
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of the Navy,
shall conduct a study on the use of Department of Defense tactical
fighter aircraft for deployments, including taskings supporting
homeland defense missions.
(b) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the study required under sub-
section (a), the Secretary shall—
(1) review both deployment and exercise requirements for
tactical fighter aircraft levied by each geographic combatant
command;
(2) assess the deployable forces currently available to fulfill
each of the requirements identified under paragraph (1),
including whether such forces are adequate to meet the global
requirements;
(3) review any relevant tactical fighter forces that are not
considered deployable or available to meet the requirements
of the combatant commanders and consider whether the status
of such forces can or should change;
(4) assess whether tactical fighter aircraft coverage of the
United States during the deployment of tactical fighter aircraft
to locations outside the United States has been adequately
considered, in particular with respect to the areas in and around
Alaska and Hawaii;
(5) assess the land-based tactical fighter aircraft units of
the active and reserve components of the Air Force, Navy,
and Marine Corps that could be considered for inclusion in
homeland defense mission requirements; and
H. R. 2670—272
(6) identify and evaluate deployment metrics, for each of
the 15 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year during which the
study is conducted, for the tactical fighter squadrons of the
active and reserve components of the Air Force, Navy, and
Marine Corps, which shall include—
(A) all contingency taskings supported, aggregated by
active and reserve component taskings supporting Oper-
ation Noble Eagle and President of the United States sup-
port missions and overseas contingency taskings;
(B) the average number of deployments per squadron,
aggregated by active and reserve component squadrons;
(C) the average deployment duration (in days), aggre-
gated by active and reserve components; and
(D) the percentage of days deployed, aggregated by
active and reserve components.
(c) REPORT.—Not later than May 1, 2024, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a
report that includes the results of a study required under subsection
(a).
SEC. 1071. REPORT ON EQUIPPING CERTAIN GROUND COMBAT UNITS
WITH SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consulta-
tion with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit
to the congressional defense committees a report on equipping pla-
toon-sized ground combat formations with group 1 or group 2
unmanned aerial systems.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report submitted pursuant to subsection
(a) shall address the following:
(1) The use of group 1 or group 2 unmanned aerial systems
in the Ukraine conflict and best practices learned.
(2) The potential use of group 1 or group 2 unmanned
aerial systems to augment small unit tactics and lethality in
the ground combat forces.
(3) Procurement challenges, legal restrictions, training
shortfalls, operational limitations, or other impediments to
fielding group 1 or group 2 unmanned aerial systems at the
platoon level.
(4) A plan to equip platoon-sized ground combat formations
in the close combat force with group 1 or group 2 unmanned
aerial systems at a basis of issue, as determined appropriate
by the Secretary of the military department concerned,
including a proposed timeline and fielding strategy.
(5) A plan to equip such other ground combat units with
group 1 or group 2 unmanned aerial systems, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary of the military department con-
cerned.
SEC. 1072. BIANNUAL BRIEFINGS ON HOMELAND DEFENSE PLANNING.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter through
February 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on efforts to bolster
homeland defense.
(b) CONTENTS.—
(1) FIRST BRIEFING.—The first briefing required by sub-
section (a) shall include each of the following:
H. R. 2670—273
(A) A detailed description of the homeland defense
policy guidance.
(B) The assumptions used in the drafting of such guid-
ance.
(C) If such guidance has not been completed, an expla-
nation of the reasons for the lack of completion and a
timeline for completion.
(2) ALL
BRIEFINGS.—Each briefing required under sub-
section (a) shall include each of the following:
(A) A summary of any update made to the homeland
defense policy guidance.
(B) An update on threats to the United States ema-
nating from the Government of the People’s Republic of
China, the Government of the Russian Federation, the
Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,
the Government of Iran, and any other adversary country,
as determined by the Secretary.
(C) A description of major actions taken by the Depart-
ment during the preceding fiscal year to respond to and
mitigate military threats to the United States.
(D) A description of the homeland defense policies of
the Department in the event of a military conflict with
the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation,
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Islamic
Republic of Iran, or any other country as determined by
the Secretary.
(E) Any other matter the Secretary considers relevant.
SEC. 1073. REPORT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF CURRENT USE OF UNITED
STATES NAVAL STATION, GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than April 30, 2024, the Secretary
of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the extent
to which United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,
is being used effectively to defend the national security interests
of the United States.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subsection (a) shall
include each of the following:
(1) An analysis of the intelligence collection, cyber, and
information operation activities in Cuba of the militaries of
foreign governments, including the Russian Federation and
the People’s Republic of China, and an assessment of the effects
of such activities.
(2) An identification of the mitigation measures currently
in place for addressing the activities referred to in paragraph
(1) and a discussion of any measures that would be appropriate
for further mitigation.
(3) Such other matters as the Secretary determines appro-
priate.
(c) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a)
shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
SEC. 1074. HOLISTIC TRAINING RANGE ASSESSMENT.
(a) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense, after
coordinating with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall
carry out a comprehensive assessment of the capabilities, limita-
tions, and anticipated future training constraints on the use of
H. R. 2670—274
military lands, marine areas, and airspace facilities that are avail-
able in the United States and overseas, for training of the covered
Armed Forces.
(b) CONTENTS.—The assessment required by subsection (a) shall
include each of the following:
(1) An assessment of the range capability of each facility.
(2) An assessment of current and future training require-
ments,
including
any
opportunities
for
regional
interconnectivity of existing sites to increase capability.
(3) An evaluation of the adequacy of current Department
of Defense resources (including virtual and constructive training
assets as well as military lands, marine areas, and airspace
available in the United States and overseas) to meet current
and future training range requirements—
(A) identified under paragraph (2);
(B) relating to testing and training of fifth generation
weapons systems; and
(C) relating to near-peer competition.
(4) An evaluation of threats posed by adversarial intel-
ligence collection at each facility.
(5) An assessment of current capacity for testing and
training of electromagnetic warfare operations, including—
(A) electromagnetic spectrum operations;
(B) operations in the information environment;
(C) Joint All Domain Command and Control; and
(D) information warfare.
(6) An assessment of current capacity for training and
testing and future potential for Joint All Domain operations,
including—
(A) an assessment of current shortfalls at domestic
military installations; and
(B) an analysis of ranges capable of hosting large-
scale, operationally relevant, live-fire campaign-level Joint
All Domain operations training exercises based on near-
peer competition.
(7) An assessment of the capacity of the covered Armed
Forces to routinely train, test, evaluate, and qualify theater-
level operations in support of operations versus a pacing threat,
as defined by the most recent national defense strategy sub-
mitted pursuant to section 113(g) of title 10, United States
Code, for the purpose of increasing the capacity and rate of
force readiness with respect to deterrence and defense at the-
ater-level distances. Such assessment shall include—
(A) an identification of areas in which multiple ranges
can be used simultaneously to simulate Pacific Deterrence
Initiative theater operation plans, including areas for over
water and coastline training;
(B) an analysis of the combined capability of the total
test or training areas to simulate various public, private,
and academic initiatives in support of the Pacific Deter-
rence Initiative while advancing military readiness; and
(C) a review of any test or training areas that may
enhance efforts of the Department to train at scale and
range when persistently networked into a live, virtual,
and constructive Pacific environment.
(8) Proposals to enhance training range capabilities and
mitigate any shortfalls or encroachment, including Department
H. R. 2670—275
assets within the range footprint, in current Department of
Defense resources identified pursuant to the assessment
required under this section, including timeline and budget esti-
mates for implementing any proposed mitigations.
(9) Such other matters as the Secretary determines appro-
priate.
(c) INITIAL REPORT.—At the same time as the submission of
the budget of the President to Congress pursuant to section 1105
of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2026, the Secretary
shall submit to the congressional defense committees an initial
report on the assessment required by subsection (a).
(d) SUBSEQUENT ANNUAL REPORTS.—At the same time as the
submission of the President submits to Congress pursuant to such
section for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report describing the progress made
in implementing the proposals referred to in subsection (b)(8) and
any additional actions taken, or to be taken, to address training
constraints caused by limitations on the use of military lands,
marine areas, and airspace.
(e) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine
Corps, and Space Force.
SEC. 1075. SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCE STRUCTURE.
(a) REPORT.—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 an assess-
ment of the optimal force structure for special operations forces.
Such report shall include—
(1) a description of the role of special operations forces
in implementing the most recent national defense strategy
under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code;
(2) a detailed accounting of the demand for special oper-
ations forces by the geographic combatant commands;
(3) an assessment of current and projected capabilities
and capacities of the general purpose forces of the United
States Armed Forces, including forces that enable special oper-
ations, that could affect force structure capability and capacity
requirements of special operations forces;
(4) an assessment of the size, composition, and organiza-
tional structure of the special operations command head-
quarters of each of the Armed Forces and subordinate head-
quarters elements;
(5) an assessment of the adequacy of special operations
force structure for meeting the goals of the National Military
Strategy under section 153(b) of title 10, United States Code;
(6) a description of the role of special operations forces
in supporting the Joint Concept for Competing; and
(7) any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines
relevant.
(b) NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.—Except as provided in subsection
(d), not later than 15 days before making any reduction in the
number of special operations forces by more than 1,000 personnel
and prior to implementing or announcing such reduction, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees written notification of the decision to make such reduction.
H. R. 2670—276
(c) CONTENTS OF NOTIFICATION.—A notification required under
subsection (b) shall include—
(1) details of the planned changes to force structure and
personnel requirements and a justification for the planned
changes, including—
(A) which units or occupational skills are planned to
be reduced or reallocated; and
(B) to which units or capabilities the force structure
is planned to be transferred or reallocated;
(2) an accounting of the personnel planned to be transferred
under the force structure change, including which units such
personnel are planned to be transferred to and from;
(3) an analysis of the expected implications of the planned
change on the ability of the Department of Defense to carry
out operational and campaign plans of combatant commanders,
support the Joint Concept for Competing, and meet the goals
of the most recent national defense strategy under section
113(g) of title 10, United States Code; and
(4) any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines
relevant.
(d) EXCEPTION.—The notification requirement under subsection
(b) shall not apply with respect to a reduction in the number
of special operations forces if the Secretary of Defense submits
to the congressional defense committees certification that such
reduction needs to be implemented expeditiously for reasons of
military urgency.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘special operations forces’’ means the forces
described in section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code.
(2) The term ‘‘force structure’’, when used with respect
to an organization, means—
(A) the mission of the organization;
(B) the personnel required to operate the organization;
and
(C) the equipment required to execute the mission
of the organization.
SEC. 1076. COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF MARINE CORPS FORCE
DESIGN 2030.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 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 for the conduct of an independent review,
assessment, and analysis of the modernization initiatives of the
Marine Corps. The agreement shall provide that not later than
one year after the date on which the Secretary and the center
enter into the agreement, the center shall provide to the Secretary
a report on the findings of the review, assessment, and analysis.
Upon receipt of the report, the Secretary shall transmit the report
to the congressional defense committees.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required under subsection (a) shall
include the following elements:
(1) An assessment of changes in the National Defense
Strategy, Defense Planning Guidance, the Joint Warfighting
Concept, and other strategic documents and concepts that
informed Force Design modernization requirements.
H. R. 2670—277
(2) An assessment of how the Marine Corps, consistent
with authorized end strength, can be structured, organized,
trained, equipped, and postured to meet the challenges of future
competition, crisis, and conflict to include discussion of multiple
structural options as relevant and the tradeoffs between dif-
ferent options.
(3) An assessment of the ability of the defense innovation
base and defense industrial base to develop and produce the
technologies required to implement the Force Design mod-
ernization plan published by the Marine Corps on a timeline
and at production rates sufficient to sustain military operations.
(4) An assessment of forward infrastructure and the extent
to which installations are operationalized to deter, compete,
and prevail during conflict in support of the Marine Corps
modernization.
(5) An assessment of whether the Marine Corps is in
compliance with the statutory organization and functions pre-
scribed in section 8063 of title 10, United States Code.
(6) An assessment of the current retention and recruiting
environment and the ability of the Marine Corps to sustain
manpower requirements necessary for operational requirements
levied by title 10, United States Code, in light of the published
Force Design plan.
(7) The extent to which the modernization initiatives within
the Marine Corps are nested within applicable joint warfighting
concepts.
(8) An assessment of whether the modernization of the
Marine Corps is consistent with the strategy of integrated
deterrence.
(9) An assessment of the ability of the Marine Corps to
generate required force elements for the Immediate Ready Force
and the Contingency Ready Force, based on current and
planned end strength and structure.
(10) The extent to which the plan for modernized capabili-
ties published by the Marine Corps can be integrated across
the Joint Force, including warfighting concepts at the combat-
ant command level.
(11) The extent to which the modernization efforts of the
Marine Corps currently meet the requirements of the current
plans of the combatant commanders and global force manage-
ment operations, including a description of any mechanisms
that exist to ensure geographic combatant requirements inform
Marine Corps modernization efforts.
(12) The extent to which modeling and simulation,
experimentation, wargaming, and other analytic methods sup-
port the changes incorporated into the modernization initiatives
of the Marine Corps, including the underlying assumptions
and outcomes of such analyses.
(13) An inventory of extant or planned investments as
part of the modernization efforts of the Marine Corps,
disaggregated by the following capability areas and including
actual or projected dates of Initial Operational Capability and
Full Operational Capability:
(A) Command and Control.
(B) Information.
(C) Intelligence.
(D) Fires.
H. R. 2670—278
(E) Movement and Maneuver.
(F) Protection.
(G) Sustainment.
(14) An inventory of divestments of capability or capacity,
whether force structure or equipment, starting in fiscal year
2020, including—
(A) a timeline of the progress of each divestment;
(B) the type of force structure or equipment divested
or reduced;
(C) the percentage of force structure of equipment
divested or reduced, including any equipment entered into
inventory management or other form of storage;
(D) the rationale and context behind such divestment;
and
(E) an identification of whether such divestment affects
the ability of the Marine Corps to meet the requirements
of Global Force Management process and the operational
plans.
(15) An assessment of how observations regarding the inva-
sion and defense of Ukraine affect the feasibility, advisability,
and suitability of the modernization plans published by the
Marine Corps.
(c) CLASSIFICATION OF REPORT.—The report required under sub-
section (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include
a classified appendix to the extent required to ensure that the
report is accurate and complete.
SEC. 1077. ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO
INFRASTRUCTURE, CAPACITY, RESOURCES, AND PER-
SONNEL ON GUAM.
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall
assess the infrastructure, capacity, resource, and personnel require-
ments for Guam during fiscal years 2024 through 2029 to meet
United States strategic objectives.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment under subsection (a) shall
include the following elements:
(1) An appraisal of the potential role Guam could play
as a key logistics and operational hub for the United States
military in the Indo-Pacific region.
(2) An assessment of whether current Department of
Defense infrastructure, capacity, resources, and personnel in
Guam are sufficient to meet the expected demands during
relevant operations and contingency scenarios.
(3) An assessment of the adequacy of civilian infrastructure
in Guam for supporting the requirements of United States
Indo-Pacific Command, including—
(A) the resilience of such infrastructure in the event
of a natural disaster; and
(B) the vulnerability of such infrastructure to cyber
threats.
(4) A plan, including timelines and associated estimated
costs, to improve Department of Defense infrastructure,
capacity, resources, and personnel in Guam during fiscal years
2024 through 2029 to meet United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand strategic objectives, including the need for Department
of Defense civilian recruiting and retention programs, such
H. R. 2670—279
as cost-of-living adjustments, initiatives for dealing with any
shortages of civilian employees, and programs to improve
quality-of-life for personnel assigned to Guam.
(5) An assessment of the implementation of Joint Task
Force Micronesia.
(6) Any other matters determined relevant by the Sec-
retary.
(c) REPORT.—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 including the results
of the assessment required under subsection (a).
SEC. 1078. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON CONVERSION OF JOINT TASK FORCE
NORTH INTO JOINT INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE NORTH.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the head of any relevant Federal department or agency and
acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shall
submit to the congressional defense committees a feasibility study
on converting the Joint Task Force North of the United States
Northern Command into a joint interagency task force to be known
as the ‘‘Joint Interagency Task Force North’’.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under (a) shall include the following
elements:
(1) A description of the mission of a Joint Interagency
Task Force North.
(2) A detailed description of the resources of the Depart-
ment of Defense, including personnel, facilities, and operating
costs, necessary to convert Joint Task Force North into a joint
interagency task force.
(3) An identification of—
(A) each relevant department and agency of the United
States Government the participation in a Joint Interagency
Task Force North of which is necessary in order to enable
a Joint Interagency Task Force North to effectively carry
out its mission; and
(B) the interagency arrangements necessary to ensure
effective participation by each such department and agency.
(4) An identification of each international liaison necessary
for a Joint Interagency Task Force North to effectively carry
out its mission.
(5) A description of the bilateral and multilateral agree-
ments with foreign partners and regional and international
organizations that would support the implementation of the
mission of the Joint Interagency Task Force North.
(6) A description of the relationship between a Joint Inter-
agency Task Force North and Joint Interagency Task Force
South of the United States Southern Command.
(7) A description of the likely relationship between a Joint
Interagency Task Force North and the relevant security forces
of the Government of Mexico and the Government of the
Bahamas.
(8) A recommendation on whether a Joint Interagency Task
Force North should be an enduring entity and a discussion
of the circumstances under which the mission of a Joint Inter-
agency Task Force North would transition to one or more
H. R. 2670—280
entities within the United States Government other than the
United States Northern Command.
(9) Any recommendations for additional legal authority
needed for the Joint Interagency Task Force North to effectively
carry out its mission.
(10) Any other matters the Secretary of Defense considers
relevant.
(c) FORM.—The study required by subsection (a) shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Subtitle G—Other Matters
SEC. 1080. MODIFICATION OF DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC SOURCE FOR
TITLE III OF THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT OF 1950.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 702(7) of the Defense Production
Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4552(7)) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses
(i) and (ii), respectively, and by moving such clauses, as so
redesignated, two ems to the right;
(2) by striking ‘‘The term’’ and inserting the following:
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the term’’;
(3) in clause (ii), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by
striking ‘‘subparagraph (A)’’ and inserting ‘‘clause (i)’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph
(B):
‘‘(B) DOMESTIC SOURCE FOR TITLE III.—
‘‘(i) IN
GENERAL.—For purposes of title III, the
term ‘domestic source’ means a business concern that—
‘‘(I) performs substantially all of the research
and development, engineering, manufacturing, and
production activities required of such business con-
cern under a contract with the United States
relating to a critical component or a critical tech-
nology item in—
‘‘(aa) the United States or Canada; or
‘‘(bb) subject to clause (ii), Australia or
the United Kingdom; and
‘‘(II) procures from business concerns described
in subclause (I) substantially all of any components
or assemblies required under a contract with the
United States relating to a critical component or
critical technology item.
‘‘(ii) LIMITATIONS ON USE OF BUSINESS CONCERNS
IN AUSTRALIA AND UNITED KINGDOM.—
‘‘(I)
IN
GENERAL.—A
business
concern
described in clause (i)(I)(bb) may be treated as
a domestic source only for purposes of the exercise
of authorities under title III relating to national
defense matters that cannot be fully addressed
with
business
concerns
described
in
clause
(i)(I)(aa).
‘‘(II) NATIONAL DEFENSE MATTER DEFINED.—
For purposes of subclause (I), the term ‘national
defense matter’ is a matter relating to the develop-
ment or production of—
H. R. 2670—281
‘‘(aa) a defense article, as defined in sec-
tion 301 of title 10, United States Code; or
‘‘(bb) materials critical to national secu-
rity, as defined in section 10(f) of the Strategic
and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50
U.S.C. 98h–1(f)).’’.
(b) REPORTS ON EXERCISE OF TITLE III AUTHORITIES.—Title
III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘SEC. 305. REPORTS ON EXERCISE OF AUTHORITIES.
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The President, or the head of an agency
to which the President has delegated authorities under this title,
shall submit a report and provide a briefing to the appropriate
congressional committees with respect to any action taken pursuant
to such authorities—
‘‘(1) except as provided by paragraph (2), not later than
30 days after taking the action; and
‘‘(2) in the case of an action that involves a business concern
in the United Kingdom or Australia, not later than 30 days
before taking the action.
‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each report and briefing required by
subsection (a) with respect to an action described in that sub-
section shall include—
‘‘(A) a justification of the necessity of the use of authori-
ties under this title; and
‘‘(B) a description of the financial terms of any related
financial transaction.
‘‘(2) ADDITIONAL
ELEMENTS
RELATING
TO
BUSINESS
CON-
CERNS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR AUSTRALIA.—Each report
and briefing required by subsection (a) with respect to an
action described in paragraph (2) of that subsection shall
include, in addition to the elements under paragraph (1)—
‘‘(A) a certification that business concerns in the United
States or Canada were not available with respect to the
action; and
‘‘(B) an analysis of why such business concerns were
not available.
‘‘(c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘appropriate congressional committees’
means—
‘‘(1) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of
the House of Representatives; and
‘‘(2) in the case of an action described in subsection (a)
involving materials critical to national security (as defined in
section 702(7)(B)(ii)(II)(bb)), the Committee on Energy and Nat-
ural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives.’’.
SEC. 1081. INTEGRATED AND AUTHENTICATED ACCESS TO DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE SYSTEMS FOR CERTAIN CONGRES-
SIONAL STAFF FOR OVERSIGHT PURPOSES.
Section 1046(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10
U.S.C. 111 note) is amended—
H. R. 2670—282
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting
a semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) to the extent feasible, be integrated with software
used by the Department of Defense Parking Management Office
to validate parking requests.’’.
SEC. 1082. MODIFICATION OF COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE
AFGHANISTAN WAR COMMISSION.
(a) COMPENSATION.—Section 1094(g)(1) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135
Stat. 1942) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—
‘‘(A) NON-FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES.—A member of the
Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal
Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the
daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed
for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315
of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including
travel time) during which the member is engaged in the
performance of the duties of the Commission.
‘‘(B) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—A member of the Commission
who is an employee of the Federal Government may
be compensated as provided for under subparagraph
(a) for periods of time during which the member is
engaged in the performance of the duties of the
Commission that fall outside of ordinary agency
working hours, as determined by the employing agency
of such member.
‘‘(ii) RULE
OF
CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to authorize dual pay
for work performed on behalf of the Commission and
for a Federal agency during the same hours of the
same day.’’.
(b) TRAVEL SUPPORT.—Section 1050 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2775) is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE SUPPORT’’ and inserting ‘‘EXECUTIVE BRANCH SUP-
PORT’’;
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(b) PROVISION
OF TRAVEL SUPPORT
TO CERTAIN COMMIS-
SIONS.—For the purpose of providing support to facilitate overseas
travel requests from a legislative branch commission, or any
commission so designated for support under this subsection jointly
by the Majority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Secretary
of Defense and the Secretary of State shall consider such requests
as equivalent to a request from Congress, and apply the same
standards in determining the extent to which such support may
be provided under law and regulation. Any support so provided
H. R. 2670—283
shall be funded out of amounts appropriated for the operation
of such commission.’’.
SEC. 1083. SENATE NATIONAL SECURITY WORKING GROUP.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 21 of Senate Resolution 64 (113th
Congress), agreed to March 5, 2013, is amended by striking sub-
section (d).
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect as though enacted on December 31, 2022.
SEC. 1084. TRIBAL LIAISONS AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.
(a) TRIBAL LIAISONS AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall ensure that each military installation under
the jurisdiction of a military department that has an Indian Tribe,
Native Hawaiian organization, or Tribal interest in the area sur-
rounding the installation has a Tribal liaison located at the installa-
tion.
(b) TRIBAL INTEREST.—For purposes of subsection (a), an area
surrounding a military installation shall be considered to be an
area in which there is a Tribal interest if an Indian Tribe or
Native Hawaiian organization is historically or culturally affiliated
with the land or water managed or directly affected by the military
installation.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ has the meaning given that
term in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu-
cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)).
(2) The term ‘‘Native Hawaiian organization’’ has the
meaning given that term in section 6207 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).
SEC. 1085. COMMERCIAL INTEGRATION CELL PLAN WITHIN CERTAIN
COMBATANT COMMANDS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States
Africa Command, the Commander of the United States European
Command, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand, the Commander of the United States Northern Command,
and the Commander of the United States Southern Command shall
each develop a plan that includes—
(1) the potential establishment of a commercial integration
cell within the respective combatant command of each com-
mander for the purpose of closely integrating public and private
entities with capabilities relevant to the area of operation of
such combatant command; and
(2) the potential establishment of a chief technology officer
position within the respective combatant command of each com-
mander, the duties of which would include—
(A) overseeing such commercial integration cell; and
(B) reporting directly to the commander of the
applicable combatant command on the activities of the
relevant commercial integration cell.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, each commander of a combatant command
referred to in subsection (a) shall provide to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
a briefing on the feasibility, costs, and benefits of establishing
a commercial integration cell.
H. R. 2670—284
SEC. 1086. GUIDANCE FOR USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
BY NATIONAL GUARD.
(a) UPDATED GUIDANCE REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall issue updated guidance on the use of unmanned aircraft
systems by the National Guard for covered activities.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 60 days after the date on which
the Secretary issues the updated guidance under subsection (a),
the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and House of Representatives. Such briefing shall
include—
(1) an explanation of whether the updated guidance is
more restrictive than guidance on the use of other types of
aircraft for covered activities; and
(2) if the updated guidance is more restrictive, an expla-
nation for the reasons why such guidance is more restrictive.
(c) COVERED ACTIVITIES DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered activities’’ means any of the following:
(1) Emergency operations.
(2) Search and rescue operations.
(3) Defense support to civil authorities.
(4) Support provided under section 502(f) of title 32, United
States Code.
SEC. 1087. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF AFGHANISTAN WAR RECORDS.
The Secretary of Defense, in a manner consistent with the
protection of intelligence sources and methods, shall expeditiously
disclose to the public all relevant unclassified records of the Depart-
ment of Defense relating to the war in Afghanistan.
SEC. 1088. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR JOINT CONCEPT FOR COM-
PETING.
(a) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than March
1, 2024, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall submit
to the congressional defense committees an implementation plan
for of the Joint Concept for Competing, released on February 10,
2023.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The implementation plan required by sub-
section (a) shall include—
(1) timelines for the development of integrated competitive
strategies for engaging in strategic competition, as described
in the Joint Concept for Competing, to address the challenges
posed by specific competitors, including such strategies designed
to—
(A) deter adversarial military action;
(B) counter the efforts of specific competitors, as nec-
essary; and
(C) support the efforts of the United States interagency
and foreign allies, partners, and multilateral organizations;
(2) an identification of any relevant updates to joint doc-
trine or professional military education;
(3) a description of the integration of the Joint Concept
for Competing with other joint force development and design
efforts;
(4) a description of concept-required capabilities that are
necessary for joint force development and design in support
of the Joint Concept for Competing, including the assignment
H. R. 2670—285
of roles and responsibilities and the timelines for attaining
such capabilities;
(5) a description of efforts to coordinate and synchronize
Department of Defense activities with the activities of inter-
agency and foreign partners for the purpose of integrated cam-
paigning;
(6) an identification of any recommendations to better
integrate the role of the Joint Force, as identified by the Joint
Concept for Competing, with national security efforts of inter-
agency and foreign partners;
(7) an identification of any changes to authorities or
resources necessary to implement the Joint Concept for Com-
peting; and
(8) a description of any other matters the Chairman deter-
mines appropriate.
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the delivery of
the implementation plan required under subsection (a), and every
180 days thereafter through March 1, 2026, the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff shall provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing that includes an update on the status of
the implementation plan required under subsection (a).
SEC. 1089. NOTIFICATION OF SAFETY AND SECURITY CONCERNS AT
CERTAIN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LABORATORIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall notify the
congressional defense committees within 7 days after ceasing oper-
ations at any Department of Defense laboratory or facility rated
at biosafety level–3 or higher for safety or security reasons.
(b) CONTENT.—The notification required under subsection (a)
shall include—
(1) the reason why operations have ceased at the laboratory
or facility;
(2) whether appropriate notification to other Federal agen-
cies has occurred;
(3) a description of the actions taken to determine the
root cause of the cessation; and
(4) a description of the actions taken to restore operations
at the laboratory or facility.
SEC. 1090. CONDUCT OF WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE IN THE UNITED
STATES.
(a) CONDUCT OF RECONNAISSANCE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropria-
tions, the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air
Force Reserve Command and the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may use aircraft, per-
sonnel, and equipment necessary to meet the mission require-
ments of—
(A) the National Hurricane Operations Plan; and
(B) the National Winter Seasons Operation plan, as
long as aircraft are able to fully meet needs for hurricane
monitoring response.
(2) ACTIVITIES.—If the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command exercises the
authority under paragraph (1), such Squadron, in consultation
with
the
Administrator
of
the
National
Oceanic
and
Atmospheric Administration and appropriate line offices of the
H. R. 2670—286
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall use
such authority to—
(A) improve the accuracy and timeliness of observations
of storms that result in large amounts of precipitation,
such as tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers, to support
the forecast and warning services of the National Weather
Service of the United States;
(B) collect data in data-sparse regions where conven-
tional observations are lacking;
(C) support water management decision-making and
flood forecasting through the execution of targeted in-situ
measurements, airborne dropsondes, buoys, autonomous
platform
observations,
satellite
observations,
remote
sensing observations, and other observation platforms as
appropriate, including enhanced assimilation of the data
from those observations over the eastern, central, and
western north Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the
western Atlantic Ocean to improve forecasts of large storms
for civil authorities and military decision makers;
(D) participate in the research and operations partner-
ship that guides flight planning and uses research methods
to improve and expand the capabilities and effectiveness
of weather reconnaissance over time; and
(E) undertake such other additional activities as the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, in collaboration with the 53rd Weather
Reconnaissance Squadron, considers appropriate to further
prediction of dangerous weather events.
(b) REPORTS.—
(1) AIR FORCE.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
Air Force, in consultation with the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall
perform a resources review of mission capabilities needed
for observation to carry out the activities described in sub-
section (a)(2) and submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a comprehensive report, for the period begin-
ning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending
on December 31, 2035, on—
(i) the resources necessary for the 53rd Weather
Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force Reserve
Command to continue to support—
(I) the National Hurricane Operations Plan;
(II) the National Winter Season Operations
Plan;
(III) emerging technologies that offer new,
improved, or innovative ways to collect data for
improved forecasts of strength and landfall for
hurricanes, atmospheric rivers, and winter storms;
and
(IV)
any
other
operational
requirements
relating to weather reconnaissance;
(ii) the resources expended by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration to cover taskings that
the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air
Force Reserve Command is unable to accomplish; and
H. R. 2670—287
(iii) the resources expended by the 53rd Weather
Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force Reserve
Command to cover taskings that the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration is unable to accom-
plish.
(B) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS.—In this
paragraph, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’
means—
(i) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(ii) the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate;
(iii) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate;
(iv) the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
nology of the House of Representatives;
(v) the Committee on Armed Services of the House
of Representatives; and
(vi) the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(2) COMMERCE.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives a comprehen-
sive report, for the period beginning on the date of the enact-
ment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2035, on—
(A) the resources necessary for the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration to continue to support—
(i) the National Hurricane Operations Plan;
(ii) the National Winter Season Operations Plan;
(iii)
emerging
technologies
that
offer
new,
improved, and innovative ways to collect data for
improved forecasts of strength and landfall for hurri-
canes, atmospheric rivers, and winter storms; and
(iv) any other operational requirements relating
to weather reconnaissance;
(B) how taskings that the 53rd Weather Reconnais-
sance Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command is
unable to accomplish could affect the ability of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fulfill its mis-
sion; and
(C) how taskings that the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration is unable to accomplish could
affect the ability of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance
Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command to fulfill
its mission.
(c) TRANSFER OF FUNDS.—The Secretary of the Air Force may
transfer funds to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration for additional hurricane monitoring and response activities
that fulfill the mission of the Air Force, including transfers of
funds for the compensation of personnel and for the provision of
other such services, funds, facilities, and other support services
as necessary.
H. R. 2670—288
SEC. 1091. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING AUTHORITY OF SEC-
RETARY OF DEFENSE WITH RESPECT TO IRREGULAR
WARFARE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary
of Defense has the authority to conduct irregular warfare oper-
ations, including clandestine irregular warfare operations, to defend
the United States, allies of the United States, and interests of
the United States, when such operations have been appropriately
authorized.
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be
construed to constitute a specific statutory authorization for any
of the following:
(1) The conduct of a covert action, as such term is defined
in section 503(e) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50
U.S.C. 3093(e)).
(2) The introduction of United States Armed Forces, within
the meaning of the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93–
148; 50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq.), into hostilities or into situations
wherein hostilities are clearly indicated by the circumstances.
SEC. 1092. RED HILL HEALTH IMPACTS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—
(1) REVIEW.—The Secretary of Defense (referred to in this
section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), in coordination with the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs, and such State and local authorities or
other partners as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall—
(A) review the Federal programs and services available
to individuals exposed to petroleum;
(B) review current research on petroleum exposure in
order to identify additional research needs; and
(C) undertake any other review or activities that the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(2) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for six subse-
quent years, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report on the review and activities
undertaken under paragraph (1) that includes—
(A) strategies for communicating and engaging with
stakeholders on the Red Hill Incident;
(B) the number of impacted and potentially impacted
individuals;
(C) measures and frequency of follow-up to collect data
and specimens related to exposure, health, and develop-
mental milestones as appropriate; and
(D) a summary of data and analyses on exposure,
health, and developmental milestones for impacted individ-
uals.
(3) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out paragraphs (1) and
(2), the Secretary shall consult with non-Federal experts,
including individuals with certification in epidemiology, toxi-
cology, mental health, pediatrics, and environmental health,
and members of the impacted community.
(b) RED HILL EPIDEMIOLOGICAL HEALTH OUTCOMES STUDY.—
(1) CONTRACTS.—The Secretary may contract with inde-
pendent research institutes or consultants, nonprofit or public
H. R. 2670—289
entities, laboratories, or medical schools, as the Secretary con-
siders appropriate, that are not part of the Federal Government
to assist with the feasibility assessment required by paragraph
(2).
(2) FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT.—Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
submit to the appropriate congressional committees the results
of a feasibility assessment to determine the necessity of an
epidemiological health outcomes study and to inform the design
of the potential epidemiological study or studies to assess health
outcomes for impacted individuals, which may include—
(A) a strategy to recruit impacted individuals to partici-
pate in the study or studies, including incentives for partici-
pation;
(B) a description of protocols and methodologies to
assess health outcomes from the Red Hill Incident,
including data management protocols to secure the privacy
and security of the personal information of impacted
individuals;
(C) the periodicity for data collection that takes into
account the differences between health care practices
among impacted individuals who are—
(i) members of the Armed Forces on active duty
or spouses or dependents of such members;
(ii) members of the Armed Forces separating from
active duty or spouses or dependents of such members;
(iii) veterans and other individuals with access
to health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs;
and
(iv) individuals without access to health care from
the Department of Defense or the Department of Vet-
erans Affairs;
(D) a description of methodologies to analyze data
received from the study or studies to determine possible
connections between exposure to water contaminated
during the Red Hill Incident and adverse impacts to the
health of impacted individuals;
(E) an identification of exposures resulting from the
Red Hill Incident that may qualify individuals to be eligible
for participation in the study or studies as a result of
those exposures;
(F) steps that will be taken to provide individuals
impacted by the Red Hill Incident with information on
available resources and services; and
(G) a final determination on whether it is feasible
to conduct an epidemiological health outcomes study.
(3) NOTIFICATIONS; BRIEFINGS.—If the Secretary deter-
mines, upon completion of the feasibility assessment under
paragraph (2), that an epidemiological health outcomes study
is feasible and necessary, not later than one year after the
completion of the feasibility assessment under paragraph (2),
the Secretary shall—
(A) notify impacted individuals on the interim findings
of the study or studies; and
(B) brief the appropriate congressional committees on
the interim findings of the study or studies.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
H. R. 2670—290
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—The term
‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Sub-
committee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations
of the Senate;
(B) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate;
(C) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate;
(D) the Committee on Armed Services and the Sub-
committee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations
of the House of Representatives;
(E) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House
of Representatives; and
(F) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives.
(2) IMPACTED INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘‘impacted individual’’
means an individual who, at the time of the Red Hill Incident,
lived or worked in a building or residence served by the commu-
nity water system at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Oahu,
Hawaii.
(3) RED
HILL
INCIDENT.—The term ‘‘Red Hill Incident’’
means the release of fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage
Facility, Oahu, Hawaii, into the sole-source basal aquifer
located 100 feet below the facility, contaminating the commu-
nity water system at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on
November 20, 2021.
TITLE XI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
Sec. 1101. Diversity, equity, and inclusion personnel grade cap.
Sec. 1102. Authorization to pay a living quarters allowance for Department of the
Navy civilian employees assigned to permanent duty in Guam for per-
forming work, or supporting work being performed, aboard or dockside,
of U.S. naval vessels.
Sec. 1103. Consolidation of direct hire authorities for candidates with specified de-
grees at science and technology reinvention laboratories.
Sec. 1104. Direct hire authority for certain personnel of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1105. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium
pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees
working overseas.
Sec. 1106. Extension of authority to grant competitive status to employees of in-
spectors general for overseas contingency operations.
Sec. 1107. Extension of direct hire authority for domestic industrial base facilities
and Major Range and Test Facilities Base.
Sec. 1108. Exclusion of nonappropriated fund employees from limitations on dual
pay.
Sec. 1109. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits,
and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone.
Sec. 1110. Modification to shore leave accrual for crews of vessels to support crew
rotations and improve retention of civilian mariners.
Sec. 1111. Assessments of staffing in Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness.
Sec. 1112. Military Spouse Employment Act.
Sec. 1113. Amendments to the John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows Program.
Sec. 1114. Including military service in determining family and medical leave eligi-
bility for Federal employees.
Sec. 1115. Exception to limitation on number of Senior Executive Service positions
for the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1116. Extension of direct hire authority for the Department of Defense for
post-secondary students and recent graduates.
Sec. 1117. Authority to employ civilian faculty members at Space Force schools.
Sec. 1118. Report and sunset relating to inapplicability of certification of executive
qualifications by qualification review boards of Office of Personnel Man-
agement.
H. R. 2670—291
Sec. 1119. Expansion of noncompetitive appointment eligibility to spouses of De-
partment of Defense civilians.
Sec. 1120. Elimination of Government Accountability Office review requirement re-
lating to Department of Defense personnel authorities.
SEC. 1101. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PERSONNEL GRADE
CAP.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned may not appoint
to, or otherwise employ in, any position with primary duties as
described in subsection (b) a civilian employee paid annual pay
at a rate that exceeds the equivalent of the rate payable for GS–
10, not adjusted for locality.
(b) COVERED DUTIES.—The duties referred to in subsection
(a) are as follows:
(1) Developing, refining, and implementing diversity,
equity, and inclusion policy.
(2) Leading working groups and councils to developing
diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and objectives to measure
performance and outcomes.
(3) Creating and implementing diversity, equity, and inclu-
sion education, training courses, and workshops for military
and civilian personnel.
(c) APPLICABILITY
TO
CURRENT
EMPLOYEES.—Any civilian
employee appointed to a position with duties described in subsection
(b) who is paid annual pay at a rate that exceeds the amount
allowed under subsection (a) shall be reassigned to another position
not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 1102. AUTHORIZATION TO PAY A LIVING QUARTERS ALLOWANCE
FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES
ASSIGNED TO PERMANENT DUTY IN GUAM FOR PER-
FORMING WORK, OR SUPPORTING WORK BEING PER-
FORMED, ABOARD OR DOCKSIDE, OF U.S. NAVAL VESSELS.
(a) ALLOWANCE.—When Government owned or rented quarters
are not otherwise provided without charge to a covered employee,
the Secretary of the Navy may grant to a covered employee one
or more of the following allowances:
(1) A living quarters allowance for rent, heat, light, fuel,
gas, electricity, and water. The Secretary is authorized to pay
such allowance by reimbursement or by advance payments.
(2) Under unusual circumstances, as determined by the
Secretary, payment or reimbursement for extraordinary, nec-
essary, and reasonable expenses, not otherwise compensated
for, incurred in initial repairs, alterations, and improvements
to the privately leased residence in Guam of a covered
employee—
(A) the expenses are administratively approved in
advance; and
(B) the duration and terms of the lease justify payment
of the expenses by the Government.
(b) COVERED EMPLOYEE DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘covered employee’’ means any civilian employee of the Department
of the Navy who is assigned to permanent duty in Guam for
performing work or supporting work being performed, aboard or
dockside, of U.S. naval vessels.
H. R. 2670—292
SEC. 1103. CONSOLIDATION OF DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITIES FOR CAN-
DIDATES WITH SPECIFIED DEGREES AT SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY REINVENTION LABORATORIES.
Section 4091 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘bachelor’s degree’’ and
inserting ‘‘bachelor’s or advanced degree’’;
(2) in subsection (c)—
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘CALENDAR
YEAR’’ and inserting ‘‘FISCAL YEAR’’;
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘calendar year’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year’’;
(C) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘6 percent’’ and
inserting ‘‘11 percent’’; and
(D) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), by striking ‘‘the
fiscal year last ending before the start of such calendar
year’’ and inserting ‘‘the preceding fiscal year’’;
(3) by striking subsection (f); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (f).
SEC. 1104. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN PERSONNEL OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
Section 9905(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting
‘‘, 3307,’’ after ‘‘3303’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
‘‘(12) Any position in support of aircraft operations for
which the Secretary determines there is a critical hiring need
or shortage of candidates.
‘‘(13) Any position in support of the safety of the public,
law enforcement, or first response for which the Secretary
determines there is a critical hiring need or shortage of can-
didates.’’.
SEC. 1105. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO WAIVE ANNUAL
LIMITATION ON PREMIUM PAY AND AGGREGATE LIMITA-
TION 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 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘through 2024’’.
SEC. 1106. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO GRANT COMPETITIVE
STATUS TO EMPLOYEES OF INSPECTORS GENERAL FOR
OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS.
Section 419(d)(5)(B) of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘2 years’’ and inserting ‘‘5 years’’.
SEC. 1107. EXTENSION OF DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR DOMESTIC
INDUSTRIAL BASE FACILITIES AND MAJOR RANGE AND
TEST FACILITIES BASE.
Section 1125(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.; Public Law 114–
328) is amended by striking ‘‘through 2025,’’ and inserting ‘‘through
2028,’’.
H. R. 2670—293
SEC. 1108. EXCLUSION OF NONAPPROPRIATED FUND EMPLOYEES
FROM LIMITATIONS ON DUAL PAY.
Section 5531(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘Government corporation and’’ and inserting ‘‘Govern-
ment corporation, but excluding’’.
SEC. 1109. 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 Supple-
mental 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 1103 of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263), is further amended by striking
‘‘2024’’ and inserting ‘‘2025’’.
SEC. 1110. MODIFICATION TO SHORE LEAVE ACCRUAL FOR CREWS
OF
VESSELS
TO
SUPPORT
CREW
ROTATIONS
AND
IMPROVE RETENTION OF CIVILIAN MARINERS.
Section 6305 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
‘‘(d) With respect to an officer, crewmember, or other employee
of the Department of Defense serving aboard an oceangoing vessel
on an extended voyage, the first sentence in the matter preceding
paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this section shall be applied
by substituting ‘7 calendar days’ for ‘30 calendar days’.’’.
SEC. 1111. ASSESSMENTS OF STAFFING IN OFFICE OF THE UNDER
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PERSONNEL AND READI-
NESS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—
(1) DOD ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall con-
duct an assessment of personnel requirements in the Office
of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
against existing personnel of the Office. The assessment should
include military, civilian, and contractor personnel. For pur-
poses of carrying out such assessment, the head of the Office
shall submit to the Secretary the alignment of total force man-
power resources of the Office against core missions, tasks,
and functions, including a mapping of missions to the origi-
nating statute or Department policy.
(2) OFFICE ASSESSMENT.—The head of the Office shall con-
duct an assessment on the tasks, functions, and associated
civilian personnel the Office believes are necessary to perform
the duties of the Office.
(3) DOD ANALYSIS.—The Secretary shall determine whether
there is any conflict between the assessment conducted under
paragraph (1) and the assessment under paragraph (2), and
what personnel actions (if any) the Secretary will take to elimi-
nate such conflict.
(b) INTERIM BRIEFING AND REPORT.—
(1) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 2024, the
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense
H. R. 2670—294
committees an interim briefing on the assessments under sub-
section (a).
(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the congressional defense committees a report on the assess-
ments under subsection (a). Such report shall include the fol-
lowing:
(A) An assessment of every military, civilian, and con-
tractor personnel position and billet (funded and unfunded,
filled and unfilled) in the Office against existing personnel
requirements.
(B) The methodology and process through which such
assessment was performed.
(C) Relevant statistical analysis on personnel position
fill rates against validated requirements.
(D) Analysis of each position, grade, and rank, and
whether the position description, grade, and rank match
the function and task requirements of the position.
(E) Plan to update rank, grades, and position descrip-
tions to meet current and future requirements, tasks, and
functions.
(F) Any legislative, policy or budgetary recommenda-
tions of the Secretary related to the subject matter of
the report.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section—
(1) the term ‘‘civil service’’ has the meaning given that
term in section 2101 of title 5, United States Code; and
(2) the term ‘‘Office’’ means the Office of the Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
SEC. 1112. MILITARY SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT ACT.
(a) APPOINTMENT OF MILITARY SPOUSES.—Section 3330d of title
5, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
(B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
‘‘(3) The term ‘remote work’ refers to a particular type
of telework under which an employee is not expected to report
to an officially established agency location on a regular and
recurring basis.’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(5) The term ‘telework’ has the meaning given the term
in section 6501.’’;
(2) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(3) a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active
duty, or a spouse of a disabled or deceased member of the
Armed Forces, to a position in which the spouse will engage
in remote work.’’; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (a)(3)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (a)(4)’’.
(b) GAO STUDY AND REPORT.—
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection—
H. R. 2670—295
(A) the terms ‘‘agency’’ means an agency described
in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 901(b) of title 31, United
States Code;
(B) the term ‘‘employee’’ means an employee of an
agency;
(C) the term ‘‘remote work’’ means a particular type
of telework under which an employee is not expected to
report to an officially established agency location on a
regular and recurring basis; and
(D) the term ‘‘telework’’ means a work flexibility
arrangement under which an employee performs the duties
and responsibilities of such employee’s position, and other
authorized activities, from an approved worksite other than
the location from which the employee would otherwise
work.
(2) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall conduct a study and publish a report
regarding the use of remote work by agencies, which shall
include a discussion of what is known regarding—
(A) the number of employees who are engaging in
remote work;
(B) the role of remote work in agency recruitment
and retention efforts;
(C) the geographic location of employees who engage
in remote work;
(D) the effect that remote work has had on how often
employees are reporting to officially established agency
locations to perform the duties and responsibilities of the
positions of those employees and other authorized activities;
and
(E) how the use of remote work has affected Federal
office space utilization and spending.
SEC. 1113. AMENDMENTS TO THE JOHN S. MCCAIN STRATEGIC
DEFENSE FELLOWS PROGRAM.
(a) SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS.—Subsection (d)(2) of section
932 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.)
is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(2) GEOGRAPHICAL
REPRESENTATION.—Out of the total
number of individuals selected to participate in the fellows
program, which shall not exceed 60 individuals in any year,
no more than 20 percent may be from any of the following
geographic regions:
‘‘(A) The Northeast United States.
‘‘(B) The Southeast United States.
‘‘(C) The Midwest United States.
‘‘(D) The Southwest United States.
‘‘(E) The Western United States.
‘‘(F) Alaska, Hawaii, United States territories, and
areas outside the United States.’’.
(b) APPOINTMENT
AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT.—Such section
is further amended—
(1) in subsection (d)(3)—
(A) by striking ‘‘assigned’’ and inserting ‘‘appointed’’;
and
H. R. 2670—296
(B) by striking ‘‘assignment’’ and inserting ‘‘appoint-
ment’’; and
(2) by amending subsections (e) and (f) to read as follows:
‘‘(e) APPOINTMENT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An individual who participates in the
fellows program shall be appointed into an excepted service
position in the Department.
‘‘(2) POSITION REQUIREMENTS.—Each year, the head of each
Department of Defense Component shall submit to the Sec-
retary of Defense placement opportunities for participants in
the fellows program. Such placement opportunities shall pro-
vide for leadership development and potential commencement
of a career track toward a position of senior leadership in
the Department. The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with
the heads of Department of Defense Components, shall estab-
lish qualification requirements for the appointment of partici-
pants under paragraph (1).
‘‘(3) APPOINTMENT TO POSITIONS.—Each year, the Secretary
of Defense shall appoint participants in the fellows program
to positions in the Department of Defense Components. In
making such appointments, the Secretary shall seek to best
match the qualifications and skills of the participants with
the requirements for positions available for appointment.
‘‘(4) TERM.—The term of each appointment under the fel-
lows program shall be one year with the option to extend
the appointment up to one additional year.
‘‘(5) GRADE.—An individual appointed to a position under
the fellows program shall be appointed at a level between
GS–10 and GS–12 of the General Schedule based on the
directly-related qualifications, skills, and professional experi-
ence of the individual.
‘‘(6) EDUCATION
LOAN
REPAYMENT.—To the extent that
funds are provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Sec-
retary of Defense may repay a loan of a participant in the
fellows program if the loan is described by subparagraph (A),
(B), or (C) of section 16301(a)(1) of title 10, United States
Code. Any repayment of a loan under this paragraph may
require a minimum service agreement, as determined by the
Secretary.
‘‘(7) DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
COMPONENT
DEFINED.—In
this subsection, the term ‘Department of Defense Component’
means a Department of Defense Component, as set forth in
section 111 of title 10, United States Code.
‘‘(f) CAREER DEVELOPMENT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure
that participants in the fellows program—
‘‘(A) receive career development opportunities and sup-
port appropriate for the commencement of a career track
within the Department leading toward a future position
of senior leadership within the Department, including
ongoing mentorship support through appropriate personnel
from entities within the Department; and
‘‘(B) are provided appropriate employment opportuni-
ties for competitive and excepted service positions in the
Department upon successful completion of the fellows pro-
gram.
H. R. 2670—297
‘‘(2) PUBLICATION OF SELECTION.—The Secretary shall pub-
lish, on an Internet website of the Department available to
the public, the names of the individuals selected to participate
in the fellows program.’’.
SEC. 1114. INCLUDING MILITARY SERVICE IN DETERMINING FAMILY
AND
MEDICAL
LEAVE
ELIGIBILITY
FOR
FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES.
(a) TITLE 5.—Section 6381(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(B) has completed at least 12 months of service—
‘‘(i) as an employee (as that term is defined in
section 2105) of the Government of the United States,
including service with the United States Postal Service,
the Postal Regulatory Commission, and a non-
appropriated fund instrumentality as described in sec-
tion 2105(c); or
‘‘(ii) which qualifies as honorable active service
in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Marine
Corps of the United States;’’.
(b) FMLA.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—A covered employee who has completed
12 months of service which qualifies as honorable active service
in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Marine Corps
of the United States shall be deemed to have met the service
requirement in section 101(1)(A) of the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993, notwithstanding the requirements of such
section 101(1)(A).
(2) COVERED EMPLOYEE DEFINED.—In this subsection, the
term ‘‘covered employee’’—
(A) includes—
(i) any Federal employee eligible for family and
medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave
Act of 1993 based on their status as such an employee;
(ii) any Federal employee covered by the Congres-
sional Accountability Act of 1995 eligible for family
and medical leave by operation of section 202 of such
Act;
(iii) any Federal employee of the Executive Office
of the President eligible for family and medical leave
by operation of section 412 of title 3, United States
Code; and
(iv) any non-judicial employee of the District of
Columbia courts and any employee of the District of
Columbia Public Defender Service; and
(B) does not include any member of the Commissioned
Corps of the Public Health Service or the Commissioned
Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-
tration,
(c) DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.—Not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall modify the family and medical leave pro-
gram provided by operation of section 7425(c) of title 38, United
States Code, to conform with the requirements of the amendment
made by subsection (a) with respect to military service in section
6381(1)(B)(ii) of title 5, United States Code, as added by such
subsection.
H. R. 2670—298
SEC. 1115. EXCEPTION TO LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF SENIOR EXECU-
TIVE SERVICE POSITIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE.
Section 1109(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2449; 5 U.S.C.
3133 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
‘‘(3) EXCEPTION.—The limitation under this subsection shall
not apply to positions described in this subsection that are
fully funded through amounts appropriated to an agency other
than the Department of Defense.’’.
SEC. 1116. EXTENSION OF DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR THE DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS
AND RECENT GRADUATES.
Section 1106(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.) is amended by striking
‘‘September 30, 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2030’’.
SEC. 1117. AUTHORITY TO EMPLOY CIVILIAN FACULTY MEMBERS AT
SPACE FORCE SCHOOLS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 9371 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ‘‘and Space Delta
13’’ after ‘‘Air University’’
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘or of the Space Delta
13’’ after ‘‘Air University’’; and
(3) in subsection (c)—
(A) in paragraphs (1), by inserting ‘‘or of the Space
Delta 13’’ after ‘‘Air University’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘or of the Space
Delta 13’’ after ‘‘Air University’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 947 of such title is amended by striking the item
relating to section 9371 and inserting the following new item:
‘‘9371. Air University and Space Delta 13: civilian faculty members.’’.
SEC. 1118. REPORT AND SUNSET RELATING TO INAPPLICABILITY OF
CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE QUALIFICATIONS BY
QUALIFICATION REVIEW BOARDS OF OFFICE OF PER-
SONNEL MANAGEMENT.
Section 1109 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (5 U.S.C. 3393 note) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (d)—
(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘para-
graph (4)’’;
(B) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘para-
graph (4)’’;
(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph (3):
‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL
REPORT.—Not later than December 1,
2024, the Secretary shall submit to the committees of Congress
specified in paragraph (4) and the Comptroller General of the
H. R. 2670—299
United States a report on the use of the authority provided
in this section. The report shall include the following:
‘‘(A) The number and type of appointments made under
this section between August 13, 2018, and the date of
the report.
‘‘(B) Data on and an assessment of whether appoint-
ments under the authority in this section reduced the time
to hire when compared with the time to hire under the
review system of the Office of Personnel Management in
use as of the date of the report.
‘‘(C) An assessment of the utility of the appointment
authority and process under this section.
‘‘(D) An assessment of whether the appointments made
under this section resulted in higher quality new executives
for the Senior Executive Service of the Department when
compared with the executives produced in the Department
under the review system in use between August 13, 2013,
and August 13, 2018.
‘‘(E) Any recommendation for the improvement of the
selection and qualification process for the Senior Executive
Service of the Department that the Secretary considers
necessary in order to attract and hire highly qualified
candidates for service in that Senior Executive Service.’’;
and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘August 13, 2023’’ and
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2025’’.
SEC. 1119. EXPANSION OF NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT ELIGI-
BILITY TO SPOUSES OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
CIVILIANS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3330d of title 5, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ‘‘and Department
of Defense civilian’’ after ‘‘military’’;
(2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(4) The term ‘spouse of an employee of the Department
of Defense’ means an individual who is married to an employee
of the Department of Defense who is transferred in the interest
of the Government from one official station within the Depart-
ment to another within the Department (that is outside of
normal commuting distance) for permanent duty.’’; and
(3) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or’’ at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(3) a spouse of an employee of the Department of Defense.’’.
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of
sections for subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 3330d
and inserting the following:
‘‘3330d. Appointment of military and Department of Defense civilian spouses.’’.
(c) OPM LIMITATION AND REPORTS.—
(1) RELOCATING SPOUSES.—With respect to the noncompeti-
tive appointment of a relocating spouse of an employee of
the Department of Defense under paragraph (3) of section
H. R. 2670—300
3330d(b) of title 5, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a), the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall—
(A) monitor the number of those appointments;
(B) require the head of each agency with the authority
to make those appointments under that provision to submit
to the Director an annual report on those appointments,
including information on the number of individuals so
appointed, the types of positions filled, and the effectiveness
of the authority for those appointments; and
(C) not later than 18 months after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, submit, to the Committees on Armed
Services and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
of the Senate and the Committees on Armed Services and
Oversight and Accountability of the House of Representa-
tives, a report on the use and effectiveness of the authority
described in subparagraph (B).
(2) NON-RELOCATING SPOUSES.—With respect to the non-
competitive appointment of a spouse of an employee of the
Department of Defense other than a relocating spouse described
in paragraph (1), the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management—
(A) shall treat the spouse as a relocating spouse under
paragraph (1); and
(B) may limit the number of those appointments.
(d) SUNSET.—Effective on December 31, 2028—
(1) the authority provided by this section, and the amend-
ments made by this section, shall expire; and
(2) the provisions of section 3330d of title 5, United States
Code, amended or repealed by this section are restored or
revived as if this section had not been enacted.
SEC. 1120. ELIMINATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
REVIEW REQUIREMENT RELATING TO DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE PERSONNEL AUTHORITIES.
Section 9902(h) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘and the Comptroller
General,’’;
(2) by striking paragraph (2); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
TITLE XII—MATTERS RELATING TO
FOREIGN NATIONS
Subtitle A—Assistance and Training
Sec. 1201. Modification of support of special operations for irregular warfare.
Sec. 1202. Modification of combatant commander initiative fund.
Sec. 1203. Increase in small-scale construction limit and modification of authority
to build capacity.
Sec. 1204. Modifications to security cooperation workforce development program
and establishment of defense security cooperation university.
Sec. 1205. Extension and modification of authority for reimbursement of certain co-
alition nations for support provided to United States military oper-
ations.
Sec. 1206. Extension of cross-servicing agreements for loan of personnel protection
and personnel survivability equipment in coalition operations.
Sec. 1207. Modification of authority to provide support to certain governments for
border security operations.
Sec. 1208. Extension of legal institutional capacity building initiative for foreign de-
fense institutions.
H. R. 2670—301
Sec. 1209. Report on ex gratia payments.
Sec. 1210. Authority to provide mission training through distributed simulation.
Sec. 1211. Requirement for military exercises.
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Other Authorities of the Department of Defense
Sec. 1221. Modification of authority for expenditure of funds for clandestine activi-
ties that support operational preparation of the environment and non-
conventional assisted recovery capabilities.
Sec. 1222. Modification to the American, British, Canadian, and Australian armies’
program.
Sec. 1223. First modification of initiative to support protection of national security
academic researchers from undue influence and other security threats.
Sec. 1224. Second modification of initiative to support protection of national secu-
rity academic researchers from undue influence and other security
threats.
Sec. 1225. Extension of authority for Department of Defense support for stabiliza-
tion activities in national security interest of the United States.
Sec. 1226. Modification of Defense Operational Resilience International Coopera-
tion Pilot Program.
Sec. 1227. Extension of prohibition on in-flight refueling to non-United States air-
craft that engage in hostilities in the ongoing civil war in Yemen.
Sec. 1228. Limitation on availability of funds for International Security Coopera-
tion Program.
Sec. 1229. Protection and legal preparedness for members of the Armed Forces
abroad.
Sec. 1230. Report on hostilities involving United States Armed Forces.
Sec. 1231. Congressional notification regarding the Global Engagement Center.
Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Ukraine, Russia, and NATO
Sec. 1241. Extension of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Sec. 1242. Extension and modification of certain temporary authorizations related
to munitions replacement.
Sec. 1243. Report relating to allied and partner support to Ukraine.
Sec. 1244. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating to sovereignty
of the Russian Federation over internationally recognized territory of
Ukraine.
Sec. 1245. Study and report on lessons learned regarding information operations
and deterrence.
Sec. 1246. Prohibition on New START treaty information sharing.
Sec. 1247. Black Sea security and development strategy.
Sec. 1248. Revival of authority for participation of NATO naval personnel in sub-
marine safety programs.
Sec. 1249. Extension and modification of training for Eastern European national
security forces in the course of multilateral exercises.
Sec. 1250. U.S. basing, training, and exercises in North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion member countries.
Sec. 1250A. Limitation on withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza-
tion.
Sec. 1250B. Oversight of programs and operations funded with amounts appro-
priated by the United States for Ukraine.
Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Israel
Sec. 1251. Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
Sec. 1252. Extension of United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.
Sec. 1253. Improvements relating to United States-Israel cooperation to counter
unmanned aerial systems.
Sec. 1254. Modification of authority for cooperation on directed energy capabilities.
Sec. 1255. Ensuring peace through strength in Israel.
Sec. 1256. Assistance to Israel for aerial refueling.
Sec. 1257. Rules governing transfer of aerial refueling tankers to Israel.
Sec. 1258. Report.
Subtitle E—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan
Sec. 1261. Middle East integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction ca-
pability.
Sec. 1262. Modification of establishment of coordinator for detained ISIS members
and relevant populations in Syria.
Sec. 1263. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter
the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 1264. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to vetted
Syrian groups and individuals.
H. R. 2670—302
Sec. 1265. Extension of authority to support operations and activities of the Office
of Security Cooperation in Iraq.
Sec. 1266. Plan of action to equip and train Iraqi security forces and Kurdish
Peshmerga forces.
Sec. 1267. Prohibition on transfers to the Badr Organization.
Sec. 1268. Extension and modification of annual report on military power of Iran.
Sec. 1269. Modification and update to report on military capabilities of Iran and re-
lated activities.
Sec. 1270. Prohibition on funds to Iran.
Sec. 1271. Prohibition on transporting currency to the Taliban and the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan.
Sec. 1272. Prohibition on funding for the Taliban.
Subtitle A—Assistance and Training
SEC. 1201. MODIFICATION OF SUPPORT OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS FOR
IRREGULAR WARFARE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 127c the following:
‘‘§ 127d. Support of special operations for irregular warfare
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may, with the
concurrence of the relevant Chief of Mission, expend up to
$20,000,000 during any fiscal year to provide support to foreign
forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals engaged in supporting
or facilitating ongoing and authorized irregular warfare operations
by United States Special Operations Forces.
‘‘(b) FUNDS.—Funds for support under this section in a fiscal
year shall be derived from amounts authorized to be appropriated
for that fiscal year for the Department of Defense for operation
and maintenance.
‘‘(c) PROCEDURES.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The authority in this section shall be
exercised in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary
shall establish for purposes of this section.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The procedures required under paragraph
(1) shall establish, at a minimum, the following:
‘‘(A) Policy guidance for the execution of, and con-
straints within, activities under the authority in this sec-
tion.
‘‘(B) The processes through which activities under the
authority in this section are to be developed, validated,
and coordinated, as appropriate, with relevant entities of
the United States Government.
‘‘(C) The processes through which legal reviews and
determinations are made to comply with the authority in
this section and ensure that the exercise of such authority
is consistent with the national security of the United
States.
‘‘(D) The processes to ensure, to the extent practicable,
that before a decision to provide support is made, the
recipients of support do not pose a counterintelligence or
force protection threat and have not engaged in gross viola-
tions of human rights.
‘‘(E) The processes by which the Department shall keep
the congressional defense committees fully and currently
informed of—
‘‘(i) the requirements for the use of the authority
in this section; and
H. R. 2670—303
‘‘(ii) activities conducted under such authority.
‘‘(3) NOTICE TO CONGRESS ON PROCEDURES AND MATERIAL
MODIFICATIONS.—The Secretary shall notify the congressional
defense committees of the procedures established pursuant to
this section before any exercise of the authority in this section,
and shall notify such committee of any material modification
of the procedures.
‘‘(d) CONSTRUCTION
OF AUTHORITY.—Nothing in this section
shall be construed to constitute a specific statutory authorization
for any of the following:
‘‘(1) The conduct of a covert action, as such term is defined
in section 503(e) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50
U.S.C. 3093(e)).
‘‘(2) The introduction of United States Armed Forces
(including as such term is defined in section 8(c) of the War
Powers Resolution ( 50 U.S.C. 1547(c))) into hostilities or into
situations wherein hostilities are clearly indicated by the cir-
cumstances.
‘‘(3) The provision of support to regular forces, irregular
forces, groups, or individuals for the conduct of operations
that United States Special Operations Forces are not otherwise
legally authorized to conduct themselves.
‘‘(4) The conduct or support of activities, directly or
indirectly, that are inconsistent with the laws of armed conflict.
‘‘(e) LIMITATION ON DELEGATION.—The authority of the Sec-
retary to make funds available under this section for support of
a military operation may not be delegated.
‘‘(f) PROGRAMMATIC
AND POLICY OVERSIGHT.—The Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Con-
flict shall have primary programmatic and policy oversight within
the Office of the Secretary of Defense of support to irregular warfare
activities authorized by this section.
‘‘(g) NOTIFICATION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 15 days before exercising
the authority in this section to make funds available to initiate
support of an ongoing and authorized operation or changing
the scope or funding level of any support under this section
for such an operation by $500,000 or an amount equal to
10 percent of such funding level (whichever is less), the Sec-
retary shall notify the congressional defense committees of the
use of such authority with respect to such operation. Any such
notification shall be in writing.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—A notification required by this subsection
shall include the following:
‘‘(A) The type of support to be provided to United
States Special Operations Forces, and a description of the
ongoing and authorized operation to be supported.
‘‘(B) A description of the foreign forces, irregular forces,
groups, or individuals engaged in supporting or facilitating
the ongoing and authorized operation that is to be the
recipient of funds.
‘‘(C) The type of support to be provided to the recipient
of the funds, and a description of the end-use monitoring
to be used in connection with the use of the funds.
‘‘(D) The amount obligated under the authority to pro-
vide support.
H. R. 2670—304
‘‘(E) The duration for which the support is expected
to be provided, and an identification of the timeframe in
which the provision of support will be reviewed by the
commander of the applicable combatant command for a
determination with respect to the necessity of continuing
such support.
‘‘(F) The determination of the Secretary that the provi-
sion of support does not constitute any of the following:
‘‘(i) An introduction of United States Armed Forces
(including as such term is defined in section 8(c) of
the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1547(c))) into
hostilities, or into situations where hostilities are
clearly indicated by the circumstances, without specific
statutory authorization within the meaning of section
5(b) of such Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)).
‘‘(ii) A covert action, as such term is defined in
section 503(e) of the National Security Act of 1947
(50 U.S.C. 3093(e)).
‘‘(iii) An authorization for the provision of support
to regular forces, irregular forces, groups, or individ-
uals for the conduct of operations that United States
Special Operations Forces are not otherwise legally
authorized to conduct themselves.
‘‘(iv) The conduct or support of activities, directly
or indirectly, that are inconsistent with the laws of
armed conflict.
‘‘(h) NOTIFICATION OF SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF SUP-
PORT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 48 hours after suspending
or terminating support to any foreign force, irregular force,
group, or individual provided pursuant to the authority in
this section, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a written notice of such suspension or
termination.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The written notice required by paragraph
(1) shall include each of the following:
‘‘(A) A description of the reasons for the suspension
or termination of such support.
‘‘(B) A description of any effect on regional, theater,
or global campaign plan objectives anticipated to result
from such suspension or termination.
‘‘(C) A plan for such suspension or termination, and,
in the case of support that is planned to be transitioned
to any other program of the Department of Defense or
to a program of any other Federal department or agency,
a detailed description of the transition plan, including the
resources, equipment, capabilities, and personnel associ-
ated with such plan.
‘‘(i) BIANNUAL REPORTS.—
‘‘(1) REPORT ON PRECEDING FISCAL YEAR.—Not later than
120 days after the close of each fiscal year in which subsection
(a) is in effect, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report on the support provided under
this section during the preceding fiscal year.
‘‘(2) REPORT ON CURRENT CALENDAR YEAR.— Not later than
180 days after the submittal of each report required by para-
graph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional
H. R. 2670—305
defense committees a report on the support provided under
this section during the first half of the fiscal year in which
the report under this paragraph is submitted.
‘‘(3) ELEMENTS.—Each report required by this subsection
shall include the following:
‘‘(A) A summary of the ongoing irregular warfare oper-
ations, and associated authorized campaign plans, being
conducted by United States Special Operations Forces that
were supported or facilitated by foreign forces, irregular
forces, groups, or individuals for which support was pro-
vided under this section during the period covered by such
report.
‘‘(B) A description of the support or facilitation provided
by such foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or individ-
uals to United States Special Operations Forces during
such period.
‘‘(C) The type of recipients that were provided support
under this section during such period, identified by author-
ized category (foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or
individuals).
‘‘(D) A detailed description of the support provided
to the recipients under this section during such period.
‘‘(E) The total amount obligated for support under this
section during such period, including budget details.
‘‘(F) The intended duration of support provided under
this section during such period.
‘‘(G) An assessment of value of the support provided
under this section during such period, including a summary
of significant activities undertaken by foreign forces, irreg-
ular forces, groups, or individuals to support irregular war-
fare operations by United States Special Operations Forces.
‘‘(H) The total amount obligated for support under
this section in prior fiscal years.
‘‘(j) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than quarterly, the
Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the use of the authority provided by this section,
and other matters relating to irregular warfare, with the pri-
mary purposes of—
‘‘(A) keeping the congressional defense committees fully
and currently informed of irregular warfare requirements
and activities, including emerging combatant commands
requirements; and
‘‘(B) consulting with the congressional defense commit-
tees regarding such matters.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
‘‘(A) An update on irregular warfare activities within
each geographic combatant command and a description
of the manner in which such activities support the respec-
tive theater campaign plan and the National Defense
Strategy.
‘‘(B) An overview of relevant authorities and legal
issues, including limitations.
‘‘(C) An overview of irregular warfare-related inter-
agency activities and initiatives.
H. R. 2670—306
‘‘(D) A description of emerging combatant command
requirements for the use of the authority provided by this
section.
‘‘(k) IRREGULAR WARFARE DEFINED.—Subject to subsection (d),
in this section, the term ‘irregular warfare’ means Department
of Defense activities not involving armed conflict that support pre-
determined United States policy and military objectives conducted
by, with, and through regular forces, irregular forces, groups, and
individuals.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating
to section 127c the following new item:
‘‘127d. Support of special operations for irregular warfare.’’.
(c) REPEAL.—Section 1202 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2018 is repealed.
SEC. 1202. MODIFICATION OF COMBATANT COMMANDER INITIATIVE
FUND.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 166a of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(11) Incremental expenses (as such term is defined in
section 301(5) of this title) related to security cooperation pro-
grams and activities of the Department of Defense (as such
term is defined in section 301(7) of this title).’’; and
(2) in subsection (c)—
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(4) incremental expenses related to security cooperation
programs and activities of the Department of Defense, as
authorized by subsection (b)(11), for United States Africa Com-
mand and United States Southern Command.’’.
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Funds are authorized
to be appropriated to the Combatant Commander Initiative Fund
for fiscal year 2024, as specified in section 4301 of this Act, to
carry out the activities authorized by paragraphs (7), (8), and (11)
(as added by subsection (a)(1)) of section 166a(b) of title 10, United
States Code, for United States Africa Command and United States
Southern Command.
SEC. 1203. INCREASE IN SMALL-SCALE CONSTRUCTION LIMIT AND
MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO BUILD CAPACITY.
(a) DEFINITION OF SMALL-SCALE CONSTRUCTION.—Section 301(8)
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘$1,500,000’’
and inserting ‘‘$2,000,000’’.
(b) EQUIPMENT DISPOSITION.—Section 333 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(h) EQUIPMENT DISPOSITION; NOTICE AND WAIT.—
‘‘(1) The Secretary of Defense may treat as stocks of the
Department of Defense—
‘‘(A) equipment procured to carry out a program pursu-
ant to subsection (a) that has not yet been transferred
to a foreign country and is no longer needed to support
such program or any other program carried out pursuant
to such subsection; and
H. R. 2670—307
‘‘(B) equipment that has been transferred to a foreign
country to carry out a program pursuant to subsection
(a) and is returned by the foreign country to the United
States.
‘‘(2) NOTICE
AND
WAIT.—Not later than 15 days before
initiating activities under a program under subsection (a), the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a written and electronic notice of the following:
‘‘(A) The foreign country, and specific unit, whose
capacity was intended to be built under the program, and
the amount, type, and purpose of the equipment that was
to be provided.
‘‘(B) An explanation why the equipment is no longer
needed to support such program or another program carried
out pursuant to such subsection.’’.
(c) INTERNATIONAL
AGREEMENTS.—Such section is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(i) INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.—
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, with the
concurrence of the Secretary of State, may—
‘‘(A) allow a foreign country to provide sole-source direc-
tion for assistance in support of a program carried out
pursuant to subsection (a); and
‘‘(B) enter into an agreement with a foreign country
to provide such sole-source direction.
‘‘(2) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 72 hours after the Sec-
retary of Defense enters into an agreement under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a written notification that includes the following:
‘‘(A) A description of the parameters of the agreement,
including types of support, objectives, and duration of sup-
port and cooperation under the agreement.
‘‘(B) A description and justification of any anticipated
use of sole-source direction pursuant to such agreement.
‘‘(C) An assessment of the extent to which the equip-
ment to be provided under the agreement—
‘‘(i) responds to the needs of the foreign country;
and
‘‘(ii) can be sustained by the foreign country.
‘‘(D) A determination as to whether the anticipated
costs to be incurred under the agreement are fair and
reasonable.
‘‘(E) A certification that the agreement is in the
national security interests of the United States.
‘‘(F) Any other matter relating to the agreement, as
determined by the Secretary of Defense.’’.
SEC. 1204. MODIFICATIONS TO SECURITY COOPERATION WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
AND
ESTABLISHMENT
OF
DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION UNIVERSITY.
(a) MODIFICATIONS
TO PROGRAM.—Section 384 of title 10,
United States Code, is amended—
(1) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
‘‘(c) ELEMENTS.—The Program shall consist of elements relating
to the development and management of the security cooperation
workforce for the purposes specified in subsection (b), including
the following elements on training, certification, assignment, career
H. R. 2670—308
development, and tracking of personnel of the security cooperation
workforce:
‘‘(1) Establishment of a comprehensive system to track
and account for all Department of Defense personnel in the
security cooperation workforce, using systems of record in the
military departments, the Office of the Secretary of Defense,
the combatant commands, Defense Agencies, Department of
Defense Field Activities, and the National Guard.
‘‘(2) Establishment of a management information system,
pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense,
acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and
the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, to
ensure that all organizations and elements of the Department
provide standardized information and data to the Secretary
on persons serving in security cooperation positions. Such
management information system shall, at a minimum, provide
for the collection and retention of information concerning the
qualification, assignments, and tenure of persons in the security
cooperation workforce.
‘‘(3) Implementation and management of the security
cooperation human capital initiative under subsection (e).
‘‘(4) Establishment of a defense security cooperation service,
pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense,
acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and
the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, to
ensure that security cooperation organizations of the United
States located at overseas missions possess the requisite per-
sonnel, and that such personnel possess the skills needed,
to properly perform their missions, which shall include—
‘‘(A) members of the armed forces and civilians
assigned to security cooperation organizations of United
States missions overseas who are performing security
cooperation functions, regardless of funding source; and
‘‘(B) personnel of the Department of Defense per-
forming functions in furtherance of section 515 of the For-
eign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321i).
‘‘(5) Such other elements as the Secretary of Defense deter-
mines appropriate.’’;
(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
‘‘(d) MANAGEMENT.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Program shall be managed by the
Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
‘‘(2) MANAGING ENTITY.—
‘‘(A) DESIGNATION.—The Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and
the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency,
shall designate the Defense Security Cooperation Univer-
sity to serve as the lead entity for managing the
implementation of the Program.
‘‘(B)
DUTIES.—The
Defense
Security
Cooperation
University
shall
carry
out
the
management
and
implementation of the Program, consistent with objectives
formulated by the Secretary of Defense, which shall include
the following:
‘‘(i) Providing for comprehensive tracking of and
accounting for all Department of Defense employees
engaged in the security cooperation enterprise.
H. R. 2670—309
‘‘(ii) Providing training requirements specified at
the requisite proficiency levels for each position.
‘‘(C) REPORTING.—The Secretary of Defense shall
ensure that, not less frequently than semi-annually, each
military department, the Office of the Secretary of Defense,
and each combatant command, Defense Agency, Depart-
ment of Defense Field Activity, and unit of the National
Guard submits to the Defense Security Cooperation Univer-
sity a formal manpower document as determined by the
Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency that—
‘‘(i) lists each position in the security cooperation
workforce of the organization concerned as determined
by the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation
Agency; and
‘‘(ii) uniquely codes every position within compo-
nent manpower systems for the security cooperation
workforce for the management and career development
of the security cooperation workforce, as determined
by the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation
Agency.
‘‘(3) SECURITY
COOPERATION
WORKFORCE
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION
SYSTEM.—The Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation
Agency, shall prescribe regulations to ensure that each military
department, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and each
combatant command, Defense Agency, Department of Defense
Field Activity, and unit of the National Guard provides
standardized information and data to the Secretary on persons
serving in positions within the security cooperation workforce.’’;
(3) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
‘‘(e) SECURITY COOPERATION HUMAN CAPITAL INITIATIVE.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall implement a security
cooperation human capital initiative within the Defense Secu-
rity Cooperation University to identify, account for, and manage
the career progression of personnel in the security cooperation
workforce.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The security cooperation human capital
initiative shall do the following:
‘‘(A) Provide direction to the Department of Defense
on the establishment of professional career paths for the
personnel of the security cooperation workforce, addressing
training and education standards, promotion opportunities
and requirements, retention policies, and scope of workforce
demands.
‘‘(B) Provide for a mechanism to identify and define
training and certification requirements for security coopera-
tion positions in the Department and a means to track
workforce skills and certifications.
‘‘(C) Provide for a mechanism to establish a program
of professional certification in Department of Defense secu-
rity cooperation for personnel of the security cooperation
workforce in different career tracks and levels of com-
petency based on requisite training and experience.
‘‘(D) Establish requirements for training and profes-
sional development associated with each level of certifi-
cation provided for under subparagraph (C).
H. R. 2670—310
‘‘(E) Provide for a mechanism for assigning appro-
priately certified personnel of the security cooperation
workforce to assignments associated with key positions in
connection with security cooperation programs and activi-
ties.
‘‘(F) Identify the appropriate composition of career and
temporary personnel necessary to constitute the security
cooperation workforce.
‘‘(G) Identify specific positions throughout the security
cooperation workforce to be managed and assigned through
the Program.
‘‘(H) Identify career paths that provide a competency-
based road map for security cooperation employees to aid
in their career planning and professional development.
‘‘(I) Develop a competency-based approach to the secu-
rity cooperation workforce that enables components of the
Department of Defense to incorporate competencies in
recruitment and retention tools such as job analysis, posi-
tion descriptions, vacancy announcements, selection assess-
ment questionnaires, and employee training and develop-
ment plans.
‘‘(J) Align with the Department of Defense and Defense
Security Cooperation Agency strategic planning, budget
process, performance management goals, and metrics to
ensure the appropriate workforce mix and skill sets to
accomplish the security cooperation mission.
‘‘(K) Include assessment measures intended to assess
progress
in
implementing
the
security
cooperation
workforce using results-oriented performance measures.’’;
(4) in subsection (h)(6), by striking ‘‘guidance issued under
subsection (e)’’ and inserting ‘‘security cooperation human cap-
ital initiative under subsection (e)’’;
(5) by redesignating subsections (f) through (h) (as
amended) as subsections (h) through (j), respectively;
(6) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new sub-
sections:
‘‘(f) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.—
‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall direct
an educational institution of the Department of Defense with
the requisite expertise in foreign military sales and in edu-
cation, training, research, and analysis of the security coopera-
tion workforce within the Department of Defense to serve as
a Foreign Military Sales Center of Excellence to improve the
training and education of personnel engaged in foreign military
sales planning and execution.
‘‘(2) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the Foreign Military
Sales Center of Excellence shall include—
‘‘(A) conducting research on and promoting best prac-
tices for ensuring that foreign military sales are timely
and effective; and
‘‘(B) enhancing existing curricula for the purpose of
ensuring that the foreign military sales workforce is fully
trained and prepared to execute the foreign military sales
program.
‘‘(g) DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION UNIVERSITY.—
H. R. 2670—311
‘‘(1) CHARTER.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and
promulgate a charter for the operation of the Defense Security
Cooperation University.
‘‘(2) MISSION.—The charter required by paragraph (1) shall
set forth the mission, and associated structures and organiza-
tions, of the Defense Security Cooperation University, which
shall include—
‘‘(A) management and implementation of international
military training and education security cooperation pro-
grams and authorities executed by the Department of
Defense;
‘‘(B) management and provision of institutional
capacity-building services executed by the Department of
Defense; and
‘‘(C) advancement of the profession of security coopera-
tion through research, data collection, analysis, publication,
and learning.
‘‘(3) COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ARRANGE-
MENTS.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—In engaging in research and
development projects pursuant to subsection (a) of section
4001 of this title by a contract, cooperative agreement,
or grant pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of such section, the
Secretary of Defense may enter into such contract or
cooperative agreement, or award such grant, through the
Defense Security Cooperation University.
‘‘(B) TREATMENT AS GOVERNMENT-OPERATED FEDERAL
LABORATORY.—The Defense Security Cooperation Univer-
sity shall be considered a Government-operated Federal
laboratory for purposes of section 12 of the Stevenson-
Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710a).
‘‘(4) ACCEPTANCE OF RESEARCH GRANTS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, through
the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, may authorize
the President of the Defense Security Cooperation Univer-
sity to accept qualifying research grants. Any such grant
may only be accepted if the work under the grant is to
be carried out by a professor or instructor of the Defense
Security Cooperation University for a scientific, literary,
or educational purpose.
‘‘(B) QUALIFYING GRANTS.—A qualifying research grant
under this paragraph is a grant that is awarded on a
competitive basis by an entity described in subparagraph
(C) for a research project with a scientific, literary, or
educational purpose.
‘‘(C) ENTITIES FROM WHICH GRANTS MAY BE ACCEPTED.—
A grant may be accepted under this paragraph only from
a corporation, fund, foundation, educational institution, or
similar entity that is organized and operated primarily
for scientific, literary, or educational purposes.
‘‘(D) ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT FUNDS.—The Director
of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency shall establish
an account for administering funds received as research
grants under this section. The President of the Defense
Security Cooperation University shall use the funds in
the account in accordance with applicable provisions of
H. R. 2670—312
the regulations and the terms and condition of the grants
received.
‘‘(E) RELATED EXPENSES.—Subject to such limitations
as may be provided in appropriations Acts, appropriations
available for the Defense Security Cooperation University
may be used to pay expenses incurred by the Defense
Security Cooperation University in applying for, and other-
wise pursuing, the award of qualifying research grants.
‘‘(F) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of Defense, through
the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, shall prescribe
regulations for the administration of this subsection.’’; and
(7) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
‘‘(k) REPORT ON SECURITY COOPERATION WORKFORCE.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date
of the enactment of this subsection, and not less frequently
than once every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives a report on the Department
of Defense security cooperation workforce.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall—
‘‘(A) identify current and projected security cooperation
workforce manpower requirements, including expeditionary
requirements within the context of total force planning,
needed to meet the security cooperation mission;
‘‘(B) identify critical skill gaps (such as recruitment
in the existing or projected workforce) and development
of strategies to manage the security cooperation workforce
to address those gaps;
‘‘(C) address development, validation, implementation,
and assessment of security cooperation workforce and
Department-wide competencies for security cooperation and
associated occupational series using the Department tax-
onomy;
‘‘(D) produce a comparison between competency pro-
ficiency levels against target proficiency levels at enterprise
and individual levels to identify competency gaps and gap
closure strategies, for competencies needed at the time
of the report and in the future;
‘‘(E) identify any exceptions and waivers granted with
respect to the application of qualification, assignment, and
tenure policies, procedures, and practices to persons, billets
or positions;
‘‘(F) indicate relative promotion rates for security
cooperation workforce personnel;
‘‘(G) identify the funds requested or allocated for the
Department of Defense security cooperation workforce and
address whether such funds are sufficient to—
‘‘(i) address the critical skill gaps identified pursu-
ant to subparagraph (B); and
‘‘(ii) provide incentives to recruit and retain high-
quality personnel in the security cooperation workforce;
and
‘‘(H) include any other matters the Secretary of Defense
determines appropriate.
‘‘(l) COMPTROLLER GENERAL EVALUATION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an independent evaluation of the actions
H. R. 2670—313
taken by the Secretary of Defense to carry out the requirements
of this section.
‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this subsection, the Comptroller General shall
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and House of Representatives a report on the evaluation con-
ducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include—
‘‘(A) an analysis of the effectiveness of the actions
taken by the Secretary to carry out the requirements of
this section; and
‘‘(B) such legislative and administrative recommenda-
tions as the Comptroller General considers appropriate to
meet the objectives of this section.’’.
(b) MODIFICATION
TO
SUNSET.—Section 1250(b)(1) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public
Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2529) is amended by striking ‘‘2026’’ and
inserting ‘‘2025’’.
SEC. 1205. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR
REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN COALITION NATIONS FOR
SUPPORT PROVIDED TO UNITED STATES MILITARY OPER-
ATIONS.
(a) EXTENSION.—Subsection (a) of section 1233 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–
181; 122 Stat. 393) is amended by striking ‘‘beginning on October
1, 2022, and ending on December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘beginning
on October 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2024’’.
(b) MODIFICATION TO LIMITATION.—Subsection (d)(1) of such
section is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘beginning on October 1, 2022, and ending
on December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘beginning on October
1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2024’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘$30,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$15,000,000’’.
SEC. 1206. EXTENSION OF CROSS-SERVICING AGREEMENTS FOR LOAN
OF PERSONNEL PROTECTION AND PERSONNEL SURVIV-
ABILITY EQUIPMENT IN COALITION OPERATIONS.
Section 1207(f) of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public
Law 113–291; 10 U.S.C. 2342 note) is amended by striking
‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2029’’.
SEC. 1207. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO
CERTAIN GOVERNMENTS FOR BORDER SECURITY OPER-
ATIONS.
Section 1226(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 2151 note) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
‘‘(G) To the Government of Tajikistan for purposes
of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces
of Tajikistan to increase security and sustain increased
security along the border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
‘‘(H) To the Government of Uzbekistan for purposes
of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces
of Uzbekistan to increase security and sustain increased
security along the border of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
‘‘(I) To the Government of Turkmenistan for purposes
of supporting and enhancing efforts of the armed forces
H. R. 2670—314
of Turkmenistan to increase security and sustain increased
security along the border of Turkmenistan and Afghani-
stan.’’.
SEC. 1208. EXTENSION OF LEGAL INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING
INITIATIVE FOR FOREIGN DEFENSE INSTITUTIONS.
Section 1210(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1626) is amended
by striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2028’’.
SEC. 1209. REPORT ON EX GRATIA PAYMENTS.
Section 1213(h) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (10 U.S.C. 2731 note) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)(A), by striking
‘‘in this subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘in this section’’; and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
‘‘(2) The status of all other pending or denied ex gratia
payments or requests, including—
‘‘(A) when any such request was made;
‘‘(B) what steps the Department is taking to respond
to the request;
‘‘(C) whether the Department denied any requests for
any such payment, along with the reason for such denial;
‘‘(D) whether any such payment was refused, along
with the reason for such refusal, if known; or
‘‘(E) any other reason for which a payment was not
offered or made.’’.
SEC. 1210. AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE MISSION TRAINING THROUGH
DISTRIBUTED SIMULATION.
(a) AUTHORITY FOR TRAINING AND DISTRIBUTION.—To enhance
the interoperability and integration between the United States
Armed Forces and the military forces of friendly foreign countries,
effective beginning on the date that is 30 days after the date
on which the Secretary of Defense submits the report required
by subsection (d), the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence
of the Secretary of State, is authorized—
(1) to provide to military personnel of a friendly foreign
country persistent advanced networked training and exercise
activities (in this section referred to as ‘‘mission training
through distributed simulation’’); and
(2) to provide information technology related to mission
training through distributed simulation, including hardware
and computer software developed for such activities.
(b) SCOPE
OF MISSION TRAINING.—Mission training through
distributed simulation provided under subsection (a) may include
advanced distributed network training events and computer-
assisted exercises.
(c) GUIDANCE ON USE OF AUTHORITY.—Not later than 120 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall develop and issue guidance on the procedures for the use
of the authority provided in this section.
(d) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the
anticipated use of mission training through distributed simula-
tion by military personnel of friendly foreign countries.
H. R. 2670—315
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of anticipated mission training
through distributed simulation activities between the
United States Armed Forces and the military forces of
friendly foreign countries.
(B) A description of the current capabilities of the
military forces of friendly foreign countries to support mis-
sion training through distributed simulation activities with
the United States Armed Forces.
(C) A description of the manner in which the Depart-
ment intends to use mission training through distributed
simulation activities to support implementation of the
National Defense Strategy, including in areas of responsi-
bility of the United States European Command and the
United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(D) Any recommendation of the Secretary of Defense
for legislative proposals or policy guidance regarding the
use of mission training through distributed simulation
activities.
(3) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In
this subsection, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’
means—
(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives.
(e) SUNSET.—The authority provided in this section shall termi-
nate on December 31, 2025.
SEC. 1211. REQUIREMENT FOR MILITARY EXERCISES.
(a) EXERCISES REQUIRED.—Beginning on January 1 of the year
which begins after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense shall require the United States Central Com-
mand or other relevant commands, units, or organizations of the
United States Armed Forces, as the Secretary deems appropriate,
to conduct military exercises that—
(1) occur not fewer than two times in a calendar year;
(2) shall include invitations for the armed forces of Israel,
provided that the Government of Israel consents to the partici-
pation of its forces in such exercises;
(3) may include invitations for the armed forces of other
allies and partners of the United States to take part in the
exercises;
(4) seek to enhance the interoperability and effectiveness
of the United States Armed Forces, the armed forces of Israel,
and the armed forces of other allies and partners of the United
States in coalition operations; and
(5) shall include, at a minimum, the following activities—
(A) practicing or simulating large-scale and long-range
strike missions;
(B) practicing the aerial refueling of combat aircraft
of the armed forces of Israel by United States aerial
refueling aircraft; and
H. R. 2670—316
(C) practicing the provision by the United States
Armed Forces of other enabling capabilities to the armed
forces of Israel, including—
(i) logistics support;
(ii) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
and
(iii) air defense.
(b) CERTIFICATION.—Not later than December 31 of the calendar
year specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) submit to the congressional defense committees a certifi-
cation that the requirements of this section have been met
by December 31 of such calendar year; or
(2) if the requirements of this section are not met by
December 31 of such calendar year, provide, in writing, the
reasons the requirements of this section were not met.
(c) SUNSET.—The requirements in subsection (a) shall terminate
on December 31 of the calendar year specified in subsection (a).
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of
Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Other
Authorities of the Department of Defense
SEC. 1221. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR EXPENDITURE OF
FUNDS FOR CLANDESTINE ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT
OPERATIONAL PREPARATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
AND
NON-CONVENTIONAL
ASSISTED
RECOVERY
CAPABILITIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 127f of title 10, United States Code,
is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: ‘‘and non-conventional assisted recovery capabili-
ties’’;
(2) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking the first sentence and inserting the
following: ‘‘(1) Amounts appropriated or otherwise made
available for the Department of Defense for operation and
maintenance, Defense-wide, may be used for any purpose
the Secretary of Defense determines to be proper—
‘‘(A) for operational preparation of the environment
for operations of a confidential nature; or
‘‘(B) to establish, develop, and maintain non-conven-
tional assisted recovery capabilities to facilitate the
recovery of United States military and civilian personnel,
or other individuals, who become isolated or separated.’’;
and
(B) by striking ‘‘Such a determination’’ and inserting
the following:
‘‘(2) Such a determination’’;
(3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
‘‘(b) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Activities authorized by sub-
section (a) may, in limited and special circumstances as determined
H. R. 2670—317
by the Secretary of Defense, include the provision of support to
foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals to conduct
operational preparation of the environment and to conduct or sup-
port operations to establish, develop, and maintain non-conventional
assisted recovery capabilities to facilitate the recovery of United
States military and civilian personnel, or other individuals, who
become isolated or separated. Such support may include limited
amounts of equipment, supplies, training, transportation, or other
logistical support or funding.’’.
(4) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g)
as subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (b), as amended, the fol-
lowing:
‘‘(c) PROCEDURES.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The authority in this section shall be
exercised in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary
of Defense shall establish for purposes of this section.
‘‘(2) ELEMENTS.—The procedures required under paragraph
(1) shall establish, at a minimum, each of the following:
‘‘(A) Policy, strategy, or other guidance for the execu-
tion of, and constraints within, activities conducted under
this section.
‘‘(B) The processes through which activities conducted
under this section are to be developed, validated, and
coordinated, as appropriate, with relevant Federal entities.
‘‘(C) The processes through which legal reviews and
determinations are made to comply with the authority in
this section and ensure that the exercise of such authority
is consistent with the national security interests of the
United States.
‘‘(D) The processes by which the Department of Defense
shall keep the congressional defense committees fully and
currently informed of—
‘‘(i) the requirements for the use of the authority
in this section; and
‘‘(ii) activities conducted under such authority.
‘‘(3) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—The Secretary shall notify the
congressional defense committees of any material change to
the procedures established under paragraph (1).’’;
(6) in subsection (d), as redesignated—
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘LIMITATION
ON DELEGATION’’ and inserting ‘‘LIMITATIONS’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘The Secretary of Defense may not
delegate’’ and inserting the following: ‘‘The Secretary of
Defense—
‘‘(1) may expend up to $40,000,000 in any fiscal year for
the purposes described in subsection (a); and
‘‘(2) may not delegate’’;
(7) in subsection (g), as redesignated—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
and
(B) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and
inserting the following:
‘‘(1) a description of activities carried out for the purposes
described in subsection (a);
‘‘(2) the amount of such expenditures;
H. R. 2670—318
‘‘(3) an identification of the type of recipients to receive
support, including foreign forces, irregular forces, groups or
individuals, as appropriate;
‘‘(4) the total amount of funds obligated for such expendi-
tures in prior fiscal years; and’’; and
(8) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(i) OVERSIGHT BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR SPE-
CIAL OPERATIONS AND LOW INTENSITY CONFLICT.—The Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity
Conflict shall have primary responsibility within the Office of the
Secretary of Defense for oversight of policies and programs author-
ized by this section.
‘‘(j)
OPERATIONAL
PREPARATION
OF
THE
ENVIRONMENT
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘operational preparation of the
environment’ means the conduct of activities in likely or potential
operational areas to set conditions for mission execution.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections for chapter
3 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the
item relating to section 127f and inserting the following:
‘‘127f. Expenditure of funds for clandestine activities that support operational prepa-
ration of the environment and non-conventional assisted recovery capa-
bilities.’’.
SEC. 1222. MODIFICATION TO THE AMERICAN, BRITISH, CANADIAN,
AND AUSTRALIAN ARMIES’ PROGRAM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1274(a) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (10 U.S.C. 2350a(a) note)
is amended by inserting ‘‘or the air force program known as the
Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability Council’’ after ‘‘the American,
British, Canadian, and Australian Armies’ Program’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The heading of section 1274 of
such Act (and the entry in the table of contents for such Act
corresponding to such section 1274) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘Administration of the American, British, Canadian, and Australian
Armies’ Program and the Five Eyes Air Force Interoperability
Council.’’.
SEC. 1223. FIRST MODIFICATION OF INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT PROTEC-
TION OF NATIONAL SECURITY ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS
FROM
UNDUE
INFLUENCE
AND
OTHER
SECURITY
THREATS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1286(a) of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C.
4001 note) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
‘‘(3) to limit academic institutions identified on the list
developed under subsection (c)(8)(A) from benefitting from
funding provided by the Department of Defense to United
States academic institutions; and’’.
(b) OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT.—Not later
than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—
(1) the implementation of the policies and procedures devel-
oped under section 1286 of the John S. McCain National
H. R. 2670—319
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C.
4001 note), as amended by this Act; and
(2) the implementation of the policies of the Department
of Defense required under National Security Presidential
Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33).
SEC. 1224. SECOND MODIFICATION OF INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT
PROTECTION
OF
NATIONAL
SECURITY
ACADEMIC
RESEARCHERS FROM UNDUE INFLUENCE AND OTHER
SECURITY THREATS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1286 of the John S. McCain National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 4001
note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (9) as
paragraphs (8) through (10), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph (7):
‘‘(7) Policies to limit or prohibit funding provided by the
Department of Defense for institutions or individual researchers
who knowingly contract or make other financial arrangements
with entities identified in the list described in paragraph (9),
which policies shall include—
‘‘(A) use of such list as part of a risk assessment
decision matrix during proposal evaluations, including the
development of a question for proposers or broad area
announcements that require proposers to disclose any
contractual or financial connections with such entities;
‘‘(B) a requirement that the Department shall notify
a proposer of suspected noncompliance with a policy issued
under this paragraph and provide not less than 30 days
to take actions to remedy such noncompliance;
‘‘(C) the establishment of an appeals procedure under
which a proposer may appeal a negative decision on a
proposal if the decision is based on a determination
informed by such list;
‘‘(D) a requirement that each awardee of funding pro-
vided by the Department shall disclose to the Department
any contract or financial arrangement made with such
an entity during the period of the award; and
‘‘(E) a requirement that each awardee of funding pro-
vided by the Department shall provide to the Department
an annual certification of compliance with policies promul-
gated pursuant to this paragraph;’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(11) Development of measures of effectiveness and
performance to assess and track progress of the Department
of Defense across the initiative, which measures shall include—
‘‘(A) the evaluation of currently available data to sup-
port the assessment of such measures, including the identi-
fication of areas in which gaps exist that may require
collection of completely new data, or modifications to
existing data sets;
‘‘(B) current means and methods for the collection of
data in an automated manner, including the identification
of areas in which gaps exist that may require new means
for data collection or visualization of such data; and
H. R. 2670—320
‘‘(C) the development of an analysis and assessment
methodology framework to make tradeoffs between the
measures developed under this paragraph and other
metrics related to assessing undue foreign influence on
the Department of Defense research enterprise, such as
commercial due diligence, beneficial ownership, and foreign
ownership, control, and influence.’’; and
(2) in subsection (e)(2), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
‘‘(G) A description of the status of the measures of
effectiveness and performance described in subsection
(c)(11) for the period covered by such report, including
an analytical assessment of the impact of such measures
on the goals of the initiative.’’.
(b) DEADLINE.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop the poli-
cies required by paragraph (7) of section 1286(c) of the John S.
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019
(10 U.S.C. 4001 note), as added by subsection (a)(1)(B), by not
later than June 1, 2024.
SEC. 1225. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
SUPPORT FOR STABILIZATION ACTIVITIES IN NATIONAL
SECURITY INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES.
Section 1210A(h) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1626) is amended
by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2025’’.
SEC. 1226. MODIFICATION OF DEFENSE OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 1212 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136
Stat. 2834; 10 U.S.C. 311 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘military forces’’ and
inserting ‘‘national security forces’’;
(2) in subsection (c)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘military-to-
military relationships’’ and inserting ‘‘relationships
with the national security forces of partner countries’’;
and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘military
forces’’ and inserting ‘‘national security forces’’; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4) SUSTAINMENT AND NON-LETHAL ASSISTANCE.—A pro-
gram under subsection (a) may include the provision of
sustainment and non-lethal assistance, including training,
defense services, and supplies (including consumables).’’;
(3) in subsection (e)(3)(A), by striking ‘‘military force’’ and
inserting ‘‘national security forces’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section the terms ‘defense services’,
‘national security forces’, and ‘training’ have the meaning given
those terms in section 301 of title 10, United States Code.’’.
H. R. 2670—321
SEC. 1227. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON IN-FLIGHT REFUELING
TO NON-UNITED STATES AIRCRAFT THAT ENGAGE IN HOS-
TILITIES IN THE ONGOING CIVIL WAR IN YEMEN.
Section 1273 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1699) is amended
to read as follows:
‘‘SEC. 1273. PROHIBITION ON IN-FLIGHT REFUELING TO NON-UNITED
STATES AIRCRAFT THAT ENGAGE IN HOSTILITIES IN THE
ONGOING CIVIL WAR IN YEMEN.
‘‘For the one-year period beginning on the date of the
enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2024, the Department of Defense may not provide in-
flight refueling pursuant to section 2342 of title 10, United
States Code, or any other applicable statutory authority, to
non-United States aircraft that engage in hostilities in the
ongoing civil war in Yemen unless and until a declaration
of war or a specific statutory authorization for such use of
the United States Armed Forces has been enacted.’’.
SEC. 1228. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR INTER-
NATIONAL SECURITY COOPERATION PROGRAM.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for operation and
maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency for the International Security Cooperation Pro-
gram, not more than 85 percent may be obligated or expended
until the Secretary of Defense submits the security cooperation
strategy for each covered combatant command required by section
1206 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1960).
SEC. 1229. PROTECTION AND LEGAL PREPAREDNESS FOR MEMBERS
OF THE ARMED FORCES ABROAD.
(a) REVIEW AND BRIEFING REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 31, 2024, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of
Defense, shall—
(A) review the legal protections afforded by bilateral
agreements between the United States and the countries
listed in paragraph (2), and how the rights and privileges
afforded under such agreements may differ from United
States law; and
(B) brief the appropriate congressional committees on
the findings of the review.
(2) COUNTRIES LISTED.—The countries listed in this para-
graph are the following:
(A) Australia.
(B) Bahrain.
(C) Germany.
(D) Italy.
(E) Japan.
(F) Kuwait.
(G) Qatar.
(H) South Korea.
(I) Spain.
(J) Turkey.
(K) The United Kingdom.
H. R. 2670—322
(L) Any other country the Secretary of Defense deter-
mines to be appropriate.
(3) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The review required by
paragraph (1)(A) shall address whether the legal protections
afforded by bilateral agreements between the United States
and the countries listed in paragraph (2) provide members
of the Armed Forces who are stationed in the country, and
the spouses and dependents of such members who are covered
by the agreements, with the right to legal counsel, access to
competent language translation services, a prompt and speedy
trial, the right to be confronted with witnesses against the
member, spouse, or dependent, and a compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in favor of the member, spouse, or
dependent if the witness is located in the jurisdiction of the
country.
(4) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—
In this subsection, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional commit-
tees’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(b) TRAINING REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall review
and improve as necessary training and educational materials for
members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in a country
reviewed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A), and the spouses and
dependents of such members who are covered by the agreements,
regarding relevant foreign laws, how such foreign laws may differ
from the laws of the United States, and the rights of accused
in common scenarios under such foreign laws.
(c) TRANSLATION STANDARDS AND READINESS.—The Secretary
of Defense shall review foreign language standards for members
of the Armed Forces and employees of the Department of Defense
who are responsible for providing foreign language translation serv-
ices in situations involving foreign law enforcement where such
a member or employee may be being detained, to ensure such
members and employees maintain an appropriate proficiency in
the legal terminology and meaning of essential terms in a relevant
language.
SEC. 1230. REPORT ON HOSTILITIES INVOLVING UNITED STATES
ARMED FORCES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 48 hours after any incident
in which the United States Armed Forces are involved in an attack
or hostilities, whether in an offensive or defensive capacity, the
President shall transmit to the congressional defense committees,
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
on the incident, unless the President—
(1) otherwise reports the incident within 48 hours pursuant
to section 4 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1543);
or
(2) has determined prior to the incident, and so reported
pursuant to section 1264 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (50 U.S.C. 1549), that the United
H. R. 2670—323
States Armed Forces involved in the incident would be oper-
ating under specific statutory authorization within the meaning
of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1544(b)).
(b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—Each report required by sub-
section (a) shall include—
(1) the authority or authorities under which the United
States Armed Forces were operating when the incident
occurred;
(2) the date, location, and duration of the incident and
the other parties involved;
(3) a description of the United States Armed Forces
involved in the incident and the mission of such Armed Forces;
(4) the numbers of any combatant casualties and civilian
casualties that occurred as a result of the incident; and
(5) any other information the President determines appro-
priate.
SEC. 1231. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE GLOBAL
ENGAGEMENT CENTER.
Not later than 30 days after making funds or personnel avail-
able to the Global Engagement Center established pursuant to
section 1287 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2656 note), the Secretary of Defense shall
provide to the congressional defense committees a notification that
includes—
(1) an accounting of such funds or personnel; and
(2) an explanation of the reason for the availability of
such funds or personnel.
Subtitle C—Matters Relating to Ukraine,
Russia, and NATO
SEC. 1241. EXTENSION OF UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE INITIA-
TIVE.
Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1068) is amended—
(1) in subsection (f)—
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘for overseas contingency operations’’ ; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(9) For fiscal year 2024, $300,000,000.
‘‘(10) For fiscal year 2025, $300,000,000.’’; and
(2) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and
inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’.
SEC. 1242. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF CERTAIN TEMPORARY
AUTHORIZATIONS RELATED TO MUNITIONS REPLACE-
MENT.
Section 1244 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is
amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘and Other Matters’’
and inserting ‘‘, Taiwan, and Israel’’;
(2) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
H. R. 2670—324
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘or replenish’’
after ‘‘to build’’;
(ii) in subparagraph (B)—
(I) by striking ‘‘the Government of Ukraine’’
and inserting ‘‘Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting ‘‘; or’’;
and
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘the Govern-
ment of Ukraine’’ and inserting ‘‘Ukraine, Taiwan, or
Israel’’;
(B) in paragraph (2)(B)(i)(II), by striking ‘‘comparable’’
and inserting ‘‘equivalent’’;
(C) in paragraph (5)—
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
inserting ‘‘and associated parts’’ after ‘‘large-caliber
cannons’’;
(ii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as fol-
lows:
‘‘(A) the replacement of defense articles from stocks
of the Department of Defense provided to—
‘‘(i) the Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel; or
‘‘(ii) foreign countries that have provided support
to Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel;’’;
(iii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as fol-
lows:
‘‘(B) the Department of Defense to provide materiel
directly to Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel; or’’; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (B), as so
amended, the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) use by Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel.’’;
(D) by amending paragraph (6) to read as follows:
‘‘(6) TEMPORARY
EXEMPTION
FROM
CERTIFIED
COST
AND
PRICING DATA REQUIREMENTS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—At the discretion of the Secretary
of Defense, the requirements under section 3702 of title
10, United States Code, shall not apply to a covered agree-
ment.
‘‘(B) APPLICATION.—An exemption under subparagraph
(A) shall also apply to subcontracts under prime contracts
that are exempt under this paragraph.
‘‘(C) PRICE REASONABLENESS.—In awarding or modi-
fying a covered agreement pursuant to a waiver under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall base price
reasonableness determinations on actual cost and pricing
data for purchases of the same or similar products for
the Department of Defense.’’;
(E) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘September 30, 2024’’
and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2028’’;
(F) by redesignating paragraph (7), as so amended,
as paragraph (8); and
(G) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new
paragraph:
‘‘(7) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 7 days after the exercise
of authority under subsection (a) the Secretary of Defense shall
notify the congressional defense committees of the specific
authority exercised, the relevant contract, and the estimated
reductions in schedule.’’; and
H. R. 2670—325
(3) in subsection (c)(1)—
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(i) by inserting ‘‘or fiscal year 2024’’ after ‘‘fiscal
year 2023’’; and
(ii) by inserting ‘‘for systems, items, services, and
logistics support associated with the systems identified
in this paragraph (1)’’ after ‘‘multiyear contracts’’.
(B) in subparagraph (P), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and
inserting a semicolon;
(C) in subparagraph (Q), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by inserting at the end the following new subpara-
graphs:
‘‘(R) 3,300 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles;
‘‘(S) 1,100 Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM);
‘‘(T) 550 Mark 48 Torpedoes;
‘‘(U) 1,650 RIM–162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles
(ESSM);
‘‘(V) 1,980 RIM–116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM);
and
‘‘(W) 11,550 Small Diameter Bomb IIs (SDB–II).’’.
SEC. 1243. REPORT RELATING TO ALLIED AND PARTNER SUPPORT
TO UKRAINE.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report on—
(1) all military contributions to Ukraine made by allied
and partner countries in absolute and relative terms,
disaggregated by country, since January 1, 2022; and
(2) any other matters that the Secretary determines to
be relevant.
(b) FORM.—The report required under subsection (a) shall be
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(c) SUNSET.—The reporting requirement in subsection (a) shall
terminate on January 1, 2025.
SEC. 1244. EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
RELATING TO SOVEREIGNTY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERA-
TION OVER INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED TERRITORY
OF UKRAINE.
Section 1245(a) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is
amended by striking ‘‘None of the funds’’ and all that follows
through ‘‘2023’’ and inserting ‘‘None of the funds authorized to
be appropriated for fiscal year 2023 or 2024’’.
SEC. 1245. STUDY AND REPORT ON LESSONS LEARNED REGARDING
INFORMATION OPERATIONS AND DETERRENCE.
(a) STUDY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek to
enter into a contract or other agreement with an eligible entity
to conduct an independent study on lessons learned from
information operations conducted by the United States,
Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and member countries of
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization during the lead-up
H. R. 2670—326
to the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in
2022 and throughout the conflict.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study required by paragraph (1) shall
include—
(A) an assessment of information operations capabili-
ties of the Russian Federation prior to, and since, the
full-scale invasion of Ukraine;
(B) an assessment of notable successes or challenges
with regard to the information operations conducted by
the United States, NATO member countries, and Ukraine
prior to, and since, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; and
(C) recommendations for improvements to United
States information operations to enhance effectiveness, as
well as recommendations on how information operations
may be improved to support the maintenance of deterrence.
(b) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, Secretary of Defense shall submit
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives a report on the results of the study
required by subsection (a) in its entirety, along with any such
comments as the Secretary considers relevant.
(2) FORM.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex.
(c) ELIGIBLE
ENTITY
DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘eligible entity’’ means—
(1) a federally funded research and development center;
or
(2) an independent, nongovernmental institute described
in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code that has
recognized credentials and expertise in national security and
military affairs appropriate for the assessment.
SEC. 1246. PROHIBITION ON NEW START TREATY INFORMATION
SHARING.
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year
2024 for the Department of Defense may be made available to
provide the Russian Federation with notifications as required by
the New START Treaty.
(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence
of the Secretary of State, may waive the prohibition in subsection
(a) if the Secretary of Defense certifies to the appropriate congres-
sional committees in writing that—
(1) the Russian Federation is providing similar information
to the United States as required by the New START Treaty;
or
(2) it is in the national security interest of the United
States to unilaterally provide such notifications to the Russian
Federation
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section—
(1) the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
H. R. 2670—327
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(2) the term ‘‘New START Treaty’’ means the Treaty
between the United States of America and the Russian Federa-
tion 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.
SEC. 1247. BLACK SEA SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall direct the National Secu-
rity Council to develop an interagency strategy with regard to
the Black Sea region and Black Sea states—
(1) to increase coordination with the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) and the European Union;
(2) to deepen economic ties;
(3) to strengthen energy security;
(4) to support efforts to bolster their democratic resilience;
and
(5) to enhance security assistance with regional partners
in accordance with the values and interests of the United
States.
(b) PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES.—The strategy authorized under
subsection (b) shall have the following goals and objectives:
(1) Ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of security
assistance to regional partners in accordance with the values
and interests of the United States, prioritizing assistance that
will bolster defenses, increase regional cooperation on Black
Sea security, and improve interoperability with NATO forces.
(2) Bolstering United States support for the region’s energy
security and integration with Europe and reducing the region’s
dependence on Russia while supporting energy diversification.
(3) Working with partners and allies to mitigate the impact
of economic coercion by the Russian Federation and the People’s
Republic of China on Black Sea states and identifying new
opportunities for foreign direct investment from the United
States and cooperating countries and the enhancement of
United States business ties with regional partners in accord-
ance with the values and interests of the United States.
(4) Increasing high-level engagement between the United
States and regional partners, including reinforcing economic
growth, infrastructure development, and enhancing trade with
a focus on improving high-level economic cooperation.
(5) Increasing United States coordination with the Euro-
pean Union and NATO member states to maximize effective-
ness and minimize duplication.
(c) ACTIVITIES.—
(1) SECURITY.—The strategy authorized under subsection
(b) should include the following elements related to security:
(A) A plan to increase interagency coordination on
the Black Sea region.
(B) A plan to coordinate and synchronize security
assistance with Black Sea states, focused on Ukraine,
Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Georgia, with the aim
of increasing regional cooperation on Black Sea security.
H. R. 2670—328
(C) A plan to enhance collaboration with Black Sea
states to recognize and respond to Russian disinformation
and propaganda in the Black Sea region.
(2) ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.—The strategy authorized under
subsection (b) shall include the following elements related to
economic prosperity:
(A) A strategy to foster dialogue between experts from
the United States and from the Black Sea states on eco-
nomic expansion, foreign direct investment, strengthening
rule of law initiatives, and mitigating economic coercion
by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of
China.
(B) A strategy for all the relevant Federal departments
and agencies that contribute to United States economic
statecraft to expand their presence and identify new
opportunities for private investment with regional partners
in accordance with the values and interests of the United
States.
(C) Assessments on energy security, focusing on the
immediate need to replace energy supplies from the Rus-
sian Federation, and recognizing the long-term importance
of broader energy diversification.
(D) Assessments of potential food security solutions,
including sustainable, long-term arrangements.
(3) DEMOCRATIC
RESILIENCE.—The strategy authorized
under subsection (b) shall include the following elements related
to democratic resilience:
(A) A plan to increase independent media and United
States-supported media initiatives to combat foreign malign
influence in the Black Sea region.
(B) A plan to increase mobilization of initiatives spear-
headed by the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development to counter Russian
propaganda and disinformation in the Black Sea region.
(d) IDENTIFICATION
OF NECESSARY AUTHORITIES
AND BUDG-
ETARY RESOURCES.—The President shall identify any necessary
authorities or budgetary resources required, by agency, to support
the implementation of the strategy for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
(e) SUBMISSION OF STRATEGY AND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT.—
The President shall submit to the appropriate committees of Con-
gress—
(1) the strategy authorized by subsection (b) not later than
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2) the authority and resourcing assessment required by
subsection (d) not later than 360 days after such date of enact-
ment.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Com-
mittee on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropria-
tions, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Com-
mittee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;
and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee
on Armed Services, the Committee on Appropriations, the
H. R. 2670—329
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Com-
mittee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Represent-
atives.
(2) BLACK
SEA
STATES.—The term ‘‘Black Sea states’’
means—
(A) Bulgaria;
(B) Georgia;
(C) Moldova;
(D) Romania;
(E) Turkey; and
(F) Ukraine.
SEC. 1248. REVIVAL OF AUTHORITY FOR PARTICIPATION OF NATO
NAVAL PERSONNEL IN SUBMARINE SAFETY PROGRAMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (e) of section 8634 of title 10,
United States Code, is repealed.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subsection (a) of such section
8634 is amended by striking ‘‘the Secretary of the Navy may conduct
a program’’ and inserting ‘‘the Secretary of the Navy may conduct
a program beginning on or after the date of the enactment of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024’’.
SEC. 1249. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF TRAINING FOR
EASTERN EUROPEAN NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES IN
THE COURSE OF MULTILATERAL EXERCISES.
Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 (10 U.S.C. 333 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the following
new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) The Republic of Kosovo.’’; and
(2) in subsection (h)—
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘December 31,
2024’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘December 31,
2024.’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’.
SEC. 1250. U.S. BASING, TRAINING, AND EXERCISES IN NORTH
ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION MEMBER COUNTRIES.
When considering decisions related to United States military
basing, training, and exercises, the Secretary of Defense shall
include among the factors whether a country, if a member of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has achieved defense spending
of not less than 2 percent of its gross domestic product.
SEC.
1250A.
LIMITATION
ON
WITHDRAWAL
FROM
THE
NORTH
ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION.
(a) OPPOSITION OF CONGRESS TO SUSPENSION, TERMINATION,
DENUNCIATION, OR WITHDRAWAL FROM NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY.—
The President shall not suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw
the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Wash-
ington, DC, April 4, 1949, except by and with the advice and
consent of the Senate, provided that two-thirds of the Senators
present concur, or pursuant to an Act of Congress.
(b) LIMITATION ON THE USE OF FUNDS.—No funds authorized
or appropriated by any Act may be used to support, directly or
indirectly, any decision on the part of any United States Govern-
ment official to suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw the
United States from the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Washington,
H. R. 2670—330
DC, April 4, 1949, except by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate, provided that two-thirds of the Senators present
concur, or pursuant to an Act of Congress.
(c) NOTIFICATION OF TREATY ACTION.—
(1) CONSULTATION.—Prior to the notification described in
paragraph (2), the President shall consult with the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives in relation
to any initiative to suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw
the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty.
(2) NOTIFICATION.—The President shall notify the Com-
mittee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives in writing
of any deliberation or decision to suspend, terminate, denounce,
or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty,
as soon as possible but in no event later than 180 days prior
to taking such action.
(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be
construed to authorize, imply, or otherwise indicate that the Presi-
dent may suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw from any
treaty to which the Senate has provided its advice and consent
without the advice and consent of the Senate to such act or pursuant
to an Act of Congress.
(e) SEVERABILITY.—If any provision of this section or the
application of such provision is held by a Federal court to be
unconstitutional, the remainder of this subtitle and the application
of such provisions to any other person or circumstance shall not
be affected thereby.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this subtitle, the terms ‘‘withdrawal’’,
‘‘denunciation’’, ‘‘suspension’’, and ‘‘termination’’ have the meaning
given the terms in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,
concluded at Vienna May 23, 1969.
SEC. 1250B. OVERSIGHT OF PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS FUNDED
WITH AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED BY THE UNITED STATES
FOR UKRAINE.
(a) SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL
FOR OPERATION ATLANTIC
RESOLVE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the requirements of this sec-
tion, the President, acting through the Chair of the Council
of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, shall
maintain the position of the Lead Inspector General for Oper-
ation Atlantic Resolve in accordance with section 419 of title
5, United States Code.
(2) REDESIGNATION.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The title of the position of the Lead
Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve is hereby
redesignated as the ‘‘Special Inspector General for Oper-
ation Atlantic Resolve’’ (in this section referred to as the
‘‘Special Inspector General’’).
(B) REFERENCES.—Any reference in law, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to
the Lead Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve
shall be deemed to be a reference to the Special Inspector
General for Operation Atlantic Resolve.
(b) BRIEFINGS.—Upon request by the Chair or Ranking Member
of an appropriate committee of Congress, not later than 30 days
H. R. 2670—331
after receiving the request, the Special Inspector General shall
to the extent practicable provide a briefing to such committee on
the activities of the Special Inspector General with respect to pro-
grams and operations funded with amounts appropriated by the
United States for Ukraine.
(c) PUBLICATION OF ACCOUNTING OF UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE
FOR UKRAINE.—Not later than 45 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the President
shall publish on a publicly available website of the United States
Government a comprehensive accounting of unclassified amounts
appropriated by the United States for Ukraine.
(d) QUARTERLY REPORTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 days after the end
of each fiscal-year quarter, the Special Inspector General shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
summarizing, with respect to that quarter and, to the extent
possible, the period beginning on the date on which such
quarter ends and ending on the date on which the report
is submitted, the activities of the Special Inspector General
with respect to programs and operations funded with amounts
appropriated by the United States for Ukraine for—
(A) security, economic, and humanitarian assistance
to Ukraine and other countries affected by the war;
(B) United States European Command operations and
related support for the United States military; and
(C) operations of other relevant United States Govern-
ment agencies involved in the Ukraine response, as appro-
priate.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report required by paragraph (1)
shall include, for the period covered by the report—
(A) a description of any waste, fraud, or abuse identi-
fied by the Inspectors General with respect to programs
and operations funded with amounts appropriated by the
United States for Ukraine;
(B) a description of the status and results of—
(i) investigations, inspections, and audits; and
(ii) referrals to the Department of Justice; and
(C) a description of the overall plans for review by
the Inspectors General of such support of Ukraine,
including plans for investigations, inspections, and audits.
(3) AVAILABILITY.—The Special Inspector General shall pub-
lish on a publicly available website the unclassified form of
each report required by paragraph (1).
(4) FORM.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex if the Special Inspector General considers it necessary.
(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may be
construed to limit the Special Inspector General from exercising
all authorities and discharging all responsibilities granted to the
Lead Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve in accordance
with section 419 of title 5, United States Code, in the exercise
of oversight responsibilities for Operation Atlantic Resolve generally
and under this section with respect to Ukraine.
(f) SUNSET.—The requirements and authorities of this section
with respect to the Special Inspector General shall cease in accord-
ance with the sunset provisions for the Lead Inspector General
H. R. 2670—332
for Operation Atlantic Resolve pursuant to section 419(f) of title
5, United States Code.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations,
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Govern-
mental Affairs of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee
on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and
the Committee on Oversight and Accountability of the
House of Representatives.
(2) The term ‘‘Inspectors General’’ means the following:
(A) The Inspector General of the Department of
Defense.
(B) The Inspector General of the Department of State.
(C) The Inspector General of the United States Agency
for International Development.
(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is authorized
to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 $8,000,000 to carry out
this section.
(i) EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY FOR
CERTAIN PERSONNEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—
(1) EXPANSION.—Section 9905(a) of title 5, United States
Code, as amended by section 1104, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(14) Any position in support of Special Inspector General
for Operation Atlantic Resolve for which the Secretary deter-
mines there is a critical hiring need and shortage of can-
didates.’’.
(2) EXTENSION.—Section 9905(b)(1) of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2025’’ and
inserting ‘‘September 30, 2030’’.
Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Israel
SEC. 1251. EURO-NATO JOINT JET PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM.
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 feasibility and advisability
of including Israel in observer status in the Euro-NATO Joint
Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT).
SEC. 1252. EXTENSION OF UNITED STATES-ISRAEL ANTI-TUNNEL
COOPERATION.
Section 1279(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1079; 22 U.S.C.
8606 note) is amended by striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and
inserting ‘‘December 31, 2026’’.
SEC. 1253. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO UNITED STATES-ISRAEL
COOPERATION TO COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYS-
TEMS.
Section 1278(b)(4) of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1702; 22 U.S.C.
8606 note) is amended by striking ‘‘$40,000,000’’ and inserting
‘‘$55,000,000’’.
H. R. 2670—333
SEC. 1254. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR COOPERATION ON
DIRECTED ENERGY CAPABILITIES.
Section 1280 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 134 Stat. 3982; 22 U.S.C. 8606 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (d), in the first sentence—
(A) by inserting ‘‘acting through the Under Secretary
of Defense for Research and Engineering,’’ after ‘‘the Sec-
retary of Defense,’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘may establish a program’’ and inserting
‘‘is authorized’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(e) NOTIFICATION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress an assessment detailing—
‘‘(A) the most promising directed energy missile defense
technologies available for co-development with the Govern-
ment of Israel;
‘‘(B) any risks relating to the implementation of a
directed energy missile defense technology co-development
program with the Government of Israel;
‘‘(C) an anticipated spending plan for fiscal year 2024
funding authorized by the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 to carry out this section; and
‘‘(D) initial projections for likely funding requirements
to carry out a directed energy missile defense technology
co-development program with the Government of Israel
over the five fiscal years beginning after the date of the
enactment this subsection, as applicable.
‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In
this subsection, the term ‘appropriate committees of Congress’
means—
‘‘(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations
of the Senate; and
‘‘(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives.’’.
SEC. 1255. ENSURING PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH IN ISRAEL.
(a) EXTENSION OF AUTHORITIES.—
(1) WAR RESERVES STOCKPILE AUTHORITY.—Section 12001(d)
of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public
Law 108–287; 118 Stat. 1011) is amended by striking ‘‘Sep-
tember 30, 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘January 1, 2027’’.
(2) RULES GOVERNING THE TRANSFER OF PRECISION-GUIDED
MUNITIONS TO ISRAEL ABOVE THE ANNUAL RESTRICTION.—Section
1275(e) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283;
134 Stat. 3980; 22 U.S.C. 2321h note) is amended by striking
‘‘on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment
of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘on January 1, 2027’’.
(b) DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
ASSESSMENT
OF
TYPE
AND
QUANTITY OF PRECISION-GUIDED MUNITIONS AND OTHER MUNITIONS
FOR USE BY ISRAEL.—
H. R. 2670—334
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through
December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, shall conduct an assessment with
respect to the following:
(A) The current quantity and type of precision-guided
munitions in the stockpile pursuant to section 12001(d)
of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005
(Public Law 108–287; 118 Stat. 1011).
(B) The quantity and type of precision-guided muni-
tions necessary for Israel to protect its homeland and
counter Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or
any other armed terror group or hostile forces in the region
in the event of a sustained armed confrontation.
(C) The quantity and type of other munitions necessary
for Israel to protect its homeland and counter Hezbollah,
Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or any other armed
group or hostile forces in the region in the event of a
sustained armed confrontation.
(D) The quantity and type of munitions, including
precision-guided munitions, necessary for Israel to protect
its homeland and counter any combination of Hezbollah,
Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and any other armed
terror groups or hostile forces in the region in the event
of a multi-front, sustained armed confrontation.
(E) The resources the Government of Israel would need
to dedicate to acquire the quantity and type of munitions,
including precision-guided munitions, described in subpara-
graphs (B) through (D).
(F) Whether, as of the date on which the applicable
assessment is completed, sufficient quantities and types
of munitions, including precision-guided munitions, to con-
duct operations described in subparagraphs (B) through
(D) are present in—
(i) the inventory of the military forces of Israel;
(ii) the War Reserves Stock Allies-Israel;
(iii) any other United States stockpile or depot
within the area of responsibility of United States Cen-
tral Command, as the Secretary considers appropriate
to disclose to the Government of Israel; or
(iv) the inventory of the United States Armed
Forces, as the Secretary considers appropriate to dis-
close to the Government of Israel.
(G) The current inventory of such munitions, including
precision-guided munitions, possessed by the United States,
and whether, as of the date on which the applicable assess-
ment is completed, the United States is assessed to have
sufficient munitions to meet the requirements of current
operation plans of the United States or global other muni-
tions requirements.
(H) United States planning and steps being taken—
(i) to assist Israel to prepare for the contingencies,
and to conduct the operations, described in subpara-
graphs (B) through (D); and
(ii) to resupply Israel with the quantity and type
of such munitions described in such subparagraphs
H. R. 2670—335
in the event of a sustained armed confrontation
described in such subparagraphs.
(I) The quantity and pace at which the United States
is capable of pre-positioning, increasing, stockpiling, or rap-
idly replenishing, or assisting in the rapid replenishment
of, such munitions in preparation for, and in the event
of, such a sustained armed confrontation.
(2) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the assessment
required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with
the Israeli Ministry of Defense, provided that the Israeli Min-
istry of Defense agrees to be so consulted.
(c) REPORTS.—
(1) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ASSESSMENT.—Not later than
15 days after the date on which each Department of Defense
assessment required by subsection (b) is completed, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress
a report on such assessment.
(2) PRE-POSITIONING
AND
STOCKPILE
IMPLEMENTATION
REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which
the report required by paragraph (1) is submitted, and every
180 days thereafter through December 31, 2027, the Secretary
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report
that—
(A) details the actions being taken by the United
States, if any, to pre-position, increase, stockpile, address
shortfalls, and otherwise ensure that the War Reserves
Stock Allies-Israel has, and assist Israel in ensuring that
Israel has, sufficient quantities and types of munitions,
including precision-guided munitions, to conduct the oper-
ations described in subparagraphs (B) through (D) of sub-
section (b)(1); and
(B) includes a description of procedures implemented
by the United States, if any, for rapidly replenishing, or
assisting in the rapid replenishment of, stockpiles of such
munitions for use by Israel as may be necessary.
(3) FORM.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified
annex.
(4) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In
this subsection, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’
means—
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Com-
mittee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Com-
mittee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
(d) CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS.—
(1) Section 1273 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232;
132 Stat. 2066) is amended by striking subsection (b).
(2) Section 1275 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public
Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3979; 22 U.S.C. 2321h note) is amended
by striking subsection (d).
SEC. 1256. ASSISTANCE TO ISRAEL FOR AERIAL REFUELING.
(a) TRAINING ISRAELI PILOTS TO OPERATE KC–46 AIRCRAFT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall—
H. R. 2670—336
(A) make available sufficient resources and accom-
modations within the United States to train members of
the Israeli Air Force on the operation of KC–46 aircraft;
and
(B) conduct training for members of the Israeli Air
Force, including—
(i) training for pilots and crew on the operation
of the KC–46 aircraft in accordance with standards
considered sufficient to conduct coalition operations of
the United States Air Force and the Israeli Air Force;
and
(ii) training for ground personnel on the mainte-
nance and sustainment requirements of the KC–46
aircraft considered sufficient for such operations.
(2) UNITED
STATES
AIR
FORCE
MILITARY
PERSONNEL
EXCHANGE
PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Defense shall, with
respect to members of the Israeli Air Force associated with
the operation of KC–46 aircraft—
(A) before the completion of the training required by
paragraph (1)(B), authorize the participation of such mem-
bers of the Israeli Air Force in the United States Air
Force Military Personnel Exchange Program;
(B) make available billets in the United States Air
Force Military Personnel Exchange Program necessary for
such members of the Israeli Air Force to participate in
such program; and
(C) to the extent practicable, ensure that such members
of the Israeli Air Force are able to participate in the United
States Air Force Military Personnel Exchange Program
immediately after such members complete such training.
(3) TERMINATION.—This subsection shall cease to have
effect on the date that is ten years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 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 the House
of Representatives a briefing that includes the following:
(1) An assessment of—
(A) the current operational requirements of the Govern-
ment of Israel for aerial refueling; and
(B) any gaps in current or near-term capabilities.
(2) The estimated date of delivery to Israel of KC–46 air-
craft procured by the Government of Israel.
(3) A detailed description of—
(A) any actions the United States Government is taking
to expedite the delivery to Israel of KC–46 aircraft procured
by the Government of Israel, while minimizing adverse
impacts to United States defense readiness, including stra-
tegic forces readiness;
(B) any additional actions the United States Govern-
ment could take to expedite such delivery; and
(C) additional authorities Congress could provide to
help expedite such delivery.
(4) A description of the availability of any United States
aerial refueling tanker aircraft that is retired or is expected
to be retired during the two-year period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this Act that could be provided to Israel.
H. R. 2670—337
(c) COSTS AND BENEFITS OF FORWARD DEPLOYMENT OF UNITED
STATES KC–46 AIRCRAFT TO ISRAEL.—
(1) BRIEFING.—Not later than 90 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 the
House of Representatives a briefing that describes the costs
and benefits of forward deploying KC–46 aircraft to Israel.
(2) PRESENCE.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Secretary of State, shall consult with the Government
of Israel to determine the advisability and practicality of the
Government of Israel hosting rotational deployments of United
States KC–46 aircraft to Israel.
SEC. 1257. RULES GOVERNING TRANSFER OF AERIAL REFUELING
TANKERS TO ISRAEL.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section 514(b) of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)), and subject to sub-
sections (b) and (c) of this section, the President, acting through
the Secretary of Defense, may transfer to Israel one or more retired
United States aerial refueling tankers, any United States aerial
refueling tanker that the Secretary of Defense plans to retire during
the two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act, or any other United States aerial refueling tanker the
President considers appropriate, consistent with—
(1) all other requirements set forth in the Foreign Assist-
ance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.); and
(2) the requirements set forth in the Arms Export Control
Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.).
(b) CONDITIONS.—Except in the case of an emergency, as deter-
mined by the President, a transfer under subsection (a) may only
occur if the transfer—
(1) does not affect the ability of the United States to main-
tain a sufficient aerial refueling capacity to satisfy United
States warfighting requirements;
(2) does not harm the combat readiness of the United
States;
(3) does not affect the ability of the United States to meet
its commitments to allies with respect to the transfer of aerial
refueling capacity; and
(4) is in the national security interest of the United States.
(c) CERTIFICATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except in the case of an emergency, as
determined by the President, not later than 15 days before
making a transfer under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Defense shall certify to the appropriate congressional commit-
tees that the transfer meets the conditions specified in sub-
section (b).
(2) EMERGENCIES.—In the case of an emergency, as deter-
mined by the President, not later than five days after making
a transfer under subsection (a), the President shall—
(A) certify to the appropriate congressional committees
that the transfer supports the national security interests
of the United States; and
(B) provide to the appropriate congressional commit-
tees an assessment of the impacts, risks, and mitigation
measures with respect to the matters referred to in para-
graphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b).
H. R. 2670—338
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
SEC. 1258. REPORT.
(a) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—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 whether any products sold
at commissary or exchange stores in fiscal years 2021 or 2022
were produced by companies described in paragraph (2) that
have participated in a boycott action against the State of Israel.
(2) COMPANIES
DESCRIBED.—The companies described in
this paragraph are companies that have entered into a contract
with the Department of Defense to sell products described
in paragraph (1) the total value of which exceeds $10,000,000.
(b) SENSE
OF CONGRESS.—Congress is concerned about the
antisemitic efforts of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS)
movement against the State of Israel, including its efforts to
delegitimize, isolate, and ultimately destroy the Jewish state.
(c) DEFINITION.—In subsection (a), the term ‘‘boycott action
against the State of Israel’’ means engaging in a boycott action
targeting the State of Israel, companies or individuals doing busi-
ness in or with the State of Israel, or companies authorized by,
licensed by, or organized under the laws of the State of Israel
to do business.
Subtitle E—Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq,
Iran, and Afghanistan
SEC. 1261. MIDDLE EAST INTEGRATED MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS
AND INTERDICTION CAPABILITY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, using existing
authorities, shall seek to build upon the incorporation of Israel
into the area of responsibility of the United States Central Com-
mand to develop a Middle East integrated maritime domain aware-
ness and interdiction capability for the purpose of protecting the
people, infrastructure, and territory of such countries from—
(1) manned and unmanned naval systems, undersea war-
fare capabilities, and anti-ship missiles of Iran and groups
affiliated with Iran; and
(2) violent extremist organizations, criminal networks, and
piracy activities that threaten lawful commerce in the water-
ways within the area of responsibility of the United States
Naval Forces Central Command.
(b) STRATEGY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the
appropriate committees of Congress a strategy for the coopera-
tion described in subsection (a).
H. R. 2670—339
(2) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The strategy required by
paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the threats posed to ally or
partner countries in the Middle East by—
(i)
manned
and
unmanned
naval
systems,
undersea warfare capabilities, and anti-ship missiles
of Iran and groups affiliated with Iran; and
(ii) violent extremist organizations, criminal net-
works, and piracy activities that threaten lawful com-
merce in the waterways within the area of responsi-
bility of the United States Naval Forces Central Com-
mand.
(B) A description of existing multilateral maritime
partnerships currently led by the United States Naval
Forces Central Command, including the Combined Mari-
time Forces (including its associated Task Forces 150, 151,
152, and 153), the International Maritime Security Con-
struct, and the Navy’s Task Force 59, and a discussion
of the role of such partnerships in building an integrated
maritime security capability.
(C) A description of progress made in advancing the
integration of Israel into the existing multilateral maritime
partnerships described in subparagraph (B).
(D) A description of efforts among countries in the
Middle East to coordinate intelligence, reconnaissance, and
surveillance capabilities and indicators and warnings with
respect to the threats described in subparagraph (A), and
a description of any impediment to optimizing such efforts.
(E) A description of the current Department of Defense
systems that, in coordination with ally and partner coun-
tries in the Middle East—
(i) provide awareness of and defend against such
threats; and
(ii) address current capability gaps.
(F) An explanation of the manner in which an
integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction
architecture would improve collective security in the Middle
East.
(G) A description of existing and planned efforts to
engage ally and partner countries in the Middle East in
establishing such an architecture.
(H) An identification of the elements of such an
architecture that may be acquired and operated by ally
and partner countries in the Middle East, and a list of
such elements for each such ally and partner.
(I) An identification of the elements of such an architec-
ture that may only be provided and operated by members
of the United States Armed Forces.
(J) An identification of any challenge to optimizing
such an architecture in the Middle East.
(K) An assessment of progress and key challenges in
the implementation of the strategy required by paragraph
(1) using the metrics identified in accordance with para-
graph (3).
(L)
Recommendations
for
improvements
in
the
implementation of such strategy based on such metrics.
H. R. 2670—340
(M) An assessment of any capabilities or lessons from
the Navy’s Task Force 59 that may be leveraged to support
an integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction
capability in the Middle East.
(N) A cost estimate of establishing an integrated mari-
time domain awareness and interdiction capability, and
an assessment of the resources that could be contributed
by ally and partner countries of the United States to estab-
lish and strengthen such capability.
(O) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense con-
siders relevant.
(3) METRICS.—The Secretary of Defense shall identify
metrics to assess progress in the implementation of the strategy
required by paragraph (1).
(4) FORMAT.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex.
(c) PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION.—Any activity car-
ried out under this section shall be conducted in a manner that
appropriately protects sensitive information and the national secu-
rity interests of the United States.
(d) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In this
section, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 1262. MODIFICATION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF COORDINATOR FOR
DETAINED ISIS MEMBERS AND RELEVANT POPULATIONS
IN SYRIA.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Foreign Relations, the Committee on the Judiciary, the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the
Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee
on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the
Committee on Financial Services, the Permanent Select
Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Appro-
priations of the House of Representatives.
(2) ISIS MEMBER.—The term ‘‘ISIS member’’ means a per-
son who was part of, or substantially supported, the Islamic
State in Iraq and Syria.
(3) SENIOR COORDINATOR.—The term ‘‘Senior Coordinator’’
means the coordinator for detained ISIS members and relevant
displaced populations in Syria designated under subsection (a)
of section 1224 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1642), as
amended by subsection (d).
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—
It is the sense of Congress that—
H. R. 2670—341
(A) ISIS detainees held by the Syrian Democratic
Forces and ISIS-affiliated individuals located within dis-
placed persons camps in Syria pose a significant and
growing humanitarian challenge and security threat to the
region;
(B) the vast majority of individuals held in displaced
persons camps in Syria are women and children, approxi-
mately 50 percent of whom are under the age of 12 at
the al-Hol camp, and they face significant threats of
violence and radicalization, as well as lacking access to
adequate sanitation and health care facilities;
(C) there is an urgent need to seek a sustainable
solution to such camps through repatriation and reintegra-
tion of the inhabitants;
(D) the United States should work closely with inter-
national allies and partners to facilitate the repatriation
and reintegration efforts required to provide a long-term
solution for such camps and prevent the resurgence of
ISIS; and
(E) if left unaddressed, such camps will continue to
be drivers of instability that jeopardize the long-term pros-
pects for peace and stability in the region.
(c) STATEMENT OF POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States
that—
(1) ISIS-affiliated individuals located within displacement
camps in Syria, and other inhabitants of displacement camps
in Syria, be repatriated and, where appropriate, prosecuted,
or where possible, reintegrated into their country of origin,
consistent with all relevant domestic laws and applicable inter-
national laws prohibiting refoulement; and
(2) the camps will be closed as soon as is practicable.
(d) MODIFICATION
OF ESTABLISHMENT
OF COORDINATOR
FOR
DETAINED ISIS MEMBERS AND RELEVANT DISPLACED POPULATIONS
IN SYRIA.—Section 1224 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1642) is
amended—
(1) by striking subsection (a);
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
‘‘(a) DESIGNATION.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President, in consultation with the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Director of
National Intelligence, the Secretary of the Treasury, the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, and the Attorney General, shall designate an
existing official to serve within the executive branch as senior-
level coordinator to coordinate, in conjunction with other rel-
evant agencies, matters related to ISIS members who are in
the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces and other relevant
displaced populations in Syria, including—
‘‘(A) by engaging foreign partners to support the repa-
triation and disposition of such individuals, including by
encouraging foreign partners to repatriate, transfer, inves-
tigate, and prosecute such ISIS members, and share
information;
‘‘(B) coordination of all multilateral and international
engagements led by the Department of State and other
H. R. 2670—342
agencies that are related to the current and future han-
dling, detention, and prosecution of such ISIS members;
‘‘(C) the funding and coordination of the provision of
technical and other assistance to foreign countries to aid
in the successful investigation and prosecution of such ISIS
members, as appropriate, in accordance with relevant
domestic laws, international humanitarian law, and other
internationally recognized human rights and rule of law
standards;
‘‘(D) coordination of all multilateral and international
engagements related to humanitarian access and provision
of basic services to, and freedom of movement and security
and safe return of, displaced persons at camps or facilities
in Syria that hold family members of such ISIS members;
‘‘(E) coordination with relevant agencies on matters
described in this section; and
‘‘(F) any other matter the President considers relevant.
‘‘(2) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—If, on the date of the enact-
ment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2024, an individual has already been designated, consistent
with the requirements and responsibilities described in para-
graph (1), the requirements under that paragraph shall be
considered to be satisfied with respect to such individual until
the date on which such individual no longer serves as the
Senior Coordinator.’’;
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (a)’’;
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (a)’’;
(5) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘January 31, 2021’’ and
inserting ‘‘January 31, 2025’’;
(6) in subsection (f)—
(A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph (2):
‘‘(2) SENIOR COORDINATOR.—The term ‘Senior Coordinator’
means the individual designated under subsection (a).’’; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
‘‘(4) RELEVANT
AGENCIES.—The term ‘relevant agencies’
means—
‘‘(A) the Department of State;
‘‘(B) the Department of Defense;
‘‘(C) the Department of the Treasury;
‘‘(D) the Department of Justice;
‘‘(E) the United States Agency for International
Development;
‘‘(F) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;
and
‘‘(G) any other agency the President considers rel-
evant.’’; and
(7) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as sub-
sections (b) through (e), respectively.
(e) STRATEGY ON ISIS-RELATED DETAINEE AND DISPLACEMENT
CAMPS IN SYRIA.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordina-
tion with the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National
H. R. 2670—343
Intelligence, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Administrator
of the United States Agency for International Development,
and the Attorney General, shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress an interagency strategy with respect
to ISIS-affiliated individuals and ISIS-related detainee and
other displaced persons camps in Syria.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The strategy required by paragraph (1)
shall include—
(A) methods to address—
(i) disengagement from and prevention of recruit-
ment into violence, violent extremism, and other illicit
activity in such camps;
(ii) efforts to encourage and facilitate repatriation
and, as appropriate, investigation and prosecution of
foreign nationals from such camps, consistent with all
relevant domestic and applicable international laws;
(iii) the return and reintegration of displaced
Syrian and Iraqi women and children into their
communities of origin;
(iv) international engagement to develop processes
for repatriation and reintegration of foreign nationals
from such camps;
(v) contingency plans for the relocation of detained
and displaced persons who are not able to be repatri-
ated from such camps;
(vi) efforts to improve the humanitarian conditions
in such camps, including through the delivery of medi-
cine, psychosocial support, clothing, education, and
improved housing; and
(vii) assessed humanitarian and security needs of
all
camps
and
detainment
facilities
based
on
prioritization of such camps and facilities most at risk
of humanitarian crises, external attacks, or internal
violence;
(B) an assessment of—
(i) rehabilitation centers in northeast Syria,
including humanitarian conditions and processes for
admittance and efforts to improve both humanitarian
conditions and admittance processes for such centers
and camps, as well as on the prevention of youth
radicalization; and
(ii) processes for being sent to, and resources
directed towards, rehabilitation centers and programs
in countries that receive returned ISIS affiliated
individuals, with a focus on the prevention of
radicalization of minor children;
(C) a plan to improve, in such camps—
(i) security conditions, including by training of per-
sonnel and through construction; and
(ii) humanitarian conditions;
(D) a framework for measuring progress of humani-
tarian, security, and repatriation efforts with the goal of
closing such camps; and
(E) any other matter the Secretary of State considers
appropriate.
H. R. 2670—344
(3) FORM.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex that is transmitted separately.
(f) ANNUAL INTERAGENCY REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than
annually thereafter through January 31, 2025, the Senior
Coordinator, in coordination with the relevant agencies, shall
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a detailed
report that includes the following:
(A) A detailed description of the facilities and camps
where detained ISIS members, and families with perceived
ISIS affiliation, are being held and housed, including—
(i) a description of the security and management
of such facilities and camps;
(ii) an assessment of resources required for the
security of such facilities and camps;
(iii) an assessment of the adherence by the opera-
tors of such facilities and camps to international
humanitarian law standards; and
(iv) an assessment of children held within such
facilities and camps that may be used as part of smug-
gling operations to evade security at the facilities and
camps.
(B) A description of all efforts undertaken by, and
the resources needed for, the United States Government
to address deficits in the humanitarian environment and
security of such facilities and camps.
(C) A description of all multilateral and international
engagements related to humanitarian access and provision
of basic services to, and freedom of movement and security
and safe return of, displaced persons at camps or facilities
in Iraq, Syria, and any other area affected by ISIS activity,
including a description of—
(i) support for efforts by the Syrian Democratic
Forces to facilitate the return and reintegration of
displaced people from Iraq and Syria;
(ii) repatriation efforts with respect to displaced
women and children and male children aging into
adults while held in these facilities and camps;
(iii) any current or future potential threat to
United States national security interests posed by
detained ISIS members or displaced families, including
an analysis of the al-Hol camp and annexes; and
(iv) United States Government plans and strate-
gies to respond to any threat identified under clause
(iii).
(D) The number of individuals repatriated from the
custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces.
(E) An analysis of factors on the ground in Syria and
Iraq that may result in the unintended release of detained
or displaced ISIS members, and an assessment of any
measures available to mitigate such releases.
(F) A detailed description of efforts to encourage the
final disposition and security of detained or displaced ISIS
members with other countries and international organiza-
tions.
H. R. 2670—345
(G) A description of foreign repatriation and rehabilita-
tion programs deemed successful systems to model, and
an analysis of the long-term results of such programs.
(H) A description of the manner in which the United
States Government communicates regarding repatriation
and disposition efforts with the families of United States
citizens believed to have been victims of a criminal act
by a detained or displaced ISIS member, in accordance
with section 503(c) of the Victims’ Rights and Restitution
Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. 20141(c)) and section 3771 of title
18, United States Code.
(I) An analysis of all efforts between the United States
and partner countries within the Global Coalition to Defeat
ISIS or other countries to share related information that
may aid in resolving the final disposition of ISIS members,
and any obstacles that may hinder such efforts.
(J) Any other matter the Coordinator considers appro-
priate.
(2) FORM.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex that is transmitted separately.
(g) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section, or an
amendment made by this section, may be construed—
(1) to limit the authority of any Federal agency to independ-
ently carry out the authorized functions of such agency; or
(2) to impair or otherwise affect the activities performed
by that agency as granted by law.
SEC. 1263. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO-
VIDE ASSISTANCE TO COUNTER THE ISLAMIC STATE OF
IRAQ AND SYRIA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 1236 of the Carl
Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3559)
is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(1) by striking ‘‘$4,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$6,000,000’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting
‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
(b) FUNDING.—Subsection (g) of such section is amended by
striking ‘‘Overseas Contingency Operations for fiscal year 2023,
there are authorized to be appropriated $358,000,000’’ and inserting
‘‘fiscal year 2024, there is authorized to be appropriated
$241,950,000’’.
(c) LIMITATION ON COST OF CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR, AND REN-
OVATION PROJECTS.—Subsection (o) of such section is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)—
(A) by striking ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President’’ and
inserting ‘‘(1) AUTHORITY OF PRESIDENT.—The President’’;
and
(B) by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘para-
graph (3)’’;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5) as
paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so amended) the
following:
‘‘(2) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—
H. R. 2670—346
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may fur-
ther adjust the total cost of a project subsequent to a
waiver by the President of the dollar amount limitation
in subsection (a) if—
‘‘(i) such total cost does not exceed the sum of—
‘‘(I) the cost estimate for the project as
required by paragraph (4)(B)(i) that is included
in the notification submitted by the President
pursuant to such waiver; and
‘‘(II) the amount that is 50 percent of such
cost estimate; and
‘‘(ii) the Secretary submits to the appropriate
congressional committees a notification of the exercise
of the adjustment.
‘‘(B) SCOPE.—The Secretary may modify the scope of
a project subsequent to a waiver by the President of the
dollar amount limitation in subsection (a) if the Secretary
submits to the appropriate congressional committees a
notification of the exercise of the modification.’’;
(4) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)—
(A) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the
following: ‘‘A project with respect to which the exercise
of a further adjustment to the total cost of the project
under paragraph (2)(A) applies or with respect to which
the exercise of a modification to the scope of the project
under paragraph (2)(B) applies may only be carried out
after the end of a 15-day period beginning on the date
on which the appropriate congressional committees receive
the notification required by paragraph (2)(A) or (2)(B), as
the case may be.’’; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause
(i), by inserting ‘‘, (2)(A), or (2)(B)’’ after ‘‘(1)(B)’’; and
(5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated)—
(A) by striking ‘‘waiver authority’’ and inserting
‘‘waiver and other authorities’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting
‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 1264. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO PRO-
VIDE ASSISTANCE TO VETTED SYRIAN GROUPS AND
INDIVIDUALS.
(a) EXTENSION.—Subsection (a) of section 1209 of the Carl
Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3541)
is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
(b) LIMITATION
ON
COST
OF
CONSTRUCTION
AND
REPAIR
PROJECTS.—Subsection (l) of such section is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘$4,000,000’’ and
inserting ‘‘$6,000,000’’; and
(2) in paragraph (3)—
(A) by striking ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The President’’ and
inserting ‘‘(A) AUTHORITY OF PRESIDENT.—The President’’;
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D)
as subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E), respectively;
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) (as so amended)
the following:
H. R. 2670—347
‘‘(B) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may
further adjust the total cost of a project subsequent
to a waiver by the President of the limitation under
paragraph (1)(A) if—
‘‘(I) such total cost does not exceed the sum
of—
‘‘(aa) the cost estimate for the project as
required by subparagraph (C)(ii)(I) that is
included in the notification submitted by the
President pursuant to such waiver; and
‘‘(bb) the amount that is 50 percent of
such cost estimate; and
‘‘(II) the Secretary submits to the appropriate
congressional committees a notification of the exer-
cise of the adjustment.
‘‘(ii) SCOPE.—The Secretary may modify the scope
of a project subsequent to a waiver by the President
of the limitation under paragraph (1)(A) if the Sec-
retary submits to the appropriate congressional
committees a notification of the exercise of the modi-
fication.’’;
(D) in subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated)—
(i) in clause (i), by adding at the end the following:
‘‘A project with respect to which the exercise of a
further adjustment to the total cost of the project under
subparagraph (B)(i) applies or with respect to which
the exercise of a modification to the scope of the project
under subparagraph (B)(ii) applies may only be carried
out after the end of a 15-day period beginning on
the date on which the appropriate congressional
committees
receive
the
notification
required
by
subparagraph (B)(i) or (B)(ii), as the case may be.’’;
and
(ii) in clause (ii), in the matter preceding subclause
(I), by inserting ‘‘, (B)(i), or (B)(ii)’’ after ‘‘(A)(ii)’’; and
(E) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated)—
(i) by striking ‘‘waiver authority’’ and inserting
‘‘waiver and other authorities’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘December 31, 2023’’ and inserting
‘‘December 31, 2024’’.
SEC. 1265. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT OPERATIONS AND
ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF SECURITY COOPERATION
IN IRAQ.
(a) LIMITATION ON AMOUNT.—Subsection (c) of section 1215
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
(10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
(1) by striking ‘‘fiscal year 2022’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year
2024’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘$25,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$18,000,000’’.
(b) SOURCE
OF FUNDS.—Subsection (d) of such section is
amended by striking ‘‘fiscal year 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year
2024’’.
H. R. 2670—348
SEC. 1266. PLAN OF ACTION TO EQUIP AND TRAIN IRAQI SECURITY
FORCES AND KURDISH PESHMERGA FORCES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than February 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State,
shall develop a plan of action to equip and train Iraqi security
forces and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to defend against attack by
missiles, rockets, and unmanned systems. The plan of action shall
be based on and informed by the results of the report submitted
by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 1237 of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2839).
(b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The plan required by subsection
(a) shall include the following:
(1) The provision of available equipment to Iraq and the
Iraqi Kurdistan Region to counter the air and missile threats
addressed in the report, to include air defense systems, to
counter attack by missiles, rockets, and unmanned systems.
(2) The provision of appropriate training of Iraqi security
forces and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to support fielding and
operational employment of the available equipment described
in paragraph (1).
(c) IMPLEMENTATION.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall begin
implementation of the plan required by subsection (a) not later
than 90 days after development of the plan required by sub-
section (a).
(2)
WAIVER.—The
Secretary
of
Defense
may
delay
implementation of the plan required by subsection (a) if such
implementation would adversely impact United States stocks
and readiness.
(3) CONGRESSIONAL
NOTIFICATION.—If the Secretary of
Defense exercises the waiver authority under paragraph (2),
the Secretary shall—
(A) notify the congressional defense committees of the
exercise of such authority and the reason therefor not
later than 10 days prior to the exercise of such authority;
and
(B) notify the congressional defense committees of the
exercise of such authority every 30 days thereafter until
implementation of the plan required by subsection (a)
begins.
(d) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—Not later than July 1, 2024,
the Secretary of Defense should provide to the congressional defense
committees a briefing on progress of the air defense equipping
and training effort against the air and missile threat to Iraq,
including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
SEC. 1267. PROHIBITION ON TRANSFERS TO THE BADR ORGANIZATION.
None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this
Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense
may be made available, directly or indirectly, to the Badr Organiza-
tion.
H. R. 2670—349
SEC. 1268. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF ANNUAL REPORT ON
MILITARY POWER OF IRAN.
(a) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—Subsection (b) of section 1245
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
(Public Law 111–84) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (2)(D), by inserting after ‘‘Iran’s conven-
tional forces’’ the following: ‘‘and Iran’s unconventional or par-
allel military forces’’;
(2) in paragraph (4)—
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘missile launch
sites’’ and inserting ‘‘missile launch and storage sites’’;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘; and’’ at the
end;
(C) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(E) an assessment of Iran’s space launch vehicle pro-
gram and the ability of Iran to use those technologies
to develop and field an intercontinental ballistic missile;
‘‘(F) a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of Iran’s
drone forces; and
‘‘(G) a description or estimation of the threat posed
by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to European
citizens or to member countries of the European Union.’’;
(3) in paragraph (7), by inserting ‘‘the People’s Republic
of China,’’ before ‘‘Cuba’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(9) An assessment of the threat posed by Iran against
United States and partner military bases, to include missile,
unmanned aircraft systems, and loitering munition attacks.
‘‘(10) An assessment of the sale, supply, or transfer of
narcotics in the Middle East region by the Islamic Revolu-
tionary Guard Corps and Iran backed groups.
‘‘(11) An assessment of groups that are supported by Iran
and designated by the United States as foreign terrorist
organizations
and
regional
military
groups,
including
Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and the Special Groups in
Iraq, in particular those forces as having been assessed as
to be willing to carry out terrorist operations on behalf of
Iran.
‘‘(12) An assessment of how Iran would utilize additional
resources to further activities described in paragraphs (1)
through (9).’’.
(b) DEFINITIONS.—Subsection (c)(1)(B) of such section is
amended to read as follows:
‘‘(B) includes all branches and sub-branches of Iran’s
national army or Artesh, such as its ground forces, air
force, navy, and air defense forces as well as most branches
of its parallel military, and the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps excluding its Quds-Force.’’.
SEC. 1269. MODIFICATION AND UPDATE TO REPORT ON MILITARY
CAPABILITIES OF IRAN AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.
Section 1227 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1972) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
H. R. 2670—350
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ‘‘ballistic and
cruise’’ after ‘‘instances of’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2)—
(i) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘The United
Nations’’ and inserting ‘‘The effect of the United
Nations’’; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
‘‘(H) Iranian involvement in regional narcotics trade,
to include the following:
‘‘(i) Any element of the Government of Iran,
including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (in
this section referred to as the ‘IRGC’) and any Iran-
backed group operating in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, or
Yemen, that supports the sale, supply, or transfer of
narcotics in the Middle East region.
‘‘(ii) The benefits accrued from the sale, supply,
and transfer of narcotics in the region by any element
of the Government of Iran, including the IRGC and
any Iran-backed groups operating in Iraq, Syria, Leb-
anon, or Yemen.
‘‘(iii) All foreign terrorist organizations to or for
which the IRGC, or any person owned or controlled
by the IRGC, provides material support in the sale,
supply, transfer, or production of captagon or other
related narcotics or precursors in the Middle East and
North Africa.
‘‘(iv) Activities conducted by the IRGC in Afghani-
stan related to the trade of methamphetamine or opi-
ates, including synthetic opiates.
‘‘(v) All intercepted transfers involving the United
States Fifth Fleet of narcotics from Iran or involving
Iranian nationals or persons acting, or purporting to
act, for or on behalf of the Government of Iran,
including the IRGC.
‘‘(I) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated
operatives serving in diplomatic and consular posts, cul-
tural centers, religious institutions, and religious functions
outside of Iran and actions taken by the Secretary of
Defense, the Secretary of State, and the heads of the ele-
ments of the intelligence community (as such term is
defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947
(50 U.S.C. 3003), consistent with the necessary protections
for sources and methods, to reduce the influence of such
operations.’’;
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(c) UPDATED REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act of
2024, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees an updated report that
includes each of the matters listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
subsection (a) and covers developments during the period beginning
in June 2022 and ending on the day before the date on which
the updated report is submitted.’’; and
H. R. 2670—351
(4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by inserting ‘‘,
and the updated report required by subsection (b),’’ after ‘‘report
required by subsection (a)’’.
SEC. 1270. PROHIBITION ON FUNDS TO IRAN.
None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this
Act to the Department of Defense may be made available, directly
or indirectly, to—
(1) the Government of Iran;
(2) any person owned or controlled by the Government
of Iran;
(3) any person identified on the list of specially designated
nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of
Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury,
the property and interests in property of which are blocked
pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act;
(4) any person owned or controlled by a person described
in paragraph (3); or
(5) the Badr organization, Saraya Khorasani, or Kata’ib
al-Imam Ali.
SEC. 1271. 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.
SEC. 1272. PROHIBITION ON FUNDING FOR THE TALIBAN.
(a) PROHIBITION ON FUNDING.—None of the funds authorized
to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for
the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2024 may be made avail-
able to provide any form of United States assistance to the Taliban
or to any Taliban affiliate.
(b) NATIONAL
SECURITY
CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary of
Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-
by-case basis if the Secretary submits to the congressional defense
committees an unclassified, written certification, which may include
a classified annex, that such prohibition would be detrimental to
national security interests of the United States or threaten the
health and safety of the Afghan people.
(c) AFFILIATE DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘affiliate’’
means, with respect to the Taliban—
(1) a person that is closely associated with the Taliban;
or
(2) a person that has a common purpose with the Taliban.
TITLE XIII—OTHER MATTERS
RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS
Subtitle A—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region
Sec. 1301. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pa-
cific region.
H. R. 2670—352
Sec. 1302. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative and report, briefings, and plan
under the Initiative.
Sec. 1303. Modification of pilot program to develop young civilian defense leaders
in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1304. Indo-Pacific campaigning initiative.
Sec. 1305. Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative.
Sec. 1306. Limitation on availability of funds pending feasibility study regarding
delivery of harpoon missiles to foreign security partners.
Sec. 1307. Sense of Congress on Taiwan defense relations.
Sec. 1308. Oversight of Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act.
Sec. 1309. Training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for mili-
tary forces of Taiwan.
Sec. 1310. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties
to the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 1311. Determination on involvement of the People’s Republic of China in the
Mexican fentanyl trade.
Sec. 1312. Analysis of certain biotechnology entities.
Sec. 1313. Studies on defense budget transparency of the People’s Republic of
China and the United States.
Sec. 1314. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.
Sec. 1315. Extension and modification of pilot program to improve cyber coopera-
tion with foreign military partners in Southeast Asia.
Sec. 1316. Enhancing major defense partnership with India.
Sec. 1317. Report on enhanced security cooperation with Japan.
Sec. 1318. Report and notification relating to transfer of operational control on Ko-
rean Peninsula.
Sec. 1319. Study and report on command structure and force posture of United
States Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to the AUKUS Partnership
Sec. 1321. Definitions.
PART 1—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 1331. AUKUS partnership oversight and accountability framework.
Sec. 1332. Designation of senior official for Department of Defense activities relat-
ing to, and implementation plan for, the AUKUS partnership.
Sec. 1333. Reporting related to the AUKUS partnership.
PART 2—STREAMLINING AND PROTECTING TRANSFERS OF UNITED STATES MILITARY
TECHNOLOGY FROM COMPROMISE
Sec. 1341. Priority for Australia and the United Kingdom in Foreign Military Sales
and Direct Commercial Sales.
Sec. 1342. Identification and pre-clearance of platforms, technologies, and equip-
ment for sale to Australia and the United Kingdom through Foreign
Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales.
Sec. 1343. Export control exemptions and standards.
Sec. 1344. Expedited review of export licenses for exports of advanced technologies
to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Sec. 1345. United States Munitions List.
PART 3—AUKUS SUBMARINE TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION ACT
Sec. 1351. Short title.
Sec. 1352. Authorization of sales of Virginia Class submarines to Australia.
Sec. 1353. Acceptance of contributions in support of Australia, United Kingdom,
and United States submarine security activities.
Sec. 1354. Appropriate congressional committees and leadership defined.
Subtitle A—Matters Relating to the Indo-
Pacific Region
SEC. 1301. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON DEFENSE ALLIANCES AND PART-
NERSHIPS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should
continue efforts that strengthen United States defense alliances
and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region so as to further the
comparative advantage of the United States in strategic competition
with the People’s Republic of China, including by—
H. R. 2670—353
(1) enhancing cooperation with Japan, consistent with the
Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United
States of America and Japan, signed at Washington, January
19, 1960, including by developing advanced military capabili-
ties,
fostering
interoperability
across
all
domains,
and
improving sharing of information and intelligence;
(2) reinforcing the United States alliance with the Republic
of Korea, including by maintaining the presence of approxi-
mately 28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces
deployed to the country and affirming the United States
commitment to extended deterrence using the full range of
United States defense capabilities, and with deeper coordination
on nuclear deterrence as highlighted in the Washington Dec-
laration adopted by President Biden and President Yoon Suk
Yeol during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit on April
26, 2023, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty Between
the United States and the Republic of Korea, signed at Wash-
ington, October 1, 1953, in support of the shared objective
of a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula;
(3) fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation with
Australia, consistent with the Security Treaty Between Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, and the United States of America, signed
at San Francisco, September 1, 1951, and through the partner-
ship among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States (commonly known as ‘‘AUKUS’’)—
(A) to advance shared security objectives;
(B) to accelerate the fielding of advanced military
capabilities; and
(C) to build the capacity of emerging partners;
(4) advancing United States alliances with the Philippines
and Thailand and United States partnerships with other part-
ners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to enhance
maritime domain awareness, promote sovereignty and terri-
torial integrity, leverage technology and promote innovation,
and support an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional
architecture;
(5) broadening United States engagement with India,
including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue—
(A) to advance the shared objective of a free and open
Indo-Pacific region through bilateral and multilateral
engagements and participation in military exercises,
expanded defense trade, and collaboration on humanitarian
aid and disaster response; and
(B) to enable greater cooperation on maritime security;
(6) strengthening the United States partnership with
Taiwan, consistent with the Three Communiques, the Taiwan
Relations Act (Public Law 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), and
the Six Assurances, with the goal of improving Taiwan’s defen-
sive capabilities and promoting peaceful cross-strait relations;
(7) reinforcing the status of the Republic of Singapore as
a Major Security Cooperation Partner of the United States
and continuing to strengthen defense and security cooperation
between the military forces of the Republic of Singapore and
the Armed Forces of the United States, including through
participation in combined exercises and training;
(8) engaging with the Federated States of Micronesia, the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and
H. R. 2670—354
other Pacific Island countries with the goal of strengthening
regional security and addressing issues of mutual concern,
including protecting fisheries from illegal, unreported, and
unregulated fishing; and
(9) collaborating with Canada, the United Kingdom,
France, and other members of the European Union and the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization to build connectivity and
advance a shared vision for the region that is principled, long-
term, and anchored in democratic resilience.
SEC. 1302. EXTENSION OF PACIFIC DETERRENCE INITIATIVE AND
REPORT, BRIEFINGS, AND PLAN UNDER THE INITIATIVE.
(a) EXTENSION OF 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—
(1) by striking ‘‘the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘fiscal year 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year
2024’’.
(b) EXTENSION OF REPORT AND BRIEFINGS.—Subsection (d) of
such section is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2024 and
2025’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2025 and 2026’’; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2023 and
2024’’ each place it appears and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2025
and 2026’’.
(c) EXTENSION
OF PLAN.—Subsection (e) of such section is
amended by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2023 and 2024’’ and inserting
‘‘fiscal years 2025 and 2026’’.
SEC. 1303. MODIFICATION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO DEVELOP YOUNG
CIVILIAN DEFENSE LEADERS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
REGION.
Section 1261 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 311 note) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (b)—
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘a national defense mission’’ and inserting ‘‘a defense-
related national security mission’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘and other appropriate ministries with
a defense-related national security mission’’ after ‘‘civilian
leaders in foreign partner ministries of defense’’ each place
it appears; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘civilian defense leaders
from foreign partner ministries of defense’’ and inserting
‘‘civilian leaders in foreign partner ministries of defense and
other appropriate ministries with a defense-related national
security mission’’.
SEC. 1304. INDO-PACIFIC CAMPAIGNING INITIATIVE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish,
and the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command
shall carry out, an Indo-Pacific Campaigning Initiative (in this
section referred to as the ‘‘Initiative’’) for purposes of—
(1) strengthening United States alliances and partnerships
with foreign military partners in the Indo-Pacific region;
H. R. 2670—355
(2) deterring military aggression by potential adversaries
against the United States and allies and partners of the United
States;
(3) dissuading strategic competitors from seeking to achieve
their objectives through the conduct of military activities below
the threshold of traditional armed conflict;
(4) improving the understanding of the United States
Armed Forces with respect to the operating environment in
the Indo-Pacific region;
(5) shaping the perception of potential adversaries with
respect to United States military capabilities and the military
capabilities of allies and partners of the United States in the
Indo-Pacific region; and
(6) improving the ability of the United States Armed Forces
to coordinate and operate with foreign military partners in
the Indo-Pacific region.
(b) BRIEFING AND REPORT.—
(1) BRIEFING.—Not later than March 1, 2024, the Secretary
shall provide the congressional defense committees with a
briefing that describes ongoing and planned campaigning activi-
ties in the Indo-Pacific region for fiscal year 2024.
(2) REPORT.—Not later than December 1, 2024, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report that—
(A) summarizes the campaigning activities conducted
in the Indo-Pacific region during fiscal year 2024; and
(B) includes—
(i) an assessment of the value each such activity
contributes to meeting strategic or operational objec-
tives relative to the commitment of resources of such
activity;
(ii) lessons learned in carrying out such activities;
(iii) any identified resource or authority gap that
has negatively impacted the implementation of the
Initiative; and
(iv) proposed plans for additional campaigning
activities in the Indo-Pacific region to fulfill the pur-
poses described in subsection (a).
(c) CAMPAIGNING DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘cam-
paigning’’—
(1) means the conduct and sequencing of logically linked
military activities to achieve strategy aligned objectives,
including modifying the security environment over time to the
benefit of the United States and the allies and partners of
the United States while limiting, frustrating, and disrupting
competitor activities; and
(2) includes deliberately planned military activities in the
Indo-Pacific region involving bilateral and multilateral engage-
ments with foreign partners, training, exercises, demonstra-
tions, experiments, and other activities to achieve the objectives
described in subsection (a).
SEC. 1305. INDO-PACIFIC MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS INITIATIVE.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Secretary of State, shall seek to establish an initiative
with allies and partners of the United States, including Australia,
H. R. 2670—356
Japan, and India, to be known as the ‘‘Indo-Pacific Maritime
Domain Awareness Initiative’’ (in this section referred to as the
‘‘Initiative’’), to bolster maritime domain awareness in the Indo-
Pacific region.
(b) USE OF AUTHORITIES.—In carrying out the Initiative, the
Secretary of Defense may use the authorities provided in chapter
16 of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory
authorities available to the Secretary of Defense.
(c) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Initiative are as follows:
(1) To enhance the ability of allies and partners of the
United States in the Indo-Pacific region to monitor the maritime
domain of such region.
(2) To utilize emerging technologies to support maritime
domain awareness objectives.
(3) To provide a comprehensive understanding of the mari-
time domain in the Indo-Pacific region, including by facilitating
information sharing among such allies and partners.
SEC. 1306. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING FEASI-
BILITY STUDY REGARDING DELIVERY OF HARPOON MIS-
SILES TO FOREIGN SECURITY PARTNERS.
(a) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated
by this Act for fiscal year 2024 and available for the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition,
not more than 85 percent may be obligated or expended until
the date on which the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research,
Development and Acquisition submits to the congressional defense
committees the feasibility study required by subsection (b).
(b) FEASIBILITY STUDY REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research,
Development and Acquisition, shall conduct a study to analyze
the feasibility and advisability of accelerating the provision
of Harpoon missiles to foreign security partners under existing
Foreign Military Sales cases, additional appropriations, and
pursuant to the authority provided under section 506 of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318) or section
333 of title 10, United States Code.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The study required by paragraph (1) shall,
at a minimum, include the following:
(A) A list of existing Foreign Military Sales cases for
Harpoon missiles to foreign security partners.
(B) The current timeline for the delivery of Harpoon
missiles under each of the Foreign Military Sales cases
identified under subparagraph (A).
(C) A detailed analysis of contracting timelines for
Harpoon missiles procured by foreign security partners
through the Foreign Military Sales process and rec-
ommendations, if any, for accelerating such contracting
timelines.
(D) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of
accelerating the provision of Harpoon missiles to foreign
security partners under existing Foreign Military Sales
cases, including through—
(i) additional appropriations;
H. R. 2670—357
(ii) the authority provided under section 506 of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2318);
(iii) the authority provided in section 333 of title
10, United States Code;
(iv) any other authorities available to the Secretary
of Defense under title 10 of the United States Code.
(E) An analysis of the potential for the United States
Government to facilitize additional production capacity or
purchase additional Harpoon missiles for future provision
under section 506 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2318).
(c) CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act and every 180 days thereafter
through December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense and Sec-
retary of State shall jointly provide the congressional defense
committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations
of the Senate a briefing on the current status of United States-
provided security assistance to Taiwan, including—
(A) a list of existing cases for defense articles and
services to be provided to Taiwan utilizing the authorities
described in paragraph (2), including, with respect to a
defense item or service planned or anticipated to be pro-
vided—
(i) a narrative description of the item or service;
(ii) the total value of the item or service;
(iii) the lead program office involved in the provi-
sion of the item or service; and
(iv) the vendor of the item or service;
(B) the estimated delivery schedule for each case identi-
fied under subparagraph (A);
(C) an identification of any case identified under
subparagraph (A) that has been delayed by more than
3 months from the original estimated delivery schedule;
(D) any actions the Department of State and the
Department of Defense have identified to prevent delays
or accelerate the delivery of any case identified under
subparagraph (A); and
(E) any other matters determined to be relevant by
the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense.
(2) AUTHORITIES DESCRIBED.—The authorities described in
this paragraph are the following:
(A) The Foreign Military Financing, Foreign Military
Sales, and Direct Commercial Sales programs of the
Department of State.
(B) The Department of Defense security assistance
authorized by chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code.
(C) The Department of State training and education
programs authorized by chapter 5 of part II of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347 et seq.).
(D) Section 506 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2318).
(E) The provision of excess defense articles pursuant
to the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act (22
U.S.C. 2751 et seq.).
H. R. 2670—358
(F) Any other authority available to the Secretary of
Defense or the Secretary of State.
SEC. 1307. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TAIWAN DEFENSE RELATIONS.
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the United States’ one China policy, as guided by the
Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 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;
(2) as set forth in the Taiwan Relations Act, the United
States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the Peo-
ple’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;
(3) 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;
(4) 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;
(5) the United States should continue to support the
development of capable, ready, and modern defense forces nec-
essary for Taiwan to maintain sufficient defensive capabilities,
including by—
(A) supporting acquisition by Taiwan of defense articles
and services through foreign military sales, direct commer-
cial sales, and industrial cooperation, with an emphasis
on capabilities that support an asymmetric strategy;
(B) ensuring timely review of and response to requests
of Taiwan for defense articles and services;
(C) conducting practical training and military exercises
with Taiwan that enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient
defensive capabilities, as described in the Taiwan Relations
Act;
(D) 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—
(i) enhancing cooperation on defense planning;
(ii) improving the interoperability of the military
forces of the United States and Taiwan; and
(iii) improving the reserve force of Taiwan;
(E) cooperating with Taiwan to improve its ability to
employ military capabilities in asymmetric ways, as
described in the Taiwan Relations Act; and
(F) expanding cooperation in humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief; and
(6) the United States should increase its support to a
free and open society in the face of aggressive efforts by the
H. R. 2670—359
Government of the People’s Republic of China to curtail or
influence the free exercise of rights and democratic franchise.
SEC. 1308. OVERSIGHT OF TAIWAN ENHANCED RESILIENCE ACT.
(a) OVERSIGHT OF TAIWAN SECURITY PROGRAMS.—Section 5502
of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2395; 22 U.S.C.
3351) is amended—
(1) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by inserting ‘‘not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 and’’ before ‘‘not less
than annually’’; and
(2) in subsection (f)(2)—
(A) in subparagraph (L), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (M), by striking the period at
the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(N) a description of actions taken to establish or
expand a comprehensive training program with Taiwan
pursuant to section 5504;
‘‘(O) a description of actions taken to establish a joint
consultative mechanism with appropriate officials of
Taiwan, and the multi-year plan to provide for the acquisi-
tion of appropriate defensive capabilities by Taiwan, pursu-
ant to section 5506 ; and
‘‘(P) the list compiled pursuant to section 5507(a), and
a description of actions taken pursuant to sections 5507(b)
and 5507(c).’’.
(b) OVERSIGHT
OF REGIONAL CONTINGENCY STOCKPILE
FOR
TAIWAN.—Section 5503 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136
Stat. 2395) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(e) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In sub-
section (d), the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
‘‘(1) the congressional defense committees; and
‘‘(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate.’’.
SEC. 1309. TRAINING, ADVISING, AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY-
BUILDING PROGRAM FOR MILITARY FORCES OF TAIWAN.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act
(22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and pursuant to section 5504 of the Taiwan
Enhanced Resilience Act (22 U.S.C. 3353), the Secretary of Defense,
in consultation with appropriate officials of Taiwan, shall establish
a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-
building program for the military forces of Taiwan using the
authorities provided in chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code,
and other applicable statutory authorities available to the Secretary
of Defense.
(b) REPORTING.—Section 1248(a) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117– 81; 135
Stat. 1988) is amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (16);
and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following new
paragraph:
H. R. 2670—360
‘‘(15) An update on efforts made to establish the program
authorized by subsection (a) of section 1309 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 and an identi-
fication of any authority or resource shortfall that inhibits
such efforts.’’.
SEC. 1310. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT ENTERTAIN-
MENT PROJECTS WITH TIES TO THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—None of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act for the Department of Defense may be used
to knowingly provide active and direct support to any film, tele-
vision, or other entertainment project if the Secretary of Defense
has demonstrable evidence that the project has complied, or is
likely to comply, with a demand from the Government of the Peo-
ple’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, or an
entity under the direction of the People’s Republic of China or
the Chinese Communist Party, to censor the content of the project
in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People’s
Republic of China.
(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibi-
tion 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.
SEC. 1311. DETERMINATION ON INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S
REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE MEXICAN FENTANYL TRADE.
(a) DETERMINATION.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consulta-
tion with the Director of National Intelligence, shall determine
if information available to the Department of Defense indicates
that the Government of the People’s Republic of China assisted
in or approved of the transportation of pill presses, fentanyl prod-
ucts, or fentanyl precursors to one or more Mexican drug cartels.
(b) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—If the determination of the Sec-
retary of Defense under subsection (a) is an affirmative determina-
tion, the Secretary shall submit the determination to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives.
SEC. 1312. ANALYSIS OF CERTAIN BIOTECHNOLOGY ENTITIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—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 biotechnology entity, or any sub-
sidiary, 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).
(b) BIOTECHNOLOGY ENTITY DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘biotechnology entity’’ means an entity that makes or offers a tech-
nology, good, or service that applies to or is enabled by life sciences
innovation or product development for biological materials,
including disease detection, genetic analysis, and related services.
H. R. 2670—361
SEC. 1313. STUDIES ON DEFENSE BUDGET TRANSPARENCY OF THE
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES.
(a) STUDIES REQUIRED.—
(1) STUDY OF PRC BUDGET.—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 study
on the defense budget of the People’s Republic of China.
(2) COMPARATIVE STUDY ON BUDGETS.—Not later than 90
days after the date on which the study required by paragraph
(1) is submitted, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a comparative study on the
defense budgets of the People’s Republic of China and the
United States.
(3) OBJECTIVE.—The objective of the studies required by
paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be to provide the people of the
United States with an accurate comparison of the defense
spending of the People’s Republic of China and the United
States.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The studies required by subsection (a) shall
include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) A determination of the amounts invested by the
applicable subject country across functional categories for
spending, including—
(A) defense-related research and development;
(B) weapons procurement from domestic and foreign
sources;
(C) operations and maintenance;
(D) pay and benefits;
(E) military construction;
(F) military pensions; and
(G) any other category the Secretary considers rel-
evant.
(2) A consideration of the effects of purchasing power parity
and market exchange rates, particularly on non-traded goods.
(3) An estimate of the magnitude of omitted spending from
official defense budget information and, in the study required
by subsection (a)(2), an accounting for such spending.
(c) METHODOLOGY.—The studies required by subsection (a) shall
each employ a robust methodology that—
(1) does not depend on the official budget pronouncements
of the Government of the People’s Republic of China or the
Chinese Communist Party;
(2) takes into account the military-civil fusion present in
the People’s Republic of China;
(3) employs the building-block method of analysis or a
similar method of analysis, as appropriate; and
(4) excludes spending related to veterans benefits, other
than military pensions provided to veterans.
(d) CONSIDERATIONS.—The studies required by this section may
take into consideration the following:
(1) The effects of state-owned enterprises on the defense
expenditures of the People’s Republic of China.
(2) The role of differing acquisition policies and structures
with respect to the defense expenditures of each subject country.
(3) Any other matter relevant to evaluating the resources
dedicated to the defense spending or the various military-
related outlays of the People’s Republic of China.
H. R. 2670—362
(e) FORM.—The studies required by this section shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form, without any designation relating to
dissemination control, but may include classified annexes.
SEC. 1314. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSFER FUNDS FOR BIEN
HOA DIOXIN CLEANUP.
Section 1253(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 134 Stat. 3955) is amended by striking ‘‘fiscal year 2023’’
and inserting ‘‘fiscal year 2024’’.
SEC. 1315. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO
IMPROVE CYBER COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN MILI-
TARY PARTNERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 1256 of the William
M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3956; 10 U.S.C. 333
note) is amended—
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘in
Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia’’ and inserting ‘‘with covered
foreign military partners’’;
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Thailand, and
Indonesia’’ and inserting ‘‘covered foreign military partners’’;
and
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Thailand, and
Indonesia on’’ and inserting ‘‘covered foreign military partners
on defensive’’.
(b) ELEMENTS.—Subsection (b) of such section is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Thailand, and
Indonesia’’ and inserting ‘‘covered foreign military partners’’;
and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Thailand, and
Indonesia’’ and inserting ‘‘covered foreign military partners’’.
(c) REPORTS.—Subsection (c)(2)(B) of such section is amended
by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia’’ and inserting ‘‘cov-
ered foreign military partners’’.
(d) CERTIFICATION.—Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘with any covered foreign military partner’’
after ‘‘scheduled to commence’’; and
(2) by striking ‘‘Vietnam, Indonesia, or Thailand’’ and
inserting ‘‘the covered foreign military partner’’.
(e) EXTENSION.—Subsection (e) of such section is amended by
striking ‘‘December 31, 2024’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, 2027’’.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—Subsection (f) of such section is amended
to read as follows:
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term
‘appropriate committees of Congress’ means—
‘‘(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
‘‘(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
‘‘(2) COVERED FOREIGN MILITARY PARTNER.—The term ‘cov-
ered foreign military partner’ means the following:
‘‘(A) Vietnam.
‘‘(B) Thailand.
‘‘(C) Indonesia.
‘‘(D) The Philippines.
H. R. 2670—363
‘‘(E) Malaysia.’’.
(g) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(1) Section 1256 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public
Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3956; 10 U.S.C. 333 note) is amended,
in the section heading, by striking ‘‘VIETNAM, THAILAND, AND
INDONESIA’’ and inserting ‘‘COVERED FOREIGN MILITARY PART-
NERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA’’.
(2) The table of contents for the William M. (Mac)
Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3388) is amended by
striking the item relating to section 1256 and inserting the
following:
‘‘Sec. 1256. Pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with covered foreign mili-
tary partners in Southeast Asia.’’.
(3) The table of contents for title XII of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3905) is amended
by striking the item relating to section 1256 and inserting
the following:
‘‘Sec. 1256. Pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with covered foreign mili-
tary partners in Southeast Asia.’’.
SEC. 1316. ENHANCING MAJOR DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary
of State and the head of any other relevant Federal department
or agency, shall seek to ensure that India is appropriately consid-
ered for cooperative defense activities consistent with the status
of India as a major defense partner of the United States, including
with respect to the following lines of effort:
(1) Eligibility for funding to initiate or facilitate cooperative
research, development, testing, or evaluation projects with the
Department of Defense, with priority given to projects in the
areas of—
(A) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
(B) undersea domain awareness;
(C) air combat and support;
(D) munitions; and
(E) mobility.
(2) Eligibility to enter into agreements with the Department
of Defense for cooperative bilateral or multilateral provision
of training to build capacity in the areas of—
(A) counterterrorism operations;
(B) counter-weapons of mass destruction operations;
(C) counter-illicit drug trafficking operations;
(D) counter-transnational organized crime operations;
(E) maritime and border security operations;
(F) military intelligence operations;
(G) air domain awareness operations; and
(H) cyberspace security and defensive cyberspace oper-
ations.
(3) Eligibility to enter into a memorandum of under-
standing or other formal agreement with the Department of
Defense for the purpose of conducting cooperative research
and development projects on defense equipment and munitions.
H. R. 2670—364
(4) Eligibility for entities from India to bid on contracts
for the maintenance, repair, or overhaul of Department of
Defense equipment located outside the United States.
SEC. 1317. REPORT ON ENHANCED SECURITY COOPERATION WITH
JAPAN.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than June 1, 2024, the Secretary
of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit
to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on enhancing
United States security cooperation with Japan.
(b) ELEMENTS.—At a minimum, the report required by sub-
section (a) shall include the following:
(1) A description of the activities and investments the
Department of Defense will implement for—
(A) increased bilateral training, exercises, combined
patrols, and other activities between the United States
Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan;
(B) improving information-sharing mechanisms and
processes, including the adoption of enhanced security
protocols; and
(C) enhancing cooperation on advanced technology ini-
tiatives.
(2) An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of—
(A) modifying United States command structures in
Japan—
(i) to coordinate United States military activities
and operations;
(ii) to complement similar changes by the Self-
Defense Forces of Japan; and
(iii)
to
facilitate
integrated
planning
and
implementation of combined activities; and
(B) additional modifications to the force posture of
the United States Armed Forces in Japan.
(3) An identification of challenges to the implementation
of the activities and investments described in paragraph (1)
and any recommended legislative changes, resourcing require-
ments, bilateral agreements, or other measures that would
facilitate the implementation of such activities and investments.
(c) FORM.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
(d) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In this
section, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee
on Armed Services of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 1318. REPORT AND NOTIFICATION RELATING TO TRANSFER OF
OPERATIONAL CONTROL ON KOREAN PENINSULA.
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate commit-
tees of Congress a report that—
(1) describes the conditions under which the military forces
of the Republic of Korea would be prepared to assume wartime
operational control of the United States and Republic of Korea
Combined Forces Command; and
H. R. 2670—365
(2) includes an assessment of the extent to which the
military forces of the Republic of Korea meet such conditions
as of the date on which the report is submitted.
(b) NOTIFICATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 45 days before the date
on which wartime operational control of the United States
and Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command is trans-
ferred to the Republic of Korea, the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of State, shall notify the appro-
priate committees of Congress of such transfer.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The notification required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of the extent to which the military
forces of the Republic of Korea—
(i) meet the conditions described in the report sub-
mitted under subsection (a), including with respect
to the acquisition by the Republic of Korea of necessary
military capabilities to counter the capabilities of the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; or
(ii) meet updated conditions for the assumption
of the wartime operational control described in sub-
section (a)(1), including an explanation of the changes
to such conditions relative to the conditions described
in the report submitted under subsection (a).
(B) A description of the command relationship among
the United Nations Command, the United States and
Republic of Korea Combined Forces Command, the United
States Forces Korea, and the military forces of the Republic
of Korea.
(C) An assessment of the extent to which such transfer
impacts the security of the United States, the Republic
of Korea, and other regional allies and partners.
(D) Any other matters determined relevant by the Sec-
retary.
(c) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS DEFINED.—In this
section, the term ‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 1319. STUDY AND REPORT ON COMMAND STRUCTURE AND FORCE
POSTURE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN THE
INDO-PACIFIC REGION.
(a) STUDY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall seek to
enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and
development center to conduct an independent study of the
organizational structure and force posture of the United States
Armed Forces in the area of responsibility of the United States
Indo-Pacific Command.
(2) REPORT TO SECRETARY.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 360 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the federally funded
research and development center selected to conduct the
study required by paragraph (1) shall submit to the Sec-
retary a report on the findings of the study.
H. R. 2670—366
(B) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subparagraph
(A) shall include the following:
(i) An assessment of—
(I) the organizational structure of the United
States Armed Forces in the area of responsibility
of the United States Indo-Pacific Command;
(II) the force posture, basing, access, and over-
flight agreements of the United States Armed
Forces in such area of responsibility; and
(III) any operational or command and control
challenges resulting from the geography, force pos-
ture of the United States Armed Forces, or
organizational structure of the United States
Armed Forces in the area of responsibility of the
United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(ii) Any recommendation for—
(I) adjustments to the force posture of the
United States Armed Forces in such area of
responsibility,
including
an
identification
of
changes to any basing, access, or overflight agree-
ment that may be necessary in response to the
changing security environment in such area of
responsibility;
(II) modifying the current organizational struc-
ture of the United States Indo-Pacific Command,
including modifications affecting United States
Forces in Japan and South Korea, in response
to such changing security environment; or
(III) improving the ability to coordinate with
allies and partners.
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than April 1, 2025, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the congressional defense committees
an unaltered copy of the report submitted to the Secretary
under subsection (a)(2), together with the views of the Secretary
on the findings set forth in such report and any corresponding
recommendations.
(2) FORM.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified
annex.
(3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall make avail-
able to the public the unclassified form of the report required
by paragraph (1).
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to the AUKUS
Partnership
SEC. 1321. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—Except as
otherwise provided, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional
committees’’ means—
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Com-
mittee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Com-
mittee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
H. R. 2670—367
(2) AUKUS PARTNERSHIP.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The term ‘‘AUKUS partnership’’
means
the
enhanced
trilateral
security
partnership
between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States announced in September 2021.
(B) PILLARS.—The AUKUS partnership includes the
following two pillars:
(i) Pillar One is focused on developing a pathway
for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-
powered submarines.
(ii) Pillar Two is focused on enhancing trilateral
collaboration
on
advanced
defense
capabilities,
including hypersonic and counter hypersonic capabili-
ties, quantum technologies, undersea technologies, and
artificial intelligence.
(3) INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS.—The
term ‘‘International Traffic in Arms Regulations’’ means sub-
chapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations
(or successor regulations).
PART 1—ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
SEC. 1331. AUKUS PARTNERSHIP OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY
FRAMEWORK.
(a) SENIOR ADVISOR.—
(1) DESIGNATION.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State shall des-
ignate a senior advisor at the Department of State (in
this section referred to as the ‘‘Senior Advisor’’), who shall
oversee and coordinate the implementation of the AUKUS
partnership.
(B) QUALIFICATION.—The Senior Advisor may be an
individual serving within the existing leadership of the
Department of State but that individual may not hold
any other position concurrently while serving as the Senior
Advisor.
(C) REPORTING.—The Senior Advisor shall report
directly to the Secretary of State.
(D) GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of State shall issue
guidance to all bureaus of the Department of State speci-
fying the Senior Advisor’s responsibility for coordinating
the implementation of all AUKUS partnership-related
activities.
(2) DUTIES.—The duties of the Senior Advisor shall be
to—
(A) coordinate efforts to implement the AUKUS part-
nership across relevant bureaus, directorates, and offices
of the Department of State involved in matters such as
arms exports, non-proliferation, deterrence, security assist-
ance, and Indo-Pacific and United Kingdom relations;
(B) serve as the lead within the Department of State
on matters relating to the AUKUS partnership in the inter-
agency process;
(C) lead diplomatic efforts related to the AUKUS part-
nership with other governments to explain how the partner-
ship will enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific
region; and
H. R. 2670—368
(D) consult regularly with the appropriate congres-
sional committees and keep such committees fully and
currently informed on all aspects of the AUKUS partner-
ship, to include—
(i) Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed,
nuclear-powered submarines;
(ii) jointly developing advanced military capabili-
ties; and
(iii) any new programs under the AUKUS partner-
ship.
(3) PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT THE SENIOR ADVISOR.—The Sec-
retary of State shall ensure that the Senior Advisor is ade-
quately staffed with respect to the Senior Advisor’s duties
described in paragraph (2) through details, or assignment of
employees of the Department of State, with expertise consistent
with such duties.
(b) TASK FORCE.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of State shall establish
a task force, to be known as the Task Force on AUKUS (in
this section referred to as the ‘‘Task Force’’), which—
(A) shall meet regularly to coordinate internally on
issues relating to the implementation of the AUKUS part-
nership; and
(B) shall be led by the Senior Advisor.
(2) DUTIES.—The duties of the Task Force may include—
(A) ensuring that responsible offices maintain a unified
list of all defense-related transactions that have taken place
under the AUKUS partnership;
(B) ensuring the establishment of a framework for
gathering,
maintaining,
and
exchanging
information
relating to companies, individuals, or entities that are com-
promising security of military technology, defense articles,
and defense services exchanged under the AUKUS partner-
ship; and
(C) establishing an AUKUS industry forum for
industry stakeholders, including non-traditional defense
contractors (as such term is defined in section 3014 of
title 10, United States Code), that will be open for the
participation of foreign industry involved in the AUKUS
partnership.
(3) PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT THE TASK FORCE.—The per-
sonnel assigned to support the Senior Advisor under subsection
(a)(3) shall also support the Task Force. The Secretary of State
may not assign any additional personnel to support the Task
Force.
(c) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, or not later than 90 days after the
date on which a senior advisor at the Department of State is
designated as the Senior Advisor, whichever occurs earlier, the
Secretary of State shall notify the appropriate congressional
committees of the number of personnel, relevant expertise of such
personnel, and duties of such personnel directly supporting the
work of the Senior Advisor and the offices supporting the Task
Force.
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the
H. R. 2670—369
appropriate congressional committees a report that includes the
following:
(1) A detailed description of the planned work of the Senior
Advisor and the Task Force on matters related to the
implementation of the AUKUS partnership.
(2) For the preceding two calendar years and the current
calendar year—
(A) the average and median times for the United States
Government to review applications for licenses to export
defense articles or defense services to persons, corporations,
and the governments (including agencies and subdivisions
of such governments, including official missions of such
governments) of Australia or the United Kingdom;
(B) the average and median times for the United States
Government to review applications from Australia and the
United Kingdom for foreign military sales beginning from
the date Australia or the United Kingdom submitted a
letter of request that resulted in a letter of acceptance;
and
(C) the number of applications from Australia and
the United Kingdom for licenses to export defense articles
and defense services that were denied or approved with
provisos, listed by year.
(3) For each of the preceding two calendar years, the
number of voluntary disclosures resulting in a violation of
the International Traffic in Arms Regulations enumerated
under section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2780) or involving proscribed countries listed in section 126.1
of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, by persons,
corporations, and the governments (including agencies and sub-
divisions of such governments, including official missions of
such governments) of Australia or the United Kingdom,
including information with respect to—
(A) any instance of unauthorized access to technical
data or defense articles;
(B) inadequate physical or cyber security;
(C) retransfers or re-exports without authorization; and
(D) employees of foreign companies that are United
States persons that provide defense services without
authorization.
(e) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Senior
Advisor shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees
a report that includes—
(1) a detailed description of any issues that representatives
of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia have
identified that threaten or conflict with the stated goals of
the AUKUS partnership and any efforts to resolve these issues;
(2) information on the National Disclosure Policy Com-
mittee with respect to adoption of a classification category
relating to any anticipatory disclosure policy for Australia and
the United Kingdom;
(3) a detailed description of Department of State investiga-
tions into violations under section 38 of the Arms Export Con-
trol Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) or related provisions that involve
AUKUS partners or entities in the United States, the United
Kingdom, and Australia;
H. R. 2670—370
(4) details on whether regulatory changes to exemptions
authorized under subsection (l) of section 38 of the Arms Export
Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778), as added by section 1343 of
this Act, are likely or necessary within the next year; and
(5) an assessment of the change in the average and median
Department of State licensing review times for the current
reporting year based on the average and median licensing
review times from the prior calendar year, including review
times across the interagency for export licenses issued to Aus-
tralia or the United Kingdom.
(f) SUNSET.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), the position
of the Senior Advisor and the Task Force shall terminate on
the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(2) RENEWAL.—The Secretary of State may renew the posi-
tion of the Senior Advisor and the Task Force for 1 additional
period of 4 years beginning after the date on which the Sec-
retary notifies the appropriate congressional committees of the
renewal.
(g) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations and Committee
on Appropriations of the Senate.
SEC. 1332. DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE ACTIVITIES RELATING TO, AND IMPLEMENTA-
TION PLAN FOR, THE AUKUS PARTNERSHIP.
(a) DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL.—Not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall designate a senior civilian official of the Department of
Defense who shall be responsible for overseeing Department of
Defense activities relating to the AUKUS partnership.
(b) PLAN.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Administrator for Nuclear Security and
the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate commit-
tees of Congress a report containing an implementation plan
outlining Department of Defense efforts relating to the AUKUS
partnership.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The plan required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) Timelines and major anticipated milestones for the
implementation of the AUKUS partnership.
(B) An identification of dependencies of such milestones
on defense requirements that are—
(i) unrelated to the AUKUS partnership; and
(ii) solely within the decisionmaking responsibility
of Australia or the United Kingdom.
(C) A consideration of the implications of the plan
on the industrial base with respect to—
H. R. 2670—371
(i) the expansion of existing United States sub-
marine construction capacity to fulfill United States,
United Kingdom, and Australia requirements;
(ii) acceleration of the restoration of United States
capabilities for producing highly enriched uranium to
fuel submarine reactors;
(iii) stabilization of commodity markets and
expanding supplies of high-grade steel, construction
materials, and other resources required for improving
shipyard condition and expanding throughput capacity;
and
(iv) coordination and synchronization of industrial
sourcing opportunities among Australia, the United
Kingdom, and the United States.
(D) A description of resourcing and personnel require-
ments, including—
(i) a detailed assessment of the feasibility of hiring
and retaining additional foreign disclosure officers to
facilitate more rapid technology transfer to Australia
and the United Kingdom; and
(ii) an assessment of any additional requirements
for Department of Defense personnel to support the
transfer of defense articles to Australia and the United
Kingdom.
(E) A plan for improving information sharing,
including—
(i) recommendations for modifications to foreign
disclosure policies and processes;
(ii) the promulgation of written information-
sharing guidelines or policies to improve information
sharing under the AUKUS partnership;
(iii) the establishment of an information handling
caveat specific to the AUKUS partnership; and
(iv) the reduction in use of the Not Releasable
to Foreign Nations (NOFORN) information handling
caveat.
(F) Processes for the protection of privately held
intellectual property, including patents.
(G) Recommended updates to other title 10, United
States Code, authorities or regulatory, policy, or process
frameworks.
(c) SEMIANNUAL UPDATES.—Not later than 60 days after the
date on which the plan required by subsection (b) is submitted,
and semiannually thereafter not later than April 1 and October
1 each year through 2029, the senior civilian official designated
under subsection (a) shall provide the congressional defense commit-
tees and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate
with a briefing on the status of all Department activities to imple-
ment the AUKUS partnership.
SEC. 1333. REPORTING RELATED TO THE AUKUS PARTNERSHIP.
(a) REPORT ON INSTRUMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the signa-
ture, conclusion, or other finalization of any non-binding
instrument related to the AUKUS partnership, the President
H. R. 2670—372
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees the
text of such instrument.
(2) NON-DUPLICATION
OF
EFFORTS; RULE
OF
CONSTRUC-
TION.—To the extent the text of a non-binding instrument is
submitted to the appropriate congressional committees pursu-
ant to paragraph (1), such text does not need to be submitted
to Congress pursuant to section 112b(a)(1)(A)(ii) of title 1,
United States Code, as amended by section 5947 of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 3476). Paragraph (1)
shall not be construed to relieve the executive branch of any
other requirement of section 112b of title 1, United States
Code, as so amended, or any other provision of law.
(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection:
(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘‘text’’, with respect to a
non-binding instrument, includes—
(i) any annex, appendix, codicil, side agreement,
side letter, or any document of similar purpose or
function to the aforementioned, regardless of the title
of the document, that is entered into contempora-
neously and in conjunction with the non-binding
instrument; and
(ii) any implementing agreement or arrangement,
or any document of similar purpose or function to
the aforementioned, regardless of the title of the docu-
ment, that is entered into contemporaneously and in
conjunction with the non-binding instrument.
(B) CONTEMPORANEOUSLY AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH.—
As used in subparagraph (A), the term ‘‘contemporaneously
and in conjunction with’’—
(i) shall be construed liberally; and
(ii) may not be interpreted to require any action
to have occurred simultaneously or on the same day.
(b) REPORT ON AUKUS PARTNERSHIP.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense
and other appropriate heads of agencies, shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees a report on the AUKUS
partnership.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each report required under paragraph (1)
shall include the following elements:
(A) STRATEGY.—
(i) An identification of the defensive military capa-
bility gaps and capacity shortfalls that the AUKUS
partnership seeks to offset.
(ii) An explanation of the total cost to the United
States associated with Pillar One of the AUKUS part-
nership.
(iii) A detailed explanation of how enhanced access
to the industrial base of Australia is contributing to
strengthening the United States strategic position in
Asia.
(iv) A detailed explanation of the military and
strategic benefit provided by the improved access pro-
vided by naval bases of Australia.
H. R. 2670—373
(v) A detailed assessment of how Australia’s sov-
ereign conventionally armed nuclear attack submarines
contribute to United States defense and deterrence
objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
(B) IMPLEMENT THE AUKUS PARTNERSHIP.—
(i) Progress made on achieving the Optimal Path-
way established for Australia’s development of conven-
tionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, including
the following elements:
(I) A description of progress made by Aus-
tralia, the United Kingdom, and the United States
to conclude an Article 14 arrangement with the
International Atomic Energy Agency.
(II) A description of the status of efforts of
Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States to build the supporting infrastructure to
base conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack
submarines.
(III) Updates on the efforts by Australia, the
United Kingdom, and the United States to train
a workforce that can build, sustain, and operate
conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack sub-
marines.
(IV) A description of progress in establishing
submarine support facilities capable of hosting
rotational forces in western Australia by 2027.
(V) A description of progress made in
improving United States submarine production
capabilities that will enable the United States to
meet—
(aa) its objectives of providing up to five
Virginia Class submarines to Australia by the
early to mid-2030’s; and
(bb) United States submarine production
requirements.
(ii) Progress made on Pillar Two of the AUKUS
partnership, including the following elements:
(I) An assessment of the efforts of Australia,
the United Kingdom, and the United States to
enhance collaboration across the following eight
trilateral lines of effort:
(aa) Underseas capabilities.
(bb) Quantum technologies.
(cc) Artificial intelligence and autonomy.
(dd) Advanced cyber capabilities.
(ee) Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic
capabilities.
(ff) Electronic warfare.
(gg) Innovation.
(hh) Information sharing.
(II) An assessment of any new lines of effort
established.
H. R. 2670—374
PART 2—STREAMLINING AND PROTECTING
TRANSFERS OF UNITED STATES MILITARY
TECHNOLOGY FROM COMPROMISE
SEC. 1341. PRIORITY FOR AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM IN
FOREIGN MILITARY SALES AND DIRECT COMMERCIAL
SALES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall institute policies and
procedures for letters of request from Australia and the United
Kingdom to transfer defense articles and services under section
21 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761) related to
AUKUS to receive expedited consideration and processing relative
to all other letters of request other than from Taiwan and Ukraine.
(b) TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER POLICY FOR AUSTRALIA, CANADA,
AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense, shall create an anticipatory
release policy for the transfer of technologies described in para-
graph (2) to Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada
through Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales
that are not covered by an exemption under the International
Traffic in Arms Regulations.
(2) CAPABILITIES DESCRIBED.—The capabilities described in
this paragraph are—
(A) Pillar One-related technologies associated with sub-
marine and associated combat systems; and
(B)
Pillar
Two-related
technologies,
including
hypersonic missiles, cyber capabilities, artificial intel-
ligence, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, and
other advanced technologies.
(3) EXPEDITED
DECISION-MAKING.—Review of a transfer
under the policy established under paragraph (1) shall be sub-
ject to an expedited decision-making process.
(c) INTERAGENCY POLICY
AND GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of
State and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly review and update
interagency policies and implementation guidance related to
requests for Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales,
including by incorporating the anticipatory release provisions of
this section.
SEC. 1342. IDENTIFICATION AND PRE-CLEARANCE OF PLATFORMS,
TECHNOLOGIES, AND EQUIPMENT FOR SALE TO AUS-
TRALIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH FOREIGN
MILITARY SALES AND DIRECT COMMERCIAL SALES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and on a biennial basis thereafter for
8 years, the President shall submit to the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives a report that includes a list of
advanced military platforms, technologies, and equipment that are
pre-cleared and prioritized for sale and release to Australia, the
United Kingdom and Canada through the Foreign Military Sales
and Direct Commercial Sales programs without regard to whether
a letter of request or license to purchase such platforms, tech-
nologies, or equipment has been received from any of such country.
H. R. 2670—375
(b) ADDITIONAL ITEMS.—Each list may include items that are
not related to the AUKUS partnership but may not include items
that are not covered by an exemption under the International
Traffic in Arms Regulations except unmanned aerial or hypersonic
systems.
SEC. 1343. EXPORT CONTROL EXEMPTIONS AND STANDARDS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act
(22 U.S.C. 2778) is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(l) AUKUS DEFENSE TRADE COOPERATION.—
‘‘(1) DETERMINATION AND CERTIFICATION.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the
date of the enactment of this subsection, the President
shall determine and certify in writing, and include a
detailed justification, to the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tions of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the House of Representatives whether Australia or the
United Kingdom has—
‘‘(i) implemented a system of export controls com-
parable to those of the United States that satisfies
the elements of subsection (j)(2)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and
(iv) and subsection (j)(2)(B)(i), (ii) and (v) for United
States-origin defense articles and defense services, and
for controlling the provision of military training; and
‘‘(ii) implemented a comparable exemption from
its export controls for the United States.
‘‘(B) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—
‘‘(i) REQUIREMENTS MET.—If the President makes
the determination that Australia or the United
Kingdom meets the comparability standards of clauses
(i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), the justification
required by such subparagraph shall include an assess-
ment of how the country satisfied the specific elements
described in such clauses.
‘‘(ii) REQUIREMENTS
NOT
MET.—If the President
makes a determination that Australia or the United
Kingdom does not meet the comparability standards
of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), the justifica-
tion required by such subparagraph shall include, as
applicable—
‘‘(I) the specific elements of either such clause
(i) or (ii) that were determined not to meet the
comparability standards;
‘‘(II) the specific actions the country needs to
take in order to meet the comparability standards;
and
‘‘(III) the actions the United States is taking,
as appropriate, to facilitate that the country is
granted an exemption in a timely manner upon
meeting the comparability standards.
‘‘(C)
FORM.—The
determination
and
certification
described in subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
‘‘(2) EXEMPTION.—Upon submittal of a determination and
certification to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
of Representatives that Australia or the United Kingdom has
H. R. 2670—376
met the comparability standards of clauses (i) and (ii) of para-
graph (1)(A), and subject to the limitation in paragraph (4),
the President shall immediately exempt from the licensing or
other approval requirements of this section exports and trans-
fers (including reexports, transfers, temporary imports, and
brokering activities) of defense articles and defense services
between the United States and that country or among the
United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
‘‘(3) REASSESSMENT.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If the President is unable to make
a determination that Australia or the United Kingdom
has met the comparability standards of clauses (i) and
(ii) of paragraph (1)(A) or suspends the exemption pursuant
to paragraph (5), the President shall—
‘‘(i) not less frequently than once every 120 days
reassess whether the country has met those require-
ments;
‘‘(ii) report the results of such reassessment in
writing, and include a detailed justification, to the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives; and
‘‘(iii) report on steps the country must take to
establish the exemption.
‘‘(B) POSITIVE REASSESSMENT.—Upon any reassessment
under subparagraph (A) in which the President determines
that Australia or the United Kingdom has met the com-
parability standards of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph
(1)(A), the President shall immediately provide to that
country an exemption described in paragraph (2).
‘‘(C) NEGATIVE REASSESSMENT.—If the President finds
in any reassessment under subparagraph (A) that Australia
or the United Kingdom has not met the comparability
standards of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(A), the
written reassessment shall include, as applicable—
‘‘(i) the specific elements of either such clauses
that were determined not to be comparable;
‘‘(ii) the specific actions the country needs to take
in order to meet the comparability standards; and
‘‘(iii) the actions the United States is taking, as
appropriate, to facilitate that the country is granted
an exemption in a timely manner upon meeting the
comparability standards.
‘‘(D) FORM.—The reassessment described in subpara-
graph (A)(ii) shall be submitted in an unclassified form,
but may include a classified annex.
‘‘(4) LIMITATION.—An exemption described in paragraph
(2) shall not apply to any activity (including exports, transfers,
reexports, retransfers, temporary imports, or brokering) of
defense articles and defense services between or among the
United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia that—
‘‘(A) are excluded by those countries;
‘‘(B) are referred to in subsection (j)(1)(C)(ii); or
‘‘(C) involve individuals or entities that are not
approved by—
‘‘(i) the Secretary of State; and
H. R. 2670—377
‘‘(ii) the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of For-
eign Affairs, or other similar authority within those
countries.
‘‘(5) TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF EXEMPTION.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The President may suspend an
exemption described in paragraph (2) with respect to Aus-
tralia or the United Kingdom if the President determines
and certifies in writing, and includes a detailed justifica-
tion, to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate
and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives that—
‘‘(i) the country has ceased to implement a system
of export controls comparable to those of the United
States that satisfies the elements of subsection
(j)(2)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) and subsection (j)(2)(B)(i),
(ii) and (v) for United States-origin defense articles
and defense services, and for controlling the provision
of military training; and
‘‘(ii) due to a substantial change in circumstance,
the suspension is necessary to protect the vital national
security or foreign policy interests of the United States
in relation to the country concerned; or
‘‘(iii) the country concerned has ceased to imple-
ment a comparable exemption from its export controls
for the United States.
‘‘(B) ADDITIONAL MATTER TO BE INCLUDED.—The jus-
tification required to be included in the determination and
certification described in subparagraph (A) shall also
include a description of the specific actions the United
States and the country are taking to address the reasons
for the suspension.
‘‘(C)
FORM.—The
determination
and
certification
described in subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
‘‘(D) REPORT.—If the President reissues an exemption
described in paragraph (2) with respect to Australia or
the United Kingdom that the President suspended pursu-
ant to subparagraph (A), the President shall submit to
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report stating the steps the country took
that allowed the exemption to be so reinstated.
‘‘(6) CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS NOT APPLICABLE.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of sec-
tion 3(d) shall not apply to any export or transfer that
is the subject of an exemption described in paragraph (2).
‘‘(B) QUARTERLY
REPORTS.—The Secretary of State
shall—
‘‘(i) require all exports and transfers that would
be subject to the requirements of paragraphs (1), (2),
and (3) of section 3(d) but for the application of
subparagraph (A) to be reported to the Secretary; and
‘‘(ii) submit such reports to the Committee on For-
eign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Foreign
Affairs of the House of Representatives on a quarterly
basis.
‘‘(7) SUNSET.—
H. R. 2670—378
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Any exemption described in para-
graph (2) shall terminate on the date that is 15 years
after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
‘‘(B) RENEWAL.—The Secretary of State may renew
such exemption for 5 years upon a certification to the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representa-
tives that such exemption is in the vital national interest
of the United States with a detailed justification for such
certification.’’.’’.
(b) REPORTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until
no exemptions described in subsection (l)(2) of section 38 of
the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778), as added by
subsection (a) of this section, remain in effect, the Secretary
of State shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Relations
of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report on the operation of exemp-
tions described in such subsection (l)(2), including whether
any changes to such exemptions are likely to be made in the
coming year.
(2) INITIAL REPORT.—The first report submitted under para-
graph (1) shall also include an assessment of key recommenda-
tions the United States Government has provided to the
Governments of Australia and the United Kingdom to revise
laws, regulations, and policies of such countries that are
required to implement the AUKUS partnership.
(3) REPORT
ON
EXPEDITED
REVIEW
OF
EXPORT
LICENSES
FOR EXPORTS OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES.—Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall
report on the practical application of a possible ‘‘fast track’’
decision-making process for applications, classified or unclassi-
fied, to export defense articles and defense services to Australia,
the United Kingdom, and Canada.
SEC. 1344. EXPEDITED REVIEW OF EXPORT LICENSES FOR EXPORTS
OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TO AUSTRALIA, THE
UNITED KINGDOM, AND CANADA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination
with the Secretary of Defense, shall initiate a rulemaking to estab-
lish an expedited decision-making process, classified or unclassified,
for applications to export to Australia, the United Kingdom, and
Canada commercial, advanced-technology defense articles and
defense services that are not covered by an exemption under the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
(b) ELIGIBILITY.—To qualify for the expedited decision-making
process described in subsection (a), an application shall be for
an export of defense articles or defense services that will take
place wholly within or between the physical territory of Australia,
Canada, or the United Kingdom and the United States and with
governments or corporate entities from such countries.
(c) AVAILABILITY OF EXPEDITED PROCESS.—The expedited deci-
sion-making process described in subsection (a) shall be available
H. R. 2670—379
for both classified and unclassified items, and the process must
satisfy the following criteria to the extent practicable:
(1) Any licensing application to export defense articles and
services that is related to a government to government agree-
ment must be approved, returned, or denied within 30 days
of submission.
(2) For all other licensing requests, any review shall be
completed not later than 45 calendar days after the date of
application.
SEC. 1345. UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST.
(a) EXEMPTION
FOR
THE
GOVERNMENTS
OF
THE
UNITED
KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA FROM CERTIFICATION AND CONGRESSIONAL
NOTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS
APPLICABLE
TO
CERTAIN
TRANS-
FERS.—Section 38(f)(3) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2778(f)(3)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, the United Kingdom, or Aus-
tralia’’ after ‘‘Canada’’.
(b) UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST PERIODIC REVIEWS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State, acting through
authority delegated by the President to carry out periodic
reviews of items on the United States Munitions List under
section 38(f) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778(f))
and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary
of Energy, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget, shall carry out such
reviews not less frequently than every 3 years.
(2) SCOPE.—The periodic reviews described in paragraph
(1) shall focus on matters including—
(A) interagency resources to address current threats
faced by the United States;
(B) the evolving technological and economic landscape;
(C) the widespread availability of certain technologies
and items on the United States Munitions List; and
(D) risks of misuse of United States-origin defense
articles.
(3) CONSULTATION.—The Department of State may consult
with the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) and other
interested parties in conducting the periodic review described
in paragraph (1).
PART 3—AUKUS SUBMARINE TRANSFER
AUTHORIZATION ACT
SEC. 1351. SHORT TITLE.
This part may be cited as the ‘‘AUKUS Submarine Transfer
Authorization Act’’.
SEC. 1352. AUTHORIZATION OF SALES OF VIRGINIA CLASS SUB-
MARINES TO AUSTRALIA.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Effective beginning on the date that is one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President
is authorized to transfer up to two Virginia Class submarines
from the inventory of the Department of the Navy to the Govern-
ment of Australia on a sale basis, and transfer not more than
one additional Virginia Class submarine to the Government of
Australia on a sale basis pursuant to section 21 of the Arms
Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2761) during the 20-year period
H. R. 2670—380
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, to implement
the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United
Kingdom, and the United States (in this section referred to as
the ‘‘AUKUS partnership’’).
(b) PROVISIONS OF LAW SUPERSEDED.—The transfer of a vessel
authorized under subsection (a) shall not be subject to the require-
ments of—
(1) section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2776); or
(2) section 8677 of title 10, United States Code.
(c) COSTS OF TRANSFERS.—Any expense incurred by the United
States in connection with a transfer of a vessel authorized under
subsection (a) shall be charged to the Government of Australia
notwithstanding section 516(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j(e)).
(d) CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days prior to the
transfer of a vessel authorized under subsection (a), the Presi-
dent shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees
and leadership a certification that—
(A) the transfer of such vessels—
(i) will not degrade the United States undersea
capabilities;
(ii) is consistent with United States foreign policy
and national security interests; and
(iii) is in furtherance of the AUKUS partnership;
(B) the United States is making sufficient submarine
production and maintenance investments to meet the com-
bination of United States military requirements and the
requirements under subparagraph (A);
(C) the Government of Australia has provided the
appropriate funds and support for the additional capacity
required to meet the requirements identified in this section;
and
(D) the Government Australia has the capability to
host and fully operate the vessels authorized to be trans-
ferred.
(2) WAIVER
OF
CHIEF
OF
NAVAL
OPERATIONS
CERTIFI-
CATION.—The requirement for the Chief of Naval Operations
to make a certification under section 8678 of title 10, United
States Code, shall not apply to the transfer of a vessel author-
ized under subsection (a).
(3) REQUIRED MUTUAL DEFENSE AGREEMENT.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The President may not provide for
the transfer of a vessel authorized under subsection (a)
unless the United States and Australia have entered into
a mutual defense agreement that meets the requirements
of subparagraph (B) and such agreement is in effect.
(B) REQUIREMENTS.—A mutual defense agreement
meets the requirements described in this subparagraph
if the agreement—
(i) provides a clear legal framework for the sole
purpose of Australia’s acquisition of conventionally
armed, nuclear-powered submarines; and
(ii) meets the highest nonproliferation standards
for the exchange of nuclear materials, technology,
H. R. 2670—381
equipment, and information between the United States
and Australia.
(4) SUBSEQUENT
SALES.—A transfer of vessel that is a
Virginia class submarine on a sale basis other than a transfer
described in subsection (a) may occur only if such transfer
is explicitly authorized pursuant to a law enacted after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(e) CREDITING OF RECEIPTS.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any provision of law
pertaining to the crediting of amounts received from a sale
under the terms of section 21 of the Arms Export Control
Act (22 U.S.C. 2761), any receipt of the United States as a
result of a transfer of a vessel authorized under subsection
(a) shall—
(A) be credited, at the discretion of the President to—
(i) the appropriation, fund, or account used in
incurring the original obligation;
(ii) an appropriate appropriation, fund, or account
currently available for the purposes for which the
expenditures for the original acquisition of submarines
transferred under this section were made; or
(iii) any other appropriation, fund, or account
available for the improvement of the United States
submarine industrial base; and
(B) remain available for obligation until expended for
the same purpose as the appropriation to which the receipt
is credited.
(2) NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORT.—
(A) INITIAL
NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days
before the date of the delivery of the first vessel authorized
to be transferred under subsection (a), the President shall
notify the appropriate congressional committees and leader-
ship of the following:
(i) The Government of Australia has achieved Sub-
marine Rotational Forces-West full operational capa-
bility to support 4 rotationally deployed Virginia class
submarines and one Astute class submarine, including
having demonstrated the domestic capacity to fully
perform all the associated activities necessary for the
safe hosting and operation of nuclear-powered sub-
marines.
(ii) The Government of Australia has achieved sov-
ereign-ready initial operational capability to support
a Royal Australian Navy Virginia class submarine,
including having demonstrated the domestic capacity
to fully perform all the associated—
(I) activities necessary for the safe hosting
and operation of nuclear-powered submarines;
(II) crewing;
(III) operations;
(IV) regulatory and emergency procedures,
including those specific to nuclear power plants;
and
(V) detailed planning for enduring Virginia
class submarine ownership, including each signifi-
cant event leading up to and including nuclear
defueling.
H. R. 2670—382
(B) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after the
date of a transfer of any vessel authorized under subsection
(a), and upon any transfer or depositing of funds received
pursuant to such a transfer, the President shall notify
the appropriate congressional committees and leadership
of—
(i) the amount of funds received pursuant to the
transfer; and
(ii) the specific account or fund into which the
funds described in clause (i) are deposited.
(C) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the receipt
of funds as described in subparagraph (B), the President
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees
and leadership a report on the matters described in clauses
(i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A).
(f) APPLICABILITY OF EXISTING LAW TO TRANSFER OF SPECIAL
NUCLEAR MATERIAL
AND UTILIZATION FACILITIES
FOR MILITARY
APPLICATIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—With respect to any special nuclear mate-
rial for use in utilization facilities or any portion of a vessel
transferred under the authority of subsection (a) constituting
utilization facilities for military applications under section 91
of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2121), the transfer
of such material or such facilities shall only occur in accordance
with such section 91.
(2) USE OF FUNDS.—The President may use proceeds from
a transfer described in subparagraph (1) for the acquisition
of submarine naval nuclear propulsion plants and the nuclear
fuel to replace the propulsion plants and fuel transferred to
the Government of Australia.
(g) REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT OF AUKUS SUBMARINES.—
Section 8680 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(c) REPAIR AND REFURBISHMENT OF CERTAIN SUBMARINES.—
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, and subject
to paragraph (2), the President shall determine the appropriate
public or private shipyard in the United States, Australia, or the
United Kingdom to perform any repair or refurbishment of a United
States submarine involved in submarine security activities between
the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
‘‘(2)(A) The President may determine under paragraph (1) that
repair or refurbishment described in such paragraph may be per-
formed in Australia or the United Kingdom only if—
‘‘(i) such repair or refurbishment will facilitate the develop-
ment of repair or refurbishment capabilities in the United
Kingdom or Australia;
‘‘(ii) such repair or refurbishment will be for a United
States submarine that is operating forward outside of the
United States; or
‘‘(iii) the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that
performing such repair or refurbishment at a shipyard in Aus-
tralia or the United Kingdom is required due to an exigent
threat to the national security interests of the United States.
H. R. 2670—383
‘‘(B) In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the
President shall consider any effects of such determination on the
capacity and capability of shipyards in the United States.
‘‘(C) Not later than 15 days after the date on which the Sec-
retary of Defense makes a certification under subparagraph (A)(iii),
the Secretary shall brief the congressional defense committees on—
‘‘(i) the threat that requires the use of a shipyard in Aus-
tralia or the United Kingdom; and
‘‘(ii) opportunities to mitigate the future potential need
to leverage foreign shipyards.
‘‘(3) Repair or refurbishment described in paragraph (1) may
be carried out by personnel and contractors of the United States,
the United Kingdom, or Australia in accordance with the inter-
national arrangements governing the submarine security activities
described in such paragraph.’’.
(h) TRANSFER OR EXPORT OF DEFENSE SERVICES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The President may transfer or authorize
the export of defense services (as such term is defined in
section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794))
to the Government of Australia and the Government of the
United Kingdom necessary or incidental to support the transfer
and operation of vessels authorized under subsection (a).
(2) AUTHORITY
TO
EXPORT
TO
AUSTRALIAN
AND
UNITED
KINGDOM
PRIVATE
AND
PUBLIC-SECTOR
PERSONNEL.—The
transfer or export of defense services under this subsection
may be directly exported to private and public-sector personnel
of Australia or to private and public-sector personnel of the
United Kingdom to support the development of the Australian
submarine industrial base necessary for submarine security
activities between members of the AUKUS partnership,
including in the case in which such private and public-sector
personnel are not officers, employees, or agents of the Govern-
ment of Australia or the Government of the United Kingdom.
(3) APPLICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR RETRANSFER AND
REEXPORT.—Any person who receives any defense service trans-
ferred or exported under paragraph (1) may retransfer or
reexport such service to other persons only in accordance with
the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.
2751 et seq.).
(4) SECURITY CONTROLS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Any defense service transferred or
exported under paragraph (1) shall be subject to appro-
priate security controls to ensure that any sensitive
information conveyed by such transfer or export is protected
from disclosure to persons unauthorized by the United
States to receive such information.
(B) CERTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days before the
first transfer or export of a defense service under paragraph
(1), and annually thereafter, the President shall certify
to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives that the controls described in subparagraph
(A) will protect the information described in such subpara-
graph for the defense services so transferred or exported.
(i) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter for 15
H. R. 2670—384
years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congres-
sional committees and leadership a report describing—
(A) the status of the transfer of vessels authorized
under subsection (a);
(B) the implementation of submarine security coopera-
tion under the AUKUS partnership and challenges towards
its implementation;
(C) expansion of the public and private Virginia class
submarine production and repair facilities, to include pro-
posed work conducted in Australia and the United Kingdom
to meet the additional work required by commitments
under the AUKUS partnership;
(D) an annual procurement schedule for the total
quantity of submarines the Department of Defense plans
to procure over the 15 years following the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(E) a list of transfers or exports of defense services
authorized under subsection (h) and the private-sector per-
sonnel of Australia or the private-sector personnel of the
United Kingdom to whom the defense services were
exported.
(2) FORM.—The report required by this subsection shall
be submitted in classified form.
SEC. 1353. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF AUS-
TRALIA, UNITED KINGDOM, AND UNITED STATES SUB-
MARINE SECURITY ACTIVITIES.
(a) ACCEPTANCE AUTHORITY.—The President may accept from
the Government of Australia contributions of money made by the
Government of Australia for use by the Department of Defense
in support of non-nuclear related aspects of submarine security
activities between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States (in this section referred to as the ‘AUKUS partnership’).
(b) ESTABLISHMENT
OF
SUBMARINE
SECURITY
ACTIVITIES
ACCOUNT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—There is established in the Treasury of
the United States a special account to be known as the ‘‘Sub-
marine Security Activities Account’’.
(2) CREDIT TO ACCOUNT.—Contributions of money accepted
by the President under subsection (a) shall be credited to the
Submarine Security Activities Account.
(3) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts credited to the Submarine
Security Activities Account shall remain available until
expended.
(c) USE OF FUNDS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of sub-
section (b), the President may use funds in the Submarine
Security Activities Account—
(A) for any purpose authorized by law that the Presi-
dent determines would support the AUKUS submarine
security activities;
(B) to carry out a military construction project that
is consistent with the purposes for which the contributions
were made and is authorized by law;
(C) to develop and increase the submarine industrial
base workforce by investing in recruiting, training, and
H. R. 2670—385
retaining key specialized labor at public and private ship-
yards; or
(D) to upgrade facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
needed to repair and maintain submarines at public and
private shipyards.
(2)
NO
FURTHER
SPECIFIC
AUTHORIZATION
IN
LAW
REQUIRED.—Funds in the Submarine Security Activities
Account may be used as described in this subsection without
further specific authorization in law.
(d) PLAN FOR USE OF FUNDS.—Not later than 30 days prior
to any use of any funds in the Submarine Security Activities
Account, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees and leadership a plan detailing—
(1) the amount of funds in the Submarine Security Activi-
ties Account; and
(2) how such funds will be used, including specific amounts
and purposes.
(e) TRANSFERS OF FUNDS.—
(1) TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection (c), the
President may transfer funds available in the Submarine
Security Activities Account to appropriations available to
the Department of Defense.
(B) AUTHORITY
IN
ADDITION
TO
OTHER
TRANSFER
AUTHORITY.—The authority provided in this paragraph is
in addition to any other transfer authority otherwise pro-
vided by law and is subject to the same terms and condi-
tions as the authority provided in section 8005 of the
Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public
Law 117-328), except for monetary limitations concerning
the amount of authority available.
(C)
AVAILABILITY.—Funds
transferred
under
the
authority provided in this paragraph shall be merged with
and available for the same purposes, and for the same
time period, as the appropriation to which transferred.
(D) LIMITATION ON CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS.—Contribu-
tions referred to in subsection (a) may not be obligated
for a transaction authorized in subsection (c)(1)(B) until
the President submits to the appropriate congressional
committees and leadership notice of the transaction,
including a detailed cost estimate, and a period of 21 days
has elapsed after the date on which the notification is
received by the appropriate congressional committees and
leadership or, if earlier, a period of 14 days has elapsed
after the date on which a copy of the notification is provided
in an electronic medium.
(2) TO DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY.—In carrying out subsection
(c), and in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954,
(42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), the President may transfer funds
available in the Submarine Security Activities Account to appro-
priations or funds of the Department of Energy available to
carry out activities related to AUKUS submarine security activi-
ties.
(3) TRANSFERS BACK TO SUBMARINE SECURITY ACTIVITIES
ACCOUNT.—Upon a determination by the President that all
or part of the funds transferred from the Submarine Security
Activities Account under this subsection are not necessary for
H. R. 2670—386
the purposes for which such funds were transferred, all or
such part of such funds shall be transferred back to the Sub-
marine Security Activities Account.
(f) INVESTMENT OF MONEY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The President may invest money in the
Submarine Security Activities Account in securities of the
United States or in securities guaranteed as to principal and
interest by the United States.
(2) INTEREST.—Any interest or other income that accrues
from investment in securities referred to in paragraph (1) shall
be deposited to the credit of the Submarine Security Activities
Account.
(g) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS.—The authority to accept
or transfer funds under this section is in addition to any other
statutory authority to accept or transfer funds.
(h) NOTIFICATION AND REPORT.—
(1) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 60 days prior to the
transfer of any funds from the Submarine Security Activities
Account, the President shall notify the appropriate congres-
sional committees and leadership of—
(A) the intended use of such funds by appropriation,
program, project, and activity, as defined in the Joint
Explanatory Statement accompanying the Department of
Defense Appropriations Act 2023 (Public Law 117-328);
and
(B) the extent to which such funds complement, supple-
ment, or supplant other on-going or planned efforts funded
by an appropriations Act with an identification of the asso-
ciated funding and explanation of the combined efforts
including the intended outcomes.
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than November 30 of each
year until one year after the date on which all funds transferred
under this section have been fully expended, the President
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and
leadership a report that includes a detailed accounting of—
(A) the amount of funds transferred under this sub-
section during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year
in which the report is submitted; and
(B) the purposes for which such funds were used.
(i) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date
on which contributions of money accepted by the President
under subsection (a) are credited to the Submarine Security
Activities Account under subsection (b), the President shall
submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leader-
ship a report on—
(A) the amount of money so transferred;
(B) a description of the intended use of the funds;
and
(C) any other matters related to the administration
of the Submarine Security Activities Account as determined
necessary by the Secretary.
(2) FORM.—The report required by this subsection shall
be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex.
H. R. 2670—387
SEC. 1354. APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES AND LEADER-
SHIP DEFINED.
In this subtitle, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees
and leadership’’ means—
(1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Armed Serv-
ices, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives; and
(2) the majority leader of the Senate and the Committee
on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, and
the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
TITLE XIV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
Subtitle A—Military Programs
Sec. 1401. Working capital funds.
Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense.
Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide.
Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General.
Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program.
Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile
Sec. 1411. Improvements to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
Sec. 1412. Authority to dispose of materials from the National Defense Stockpile.
Sec. 1413. Beginning balances of the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund
for audit purposes.
Sec. 1414. Critical mineral independence.
Subtitle C—Other Matters
Sec. 1421. Modification of leasing authority of Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Sec. 1422. Authority for transfer of funds to joint Department of Defense-Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund for Cap-
tain James A. Lovell Health Care Center, Illinois.
Sec. 1423. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Subtitle A—Military Programs
SEC. 1401. WORKING CAPITAL FUNDS.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 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.
SEC. 1402. CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MUNITIONS DESTRUCTION,
DEFENSE.
(a) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Funds are hereby
authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for
fiscal year 2024 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for Chem-
ical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense, as specified in
the funding table in section 4501.
(b) USE.—Amounts authorized to be appropriated under sub-
section (a) are authorized for—
(1) 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
(2) the destruction of chemical warfare materiel of the
United States that is not covered by section 1412 of such
Act.
H. R. 2670—388
SEC. 1403. DRUG INTERDICTION AND COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES,
DEFENSE-WIDE.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Depart-
ment of Defense for fiscal year 2024 for expenses, not otherwise
provided for, for Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities,
Defense-wide, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
SEC. 1404. DEFENSE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Depart-
ment of Defense for fiscal year 2024 for expenses, not otherwise
provided for, for the Office of the Inspector General of the Depart-
ment of Defense, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
SEC. 1405. DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 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.
Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile
SEC. 1411. IMPROVEMENTS TO STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MATERIALS
STOCK PILING ACT.
(a) PURPOSES.—Section 2 of the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98a) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
‘‘(d) To the maximum extent practicable and to reduce the
reliance of the National Defense Stockpile program on appropriated
funds, the National Defense Stockpile Manager shall seek to achieve
positive cash flows from the recovery of strategic and critical mate-
rials pursuant to section 6(a)(5).’’.
(b) STOCKPILE MANAGEMENT.—Section 6 of such Act (50 U.S.C.
98e) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ‘‘from excess’’ and all
that follows and inserting ‘‘from other Federal agencies, either
directly as materials or embedded in excess-to-need, end-of-
life items, or waste streams;’’;
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (a)(5) or
(a)(6)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (a)(6) or (a)(7)’’;
(3) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ‘‘subsection (a)(5)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (a)(6)’’; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
‘‘(g)(1) The National Defense Stockpile Manager shall establish
a pilot program to use, to the maximum extent practicable, commer-
cial best practices in the acquisition and disposal of strategic and
critical materials for the stockpile.
‘‘(2)(A) The Stockpile Manager shall brief the congressional
defense committees (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United
States Code)—
‘‘(i) as soon as practicable after the establishment of the
pilot program under paragraph (1); and
‘‘(ii) annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot
program under paragraph (3).
‘‘(B) The briefing required by subparagraph (A)(i) shall
address—
H. R. 2670—389
‘‘(i) the commercial best practices selected for use under
the pilot program;
‘‘(ii) how the Stockpile Manager determined which commer-
cial best practices to select; and
‘‘(iii) the plan of the Stockpile Manager for using such
practices.
‘‘(C) Each briefing required by subparagraph (A)(ii) shall pro-
vide a summary of—
‘‘(i) how the Stockpile Manager has used commercial best
practices under the pilot program during the year preceding
the briefing;
‘‘(ii) how many times the Stockpile Manager has used such
practices;
‘‘(iii) the outcome of each use of such practices; and
‘‘(iv) any savings achieved or lessons learned as a result
of the use of such practices.
‘‘(3) The pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall
terminate effective on the date that is 5 years after the date
of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2024.
‘‘(h) Except to the extent necessary for the national defense,
the National Defense Stockpile Manager shall ensure that each
program for the recovery of strategic and critical materials imple-
mented under subsection (a)(5) operates in a manner designed
to achieve positive cash flow.’’.
(c) STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MATERIALS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.—
Section 10 of such Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–1) is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)—
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘of the National
Defense Stockpile Manager’’ and inserting ‘‘of the manage-
ment and operations of the National Defense Stockpile
program’’;
(B) by striking paragraph (5) and redesignating para-
graphs (6) through (10) as paragraphs (5) through (9),
respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated—
(i) by striking ‘‘required by section 11(a)(2) of this
Act, including a review of’’ and inserting ‘‘required
by section 11(a) of this Act. The report required by
section 11(b)(2) shall include the views and rec-
ommendations of the Board on’’; and
(ii) by striking ‘‘proposed actions to be taken under
the Annual Materials and Operations Plan’’ and
inserting ‘‘all acquisition of materials for and disposals
of materials from the stockpile’’; and
(2) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
‘‘(e) APPLICATION
OF
PROVISIONS
RELATING
TO
FEDERAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEES.—Section 1013(a) of title 5, United States
Code, shall not apply to the Board.’’.
(d) REPORTS.—Section 11 of such Act (50 U.S.C. 98h-2) is
amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘the following:’’ and all
that follows and inserting ‘‘an Annual Materials and Operations
Plan for the forthcoming year.’’;
(2) in subsection (b)—
(A) in paragraph (1)—
(i) in the heading—
H. R. 2670—390
(I) by striking ‘‘REPORTS’’ and inserting
‘‘REPORT’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘MANAGE’’ and inserting ‘‘MAN-
AGER’’;
(ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)—
(I) by striking ‘‘90 days after the conclusion
of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year’’ and
inserting ‘‘February 15 of each fiscal year’’; and
(II) by striking ‘‘a report’’ and inserting ‘‘an
Annual Operations and Materials Plan’’;
(iii) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as fol-
lows:
‘‘(E) a statement and explanation of the financial status
of the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund and
anticipated appropriations to be made to the Fund, and
obligations to be made from the fund, during the current
fiscal year;’’; and
(iv) by striking subparagraphs (G) and (H) and
inserting the following:
‘‘(G) an annual materials plan for the operation of
the stockpile during the next fiscal year and the succeeding
four fiscal years and planned expenditures from the
National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund and antici-
pated receipts from disposal of stockpile materials, which
shall include—
‘‘(i) details of all planned expenditures from the
National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund during
such period and of anticipated receipts from the pro-
posed disposals of stockpile materials during such
period;
‘‘(ii) details regarding materials development and
research projects to be conducted during the fiscal
years covered by the report using moneys in the
National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund pursuant
to section 9(b)(2)(G); and
‘‘(iii) with respect to each development and
research project described in clause (ii), the report
shall specify the amount planned to be expended from
the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund, the
material intended to be developed, the potential mili-
tary or defense industrial applications for that mate-
rial, and the development and research methodologies
to be used;
‘‘(H) any proposed expenditure or disposal detailed in
the annual materials plan for any such fiscal year, and
any expenditure or disposal proposed in connection with
any transaction submitted for such fiscal year to the appro-
priate committees of Congress pursuant to section 5(a)(2)
that is not obligated or executed in that fiscal year may
not be obligated or executed until such proposed expendi-
ture or disposal is resubmitted in a subsequent annual
materials plan or is resubmitted to the appropriate commit-
tees of Congress in accordance with section 5(a)(2), as
appropriate; and
‘‘(I) a summary of the implementation and findings
of the pilot program established under section 6(g)(1),
including—
H. R. 2670—391
‘‘(i) the commercial best practices selected for use
under the pilot program;
‘‘(ii) how the National Defense Stockpile Manager
determined which commercial best practices to select;
‘‘(iii) how the National Defense Stockpile Manager
has used commercial best practices under the pilot
program during the year preceding the briefing;
‘‘(iv) the outcome of each use of such practices;
and
‘‘(v) any savings achieved or lessons learned as
a result of the use of such practices.’’; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and
all that follows and inserting ‘‘paragraph (1) which shall
include the activities of the Board to carry out the duties
listed in section 10(c) of this Act’’.
(e) DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF RELIABLE SOURCES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 15 of such Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–
6) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘SEC. 15. DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF RELIABLE SOURCES.
‘‘(a) DUTIES.—Subject to subsection (d), the National Defense
Stockpile Manager shall encourage the development and appro-
priate conservation of reliable sources of strategic and critical mate-
rials—
‘‘(1) by purchasing, or making a commitment to purchase,
strategic and critical materials from reliable sources when such
materials are needed for the stockpile;
‘‘(2) by contracting with facilities located in and owned
and controlled by reliable sources, or making a commitment
to contract with such facilities, for the processing or refining
of strategic and critical materials in the stockpile when proc-
essing or refining is necessary to convert such materials into
a form more suitable for storage or disposition or meeting
stockpile requirements;
‘‘(3) by qualifying facilities located in and owned and con-
trolled by reliable sources, or qualifying strategic and critical
materials produced by such facilities, to meet stockpile require-
ments;
‘‘(4) by contracting with facilities located in and owned
and controlled by reliable sources to recycle strategic and crit-
ical materials to meet stockpile requirements or increase the
balance of the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund
under section 9; and
‘‘(5) by entering into an agreement to co-fund a bankable
feasibility study for a project for the development of strategic
and critical materials located in and owned and controlled
by a reliable source, if the agreement—
‘‘(A) limits the liability of the stockpile to not more
than the total funding provided by the Federal Government;
‘‘(B) limits the funding contribution of the Federal
Government to not more than 50 percent of the cost of
the bankable feasibility study; and
‘‘(C) does not obligate the Federal Government to pur-
chase strategic and critical materials from the reliable
source.
‘‘(b) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES.—
‘‘(1) EXTENDED CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.—
H. R. 2670—392
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term of a contract or commit-
ment made under subsection (a) may not exceed ten years.
‘‘(B) PREEXISTING CONTRACTS.—A contract entered into
before the date of the enactment of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 for a term of more
than ten years may be extended, on or after such date
of enactment, for a total of not more than an additional
ten years pursuant to any option or options set forth in
the contract.
‘‘(2) MATTERS RELATING TO CO-FUNDING OF BANKABLE FEASI-
BILITY STUDIES.—To the extent authorized by Congress pursu-
ant to the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501
et seq.) and determined to be required by the President pursu-
ant to that Act, the National Defense Stockpile Manager may
provide for loans or procure debt issued by other entities to
carry out a project for the development of strategic and critical
materials with respect to which a study was carried out under
subsection (a)(5).
‘‘(c) PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS INCLUDED IN ANNUAL MATERIALS
PLAN.—Descriptions of proposed transactions under subsection (a)
shall be included in the Annual Materials and Operations Plan.
Changes to any such transaction, or the addition of a transaction
not included in such plan, shall be made in accordance with section
5(a)(2).
‘‘(d) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—The authority of the National
Defense Stockpile Manager to enter into obligations under this
section is effective for any fiscal year only to the extent that funds
in the National Defense Stockpile Transaction Fund under section
9 are adequate to meet such obligations.
‘‘(e) BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDY DEFINED.—In this section,
the term ‘bankable feasibility study’ means a comprehensive tech-
nical and economic study—
‘‘(1) of the selected option for a strategic and critical mate-
rials development project that includes appropriately detailed
assessments of realistically assumed extraction, processing,
metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental,
social, and governmental considerations and any other relevant
operational factors and detailed financial analysis, that are
necessary to demonstrate at the time of reporting that produc-
tion is reasonably justified; and
‘‘(2) that may reasonably serve as the basis for a final
decision by a proponent of a project or financial institution
to proceed with, or finance, the development of the project.’’.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(A) SIGNIFICANT
STOCKPILE
TRANSACTION
CHANGE
REPORT.—Section 5(a)(2) of such Act (50 U.S.C. 98d(a)(2))
is amended by striking ‘‘the Board’’ and inserting ‘‘the
National Defense Stockpile Manager’’.
(B) MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.—Section
8(a) of such Act (50 U.S.C. 98g(a)) is amended—
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or in its territories
or possessions,’’ and inserting ‘‘its territories or posses-
sions, or in a reliable source’’; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘in order to—
’’ and all that follows and inserting the following: ‘‘in
order to develop new sources of strategic and critical
materials, develop substitutes, or conserve domestic
H. R. 2670—393
sources and reliable sources of supply for such strategic
and critical materials.’’.
(C) DEFINITIONS.—Section 12 of such Act (50 U.S.C.
98h–3) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting
the following new paragraph:
‘‘(3) The term ‘reliable source’ mean a citizen or business
entity organized under the laws of—
‘‘(A) the United States or any territory or possession
of the United States;
‘‘(B) a country of the national technology and industrial
base, as such term is defined in section 4801 of title 10,
United States Code; or
‘‘(C) a qualifying country, as defined in section 225.003
of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
or any successor document.’’.
SEC. 1412. AUTHORITY TO DISPOSE OF MATERIALS FROM THE
NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE.
Pursuant to section 5(b) of the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98d(b)), the National Defense Stockpile
Manager may dispose of the following materials contained in the
National Defense Stockpile in the following quantities:
(1) 8 short tons of beryllium.
(2) 154,043 short dry tons of metallurgical grade manganese
ore.
(3) 5,000 kilograms of germanium.
(4) 91,413 pounds of pan-based carbon fibers.
(5) Not more than 1,000 short tons of materials transferred
from another department or agency of the United States to
the National Defense Stockpile under section 4(b) of such Act
(50 U.S.C. 98c(b)) that the National Defense Stockpile Manager
determines is no longer required for the Stockpile (in addition
to any amount of such materials previously authorized for
disposal).
SEC. 1413. BEGINNING BALANCES OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCK-
PILE TRANSACTION FUND FOR AUDIT PURPOSES.
For purposes of an audit conducted under chapter 9A of title
10, United States Code, of the National Defense Stockpile Trans-
action Fund established by section 9 of the Strategic and Critical
Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h)—
(1) the ending balance of $313,633,491.15 reported in the
Central Accounting Reporting System of the Department of
the Treasury for September 30, 2021, is the Fund Balance
with Treasury ending balance on that date;
(2) the Total Actual Resources–Collected opening balance
for October 1, 2021, for United States Standard General Ledger
Account 420100 is $314,548,154.42, as recorded in official
accounting records; and
(3) the Unapportioned–Unexpired Authority ending balance
for September 30, 2021, for United States Standard General
Ledger Account 445000 is $216,976,300.69, as recorded in offi-
cial accounting records.
SEC. 1414. CRITICAL MINERAL INDEPENDENCE.
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means—
H. R. 2670—394
(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
and
(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the House
of Representatives.
(2) COVERED
COUNTRY.—The term ‘‘covered country’’
means—
(A) a covered nation (as defined in section 4872(d)
of title 10, United States Code); and
(B) any other country determined by the Secretary
of Defense to be a strategic competitor or adversary of
the United States for purposes of this section.
(3) CRITICAL MINERAL.—The term ‘‘critical mineral’’ means
a critical mineral (as defined in section 7002(a) of the Energy
Act of 2020 (30 U.S.C. 1606(a))) that the Secretary of Defense
determines to be important to the national security of the
United States for purposes of this section.
(4) SHORTFALL MATERIAL.—The term ‘‘shortfall material’’
means materials determined to be in shortfall in the most
recent report on stockpile requirements submitted to Congress
under subsection (a) of section 14 of the Strategic and Critical
Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–5) and included
in the most recent briefing required by subsection (f) of such
section.
(b) STATEMENT
OF POLICY.—It is the policy of the United
States—
(1) to expand secure sources of supply of critical minerals,
including rare earth elements, in the United States and in
countries that are allies or partners of the United States to
meet the needs of the United States defense sector so that
the Department of Defense will achieve critical mineral supply
chain independence from covered countries, including the Peo-
ple’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic
Republic of Iran, and the Democratic People’s Republic of North
Korea; and
(2) that the Department of Defense will procure critical
minerals and products made using supply chains involving
critical minerals that are not mined or processed in or by
covered countries.
(c) STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE CRITICAL MINERAL SUPPLY CHAIN
INDEPENDENCE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—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 appropriate
committees of Congress a strategy to develop supply chains
for the Department of Defense that are not dependent on
mining or processing of critical minerals in or by covered coun-
tries, in order to achieve critical mineral supply chain independ-
ence from covered countries for the Department by 2035.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The strategy required by paragraph (1)
shall—
(A) identify and assess significant vulnerabilities in
the supply chains of contractors and subcontractors of the
Department of Defense involving critical minerals that are
mined or processed in or by covered countries;
(B) identify and recommend changes to the acquisition
laws, regulations, and policies of the Department of Defense
to ensure contractors and subcontractors of the Department
H. R. 2670—395
use supply chains involving critical minerals that are not
mined or processed in or by covered countries to the
greatest extent practicable;
(C) evaluate the utility and desirability of leveraging
the process for acquiring shortfall materials for the
National Defense Stockpile under the Strategic and Critical
Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.) to
strengthen mining and processing capacity for critical min-
erals in the United States and in countries that are allies
or partners of the United States;
(D) identify areas of potential engagement and partner-
ship with the governments of countries that are allies
or partners of the United States to jointly reduce depend-
ence on critical minerals mined or processed in or by cov-
ered countries;
(E) identify and recommend other policy changes that
may be needed to achieve critical mineral supply chain
independence from covered countries for the Department;
(F) identify and recommend measures to streamline
authorities and policies with respect to critical minerals
and supply chains for critical minerals; and
(G) prioritize the recommendations made in the
strategy to achieve critical mineral supply chain independ-
ence from covered countries for the Department, taking
into consideration economic costs and varying degrees of
vulnerability posed to the national security of the United
States by reliance on different types of critical minerals.
(3) FORM OF STRATEGY.—The strategy required by para-
graph (1) shall be submitted in classified form but shall include
an unclassified summary.
Subtitle C—Other Matters
SEC. 1421. MODIFICATION OF LEASING AUTHORITY OF ARMED FORCES
RETIREMENT HOME.
(a) AGREEMENTS.—Before entering a lease under section 1511(i)
of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991 (24 U.S.C.
411(i)), the Chief Operating Officer of the Armed Forces Retirement
Home may enter into an agreement with a potential lessee for
such lease providing for a period of exclusivity, access, study, or
for similar purposes. The agreement shall provide for the payment
(in cash or in kind) by the potential lessee of consideration for
the agreement unless the Chief Operating Officer determines that
payment of consideration will not promote the purpose and financial
stability of the Armed Forces Retirement Home or be in the public
interest.
(b) APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION.—A sublease pursuant to sec-
tion 1511(i) of the Armed Forces Retirement Home Act of 1991
(24 U.S.C. 411(i)) shall not be subject to the approval of the Sec-
retary of Defense or any requirement to notify or submit a report
to Congress described in such section if the Chief Operating Officer
of the Armed Forces Retirement Home determines that the terms
of the sublease conform with the terms of such lease.
(c) ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS.—
H. R. 2670—396
(1) AGREEMENT PROCEEDS.—The proceeds from an agree-
ment entered into under subsection (a) shall be deposited in
the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund.
(2) FUND USES.—The proceeds from the lease of property
under section 1511(i) of the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Act of 1991 (24 U.S.C. 411(i)) and the proceeds from agreements
entered into under subsection (a) of this section that are depos-
ited in the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund shall
remain available for obligation and expenditure to finance
expenses of the Retirement Home related to the formation
and administration of agreements and leases entered into under
the provisions of this section or such section 1511(i).
(d) SUNSET.—This section shall terminate on September 30,
2026.
SEC. 1422. AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO JOINT DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE-DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MEDICAL FACILITY DEMONSTRATION FUND FOR CAPTAIN
JAMES A. LOVELL HEALTH CARE CENTER, ILLINOIS.
(a) AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS.—Of the funds author-
ized to be appropriated for section 1405 and available for the
Defense
Health
Program
for
operation
and
maintenance,
$172,000,000 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 appro-
priated specifically for the purpose of such a transfer.
(b) USE OF TRANSFERRED FUNDS.—For the purposes of sub-
section (b) of such section 1704, facility operations for which funds
transferred under subsection (a) 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).
SEC. 1423. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ARMED FORCES
RETIREMENT HOME.
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year
2024 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund the
sum of $77,000,000 of which—
(1) $68,060,000 is for operating expenses; and
(2) $8,940,000 is for capital maintenance and construction.
TITLE XV—CYBERSPACE-RELATED
MATTERS
Subtitle A—Cyber Operations
Sec. 1501. Performance metrics for pilot program on sharing cyber capabilities and
related information with foreign operational partners.
Sec. 1502. Harmonization and clarification of Strategic Cybersecurity Program and
related matters.
H. R. 2670—397
Sec. 1503. Modification of authority to use operation and maintenance funds for
cyber operations-peculiar capability development projects.
Sec. 1504. Quarterly briefings on joint all domain command and control effort.
Sec. 1505. Authority for countering illegal trafficking by Mexican transnational
criminal organizations in cyberspace.
Sec. 1506. Development of cyber support mechanisms for geographic combatant
commands.
Sec. 1507. Review and plan relating to cyber red teams of Department of Defense.
Subtitle B—Cybersecurity
Sec. 1511. Responsibility for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection of
defense industrial base.
Sec. 1512. Cybersecurity enhancements for nuclear command, control, and commu-
nications network.
Sec. 1513. Pilot program relating to semiconductor supply chain and Cybersecurity
Collaboration Center.
Sec. 1514. Transfer of data and technology developed under MOSAICS program.
Sec. 1515. Modernization program for network boundary and cross-domain defense.
Sec. 1516. Establishment of certain identity, credential, and access management
activities as program of record.
Sec. 1517. Pilot program on assuring critical infrastructure support for military
contingencies.
Sec. 1518. Military cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan.
Sec. 1519. Guidance regarding securing laboratories of the Armed Forces.
Subtitle C—Information Technology and Data Management
Sec. 1521. Control and management of Department of Defense data; establishment
of Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Governing Council.
Sec. 1522. Modification to Department of Defense enterprise-wide procurement of
cyber data products and services.
Sec. 1523. Management of data assets by Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer.
Sec. 1524. Course of education and pilot program on authentication of digital con-
tent provenance for certain Department of Defense media content.
Sec. 1525. Prize competitions for business systems modernization.
Sec. 1526. Requirements for deployment of fifth generation information and com-
munications capabilities to military installations and other Department
facilities.
Sec. 1527. Required policies to establish datalink strategy of Department of De-
fense.
Subtitle D—Personnel
Sec. 1531. Office for academic engagement relating to cyber activities.
Sec. 1532. Selected Reserve order to active duty to respond to a significant cyber
incident.
Sec. 1533. Post-graduate employment of Department of Defense Cyber Service
Academy scholarship recipients in intelligence community.
Sec. 1534. Minimum number of scholarships to be awarded annually through De-
partment of Defense Cyber Service Academy.
Sec. 1535. Pilot program and other measures to enhance readiness and effective-
ness of Cyber Mission Force.
Sec. 1536. Authority to conduct pilot program on Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve.
Sec. 1537. Requirements for implementation of user activity monitoring for certain
personnel.
Sec. 1538. Study on occupational resiliency of Cyber Mission Force.
Subtitle E—Artificial Intelligence
Sec. 1541. Modification to acquisition authority of senior official with principal re-
sponsibility for artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Sec. 1542. Artificial intelligence bug bounty programs.
Sec. 1543. Prize competition for technology that detects and watermarks use of
generative artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1544. Plans, strategies, and other matters relating to artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1545. Study to analyze vulnerability for artificial intelligence-enabled military
applications.
Subtitle F—Reports and Other Matters
Sec. 1551. Limitation on availability of funds for travel for Office of Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness pending strategy relating
to Defense Travel System.
H. R. 2670—398
Sec. 1552. Management by Department of Defense of mobile applications.
Sec. 1553. Report on Department of Defense Enterprise capabilities for cybersecu-
rity.
Sec. 1554. Report on technology modernization for Army Human Resources Com-
mand 2030 Transformation Plan.
Sec. 1555. Certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting.
Subtitle A—Cyber Operations
SEC. 1501. PERFORMANCE METRICS FOR PILOT PROGRAM ON
SHARING CYBER CAPABILITIES AND RELATED INFORMA-
TION WITH FOREIGN OPERATIONAL PARTNERS.
Chapter 19 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating the second section 398 (relating to
pilot program for sharing cyber capabilities and related
information with foreign operational partners) as section 398a;
and
(2) in section 398a, as so redesignated—
(A) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as sub-
sections (g) and (h), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new
subsection:
‘‘(f) PERFORMANCE METRICS.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall
maintain performance metrics to track the results of sharing cyber
capabilities and related information with foreign operational part-
ners under a pilot program authorized by subsection (a).
‘‘(2) The performance metrics under paragraph (1) shall include
the following:
‘‘(A) Whom the cyber capability was used against.
‘‘(B) The effect of the cyber capability, including whether
and how the transfer of the cyber capability improved the
operational cyber posture of the United States and achieved
operational objectives of the United States, or had no effect.
‘‘(C) Such other outcome-based or appropriate performance
metrics as the Secretary considers appropriate for evaluating
the effectiveness of a pilot program carried out under subsection
(a).’’.
SEC. 1502. HARMONIZATION AND CLARIFICATION OF STRATEGIC
CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM AND RELATED MATTERS.
(a) HARMONIZATION AND CLARIFICATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 19 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 391a the following
new section:
‘‘§ 391b. Strategic cybersecurity program
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) There is a program to be known as
the ‘Strategic Cybersecurity Program’ (in this section referred to
as the ‘Program’) to ensure the ability of the Department of Defense
to conduct the most critical military missions of the Department.
‘‘(2) The Secretary of Defense shall designate a principal staff
assistant from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense whose
office shall serve as the office of primary responsibility for the
Program, and provide policy, direction, and oversight regarding
the execution of the responsibilities of the program manager selected
pursuant to subsection (c)(1).
‘‘(b) MEMBERSHIP.—In addition to the office of primary responsi-
bility for the Program under subsection (a)(2) and the program
H. R. 2670—399
manager selected pursuant to subsection (c)(1), membership in the
Program shall include the following:
‘‘(1) The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
‘‘(2) The Commanders of the United States Cyber Com-
mand, United States European Command, United States Indo-
Pacific Command, United States Northern Command, United
States Strategic Command, United States Space Command,
United States Transportation Command.
‘‘(3) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment.
‘‘(4) The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
‘‘(5) The Chief Information Officer of the Department of
Defense.
‘‘(6) The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer
of the Department of Defense.
‘‘(7) The chief information officers of the military depart-
ments.
‘‘(8) The Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department of
Defense.
‘‘(9) The Principal Cyber Advisors of the military depart-
ments.
‘‘(10) Each senior official identified pursuant to subsection
(i) of section 1647 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1118).
‘‘(11) Such other officials as may be determined necessary
by the Secretary of Defense.
‘‘(c) PROGRAM OFFICE.—(1) There is in the Cybersecurity Direc-
torate of the National Security Agency a program office to support
the Program by identifying threats to, vulnerabilities in, and
remediations for, the missions and mission elements specified in
subsection (d)(1). Such program office shall be headed by a program
manager selected by the Director of the National Security Agency.
‘‘(2) The Chief Information Officer of the Department of
Defense, in exercising authority, direction, and control over the
Cybersecurity Directorate of the National Security Agency, shall
ensure that the program office under paragraph (1) is responsive
to the requirements and direction of the program manager selected
pursuant to such paragraph.
‘‘(3) The Secretary may augment the personnel assigned to
the program office under paragraph (1) by assigning personnel
as appropriate from among members of any covered armed force
(including the reserve components thereof), civilian employees of
the Department of Defense (including the Defense Intelligence
Agency), and personnel of the research laboratories of the Depart-
ment of Defense, who have particular expertise in the areas of
responsibility referred to in subsection (d).
‘‘(d) DESIGNATION OF MISSION ELEMENTS OF PROGRAM.—(1) The
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and the Vice Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall identify and designate for inclusion
in the Program all of the systems, critical infrastructure, kill chains,
and processes, including systems and components in development,
that comprise the following military missions of the Department
of Defense:
‘‘(A) Nuclear deterrence and strike.
H. R. 2670—400
‘‘(B) Select long-range conventional strike missions ger-
mane to the warfighting plans of the United States European
Command and the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
‘‘(C) Offensive cyber operations.
‘‘(D) Homeland missile defense.
‘‘(2) The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall coordi-
nate the identification and prioritization of the missions and mission
components, and the development and approval of requirements
relating to the cybersecurity of the missions and mission compo-
nents, of the Program.
‘‘(e) ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEAD OF OFFICE OF PRI-
MARY RESPONSIBILITY.—In addition to providing policy, direction,
and oversight as specified in subsection (a)(2), the head of the
office of primary responsibility for the Program designated under
such subsection shall be responsible—
‘‘(1) for overseeing and providing direction on any covered
statutory requirement that is ongoing, recurrent (including on
an annual basis), or unfulfilled, including by—
‘‘(A) reviewing any materials required to be submitted
to Congress under the covered statutory requirement prior
to such submission; and
‘‘(B) ensuring such submissions occur by the applicable
deadline under the covered statutory requirement: and
‘‘(2) recording and monitoring the remediation of identified
vulnerabilities in constituent systems, infrastructure, kill
chains, and processes of the missions specified in subsection
(d)(1).
‘‘(f) RESPONSIBILITIES
OF PROGRAM MANAGER.—The program
manager selected pursuant to subsection (c)(1) shall be responsible
for the following:
‘‘(1) Conducting end-to-end vulnerability assessments of the
constituent systems, infrastructure, kill chains, and processes
of the missions specified in subsection (d)(1).
‘‘(2) Prioritizing and facilitating the remediation of identi-
fied vulnerabilities in such constituent systems, infrastructure,
kill chains, and processes.
‘‘(3) Conducting, prior to the Milestone B approval for any
proposed such system or infrastructure germane to the missions
of the Program, appropriate reviews of the acquisition and
system engineering plans for that proposed system or infra-
structure, in accordance with the policy and guidance of the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
regarding the components of such reviews and the range of
systems and infrastructure to be reviewed.
‘‘(4) Advising the Secretaries of the military departments,
the commanders of the combatant commands, and the Joint
Staff on the vulnerabilities and cyberattack vectors that pose
substantial risk to the missions of the Program and their con-
stituent systems, critical infrastructure, kill chains, or proc-
esses.
‘‘(5) Ensuring that the Program builds upon (including
through the provision of oversight and direction by the head
of the office of primary responsibility for the Program pursuant
to subsection (e), as applicable), and does not duplicate, other
efforts of the Department of Defense relating to cybersecurity,
including the following:
H. R. 2670—401
‘‘(A) The evaluation of cyber vulnerabilities of major
weapon systems of the Department of Defense required
under section 1647 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat.
1118).
‘‘(B) The evaluation of cyber vulnerabilities of critical
infrastructure of the Department of Defense required under
section 1650 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 2224
note).
‘‘(C) The activities of the cyber protection teams of
the Department of Defense.
‘‘(g) RESPONSIBILITIES OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall define and issue guidance on the roles
and responsibilities for components of the Department of Defense
other than those specified in this section with respect to the Pro-
gram, including—
‘‘(1) the roles and responsibilities of the acquisition and
sustainment organizations of the military departments in sup-
porting and implementing remedial actions;
‘‘(2) the alignment of Cyber Protection Teams with the
prioritized missions of the Program;
‘‘(3) the role of the Director of Operational Test and Evalua-
tion in conducting periodic assessments, including through
cyber red teams, of the cybersecurity of missions in the Pro-
gram; and
‘‘(4) the role of the Principal Cyber Adviser in coordinating
and monitoring the execution of the Program.
‘‘(h) ANNUAL REPORTING.—Not later than December 31 of each
year, the head of the office of primary responsibility for the Program,
in coordination with the appropriate members of the Program under
subsection (b), shall submit to the congressional defense committees
an annual report on the efforts carried out pursuant to this section
or any covered provision of law, including with respect to such
efforts concerning—
‘‘(1) the evaluation of cyber vulnerabilities of each major
weapon system of the Department of Defense and related miti-
gation activities under section 1647 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92;
129 Stat. 1118);
‘‘(2) the evaluation of cyber vulnerabilities of the critical
infrastructure of the Department of Defense under section 1650
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017
(Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note);
‘‘(3) operational technology and the mapping of mission-
relevant terrain in cyberspace under section 1505 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public
Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 394 note);
‘‘(4) the assessments of the vulnerabilities to and mission
risks presented by radio-frequency enabled cyber attacks with
respect to the operational technology embedded in weapons
systems, aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, space systems, sen-
sors, and datalink networks of the Department of Defense
under section 1559 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023; and
‘‘(5) the work of the Program in general, including informa-
tion relating to staffing and accomplishments.
H. R. 2670—402
‘‘(i) ANNUAL BUDGET DISPLAY.—(1) On an annual basis for
each fiscal year, concurrently with the submission of the budget
of the President for that fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title
31, United States Code, the head of the office of primary responsi-
bility for the Program, in coordination with the appropriate mem-
bers of the Program under subsection (b), shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a consolidated budget justification
display that covers all programs and activities associated with
this section and any covered provision of law, including with respect
to the matters listed in subsection (h).
‘‘(2) Each display under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
‘‘(3) For the purpose of facilitating the annual budget display
requirement under paragraph (1), the Chief Information Officer
of the Department of Defense shall provide to the head of the
office of primary responsibility for the Program and the appropriate
members of the Program under subsection (b) fiscal guidance on
the programming of funds in support of the Program.
‘‘(j) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered armed force’ means the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered statutory requirement’ means a
requirement under any covered provision of law.
‘‘(3) The term ‘covered provision of law’ means the following:
‘‘(A) Section 1647 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129
Stat. 1118).
‘‘(B) Section 1650 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10
U.S.C. 2224 note).
‘‘(C) Section 1505 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C.
394 note).
‘‘(D) Section 1559 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2023.’’.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(A) REPEAL OF DUPLICATE BRIEFING REQUIREMENT.—
Section 1647 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1118)
is amended—
(i) by striking subsection (c); and
(ii) by redesignating subsections (d) through (j)
as subsections (c) through (i), respectively.
(B) REPEAL
OF
ADDITIONAL
DUPLICATE
BRIEFING
REQUIREMENT.—Section 1650 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–
328; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is amended—
(i) by striking subsection (d); and
(ii) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as sub-
sections (d) and (e), respectively.
(C) REPEAL OF DUPLICATE PROVISION RELATING TO STRA-
TEGIC
CYBERSECURITY
PROGRAM.—Section 1640 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018
(Public Law 115–9; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is repealed.
(D) REPEAL OF DUPLICATE BUDGET REQUIREMENT.—Sec-
tion 1637 of the John S. McCain National Defense
H. R. 2670—403
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–
232; 10 U.S.C. 221 note) is repealed.
(E) REPEAL OF DUPLICATE REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—
Section 1505 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 394
note) is amended—
(i) by striking subsection (h); and
(ii) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) as sub-
sections (h) and (i), respectively.
(F) REPEAL
OF
ADDITIONAL
DUPLICATE
BRIEFING
REQUIREMENT; REMOVAL OF REFERENCE TO REPEALED PROVI-
SION.—Section 1559 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is
amended—
(i) by striking ‘‘, section 1637 of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 221 note),’’; and
(ii) by striking subsection (f).
(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the head of the office of primary
responsibility for the Strategic Cybersecurity Program under section
391b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a),
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report set-
ting forth the plan of the head to harmonize and interlink the
annual reporting and annual budget display requirements under
subsections (h) and (i) of such section, respectively, to ensure unity
and a lack of duplication in such efforts.
SEC. 1503. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY TO USE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE
FUNDS
FOR
CYBER
OPERATIONS-
PECULIAR CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
Section 1640 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended—
(1) in subsection (a)—
(A) by striking ‘‘ and each Secretary of the military
departments concerned’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘per use’’ and inserting ‘‘per project’’;
and
(C) by striking ‘‘through 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘through
2028’’;
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—Each fiscal year, the Commander of the
United States Cyber Command may obligate and expend under
subsection (a) not more than $16,000,000.’’;
(3) in subsection (c)—
(A) by striking ‘‘$500,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,000,000’’;
and
(B) by striking ‘‘the Secretary of Defense, or his des-
ignee, and each Secretary of the military departments con-
cerned, or their designees,’’ and inserting ‘‘the Secretary
of Defense (or a designee)’’; and
(4) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘2025’’ and inserting
‘‘2028’’.
SEC. 1504. QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS ON JOINT ALL DOMAIN COMMAND
AND CONTROL EFFORT.
Section 1076 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3866) is amended—
H. R. 2670—404
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
‘‘(a) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—During the period beginning on October
1, 2021, and ending on October 1, 2028, the Deputy Secretary
of Defense, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the
Department of Defense, the Chief Information Officer of the
Department of Defense, and a senior military service represent-
ative for each of the Armed Forces shall provide to the congres-
sional defense committees quarterly briefings on the progress
of the Joint All Domain Command and Control (in this section
referred to as ‘JADC2’) effort of the Department of Defense.
‘‘(2) ANNUAL PARTICIPATION BY CERTAIN COMBATANT COM-
MANDS.—For each fiscal year during the period specified in
paragraph (1), a senior representative from each of the United
States Indo-Pacific Command, United States Central Command,
and United States European Command shall participate in
the provision of the first quarterly briefing under such para-
graph following the submission of the budget of the President
to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code,
for that fiscal year.’’; and
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following
new paragraphs:
‘‘(7) A detailed programmatic table of the funding for the
JADC2 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. The information in such
table shall be organized primarily by key programs, projects,
and activities (such as data integration layer, joint operating
system, global experimentation, and mission command applica-
tions).
‘‘(8) A detailed summary of the lessons learned from large-
scale exercises and experiments relevant to the JADC2 effort
conducted during the period covered by the briefing.’’.
SEC. 1505. AUTHORITY FOR COUNTERING ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING BY
MEXICAN TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS IN
CYBERSPACE.
(a) AUTHORITY.—In accordance with sections 124 and 394 of
title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense, in support
of and in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal
departments and agencies and in consultation with the Government
of Mexico as appropriate, may conduct detection, monitoring, and
other operations in cyberspace to counter Mexican transnational
criminal organizations that are engaged in any of the following
activities that cross the southern border of the United States:
(1) Smuggling of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or
precursors thereof.
(2) Human trafficking.
(3) Weapons trafficking.
(4) Other illegal activities.
(b) CERTAIN ENTITIES.—The authority under paragraph (1) may
be used to counter Mexican transnational criminal organizations,
including entities cited in the most recent National Drug Threat
Assessment published by the United States Drug Enforcement
H. R. 2670—405
Administration, that are engaged in any of the activities described
in such paragraph.
SEC. 1506. DEVELOPMENT OF CYBER SUPPORT MECHANISMS FOR
GEOGRAPHIC COMBATANT COMMANDS.
(a) DEVELOPMENT OF MECHANISMS REQUIRED.—Not later than
270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each com-
mander of a geographic combatant command, in coordination with
the Commander of the United States Cyber Command, shall develop
a cyber support mechanism to support the operations of that
geographic combatant command.
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each cyber support mechanism developed with
respect to a geographic combatant command under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) Processes to enhance the cyber capabilities of such
combatant command.
(2) Plans to develop and maintain a sufficient cyber plan-
ning capacity in such combatant command.
(3) Processes to integrate cyber capabilities into operational
support for such combatant command.
(4) A prioritization of cyber risks and vulnerabilities within
the geographic area of responsibility of such combatant com-
mand.
(5) Specific plans to assist in the defense of friendly foreign
countries.
SEC. 1507. REVIEW AND PLAN RELATING TO CYBER RED TEAMS OF
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
(a) REVIEW RELATING TO PRIOR JOINT ASSESSMENT.—
(1) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the officials described in
subsection (c) shall review, and assess the status of the
implementation of, the recommendations set forth by the Sec-
retary of Defense in response to the joint assessment require-
ment under section 1660 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1771).
(2) ELEMENTS.—The review under paragraph (1) shall
include, with respect to the recommendations specified in such
paragraph—
(A) the timelines associated with each such rec-
ommendation, regardless of whether the recommendation
is fully implemented or yet to be fully implemented; and
(B)
a
description
of
any
impediments
to
the
implementation of such recommendations encountered.
(b) PLAN REQUIRED.—
(1) PLAN.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the officials described in subsection
(c) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a
plan, developed taking into account the findings of the review
under subsection (a), to ensure cyber red teams of the Depart-
ment of Defense achieve sufficient capacity and capability to
provide services and meet current and projected future demands
on a Defense-wide basis. Such plan shall include—
(A) a description of the funding necessary for such
cyber red teams to achieve such capacity and capability;
(B) a description of any other resources, personnel,
infrastructure, or authorities for access to information nec-
essary for such cyber red teams to achieve such capacity
H. R. 2670—406
and capability (including with respect to the emulation
of threats from foreign countries with advanced cyber
capabilities, automation, artificial intelligence or machine
learning, and data collection and correlation); and
(C) updated joint service standards and metrics to
ensure the training, staffing, and equipping of such cyber
red teams at levels necessary to achieve such capacity
and capability.
(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than one year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
prescribe such regulations and issue such guidance as the Sec-
retary determines necessary to implement the plan developed
under subsection (a).
(c) OFFICIALS DESCRIBED.—The officials described in this sub-
section are the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense,
the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, and the Commander
of the United States Cyber Command.
(d) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than January 31, 2025, and
not less frequently than annually thereafter until January 31, 2031,
the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall include in
each annual report required under section 139(h) of title 10, United
States Code, an update on progress made with respect to the
implementation of this section, including the following:
(1) The results of test and evaluation events, including
any resource or capability shortfalls limiting the capacity or
capability of cyber red teams of the Department of Defense
to meet operational requirements.
(2) The extent to which operations of such cyber red teams
have expanded across the competition continuum, including
during cooperation and competition phases, to match adversary
positioning and cyber activities.
(3) A summary of identified categories of common gaps
and shortfalls across cyber red teams of the military depart-
ments and Defense Agencies (as such terms are defined in
section 101 of title 10, United States Code).
(4) Any identified lessons learned that would affect training
or operational employment decisions relating to the cyber red
teams of the Department of Defense.
Subtitle B—Cybersecurity
SEC. 1511. RESPONSIBILITY FOR CYBERSECURITY AND CRITICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION OF DEFENSE INDUS-
TRIAL BASE.
Section 1724 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2021 (116–283; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘The Secretary of Defense
shall designate the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department
of Defense’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than 30 days after the
date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall des-
ignate a principal staff assistant from within the Office of
the Secretary of Defense who shall serve’’;
(2) in subsection (c)—
H. R. 2670—407
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department of Defense’’
and inserting ‘‘the principal staff assistant designated
under subsection (b)’’; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Sector Specific
Agency’’ and inserting ‘‘Sector Risk Management Agency’’;
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘Principal Cyber Advisor
of the Department of Defense’’ and inserting ‘‘principal staff
assistant designated under subsection (b)’’; and
(4) in subsection (e)—
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
‘‘this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2024’’;
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Sector Specific
Agency functions under Presidential Policy Directive-21
from non-cybersecurity Sector Specific Agency functions’’
and inserting ‘‘functions of a Sector Risk Management
Agency pursuant to section 9002 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (6 U.S.C. 652a)
from non-cybersecurity functions of a Sector Risk Manage-
ment Agency’’; and
(C) by striking paragraph (3).
SEC. 1512. CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR COM-
MAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and consistent with section
911(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 111 note), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall establish a cross-functional team to
develop and direct the implementation of a threat-driven cyber
defense construct for the systems and networks that support
the nuclear command, control, and communications (commonly
referred to as ‘‘NC3’’) mission (in this section referred to as
the ‘‘cross-functional team’’).
(2) COMPOSITION OF CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAM.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The cross functional team shall be
composed of senior officers selected from among each of
the military departments, the Defense Information Systems
Agency, the National Security Agency, the United States
Cyber Command, the United States Strategic Command,
and any other organization or element of the Department
of Defense determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(B) LEADERSHIP.—The Secretary shall designate a
senior officer from those selected under subparagraph (A)
to serve as the leader of the cross-functional team.
(C) STAFF.—The Secretary shall ensure the heads of
the organizations and elements specified in subparagraph
(A) detail staff to support the cross-functional team in
carrying out the duties under paragraph (3).
(3) DUTIES.—The duties of the cross-functional team shall
be to enhance the cyber defense of the systems and networks
that support the nuclear command, control, and communica-
tions mission.
(b) REQUIRED CONSTRUCT, PLAN OF ACTION, AND MILESTONES.—
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
H. R. 2670—408
Act, the leader of the cross-functional team designated pursuant
to subsection (a)(2)(B) shall develop a threat-driven cyber defense
construct, and associated plans and milestones, to enhance the
security of the systems and networks that support the nuclear
command, control, and communications mission. Such construct
shall be based on—
(1) the application of the principles of the approach to
cybersecurity commonly referred to as ‘‘zero trust architecture’’;
(2) an analysis of appropriately comprehensive endpoint
and network telemetry data; and
(3) control capabilities enabling rapid investigation and
remediation of indicators of compromise and threats to mission
execution.
(c) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—During the 60-day period beginning
on the date that is 30 days before the date on which the President
submits to Congress the budget of the President pursuant to section
1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for each of fiscal years
2025 through 2028, the Secretary shall provide to the appropriate
congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of this
section.
(d) TERMINATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
cross-functional team under this section shall terminate on
October 31, 2028.
(2) EXTENSION AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may
extend the date of termination under paragraph (1) as the
Secretary determines appropriate.
(e) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the congressional defense committees; and
(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives.
SEC. 1513. PILOT PROGRAM RELATING TO SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY
CHAIN AND CYBERSECURITY COLLABORATION CENTER.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with the Director of the National Security Agency, shall com-
mence the conduct of a pilot program under which the Cybersecurity
Collaboration Center of the National Security Agency may collabo-
rate with, including by entering into contracts or other agreements
with, eligible persons under subsection (c), for the purpose of
assessing the feasibility and advisability of improving the cybersecu-
rity of the semiconductor supply chain (in this section referred
to as the ‘‘pilot program’’).
(b) PROGRAM OBJECTIVES.—Under the pilot program, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall seek to improve the cybersecurity of the
supply chain for the design, manufacturing, assembly, packaging,
and testing of semiconductors, including through the following:
(1) Improving the cybersecurity of processes for such design,
manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and testing.
(2) Protecting against cyber-driven intellectual property
theft with respect to such design, manufacturing, assembly,
packaging, and testing.
H. R. 2670—409
(3) Reducing the risk of disruptions caused by cyberattacks
to the supply chain for such design, manufacturing, assembly,
packaging, and testing.
(c) ELIGIBILITY.—A person is eligible to participate in the pilot
program if such person—
(1) directly supports the design, manufacturing, assembly,
packaging, or testing of semiconductors within the United
States; and
(2) provides semiconductor components for the Department
of Defense, any national security system (as such term is
defined in section 3552(b) of title 44, United States Code),
or the defense industrial base.
(d) BRIEFINGS.—
(1) INITIAL BRIEFING.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense
shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees
an initial briefing on the pilot program.
(B) ELEMENTS.—The briefing under subparagraph (A)
shall include the following:
(i) A description of the status of the implementa-
tion of the pilot program.
(ii) An identification of key priorities for the pilot
program.
(iii) An identification of any challenges to imple-
menting the pilot program or impediments to participa-
tion in the pilot program by eligible persons under
subsection (c).
(2) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the
date of the initial briefing under paragraph (1), and
annually thereafter until the date of termination under
subsection (f), the Secretary of Defense shall provide to
the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the
progress of the pilot program.
(B) ELEMENTS.—Each briefing under subparagraph (A)
shall include the following:
(i) Recommendations for addressing relevant
policy, budgetary, security, and legislative gaps to
increase the effectiveness of the pilot program,
including, with respect to the first briefing under such
subparagraph, an assessment of the resources nec-
essary for successful implementation of the pilot pro-
gram.
(ii) Recommendations for increasing participation
in the pilot program by eligible persons under sub-
section (c).
(iii) A description of any challenges encountered
in carrying out the pilot program, including any con-
cerns expressed by manufacturers of semiconductors
or suppliers of semiconductor components.
(iv) The findings of the Secretary, in consultation
with the Director of the National Security Agency,
with respect to the feasibility and advisability of
extending or expanding the pilot program.
(v) Such other matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
H. R. 2670—410
(e) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall terminate on the
date that is four years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(f) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representa-
tives; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Com-
mittee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 1514. TRANSFER OF DATA AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED UNDER
MOSAICS PROGRAM.
(a) TRANSFERS AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary of Defense may
transfer to eligible private sector entities data and technology devel-
oped under the MOSAICS program to enhance cyber threat detec-
tion and protection of critical industrial control system assets used
for electricity distribution.
(b) AGREEMENTS.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary
of Defense may—
(1) enter into cooperative research and development agree-
ments under section 4026 of title 10, United States Code;
and
(2) use such other mechanisms for the transfer of tech-
nology and data as are authorized by law.
(c) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 15 days after any date on
which the Secretary determines to transfer data or technology to
an eligible private sector entity under subsection (a), the Secretary
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written
notification of such determination. Such notification shall include
the following:
(1) An identification of the data or technology to be trans-
ferred.
(2) An identification of the eligible private sector entity,
including an identification of the specific individual employed
by or otherwise associated with such entity responsible for
the security and integrity of the data or technology to be
received.
(3) A detailed description of any special security handling
instructions required pursuant to an agreement entered into
between the Secretary and the eligible private sector entity
for such transfer.
(4) Timelines associated with such transfer.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘eligible private sector entity’’ means a private
sector entity that—
(A) has functions relevant to the civil electricity sector;
and
(B) is determined by the Secretary of Defense to be
eligible to receive data and technology transferred under
subsection (a).
(2) The term ‘‘MOSAICS program’’ means the program
of the Department of Defense known as the ‘‘More Situational
Awareness for Industrial Control Systems Joint Capabilities
Technology Demonstration program’’, or successor program.
H. R. 2670—411
SEC. 1515. MODERNIZATION PROGRAM FOR NETWORK BOUNDARY AND
CROSS-DOMAIN DEFENSE.
(a) MODERNIZATION PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Secretary of
Defense shall carry out a modernization program for network
boundary and cross-domain defense against cyber attacks. In car-
rying out such modernization program, the Secretary shall expand
upon the fiscal year 2023 pilot program on modernized network
boundary defense capabilities and the initial deployment of such
capabilities to the primary Internet access points of the Department
of Defense managed by the Director of the Defense Information
Systems Agency.
(b) PROGRAM PHASES.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement
the modernization program under subsection (a) in phases,
with the objective of completing such program by October 1,
2028.
(2) OBJECTIVES.—The phases required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following objectives:
(A) By September 30, 2026, completion of—
(i) the pilot program specified in subsection (a)
and the deployment of modernized network boundary
defense capabilities to the Internet access points man-
aged by the Director of the Defense Information Sys-
tems Agency; and
(ii) the extension of modernized network boundary
defense capabilities to all additional Internet access
points of the information network of the Department
of Defense.
(B) By September 30, 2027, the conduct of a survey,
completion of a pilot program, and deployment of modern-
ized network boundary defense capabilities to the access
points and cross-domain capabilities of the Secret Internet
Protocol Router Network.
(C) By September 30, 2028, the conduct of a survey,
completion of a pilot program, and deployment of modern-
ized network boundary defense capabilities to any
remaining classified network or enclave of the information
network of the Department.
(c) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation
of the modernization program under subsection (a). Such plan shall
include—
(1) a summary of findings from the pilot program specified
in subsection (a); and
(2) an identification of the resources necessary for such
implementation, including for implementing the phase of the
modernization program specified in subsection (b)(2)(C).
SEC. 1516. ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN IDENTITY, CREDENTIAL, AND
ACCESS MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES AS PROGRAM OF
RECORD.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM OF RECORD.—
(1) PROGRAM OF RECORD.—Except as provided in subsection
(b), not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program
H. R. 2670—412
of record, governed by standard Department of Defense require-
ments and practices, and transition all covered activities to
such program of record.
(2) OBJECTIVES.—The program of record under subsection
(a) shall include, at a minimum, covered activities undertaken
to achieve the following objectives:
(A) Correcting weaknesses in authentication and
credentialing security, including with respect to the pro-
gram of the Department of Defense known as the ‘‘Public
Key Infrastructure’’ program (or any successor program),
identified by the Director of Operational Test and Evalua-
tion in a report submitted to Congress in April, 2023,
titled ‘‘FY14–21 Observations of the Compromise of Cyber
Credentials’’.
(B)
Implementing
improved
authentication
tech-
nologies, such as biometric and behavioral authentication
techniques and other non-password-based solutions.
(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than 150 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the cov-
ered activities to be included under the program of record
under subsection (a).
(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may waive the
requirement under subsection (a) if the Secretary of Defense
determines that the objectives listed in paragraph (2) of such
subsection would be better achieved, and the level of rigor
of the operational testing and oversight requirements applicable
to such objectives would be improved, through a management
approach other than the establishment of a program of record
and transition of covered activities to such program of record.
(2) JUSTIFICATION.—Not later than 14 days after issuing
a waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the congressional defense committees a detailed jus-
tification for the waiver, including—
(A) an explanation of why the establishment of a pro-
gram of record is not the preferred approach to achieve
the objectives listed in subsection (a)(2);
(B) details relating to the management approach pro-
posed to be implemented in lieu of the establishment of
a program of record;
(C) an implementation plan for such proposed alter-
native approach; and
(D) such other information as the Secretary of Defense
determines appropriate.
(c) DESIGNATION OF DATA ATTRIBUTES.—Not later than 120
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Informa-
tion Officer of the Department of Defense, in coordination with
the Secretaries of the military departments, shall complete the
designation of Tier 1 level data attributes to be used as a baseline
set of standardized attributes for identity, credential, and access
management, Defense-wide.
(d) BRIEFING.—Upon completing the requirement under sub-
section (c), the Chief Information Officer of the Department of
H. R. 2670—413
Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall pro-
vide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a briefing on the activities carried
out under this section.
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘covered activity’’ means any activity of the
Office of the Secretary of Defense or a Defense Agency relating
to the identity, credential, and access management initiative
of the Department of Defense.
(2) The term ‘‘Defense Agency’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 1517. PILOT PROGRAM ON ASSURING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
SUPPORT FOR MILITARY CONTINGENCIES.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT
OF PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than 60
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
of Defense shall establish a pilot program to be known as the
‘‘Assuring Critical Infrastructure Support for Military Contingencies
Pilot Program’’.
(b) SELECTION OF INSTALLATIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland
Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, shall select not fewer than
four geographically diverse military installations at which to
carry out the pilot program under subsection (a).
(2) PRIORITIZATION.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—In selecting military installations
under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall give
priority to any military installation that the Secretary
determines is a key component of not fewer than two
contingency plans or operational plans, with further pri-
ority given to such plans in the area of responsibility of
the United States Indo-Pacific Command or the United
States European Command.
(B) SELECTION BETWEEN EQUAL PRIORITIES.—If two or
more military installations qualify for equal priority under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall give fur-
ther priority for selection under such paragraph to any
such military installation that the Secretary of Defense
determines is—
(i) connected to national-level infrastructure;
(ii) located near a commercial port; or
(iii) located near a national financial hub.
(c) ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out the pilot program under sub-
section (a), the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric
Affairs, shall—
(1) without duplicating or disrupting existing cyber exercise
activities under the National Cyber Exercise Program under
section 2220B of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
665h), conduct cyber resiliency and reconstitution stress test
scenarios through tabletop exercises and, if possible, live exer-
cises—
(A) to assess how to prioritize restoration of power,
water, and telecommunications for a military installation
in the event of a significant cyberattack on regional critical
H. R. 2670—414
infrastructure that has similar impacts on State and local
infrastructure; and
(B) to determine the recovery process needed to ensure
the military installation has the capability to function and
support an overseas contingency operation or a homeland
defense mission, as appropriate;
(2) map dependencies on power, water, and telecommuni-
cations at the military installation and the connections to dis-
tribution and generation outside the military installation;
(3) recommend priorities for the order of recovery for the
military installation in the event of a significant cyberattack,
considering both the requirements needed for operations of
the military installation and the potential participation of per-
sonnel at the military installation in an overseas contingency
operation or a homeland defense mission; and
(4) develop a lessons-learned database from the exercises
conducted under paragraph (1) across all military installations
participating in the pilot program, to be shared with the
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives
and the Senate.
(d) COORDINATION WITH RELATED PROGRAMS.—The Secretary
of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, shall ensure that
activities under subsection (c) are coordinated with—
(1) private entities that operate power, water, and tele-
communications for a military installation participating in the
pilot program under subsection (a);
(2) relevant military and civilian personnel; and
(3) any other entity that the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs determines is
relevant to the execution of activities under subsection (c).
(e) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to
the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, the National
Cyber Director, the head of any other relevant Sector Risk Manage-
ment Agency, the Committees on Armed Services of the House
of Representatives and the Senate, and, if the Secretary of Defense
determines it appropriate, relevant private sector owners and opera-
tors of critical infrastructure a report on the activities carried
out under pilot program under subsection (a), including a descrip-
tion of any operational challenges identified.
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘critical infrastructure’’ has the meaning given
that term in the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001
(42 U.S.C. 5195c).
(2) The term ‘‘Sector Risk Management Agency’’ has the
meaning given that term in section 2200 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).
SEC. 1518. MILITARY CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION WITH TAIWAN.
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, with the concur-
rence of the Secretary of State and in coordination with the Com-
mander of the United States Cyber Command and the Commander
of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall seek to engage
with appropriate officials of Taiwan for the purpose of cooperating
H. R. 2670—415
with the military forces of Taiwan on defensive military cybersecu-
rity activities.
(b) IDENTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES.—In cooperating on defensive
military cybersecurity activities with the military forces of Taiwan
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may carry out efforts
to identify cooperative activities to—
(1) defend military networks, infrastructure, and systems;
(2) counter malicious cyber activity that has compromised
such military networks, infrastructure, and systems;
(3) leverage United States commercial and military cyberse-
curity technology and services to harden and defend such mili-
tary networks, infrastructure, and systems; and
(4) conduct combined cybersecurity training activities and
exercises.
(c) BRIEFINGS.—
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of State, shall provide to the
appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the
implementation of this section.
(2) CONTENTS.—The briefing under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the feasibility and advisability
of cooperating with the Ministry of Defense of Taiwan
on the defensive military cybersecurity activities identified
pursuant to subsection (b).
(B) An identification of any challenges and resources
that would be needed to addressed to conduct such coopera-
tive activities.
(C) An overview of efforts undertaken pursuant to this
section.
(D) Any other matters the Secretary determines rel-
evant.
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee
on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
SEC. 1519. GUIDANCE REGARDING SECURING LABORATORIES OF THE
ARMED FORCES.
(a) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense,
the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Depart-
ment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering,
and the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security,
shall issue Department-wide guidance regarding methods and proc-
esses to secure laboratories of the Armed Forces from—
(1) unauthorized access and intrusion;
(2) damage to, and destruction, manipulation, or theft of,
physical and digital laboratory assets;
(3) accidental or intentional release or disclosure of sen-
sitive information; and
(4) cyber sabotage.
H. R. 2670—416
(b) METHODS AND PROCESSES.—At a minimum, the guidance
under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to laboratories
of the Armed Forces, methods and processes to—
(1) secure laboratory operations through zero trust prin-
ciples;
(2) control the access of devices to laboratory information
networks;
(3) secure inventory management processes of such labora-
tories;
(4) control or limit access to such laboratories to authorized
individuals;
(5) maintain the security and integrity of data libraries,
repositories, and other digital assets of such laboratories;
(6) report and remediate cyber incidents or other unauthor-
ized intrusions affecting such laboratories;
(7) train and educate personnel of the Department on lab-
oratory security;
(8) develop an operations security plan to secure laboratory
operations that may be used by applicable units of the Armed
Forces to implement countermeasures appropriate with respect
to the mission, assessed risk, and resources available to the
unit (including guidelines for implementation of routine proce-
dures and measures to be employed during daily operations
or activities of the unit); and
(9) develop and train applicable units of the Armed Forces
on individualized secure laboratory critical information and
indicator lists to aid in protecting critical information regarding
any activity, intention, capability, or limitation of the Depart-
ment over which an adversary seeks to gain a military, political,
diplomatic, economic, or technological advantage.
Subtitle C—Information Technology and
Data Management
SEC. 1521. CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE DATA; ESTABLISHMENT OF CHIEF DIGITAL AND
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
OFFICER
GOVERNING
COUNCIL.
(a) CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DATA.—The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the
Department of Defense may access and control, on behalf of the
Secretary of Defense, any data collected, acquired, accessed, or
used by a component (as such term is defined in section 1513
of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note)),
consistent with such section.
(b) CHIEF DIGITAL AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER GOV-
ERNING COUNCIL.—Section 238(d)(3) of the John S. McCain National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–
232; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(3) CHIEF DIGITAL AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
GOVERNING COUNCIL.—
‘‘(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish
a council to provide policy oversight to ensure the respon-
sible, coordinated, and ethical employment of data and
artificial intelligence capabilities across Department of
H. R. 2670—417
Defense missions and operations. Such council shall be
known as the ‘Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer Governing Council’ (in this paragraph referred to
as the ‘Council’).
‘‘(B) MEMBERSHIP.—The Council shall be composed of
the following:
‘‘(i) Joint Staff J–6.
‘‘(ii) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment.
‘‘(iii) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research
and Evaluation.
‘‘(iv) The Under Secretary of Defense for Intel-
ligence and Security.
‘‘(v) The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
‘‘(vi) The Director of Cost Analysis and Program
Evaluation.
‘‘(vii) The Chief Information Officer of the Depart-
ment.
‘‘(viii) The Director of Administration and Manage-
ment.
‘‘(ix) The service acquisition executives of each of
the military departments.
‘‘(C) HEAD OF COUNCIL.—The Council shall be headed
by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of
the Department.
‘‘(D) MEETINGS.—The Council shall meet not less fre-
quently than twice each fiscal year.
‘‘(E) DUTIES OF COUNCIL.—The duties of the Council
are as follows:
‘‘(i) To streamline the organizational structure of
the Department as such structure relates to the
development, implementation, and oversight of artifi-
cial intelligence.
‘‘(ii) To improve coordination on artificial intel-
ligence governance with the defense industry sector.
‘‘(iii) To issue and oversee guidance on ethical
requirements and protections for the use of artificial
intelligence supported by Department funding and the
reduction or mitigation of instances of unintended bias
in artificial intelligence algorithms.
‘‘(iv) To identify, monitor, and periodically update
appropriate recommendations for the operational use
of artificial intelligence.
‘‘(v) To review, to the extent the head of the Council
considers necessary, artificial intelligence program
funding, to ensure that any investment by the Depart-
ment in an artificial intelligence tool, system, or algo-
rithm adheres to each applicable policy of the Depart-
ment relating to artificial intelligence.
‘‘(vi) To provide periodic status updates on the
efforts of the Department to develop and implement
artificial intelligence into existing Department pro-
grams and processes.
‘‘(vii) To issue guidance on access and distribution
restrictions relating to data, models, tool sets, or
testing or validation infrastructure.
H. R. 2670—418
‘‘(viii) To implement and oversee an educational
program on data and artificial intelligence, for the
purpose of familiarizing personnel Department-wide on
the applications of artificial intelligence within the
respective operations of such personnel.
‘‘(ix) To implement and oversee a scorecard to
assess data decrees of the Department.
‘‘(x) Such other duties as the Council determines
appropriate.
‘‘(F) PERIODIC REPORTS.—Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and not less fre-
quently than once every 18 months thereafter, the Council
shall submit to the Secretary and the congressional defense
committees a report on the activities of the Council during
the period covered by the report.’’.
SEC. 1522. MODIFICATION TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENTERPRISE-
WIDE PROCUREMENT OF CYBER DATA PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES.
Section 1521(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is
amended—
(1) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7);
(2) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘(1)
through (5)’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) through (6)’’; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new para-
graph:
‘‘(6) Evaluating emerging cyber technologies, such as artifi-
cial intelligence-enabled security tools, for efficacy and applica-
bility to the requirements of the Department of Defense.’’.
SEC. 1523. MANAGEMENT OF DATA ASSETS BY CHIEF DIGITAL AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, subject to existing
authorities and limitations and acting through the Chief Digital
and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense,
shall provide the digital infrastructure and procurement vehicles
necessary to manage data assets and data analytics capabilities
at scale to enable an understanding of foreign key terrain and
relational frameworks in cyberspace to support the planning of
cyber operations, the generation of indications and warnings
regarding military operations and capabilities, and the calibration
of actions and reactions in strategic competition.
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHIEF DIGITAL AND ARTIFICIAL INTEL-
LIGENCE OFFICER.—The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer shall—
(1) develop a baseline of data assets exclusive to foreign
key terrain and relational frameworks in cyberspace main-
tained by the intelligence agencies of the Department of
Defense, the military departments, the combatant commands,
and any other components of the Department of Defense;
(2) develop and oversee the implementation of plans to
enhance such data assets that the Chief Digital and Artificial
Intelligence Officer determines are essential to support the
purposes set forth in subsection (a); and
(3) ensure that such activities and plans are undertaken
in cooperation and in coordination with the Assistant to the
H. R. 2670—419
Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Trans-
parency, to ensure that any data collection, procurement,
acquisition, use, or retention measure conducted pursuant to
this section is in compliance with applicable laws and regula-
tions, including standards pertaining to data related to United
States persons or any persons in the United States.
(c) OTHER MATTERS.—The Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer shall—
(1) designate or establish one or more Department of
Defense executive agents for enhancing data assets and the
acquisition of data analytic tools for users;
(2) ensure that data assets referred to in subsection (b)
that are in the possession of a component of the Department
of Defense are accessible for the purposes described in sub-
section (a); and
(3) ensure that advanced analytics, including artificial
intelligence technology, are developed and applied to the anal-
ysis of the data assets referred to in subsection (b) in support
of the purposes described in subsection (a).
(d) SEMIANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently
than semiannually thereafter, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer shall provide to the appropriate congressional
committees a briefing on the implementation of this section.
(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be
construed to authorize the Department of Defense to collect, pro-
cure, or otherwise acquire data, including commercially available
data, in any manner that is not authorized by law, or to make
use of data assets in any manner, or for any purpose, that is
not otherwise authorized by law.
(f) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the congressional defense committees;
(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives; and
(3) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 1524. COURSE OF EDUCATION AND PILOT PROGRAM ON AUTHEN-
TICATION OF DIGITAL CONTENT PROVENANCE FOR CER-
TAIN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEDIA CONTENT.
(a) COURSE OF EDUCATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Director of the Defense Media Activity, shall estab-
lish a course of education at the Defense Information School,
the purpose of which shall be to provide instruction on the
practical concepts and skills needed by public affairs, audio-
visual, visual information, and records management specialists
to understand the following:
(A) Digital content provenance for applicable Depart-
ment media content.
(B) The challenges posed to missions and operations
of the Department by a digital content forgery.
(C) How industry open technical standards may be
used to authenticate the digital content provenance of
applicable Department media content.
H. R. 2670—420
(2) MATTERS.—The course of education under paragraph
(1) shall cover the following matters:
(A) The challenges to missions and operations of the
Department posed by a digital content forgery.
(B) The development of industry open technical stand-
ards for authenticating the digital content provenance of
applicable Department media content.
(C) Hands-on training on techniques to record secure
and authenticated digital content to document and commu-
nicate relevant themes and messages of the Department.
(D) Training on—
(i) the use of industry open technical standards
for authenticating digital content provenance in the
completion of post-production tasks; and
(ii) the transmission of applicable Department
media content in both operational and nonoperational
environments.
(E) Such other matters as the Director of the Defense
Media Activity considers appropriate.
(3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of
the establishment of the course of education under paragraph
(1), the Director of the Defense Media Activity shall submit
to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report on the following:
(A) The status of the development of a curriculum
for such course of education.
(B) The implementation plan of the Director for such
course of education, including the following:
(i) The expertise and qualifications of the personnel
of the Department responsible for teaching such course
of education.
(ii) The list of sources consulted or otherwise used
to develop the curriculum for such course of education.
(iii) A description of the industry open technical
standards referred to in paragraph (1)(C).
(iv) The status of the implementation of such
course of education.
(C) The resources available to the Director to carry
out this subsection and whether the Director requires any
additional resources to carry out this subsection.
(b) PILOT PROGRAM ON IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL CONTENT PROVE-
NANCE STANDARDS.—
(1) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense
Media Activity shall carry out a pilot program to assess the
feasibility and advisability of implementing industry open tech-
nical standards for digital content provenance for official photo-
graphs and videos of the Department of Defense publicly
released by the Defense Visual Information Distribution
Service, or any successor operation, and other distribution plat-
forms, systems, and services used by the Department of Defense
(in this subsection referred to as the ‘‘pilot program’’).
(2) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the pilot program, the
Director of the Defense Media Activity shall—
(A) establish a process for using industry open tech-
nical standards to verify the digital content provenance
of applicable Department media content;
H. R. 2670—421
(B) apply technology solutions that comport with
industry open technical standard for digital content prove-
nance to photographs and videos of the Department pub-
licly released as described in paragraph (1) after the date
of the enactment of this Act;
(C) assess the feasibility and advisability of applying
an industry open technical standard for digital content
provenance to historical visual information records of the
Department stored at the Defense Visual Information
Records Center; and
(D) develop and apply measure of effectiveness for
the implementation of the pilot program.
(3) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the pilot program, the
Director of the Defense Media Activity may consult with feder-
ally funded research and development centers, entities within
private industry, institutions of higher education, and such
other entities as the Director considers appropriate.
(4) TERMINATION.—The pilot program shall terminate on
January 1, 2027.
(5) REPORT.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than January 1, 2026, the
Director of the Defense Media Activity shall submit to
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program.
(B) ELEMENTS.—The report under subparagraph (A)
shall include the following:
(i) The findings of the Director with respect to
the pilot program.
(ii) The name of each entity the Director consulted
with pursuant to paragraph (3) in carrying out the
pilot program.
(iii) An assessment by the Director of the effective-
ness of the pilot program.
(iv) A recommendation by the Director as to
whether the pilot program should be made permanent.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘applicable Department media content’’ means
any media holding generated, stored, or controlled by the
Defense Media Activity.
(2) The term ‘‘digital content forgery’’ means the use of
emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and
machine learning techniques, to fabricate or manipulate audio,
visual, or text content with the intent to mislead.
(3) The term ‘‘digital content provenance’’ means the
verifiable chronology of the origin and history of an image,
video, audio recording, electronic document, or other form of
digital content.
SEC. 1525. PRIZE COMPETITIONS FOR BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZA-
TION.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 270 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, under the authority of section 4025
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall
establish one or more prize competitions to support the business
systems modernization goals of the Department of Defense.
(b) SCOPE.—
H. R. 2670—422
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall structure
any prize competition established under subsection (a) to com-
plement, and to the extent practicable, accelerate the delivery
or expand the functionality of business systems capabilities
sought by the Secretaries of the military departments that
are in operation, in development, or belong to any broad class
of systems covered by the defense business enterprise architec-
ture specified in section 2222(e) of title 10, United States Code.
(2) AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION.—In carrying out subsection
(a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military
departments shall consider the following:
(A) Integration of artificial intelligence or machine
learning capabilities.
(B) Data analytics, business intelligence, or related
visualization capabilities.
(C) Automated updating of business architectures,
business systems integration, or documentation relating
to existing systems or manuals.
(D) Improvements to interfaces or processes for inter-
acting with other non-Department of Defense business sys-
tems.
(E) Updates or replacements for legacy defense busi-
ness systems to improve operational effectiveness and effi-
ciency, such as the system of the Defense Logistics Agency
known as the ‘‘Mechanization of Contract Administration
Services’’ system, or any successor system.
(F) Contract writing systems, or expanded capabilities
relating to such systems, that may be integrated into
existing systems of the Department of Defense.
(G) Pay and personnel systems, or expanded capabili-
ties relating to such systems, that may be integrated into
existing systems of the Department of Defense.
(H) Other finance and accounting systems, or expanded
capabilities relating to such systems, that may be
integrated into existing systems of the Department of
Defense.
(I) Systems supporting the defense industrial base and
related supply chain visibility, analytics, and management.
(c) FRAMEWORK.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the framework
to be used in carrying out the prize competition under subsection
(a).
(d) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than October 1 of each year
until the date of termination under subsection (e), the Secretary
of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the results of the prize competition under subsection
(a).
(e) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the prize competi-
tion under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2028.
SEC. 1526. REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF FIFTH GENERATION
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES TO
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND OTHER DEPARTMENT
FACILITIES.
(a) REQUIREMENTS.—
H. R. 2670—423
(1) STRATEGY FOR PRIVATE WIRELESS NETWORKS.—Not later
than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a strategy
for deploying to military installations and other facilities of
the Department of Defense private wireless networks that are—
(A) based on fifth generation information and commu-
nications capabilities and Open Radio Access Network
architecture; and
(B) tailored to the mission, security, and performance
requirements of the respective military installation or other
facility.
(2) PROCESS FOR PUBLIC WIRELESS NETWORK SERVICE PRO-
VIDERS.—
(A) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish a
Department-wide process under which a public wireless
network service provider of fifth generation information
and communications capabilities may gain access to a mili-
tary installation or other facility of the Department to
provide commercial subscriber services to military and
civilian personnel of the Department (including contractor
personnel) located at, and organizational elements of the
Department maintained at, such installation or facility.
(B)
DESIGN
REQUIREMENTS.—In
establishing
the
process under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure
relevant system architectures and supporting infrastruc-
ture are designed to support modular upgrades to future
generation technologies.
(3) DETERMINATION RELATING TO CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—
The Secretary shall determine, on a contract-by-contract basis
or as a determination with uniform applicability to contracts
across military installations and other facilities of the Depart-
ment, whether to enter into a contract for—
(A) neutral hosting, under which infrastructure and
services would be provided to companies deploying private
wireless networks and public wireless network services
to such installation or other facility through multi-operator
core network architectures; or
(B) separate private wireless network and public wire-
less network infrastructure at such installation or other
facility (which shall include a determination by the Sec-
retary on how to establish roaming agreements and policies
between such networks).
(4) BRIEFING.—Not later than 150 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the strategy
developed under paragraph (1) and any other activity carried
out pursuant to this subsection.
(b) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ACTIVITIES.—The Secretary,
using existing authorities available to the Secretary, may engage
in cooperation activities with foreign allies and partners of the
United States to—
(1) improve the implementation of the strategy under sub-
section (a)(1); and
(2) inform the deployment of private wireless networks
to military installations and other facilities of the Department
pursuant to such strategy.
H. R. 2670—424
(c) OPEN RADIO ACCESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE DEFINED.—
In this section, the term ‘‘Open Radio Access Network architecture’’
means a network architecture that is modular, uses open interfaces,
and virtualizes functionality on commodity hardware through soft-
ware.
SEC. 1527. REQUIRED POLICIES TO ESTABLISH DATALINK STRATEGY
OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
(a) POLICIES REQUIRED.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop
and implement policies to establish a unified datalink strategy
of the Department of Defense (in this section referred to as
the ‘‘strategy’’).
(2) ELEMENTS.—The policies under paragraph (1) shall pro-
vide for, at a minimum, the following:
(A) The designation of an organization to serve as
the lead coordinator of datalink activities throughout the
Department of Defense.
(B) The prioritization and coordination across the mili-
tary departments with respect to the strategy within the
requirements generation process of the Department.
(C) The use throughout the Department of a common
standardized datalink network or transport protocol that
ensures interoperability between independently developed
datalinks, regardless of physical medium used, and ensures
mesh routing. In developing such policy, the Secretary of
Defense shall consider the use of a subset of Internet
Protocol.
(D) A programmatic decoupling of the physical method
used to transmit data, the network or transport protocols
used in the transmission and reception of data, and the
applications used to process and use data.
(E) Coordination of the strategy with respect to weapon
systems executing the same mission types across the mili-
tary departments, including through the use of a common
set of datalink waveforms. In developing such policy, the
Secretary shall evaluate the use of redundant datalinks
for
line-of-sight
and
beyond-line-of-sight
information
exchange for each weapon systems platform.
(F) Coordination between the Department and the
intelligence community (as such term is defined in section
3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003))
to leverage any efficiencies and overlap with existing
datalink waveforms of the intelligence community.
(G) Methods to support the rapid integration of
common datalinks across the military departments.
(H) Support for modularity of specific datalink wave-
forms to enable rapid integration of future datalinks,
including the use of software defined radios compliant with
modular open system architecture and sensor open system
architecture.
(b) INFORMATION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than June 1, 2024,
the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) provide to the appropriate congressional committees
a briefing on the proposed policies under subsection (a)(1),
including timelines for the implementation of such policies;
and
H. R. 2670—425
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees—
(A) an estimated timeline for the implementations of
datalinks;
(B) a list of any additional resources and authorities
necessary to implement the strategy; and
(C) a determination of whether a common set of
datalinks can and should be implemented across all major
weapon systems (as such term is defined in section 3455
of title 10, United States Code) of the Department of
Defense.
(c) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means
the congressional defense committees and the congressional intel-
ligence committees, as such term is defined in section 3 of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Subtitle D—Personnel
SEC. 1531. OFFICE FOR ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT RELATING TO CYBER
ACTIVITIES.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Chapter 111 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 2192b the following
new section:
‘‘§ 2192c. Office for academic engagement relating to cyber
activities
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, shall
establish an office to establish, maintain, and oversee the activities
of the Department of Defense that pertain to the relationship
between the Department and academia, including with entities
involved in primary, secondary, or postsecondary education, with
respect to cyber-related matters (in this section referred to as the
‘Office’).
‘‘(b) DIRECTOR.—The Office shall have a Director who shall
report directly to the Chief Information Officer of the Department
of Defense. An individual serving as Director, while so serving,
shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service.
‘‘(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—(1) The Office shall be responsible for
the following:
‘‘(A) Serving as the consolidated focal point for engagements
carried out between the Department of Defense and academia
with respect to cyber-related matters.
‘‘(B) Coordinating covered academic engagement programs
for the Department of Defense.
‘‘(C) Conducting ongoing analysis, as determined necessary
by the Director, of the performance of cyber-related educational
scholarships, camps, support efforts, and volunteer partnerships
of the Department of Defense.
‘‘(D) Identifying actions the Secretary of Defense may take
to improve the cyber skills of personnel within the Department
of Defense through participation by such personnel in covered
academic engagement programs, for the purposes of assisting
the Secretary in cyber-related matters and meeting the long-
term national defense needs of the United States for personnel
proficient in such skills.
H. R. 2670—426
‘‘(E) Managing funds and resources for the National Cen-
ters for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program, the
Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program, the
National Defense University College of Information and Cyber-
space, the University Consortium for Cybersecurity, the senior
military colleges, and other educational partnerships between
academic institutions and active components of the Armed
Forces.
‘‘(F) Establishing requirements, policies, and procedures
to collect data on, and to monitor and evaluate, the performance
of covered academic engagement programs with respect to the
involvement in such programs by the Department of Defense.
‘‘(G) Monitoring and evaluating through applicable perform-
ance measurements (including those established pursuant to
subparagraph (F)) the performance of covered academic engage-
ment programs with respect to the involvement in such pro-
grams by the Department of Defense, and advising the Sec-
retary of Defense on whether to continue, modify, or terminate
such involvement.
‘‘(H) Conducting budgetary oversight and supervision,
taking into consideration the findings of performance evalua-
tions under subparagraph (G), with respect to—
‘‘(i) the involvement in covered academic engagement
programs by the Department of Defense; and
‘‘(ii) other matters relating to the responsibilities under
this subsection.
‘‘(2) The Office shall be the office of primary responsibility
for carrying out the following:
‘‘(A) Section 2200c of title 10, United States Code.
‘‘(B) Section 1640 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232;
10 U.S.C. 2200 note).
‘‘(C) Section 1649 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1758).
‘‘(D) The duties of the Secretary of Defense under section
1659 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 391 note).
‘‘(E) The duties of the Chief Information Officer of the
Department of Defense under section 1726 of the William M.
(Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1599f note).
‘‘(F) Section 1532 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2191
note prec.).
‘‘(G) Section 1535 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2200
note).
‘‘(H) Such other provisions of law as the Secretary of
Defense may determine relevant.
‘‘(d) AUTHORITY RELATING TO COMPLIANCE.—The Secretary of
Defense shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that
the Director of the Office has sufficient authority to compel and
enforce compliance with any decisions or directives issued pursuant
to the responsibilities under subsection (c).
‘‘(e) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES.—In carrying out this section,
the Director of the Office may, under any provision of this chapter
or any other provision of this title providing for the support of
H. R. 2670—427
educational programs in cyber-related matters (and unless other-
wise specified in such provision)—
‘‘(1) enter into contracts and cooperative agreements,
including for the purpose of supporting academic and hands-
on programs for individuals transitioning into the cyber field
of the Department;
‘‘(2) make grants of financial assistance, including to
civilian and military students;
‘‘(3) provide cash awards and other items;
‘‘(4) accept voluntary services; and
‘‘(5) support national competition judging, other educational
event activities, and associated award ceremonies in connection
with covered academic engagement programs.
‘‘(f) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ENTITIES.—The Under Secretary
of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Secretaries con-
cerned shall coordinate and collaborate with the Director of the
Office on covered academic engagement programs sponsored by
the Under Secretary as Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) programs and activities.
‘‘(g) COVERED ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM DEFINED.—
In this section, the term ‘covered academic engagement program’
means any of the following:
‘‘(1) A primary, secondary, or post-secondary educational
program with a cyber focus.
‘‘(2) A program of the Department of Defense for the recruit-
ment or retention of cyberspace civilian and military personnel
(including scholarship programs) other than a Reserve Officers’
Training Corps program.
‘‘(3) An academic partnership focused on establishing cyber
talent among the personnel referred to in paragraph (2).’’.
(b) DEADLINE FOR ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense
shall establish the office under section 2192c of title 10, United
States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than 270
days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
(1) PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH CYBER INSTITUTES AT INSTITU-
TIONS
OF
HIGHER
LEARNING.—Section 1640 of the John S.
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 2200 note) is amended
by inserting at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(h) DISCHARGE THROUGH DIRECTOR.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Secretary of Defense shall act through the Director of
the office established under section 2192c of title 10, United States
Code.’’.
(2) REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY TRAINING PROGRAMS.—Sec-
tion 1649 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1758) is amended
by inserting ‘‘, acting through the Director of the office estab-
lished under section 2192c of title 10, United States Code,’’
after ‘‘Secretary of Defense’’.
(3) CONSORTIA OF UNIVERSITIES TO ADVISE SECRETARY OF
DEFENSE
ON
CYBERSECURITY
MATTERS.—Section 1659 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public
Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 391 note) is amended by adding at
the following new subsection:
‘‘(g) DISCHARGE THROUGH DIRECTOR.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Secretary of Defense shall act through the Director of
H. R. 2670—428
the office established under section 2192c of title 10, United States
Code.’’.
(4) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CYBER WORKFORCE EFFORTS.—
Section 1726 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law
116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1599f note) is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
‘‘(b) DISCHARGE THROUGH DIRECTOR.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense
shall act through the Director of the office established under section
2192c of title 10, United States Code.’’.
(5) STUDY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF DESIGNATED CENTRAL PRO-
GRAM OFFICE.—Section 1532 of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C.
2191 note prec.) is amended—
(A) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f);
and
(B) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
‘‘(e) DISCHARGE THROUGH DIRECTOR.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Secretary of Defense shall act through the Director of
the office established under section 2192c of title 10, United States
Code.’’.
(6) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CYBER AND DIGITAL SERVICE
ACADEMY.—Section 1535 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2200
note) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
‘‘(p) DISCHARGE THROUGH DIRECTOR.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Secretary of Defense shall act through the Director of
the office established under section 2192c of title 10, United States
Code.’’.
SEC. 1532. SELECTED RESERVE ORDER TO ACTIVE DUTY TO RESPOND
TO A SIGNIFICANT CYBER INCIDENT.
Section 12304 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘for any named operational
mission’’;
(2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (j) as sub-
sections (d) through (k), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY RELATING TO SIGNIFICANT CYBER INCIDENTS.—
When the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the department
in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that it is nec-
essary to augment the active armed forces for the response of
the Department of Defense or other department under which the
Coast Guard is operating, respectively, to a covered incident, such
Secretary may, without the consent of the member affected, order
any unit, and any member not assigned to a unit organized to
serve as a unit of the Selected Reserve (as defined in section
10143(a) of this title), under the respective jurisdiction of such
Secretary, to active duty for not more than 365 consecutive days.’’;
(4) in paragraph (1) of subsection (d), as redesignated by
paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘or subsection (c)’’ after ‘‘subsection
(b)’’;
H. R. 2670—429
(5) in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (2),
by inserting ‘‘or subsection (c)’’ after ‘‘subsection (a)’’;
(6) by amending subsection (h), as redesignated by para-
graph (2), to read as follows:
‘‘(h) TERMINATION
OF DUTY.—(1) Whenever any unit of the
Selected Reserve or any member of the Selected Reserve not
assigned to a unit organized to serve as a unit, or any member
of the Individual Ready Reserve, is ordered to active duty under
authority of subsection (a), the service of all units or members
so ordered to active duty may be terminated by—
‘‘(A) order of the President; or
‘‘(B) law.
‘‘(2) Whenever any unit of the Selected Reserve or any member
of the Selected Reserve not assigned to a unit organized to serve
as a unit is ordered to active duty under authority of subsection
(c), the service of all units or members so ordered to active duty
may be terminated by—
‘‘(A) order of the Secretary of Defense or, with respect
to the Coast Guard, the Secretary of the Department in which
the Coast Guard is operating; or
‘‘(B) law.’’; and
(7) in subsection (k), as redesignated by paragraph (2)—
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as para-
graphs (2) and (3), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after the matter preceding paragraph
(2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph:
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered incident’ means—
‘‘(A) a cyber incident involving a Department of Defense
information system, or a breach of a Department of Defense
system that involves personally identifiable information,
that the Secretary of Defense determines is likely to result
in demonstrable harm to the national security interests,
foreign relations, or the economy of the United States,
or to the public confidence, civil liberties, or public health
and safety of the people of the United States;
‘‘(B) a cyber incident involving a Department of Home-
land Security information system, or a breach of a Depart-
ment of Homeland Security system that involves personally
identifiable information, that the Secretary of Homeland
Security determines is likely to result in demonstrable
harm to the national security interests, foreign relations,
or the economy of the United States or to the public con-
fidence, civil liberties, or public health and safety of the
people of the United States;
‘‘(C) a cyber incident, or collection of related cyber
incidents, that the President determines is likely to result
in demonstrable harm to the national security interests,
foreign relations, or economy of the United States or to
the public confidence, civil liberties, or public health and
safety of the people of the United States; or
‘‘(D) a significant incident declared pursuant to section
2233 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
677b).’’.
H. R. 2670—430
SEC. 1533. POST-GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE
CYBER
SERVICE
ACADEMY
SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS IN INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.
Section 1535 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10
U.S.C. 2200 note) is amended—
(1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE
CYBER
AND
DIGITAL
SERVICE
ACADEMY’’ and
inserting
‘‘DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
CYBER
SERVICE
ACADEMY’’;
(2) in subsection (a)—
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, the heads of the
elements of the intelligence community,’’ after ‘‘the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security’’; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Department of
Defense Cyber and Digital Service Academy’’ and inserting
‘‘Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy’’;
(3) in subsection (d)—
(A) by inserting ‘‘or an element of the intelligence
community’’ after ‘‘missions of the Department’’; and
(B) by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ each place it appears and
inserting ‘‘head concerned’’;
(4) in subsection (e)—
(A) by striking ‘‘Secretary’’ each place it appears and
inserting ‘‘head concerned’’; and
(B) by inserting ‘‘, or within an element of the intel-
ligence community, as the case may be’’ after ‘‘United
States Code’’;
(5) in subsections (h), (j), and (k), by striking ‘‘Secretary’’
each place it appears and inserting ‘‘head concerned’’; and
(6) by adding at the end of the following new subsections:
‘‘(p) INTERAGENCY CONSIDERATIONS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), a scholarship
recipient may satisfy their post-award employment obligation
under this section by working for an element of the intelligence
community that is not part of the Department of Defense only
if—
‘‘(A) the Secretary of Defense has entered into an agree-
ment with the head of that element authorizing the place-
ment of scholarship recipients under the Program in posi-
tions within that element;
‘‘(B) under such agreement, the head of that element
has agreed to reimburse the Department of Defense for
the scholarship program costs associated with any scholar-
ship recipient so placed; and
‘‘(C) the scholarship recipient has satisfied appropriate
hiring
criteria
and
security
clearance
requirements
applicable to that element.
‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON PERCENTAGE PER GRADUATING CLASS.—
Not more than 10 percent of each graduating class of scholar-
ship recipients under the Program may be placed in positions
not within the Department of Defense unless the Secretary
of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees
a certification that the Department of Defense is unable to
facilitate placements in positions within the Department of
Defense for such excess percentage.
‘‘(q) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
H. R. 2670—431
‘‘(1) The term ‘head concerned’ means—
‘‘(A) The Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters
concerning the Department of Defense; or
‘‘(B) the head of an element of the intelligence commu-
nity, with respect to matters concerning that element.
‘‘(2) 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).’’.
SEC. 1534. MINIMUM NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED
ANNUALLY THROUGH DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CYBER
SERVICE ACADEMY.
Section 1535(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10
U.S.C. 2200 note) is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
‘‘(5) MINIMUM NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.—
‘‘(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall
award not fewer than 1,000 scholarships under the Pro-
gram in fiscal year 2026 and in each fiscal year thereafter.
‘‘(B) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may award
fewer than the number of scholarships required under
subparagraph (A) in a fiscal year if the Secretary deter-
mines and notifies the congressional defense committees
that fewer scholarships are necessary to address workforce
needs.’’.
SEC. 1535. PILOT PROGRAM AND OTHER MEASURES TO ENHANCE
READINESS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CYBER MISSION
FORCE.
(a) PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
AND TRAINING
FOR CRITICAL
WORK ROLES.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) direct and oversee the implementation of guidance,
to be issued by each Secretary of a military department, that
correlates critical work roles to military occupational specialties
and periods of obligated service with respect to that military
department;
(2) require that, prior to the attachment or assignment
of a member of the Armed Forces to a unit of the United
States Cyber Command, the Secretary concerned ensure such
member is fully trained and in compliance with the required
standards for the work role to be assumed by the member
within such unit, including with respect to critical work roles
within the Cyber Mission Force;
(3) ensure that the period of obligated service for members
of the Armed Forces is—
(A) uniform across the military departments with
respect to positions of the Cyber Mission Force involving
critical work roles;
(B) commensurate with the financial and time invest-
ments made by Secretary concerned for the purpose of
furnishing training pursuant to paragraph (2); and
(C) sufficient to meet the readiness requirements estab-
lished by the Commander of the United States Cyber Com-
mand;
(4) facilitate consecutive assignments of members of the
Armed Forces to the same unit of the United States Cyber
H. R. 2670—432
Command without inhibiting the advancement or promotion
potential of any such member;
(5) provide to the Secretaries of the military departments
direction for the integration of critical work roles into the
personnel system of record of the respective military depart-
ment, to provide for tracking cyber personnel data by work
role; and
(6) establish within at least one military department the
curriculum and capacity necessary to train sufficient numbers
of members of the Armed Forces from across the military
departments in the performance of critical work roles within
the Cyber Mission Force to achieve the readiness requirements
established by the Commander of United States Cyber Com-
mand.
(b) PILOT PROGRAM ON CONTRACTING FOR SERVICES RELEVANT
TO CRITICAL WORK ROLES.—
(1) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United
States Cyber Command shall carry out a pilot program under
which the Commander shall seek to enter into one or more
contracts under which skilled contractor personnel provide serv-
ices relevant to critical work roles within the Cyber Mission
Force, for the purpose of enhancing the readiness and effective-
ness of the Cyber Mission Force.
(2) DURATION.—The Commander shall carry out the pilot
program under paragraph (1) during the three-year period
beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot pro-
gram and following such period, may—
(A) continue carrying out such pilot program for such
duration as the Commander considers appropriate;
(B) transition such pilot program to a permanent pro-
gram; or
(C) terminate such pilot program.
(c) PLAN ON HIRING, TRAINING, AND RETAINING CIVILIANS TO
SERVE IN CRITICAL WORK ROLES.—Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the
United States Cyber Command shall—
(1) develop a plan to hire, train, and retain civilians to
serve in critical work roles and other work roles within the
Cyber Mission Force, for the purpose of enhancing the readiness
and effectiveness of the Cyber Mission Force; and
(2) provide to the congressional defense committees a
briefing on such plan.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘critical work role’’ means a work role des-
ignated as critical by the Commander of the United States
Cyber Command for purposes of this section.
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
SEC. 1536. AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT PILOT PROGRAM ON CIVILIAN
CYBERSECURITY RESERVE.
(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the Army may conduct a
pilot program to establish a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve to pro-
vide to the United States Cyber Command manpower to effec-
tively—
H. R. 2670—433
(1) preempt, defeat, deter, or respond to malicious cyber
activity;
(2) conduct cyberspace operations;
(3) secure information and systems of the Department of
Defense against malicious cyber activity; and
(4) assist in solving cyber workforce-related challenges.
(b) CONDITIONS PRIOR TO CONDUCT OF PILOT PROGRAM.—
(1) IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN.—The Secretary of the Army
may not take any action to commence a pilot program pursuant
to the authority under subsection (a) until the Secretary—
(A) submits to the congressional defense committees
an implementation plan for the pilot program; and
(B) provides to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on such implementation plan.
(2) PROGRAM
GUIDANCE.—If the Secretary of the Army
intends to conduct a pilot program pursuant to the authority
under subsection (a), prior to commencing such pilot program,
the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Office
of Personnel Management and the Director of the Office of
Government Ethics, shall issue guidance for the establishment
and implementation of the pilot program.
(c) CONDITIONS ON CONDUCT OF PILOT PROGRAM.—Any pilot
program conducted by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the
authority under subsection (a) shall be subject to the following:
(1) HIRING AUTHORITY; STATUS IN RESERVE.—
(A) HIRING AUTHORITY.—In conducting the pilot pro-
gram, the Secretary of the Army may use any authority
otherwise available to the Secretary for the recruitment,
employment, and retention of civilian personnel within the
Department, including the authority under section 1599f
of title 10, United States Code.
(B) STATUS IN RESERVE.—During the period beginning
on the date on which an individual is recruited to serve
in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve and ending on the
date on which the individual is appointed to the Civilian
Cybersecurity Reserve, and during any period elapsing
between any such appointments, the individual may not
be considered a Federal employee.
(2) ELIGIBILITY; APPLICATION AND SELECTION.—
(A) CRITERIA REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Army
shall establish criteria for—
(i) individuals to be eligible to serve in the Civilian
Cybersecurity Reserve; and
(ii) the application and selection processes for
service in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve.
(B) REQUIREMENTS
FOR
INDIVIDUALS.—The criteria
under subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to an
individual—
(i) if the individual has previously served as a
member of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve, that
the previous appointment ended not fewer than 60
days before the individual may be appointed for a
subsequent temporary position in the Civilian Cyberse-
curity Reserve; and
(ii) cybersecurity expertise.
(C) PRESCREENING.—The Secretary of the Army shall—
H. R. 2670—434
(i) prior to the appointment of an individual to
the
Civilian
Cybersecurity
Reserve,
conduct
a
prescreening of the individual for any topic or product
that would create a conflict of interest; and
(ii) require each individual so appointed to notify
the Secretary if a potential conflict of interest arises
during such appointment.
(D) AGREEMENT REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Army
may only appoint an individual to the Civilian Cybersecu-
rity Reserve if the individual enters into an agreement
with the Secretary to serve in the Civilian Cybersecurity
Reserve. Such agreement shall set forth the rights and
obligations of the individual and the Army.
(E) EXCEPTION
FOR
CONTINUING
MILITARY
SERVICE
COMMITMENTS.—A member of the Selected Reserve under
section 10143 of title 10, United States Code, may not
serve as a member of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve.
(F) PROHIBITION.—No individual who is an officer or
employee of the United States Government, including any
member of the uniformed services, may be recruited or
appointed to serve in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve.
(3) SECURITY CLEARANCES.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Army shall
ensure that each member of the Civilian Cybersecurity
Reserve is subject to appropriate personnel vetting and
adjudication commensurate with the duties of the position,
including, with respect to positions for which a security
clearance is necessary, a favorable determination of eligi-
bility for access to classified information, consistent with
applicable provisions of law and policy.
(B) COST OF SPONSORING CLEARANCES.—If a member
of the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve requires a security
clearance in order to carry out the duties of the member,
the Army shall be responsible for the cost of sponsoring
the security clearance of the member.
(4) BRIEFINGS.—Not later than one year after the date
on which the guidance under subsection (b)(2) is issued with
respect to the pilot program, and annually thereafter until
the date on which the pilot program terminates pursuant to
paragraph (7), the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on activities carried
out under the pilot program, including—
(A) participation in the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve,
including the number of members of the Civilian Cyberse-
curity Reserve, the diversity of such members, and any
barriers to recruitment or retention of such members;
(B) an evaluation of the ethical requirements of the
pilot program;
(C) whether the Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve has
been effective in providing additional capacity to the Army;
and
(D) an evaluation of the eligibility requirements for
the pilot program.
(5) FINAL
REPORT
AND
BRIEFING
REQUIRED.—Not earlier
than 180 days and not later than 90 days prior to the date
on which the pilot program terminates pursuant to paragraph
(7), the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional
H. R. 2670—435
defense committees a report, and provide to the congressional
defense committees a briefing, on recommendations relating
to the pilot program, including recommendations for—
(A) whether the pilot program should be modified,
extended in duration, or established as a permanent pro-
gram, and if so, an appropriate scope for the program;
(B) how to attract prospective members of the Civilian
Cybersecurity Reserve, ensure a diversity of such members,
and address any barriers to recruitment or retention of
such members;
(C) the ethical requirements of the pilot program and
the effectiveness of mitigation efforts to address any conflict
of interest concerns; and
(D) an evaluation of the eligibility requirements for
the pilot program.
(6) EVALUATION
REQUIRED.—Not later than three years
after the date on which the pilot program commences, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(A) conduct a study evaluating the pilot program; and
(B) submit to the congressional defense committees—
(i) a report on the results of the study; and
(ii) a recommendation with respect to whether the
pilot program should be modified.
(7) SUNSET.—The authority to conduct the pilot program
shall terminate on the date that is four years after the date
on which the pilot program commences.
SEC. 1537. REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF USER ACTIVITY
MONITORING FOR CERTAIN PERSONNEL.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall require each
head of a component of the Department of Defense to fully imple-
ment each directive, policy, and program requirement for user
activity monitoring and least privilege access controls with respect
to the personnel of that component, including Federal employees
and contractors, granted access to classified information and classi-
fied networks, including the following directives (and any successor
directives):
(1) The Committee on National Security Systems Directive
504, issued on February 4, 2014, relating to the protection
of national security systems from insider threats (including
any annex to such directive).
(2) Department of Defense Directive 5205.16, issued on
September 30, 2014, relating to the insider threat program
of the Department of Defense.
(b) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT.—The Secretary of Defense shall
require each head of a component of the Department of Defense
to implement, with respect to systems, devices, and personnel of
the component, automated controls to detect and prohibit privileged
user accounts from performing general user activities not requiring
privileged access.
(c) PERIODIC TESTING.—The Secretary shall require that, not
less frequently than once every two years, each head of a component
of the Department of Defense—
(1) conducts insider threat testing using threat-realistic
tactics, techniques, and procedures; and
(2) submits to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intel-
ligence and Security, the Chief Information Officer of the
H. R. 2670—436
Department of Defense, and the Director of Operational Test
and Evaluation of the Department of Defense a report on the
findings of the head with respect to the testing conducted
pursuant to paragraph (1).
(d) REPORT.—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
implementation of this section.
(e) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(1) the Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent
Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representa-
tives; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services and the Select Com-
mittee on Intelligence of the Senate.
SEC. 1538. STUDY ON OCCUPATIONAL RESILIENCY OF CYBER MISSION
FORCE.
(a) STUDY.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Depart-
ment of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel
and Readiness, in coordination with the principal cyber advisors
of the military departments and the Commander of the United
States Cyber Command, shall conduct a study on the personnel
and resources required to enhance and support the occupational
resiliency of the Cyber Mission Force.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An inventory of the resources and programs available
to personnel assigned to the Cyber Mission Force, disaggregated
by Armed Force and location.
(2) An assessment of the risk to the occupational resiliency
of such personnel relative to the respective operational work
role within the Cyber Mission Force (as defined by the Com-
mander of the United States Cyber Command) and the number
of such personnel available to perform operations in each such
category of operational work role.
(3) An evaluation of the extent to which personnel assigned
to the Cyber Mission Force have been made aware of the
resources and programs referred to in paragraph (1), and of
measures required to improve such awareness.
(4) A determination by the Commander of the United States
Cyber Command regarding the adequacy and accessibility of
such resources and programs for personnel assigned to the
Cyber Mission Force.
(5) Such other matters as may be determined necessary
by the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department of Defense
and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readi-
ness.
(c) SUBMISSION
TO CONGRESS.—Upon completing the study
under subsection (a), the Principal Cyber Advisor of the Department
of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and
Readiness shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report containing the results of such study.
(d) OCCUPATIONAL RESILIENCY DEFINED.—In this section, the
term ‘‘occupational resiliency’’ means, with respect to personnel
H. R. 2670—437
assigned to the Cyber Mission Force, the ability of such personnel
to mitigate the unique psychological factors that contribute to the
degradation of mental health and job performance under such
assignment.
Subtitle E—Artificial Intelligence
SEC. 1541. MODIFICATION TO ACQUISITION AUTHORITY OF SENIOR
OFFICIAL WITH PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ARTIFI-
CIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING.
Section 808 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–
283; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended—
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘The Secretary of
Defense shall provide the Office with at least 10 full-time
employees’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary of Defense shall
ensure that, at any given time for the duration of the period
specified in subsection (d), the Office has at least 10 full-
time employees provided by the Secretary’’;
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘in each of fiscal years
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘in each of
fiscal years 2024 through 2029’’;
(3) by amending subsection (e)(1) to read as follows:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—
‘‘(A) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 30 days after
the date of the enactment of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, the Secretary of
Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a plan for the delegation
and exercise of the acquisition authority described in sub-
section (a).
‘‘(B) DEMONSTRATION
REQUIRED.—Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, the Sec-
retary of Defense, acting through the Chief Digital and
Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense,
shall provide a demonstration of operational capability
delivered under such authority. In addition to the matters
specified in paragraph (4), such demonstration shall include
a description of—
‘‘(i) how the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer may use the acquisition authorities available
to the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer
to further the data and artificial intelligence objectives
of the Department of Defense, including an inventory
of requirements and funding associated with the exer-
cise of such acquisition authorities;
‘‘(ii) how the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer may use the acquisition authorities of
other Federal entities to further such objectives,
including an inventory of requirements and funding
associated with the exercise of such acquisition authori-
ties; and
H. R. 2670—438
‘‘(iii) the challenges and benefits of using the
acquisition authorities described in clauses (i) and (ii),
respectively, to further such objectives.’’; and
(4) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘October 1, 2025’’ and
inserting ‘‘October 1, 2029’’.
SEC. 1542. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BUG BOUNTY PROGRAMS.
(a) PROGRAM
FOR FOUNDATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
PRODUCTS BEING INTEGRATED WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—
(1) DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer of the Department of Defense shall develop
a bug bounty program for foundational artificial intelligence
models being integrated into the missions and operations of
the Department of Defense.
(2) COLLABORATION.—In developing the program under
paragraph (1), the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer may collaborate with the heads of other Federal depart-
ments and agencies with expertise in cybersecurity and artifi-
cial intelligence.
(3) IMPLEMENTATION AUTHORIZED.—The Chief Digital and
Artificial Intelligence Officer may carry out the program devel-
oped under subsection (a).
(4) CONTRACTS.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure,
as may be appropriate, that whenever the Secretary enters
into any contract, such contract allows for participation in
the bug bounty program developed under paragraph (1).
(5) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to require—
(A) the use of any foundational artificial intelligence
model; or
(B) the implementation of the program developed under
paragraph (1) for the purpose of the integration of a
foundational artificial intelligence model into the missions
or operations of the Department of Defense.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence
Officer shall provide to the congressional defense committees a
briefing on—
(1) the development and implementation of bug bounty
programs the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer
considers relevant to the matters covered by this section; and
(2) long-term plans of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer with respect to such bug bounty programs.
(c) FOUNDATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MODEL DEFINED.—
In this section, the term ‘‘foundational artificial intelligence model’’
means an adaptive generative model that is trained on a broad
set of unlabeled data sets that may be used for different tasks
with minimal fine-tuning.
SEC. 1543. PRIZE COMPETITION FOR TECHNOLOGY THAT DETECTS
AND WATERMARKS USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 270 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, under the authority of section 4025
of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall
establish a prize competition designed to evaluate technology
H. R. 2670—439
(including applications, tools, and models) for generative artificial
intelligence
detection
and
generative
artificial
intelligence
watermarking, for the purposes of—
(1) facilitating the research, development, testing, evalua-
tion, and competition of such technologies to support the Secre-
taries of the military departments and the commanders of
combatant commands in warfighting requirements; and
(2) transitioning such technologies, including technologies
developed pursuant to pilot programs, prototype projects, or
other research and development programs, from the prototyping
phase to production.
(b) PARTICIPATION.—The participants in the prize competition
under subsection (a) may include federally funded research and
development centers, entities within the private sector, entities
within the defense industrial base, institutions of higher education,
Federal departments and agencies, and such other categories of
participants as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
(c) DESIGNATION.—The prize competition under subsection (a)
shall be known as the ‘‘Generative AI Detection and Watermark
Competition’’.
(d) ADMINISTRATION.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering shall administer the prize competition
under subsection (a).
(e) FRAMEWORK.—Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the framework
to be used in carrying out the prize competition under subsection
(a).
(f) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than October 1 of each year
until the date of termination under subsection (g), the Secretary
of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the results of the prize competition under subsection
(a).
(g) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the prize competi-
tion under subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2025.
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘generative artificial intelligence detection’’
means, with respect to digital content, the positive identification
of the use of generative artificial intelligence in the generation
of such content.
(2)
The
term
‘‘generative
artificial
intelligence
watermarking’’ means, with respect to digital content, embed-
ding within such content data conveying attribution of the
generation of such content to generative artificial intelligence.
SEC. 1544. PLANS, STRATEGIES, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the Deputy Secretary of Defense, shall—
(1) establish and document procedures, including timelines,
for the periodic review of the 2018 Department of Defense
Artificial Intelligence Strategy, or any successor strategy, and
associated annexes of the military departments to assess the
implementation of such strategy and whether any revision is
necessary;
H. R. 2670—440
(2) issue Department of Defense-wide guidance that defines
outcomes of near-term and long-term strategies and plans
relating to—
(A) the adoption of artificial intelligence;
(B) the adoption and enforcement of policies on the
ethical use of artificial intelligence systems; and
(C) the identification and mitigation of bias in artificial
intelligence algorithms;
(3) issue Department-wide guidance regarding methods to
monitor accountability for artificial intelligence-related activity,
including artificial intelligence performance indicators and
metrics;
(4) develop a strategic plan for the development, use, and
cybersecurity of generative artificial intelligence, including a
policy governing the use of, and the defense against adversarial
use of, generative artificial intelligence;
(5) assess technical workforce needs across the future years
defense plan to support the continued development of artificial
intelligence capabilities, including recruitment and retention
policies and programs;
(6) assess the availability and adequacy of the basic artifi-
cial intelligence training and education curricula, including
efforts developed or authorized pursuant to section 256 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (133
Stat. 1290; Public Law 116–92), available to the broader civilian
workforce of the Department and military personnel to promote
artificial intelligence literacy to the nontechnical workforce and
senior leadership with responsibilities adjacent to artificial
intelligence technical development;
(7) develop and issue a timeline and guidance for the
Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Depart-
ment and the Secretaries of the military departments to estab-
lish a common lexicon for artificial intelligence-related activi-
ties;
(8) develop and implement a plan to protect and secure
the integrity, availability, and privacy of artificial intelligence
systems and models, including large language models, data
libraries, data repositories, and algorithms, in training, develop-
ment, and production environments;
(9) ensure the fulfilment of the statutory requirement to
establish data repositories under section 232 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law
117–81; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note), as amended by section 212 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2466);
(10) develop and implement a plan—
(A) to identify commercially available and relevant
large language models; and
(B) to make such models available, as appropriate,
on classified networks;
(11) develop a plan to defend the personnel, organizations,
and systems of the Department against adversarial artificial
intelligence, including an identification of organizations within
the Department capable of providing to cyber red teams of
the Department capabilities for operational and developmental
needs;
H. R. 2670—441
(12) develop and implement a policy for use by contracting
officials to protect the intellectual property of commercial enti-
ties that provide artificial intelligence algorithms to a data
repository specified in paragraph (9), including a policy for
how to address data rights in situations in which governmental
and commercial intellectual property may be mixed when such
artificial intelligence algorithms are deployed in an operational
environment;
(13) issue guidance and directives governing how the Chief
Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department
shall exercise authority to access, control, and maintain, on
behalf of the Secretary, data collected, acquired, accessed, or
used by components of the Department consistent with section
1513 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 4001
note); and
(14) clarify guidance on the instances for, and the role
of human intervention and oversight in, the exercise of artificial
intelligence algorithms for use in the generation of offensive
or lethal courses of action for tactical operations.
(b) ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.—
(1) PROCESS.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, shall
develop and implement a process—
(A) to assess whether a given artificial intelligence
technology used by the Department of Defense is in compli-
ance with a test, evaluation, verification, and validation
framework that—
(i) operationalizes responsible artificial intelligence
principles; and
(ii) is validated and selected by the Chief Digital
and Artificial Intelligence Officer for purposes of this
subsection;
(B) to report and remediate any artificial intelligence
technology that is determined not to be in compliance with
the framework selected pursuant to subparagraph (A); and
(C) in a case in which efforts to remediate such tech-
nology have been unsuccessful, to discontinue the use of
the technology until effective remediation is achievable.
(2) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.—In developing and imple-
menting the process under paragraph (1), the Secretary of
Defense shall—
(A) develop clear criteria against which the compliance
of an artificial intelligence technology with the framework
selected pursuant to subparagraph (A) of such paragraph
may be assessed under such subparagraph, taking into
consideration—
(i) similar criteria previously developed by the Sec-
retary; and
(ii) the identification of potential vulnerabilities
in systems and infrastructure of the Armed Forces
that could be exploited by adversarial artificial intel-
ligence applications used by the People’s Republic of
China, the Russian Federation, or other foreign adver-
saries;
H. R. 2670—442
(B) take steps to integrate such process across the
elements of the Department of Defense, including the
combatant commands; and
(C) provide information on such process to members
of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Depart-
ment that are—
(i) responsible for developing and deploying artifi-
cial intelligence technologies;
(ii) end users of such technologies, including mem-
bers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps,
or Space Force who use such technologies in military
operations; or
(iii) otherwise determined relevant by the Sec-
retary.
(c) DEADLINE; BRIEFING.—
(1) DEADLINE.—The Secretary shall complete the require-
ments under this section by not later than 120 days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) BRIEFING.—Not later than 150 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementa-
tion of this section.
SEC. 1545. STUDY TO ANALYZE VULNERABILITY FOR ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE-ENABLED MILITARY APPLICATIONS.
(a) STUDY.—Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall complete
a study to assess the functionality of artificial intelligence-enabled
military applications, research and development needs related to
such applications, and vulnerabilities to the privacy, security, and
accuracy of such applications.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An assessment of research and development efforts,
including transition pathways, needed to advance explainable
and
interpretable
artificial
intelligence-enabled
military
applications, including the capability to assess the architec-
tures, data models, and algorithms underlying such applica-
tions.
(2) An assessment of any potential risks to the privacy,
security, or accuracy of the architectures, data models, or algo-
rithms
underlying
artificial
intelligence-enabled
military
applications, including the following:
(A)
Individual
foundational
artificial
intelligence
models, including the adequacy of existing testing, training,
and auditing for such models to ensure such models may
be properly assessed over time.
(B) The interactions of multiple artificial intelligence-
enabled military applications and how such interactions
may affect the ability to detect and assess new, complex,
and emergent behavior among individual agents, as well
as the collective effect of such interactions on risks to
the privacy, security, and accuracy of such applications
over time.
(C) The effect of increased agency in artificial intel-
ligence-enabled
military
applications
and
how
such
increased agency may affect the ability to detect and assess
H. R. 2670—443
new, complex, and emergent behavior, as well risks to
the privacy, security, and accuracy of such applications
over time.
(3) An assessment of the survivability and traceability of
decision support systems that are integrated with artificial
intelligence-enabled military applications and used in a con-
tested environment.
(4) An identification of existing artificial intelligence
metrics, developmental, testing and audit capabilities, per-
sonnel, and infrastructure of the Department of Defense,
including test and evaluation facilities of the Department,
needed to enable ongoing assessment under paragraphs (1)
through (3).
(5) An identification of any research gaps necessary to
be filled to sufficiently carry out the assessments and identifica-
tions required under paragraphs (1) through (3) that are not
currently, or not sufficiently, funded within the Department
of Defense.
(c) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intel-
ligence Officer shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the interim findings of the study under subsection
(a).
(d) FINAL REPORT.—
(1) SUBMISSION.—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 final report
on the findings with respect to the study conducted pursuant
to subsection (a).
(2) FORM.—The final report under paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
(e)
FOUNDATIONAL
ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
MODEL
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘foundational artificial intel-
ligence model’’ means an adaptive generative model that is trained
on a broad set of unlabeled data sets that may be used for different
tasks with minimal fine-tuning.
Subtitle F—Reports and Other Matters
SEC. 1551. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR TRAVEL FOR
OFFICE OF UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PER-
SONNEL AND READINESS PENDING STRATEGY RELATING
TO DEFENSE TRAVEL SYSTEM.
(a) STRATEGY.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel
and Readiness shall develop a strategy to modernize or replace
the end-to-end travel management system of the Department of
Defense known as the ‘‘Defense Travel System’’ (in this section,
referred to as the ‘‘Defense Travel System’’).
(b) ELEMENTS.—The strategy under subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) A business case analysis that evaluates options for
modernizing
or
replacing
the
Defense
Travel
System,
including—
H. R. 2670—444
(A) an assessment of the upgradability of the code
base for the Defense Travel System before such code base
reaches a point of unsustainability;
(B) an assessment of commercially available tools that
may be used to upgrade the capabilities of the Defense
Travel System;
(C) an identification of system dependencies of the
Defense Travel System, with a particular focus on any
such dependencies with respect to connections with finan-
cial management systems;
(D) an identification of system weaknesses of the
Defense Travel System affecting audit readiness;
(E) projections of usage rates of the Defense Travel
System necessary to maintain workload and reimburse-
ment rate viability; and
(F) estimated costs for any activity associated with
the strategy.
(2) A plan for the implementation of the strategy, including
timelines for achieving such implementation.
(3) An identification of risks to such implementation,
including potential delays to such timelines.
(c) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated
by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for
travel for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel
and Readiness, not more than 93 percent may be obligated or
expended until the Chief Information Officer of the Department
of Defense independently certifies to the Committees on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate that the
strategy under subsection (a) meets the validated requirements
of the Department of Defense.
SEC. 1552. MANAGEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OF MOBILE
APPLICATIONS.
(a) IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate
and implement to the maximum extent practicable the rec-
ommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of
Defense with respect to managing mobile applications contained
in the report set forth by the Inspector General dated February
9, 2023, and titled ‘‘Management Advisory: The DoD’s Use
of Mobile Applications’’ (Report No. DODIG–2023–041).
(2) DEADLINE.—The Secretary shall implement each of the
recommendations specified in subsection (a) by not later than
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act unless
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees
a written notification of any specific recommendation that the
Secretary declines to implement or plans to implement after
the date that is one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(b) BRIEFING ON REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO COVERED APPLICA-
TIONS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to
the congressional defense committees a briefing on actions
taken by the Secretary to enforce compliance with existing
policy of the Department of Defense that prohibits—
H. R. 2670—445
(A) the installation and use of covered applications
on Federal Government devices; and
(B) the use of covered applications on the Department
of Defense Information Network on personal devices.
(2) COVERED APPLICATIONS DEFINED.—In this subsection,
the term ‘‘covered applications’’ means the social networking
service TikTok, or any successor application or service devel-
oped or provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned
by ByteDance Limited.
SEC. 1553. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ENTERPRISE
CAPABILITIES FOR CYBERSECURITY.
(a) REPORT.—
(1) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of
the Department of Defense shall submit to the congressional
defense committees a report on any actions or determinations
by the Department pertaining to the requirements under sec-
tion 1511 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2037) taken or made
for the purpose of using cybersecurity capabilities to protect
assets and networks across the Department.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report under paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) A description of the risks and benefits associated
with the actions and determinations specified in paragraph
(1).
(B) A description of future plans of the Department
for the acquisition of integrated and interoperable cyberse-
curity tools and applications through a competitive process
that would allow multiple vendors to compete separately
and as teams.
(C) The results of the analysis conducted by the
Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation of
the Department of the costs and effectiveness of the cyber-
security capabilities described in paragraph (1).
(D) The results of any analyses conducted by the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, or the head
of any other element of the Department, to test the
effectiveness of the cybersecurity capabilities described in
paragraph (1) compared to other commercially available
products and vendors.
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of the Depart-
ment shall provide to the congressional defense committees a
briefing on the plans of the Department to ensure competition
and interoperability in the security and identity and access manage-
ment product market segments.
SEC. 1554. REPORT ON TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION FOR ARMY
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND 2030 TRANSFORMATION
PLAN.
(a) IN GENERAL.—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 on the plan of
the Army known as the ‘‘Human Resources Command 2030 Trans-
formation Plan’’ that includes—
H. R. 2670—446
(1) an estimated timeline for the completion of the
implementation milestones set forth in such plan; and
(2) an identification of future resource needs relating to
the modernization of legacy information technology systems.
(b) LEGACY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘legacy information technology system’’ has
the meaning given such term in section 1076 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–
91; 40 U.S.C. 11301 note).
SEC. 1555. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT REGARDING CONTRACTING
FOR MILITARY RECRUITING.
(a) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.—Prior to the Secretary of
Defense entering into any contract or other agreement (or extending,
renewing, or otherwise modifying an existing contract or other
agreement) with an entity for the purpose of that entity placing
military recruitment advertisements on behalf of the Department
of Defense, the Secretary shall require, as a condition of such
contract or agreement, that the entity certify to the Secretary
that the entity does not place advertisements in news sources
based on personal or institutional political preferences or biases,
or determinations of misinformation.
(b) NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit
a notification to the congressional defense committees and
congressional leadership each time the Department of Defense
enters into a contract related to the placement of recruitment
advertising with an entity specified in paragraph (2) and if
such entities are used how they are used.
(2) ENTITIES SPECIFIED.—The entities specified in this para-
graph are—
(A) NewsGuard Technologies Inc.;
(B) the Global Disinformation Index, incorporated in
the United Kingdom as ‘‘Disinformation Index LTD’’; and
(C) any similar entity.
(c) SUNSET.—The requirement under this section shall termi-
nate on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
TITLE XVI—SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRA-
TEGIC
PROGRAMS,
AND
INTEL-
LIGENCE MATTERS
Subtitle A—Space Activities
Sec. 1601. Delegation of certain authority of explosive safety board.
Sec. 1602. Classification review of space major defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 1603. Enhanced authority to increase space launch capacity through space
launch support services.
Sec. 1604. Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Sec. 1605. Modification to updates of space policy review.
Sec. 1606. Authorization for establishment of the National Space Intelligence Cen-
ter as a field operating agency.
Sec. 1607. Initial operational capability for Advanced Tracking and Launch Anal-
ysis System and requirements for system-level review.
Sec. 1608. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter space
architecture of the Space Development Agency.
Sec. 1609. Process and plan for Space Force space situational awareness.
H. R. 2670—447
Sec. 1610. Plan to improve threat-sharing arrangements with commercial space op-
erators.
Sec. 1611. Plan for an integrated and resilient satellite communications architec-
ture for the Space Force.
Subtitle B—Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities
Sec. 1621. Military intelligence collection and analysis partnerships.
Subtitle C—Nuclear Forces
Sec. 1631. Establishment of major force program for nuclear command, control, and
communications programs.
Sec. 1632. Technical amendment to additional report matters on strategic delivery
systems.
Sec. 1633. Amendment to annual report on the plan for the nuclear weapons stock-
pile, nuclear weapons complex, nuclear weapons delivery systems, and
nuclear weapons command and control systems.
Sec. 1634. Matters relating to the acquisition and deployment of the Sentinel inter-
continental ballistic missile weapon system.
Sec. 1635. Tasking and oversight authority with respect to intercontinental ballistic
missile site activation task force for Sentinel Program.
Sec. 1636. Study of weapons programs that allow Armed Forces to address hard
and deeply buried targets.
Sec. 1637. Repeal of requirement for review of nuclear deterrence postures.
Sec. 1638.
Retention of capability to redeploy multiple independently targetable re-
entry vehicles.
Sec. 1639. Authorization to establish technology transition program for strategic
nuclear deterrence.
Sec. 1640. Matters relating to the nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile.
Sec. 1641. Requirements relating to operational silos for the Sentinel interconti-
nental ballistic missile.
Sec. 1642. Long-term sustainment of Sentinel ICBM guidance system.
Sec. 1643. Integrated master schedule for the Sentinel missile program of the Air
Force.
Sec. 1644. Operational timeline for Strategic Automated Command and Control
System.
Sec. 1645. Pilot program on development of reentry vehicles and related systems.
Sec. 1646. Prohibition on reduction of the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the
United States.
Sec. 1647.
Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with information
requests from the Government Accountability Office.
Sec. 1648. Congressional notification of decision to delay strategic delivery system
test event.
Sec. 1649. Congressional notification of nuclear cooperation between Russia and
China.
Sec. 1650. Plan for decreasing the time to upload additional warheads to the inter-
continental ballistic missile fleet.
Subtitle D—Missile Defense Programs
Sec. 1661. Deputy Director of Office of Missile Defense Agency.
Sec. 1662. Modification of program accountability matrices requirements for next
generation interceptors for missile defense.
Sec. 1663. National missile defense policy.
Sec. 1664. Modification of requirement for Comptroller General to review and as-
sess missile defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 1665. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative
missile defense program co-development and co-production.
Sec. 1666. Programs to achieve initial and full operational capabilities for the Glide
Phase Interceptor program.
Sec. 1667. Rescission of memorandum on missile defense governance.
Sec. 1668. Limitation on availability of funds for Office of Cost Assessment and
Program Evaluation until submission of report on missile defense roles
and responsibilities.
Sec. 1669. Strategy for integrated air and missile defense of Hawaii and the Indo-
Pacific region.
Sec. 1670. Report on potential enhancements to integrated air and missile defense
capabilities in Europe.
Sec. 1671. Independent analysis of space-based missile defense capability.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
Sec. 1681. Extension of authorization for protection of certain facilities and assets
from unmanned aircraft.
H. R. 2670—448
Sec. 1682. Electromagnetic warfare.
Sec. 1683. Cooperative threat reduction funds.
Sec. 1684. Matters relating to space-based ground and airborne moving target indi-
cation systems.
Sec. 1685. Positioning, navigation, and timing.
Sec. 1686. Actions to address serious deficiencies in electronic protection of systems
that operate in the radio frequency spectrum.
Sec. 1687. Limitation on use of funds for certain unreported programs.
Sec. 1688. Indo-Pacific missile strategy.
Sec. 1689. Study on the future of the Integrated Tactical Warning Attack Assess-
ment System.
Sec. 1690. Research and analysis on multipolar deterrence and escalation dynam-
ics.
Subtitle A—Space Activities
SEC. 1601. DELEGATION OF CERTAIN AUTHORITY OF EXPLOSIVE
SAFETY BOARD.
(a) DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.—Section 172 of title 10,
United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘The chair’’ and inserting
‘‘Except as provided in subsection (h), the chair’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(h) EXPLOSIVES USED BY SPACE LAUNCH VEHICLES.—(1) The
Secretary of Defense shall delegate to the Secretary of the Air
Force, who may further delegate to the Commanders of the Space
Launch Deltas, the responsibilities under subsection (c) with respect
to explosives used by space launch vehicles.
‘‘(2) In this subsection, the term ‘launch vehicle’ has the
meaning given such term in section 50902(11) of title 51.’’.
(b) IMPROVED PROCESS FOR YIELD DETERMINATION.—Not later
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion shall jointly establish a process through which scientifically-
valid yield determinations can be assessed for space launch vehicles
while in flight.
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after the completion of
the LOX-Methane Assessment working group process, the Secretary
of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall submit
to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes
a description of the effects of the LOX-Methane Assessment on
existing and future maximum credible event analyses and any
resulting effects on commercial space launch, civil space activities,
and national security.
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means
the following:
(A) The congressional defense committees.
(B) The Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(C) The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
of the House of Representatives.
(D) The Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives.
(2) The term ‘‘LOX-Methane Assessment working group’’
means the ongoing interagency working group studying the
explosive characteristics of liquid oxygen and methane and
H. R. 2670—449
comprised of representatives from the Department of Defense,
the Department of Transportation, and the National Aero-
nautics and Space Administration.
(3) The term ‘‘launch vehicle’’ has the meaning given such
term in section 50902(11) of title 51, United States Code.
SEC. 1602. CLASSIFICATION REVIEW OF SPACE MAJOR DEFENSE
ACQUISITION PROGRAMS.
Chapter 135 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 2275a the following new section:
‘‘§ 2275b. Requirements for appropriate classification guid-
ance.
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Before a space major defense acquisition
program achieves Milestone B approval, or equivalent, the milestone
decision authority shall determine whether the classification guid-
ance for the program remains appropriate and—
‘‘(1) if such guidance is determined to be appropriate,
submit to the congressional defense committees a certification
of such determination; or
‘‘(2) if such guidance is determined to be inappropriate,
initiate an update to such guidance.
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘Milestone B approval’ has the meaning given
such term in section 4172(e)(7) of this title.
‘‘(2) The term ‘major defense acquisition program’ has the
meaning given such term in section 4201 of this title.
‘‘(3) The term ‘space major defense acquisition program’
means a major defense acquisition program for the acquisition
of a satellite, ground system, or command and control system.’’.
SEC. 1603. ENHANCED AUTHORITY TO INCREASE SPACE LAUNCH
CAPACITY THROUGH SPACE LAUNCH SUPPORT SERVICES.
Chapter 135 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after section 2276 the following new section:
‘‘§ 2276a. Special authority for provision of space launch sup-
port services to increase space launch capacity
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of a military department may
support Federal and commercial space launch capacity on any
domestic real property under the control of the Secretary through
the provision of space launch support services.
‘‘(b) PROVISION
OF
LAUNCH
EQUIPMENT
AND
SERVICES
TO
COMMERCIAL ENTITIES.—
‘‘(1) CONTRACT OR OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY.—The
Secretary of a military department may enter into a contract
or other transaction with one or more commercial entities that
intend to conduct space launch activities on a military installa-
tion under the jurisdiction of the Secretary. Under such a
contract or agreement, the Secretary may agree to provide
to the commercial entity supplies, services, equipment, and
construction needed for commercial space launch.
‘‘(2) COSTS.—
‘‘(A) DIRECT
COSTS.—If the Secretary of a military
department enters into a contract or other transaction with
a commercial entity under paragraph (1), such contract
or transaction shall include a provision that requires the
commercial entity to reimburse the Department of Defense
H. R. 2670—450
for all direct costs to the United States that are associated
with any good, service, or equipment provided to the
commercial entity under the contract or other transaction.
‘‘(B) INDIRECT COSTS.—If the Secretary of a military
department enters into a contract or other transaction with
a commercial entity under paragraph (1), such contract
or transaction may include a provision that requires the
commercial entity to reimburse the Department of Defense
for such indirect costs as the Secretary considers to be
appropriate. In such a case, such contract or other trans-
action may provide for the reimbursement of such indirect
costs through the establishment of a rate, fixed price, or
similar mechanism the Secretary concerned determines is
reasonable.
‘‘(3) RETENTION OF FUNDS COLLECTED FROM COMMERCIAL
USERS.—Any amount collected from a commercial entity as
a reimbursement under paragraph (2) shall be credited to the
appropriations account from which the cost for which such
reimbursement is provided was derived.
‘‘(4) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary of each of the military
departments shall prescribe regulations to carry out this sub-
section.
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) SPACE LAUNCH.—The term ‘space launch’ includes all
activities, supplies, equipment, facilities, or services supporting
launch preparation, launch, reentry, recovery, and other launch-
related activities for both the payload and the space transpor-
tation vehicle.
‘‘(2) COMMERCIAL
ENTITY.—The term ‘commercial entity’
or ‘commercial’ means a non-Federal entity organized under
the laws of the United States or of any jurisdiction within
the United States.
‘‘(d) TRANSITION LIMITATIONS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—
For each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the Secretary of
a military department shall—
‘‘(1) with respect to any contract or other transaction
authority entered into pursuant to subsection (b), limit the
amount of the indirect costs that are reimbursable under para-
graph (2)(B) of such subsection to not more than 30 percent,
not to exceed $5,000,000 annually (based on fiscal year 2024
constant dollars), of the total amount of the direct costs
reimbursable under paragraph (2)(A) of such subsection; and
‘‘(2) not later than 90 days after the last day of each
such fiscal year, provide for each of the congressional defense
committees a briefing that includes—
‘‘(A) an identification of the total amounts of direct
and indirect costs reimbursed to each spaceport for the
fiscal year covered by the report;
‘‘(B) a description of the support provided by
reimbursed indirect costs for the fiscal year covered by
the report; and
‘‘(C) an identification of the rate, fixed price, or similar
mechanism, if any, used to calculate the amount of the
indirect costs that are reimbursable for the fiscal year
following the fiscal year covered by the report.’’.
H. R. 2670—451
SEC. 1604. PRINCIPAL MILITARY DEPUTY FOR SPACE ACQUISITION
AND INTEGRATION.
Section 9016(b)(6) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
‘‘(C) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space
Acquisition and Integration shall have a Principal Military
Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration, who shall be
an officer of the Space Force on active duty. The Principal
Military Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration shall
be appointed from among officers who have significant experi-
ence in the areas of acquisition and program management.
The position of Principal Military Deputy for Space Acquisition
and Integration shall be designated as a critical acquisition
position under section 1731 of this title. In the event of a
vacancy in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
for Space Acquisition and Integration, the Principal Military
Deputy for Space Acquisition and Integration may serve as
Acting Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integra-
tion for a period of not more than one year.’’.
SEC. 1605. MODIFICATION TO UPDATES OF SPACE POLICY REVIEW.
Paragraph (2) of section 1611(c) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135
Stat. 2082) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(2) UPDATES.—The Secretary shall provide for updates
to the assessments, analyses, and evaluations carried out pursu-
ant to such review. The Secretary shall submit to the appro-
priate congressional committees a report on any such updates
concurrently with the National Defense Strategy required to
be submitted to Congress under section 113(g) of title 10, United
States Code.’’.
SEC. 1606. AUTHORIZATION FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL
SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER AS A FIELD OPERATING
AGENCY.
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary of the Air Force may estab-
lish the National Space Intelligence Center as a field operating
agency of the Space Force to analyze and produce scientific and
technical intelligence on space-based and counterspace threats from
foreign adversaries.
(b) COLOCATION.—If the Secretary of the Air Force decides
to establish the National Space Intelligence Center as a field oper-
ating agency, the Secretary shall consider the operational and geo-
graphical benefits provided by colocating with the National Air
and Space Intelligence Center.
SEC.
1607.
INITIAL
OPERATIONAL
CAPABILITY
FOR
ADVANCED
TRACKING
AND
LAUNCH
ANALYSIS
SYSTEM
AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR SYSTEM-LEVEL REVIEW.
(a) ADVANCED TRACKING AND LAUNCH ANALYSIS SYSTEM.—
(1) DATE FOR INITIAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY.—Not later
than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
(A) designate a date on which the Advanced Tracking
and Launch Analysis System (commonly referred to as
‘‘ATLAS’’) is expected to achieve initial operational capa-
bility; and
H. R. 2670—452
(B) notify the congressional defense committees of such
date.
(2) EFFECT OF FAILURE TO TIMELY DELIVER.—If the initial
operational capability for the Advanced Tracking and Launch
Analysis System is not achieved by the date designated under
paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall—
(A) terminate the Advanced Tracking and Launch
Analysis System program;
(B) designate an alternative program option that pro-
vides a comparable capability to the capability intended
to be provided by the Advanced Tracking and Launch Anal-
ysis System; and
(C) not later than 30 days after such date, notify the
congressional defense committees with respect to—
(i) such termination;
(ii) the designated alternative program option;
(iii) the justification for selecting such option; and
(iv) the estimated time and total costs to comple-
tion of such option.
(b) SYSTEM-LEVEL REVIEW.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall
seek to enter into a contract with a federally funded research
and development center under which the center shall, not less
frequently than every 2 years during the period from 2024
through 2032, conduct a review of the space command and
control software acquisition program to assess the ability of
such program to build a software framework that integrates
multiple aspects of space operations to enable the warfighter
to command and control space assets in a time of conflict.
(2) ELEMENTS.—Each review under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) evaluate whether and to what extent the software
framework described in such paragraph integrates—
(i) sensor data applicable to the command and
control of space assets;
(ii) information contained in the Unified Data
Library relating to the number and location of space
objects; and
(iii) the ability to control space assets based on
such data and information; and
(B) address such other matters as the Secretary of
the Air Force considers necessary.
(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after the conclusion
of each review under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Air
Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees
a briefing on the findings of the review, including—
(A) an assessment of any deficiency identified in the
review; and
(B) a plan to address such deficiency in a timely
manner.
SEC. 1608. USE OF MIDDLE TIER ACQUISITION PROGRAM FOR PRO-
LIFERATED WARFIGHTER SPACE ARCHITECTURE OF THE
SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Space Development
Agency shall use a middle tier acquisition program for the rapid
fielding of satellites and associated systems for each of the following
H. R. 2670—453
tranches of the of the proliferated warfighter space architecture
of the Agency:
(1) Tranch 1.
(2) Tranch 2.
(3) Tranch 3.
(b) RAPID PROTOTYPING AND FIELDING.—Any tranche of sat-
ellites or associated systems developed and fielded under subsection
(a) shall have a level of maturity that allows such satellites or
systems to be rapidly prototyped within an acquisition program
or rapidly fielded within five years of the development of an
approved requirement for such satellites or systems.
(c) DESIGNATION AS MAJOR CAPABILITY ACQUISITION.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment may designate a tranche described
in subsection (a) as a major capability acquisition program
consistent with Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85,
titled ‘‘Major Capability Acquisition’’ and issued on August
6, 2020 (or a successor instruction).
(2) NOTICE TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days before
the date on which a designation under paragraph (1) is made,
the
Under
Secretary
of
Defense
for
Acquisition
and
Sustainment shall notify the congressional defense committees
of the intent of the Under Secretary to make such designation
and include with such notice a justification for such designation.
(d) SPACE ACQUISITION COUNCIL REVIEW AND WAIVER.—
(1) REVIEW.—In accordance with section 9021 of title 10,
United States Code, the Space Acquisition Council shall review
each tranch described subsection (a) to ensure integration
across the national security space enterprise.
(2) WAIVER.—The Space Acquisition Council may waive
the requirements of subsection (a) with respect to a tranch
or portion of a tranch described in such subsection if the
Council—
(A) on the basis of the review conducted under para-
graph (1), determines that the use of a middle tier acquisi-
tion program is not warranted for such tranch or portion
thereof; and
(B) not later than 14 days after making such deter-
mination, submits to the congressional defense committees
notice of the intent of the Council to issue such a waiver.
(e) MIDDLE TIER ACQUISITION PROGRAM DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘middle tier acquisition program’’ means an acquisi-
tion program or project that is 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.) in a manner consistent
with Department of Defense Instruction 5000.80, titled ‘‘Operation
of the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA)’’ and issued on December
30, 2019 (or a successor instruction).
SEC. 1609. PROCESS AND PLAN FOR SPACE FORCE SPACE SITUA-
TIONAL AWARENESS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
for Space Acquisition and Integration, in consultation with Chief
of Space Operations, shall—
(1) establish a process to regularly identify and evaluate
commercial space situational awareness capabilities, including
H. R. 2670—454
the extent to which commercial space situational awareness
data could meet needs of the Space Force with respect to
maintaining situational awareness in space; and
(2) develop and implement a plan to integrate the unified
data library into the operational systems of the Space Force,
including operational systems for space situational awareness
and space command and control missions.
(b) REPORT.—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 submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report that includes a description of
the process and plan developed under subsection (a).
SEC. 1610. PLAN TO IMPROVE THREAT-SHARING ARRANGEMENTS WITH
COMMERCIAL SPACE OPERATORS.
(a) PLAN
FOR THREAT SHARING WITH COMMERCIAL SPACE
OPERATORS.—The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space
Acquisition and Integration, in consultation with the Commander
of the United States Space Command, shall develop and implement
a plan to expand threat-sharing arrangements with commercial
space operators that are under contract with the Department of
Defense as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) REPORT.—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, in coordination with the
Commander of the United States Space Command, shall submit
to the congressional defense committees a report on the plan
required under subsection (a).
SEC. 1611. PLAN FOR AN INTEGRATED AND RESILIENT SATELLITE
COMMUNICATIONS
ARCHITECTURE
FOR
THE
SPACE
FORCE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordina-
tion with the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisi-
tion and Integration and the Chief of Space Operations, shall—
(1) as part of the force design process for the Space Force,
consider options for the integration of resilient military tactical
satellite communications capabilities;
(2) develop a plan for the integration of such capabilities
into the Space Force, as required under subsection (b); and
(3) ensure that a geostationary small satellite communica-
tions constellation is evaluated for inclusion as a component
of the space data transport force design of the Space Force
through, at a minimum, the end of fiscal year 2027.
(b) PLAN FOR INTEGRATION.—
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force, in
coordination with the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
for Space Acquisition and Integration and the Chief of Space
Operations, shall develop a plan for an integrated and resilient
satellite communications architecture for the Space Force.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The plan under paragraph (1) shall
include, at a minimum, options for—
(A) leveraging commercially available geostationary
small satellite communications technology developed and
produced in the United States;
(B) ensuring sufficient funding for such an integration;
(C) including the unique requirements for small sat-
ellite
communications
constellations
throughout
the
H. R. 2670—455
acquisition and deployment period, including support for
global X-band coverage and support for secure communica-
tions waveforms using on-board digital processing; and
(D) potential integration of such geostationary small
satellite communications capability into the enterprise sat-
ellite communications management and control (commonly
known as ‘‘ESC–MC’’) implementation plan of the Depart-
ment of Defense.
(3) BRIEFING.—Not later than the date specified in para-
graph (4), than the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plan
developed under paragraph (1).
(4) DATE SPECIFIED.—The date specified in this subsection
is the earlier of—
(A) July 1, 2024; or
(B) the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force
completes the space data transport force design for the
Space Force.
Subtitle B—Defense Intelligence and
Intelligence-Related Activities
SEC. 1621. MILITARY INTELLIGENCE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
PARTNERSHIPS.
(a) USE OF FUNDS OTHER THAN APPROPRIATED FUNDS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Director
of the Defense Intelligence Agency, in coordination with the
Director of National Intelligence, may accept and expend funds
from one or more foreign partners for the foreign partner (or
partners, as the case may be) to share with the Defense Intel-
ligence Agency the expenses of joint and combined military
intelligence collection and analysis activities.
(2) LIMITATIONS.—
(A) PREVIOUSLY DENIED FUNDS.—Funds accepted under
this section may not be expended, in whole or in part,
by or for the benefit of the Defense Intelligence Agency
for any purpose for which Congress has previously denied
funds.
(B) JOINT BENEFIT.—The authority under paragraph
(1) may not be used to acquire items or services for the
sole benefit of the United States.
(b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than March 1, 2025, and
annually thereafter for four years, the Director of the Defense
Intelligence Agency shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report on any funds accepted or expended under
this section during the preceding calendar year, including an identi-
fication of the foreign partner or partners involved and a description
of the purpose of such funds.
(c) TERMINATION.—The authority to accept and expend funds
from a foreign partner pursuant to this section shall terminate
on December 31, 2028.
(d) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
H. R. 2670—456
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of
the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intel-
ligence of the House of Representatives.
Subtitle C—Nuclear Forces
SEC. 1631. ESTABLISHMENT OF MAJOR FORCE PROGRAM FOR
NUCLEAR COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS
PROGRAMS.
Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
‘‘§ 239e. Nuclear command, control, and communications:
major force program and budget assessment
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT
OF MAJOR FORCE PROGRAM.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall establish a unified major force program
for nuclear command, control, and communications programs pursu-
ant to section 222(b) of this title to prioritize such programs in
accordance with the requirements of the Department of Defense
and national security.
‘‘(b) BUDGET ASSESSMENT.—(1) The Secretary shall include with
the defense budget materials for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2030 a report on the budget for nuclear command, control, and
communications programs of the Department of Defense.
‘‘(2) Each report on the budget for nuclear command, control,
and communications programs of the Department under paragraph
(1) shall include the following:
‘‘(A) An overview of the budget, including—
‘‘(i) a comparison between that budget, the previous
budget, the most recent and prior future-years defense
program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this
title (such comparison shall exclude the responsibility for
research and development of the continuing improvement
of such nuclear command, control, and communications
program), and the amounts appropriated for such nuclear
command, control, and communications programs during
the previous fiscal year; and
‘‘(ii) the specific identification, as a budgetary line item,
for the funding under such programs.
‘‘(B) An assessment of the budget, including significant
changes, priorities, challenges, and risks.
‘‘(C) Any additional matters the Secretary determines
appropriate.
‘‘(3) Each report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in
unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
‘‘(1) The term ‘budget’, with respect to a fiscal year, means
the budget for that fiscal year that is submitted to Congress
by the President under section 1105(a) of title 31.
‘‘(2) The term ‘defense budget materials’, with respect to
a fiscal year, means the materials submitted to Congress by
the Secretary of Defense in support of the budget for that
fiscal year.
H. R. 2670—457
‘‘(3) The term ‘nuclear command, control, and communica-
tions programs’ means programs through which presidential
authority and operational command and control of nuclear
weapons is conducted, including programs that facilitate senior-
level decisions on nuclear weapons employment.’’.
SEC. 1632. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO ADDITIONAL REPORT MAT-
TERS ON STRATEGIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS.
Section 495(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
in the matter preceding paragraph (1)—
(1) by striking ‘‘before fiscal year 2020’’ and inserting ‘‘prior
to the expiration of 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 referred to as the ‘New START Treaty’),’’;
and
(2) by striking ‘‘1043 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2012’’ and inserting ‘‘492(a) of this title’’.
SEC. 1633. AMENDMENT TO ANNUAL REPORT ON THE PLAN FOR THE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS STOCKPILE, NUCLEAR WEAPONS
COMPLEX, NUCLEAR WEAPONS DELIVERY SYSTEMS, AND
NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS.
Section 492a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(d) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT BY UNITED STATES STRATEGIC
COMMAND.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 150 days after the submis-
sion to Congress of the budget of the President under section
1105(a) of title 31, for each fiscal year the Commander of
United States Strategic Command shall complete an inde-
pendent assessment of any operational effects of the sufficiency
of the execution, as of the date of the assessment, of the
acquisition, construction, and recapitalization programs of the
Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security
Administration to modernize the nuclear forces of the United
States and meet current and future deterrence requirements.
‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—Each assessment required under para-
graph (1) shall include an evaluation of the ongoing execution
of modernization programs associated with—
‘‘(A) the nuclear weapons design, production, and
sustainment infrastructure;
‘‘(B) the nuclear weapons stockpile;
‘‘(C) the delivery systems for nuclear weapons; and
‘‘(D) the nuclear command, control, and communica-
tions system.
‘‘(3) ROUTING AND SUBMISSION.—
‘‘(A) SUBMISSION TO NUCLEAR WEAPONS COUNCIL.—Not
later than 15 days after completion of an assessment
required by paragraph (1), the Commander of United States
Strategic Command shall—
‘‘(i) submit the assessment to the Chairman of
the Nuclear Weapons Council; and
‘‘(ii) notify the congressional defense committees
that the assessment has been submitted to the Chair-
man of the Nuclear Weapons Council.
H. R. 2670—458
‘‘(B) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 15 days
after the Chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council
receives an assessment required by paragraph (1), the
Chairman shall transmit the assessment, without change,
to the congressional defense committees.’’.
SEC. 1634. MATTERS RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION AND DEPLOY-
MENT OF THE SENTINEL INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC
MISSILE WEAPON SYSTEM.
(a) MODIFICATIONS TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MIS-
SILE SITE ACTIVATION TASK FORCE.—Section 1638 of the James
M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(Public Law 117–263) is amended—
(1) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘, who shall report
directly to the Commander of Air Force Global Strike Com-
mand’’ after ‘‘Modernization’’; and
(2) by striking subsection (d)(1) and inserting the following:
‘‘(1) WEAPON SYSTEM.—For purposes of nomenclature and
acquisition life cycle activities ranging from development
through sustainment and demilitarization, each wing level
configuration of the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental bal-
listic missile shall be a weapon system.’’.
(b) ASSESSMENT
FOR
NEEDED
OR
MODIFIED
ACQUISITION
AUTHORITIES.—
(1) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—The Secretary of the Air Force
shall conduct an assessment of the Sentinel weapon system
program to determine if any existing, modified, or new acquisi-
tion authorities could be used in future years to—
(A) ensure the program meets current timelines; or
(B) ensure the defense industrial base can adequately
plan for and deliver components, subsystems, and systems
in accordance with the integrated master schedule.
(2) MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY.—In conducting
the assessment required under paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall evaluate the potential need for multi-year procurement
authority.
(3) REPORT.—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 findings of the assessment required under paragraph (1).
The report shall include—
(A) an identification of all authorities covered by the
assessment;
(B) a determination of the effect of each such authority
on the successful delivery of initial- and full-operational
capability to the Sentinel weapon system program; and
(C) in the case of any new authority, an identification
of the year during which the authority should be granted.
SEC. 1635. TASKING AND OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO
INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE SITE ACTIVA-
TION TASK FORCE FOR SENTINEL PROGRAM.
Section 1638 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136
Stat. 2941), as amended by section 1634, is further amended by—
(1) redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2) inserting after subsection (d), the following new sub-
section (e):
H. R. 2670—459
‘‘(e) DELEGATION
OF AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense
shall—
‘‘(1) not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024,
delegate to the Commander of the Air Force Global Strike
Command such tasking and oversight authorities as the Sec-
retary considers necessary with respect to other components
of the Department of Defense participating in the Task Force;
and
‘‘(2) not later than 30 days after the date of such delegation
of authority, notify the congressional defense committees of
the delegation.’’.
SEC. 1636. STUDY OF WEAPONS PROGRAMS THAT ALLOW ARMED
FORCES TO ADDRESS HARD AND DEEPLY BURIED TAR-
GETS.
Section 1674 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended—
(1) in subsection (e), by inserting ‘‘or fiscal year 2024’’
after ‘‘2023’’; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION.—For fiscal year 2024, the Secretary of
Energy may carry out activities related to the development and
modification of a nuclear weapon to provide near-term capabilities
that address portions of the strategy required by subsection (b)(3)
using amounts authorized and appropriated for the sustainment
of the B83-1 nuclear gravity bomb.’’.
SEC. 1637. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR REVIEW OF NUCLEAR
DETERRENCE POSTURES.
Section 1753 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1852) is repealed.
SEC. 1638. RETENTION OF CAPABILITY TO REDEPLOY MULTIPLE
INDEPENDENTLY TARGETABLE REENTRY VEHICLES.
Section 1057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 10 U.S.C. 495 note) is
amended by inserting ‘‘and Sentinel’’ after ‘‘Minuteman III’’ both
places it appears.
SEC. 1639. AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH TECHNOLOGY TRANSITION
PROGRAM FOR STRATEGIC NUCLEAR DETERRENCE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commander of Air Force Global Strike
Command may, through the use of a partnership intermediary,
establish a program—
(1) to carry out technology transition, digital engineering
projects, and other innovation activities supporting the Air
Force nuclear enterprise; and
(2) to identify capabilities for the Air Force nuclear enter-
prise that have the potential to generate life-cycle cost savings
and provide data-driven approaches to resource allocation.
(b) TERMINATION.—The program established under subsection
(a) shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
(c) PARTNERSHIP INTERMEDIARY DEFINED.—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)).
H. R. 2670—460
SEC. 1640. MATTERS RELATING TO THE NUCLEAR-ARMED, SEA-
LAUNCHED CRUISE MISSILE.
(a) PROGRAM TREATMENT.—Not later than 90 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment, shall—
(1) establish a program for the development of a nuclear-
armed, sea-launched cruise missile capability;
(2) designate such program as a major defense acquisition
program (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States
Code) for which the milestone decision authority (as defined
in section 4251 of such title) is the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment;
(3) initiate a nuclear weapon project for the W80–4 ALT
warhead, at phase 6.2 of the phase 6.X process (relating to
feasibility study and down select), to adapt such warhead for
use with the capability described in paragraph (1);
(4) submit to the National Nuclear Security Administration
a formal request, through the Nuclear Weapons Council,
requesting that the Administration participate in and support
the W80–4 ALT warhead project described in paragraph (3);
and
(5) designate the Department of the Navy as the military
department to lead the W80–4 ALT nuclear weapon project
for the Department of Defense.
(b) INITIAL
OPERATIONAL
CAPABILITY.—The Secretary of
Defense and the Administrator for Nuclear Security shall take
such actions as are necessary to ensure the program and project
described subsection (a) achieve initial operational capability, as
defined jointly by the Secretary of the Navy and the Commander
of the United States Strategic Command, by not later than Sep-
tember 30, 2034.
(c) LIMITATION ON AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PRODUCTION.—The
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment may
not approve a Full Rate Production Decision or authorize Full
Scale Production (as those terms are defined in the memorandum
of the Nuclear Weapons Council titled ‘‘Procedural Guidelines for
the Phase 6.X Process’’ and dated April 19, 2000) for the W80–
4 ALT project until authorized by Congress.
(d) BRIEFING.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than January 15, 2024, and
not later than each March 1 and September 1 thereafter, the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment,
the Secretary of the Navy, the Administrator for Nuclear Secu-
rity, and the Commander of the United States Strategic Com-
mand shall jointly provide to the congressional defense commit-
tees a briefing on the progress of the program and project
described in subsection (a).
(2) CONTENTS.—Each briefing required under paragraph
(1) shall include—
(A) a description of significant achievements of the
program and project completed during the period specified
in paragraph (3) and any planned objectives that were
not achieved during such period;
(B) for the 180-day period following the briefing—
(i) planned objectives for the program and project;
and
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(ii) anticipated spending plans for the program
and project;
(C) a description of any notable technical hurdles that
could impede timely completion of the program and project;
and
(D) any other information the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment considers appro-
priate.
(3) PERIOD SPECIFIED.—The period specified in this para-
graph is—
(A) in the case of the first briefing required by para-
graph (1), the 180-day period preceding the briefing; and
(B) in the case of any subsequent such briefing, the
period since the previous such briefing.
(4) TERMINATION.—The requirement to provide briefings
under paragraph (1) shall terminate on the date that the pro-
gram and project described subsection (a) achieve initial oper-
ational capability, as defined jointly by the Secretary of the
Navy and the Commander of the United States Strategic Com-
mand.
(e) ASSESSMENT AND REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Navy shall complete
an assessment, in response to the courses of action developed
by the Joint Staff in response to the report of the Secretary
of Defense under subsection 1642(a) of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2945), of the actions required to effec-
tively deploy a nuclear sea-launched cruise missile from a Vir-
ginia class submarine and such other platforms as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
(2) ELEMENTS.—The assessment under paragraph (1) shall
address the following:
(A) Any hardware, software, manning, or certification
modifications to platforms that are required to accommo-
date the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile on such plat-
forms.
(B) Any required modifications to port facilities that
would host platforms carrying the nuclear sea-launched
cruise missile, including any modifications relating to phys-
ical security and monitoring.
(C) Effects on manning associated with the handling,
storage, and operations of nuclear sea-launched cruise mis-
siles at affected facilities of the Navy.
(D) Funding and schedule estimates to complete any
actions identified under subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(3) REPORT REQUIRED.—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 results of the assessment conducted under paragraph
(1), including the results of the assessment with respect to
each element specified in paragraph (2).
(f) LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING SUBMITTAL
OF REPORT.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for the Depart-
ment of the Navy, and available for the Office of the Secretary
of the Navy for the travel of persons, not more than 90 percent
may be obligated or expended until the date on which the final
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report required under section 1642(b)(2) of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2945) has been submitted to the congres-
sional defense committees.
(g) PHASE 6.X PROCESS DEFINED.—In this section, the term
‘‘phase 6.X process’’ means the phase 6.X process for major stockpile
sustainment activities set forth in the memorandum of the Nuclear
Weapons Council titled ‘‘Procedural Guidelines for the Phase 6.X
Process’’ and dated April 19, 2000.
SEC. 1641. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO OPERATIONAL SILOS FOR
THE SENTINEL INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall refurbish and make oper-
able not fewer than 150 silos for the LGM–35A Sentinel interconti-
nental ballistic missile at each of the following locations:
(1) Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Laramie County,
Wyoming.
(2) Malmstrom Air Force Base, Cascade County, Montana.
(3) Minot Air Force Base, Ward County, North Dakota.
SEC. 1642. LONG-TERM SUSTAINMENT OF SENTINEL ICBM GUIDANCE
SYSTEM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Prior to issuing a Milestone C decision for
the program to develop the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental
ballistic missile system (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sentinel’’),
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
shall certify to the congressional defense committees that there
is a long-term capability in place to maintain and modernize the
guidance system of the Sentinel over the full life cycle of the
Sentinel.
(b) CERTIFICATION ELEMENTS.—The certification described in
subsection (a) shall include a list of capabilities to maintain and
advance—
(1) accelerometers;
(2) gyroscopes;
(3) guidance computers;
(4) specialized mechanical and retaining assemblies;
(5) test equipment; and
(6) such other components to ensure the guidance system
will be maintained and modernized over the life of the Sentinel.
SEC. 1643. INTEGRATED MASTER SCHEDULE FOR THE SENTINEL MIS-
SILE PROGRAM OF THE AIR FORCE.
(a) DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED.—Not later than 30 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting through the Assist-
ant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and
Logistics, shall submit to the congressional defense committees
an approved integrated master schedule for the Sentinel missile
program of the Air Force.
(b) ADDITIONAL
REQUIREMENTS.—The Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure that the
integrated master schedule submitted under subsection (a)—
(1) is consistent with the scheduling best practices set
forth in the publication of the Government Accountability Office
titled ‘‘Schedule Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Project
Schedules’’ (GAO–16–89G), dated December 2015 (or any suc-
cessor to such guide);
H. R. 2670—463
(2) addresses the full scope of work required under the
sentinel missile program; and
(3) fully integrates contractor and government activities.
(c) MONTHLY BRIEFINGS.—Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and on a monthly basis thereafter
until January 1, 2029, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide
to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the progress
of the Sentinel missile program, which shall include an update
on the progress of all subsystems and elements associated with
achieving full operational capability of the weapons system.
(d) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days after the Secretary
of the Air Force becomes aware of an event that is expected to
delay, by more than one fiscal quarter, the date on which Sentinel
missile achieves initial operational capability (as set forth in the
integrated master schedule submitted under subsection (a)), the
Secretary shall—
(1) submit notice of such delay to the congressional defense
committees; and
(2) include with such notice—
(A) an explanation of the factors causing such delay;
and
(B) a plan to prevent or minimize the duration of
such delay.
SEC. 1644. OPERATIONAL TIMELINE FOR STRATEGIC AUTOMATED
COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop
a replacement of the Strategic Automated Command and Control
System (SACCS) by not later than the date on which the LGM–
35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program reaches ini-
tial operational capability.
(b) REPLACEMENT CAPABILITIES.—The replacement required by
subsection (a) shall—
(1) replace the SACCS base processors;
(2) replace the SACCS processors at launch control centers;
(3) provide internet protocol connectivity for wing-wide com-
mand centers of the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental bal-
listic missile program; and
(4) include such other capabilities necessary to address
the evolving requirements of the LGM–35A Sentinel interconti-
nental ballistic missile program as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
SEC. 1645. PILOT PROGRAM ON DEVELOPMENT OF REENTRY VEHICLES
AND RELATED SYSTEMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force may carry
out a pilot program, to be known as the ‘‘Reentry Vehicle Flight
Test Bed Program’’, to assess the feasibility of providing regular
flight test opportunities that support the development of reentry
vehicles to—
(1) facilitate technology upgrades tested in a realistic flight
environment;
(2) provide an enduring, high-cadence test bed to mature
technologies for planned reentry vehicles; and
(3) transition technologies developed under other programs
and projects relating to long-range ballistic or hypersonic strike
missiles from the research and development or prototyping
phases into operational use.
H. R. 2670—464
(b) GRANTS, CONTRACTS, AND OTHER AGREEMENTS.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—In carrying out a pilot program under
this section, the Secretary may, subject to paragraph (2), award
grants and enter into contracts or other agreements with appro-
priate entities for the conduct of relevant flight tests of reentry
vehicles and systems.
(2) GRANT AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.—
(A) MERIT-BASED GRANTS.—Any grant under paragraph
(1) shall be awarded through merit-based selection proce-
dures.
(B) COMPETITIVE
CONTRACT
PROCEDURES.—Any con-
tract or other agreement under paragraph (1) shall be
awarded using competitive procedures (as defined in section
3012 of title 10, United States Code).
(3) USE OF FUNDS.—An entity that receives a grant, or
enters into a contract or other agreement, as part of a pilot
program carried out under this section shall use the grant,
or any amount received under the contract or other agreement,
to carry out one or more of the following activities:
(A) Conducting flight tests to develop or validate—
(i) aeroshell design;
(ii) thermal protective systems;
(iii) guidance and control systems;
(iv) sensors;
(v) communications;
(vi) environmental sensors; or
(vii) other relevant technologies.
(B) Expanding flight test opportunities through low-
cost, high-cadence platforms.
(c) COORDINATION.—If the Secretary of the Air Force carries
out a pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall ensure
that the activities under the pilot program are carried out in
coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
the Navy.
(d) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out a pilot program
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2029.
SEC. 1646. PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL
BALLISTIC MISSILES OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided in subsection (b), none
of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise
made available for fiscal year 2024 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:
(1) Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the responsiveness or
alert level of the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United
States.
(2) Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the quantity of deployed
intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States to a
number less than 400.
(b) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not
apply to any of the following activities:
(1) The maintenance or sustainment of intercontinental
ballistic missiles.
(2) Ensuring the safety, security, or reliability of interconti-
nental ballistic missiles.
H. R. 2670—465
(3) Facilitating the transition from the Minuteman III
intercontinental ballistic missile to the Sentinel interconti-
nental ballistic missile (previously referred to as the ‘‘ground-
based strategic deterrent weapon’’).
SEC. 1647. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PENDING COMPLI-
ANCE
WITH
INFORMATION
REQUESTS
FROM
THE
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Office of the
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, not more than 35 percent
may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Comp-
troller General of the United States notifies the congressional
defense committees that the Secretary of Defense has fully complied
with information requests from the Government Accountability
Office made in connection with the conduct of the study required
by section 1652 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2100).
SEC. 1648. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF DECISION TO DELAY
STRATEGIC DELIVERY SYSTEM TEST EVENT.
(a) NOTIFICATION.—Not later than five days after the Secretary
of Defense makes a decision to delay a scheduled test event for
a strategic delivery system, the Secretary shall submit to the
congressional defense committees written notice of such decision.
(b) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), not
later than 60 days after the submission of a notification
required under subsection (a) with respect to a decision to
delay a scheduled test event, the Secretary shall submit to
the congressional defense committees a report on the decision.
(2) ELEMENTS REQUIRED.—A report submitted under para-
graph (1) shall include each of the following with respect to
the scheduled test event covered by the report:
(A) A description of the objectives of the test.
(B) An explanation for the decision to cancel the test.
(C) An estimate of expenditures related to the cancelled
test.
(D) An assessment of the effect of the test cancellation
on—
(i) confidence in the reliability of the strategic
nuclear weapons delivery system involved; and
(ii) any research, development, test, and evaluation
activities related to the test.
(E) A plan to reschedule the test event.
(3) EXCEPTION.—A report shall not be required under para-
graph (1) in the case of a decision to delay a scheduled test
event due to any of the following circumstances:
(A) Unfavorable weather conditions.
(B) Safety concerns.
(C) Technical issues related to the delivery system
or test facility.
(D) Operational or security concerns at the test facility
or on the test range.
H. R. 2670—466
SEC. 1649. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION OF NUCLEAR COOPERA-
TION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND CHINA.
If the Commander of the United States Strategic Command
determines, after consultation with the Director of the Defense
Intelligence Agency, that militarily significant cooperation between
the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China related
to nuclear or strategic capabilities is likely to occur or has likely
occurred, the Commander shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a notification of such determination that includes—
(1) a description of the military significant cooperation;
and
(2) an assessment of the implication of such cooperation
for the United States with respect to nuclear deterrence,
extended deterrence, assurance, and defense.
SEC. 1650. PLAN FOR DECREASING THE TIME TO UPLOAD ADDITIONAL
WARHEADS TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MIS-
SILE FLEET.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordina-
tion with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command
and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, shall
develop a plan to decrease the amount of time required to upload
additional warheads to the intercontinental ballistic missile force
in the event Presidential direction is given to exercise such a
plan.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The plan required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) An assessment of the storage capacity of weapons stor-
age areas and any weapons generation facilities at covered
bases, including the capacity of each covered base to store
additional warheads.
(2) An assessment of the current nuclear warhead transpor-
tation capacity and workforce of the National Nuclear Security
Administration and associated timelines for transporting addi-
tional nuclear warheads to covered bases.
(3) An evaluation of the capacity and limitations of the
maintenance squadrons and security forces at covered bases
and the associated timelines for adding warheads to the inter-
continental ballistic missile force.
(4) An identification of actions that would address any
identified limitations to upload additional warheads.
(5) An evaluation of courses of actions to upload additional
warheads to a portion of the intercontinental ballistic missile
force.
(6) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of
initiating immediate deployment of W78 warheads to a single
wing of the intercontinental ballistic missile force as a hedge
against delay of the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental bal-
listic missile.
(7) Any policy considerations that would need to be
addressed, including any guidance and direction that would
required, to execute the plan.
(8) An identification of all funding required to carry out
actions identified in paragraphs (4) and (5).
(c) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air
Force and the Commander of the United States Strategic Command
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shall submit to the congressional defense committees the plan
required by subsection (a).
(d) FORM.—The plan required by subsection (a) shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 30 days after the submission
of the plan required by subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air
Force, the Commander of the United States Strategic Command,
and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy shall provide
for the congressional defense committees a briefing on the actions
being pursued to implement the plan.
(f) COVERED BASE DEFINED.—The term ‘‘covered base’’ means
the following:
(1) Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Laramie County,
Wyoming.
(2) Malmstrom Air Force Base, Cascade County, Montana.
(3) Minot Air Force Base, Ward County, North Dakota.
Subtitle D—Missile Defense Programs
SEC. 1661. DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF MISSILE DEFENSE
AGENCY.
Section 205 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘a general or flag officer’’
after ‘‘shall be’’; and
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new sub-
section:
‘‘(b) DEPUTY DIRECTOR.—(1) There is a Deputy Director of the
Missile Defense Agency, who shall be appointed by the Secretary
of Defense from among the general officers on active duty in the
Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, or from among
the flag officers on active duty in the Navy. In selecting an indi-
vidual to serve as the Deputy Director, the Secretary of Defense
shall select an individual who serves in a different armed force
than the armed force in which the Director serves.
‘‘(2) The Deputy Director shall be appointed for a term of
not fewer than two, and not more than four years.
‘‘(3) The Deputy Director shall be under the authority, direction,
and control of the Director of the Missile Defense Agency.
‘‘(4) The Deputy Director shall—
‘‘(A) carry out such responsibilities as may be assigned
by the Director; and
‘‘(B) serve as acting director during periods of absence
by the Director, or at such times as the office of the Director
is vacant.’’.
SEC. 1662. MODIFICATION OF PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY MATRICES
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTORS
FOR MISSILE DEFENSE.
Section 1668(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2107) is amended—
(1) by inserting ‘‘and the product development phase’’ after
‘‘technology development phase’’ each place it appears; and
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘enter the product develop-
ment phase’’ and inserting ‘‘enter the production phase’’.
H. R. 2670—468
SEC. 1663. NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE POLICY.
Subsection (a) of section 1681 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10
U.S.C. 4205 note) is amended to read as follows:
‘‘(a) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States—
‘‘(1) to research, develop, test, procure, deploy, and sustain,
with funding subject to the annual authorization of appropria-
tions for National Missile Defense, systems that provide effec-
tive, layered missile defense capabilities to defeat increasingly
complex missile threats in all phases of flight; and
‘‘(2) to rely on nuclear deterrence to address more sophisti-
cated and larger quantity near-peer intercontinental missile
threats to the homeland of the United States.’’.
SEC. 1664. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT FOR COMPTROLLER GEN-
ERAL
TO
REVIEW
AND
ASSESS
MISSILE
DEFENSE
ACQUISITION PROGRAMS.
Section 232(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 125 Stat. 1339) is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘through 2025’’ and
inserting ‘‘through 2030’’;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘through 2026’’ and
inserting ‘‘through 2031’’; and
(3) in paragraph (3)—
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ‘‘EMERGING’’
and inserting ‘‘OTHER
DEPARTMENT
OF
DEFENSE
MISSILE
DEFENSE ACQUISITION EFFORTS AND RELATED’’;
(B) by striking ‘‘emerging issues and’’ and inserting
‘‘emerging issues, any Department of Defense missile
defense acquisition efforts, and any other related issue
and’’; and
(C) by inserting ‘‘on a mutually agreed upon date’’
before the period at the end.
SEC. 1665. IRON DOME SHORT-RANGE ROCKET DEFENSE SYSTEM AND
ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAM CO-
DEVELOPMENT AND CO-PRODUCTION.
(a) IRON DOME SHORT-RANGE ROCKET DEFENSE SYSTEM.—
(1) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—Of the funds authorized to
be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2024 for procurement,
Defense-wide, and available for the Missile Defense Agency,
not more than $80,000,000 may be provided to the Government
of Israel to procure components for the Iron Dome short-range
rocket defense system through co-production of such compo-
nents in the United States by industry of the United States.
(2) CONDITIONS.—
(A) AGREEMENT.—Funds described in paragraph (1)
for the Iron Dome short-range rocket defense program shall
be available subject to the terms and conditions in the
Agreement Between the Department of Defense of the
United States of America and the Ministry of Defense
of the State of Israel Concerning Iron Dome Defense System
Procurement, signed on March 5, 2014, as amended to
include co-production for Tamir interceptors.
(B) CERTIFICATION.—Not later than 30 days prior to
the initial obligation of funds described in paragraph (1),
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
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Sustainment shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees—
(i) a certification that the amended bilateral inter-
national agreement specified in subparagraph (A) is
being implemented as provided in such agreement;
(ii) an assessment detailing any risks relating to
the implementation of such agreement; and
(iii) for system improvements resulting in modified
Iron Dome components and Tamir interceptor sub-
components, a certification that the Government of
Israel has demonstrated successful completion of
Production Readiness Reviews, including the validation
of production lines, the verification of component
conformance, and the verification of performance to
specification as defined in the Iron Dome Defense
System Procurement Agreement, as further amended.
(b) ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAM, DAVID’S
SLING WEAPON SYSTEM CO-PRODUCTION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (3), of the funds
authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 for procure-
ment, Defense-wide, and available for the Missile Defense
Agency, not more than $40,000,000 may be provided to the
Government of Israel to procure the David’s Sling Weapon
System, including for co-production of parts and components
in the United States by United States industry.
(2) AGREEMENT.—Provision of funds specified in paragraph
(1) shall be subject to the terms and conditions in the bilateral
co-production agreement, including—
(A) a one-for-one cash match is made by Israel or
in another matching amount that otherwise meets best
efforts (as mutually agreed to by the United States and
Israel); and
(B) co-production of parts, components, and all-up
rounds (if appropriate) in the United States by United
States industry for the David’s Sling Weapon System is
not less than 50 percent.
(3) CERTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT.—The Under Secretary
of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees—
(A) a certification that the Government of Israel has
demonstrated the successful completion of the knowledge
points, technical milestones, and Production Readiness
Reviews required by the research, development, and tech-
nology agreement and the bilateral co-production agree-
ment for the David’s Sling Weapon System; and
(B) an assessment detailing any risks relating to the
implementation of such agreement.
(c) ISRAELI COOPERATIVE MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAM, ARROW
3 UPPER TIER INTERCEPTOR PROGRAM CO-PRODUCTION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), of the funds
authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2024 for procure-
ment, Defense-wide, and available for the Missile Defense
Agency, not more than $80,000,000 may be provided to the
Government of Israel for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor
Program, including for co-production of parts and components
in the United States by United States industry.
H. R. 2670—470
(2) CERTIFICATION.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a certification that—
(A) the Government of Israel has demonstrated the
successful completion of the knowledge points, technical
milestones, and Production Readiness Reviews required by
the research, development, and technology agreement for
the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program;
(B) funds specified in paragraph (1) will be provided
on the basis of a one-for-one cash match made by Israel
or in another matching amount that otherwise meets best
efforts (as mutually agreed to by the United States and
Israel);
(C) the United States has entered into a bilateral inter-
national agreement with Israel that establishes, with
respect to the use of such funds—
(i) in accordance with subparagraph (D), the terms
of co-production of parts and components on the basis
of the greatest practicable co-production of parts,
components, and all-up rounds (if appropriate) by
United States industry and minimizes nonrecurring
engineering and facilitization expenses to the costs
needed for co-production;
(ii) complete transparency on the requirement of
Israel for the number of interceptors and batteries
that will be procured, including with respect to the
procurement plans, acquisition strategy, and funding
profiles of Israel;
(iii) technical milestones for co-production of parts
and components and procurement;
(iv) a joint affordability working group to consider
cost reduction initiatives; and
(v) joint approval processes for third-party sales;
and
(D) the level of co-production described in subpara-
graph (C)(i) for the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Pro-
gram is not less than 50 percent.
(d) NUMBER.—In carrying out paragraph (2) of subsection (b)
and paragraph (2) of subsection (c), the Under Secretary may
submit—
(1) one certification covering both the David’s Sling Weapon
System and the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program; or
(2) separate certifications for each respective system.
(e) TIMING.—The Under Secretary shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees the certification and assessment under
subsection (b)(3) and the certification under subsection (c)(2) no
later than 30 days before the funds specified in paragraph (1)
of subsections (b) and (c) for the respective system covered by
the certification are provided to the Government of Israel.
(f) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.—In
this section, the term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ means
the following:
(1) The congressional defense committees.
(2) The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(3) The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives.
H. R. 2670—471
SEC. 1666. PROGRAMS TO ACHIEVE INITIAL AND FULL OPERATIONAL
CAPABILITIES FOR THE GLIDE PHASE INTERCEPTOR
PROGRAM.
(a) PROGRAM TO ACHIEVE INITIAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Director of the Missile Defense Agency and in coordination
with the officials specified in subsection (d), shall carry out
a program to achieve, by not later than December 31, 2029,
an initial operational capability for the Glide Phase Interceptor
as described in paragraph (2).
(2) REQUIRED
CAPABILITIES.—For purposes of paragraph
(1), the Glide Phase Interceptor program shall be considered
to have achieved initial operational capability if—
(A) the Glide Phase Interceptor is capable of defeating,
in the glide phase, any endo-atmospheric hypersonic
vehicles that are known to the Department of Defense
and fielded as of the date of the enactment of this Act;
and
(B) not fewer than 12 Glide Phase Interceptor missiles
have been fielded.
(b) PROGRAM
TO ACHIEVE FULL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY.—
(1) PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense, acting
through the Director of the Missile Defense Agency and in
coordination with the officials specified in subsection (d), shall
carry out a program to achieve, by not later than December
31, 2032, full operational capability for the Glide Phase Inter-
ceptor as described in paragraph (2).
(2) REQUIRED
CAPABILITIES.—For purposes of paragraph
(1), the Glide Phase Interceptor program shall be considered
to have achieved full operational capability if—
(A) the Glide Phase Interceptor is capable of defeating,
in the glide phase, any endo-atmospheric hypersonic
vehicles—
(i) that are known to the Department of Defense
and fielded as of the date of the enactment of this
Act; and
(ii) that the Department of Defense expects to
be fielded before the end of 2040;
(B) not fewer than 24 Glide Phase Interceptor missiles
have been fielded; and
(C) the Glide Phase Interceptor has the ability to be
operated collaboratively with space-based or terrestrial sen-
sors that the Department of Defense expects to be deployed
before the end of 2032.
(c) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED.—The Director of the
Missile Defense Agency is authorized to enter into a cooperative
development agreement with one or more international partners
of the United States for the development of the full operational
capability described in subsection (b).
(d) OFFICIALS SPECIFIED.—The officials specified in this sub-
section are the following:
(1) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering.
(2) The Secretary of the Navy.
(3) The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand.
H. R. 2670—472
(4) The Commander of the United States European Com-
mand.
SEC. 1667. RESCISSION OF MEMORANDUM ON MISSILE DEFENSE
GOVERNANCE.
Not later than May 31, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) rescind Directive-type Memorandum 20-002 relating to
‘‘Missile Defense System Policies and Governance’’; and
(2) in accordance with section 205(b) of title 10, United
States Code, replace such memorandum with governance docu-
ments, policies, and procedures, that balance—
(A) providing the Missile Defense Agency with greater
flexibility and agility, particularly with regards to mile-
stone a (or equivalent) acquisition decisions to rapidly meet
warfighter needs; and
(B) the need for continued oversight to ensure integra-
tion into joint-force air and missile defense capabilities.
SEC. 1668. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR OFFICE OF
COST ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION UNTIL
SUBMISSION OF REPORT ON MISSILE DEFENSE ROLES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2024 for operation and
maintenance, Defense-wide, for the Office of Cost Assessment and
program evaluation, not more than 50 percent may be obligated
or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense
submits to the congressional defense committees the report required
by section 1675(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81).
SEC. 1669. STRATEGY FOR INTEGRATED AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE
OF HAWAII AND THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION.
(a) STRATEGY.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commander of United States Indo-
Pacific Command, in coordination with the Under Secretary
of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Policy, the Commander of United States
Northern Command, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency,
and the Director of the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense
Organization, shall develop a comprehensive strategy for devel-
oping, acquiring, and operationally establishing an integrated
air and missile defense architecture for area of responsibility
of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(2) STRATEGY COMPONENTS.—At a minimum, the strategy
required by paragraph (1) shall address each of the following:
(A) The sensing, tracking, and intercepting capabilities
required to address the full range of credible missile threats
to—
(i) the Hawaiian Islands;
(ii) the island of Guam and other islands in the
greater Marianas region, as determined necessary by
the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Com-
mand;
(iii) other territories of the United States located
within the area of responsibility of the United States
Indo-Pacific Command; and
H. R. 2670—473
(iv) United States Armed Forces deployed within
the territories of other countries located within such
area of responsibility.
(B) The appropriate balance of missile detection,
tracking, defense, and defeat capabilities in such area of
responsibility.
(C) A command and control network for integrating
missile detection, tracking, defense, and defeat capabilities
across such area of responsibility.
(D) A time-phased scheduling construct for fielding
the constituent systems that will comprise the integrated
air and missile defense architecture for such area of respon-
sibility.
(b) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—
(1) REPORT ON INITIAL FINDINGS.—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 the findings of the analysis conducted by Cost
Assessment and Program Evaluation of the current integrated
air and missile defense sensor architecture that informed the
submission of the budget of the President (as submitted to
Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States
Code) for fiscal year 2024, and specific programs of record
that can support additional sensor coverage for the State of
Hawaii. Such report shall include an identification of—
(A) the investments that should be made to increase
the detection of nonballistic threats and improve the
discrimination of ballistic missile threats, particularly with
regards to Hawaii; and
(B) investments that should be made to integrate any
sensors into the missile defense system to assist with
protection of Hawaii.
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than April 15, 2024, and
annually thereafter, the Commander of United States Indo-
Pacific Command, in coordination with the Under Secretary
of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under
Secretary of Defense for Policy, the Commander of United
States Northern Command, the Director of the Missile
Defense Agency, and the Director of the Joint Integrated
Air and Missile Defense Organization, shall submit to the
congressional defense committees an annual report on the
status of the strategy required under subsection (a).
(B) REPORT CRITERIA.—At a minimum, each annual
report under subparagraph (A) shall address—
(i) the activities conducted and progress made in
developing and implementing the strategy over the
calendar year preceding the calendar year during
which the report is submitted;
(ii) the planned activities for developing and imple-
menting the strategy in the calendar year following
the calendar year during which the report is submitted;
and
(iii) a description of likely risks and impediments
to the successful implementation of the strategy.
H. R. 2670—474
(C) TERMINATION.—The requirement to submit a report
under this paragraph shall terminate on the earlier of
the following dates:
(i) March 15, 2029.
(ii) The date on which a comprehensive integrated
air and missile defense architecture for the area of
responsibility of United States Indo-Pacific Command
has achieved initial operational capability, as deter-
mined jointly by the Commander of United States Indo-
Pacific Command and the Director of the Missile
Defense Agency.
(3) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act for fiscal year 2024 for Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Office of the
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, not more than 90 percent
may be obligated or expended until the date on which both
of the following reports are submitted to the congressional
defense committees:
(A) The report on initial findings required by paragraph
(1).
(B) The first annual report required by paragraph
(2)(A).
SEC. 1670. REPORT ON POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS TO INTEGRATED
AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE CAPABILITIES IN EUROPE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 240 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation
with the officials specified in subsection (c), shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report on potential enhance-
ments to U.S. and allied air and missile defense capabilities that
could contribute to the integrated air and missile defense capability
of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by subsection (a) shall
include—
(1) identification of potential enhancements to U.S. and
allied air and missile defense capabilities as described in such
subsection taking into account a 360-degree approach tailored
to address threats to NATO member nations emanating from
all strategic directions;
(2) a description of—
(A) the efforts of NATO to increase its integrated air
and missile defense capability, taking into account, as
applicable—
(i) NATO’s Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-
Atlantic Area Family of Plans;
(ii) NATO’s Defense Planning Process; and
(iii) other activities of NATO relating to such capa-
bility; and
(B) any challenges to such efforts;
(3) an assessment of the operational, political, and technical
feasibility and advisability of developing, fielding, modifying,
integrating, or otherwise employing current and future U.S.
and allied air and missile defense capabilities to further
improve the ability of the integrated air and missile defense
capability of NATO to protect against any type of air or missile
threat or attack (such as threats and attacks from cruise,
ballistic, and hypersonic missiles), including—
H. R. 2670—475
(A) sensors to detect, track, discriminate, and support
the engagement of multi-axial air and missile threats;
(B) defensive interceptor systems;
(C) passive defense options; and
(D) command and control elements;
(4) a funding profile, by year, detailing the complete costs
to the United States associated with the options assessed under
paragraph (3); and
(5) such other information as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate.
(c) CONSULTATION.—In preparing the report required by sub-
section (a), the Secretary of Defense shall seek advice and input
from—
(1) the Secretary of State;
(2) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff;
(3) the Commander of the United States European Com-
mand; and
(4) the Director of the Missile Defense Agency.
(d) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by section (a) shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
(e) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘U.S. and allied air
and missile defense capabilities’’ means air and missile defense
capabilities of—
(1) the United States; and
(2) nations that are allies or partners of the United States.
SEC.
1671.
INDEPENDENT
ANALYSIS
OF
SPACE-BASED
MISSILE
DEFENSE CAPABILITY.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, shall seek to enter
into an arrangement with an appropriate federally funded research
and development center to update the study referred to in sub-
section (c).
(b) ELEMENTS.—The updated study under subsection (a) shall
include analysis of the following:
(1) The extent to which space-based capabilities would
address current and evolving missile threats to the United
States and deployed Armed Forces.
(2) The maturity levels of technologies necessary for an
operational space-based missile defense capability.
(3) Potential options for developing, fielding, operating, and
sustaining a space-based missile defense capability, including—
(A) estimated costs; and
(B) assessments of the effectiveness of different
architectures.
(4) The technical risks, knowledge gaps, or other challenges
associated with the development and operation of space-based
interceptor capabilities.
(5) The ability of the Department of Defense to protect
and defend on-orbit space-based missile defense capabilities,
including any recommendations for resiliency requirements that
would be needed to ensure the effectiveness of such capabilities.
H. R. 2670—476
(c) STUDY SPECIFIED.—The study referred to in this subsection
is the study conducted by the federally funded research and develop-
ment center known as the ‘‘Institute for Defense Analysis’’ exam-
ining the feasibility and advisability of developing a space-based
missile defense capability.
(d) REPORT.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 270 days after entering
into an arrangement under subsection (a), the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees
a report that includes—
(A) an unaltered copy of the updated study completed
pursuant to the arrangement; and
(B) any views of the Secretary of Defense with respect
to such updated study.
(2) FORM.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall
be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified
annex.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
SEC. 1681. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR PROTECTION OF CER-
TAIN FACILITIES AND ASSETS FROM UNMANNED AIR-
CRAFT.
Section 130i(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended
by striking ‘‘2023’’ both places it appears and inserting ‘‘2026’’.
SEC. 1682. ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Part I of subtitle A of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
‘‘CHAPTER 25—ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE
‘‘500. Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Executive Committee.
‘‘500a. Guidance on electromagnetic spectrum operations mission area and joint
electromagnetic spectrum operations.
‘‘500b. Annual report on electromagnetic spectrum operations strategy of the De-
partment of Defense.
‘‘500c. Annual assessment of budget with respect to electromagnetic spectrum oper-
ations capabilities.
‘‘500d. Electromagnetic spectrum superiority implementation plan.
‘‘500e. Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electro-
magnetic Spectrum Operations.
‘‘500f. Evaluations of abilities of armed forces and combatant commands to perform
electromagnetic spectrum operations missions.
‘‘§ 500. Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Executive
Committee
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There is within the Department of Defense
an Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Executive Committee (in
this section referred to as the ‘Executive Committee’).
‘‘(b) PURPOSES.—The Executive Committee shall—
‘‘(1) serve as the principal forum within the Department
of Defense to inform, coordinate, and evaluate matters relating
to electromagnetic warfare;
‘‘(2) provide senior oversight, coordination, and budget and
capability harmonization with respect to such matters; and
‘‘(3) act as an advisory body to the Secretary of Defense,
the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Management Action
Group of the Deputy Secretary with respect to such matters.
H. R. 2670—477
‘‘(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Executive Committee shall—
‘‘(1) advise key senior level decision-making bodies of the
Department of Defense with respect to the development and
implementation of acquisition investments relating to electro-
magnetic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations of
the
Department,
including
relevant
acquisition
policies,
projects, programs, modeling, and test and evaluation infra-
structure;
‘‘(2) provide a forum to enable synchronization and integra-
tion support with respect to the development and acquisition
of electromagnetic warfare capabilities by—
‘‘(A) aligning the processes of the Department for
requirements, research, development, acquisition, testing,
and sustainment; and
‘‘(B) carrying out other related duties; and
‘‘(3) act as the senior level review forum for the portfolio
of capability investments of the Department relating to electro-
magnetic warfare and electromagnetic spectrum operations and
other related matters.
‘‘(d) COORDINATION
WITH
INTELLIGENCE
COMMUNITY.—The
Executive Committee, acting through the Under Secretary of
Defense for Intelligence and Security, shall coordinate with the
intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)) to generate requirements,
facilitate collaboration, establish interfaces, and align efforts of
the Department of Defense with respect to capabilities and acquisi-
tion activities related to electromagnetic spectrum operations in
areas of dependency or mutual interest.
‘‘(e) MEETINGS.—(1) The Executive Committee shall hold
meetings not less frequently than quarterly and as necessary to
address particular issues.
‘‘(2) The Executive Committee may hold meetings by video
conference.
‘‘(f) MEMBERSHIP.—The Executive Committee shall be composed
of the following principal members:
‘‘(1) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment.
‘‘(2) The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
‘‘(3) The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and
Security.
‘‘(4) The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
‘‘(5) The Commander of the United States Strategic Com-
mand.
‘‘(6) The Chief Information Officer of the Department of
Defense.
‘‘(7) Such other Federal officers or employees as the Sec-
retary of Defense considers appropriate, consistent with other
authorities of the Department of Defense and publications of
the Joint Staff, including the Charter for the Electronic Warfare
Executive Committee, dated March 17, 2015.
‘‘(g) CO-CHAIRS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.—(1) The Under Sec-
retary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Vice
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or their designees, shall
serve as co-chairs of the Executive Committee.
‘‘(2) The co-chairs of the Executive Committee shall—
‘‘(A) preside at all Executive Committee meetings or have
their designees preside at such meetings;
H. R. 2670—478
‘‘(B) provide administrative control of the Executive Com-
mittee;
‘‘(C) jointly guide the activities and actions of the Executive
Committee;
‘‘(D) approve all agendas for and summaries of meetings
of the Executive Committee;
‘‘(E) charter tailored working groups to conduct mission
area analysis, as required, under subsection (i); and
‘‘(F) perform such other duties as may be necessary to
ensure the good order and functioning of the Executive Com-
mittee.
‘‘(h) ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
OPERATIONS
CAPABILITY
TEAM.—(1) There is within the Executive Committee an electro-
magnetic spectrum operations capability team, which shall—
‘‘(A) serve as a flag officer level focus group and executive
secretariat subordinate to the Executive Committee; and
‘‘(B) in that capacity—
‘‘(i) provide initial senior level coordination on key
electromagnetic spectrum operations issues;
‘‘(ii) prepare recommended courses of action to present
to the Executive Committee; and
‘‘(iii) perform other related duties.
‘‘(2) The electromagnetic spectrum operations capability team
shall be co-chaired by one representative from the Office of the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and
one representative from the Force Structure, Resources, and Assess-
ment Directorate of the Joint Staff (J–8).
‘‘(3) The principal members of the Executive Committee shall
designate representatives from their respective staffs to the electro-
magnetic spectrum operations capability team.
‘‘(i) MISSION AREA WORKING GROUPS.—(1) The Executive Com-
mittee shall establish mission area working groups on a temporary
basis—
‘‘(A) to address specific issues and mission areas relating
to electromagnetic spectrum operations;
‘‘(B) to involve subject matter experts and components of
the Department of Defense with expertise in electromagnetic
spectrum operations; and
‘‘(C) to perform other related duties.
‘‘(2) The Executive Committee shall dissolve a mission area
working group established under paragraph (1) once the issue the
working group was established to address is satisfactorily resolved.
‘‘(j) ADMINISTRATION.—The Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment shall administratively support the
Executive Committee, including by designating not fewer than two
officials of the Department of Defense to support the day-to-day
operations of the Executive Committee.
‘‘(k) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than February 28, 2024,
and annually thereafter through 2030, the Executive Committee
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a summary
of activities of the Executive Committee during the preceding fiscal
year.
‘‘§ 501. Guidance on electromagnetic spectrum operations
mission area and joint electromagnetic spectrum
operations
‘‘The Secretary of Defense shall—
H. R. 2670—479
‘‘(1) establish processes and procedures to develop,
integrate, and enhance the electromagnetic spectrum operations
mission area and the conduct of joint electromagnetic spectrum
operations in all domains across the Department of Defense;
and
‘‘(2) ensure that such processes and procedures provide
for integrated defense-wide strategy, planning, and budgeting
with respect to the conduct of such operations by the Depart-
ment, including activities conducted to counter and deter such
operations by malign actors.
‘‘§ 502. Annual report on electromagnetic spectrum oper-
ations strategy of the Department of Defense
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—At the same time as the President submits
to Congress the budget of the President under section 1105(a)
of title 31 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the Secretary
of Defense, in coordination with the Chief Information Officer of
the Department of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and the Secretary of each of the military departments, shall
submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report
on the Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy of the
Department of Defense.
‘‘(b) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—Each report required under sub-
section (a) shall include each of the following:
‘‘(1) A description and overview of—
‘‘(A) the electromagnetic spectrum strategy of the
Department of Defense;
‘‘(B) how such strategy supports the national defense
strategy under section 113(g) of this title; and
‘‘(C) the organizational structure assigned to oversee
the development of the Department’s electromagnetic spec-
trum strategy, requirements, capabilities, programs, and
projects.
‘‘(2) A list of all the electromagnetic spectrum operations
acquisition programs and research and development projects
of the Department of Defense and a description of how each
program or project supports the Department’s electromagnetic
spectrum strategy.
‘‘(3) For each unclassified program or project on the list
required by paragraph (2)—
‘‘(A) the senior acquisition executive and organization
responsible for oversight of the program or project;
‘‘(B) whether or not validated requirements exist for
the program or project and, if such requirements do exist,
the date on which the requirements were validated and
the organizational authority that validated such require-
ments;
‘‘(C) the total amount of funding appropriated, obli-
gated, and forecasted by fiscal year for the program or
project, including the program element or procurement line
number from which the program or project receives
funding;
‘‘(D) the development or procurement schedule for the
program or project;
‘‘(E) an assessment of the cost, schedule, and perform-
ance of the program or project as it relates to the program
baseline for the program or project, as of the date of the
H. R. 2670—480
submission of the report, and the original program baseline
for such program or project, if such baselines are not the
same;
‘‘(F) the technology readiness level of each critical tech-
nology that is part of the program or project;
‘‘(G) whether or not the program or project is redundant
or overlaps with the efforts of another military department;
and
‘‘(H) the capability gap that the program or project
is being developed or procured to fulfill.
‘‘(4) A classified annex that contains the items described
in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of paragraph (3) for each
classified program or project on the list required by paragraph
(2).
‘‘§ 503. Annual assessment of budget with respect to electro-
magnetic spectrum operations capabilities
‘‘At the same time as the President submits to Congress the
budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31 for each
of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall
submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment by
the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Executive Committee as
to whether sufficient funds are requested in such budget for antici-
pated activities in such fiscal year for each of the following:
‘‘(1) The development of an electromagnetic battle manage-
ment capability for joint electromagnetic spectrum operations.
‘‘(2) The establishment and operation of associated joint
electromagnetic spectrum operations cells.
‘‘§ 504. Electromagnetic spectrum superiority implementa-
tion plan
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Chief Information Officer of the Depart-
ment of Defense shall be responsible for oversight of the electro-
magnetic superiority implementation plan.
‘‘(b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Concurrent with the submission of
the budget of the President to Congress under section 1105(a)
of title 31 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the Chief
Information Officer shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that includes the following with respect to
the electromagnetic superiority implementation plan:
‘‘(1) The implementation plan in effect as of the date of
the report, noting any revisions from the preceding plan.
‘‘(2) A statement of the elements of the implementation
plan that have been achieved.
‘‘(3) For each element that has been achieved, an assess-
ment of whether the element is having its intended effect.
‘‘(4) For any element that has not been achieved, an assess-
ment of progress made in achieving the element, including
a description of any obstacles that may hinder further progress.
‘‘(5) For any element that has been removed from the
implementation plan, a description of the reason for the removal
of the element and an assessment of the impact of not pursuing
achievement of the element.
‘‘(6) Such additional matters as the Chief Information
Officer considers appropriate.
‘‘(c) ELECTROMAGNETIC SUPERIORITY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘electromagnetic superiority
H. R. 2670—481
implementation plan’ means the Electromagnetic Superiority
Implementation Plan signed by the Secretary of Defense on July
15, 2021, and any successor plan.
‘‘§ 505. Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational
Lead for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Oper-
ations
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall establish an Electro-
magnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electro-
magnetic Spectrum Operations (in this section referred to as the
‘operational lead’) at the United States Strategic Command. The
operational lead shall report to the Commander of the United
States Strategic Command.
‘‘(b) FUNCTION.—The operational lead shall be responsible for
synchronizing, assessing, and making recommendations to the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with respect to the readiness
of the combatant commands to conduct joint electromagnetic spec-
trum operations.
‘‘(c) BRIEFINGS REQUIRED.—Concurrent with the submission of
the budget of the President to Congress under section 1105(a)
of title 31 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, the Chairman,
acting through the operational lead, shall provide to the congres-
sional defense committees a briefing on the following:
‘‘(1) Progress made in achieving full operational capability
to conduct joint electromagnetic spectrum operations and any
impediments to achieving such capability.
‘‘(2) The readiness of the combatant commands to conduct
such operations.
‘‘(3) Recommendations for overcoming any deficiencies in
the readiness of the combatant commands to conduct such
operations and any material gaps contributing to such defi-
ciencies.
‘‘(4) Such other matters as the Chairman considers impor-
tant to ensuring that the combatant commands are capable
of conducting such operations.
‘‘§ 506. Evaluations of abilities of armed forces and combatant
commands to perform electromagnetic spectrum
operations missions
‘‘(a) EVALUATIONS
OF ARMED FORCES.—(1) Not later than
October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter through 2029, the Chief
of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief
of Staff of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps,
and the Chief of Space Operations shall each carry out an evaluation
of the ability of the armed force concerned to perform electro-
magnetic spectrum operations missions required by each of the
following:
‘‘(A) The Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy.
‘‘(B) The Joint Staff-developed concept of operations for
electromagnetic spectrum operations.
‘‘(C) The operations and contingency plans of the combatant
commands.
‘‘(2) Not later than December 31 of each year in which evalua-
tions are required under paragraph (1), each official specified in
that paragraph shall certify to the congressional defense committees
H. R. 2670—482
that the evaluation required to be carried out by that official has
occurred.
‘‘(3) Each evaluation under paragraph (1) shall include an
assessment of the following:
‘‘(A) Current programs of record, including—
‘‘(i) the ability of weapon systems to perform missions
in contested electromagnetic spectrum environments; and
‘‘(ii) the ability of electromagnetic attack with capabili-
ties to disrupt adversary operations.
‘‘(B) Future programs of record, including—
‘‘(i) the need for distributed or network-centric electro-
magnetic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities; and
‘‘(ii) the need for automated and machine learning-
or artificial intelligence-assisted electromagnetic spectrum
operations capabilities.
‘‘(C) Order of battle.
‘‘(D) Individual and unit training.
‘‘(E) Tactics, techniques, and procedures, including—
‘‘(i) maneuver, distribution of assets, and the use of
decoys; and
‘‘(ii) integration of non-kinetic and kinetic fires.
‘‘(F) Other matters relevant to evaluating the ability of
the armed force concerned to perform electromagnetic spectrum
operations missions described in paragraph (1).
‘‘(b) EVALUATIONS OF COMBATANT COMMANDS.—(1) Not later
than October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter through 2029, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acting through the Electro-
magnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electro-
magnetic Spectrum Operations established under section 500e (in
this section referred to as the ‘operational lead’), shall carry out
an evaluation of the plans and posture of the combatant commands
to execute the electromagnetic spectrum operations envisioned in
each of the following:
‘‘(A) The Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy.
‘‘(B) The Joint Staff-developed concept of operations for
electromagnetic spectrum operations.
‘‘(2) Each evaluation under paragraph (1) shall include an
assessment, as relevant, of the following:
‘‘(A) Operation and contingency plans.
‘‘(B) The manning, organizational alignment, and capability
of joint electromagnetic spectrum operations cells.
‘‘(C) Mission rehearsal and exercises.
‘‘(D) Force positioning, posture, and readiness.
‘‘(3) Not later than December 31 of each year in which an
evaluation is required under paragraph (A), the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, acting through the operational lead, shall
brief the congressional defense committees on the results of the
evaluation.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The tables of chapters at the begin-
ning of subtitle A of title 10, United States Code, and at the
beginning of part I of such subtitle, are each amended by inserting
after the item relating to chapter 24 the following new item:
‘‘25. Electronic Warfare .........................................................................................
500’’.
(c) CONFORMING REPEAL.—Section 1053 of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is repealed.
H. R. 2670—483
SEC. 1683. COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION FUNDS.
(a) FUNDING ALLOCATION.—Of the $350,999,000 authorized to
be appropriated to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2024
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:
(1) For strategic offensive arms elimination, $6,815,000.
(2) For chemical security and elimination, $16,400,000.
(3) For global nuclear security, $19,406,000.
(4) For biological threat reduction, $228,030,000.
(5) For proliferation prevention, $46,324,000.
(6) For activities designated as Other Assessments/
Administration Costs, $34,024,000.
(b)
SPECIFICATION
OF
COOPERATIVE
THREAT
REDUCTION
FUNDS.—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 2024, 2025, and 2026.
SEC. 1684. MATTERS RELATING TO SPACE-BASED GROUND AND AIR-
BORNE MOVING TARGET INDICATION SYSTEMS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall be
responsible for presenting space-based ground and airborne moving
target indication systems to the combatant commands to accomplish
missions assigned to such commands under the Unified Command
Plan that—
(1) are primarily or fully funded by the Department of
Defense; and
(2) provide near real-time, direct support to satisfy the
operational requirements of such commands.
(b) MILESTONE DECISION AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the
Air Force, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence,
shall be milestone decision authority (as defined in section 4204
of title 10, United States Code) for Milestone A approval (as defined
in section 4211 of such title) for space-related acquisition programs
for ground and airborne moving target indication systems described
in subsection (a) that are primarily or fully funded within the
military intelligence program.
(c) WORKING GROUP.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
establish a working group, to be known as the ‘‘Moving Target
Indication Working Group’’ (referred to in this section as the
‘‘working group’’).
(2) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The working group shall be respon-
sible for—
(A) addressing Department of Defense joint service
requirements for moving target indication systems;
(B) monitoring the cost, schedule, and performance
of all efforts to replace the tactical intelligence, surveil-
lance, and reconnaissance capability that is provided, as
of the date of enactment of this Act, by the Joint Surveil-
lance Target Attack Radar System; and
H. R. 2670—484
(C) developing the processes and procedures for
tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemina-
tion of the data collected by moving target indication sys-
tems.
(3) MEMBERSHIP.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The working group shall be composed
of members selected by the Secretary of Defense as follows:
(i) One member of the Space Force and one
member of the Joint Staff each of whom shall serve
as a co-chair of the working group.
(ii) One representative of each of the following:
(I) The Army.
(II) The Navy.
(III) The Marine Corps.
(IV) The Air Force.
(B) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION.—Not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a list of the members selected to serve on
the working group pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(4) BRIEFING REQUIREMENTS.—
(A) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the co-chairs of
the working group shall provide to the congressional
defense committees a briefing on—
(i) any capabilities development documents devel-
oped by the working group that are either approved
by, or in development for, the Joint Requirements
Oversight Council; and
(ii) any progress of the working group towards
developing processes and procedures for tasking, collec-
tion, processing, exploitation, and dissemination of data
collected by future moving target indication systems.
(B) BIANNUAL
BRIEFINGS.—Not less frequently than
biannually following the initial briefing under subpara-
graph (A), the working group shall provide to the congres-
sional defense committees a briefing on the status of any
moving target indication programs under development by
the Department of Defense as of the date of the briefing.
(C) SUNSET.—The requirement to provide briefings
under this paragraph shall terminate on the date that
is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1685. POSITIONING, NAVIGATION, AND TIMING.
(a) QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF MILITARY-
CODE COMPLIANT GPS RECEIVERS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than February 1, 2024, and
quarterly thereafter until the date specified in paragraph (2),
the Co-Chairs of the Council on Oversight of the Department
of Defense Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Enterprise,
shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing
on the status of the implementation of M-Code compliant GPS
receivers through the Military GPS User Equipment program,
including the status of increments 1 and 2 of such program
and details regarding expected dates of M-Code compliance
for all sea-, air, and land-based terminals across the platforms
of each of the Armed Forces.
H. R. 2670—485
(2) TERMINATION DATE.—The date specified in this para-
graph is the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits
to the congressional defense committees certification that the
increments 1 and 2 of the Military GPS User Equipment pro-
gram have reached full operational capacity.
(b) TREATMENT
OF POSITIONING, NAVIGATION, AND TIMING
RESILIENCY, MODIFICATIONS, AND IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM.—The
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall
treat the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Resiliency, Modifica-
tions, and Improvements program of the Air Force (Program Ele-
ment 0604201F) as an acquisition category 1D program, and the
authority to manage such program may not be delegated.
SEC. 1686. ACTIONS TO ADDRESS SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES IN ELEC-
TRONIC PROTECTION OF SYSTEMS THAT OPERATE IN THE
RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall—
(1) establish requirements for and assign sufficient priority
to ensuring electronic protection of military sensor, navigation,
and communications systems and subsystems against jamming,
spoofing, and unintended interference from military systems
of the United States and foreign adversaries; and
(2) provide management oversight and supervision of the
military departments to ensure military systems that emit and
receive radio frequencies are protected against threats and
interference from United States and foreign adversary military
systems operating in the same or adjacent radio frequencies.
(b) SPECIFIC REQUIRED ACTIONS.—The Secretary of Defense
shall require the military departments and combat support agencies
to carry out the following activities:
(1) Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, develop and approve requirements, through the
Joint Requirements Oversight Council as appropriate, for every
radar, signals intelligence, navigation, and communications
system and subsystem subject to the Global Force Management
process to ensure such systems and subsystems are able to
withstand threat-realistic levels of jamming, spoofing, and unin-
tended interference, including self-generated interference.
(2) Not less frequently than once every 4 years, test each
system and subsystem described in paragraph (1) at a test
range that permits threat-realistic electronic warfare attacks
against the system or subsystem by a red team or simulated
opposition force, with the first set of highest priority systems
to be initially tested by not later than the end of fiscal year
2025.
(3) With respect to each system and subsystem described
in paragraph (1) that fails to meet electronic protection require-
ments during testing conducted under paragraph (2)—
(A) not later than 3 years after the initial failed test,
retrofit the system or subsystem with electronic protection
measures that can withstand threat-realistic jamming,
spoofing, and unintended interference; and
(B) not later than 4 years after the initial failed test,
retest such systems and subsystems.
(4) Survey, identify, and test available technology that
can be practically and affordably retrofitted on the systems
and subsystems described in paragraph (1) and which provides
H. R. 2670—486
robust protection against threat-realistic jamming, spoofing,
and unintended interference.
(5) Design and build electronic protection into ongoing and
future development programs to withstand expected jamming
and spoofing threats and unintended interference.
(c) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may establish a process
for issuing waivers, on a case-by-case basis, for the testing require-
ment under paragraph (2) of subsection (b) and for the retrofit
requirement under paragraph (3) of such subsection.
(d) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Concurrent with the submission of the
budget of the President to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a)
of title 31, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2025 through
2030, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall submit
to the Electronic Warfare Executive Committee of the Department
of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives a comprehensive annual report
that—
(1) aggregates and summarizes information received from
the military departments and combat support agencies for pur-
poses of the preparation of the report; and
(2) includes a description of—
(A) the activities carried out to implement the require-
ments of this section;
(B) the systems and subsystems subject to testing in
the previous year and the results of such tests, including
a description of the requirements for electronic protection
established for the tested systems and subsystems; and
(C) each waiver issued in the previous year with
respect to such requirements, together with a detailed
rationale for the waiver and a plan for addressing any
issues that formed the basis of the waiver request.
SEC. 1687. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CERTAIN UNREPORTED
PROGRAMS.
(a) LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—None of the funds
authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this
Act may be obligated or expended in support of any activities
involving unidentified anomalous phenomena protected under any
form of special access or restricted access limitations unless the
Secretary of Defense has provided the details of the activity to
the appropriate congressional committees and congressional leader-
ship, including for any activities described in a report released
by the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office in fiscal year 2024.
(b) LIMITATION
REGARDING
INDEPENDENT
RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT.—Consistent with Department of Defense Instruction
Number 3204.01 (dated August 20, 2014, incorporating change 2,
dated July 9, 2020; relating to Department policy for oversight
of independent research and development), independent research
and development funding relating to unidentified anomalous phe-
nomena shall not be allowable as indirect expenses for purposes
of contracts covered by such instruction, unless such material and
information is made available the appropriate congressional
committees and congressional leadership.
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’
means—
(A) the congressional defense committees; and
H. R. 2670—487
(B) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee
on Intelligence of the Senate.
(2) The term ‘‘congressional leadership’’ means—
(A) the majority leader of the Senate;
(B) the minority leader of the Senate;
(C) the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
(D) the minority leader of the House of Representa-
tives.
(3) The term ‘‘unidentified anomalous phenomena’’ has the
meaning given such term in section 1683(n)of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (50 U.S.C.
3373(n)), as amended by section 6802(a) of the Intelligence
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263).
SEC. 1688. INDO-PACIFIC MISSILE STRATEGY.
(a) STRATEGY.—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 for ground-based
theater-range conventional missiles in the Indo-Pacific region.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The strategy required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) An assessment of gaps in ground-based theater-range
conventional missile capabilities in the area of responsibility
of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(2) An identification of military requirements for ground-
based theater-range conventional missile systems, including
range, propulsion, payload, launch platform, weapon effects,
and other operationally relevant factors.
(3) An identification of prospective basing locations for
ground-based theater-range conventional missiles in the area
of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command
and an assessment of steps required to receive host-nation
permission for forward-basing of such weapon systems.
(4) A description of operational concepts for employment
of such ground-based theater-range conventional missiles,
including integration with other capabilities in the Western
Pacific region.
(5) An identification of prospective allies, partners, and
institutional mechanisms for co-production of new ground-based
theater-range conventional missiles.
(6) An assessment of the cost, schedule, and feasibility
of ground-based theater-range conventional missile programs,
including any potential cost-sharing structures through existing
institutional mechanisms.
(7) Any other matter the Secretary considers relevant.
(c) FORM.—The strategy required by subsection (a) may be
submitted in classified form, but shall include an unclassified sum-
mary.
(d) GROUND-BASED THEATER-RANGE CONVENTIONAL MISSILE.—
The term ‘‘ground-based theater-range conventional missile’’ means
a short-range, medium-range, or intermediate-range conventional
mobile ground-launched cruise or hypersonic missile system with
a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
H. R. 2670—488
SEC. 1689. STUDY ON THE FUTURE OF THE INTEGRATED TACTICAL
WARNING ATTACK ASSESSMENT SYSTEM.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
shall enter into an agreement with a federally funded research
and development center under which the center shall—
(1) conduct a study on the future of the Integrated Tactical
Warning Attack Assessment System; and
(2) submit to the Chairman a report on the findings of
the center with respect to the study conducted under paragraph
(1).
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study conducted pursuant to an agreement
under subsection (a) shall cover the following:
(1) Future air and missile threats to the United States.
(2) The integration of multi-domain sensor data and their
ground systems with the existing architecture of the Integrated
Tactical Warning Attack Assessment System.
(3) The effect of the integration described in paragraph
(2) on the data reliability standards of the Integrated Tactical
Warning Attack Assessment System.
(4) Future data visualization, conferencing, and decision-
making capabilities of such system.
(5) Such other matters as the Chairman considers relevant
to the study.
(c) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chairman shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees—
(1) the report submitted to the Chairman under subsection
(a)(2); and
(2) the assessment of the Chairman with respect to the
findings in such report and the recommendations of the Chair-
man with respect to modernizing the Integrated Tactical
Warning Attack Assessment System.
SEC. 1690. RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS ON MULTIPOLAR DETERRENCE
AND ESCALATION DYNAMICS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek
to enter into an agreement with a university affiliated research
center with expertise in strategic deterrence to conduct research
and analysis on multipolar deterrence and escalation dynamics.
(b) ELEMENTS.—The research and analysis conducted under
subsection (a) shall include assessment of the following:
(1) Implications for strategic deterrence and allied assur-
ance given the emergence of a second near-peer nuclear power.
(2) Potential alternative conventional, strategic, and
nuclear force structures to optimize deterrence of two near-
peer nuclear powers.
(3) The contribution made by countervailing nonstrategic
capabilities to strategic deterrence.
(4) Escalation patterns arising from Russia’s Strategic
Operations to Destroy Critically Important Targets operational
concept and response options for the United States.
(5) Multilateral efforts that could contribute to multipolar
strategic deterrence and escalation dynamics.
(6) Capabilities and operations sufficient to assure Euro-
pean and Pacific allies.
(c) REPORT REQUIRED.—
H. R. 2670—489
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2025, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that includes the results of the research
and analysis conducted under subsection (a).
(2) FORM.—The report under paragraph (1) shall be sub-
mitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
TITLE XVII—SPACE FORCE PERSONNEL
MANAGEMENT
Sec. 1701. Short title.
Subtitle A—Space Force Military Personnel System Without Component
Sec. 1711. Establishment of military personnel management system for the Space
Force.
Sec. 1712. Composition of the Space Force without component.
Sec. 1713. Definitions for single personnel management system for the Space Force.
Sec. 1714. Basic policies relating to service in the Space Force.
Sec. 1715. Status and participation.
Sec. 1716. Officers.
Sec. 1717. Enlisted members.
Sec. 1718. Retention and separation generally.
Sec. 1719. Separation of officers for substandard performance of duty or for certain
other reasons.
Sec. 1719A. Retirement.
Subtitle B—Conforming Amendments Related to Space Force Military Personnel
System
Sec. 1721. Amendments to Department of the Air Force provisions of title 10,
United States Code.
Sec. 1722. Amendments to subtitle A of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1723. Title 38, United States Code (Veterans’ Benefits).
Subtitle C—Transition Provisions
Sec. 1731. Transition period.
Sec. 1732. Change of duty status of members of the Space Force.
Sec. 1733. Transfer to the Space Force of members of the reserve components of the
Air Force.
Sec. 1734. Placement of officers on the Space Force officer list.
Sec. 1735. Disestablishment of Regular Space Force.
Sec. 1736. End strength flexibility.
Sec. 1737. Promotion authority flexibility.
Subtitle D—Other Amendments Related to the Space Force
Sec. 1741. Title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 1742. Other provisions of law.
SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Space Force Personnel Manage-
ment Act’’.
Subtitle A—Space Force Military
Personnel System Without Component
SEC. 1711. ESTABLISHMENT OF MILITARY PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM FOR THE SPACE FORCE.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following new subtitle:
H. R. 2670—490
‘‘Subtitle F—Alternative Military
Personnel Systems
‘‘PART I—SPACE FORCE
‘‘CHAPTER 2001— SPACE FORCE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
‘‘Sec.
‘‘20001. Single military personnel management system.
‘‘20002. Members: duty status.
‘‘20003. Members: minimum service requirement as applied to Space Force.
‘‘§ 20001. Single military personnel management system
‘‘Members of the Space Force shall be managed through a
single military personnel management system, without component.’’.
‘‘Chap.
....................................................................................................................
‘‘2001. Space Force Personnel System ................................................................20001
‘‘2003. Status and Participation ..........................................................................20101
‘‘2005. Officers .......................................................................................................20201
‘‘2007. Enlisted Members. ....................................................................................20301
‘‘2009. Retention and Separation Generally .......................................................20401
‘‘2011. Separation of Officers for Substandard Performance of Duty or for
Certain Other Reasons ............................................................................20501
‘‘2013. Retirement .................................................................................................20601’’.
SEC. 1712. COMPOSITION OF THE SPACE FORCE WITHOUT COMPO-
NENT.
(a) COMPOSITION
OF
THE SPACE FORCE.—Section 9081(b) of
title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(1) and (2), respectively; and
(3) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by striking ‘‘,
including’’ and all that follows through ‘‘emergency’’.
(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made by subsection
(a) shall take effect on the date of the certification by the Secretary
of the Air Force under section 1745.
SEC. 1713. DEFINITIONS FOR SINGLE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM FOR THE SPACE FORCE.
(a) SPACE FORCE DEFINITIONS.—Section 101 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as sub-
sections (f), (g), and (h), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new sub-
section (e):
‘‘(e) SPACE FORCE.—The following definitions relating to mem-
bers of the Space Force apply in this title:
‘‘(1) The term ‘space force active status’ means the status
of a member of the Space Force who is not in a space force
inactive status and is not retired.
‘‘(2) The term ‘space force inactive status’ means the status
of a member of the Space Force who is designated by the
Secretary of the Air Force, under regulations prescribed by
the Secretary, as being in a space force inactive status.
‘‘(3) The term ‘space force retired status’ means the status
of a member of the Space Force who—
‘‘(A) is receiving retired pay ; or
H. R. 2670—491
‘‘(B) but for being under the eligibility age applicable
under section 12731 of this title, would be eligible for
retired pay under chapter 1223 of this title.
‘‘(4) The term ‘sustained duty’ means full-time duty by
a member of the Space Force ordered to such duty by an
authority designated by the Secretary of the Air Force—
‘‘(A) in the case of an officer—
‘‘(i) to fulfill the terms of an active-duty service
commitment incurred by the officer under any provi-
sion of law; or
‘‘(ii) with the consent of the officer; and
‘‘(B) in the case of an enlisted member, with the consent
of the enlisted member as specified in the terms of the
member’s enlistment or reenlistment agreement.’’.
(b) AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING DUTY STATUS DEFINITIONS.—
Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, including sustained
duty in the Space Force’’ after ‘‘United States’’; and
(2) in paragraph (7), by inserting ‘‘, or a member of the
Space Force,’’ after ‘‘Reserves’’ in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
SEC. 1714. BASIC POLICIES RELATING TO SERVICE IN THE SPACE
FORCE.
Chapter 2001 of title 10, United States Code, as added by
section 1711, is amended by adding at the end the following new
sections:
‘‘§ 20002. Members: duty status
‘‘Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force,
each member of the Space Force shall be placed in one of the
following duty statuses:
‘‘(1) Space Force active status.
‘‘(2) Space Force inactive status.
‘‘(3) Space Force retired status.
‘‘§ 20003. Members: minimum service requirement as applied
to Space Force
‘‘(a) INAPPLICABILITY
OF ACTIVE/RESERVE SERVICE DISTINC-
TION.—In applying section 651 of this title to a person who becomes
a member of the Space Force, the provisions of the second sentence
of subsection (a) and of subsection (b) of that section (relating
to service in a reserve component) are inapplicable.
‘‘(b) TREATMENT UPON TRANSFER OUT
OF SPACE FORCE.—A
member of the Space Force who transfers to one of the other
armed forces before completing the service required by subsection
(a) of section 651 of this title shall upon such transfer be subject
to section 651 of this title in the same manner as if such member
had initially entered the armed force to which the member trans-
fers.’’.
SEC. 1715. STATUS AND PARTICIPATION.
Subtitle F of title 10, United States Code, as added by section
1711, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
‘‘CHAPTER 2003—STATUS AND PARTICIPATION
‘‘Sec.
‘‘20101. Members in Space Force active status: amount of annual training or active
duty service required.
H. R. 2670—492
‘‘20102. Individual ready guardians: designation; mobilization category.
‘‘20103. Members not on sustained duty: agreements concerning conditions of serv-
ice.
‘‘20104. Orders to active duty: with consent of member.
‘‘20105. Sustained duty.
‘‘20106. Orders to active duty: without consent of member.
‘‘20107. Transfer to inactive status: initial service obligation not complete.
‘‘20108. Members of Space Force: credit for service for purposes of laws providing
pay and benefits for members, dependents, and survivors.
‘‘20109. Policy for order to active duty based upon determination by Congress.
‘‘§ 20101. Members in Space Force active status: amount of
annual training or active duty service required
‘‘Except as specifically provided in regulations prescribed by
the Secretary of Defense, a member of the Space Force in a space
force active status who is not serving on sustained duty shall
be required to—
‘‘(1) participate in at least 48 scheduled drills or training
periods during each year and serve on active duty for not
less than 14 days (exclusive of travel time) during each year;
or
‘‘(2) serve on active duty for training for not more than
30 days during each year.
‘‘§ 20102. Individual ready guardians: designation; mobiliza-
tion category
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Under regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force may designate
a member of the Space Force in a space force active status as
an Individual Ready Guardian.
‘‘(b) MOBILIZATION CATEGORY.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Among members of the Space Force des-
ignated as Individual Ready Guardians, there is a category
of members (referred to as a ‘mobilization category’) who, as
designated by the Secretary of the Air Force, are subject to
being ordered to active duty without their consent in accordance
with section 20106(a) of this title.
‘‘(2) LIMITATIONS
ON
PLACEMENT
IN
MOBILIZATION
CAT-
EGORY.—A member designated as an Individual Ready
Guardian may not be placed in the mobilization category
referred to in paragraph (1) unless—
‘‘(A) the member volunteers to be placed in that
mobilization category; and
‘‘(B) the member is selected by the Secretary of the
Air Force, based upon the needs of the Space Force and
the grade and military skills of that member.
‘‘(3) LIMITATION ON TIME IN MOBILIZATION CATEGORY.—A
member of the Space Force in a space force active status
may not remain designated an Individual Ready Guardian in
such mobilization category after the end of the 24-month period
beginning on the date of the separation of the member from
active service.
‘‘(4) DESIGNATION
OF
GRADES
AND
MILITARY
SKILLS
OR
SPECIALTIES.—The Secretary of the Air Force shall designate
the grades and military skills or specialties of members to
be eligible for placement in such mobilization category.
‘‘(5) BENEFITS.—A member in such mobilization category
shall be eligible for benefits (other than pay and training)
on the same basis as are available to members of the Individual
H. R. 2670—493
Ready Reserve who are in the special mobilization category
under section 10144(b) of this title, as determined by the Sec-
retary of Defense.
‘‘§ 20103. Members not on sustained duty: agreements con-
cerning conditions of service
‘‘(a) AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary of the Air Force may enter
into a written agreement with a member of the Space Force not
on sustained duty—
‘‘(1) requiring the member to serve on active duty for a
definite period of time;
‘‘(2) specifying the conditions of the member’s service on
active duty; and
‘‘(3) for a member serving in a space force inactive status,
specifying the conditions for the member’s continued service
as well as order to active duty with and without the consent
of the member.
‘‘(b) CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.—An agreement under subsection
(a) shall specify the conditions of service. The Secretary of the
Air Force shall prescribe regulations establishing—
‘‘(1) what conditions of service may be specified in the
agreement;
‘‘(2) the obligations of the parties; and
‘‘(3) the consequences of failure to comply with the terms
of the agreement.
‘‘(c) AUTHORITY FOR RETENTION ON ACTIVE DUTY DURING WAR
OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY.—If the period of service on active duty
of a member under an agreement under subsection (a) expires
during a war or during a national emergency declared by Congress
or the President, the member concerned may be kept on active
duty, without the consent of the member, as otherwise prescribed
by law.
‘‘§ 20104. Orders to active duty: with consent of member
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—A member of the Space Force who is serving
in a space force active status and is not on sustained duty, or
who is serving in a space force inactive status, may, with the
consent of the member, be ordered to active duty, or retained
on active duty, under the following sections of chapter 1209 of
this title in the same manner as applies to a member of a reserve
component ordered to active duty, or retained on active duty, under
that section with the consent of the member:
‘‘(1) Section 12301(d), relating to orders to active duty
at any time with the consent of the member.
‘‘(2) Section 12301(h), relating to orders to active duty
in connection with medical or health care matters.
‘‘(3) Section 12322, relating to active duty for health care.
‘‘(4) Section 12323, relating to active duty pending line
of duty determination required for response to sexual assault.
‘‘(b) APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF LAW.—The following sections
of chapter 1209 of this title pertaining to a member of a reserve
component ordered to active duty with the consent of the member
apply to a member of the Space Force who is ordered to active
duty under this section in the same manner as to such a reserve
component member:
‘‘(1) Section 12308, relating to retention after becoming
qualified for retired pay.
H. R. 2670—494
‘‘(2) Section 12309, relating to use of Reserve officers in
expansion of armed forces.
‘‘(3) Section 12313, relating to release of reserve members
from active duty.
‘‘(4) Section 12314, relating to kinds of duty.
‘‘(5) Section 12315, relating to duty with or without pay.
‘‘(6) Section 12316, relating to payment of certain Reserves
while on duty.
‘‘(7) Section 12318, relating to duties and funding of reserve
members on active duty.
‘‘(8) Section 12320, relating to grade in which ordered to
active duty.
‘‘(9) Section 12321, relating to a limitation on number of
reserve members assigned to Reserve Officer Training Corps
units.
‘‘§ 20105. Sustained duty
‘‘(a) ENLISTED MEMBERS.—An authority designated by the Sec-
retary of the Air Force may order an enlisted member of the
Space Force in a space force active status to sustained duty, or
retain an enlisted member on sustained duty, with the consent
of that member, as specified in the terms of the member’s enlistment
or reenlistment agreement.
‘‘(b) OFFICERS.—
‘‘(1) An authority designated by the Secretary of the Air
Force may order a Space Force officer in a space force active
status to sustained duty—
‘‘(A) with the consent of the officer; or
‘‘(B) to fulfill the terms of an active-duty service
commitment incurred by the officer under any provision
of law.
‘‘(2) An officer ordered to sustained duty under paragraph
(1) may not be released from sustained duty without the officer’s
consent except as provided in chapter 2009 or 2011 of this
title.
‘‘§ 20106. Orders to active duty: without consent of member
‘‘(a) MEMBERS IN A SPACE FORCE ACTIVE STATUS.—
‘‘(1) A member of the Space Force in a space force active
status who is not on sustained duty, may, without the consent
of the member, be ordered to active duty or inactive duty
in the same manner as a member of a reserve component
ordered to active duty or inactive duty under the provisions
of chapter 1209 of this title and any other provision of law
authorizing the order to active duty of a member of a reserve
component in an active status without the consent of the
member.
‘‘(2) The provisions of chapter 1209 of this title, or other
applicable provisions of law, pertaining to a member of the
Ready Reserve when ordered to active duty shall apply to
a member of the Space Force who is in a space force active
status when ordered to active duty under paragraph (1).
‘‘(3) The provisions of section 12304 of this title pertaining
to members in the Individual Ready Reserve mobilization cat-
egory shall apply to a member of the Space Force who is
designated an Individual Ready Guardian when ordered to
H. R. 2670—495
active duty who meets the provisions of section 20102(b) of
this title.
‘‘(b) MEMBERS IN A SPACE FORCE INACTIVE STATUS.—
‘‘(1) A member of the Space Force in a space force inactive
status may be ordered to active duty under—
‘‘(A) the provisions of chapter 1209 of this title;
‘‘(B) any other provision of law authorizing the order
to active duty of a member of a reserve component in
an inactive status; and
‘‘(C) the terms of any agreement entered into by the
member under section 20103 of this title.
‘‘(2) The provisions of chapter 1209 of this title, or other
applicable provisions of law, pertaining to the Standby Reserve
shall apply to a member of the Space Force who is in a space
force inactive service when ordered to active duty.
‘‘(c) MEMBERS IN A SPACE FORCE RETIRED STATUS.—
‘‘(1) Chapters 39 and 1209 of this title include provisions
authorizing the order to active duty of a member of the Space
Force in a space force retired status.
‘‘(2) The provisions of sections 688, 688a, and 12407 of
this title pertaining to a retired member or a member of the
Retired Reserve shall apply to a member of the Space Force
in a space force retired status when ordered to active duty.
‘‘(3) The provisions of section 689 of this title pertaining
to a retired member ordered to active duty shall apply to
a member of the Space Force in a space force retired status
who is ordered to active duty.
‘‘(d) OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS.—The following provisions
of chapter 1209 of this title pertaining shall apply to a member
of the Space Force ordered to active duty in the same manner
as to a Reserve or member of the Retired Reserve ordered to
active duty:
‘‘(1) Section 12305, relating to the authority of the President
to suspend certain laws relating to promotion, retirement, and
separation.
‘‘(2) Section 12308, relating to retention after becoming
qualified for retired pay.
‘‘(3) Section 12313, relating to release from active duty.
‘‘(4) Section 12314, relating to kinds of duty.
‘‘(5) Section 12315, relating to duty with or without pay.
‘‘(6) Section 12316, relating to payment of certain Reserves
while on duty.
‘‘(7) Section 12317, relating to theological students; limita-
tions.
‘‘(8) Section 12320, relating to grade in which ordered to
active duty.
‘‘§ 20107. Transfer to inactive status: initial service obligation
not complete
‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—A member of the Space Force who has
not completed the required minimum service obligation referred
to in section 20003 of this title shall, if terminating space force
active status, be transferred to a space force inactive status and,
unless otherwise designated an Individual Ready Guardian under
section 20102 of this title, shall remain subject to order to active
duty without the member’s consent under section 20106 of this
title.
H. R. 2670—496
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—Subsection (a) does not apply to a member
who is separated from the Space Force by the Secretary of the
Air Force under section 20503 of this title.
‘‘§ 20108. Members of Space Force: credit for service for pur-
poses of laws providing pay and benefits for mem-
bers, dependents, and survivors
‘‘For the purposes of laws providing pay and benefits for mem-
bers of the armed forces and their dependents and beneficiaries:
‘‘(1) Military training, duty, or other service performed
by a member of the Space Force in a space force active status
not on sustained duty shall be considered military training,
duty, or other service, as the case may be, as a member of
a reserve component.
‘‘(2) Sustained duty performed by a member of the Space
Force under section 20105 of this title shall be considered
active duty as a member of a regular component.
‘‘(3) Active duty performed by a member of the Space
Force in a space force active status not on sustained duty
shall be considered active duty as a member of a reserve
component.
‘‘(4) Inactive-duty training performed by a member of the
Space Force shall be considered inactive-duty training as a
member of a reserve component.
‘‘§ 20109. Policy for order to active duty based upon deter-
mination by Congress
‘‘Whenever Congress determines that more units and organiza-
tions capable of conducting space operations are needed for the
national security than are available among those units comprised
of members of the Space Force serving on active duty, members
of the Space Force not serving on active duty shall be ordered
to active duty and retained as long as so needed.’’.
SEC. 1716. OFFICERS.
(a) ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS.—Subtitle F of title 10, United
States Code, as amended by section 1715, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new chapter:
‘‘CHAPTER 2005—OFFICERS
‘‘SUBCHAPTER I—ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS
‘‘§ 20201. Original appointments: how made
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The provisions of section 531 of this title
shall apply to original appointments of commissioned officers in
the Space Force.
‘‘(b) GRADE UPON APPOINTMENT.—(1) The grade of a person
receiving an appointment under this section who at the time of
appointment is credited with service under section 20203 of this
title shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Sec-
retary of the Defense based upon the amount of service credited.
‘‘(2) The grade of a person receiving an appointment under
this section who at the time of the appointment is a commissioned
officer of a reserve component shall be determined under section
20203(e) of this title.
H. R. 2670—497
‘‘§ 20202. Original appointments: qualifications
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—An original appointment as a commissioned
officer in the Space Force may be given only to a person who—
‘‘(1) is a citizen of the United States;
‘‘(2) is at least 18 years of age; and
‘‘(3) has such other physical, mental, moral, professional,
and age qualifications as the Secretary of the Air Force may
prescribe by regulation.
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION.—A person who is otherwise qualified, but who
has a physical condition that the Secretary of the Air Force deter-
mines will not interfere with the performance of the duties to
which that person may be assigned, may be appointed as an officer
in the Space Force.
‘‘§ 20203. Original appointments: service credit
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The provisions of section 533 of this title
shall apply to the crediting of prior active commissioned service
for original appointments of commissioned officers.
‘‘(b) CREDIT FOR PRIOR SERVICE.—(1) For the purpose of deter-
mining the grade and rank within grade of a person receiving
an original appointment in a commissioned grade in the Space
Force, such person shall be credited at the time of such appointment
with any commissioned service (other than service as a commis-
sioned warrant officer) that the person performed before such
appointment—
‘‘(A) as a Space Force officer on active duty or in a space
force active status; or
‘‘(B) as a regular officer, or as a reserve officer in an
active status, in any uniformed service.
‘‘(2) The regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense
under section 533 of this title shall apply to the Space Force
to authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to limit the amount
of prior active commissioned service with which a person receiving
an original appointment may be credited under paragraph (1).
‘‘(b) CREDIT FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE.—(1)
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force,
the Secretary shall credit a person who is receiving an original
appointment in a commissioned grade in the Space Force and
who has advanced education, training, or special experience with
constructive service for such education, training, or experience in
a particular officer career field as designated by the Secretary
of the Air Force, if such education, training, or experience is directly
related to the operational needs of the Space Force.
‘‘(2)(A) The Secretary may credit a person with constructive
service under this subsection for each instance of relevant advanced
education or training or special experience regardless of whether
two or more such instances are concurrent.
‘‘(B) The Secretary may not credit more than 20 persons with
an amount of constructive credit under this paragraph in any
year.
‘‘(3) The amount of constructive service credited an officer under
this subsection may not exceed the amount required in order for
the officer to be eligible for an original appointment in the grade
of colonel.
‘‘(4) Constructive service credited an officer under this sub-
section is in addition to any service credited that officer under
H. R. 2670—498
subsection (a) and shall be credited at the time of the original
appointment of the officer.
‘‘(5) Not later than December 1 of each year, the Secretary
of the Air Force shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding
the amount of constructive service credited under this subsection
during the preceding calendar year.
‘‘(c) AUTHORIZED USE OF CONSTRUCTIVE CREDIT.—Constructive
service credited an officer under subsection (b) shall be used only
for determining the officer’s—
‘‘(1) initial grade;
‘‘(2) rank in grade; and
‘‘(3) service in grade for promotion eligibility.
‘‘(d) EXCLUSION FOR GRADUATES OF THE SERVICE ACADEMIES.—
A graduate of a Service Academy (as such term is defined in
section 347 of this title) is not entitled to service credit under
this section for service performed, or education, training, or experi-
ence obtained, before graduation from such Service Academy.
‘‘(e) RESERVE OFFICERS.—A reserve officer (other than a war-
rant officer) who receives an original appointment as an officer
in the Space Force shall—
‘‘(1) in the case of an officer on the active-duty list of
an armed force immediately before that appointment, be
appointed in the same grade and with the same date of rank
as the grade and date of rank held by the officer on the
active-duty list immediately before the appointment; and
‘‘(2) in the case of an officer not on the active-duty list
immediately before that appointment, be appointed in the same
grade and with the same date of rank as the grade and date
of rank which the officer would have held had the officer
been serving on the active-duty list on the date of the appoint-
ment.
‘‘(f) CONTINUITY
OF EXISTING DELEGATION
OF PRESIDENTIAL
APPOINTMENT FUNCTIONS.—Except as otherwise provided by the
President by Executive order, the provisions of Executive Order
13384 (10 U.S.C. 531 note) relating to the functions of the President
under section 531(a) of this title shall apply in the same manner
to functions of the President under section 20201 of this title.’’.
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS RELATING TO ORIGINAL APPOINT-
MENTS.—
(1) DEFINITIONS.—Section 101 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended in subsection (b)(10) by inserting before the
period at the end the following: ‘‘and, with respect to the
appointment of a member of the armed forces in the Space
Force, refers to that member’s most recent appointment in
the Space Force that is neither a promotion nor a demotion’’.
(2) ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS OF COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.—
Section 531 of such title is amended by striking ‘‘Regular’’
before ‘‘Space Force’’ each place it appears.
(3) QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
ORIGINAL
APPOINTMENT
AS
A
COMMISSIONED
OFFICER.—Section 532(a) of such title is
amended by striking ‘‘Regular Marine Corps, or Regular Space
Force’’ and inserting ‘‘or Regular Marine Corps’’.
(4) SERVICE
CREDIT
UPON
ORIGINAL
APPOINTMENT
AS
A
COMMISSIONED OFFICER.—Section 533 of such title is amended
by striking ‘‘Regular’’ before ‘‘Space Force’’ each place it appears.
H. R. 2670—499
(c) SELECTION BOARDS AND PROMOTIONS.—Chapter 205 of title
10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), is amended
by adding at the end the following new subchapters:
‘‘SUBCHAPTER II—SELECTION BOARDS
‘‘§ 20211. Convening of selection boards
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Whenever the needs of the service require,
the Secretary of the Air Force shall convene selection boards to
recommend for promotion to the next higher permanent grade offi-
cers of the Space Force in each permanent grade from first lieuten-
ant through brigadier general.
‘‘(b) EXCEPTION FOR OFFICERS IN GRADE OF FIRST LIEUTEN-
ANT.—Subsection (a) does not require the convening of a selection
board in the case of Space Force officers in the permanent grade
of first lieutenant when the Secretary of the Air Force recommends
for promotion to the grade of captain under section 20238(a)(4)(A)
of this title all such officers whom the Secretary finds to be fully
qualified for promotion.
‘‘(c) SELECTION
BOARDS
FOR
EARLY
RETIREMENT
OR
DIS-
CHARGE.—The Secretary of the Air Force may convene selection
boards to recommend officers for early retirement under section
20404(a) of this title or for discharge under section 20404(b) of
this title.
‘‘(d) REGULATIONS.—The convening of selection boards under
subsection (a) shall be under regulations prescribed by the Secretary
of the Defense.
‘‘§ 20212. Composition of selection boards
‘‘(a) APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF BOARDS.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Members of a selection board shall be
appointed by the Secretary of Air Force in accordance with
this section. A selection board shall consist of five or more
officers of the Space Force. Each member of a selection board
must be serving in a grade higher than the grade of the officers
under consideration by the board, except that no member of
a board may be serving in a grade below major. The members
of a selection board shall include at least one member serving
on sustained duty and at least one member in a space force
active status who is not serving on sustained duty. The ratio
of the members of a selection board serving on sustained duty
to members serving in a space force active status not on sus-
tained duty shall, to the extent practicable, reflect the ratio
of officers serving in each of those statuses who are being
considered for promotion by the board. The members of a selec-
tion board shall represent the diverse population of the Space
Force to the extent practicable.
‘‘(2) REPRESENTATION FROM COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES.—(A)
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a selection board shall
include at least one officer from each competitive category
of officers to be considered by the board.
‘‘(B) A selection board need not include an officer from
a competitive category when there are no officers of that
competitive category on the Space Force officer list in a grade
higher than the grade of the officers to be considered by the
board and eligible to serve on the board.
H. R. 2670—500
‘‘(3) RETIRED OFFICERS.—If qualified officers on the Space
Force officer list are not available in sufficient number to com-
prise a selection board, the Secretary of the Air Force shall
complete the membership of the board by appointing as mem-
bers of the board—
‘‘(A) Space Force officers who hold a grade higher than
the grade of the officers under consideration by the board
and who are retired officers; and
‘‘(B) if sufficient Space Force officers are not available
pursuant to subparagraph (A), Air Force officers who hold
a grade higher than the grade of the officers under consider-
ation by the board and who are retired officers, but only
if the Air Force officer to be appointed to the board has
served in the Space Force or in a space-related career
field of the Air Force for sufficient time such that the
Secretary of the Air Force determines that the retired
Air Force officer has adequate knowledge concerning the
standards of performance and conduct required of an officer
of the Space Force.
‘‘(4) EXCLUSION OF RETIRED GENERAL OFFICERS ON ACTIVE
DUTY TO SERVE ON A BOARD FROM NUMERIC GENERAL OFFICER
ACTIVE-DUTY LIMITATIONS.—A retired general officer who is on
active duty for the purpose of serving on a selection board
shall not, while so serving, be counted against any limitation
on the number of general and flag officers who may be on
active duty.
‘‘(b) LIMITATION ON MEMBERSHIP ON CONSECUTIVE BOARDS.—
‘‘(1) GENERAL RULE.—Except as provided in paragraph (2),
no officer may be a member of two successive selection boards
convened under section 20211 of this title for the consideration
of officers of the same competitive category and grade.
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION FOR GENERAL OFFICER BOARDS.—Paragraph
(1) does not apply with respect to selection boards convened
under section 20211 of this title for the consideration of officers
in the grade of colonel or brigadier general.
‘‘(c) JOINT QUALIFIED OFFICERS.—(1) Each selection board con-
vened under section 20211 of this title that will consider an officer
described in paragraph (2) shall include at least one officer des-
ignated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who is a
joint qualified officer.
‘‘(2) Paragraph (1) applies with respect to an officer who—
‘‘(A) is serving on, or has served on, the Joint Staff; or
‘‘(B) is a joint qualified officer.
‘‘(3) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement in
paragraph (1) for any selection board of the Space Force.
‘‘§ 20213. Notice of convening of selection boards
‘‘(a) NOTICE TO ELIGIBLE OFFICERS.—At least 30 days before
a selection board is convened under section 20211 of this title
to recommend officers in a grade for promotion to the next higher
grade, the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
‘‘(1) notify in writing the officers eligible for consideration
for promotion of the date on which the board is to convene
and the name and date of rank of the junior officer, and
of the senior officer, in the promotion zone as of the date
of the notification; or
H. R. 2670—501
‘‘(2) issue a general written notice to the Space Force
regarding the convening of the board which shall include the
convening date of the board and the name and date of rank
of the junior officer, and of the senior officer, in the promotion
zone as of the date of the notification.
‘‘(b) COMMUNICATION FROM OFFICERS.—An officer eligible for
consideration by a selection board convened under section 20211
of this title (other than an officer who has been excluded under
section 20231(d) of this title from consideration by the board) may
send a written communication to the board, to arrive not later
than 10 calendar days before the date on which the board convenes,
calling attention to any matter concerning the officer that the
officer considers important to the officer’s case. The selection board
shall give consideration to any timely communication under this
subsection.
‘‘(c) NOTICE OF INTENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS TO SERVE ON
OR OFF ACTIVE DUTY.—An officer on the Space Force officer list
in the grade of colonel or brigadier general who receives a notice
under subsection (a) shall inform the Secretary of the officer’s
preference to serve either on or off sustained duty if promoted
to the grade of brigadier general or major general, respectively.
‘‘§ 20214. Information furnished to selection boards
‘‘The provisions of section 615 of this title shall apply to
information furnished to selection boards.
‘‘§ 20215. Recommendations for promotion by selection
boards
‘‘(a) BOARD
TO RECOMMEND OFFICERS BEST QUALIFIED
FOR
PROMOTION.—A selection board convened under section 20211 of
this title shall recommend for promotion to the next higher grade
those officers considered by the board whom the board, giving
due consideration to the needs of the Space Force for officers with
particular skills (as noted in the guidelines or information furnished
the board under section 615(b) of this title), considers best qualified
for promotion within each competitive category considered by the
board.
‘‘(b) NUMBER TO BE RECOMMENDED.—The Secretary of the Air
Force shall establish the number of officers such a selection board
may recommend for promotion from among officers being consid-
ered.
‘‘(c) BOARD
PROCEDURES
FOR
RECOMMENDATIONS; LIMITA-
TIONS.—A selection board convened under section 20211 of this
title may not recommend an officer for promotion unless—
‘‘(1) the officer receives the recommendation of a majority
of the members of the board;
‘‘(2) a majority of the members of the board finds that
the officer is fully qualified for promotion; and
‘‘(3) a majority of the members of the board, after consider-
ation by all members of the board of any adverse information
about the officer that is provided to the board under section
615 of this title, finds that the officer is among the officers
best qualified for promotion to meet the needs of the Space
Force consistent with the requirement of exemplary conduct
set forth in section 9233 of this title.
‘‘(d) LIMITATION ON PROMOTIONS UNDER OTHER AUTHORITY.—
Except as otherwise provided by law, a Space Force officer may
H. R. 2670—502
not be promoted to a higher grade under this chapter unless the
officer is considered and recommended for promotion to that grade
by a selection board convened under this chapter or, in the case
of an officer transferring into the Space Force from another armed
force, chapter 36 or chapter 1403 of this title.
‘‘(e) DISCLOSURE
OF
BOARD
RECOMMENDATIONS.—The rec-
ommendations of a selection board may be disclosed only in accord-
ance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Those
recommendations may not be disclosed to a person not a member
of the board (or a member of the administrative staff designated
by the Secretary of the Air Force to assist the board) until the
written report of the recommendations of the board, required by
section 617 of this title, is signed by each member of the board.
‘‘(f) PROHIBITION ON ATTEMPTING TO INFLUENCE MEMBERS OF
A BOARD.—The Secretary of the Air Force, and an officer or other
official exercising authority over any member of a selection board,
may not—
‘‘(1) censure, reprimand, or admonish the selection board
or any member of the board with respect to the recommenda-
tions of the board or the exercise of any lawful function within
the authorized discretion of the board; or
‘‘(2) attempt to coerce or, by any unauthorized means,
influence any action of a selection board or any member of
a selection board in the formulation of the board’s recommenda-
tions.
‘‘(g) HIGHER PLACEMENT ON PROMOTION LIST OF OFFICER OF
PARTICULAR MERIT.—(1) In selecting the officers to be recommended
for promotion, a selection board shall, when authorized by the
Secretary of the Air Force, recommend officers of particular merit,
pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary,
from among those officers selected for promotion, to be placed
higher on the promotion list established by the Secretary under
section 624(a)(1) of this title.
‘‘(2) An officer may be recommended to be placed higher on
a promotion list under paragraph (1) only if the officer receives
the recommendation of at least a majority of the members of the
board, unless the Secretary of the Air Force establishes an alter-
native requirement. Any such alternative requirement shall be fur-
nished to the board as part of the guidelines furnished to the
board under section 615 of this title.
‘‘(3) For the officers recommended to be placed higher on a
promotion list under paragraph (1), the board shall recommend,
pursuant to guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Secretary,
the order in which those officers should be placed on the list.
‘‘§ 20216. Reports of selection boards
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Each selection board convened under section
20211 of this title shall submit to the Secretary of the Air Force
a written report, signed by each member of the board, containing
a list of the names of the officers it recommends for promotion
and certifying—
‘‘(1) that the board has carefully considered the record
of each officer whose name was furnished to it under section
615 of this title; and
‘‘(2) that, in the opinion of a majority of the members
of the board, the officers recommended for promotion by the
board are best qualified for promotion to meet the needs of
H. R. 2670—503
the Space Force (as noted in the guidelines or information
furnished the board under section 615(b) of this title) among
those officers whose names were furnished to the selection
board.
‘‘(b) OFFICERS WHO SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO SHOW CAUSE
FOR RETENTION.—A selection board convened under section 20211
of this title shall include in its report the name of any officer
before it for consideration for promotion whose record, in the opinion
of a majority of the members of the board, indicates that the
officer should be required under section 20503 of this title to show
cause for the officer’s retention in a space force active status.
‘‘(c) OFFICERS RECOMMENDED TO BE PLACED HIGHER ON THE
PROMOTION LIST.—A selection board convened under section 20211
of this title shall, when authorized under section 20214(g) of this
title, include in its report the names of those officers recommended
by the board to be placed higher on the promotion list and the
order in which the board recommends that those officers should
be placed on the list.
‘‘(d) RECOMMENDATION FOR OFFICERS TO BE EXCLUDED FROM
FUTURE CONSIDERATION FOR PROMOTION.—A selection board con-
vened under section 20211 of this title may include in its report
a recommendation that an officer considered by the board be
excluded from future consideration for promotion under this
chapter.
‘‘§ 20217. Action on reports of selection boards for promotion
to brigadier general or major general
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—After reviewing a report received under sec-
tion 20215 of this title recommending officers on the Space Force
officer list for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or major
general, but before submitting the report to the Secretary of
Defense, the Secretary of the Air Force may, under regulations
prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force, adjust the placement
of officers as recommended in the report in order to ensure that
sufficient number of officers on both sustained and non-sustained
duty are promoted to meet the requirements of the Space Force
to fill general officer vacancies.
‘‘(b) REPORT.—Whenever the Secretary of the Air Force uses
the authority under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report informing the committees that the
authority has been used and the reason for the use of the authority.
‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—PROMOTIONS
‘‘§ 20231. Eligibility for consideration for promotion: general
rules
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—
‘‘(1) REQUIREMENT TO BE ON SPACE FORCE OFFICER LIST.—
An officer is eligible under this chapter for consideration for
promotion by a selection board convened under section 14101(a)
of this title only if the officer is on the Space Force officer
list.
‘‘(2) AUTHORITY TO PRECLUDE FROM CONSIDERATION CERTAIN
OFFICERS BASED ON TIME OF ENTRY ON OR DEPARTURE FROM
SUSTAINED DUTY.—The Secretary of the Air Force—
H. R. 2670—504
‘‘(A) may, by regulation, prescribe a period of time,
not to exceed one year, from the time an officer on the
Space Force officer list transfers on or off of sustained
duty during which the officer shall be ineligible for consid-
eration for promotion; and
‘‘(B) may, by regulation, provide for the exclusion from
consideration for promotion by a selection board of an
officer otherwise eligible to be considered by the board
who has an established date for removal from the Space
Force officer list that is not more than 90 days after the
date on which the board is to be convened.
‘‘(b) CERTAIN OFFICERS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED.—A selection
board convened under section 20211 of this title may not consider
for promotion to the next higher grade any of the following officers:
‘‘(1) An officer whose name is on a promotion list for that
grade as a result of recommendation for promotion to that
grade by an earlier selection board convened under that section
or section 20151 of this title, under section 14101 or 14502
of this title, or under chapter 36 of this title.
‘‘(2) An officer who is recommended for promotion to that
grade in the report of an earlier selection board convened
under a provision referred to in paragraph (1), in the case
of such a report that has not yet been approved by the Presi-
dent.
‘‘(3) An officer who has been nominated by the President
for promotion to that grade under any other provision of law,
if that nomination is pending before the Senate.
‘‘(4) An officer in the grade of first lieutenant who is on
an approved all-fully-qualified-officers list under section
20238(a)(4) of this title.
‘‘(5) An officer excluded under 20232 of this title.
‘‘(6) An officer who has failed of promotion to a higher
grade the maximum number of times specified for opportunities
for promotion for such grade within the competitive category
concerned pursuant to section 20234 of this title.
‘‘(c) CERTAIN COLONELS.—
‘‘(1) AUTHORITY TO PRECLUDE FROM CONSIDERATION.—The
Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of the Air
Force to preclude from consideration by selection boards for
promotion to the grade of brigadier general, officers in the
grade of colonel who—
‘‘(A) have been considered and not selected for pro-
motion to the grade of brigadier general or by at least
two selection boards; and
‘‘(B) are determined, in accordance with standards and
procedures prescribed pursuant to paragraph (2), as not
being exceptionally well qualified for promotion.
‘‘(2) REGULATIONS.—If the Secretary of Defense authorizes
the Secretary of the Air Force to have the authority described
in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation
the standards and procedures for the exercise of such authority.
Those regulations shall apply uniformly among the military
departments and shall include the following provisions:
‘‘(A) A requirement that the Secretary of the Air Force
may exercise such authority in the case of a particular
selection board only if the Secretary of Defense approves
the exercise of that authority for that board.
H. R. 2670—505
‘‘(B) A requirement that an officer may be precluded
from consideration by a selection board under this para-
graph only upon the recommendation of a preselection
board of officers convened by the Secretary of the military
department concerned and composed of at least three offi-
cers all of whom are serving in a grade higher than the
grade of such officer.
‘‘(C) A requirement that such a preselection board may
not recommend that an officer be precluded from such
consideration unless the Secretary of the Air Force has
given the officer advance written notice of the convening
of such board and of the military records that will be
considered by the board and has given the officer a reason-
able period before the convening of the board in which
to submit comments to the board.
‘‘(D) A requirement that the Secretary of the Air Force
shall provide general guidance to the board in accordance
with standards and procedures prescribed by the Secretary
of Defense in those regulations.
‘‘(E) A requirement that the preselection board may
recommend that an officer be precluded from consideration
by a selection board only on the basis of the general guid-
ance provided by the Secretary Air Force, information in
the officer’s official military personnel records that has
been described in the notice provided the officer as required
pursuant to subparagraph (C), and any communication to
the board received from that officer before the board con-
venes.
‘‘(d) BRIGADIER GENERALS.—
‘‘(1) OFFICERS NOT ON SPACE FORCE OFFICER LIST.—A briga-
dier general who is not eligible for consideration for promotion
because the officer is not on the Space Force officer list (as
required by paragraph (1) of subsection (a) for such eligibility)
is nevertheless eligible for consideration for promotion to the
grade of major general by a selection board convened under
section 20211(a) of this title if—
‘‘(A) as of the date of the convening of the promotion
board, the officer has been in an inactive status for less
than the minimum threshold established in paragraph (2)
of subsection (a); and
‘‘(B) immediately before the date of the officer’s most
recent transfer to an inactive status, the officer had
continuously served on the Space Force officer list for at
least one year.
‘‘(2) OFFICERS
NOT
MEETING
MINIMUM
PARTICIPATION
THRESHOLD.—A brigadier general who is on the Space Force
officer list but who is not eligible for consideration for promotion
because the officer’s service does not meet the minimum partici-
pation threshold established under subsection (a)(2) is neverthe-
less eligible for consideration for promotion to the grade of
major general by a promotion board convened under section
20211(a) of this title if—
‘‘(A) the officer was transferred from an inactive status
to the reserve active-status list during the one-year period
preceding the date of the convening of the promotion board;
H. R. 2670—506
‘‘(B) immediately before the date of the officer’s most
recent transfer to an active status, the officer had been
in an inactive status for less than one year; and
‘‘(C) immediately before the date of the officer’s most
recent transfer to an inactive status, the officer had
continuously served for at least one year on the reserve
active-status list or the active-duty list (or a combination
of the reserve active-status list and the active-duty list).
‘‘(e) OFFICERS ON EDUCATIONAL DELAY.—An officer on the Space
Force officer list is ineligible for consideration for promotion, but
shall remain on the Space Force officer list, while the officer—
‘‘(1) is pursuing a program of graduate level education
in an educational delay status approved by the Secretary con-
cerned; and
‘‘(2) is receiving from the Secretary financial assistance
in connection with the pursuit of that program of education
while in that status.
‘‘(f) CERTAIN OFFICERS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION
FOR PROMOTION.—The Secretary of the Air Force may provide that
an officer who is in a space force active status, but is in a duty
status in which the only points the officer accrues under section
12732(a)(2) of this title are pursuant to subparagraph (C)(i) of
that section, shall not be considered for selection for promotion
until completion of two years of service in such duty status. Any
such officer may remain on the Space Force officer list.
‘‘§ 20232. Authority to allow officers to opt out of selection
board consideration
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the Air Force may provide
that an officer on the Space Force officer list may, upon the officer’s
request and with the approval of the Secretary, be excluded from
consideration by a selection board convened under section 20211
of this title to consider officers for promotion to the next higher
grade.
‘‘(b) CRITERIA.—The Secretary may only approve a request
under subsection (a) as follows:
‘‘(1) COMPLETION OF CERTAIN ASSIGNMENTS.—If—
‘‘(A) the basis for the request is to allow an officer
to complete a broadening assignment, an advanced edu-
cation assignment, another assignment of significant value
to the Department, or a career progression requirement
delayed by such an assignment;
‘‘(B) the Secretary determines the exclusion from
consideration is in the best interest of the Space Force;
and
‘‘(C) the officer has not previously failed of selection
for promotion to the grade for which the officer requests
the exclusion from consideration.
‘‘(2) COMPLETION OF CERTAIN EDUCATION.—If—
‘‘(A) the basis for the request is to allow an officer
to complete advanced education or professional military
education;
‘‘(B) the Secretary determines that it is in the best
interests of the Space Force for the officer to continue
to serve in current position and grade; and
‘‘(C) the officer has not previously opted out of a pro-
motion board under this section.
H. R. 2670—507
‘‘(3) SERVICE IN CRITICAL SKILL POSITION.—If—
‘‘(A) the officer is serving in a critical skill position
that cannot be filled by another Space Force officer serving
in the same grade;
‘‘(B) the Secretary determines that it is in the best
interests of the Space Force for the officer to continue
to serve in their current position and grade; and
‘‘(C) the officer has not previously opted out of a pro-
motion board under this section.
‘‘§ 20233. Eligibility for consideration for promotion: designa-
tion as joint qualified officer required before pro-
motion to brigadier general; exceptions
‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—An officer on the Space Force officer
list may not be appointed to the grade of brigadier general unless
the officer has been designated as a joint qualified officer in accord-
ance with section 661 of this title.
‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.—Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary of
Defense may waive subsection (a) in the following circumstances:
‘‘(1) When necessary for the good of the service.
‘‘(2) In the case of an officer whose proposed selection
for promotion is based primarily upon scientific and technical
qualifications for which joint requirements do not exist.
‘‘(3) In the case of an officer selected by a promotion board
for appointment to the grade of brigadier general while serving
in a joint duty assignment if—
‘‘(A) the officer’s total consecutive service in joint duty
assignments is not less than two years; and
‘‘(B) the officer has successfully completed a program
of education described in subsections (b) and (c) of section
2155 of this title.
‘‘(4) In the case of an officer who—
‘‘(A) is selected by a promotion board for appointment
to the grade of brigadier general;
‘‘(B) is not exempted under subsection (g); and
‘‘(C) has successfully completed the education require-
ments prescribed in subparagraph (A) of section 661(c)(1)
of this title but has not been afforded the opportunity
to complete the experience requirements described in
subparagraph (B) of that section.
‘‘(c) WAIVER
TO BE INDIVIDUAL.—A waiver may be granted
under subsection (b) only on a case-by-case basis in the case of
an individual officer.
‘‘(d) SPECIAL RULE FOR GOOD-OF-THE-SERVICE WAIVER.—In the
case of a waiver under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Defense
shall provide that the first duty assignment as a general officer
of the officer for whom the waiver is granted shall be in a joint
duty assignment.
‘‘(e) LIMITATION ON DELEGATION OF WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The
authority of the Secretary of Defense to grant a waiver under
The text is cut here.